If you were captivated by the raw emotion and gripping storytelling of 'Gia' (1998), you'll love these 10 similar movies and shows. This article explores titles that share themes of intense drama, personal struggles, and powerful performances, perfect for fans of Angelina Jolie's unforgettable portrayal of Gia Carangi.

The Doors (1991)
Description: A biographical film that captures the hedonistic lifestyle and tragic downfall of a rock star, emphasizing themes of excess and self-destruction.
Fact: Jim Morrison's former bandmates were initially involved as consultants but later distanced themselves from the project due to creative differences.


Leaving Las Vegas (1995)
Description: A deeply emotional and raw portrayal of self-destruction and addiction, focusing on a man who moves to Las Vegas to drink himself to death.
Fact: Nicolas Cage won an Academy Award for his performance, and the film was made on a very modest budget.


Basquiat (1996)
Description: A poignant look at the life of a talented artist who struggles with fame, identity, and addiction in the New York art scene.
Fact: This was Julian Schnabel's directorial debut, and he later became a celebrated filmmaker and artist in his own right.


The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996)
Description: Explores the controversial life of a media mogul, delving into themes of fame, excess, and the dark side of the American Dream, much like the reference title.
Fact: The film was initially met with protests due to its subject matter, but later received critical acclaim, including two Oscar nominations.


Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Description: A harrowing depiction of addiction and its devastating effects on individuals, presented with intense visual and emotional storytelling.
Fact: The film's score, composed by Clint Mansell, has become iconic and is often used in trailers and other media.


Blow (2001)
Description: Chronicles the rise and fall of a drug kingpin, highlighting themes of ambition, excess, and the inevitable downfall that comes with a life of crime and addiction.
Fact: Johnny Depp prepared for his role by meeting with the real-life George Jung, the man he portrays in the film.


Wonderland (2003)
Description: A gritty, dark portrayal of the underbelly of fame and addiction, focusing on the destructive lifestyle of a notorious figure in the entertainment industry.
Fact: The film is based on the real-life Wonderland Murders, a brutal crime linked to the drug-fueled Hollywood scene of the 1980s.


Factory Girl (2006)
Description: Examines the fleeting nature of fame and the destructive power of addiction through the lens of a rising star in the 1960s art scene.
Fact: The film faced legal challenges from some of the real-life figures it portrayed, leading to edits before release.


The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Description: A high-energy, darkly comedic look at the excesses of wealth, power, and addiction, following the rise and fall of a corrupt stockbroker.
Fact: The film holds the record for the most uses of the word 'fuck' in a non-documentary film, with over 500 instances.


The Runaways (2010)
Description: Focuses on the rise and fall of a groundbreaking all-female rock band, exploring themes of youth, rebellion, and the pitfalls of early fame.
Fact: Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart performed their own vocals and instruments for the film's musical sequences.
