If you found 'Risky Drinking' (2016) eye-opening and thought-provoking, you're not alone. This documentary sheds light on the complexities of alcohol abuse and its impact on individuals and society. In this article, we explore 10 similar movies and shows that delve into addiction, recovery, and the human stories behind these struggles. Whether you're seeking more documentaries or fictional portrayals, these recommendations will keep you engaged and informed.

When a Man Loves a Woman (1994)
Description: A heartfelt story about a family dealing with the effects of alcoholism, focusing on the emotional toll and the journey toward healing.
Fact: The film was praised for its realistic depiction of alcoholism and its impact on families, leading to widespread discussions about addiction.


Leaving Las Vegas (1995)
Description: A harrowing and unflinching portrayal of self-destructive behavior and addiction, with a deeply emotional and tragic narrative.
Fact: Nicolas Cage reportedly drank real alcohol during filming to authentically portray his character's descent into alcoholism.


Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Description: A visually intense and emotionally devastating exploration of addiction, showcasing its destructive effects on individuals and their loved ones.
Fact: The film's iconic score was composed by Clint Mansell and has since become one of the most recognizable soundtracks in cinema.


28 Days (2000)
Description: A darkly comedic yet poignant look at rehabilitation and the challenges of overcoming addiction, blending humor with serious themes.
Fact: Sandra Bullock performed her own stunts in the film, including the scene where she falls off a stage.


Rachel Getting Married (2008)
Description: A family drama that delves into the complexities of addiction, guilt, and reconciliation, with a focus on personal and familial struggles.
Fact: The wedding scenes were filmed in a real house, and many of the extras were actual friends of the director, creating a genuine atmosphere.


Beautiful Boy (2018)
Description: A deeply personal story about a father's struggle to help his son overcome addiction, highlighting the pain and hope involved in the process.
Fact: The film is based on a pair of memoirs written by David Sheff and his son Nic, providing a dual perspective on their experiences with addiction.


Crazy Heart (2009)
Description: A moving tale of a washed-up musician grappling with alcoholism and his attempts to rebuild his life and career.
Fact: Jeff Bridges performed all of his character's songs live during filming, adding to the authenticity of his performance.


The Spectacular Now (2013)
Description: A coming-of-age story that subtly addresses teenage alcoholism and the ways it can mask deeper emotional issues.
Fact: The film was adapted from a novel by Tim Tharp, and the screenplay was written by the same team behind (500) Days of Summer.


Flight (2012)
Description: A gripping drama about a pilot battling addiction, showcasing the destructive power of substance abuse and the difficult path to redemption.
Fact: The plane crash sequence was created using a combination of practical effects and CGI, making it one of the most realistic crash scenes in film history.


Smashed (2012)
Description: Explores the struggles of alcoholism and the impact it has on personal relationships, with a raw and emotional portrayal of addiction and recovery.
Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead performed many of her scenes without rehearsal to capture authentic emotions.
