One out of every seven Americans struggles with addiction to either drugs or alcohol.
When you’re suffering from something as serious as addiction, it’s easy to feel alone in your struggle. But in reality, you’re far from alone.
One way to feel less alone is to watch the addiction and recovery stories of others, both real and fictional. And there are many movies that cover just that theme.
Keep reading to discover 10 powerful movies about addiction and recovery.
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1. Gia
In one of the best movies about substance abuse, Angelina Jolie plays the role of Gia Marie Carangi, an American supermodel during the 1970s.
The movie follows Gia as she struggles with the death of her agent and turns to drugs, most specifically cocaine, to cope with her pain. Her struggles progress to the point that she starts to use heroin, and in turn contracts HIV.
While there isn’t much recovery in this movie, watching Gia ruin her whole life for drugs is eyeopening.
2. 28 Days
28 Days is one of the more inspirational rehab movies. In this movie, Sandra Bullock plays the role of Gwen Cummings, a newspaper columnist struggling with alcoholism.
After Gwen’s addiction leads to her drunkenly crashing a vehicle, she is given the option of jail time or rehab.
She chooses rehab, but the journey isn’t easy. You join her journey to sobriety as she struggles, relapses, and keeps trying to recover. In this movie, you’ll learn more about the struggles of relapse when it comes to addiction and recovery.
3. Russell Brand: From Addiction to Recovery
Looking for one of the best movies about addiction? Look no further than the true story, Russell Brand: From Addiction to Recovery.
Russell Brand opens up after his friend Amy Winehouse dies from an overdose. He shares his own struggles with addiction and recovery, showing how everyone’s journey with addiction is different.
If you enjoy this film, also check out his movie, Russell Brand: End the Drugs War.
4. Flight
Flight follows the story of airplane pilot William Whitaker, played by Denzel Washington. The movie is based on the plane crash of Alaska Airlines Flight 261.
William suffers from alcoholism but is able to save lives when he crash-lands his plane during a flight. He is considered a hero, but an investigation of the accident produces William’s toxicology report.
You follow along as William deals with the death of six people from the plane crash and the injuries of the survivors, all while struggling with his alcoholism.
5. When a Man Loves a Woman
When a Man Loves a Woman is a classic addiction movie dealing with the effects of alcoholism on loved ones. Meg Ryan plays Alice Green, a school counselor who suffers from alcoholism.
You watch as Alice hurts her husband and her children with her addiction. Eventually, her addiction puts her in the hospital and starts her recovery journey. Along with becoming sober, Alice also attempts to heal her relationships with her family members.
6. The Basketball Diaries
In The Basketball Diaries, Leonardo DiCaprio plays Jim Carroll, a high school basketball star. The movie is based on Jim Carroll’s autobiographical book by the same name.
Jim is on a winning basketball team and has a best friend who is diagnosed with leukemia. After his friend becomes ill, Jim turns to heroin to cope with his emotions.
The star’s addiction quickly affects his life, leading to his suspension from school, homelessness, and a life of crime. His recovery comes in the form of a jail sentence, which starts his writing career.
7. Half Nelson
This film follows the story of teacher Dan Dunne, played by Ryan Gosling.
Dan struggles with cocaine addiction and is one day caught using by a student, Drey. The two connect when Dan discovers that Drey is actually a street drug dealer.
Both Dan and Drey think that the drug habits of the other are worse than their own. But the storyline eventually leads to Drey conducting a drug deal to Dan. This interaction leads to a realization of each person’s drug troubles and causes a change in their relationship.
8. Requiem For A Dream
Requiem for a Dream is based on the popular novel by Hubert Selby, Jr. of the same name.
The movie follows the struggles of a widow, her son, the son’s girlfriend, and the son’s friend. The four of them all suffer from drug addictions, including amphetamines and heroin.
Each of their addiction stories leads them on different paths, some to recovery and some to continue battling their addiction.
9. The Wolf Of Wall Street
The Wolf of Wall Street is based on the memoir written by Jordan Belfort of the same name.
The movie follows Jordan Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and his career on Wall Street. Jordan ends up founding his own brokerage firm, but the career comes with a life of drugs, sex, and even crime.
The addiction lifestyle and the draw of being famous lead him to a prison sentence. He uses the sentence to recover from his addiction lifestyle and ends up successful by hosting seminars of his selling techniques.
10. My Name is Bill W.
My Name is Bill W. follows the true story of the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, William Griffith Wilson, and Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith.
William’s drinking problem leads to a full-blown addiction after he loses all his money during the 1929 stock market collapse. William’s addiction leads him to meet Dr. Smith, who also suffers from alcoholism.
Together, they create a support group for their addiction. This support group is the beginning of the successful Alcoholics Anonymous program.
Beyond Movies About Addiction and Recovery
Now that you know all about the best movies about addiction and recovery, grab some popcorn and get inspired.
Looking for more addiction-related movies? Check out this list of five addiction movies that’ll make you think twice.
If you need more movie recommendations, don’t forget to check out our site for new action-movie recommendations!