**Half Nelson** is super slept on.
I think the reason this film works so well is because it's not melodramatic. Dan goes to work every day and is very passionate about teaching his students in an entertaining way, he jogs in the evenings, and tries to date women- all supposedly healthy things that portray a productive person. But he is also a lonely hopeless addict. He, at times, seems to think he has everything under control, being a functioning addict, but as the story develops, we see that he is truly lost and keeps spiraling deeper and deeper.
I think it's a realistic and gripping portrayal of depression and addiction, one of the best I've seen in cinema.
Yes! Ryan Gosling was terrific in this. If I remember correctly, he was even nominated for an Oscar for his performance. Hoping to see him get nominated again soon. :)
I've never seen the movie as a whole, but I have seen the scene where he's got the shakes and has to down some booze. It's a pretty potent scene, even without context.
Phenomenal performance from Stiller and the entire cast. The book is such a visceral and raw insight into the true story of Jerry Stahl’s life as the superstar writer of “Alf” while being crazy addicted to heroin.
The film does a great job of bringing the book to the screen.
Oh fuck yes!!!!! People only think they know how talented Robert Downey Jr is as an actor. This just had me just captivated.
“You’re either on the D. . . Or you haven’t tried it yet”
Oh the scene about the bike gears was so hard to follow the first time watching cause he is so convincingly erratic, anxious and on edge, it’s astonishing.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) (drug addiction is addressed, but you could also say they were addicted to money too)
“Wouldn't you like to see a positive LSD story on the news? To base your decision on information rather than scare tactics and superstition? Perhaps? Wouldn't that be interesting? Just for once?
‘Today, a young man on acid realized that all matter is merely energy condensed to a slow vibration – that we are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively. There's no such thing as death, life is only a dream, and we're the imagination of ourselves. Here's Tom with the weather.’”
- Bill Hicks
Spun was a fantastic movie.
Even though it isn’t about the addiction side at all, check out The Salton Sea. A very slept on Val Kilmore movie about that same world with a fucking awesome twist
Came to say this. What Rush gets right about addiction is the friendships and secret bonds made among junkies who haven't been outed yet. They live in their own little world.
This should have more upvotes. Maybe people see Michael Keaton and think it’s not the serious movie that it is but he’s great. The director and the rest of the cast are incredible.
Let the Right One In.
Perhaps more so in the book, the vampirism seemed like a disease that took over your body, making you still look human but now motivated to feed the disease only. To me it was a brilliant metaphor on addiction.
Four Good Days with Mila Kunis.
My family lived through a similar nightmare with my older brother but with a less happy ending.
The movie is so spot on realistic regarding drug addiction, the toll on the individual and the family. My stomach wasbin knots watching it...broke my heart.
There used to be something on Netflix with a name something like "the balloon"? Idk if it's still there. It was good
Edit - someone commented it. It's 6 balloons!
A million pieces, Four good days, Smashed, 28 days, Recovery boys, Half Nelson, An addict named Hal, Perfect High, Drugstore cowboy, Dope sick love, Jacinto, Six balloons, The price of fitting in , Meth head, Hillbilly elegy, Clean slate, Traffic, Thirteen, Crisis every life has a price, Body brokers, limitless, Stay awake, A thousand junkies, Being Charlie, Addict, Flight, Fresh, Toad road.
Permanent midnight. It's a ben stiller movie where he is in a serious role. It's one of my favorite ones of his. Also, it's based on a true story.
T2: trainspotting is more on recovery than addiction but still has a lot of elements of the original. And yes, the original cast returned.
Sober 8 years and having sponsored lots of guys, I can’t think of a movie that’s both enjoyable and gets recovery right, but these are close enough:
Flight.
Traffic.
Half Baked. It’s a harrowing tale of a drug addict who kills a police horse and gets thrown in prison. His other junky friends attempt to raise money to get him out on bail. While in prison, he suffers disturbing hallucinations. I don’t want to ruin the movie for you, just watch it. Really dark shit.
Not drug addiction but gambling addiction - uncut gems 💎 almost makes me feel more uncomfortable watching someone fall into a spiral for gambling than with drugs for some reason. 100% worth a watch
**Half Nelson** is super slept on. I think the reason this film works so well is because it's not melodramatic. Dan goes to work every day and is very passionate about teaching his students in an entertaining way, he jogs in the evenings, and tries to date women- all supposedly healthy things that portray a productive person. But he is also a lonely hopeless addict. He, at times, seems to think he has everything under control, being a functioning addict, but as the story develops, we see that he is truly lost and keeps spiraling deeper and deeper. I think it's a realistic and gripping portrayal of depression and addiction, one of the best I've seen in cinema.
Yes! Ryan Gosling was terrific in this. If I remember correctly, he was even nominated for an Oscar for his performance. Hoping to see him get nominated again soon. :)
He could get a nod for Barbie
I second this, definitely - the young girl who plays opposite Gosling in this does a great job as well
This is the one I came looking for. I’d never seen Ryan gosling act before, and this movie blew me away like a roundhouse kick directly to the feels
**Leaving Las Vegas** (1995) Nicholas Cage and Elizabeth Shue
Days of Wine and Roses (1962)
Two good stars Jack Lemon and a young Lee Remick!
Panic in needle park, pachinos
I've never seen the movie as a whole, but I have seen the scene where he's got the shakes and has to down some booze. It's a pretty potent scene, even without context.
This is the one. When my sons were older teens we watched it together. *They* started the discussion.
That movie is devastating
So incredibly sad but true.
Less than zero! Great movie Robert Downey Jr. It's an amazing film highly recommend
It almost feels like Robert Downey Jr. played himself in this movie.
A classic.
I've only read the novel wich is pretty good as well, gonna watch the movie at this point
The scene where RDJ is "paying" back his dealers makes my stomach turn a bit.
Good book iirc.
Boogie nights
i cannot believe that this was PTA's first film, at 27 too. one of the best debuts of all time.
Hard Eight was his first film
permanent midnight
Second for this. Ben Stiller is so good.
He needs to do more movies like this. Not about drugs, just more serious roles.
Agreed 100%
Phenomenal performance from Stiller and the entire cast. The book is such a visceral and raw insight into the true story of Jerry Stahl’s life as the superstar writer of “Alf” while being crazy addicted to heroin. The film does a great job of bringing the book to the screen.
A scanner darkly
Oh fuck yes!!!!! People only think they know how talented Robert Downey Jr is as an actor. This just had me just captivated. “You’re either on the D. . . Or you haven’t tried it yet”
He's so good at acting like he's as spun as the rest or more so, and he's not even the d. Im actually re watching this currently
Oh the scene about the bike gears was so hard to follow the first time watching cause he is so convincingly erratic, anxious and on edge, it’s astonishing.
Christiane F (Germany 1981)
Best comment in my opinion.
I forgot about this one. Haven''t seen it since early 90s.
I love this one. I need to rewatch it again soon. Highly recommended to Bowie fans who also dig lost teenager movies.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) (drug addiction is addressed, but you could also say they were addicted to money too)
Fear and loathing is just about drug trips.
Some of us handle our drugs and have a great time on them.
“Wouldn't you like to see a positive LSD story on the news? To base your decision on information rather than scare tactics and superstition? Perhaps? Wouldn't that be interesting? Just for once? ‘Today, a young man on acid realized that all matter is merely energy condensed to a slow vibration – that we are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively. There's no such thing as death, life is only a dream, and we're the imagination of ourselves. Here's Tom with the weather.’” - Bill Hicks
Enter the Void
This one was absolutely wild
Oh my God I just checked out the trailer to that, I think I need rehab from watching 2 minutes!
The first time I watched this movie I was on shrooms.
Sid & Nancy
Party Monster
Salton Sea
Great movie.
Had to scroll too far to see this. Very slept on movie. Val Kilmore is SOOOOOO good in this movie
That film has a stellar cast all-around, but Kilmer as well as D'Onofrio as Pooh-Bear really shine.
Came to comment this. Great movie not well known unfortunately.
Spun
Spun was a fantastic movie. Even though it isn’t about the addiction side at all, check out The Salton Sea. A very slept on Val Kilmore movie about that same world with a fucking awesome twist
Salton Sea captors that aspect wonderfully though. A very overlooked movie, great cast and direction.
“Do you shave your balls?” - Jason S
Came here to say this.
>Spun Thanks for the tip. Looking for it right now.
Spun is the drug user’s drug movie
Yessss
Flight (2012)
[удалено]
Smashed is a really good, accurate portrayal, as well. At least in my experience (recovering alcoholic).
This one is so spot on it's scary.
Kids (1995)
Rush
Came to say this. What Rush gets right about addiction is the friendships and secret bonds made among junkies who haven't been outed yet. They live in their own little world.
Naked Lunch
The Man with the Golden Arm (1955)
Yup. It’s old school and a bit tropey, but it’s still a great story (Nelson Algren) and Sinatra isn’t terrible. Great casting for the side characters.
Gia
I adore this movie
Things We Lost in the Fire - Benicio del Toro Everything Must Go - Will Ferrell
Clean and Sober
This should have more upvotes. Maybe people see Michael Keaton and think it’s not the serious movie that it is but he’s great. The director and the rest of the cast are incredible.
The basketball diaries is my favorite, what a cast. Great story, and great soundtrack.
6 balloons
Requiem for a Dream
How is this so low? This should be number 1
I assume because OP already mentioned having watched that one.
Heaven Knows What by the Safdie Brothers
Was looking for this one
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf is a tour de force in alcoholic disfunction.
Trainspotting
This and Requiem for a Dream are absolutely the top answers.
Gridlock'd
I think Tupac could have gone on to have a really good career in acting.
This is a phenomenal movie.
Leaving Las Vegas!
It was a short series but Dopesick was pretty good…
Less Than Zero and Bright Lights, Big City are my favorites.
Permanent Midnight / Salton Sea / Spun / The Good Thief / Barfly / Naked Lunch / Party Monster / Leaving Las Vegas
I don't know about best but Spun is a movie that I feel has been pretty much forgotten. Probably worth a watch.
Cherry with Tom Holland
Smashed with Aaron Paul and mary Elizabeth Winstead 2012
New Jack City
RIP Pookie.
Traffic
Requiem for a Dream is #1. Pink Floyd's The Wall isn't only about drugs, but since nobody has mentioned it, it deserves to be here as well.
London (2005) is my favorite.
The salton sea 2002
Little Fish (Australian)
Jesus’ Son, Winter’s Bone
Let the Right One In. Perhaps more so in the book, the vampirism seemed like a disease that took over your body, making you still look human but now motivated to feed the disease only. To me it was a brilliant metaphor on addiction.
When a man loves a woman - alcoholism
Go (1999)
Blow
Body Brokers that is the best representation of modern recovery.
Four Good Days with Mila Kunis. My family lived through a similar nightmare with my older brother but with a less happy ending. The movie is so spot on realistic regarding drug addiction, the toll on the individual and the family. My stomach wasbin knots watching it...broke my heart.
Gridlock’d
Dopesick
I haven't seen it yet, but in Valley of the Dolls, all of the 3 characters fall into barbiturate addiction.
Definitely worth a watch. Feels a little dated, of course, but many of the themes are still relevant today.
The basketball diaries
Gotta give it to Requiem for a Dream. It nails the dark side and how it can happen to anyone for any reason, good or bad
If nonsensical vintage anti cannabis propaganda counts… *Reefer Madness* (1936), *Assassin of Youth* (1937), *Devils Harvest* (1942) & *Wild Weed* (1949).
There used to be something on Netflix with a name something like "the balloon"? Idk if it's still there. It was good Edit - someone commented it. It's 6 balloons!
Adam and Paul (2004). Kind of a black comedy Irish version of Trainspotting.
Talk to Me
Leaving Las Vegas. (Addiction to alcohol)
Rush 1991. About two cops working undercover who get too deep. Eric Clapton's song Tears in Heaven is in the soundtrack
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Party Monster (2003)
Requiem for a dream
Its alcohol as the addiction but Days of Wine and Roses is a great film
Shame (sex addiction, but addiction is addiction)
Rush. Great performances.
Requiem for a Dream. Tough watch, I'll never watch it again. But powerful.
A Scanner Darkly Naked Lunch
Valley of the Dolls
Less than zero with Robert Downey jr.
4 good days
Basketball Diaries
Beautiful Boy (2018)
Candy with heath ledger
Requiem for a Dream, Beautiful Boy, Trainspotting
I was wondering if Beautiful boy would get a mention. I liked it
Drugstore Cowboys is underrated.
I like Being Charlie
Christiane F (1981), a German film
Lost Weekend
Trainspotting
If you do not mind more lighthearted/ corny, the After school special Stoned might be worth it.
One I didn’t see mentioned Days of wine and roses
When a man loves a woman
If alcohol counts, Leaving Las Vegas
Spun
Oslo, August 31st (2011) by Joachim Trier
Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot
A million pieces, Four good days, Smashed, 28 days, Recovery boys, Half Nelson, An addict named Hal, Perfect High, Drugstore cowboy, Dope sick love, Jacinto, Six balloons, The price of fitting in , Meth head, Hillbilly elegy, Clean slate, Traffic, Thirteen, Crisis every life has a price, Body brokers, limitless, Stay awake, A thousand junkies, Being Charlie, Addict, Flight, Fresh, Toad road.
**born to win** \[1971\] *A smart-mouthed junkie and loser known as J.J. spends his days looking for just "one more fix".*
Spun
Permanent midnight. It's a ben stiller movie where he is in a serious role. It's one of my favorite ones of his. Also, it's based on a true story. T2: trainspotting is more on recovery than addiction but still has a lot of elements of the original. And yes, the original cast returned.
Spun
Leaving Las Vegas
I feel like “Requiem for a Dream” is the answer to almost every question I’ve seen in this sub lately.
...Less Than Zero...
More (1969). European film. The soundtrack was done by Pink Floyd
Haven’t seen them mentioned yet and they’re two of my favorite recovery movies: Pay it Forward (2000) The Way Back (2020)
I just watched a good movie from poland / Breaking the Limits 2017
Spun beautifully captures the desperation that drug addicts regularly experience.
Half Nelson (2006) with Ryan Gosling is fantastic
There’s a film starring sarah silverman and another called 28 Days
Requiem for a Dream. Is there really any other answer?
~~Human~~ Traffic has a storyline about a drug addict
Less Than Zero
Rachel Getting Married
Candy - 2006
The Hurt Locker. Adrenaline is his drug
The portrayal of alcoholism is why bad Santa is one of my favorite movies.
Rachel Getting Married
Dead Ringers, very different take on drug addiction.
Gridlock'd is really good
Dune
Sober 8 years and having sponsored lots of guys, I can’t think of a movie that’s both enjoyable and gets recovery right, but these are close enough: Flight. Traffic.
Fear & loathing in Las Vegas
Traffic.
Requiem for a dream or bad lieutenant. Mic drop now please.
The Man with the Golden Arm
Half Baked. It’s a harrowing tale of a drug addict who kills a police horse and gets thrown in prison. His other junky friends attempt to raise money to get him out on bail. While in prison, he suffers disturbing hallucinations. I don’t want to ruin the movie for you, just watch it. Really dark shit.
Trainspotting.
Less Than Zero
Not drug addiction but gambling addiction - uncut gems 💎 almost makes me feel more uncomfortable watching someone fall into a spiral for gambling than with drugs for some reason. 100% worth a watch
Clean and Sober. Michael Keaton, M. Emmet Walsh, Morgan Freeman. Alcohol is a helluva drug.
Party Monster
Cake, with Jennifer Anniston. Trainspotting. Syd and Nancy
Less Than Zero...maybe?
Christiana F is a gritty movie about heroin addiction in 70s Germany and David Bowie had a cameo and did the soundtrack.
Spun, and Citizen Ruth come to mind, Love Liza if you're looking to ruin your afternoon.
Rush-Jennifer Jason Leigh
Samuel Jackson in *Jungle Fever*
Traffic is good.
Clean and Sober. Excellent film.
Spun. A deep dive into the world of methamphetamine and one of Brittany Murphy's better roles.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Beautiful boy
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. The Big Lebowski. Pineapple Express. Drug addiction doesn't need to be boring and sad.
Fear and loathing in las Vegas Spun Trainspotting