This is a subgenre of dramatic movies that I find fascinating, and I'm looking for both opinions from others about the best movies on this subject as well as potentially some good recommendations. I'll start by listing my favorite movie for each.

Drug Addiction: Requiem For a Dream (2000)

This movie is so harrowing that I can't watch it but every couple of years, but every time I do it feels more powerful than the previoius viewing. The trajectory of what the lead characters go through (as well as succumb to) is an emotional powerhouse of a rollercoaster.

Alcohol Addiction: The Lost Weekend (1944)

It's obviously dated because of the time in which it was released, but I find it to still be very powerful in its depiction of a man battling not only alcoholism but the psychosis behind it. It beats Leaving Las Vegas by a hair only because I feel it takes you into the mindframe of the lead character more so than LLV.

Honorable Mention: The "Detox Scene" in Ray (2004)

The movie isn't totally about his addiction, but this scene shows the physical and mental trauma of detoxification better than anything I've ever seen. As a biopic it has its faults, but this scene makes up for them tenfold IMO.

And a note to anyone who replies: please don't give away any major spoilers about any movies you bring up without announcing them first. I'm looking for some recommendations and would hate to have a movie ruined for me before I get a chance to see it.

fear and loathing in las vegas and the obvious transpotting

Leaving Las Vegas
Strangebrew

I'll throw these on the table:

Easy Rider

It's not so much about the addiction, rather the trip, but it's still compelling viewing.


Trainspotting

A rather obvious choice, I know, but a fantastic film chronicling heroin addiction nonetheless.


Drugstore Cowboy

One of Matt Dillon's better movies. Perfectly encapsulates the desperation of needing a fix.


Not so sure about alcohol addiction, but if I think of anything good I'll be back.

Also an honourable mention to Withnail and I. It covers all the bases and is a thoroughly brilliant film to boot.

Basketball Diaries


Half Baked--not drama but too good to be left out--it is actually a much better movie while tripping then high

hey, it's good enough!
-Sunny

YES.

Trainspotting as well.

maybe Leaving Las Vegas?

love liza....philip seymore hoffman huffing gas the whole film....pretty gruesome....

i have been meaning to see this, good?

Permanent Midnight with Ben Stiller playing a heroin addict. Him shooting up with the baby in the car is pretty sad reality.

is this the film about the guy who created alf?

A lot of tough lessons in that film.

ughhh, that movie was no good. the only goodness in it was nicolas cages performance

yeah, he was one of the writers of that show. Good movie, great book(as always).

The ones mentioned so far are what I'd post(fear and loathing, Blow, Basketball Diaries, Trainspotting etc..)

Of course The Doors is a great one

Trainspotting is my favorite, I'm starting to tire of Requiem.

It's very English, and very sixties. Quite funny if you can appreciate that kind of humour, and it's very sad in its own way, but you'll laugh all the way. I'd suggest renting it for a night in with Mr Jacktor.

Rush - this movie distubed me greatly when i was 16 or so

Bingo.