Drama backdrop

Drama movies

Emotional and character-driven narratives that explore the complexities of the human condition and relationships.

Subgenres include: Psychological Drama, Professional Drama, Entertainment Industry Drama.

The Grey

1491. The Grey

Action Adventure Drama Thriller Survival Adventure
6.7

20121h 57min

United Kingdom, United States

Director: Joe Carnahan

Following a grueling five-week shift at an Alaskan oil refinery, workers led by sharpshooter John Ottway are flying home for a much-needed vacation. But a brutal storm causes their plane to crash in the frozen wilderness, and only eight men, including Ottway, survive. As they trek southward toward civilization and safety, Ottway and his companions must battle mortal injuries, the icy elements, and a pack of hungry wolves.

Themes

Leadership under crisis, Camaraderie under strain, Survival after airplane crash, Mortality in wilderness, Conflict under stress with wolf pack, Belief vs doubt

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

1492. Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

Comedy Drama Romance Adventure Romantic Comedy
6.7

20121h 41min

United States

Director: Lorene Scafaria

As an asteroid nears Earth, a man finds himself alone after his wife leaves in a panic. He decides to take a road trip to reunite with his high school sweetheart. Accompanying him is a neighbor who inadvertently puts a wrench in his plan.

Themes

Pursuit of connection, Fragile commitments, Strangers forming bonds, Apocalypse pressure, Trust under crisis, Loyalties in flux

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Killer Joe

1493. Killer Joe

Crime Thriller Drama Organized Crime Psychological Drama
6.7

20121h 42min

United States

Director: William Friedkin

A cop who moonlights as a hit man agrees to kill the hated mother of a desperate drug dealer in exchange for a tumble with the young man's virginal sister.

Themes

Deception and betrayal, Greed and insurance fraud, Coercive control in crime, Family coercion under stress, Trust eroded by manipulation, Economic desperation shaping choices

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Liberal Arts

1494. Liberal Arts

Romance Comedy Drama Romantic Comedy Coming-of-Age Drama
6.7

20121h 37min

United States

Director: Josh Radnor

Newly single, 35, and uninspired by his job, Jesse Fisher worries that his best days are behind him. But no matter how much he buries his head in a book, life keeps pulling Jesse back. When his favorite college professor invites him to campus to speak at his retirement dinner, Jesse jumps at the chance.

Themes

Age difference romance, Letters as intimate conduit, Retirement anxiety and purpose, Adult longing vs youth ideals, Mentorship and campus dynamics, Education and self-discovery

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Smashed

1495. Smashed

Comedy Drama Romance Relationship Drama Romantic Comedy
6.7

20121h 25min

United States

Director: James Ponsoldt

Kate and Charlie like to have a good time. Their marriage thrives on a shared fondness for music, laughter… and getting smashed. When Kate’s partying spirals into hard-core asocial behavior, compromising her job as an elementary schoolteacher, something’s got to give. But change isn’t exactly a cakewalk. Sobriety means she will have to confront the lies she’s been spinning at work, her troubling relationship with her mother, and the nature of her bond with Charlie.

Themes

Marital dependency and conflict, Addiction and work fallout, Social stigma of drinking, Family skepticism of recovery, Sobriety versus deception, Parental influence on recovery

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

I Want You

1496. I Want You

Drama Romance Passionate Romance Relationship Drama
6.7

20122h 10min

Spain

Director: Fernando González Molina

The sexy Gin is the new love of Hache, but this can not forget his former girlfriend, so the love triangle is inevitable.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Loss and memory, Fame and exploitation, Love triangle dynamics, Illicit street racing, Youth rebellion and romance

Available on

Netflix
Apple TV
Amazon Video
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

1497. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Drama Horror Psychological Horror Tragic Drama
7.3

20071h 56min

United Kingdom, United States

Director: Tim Burton

The infamous story of Benjamin Barker, a.k.a Sweeney Todd, who sets up a barber shop down in London which is the basis for a sinister partnership with his fellow tenant, Mrs. Lovett. Based on the hit Broadway musical.

Themes

Deception and betrayal, Revenge motive, Power abuse, Social injustice, Corrupt authority, Cannibalism via pies

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
fuboTV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Bucket List

1498. The Bucket List

Drama Comedy Buddy Comedy Relationship Drama
7.3

20071h 37min

United States

Director: Rob Reiner

Corporate billionaire Edward Cole and working class mechanic Carter Chambers are worlds apart. At a crossroads in their lives, they share a hospital room and discover they have two things in common: a desire to spend the time they have left doing everything they ever wanted to do and an unrealized need to come to terms with who they are. Together they embark on the road trip of a lifetime, becoming friends along the way and learning to live life to the fullest, with insight and humor.

Themes

Travel as transformation, Class disparity and friendship, Mortality and meaning, Aging and legacy, Estranged family ties, Life-affirming experiences

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Lars and the Real Girl

1499. Lars and the Real Girl

Comedy Drama Romance Romantic Comedy Relationship Drama
7.3

20071h 47min

United States

Director: Craig Gillespie

Lars finally finds a ‘girlfriend’ who makes him feel safe, seen, and alive—only she’s a life-size plastic doll. His family and town play along to protect his fragile heart. But when real connections start knocking, will Lars cling to the love that saved him or risk shattering his illusion to truly live?

Themes

Loneliness under community gaze, Stigma around mental illness, Delusion as coping mechanism, Doll as social catalyst, Rituals of social inclusion, Family distance and care

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Death at a Funeral

1500. Death at a Funeral

Comedy Drama Dark Comedy
7.3

20071h 31min

Germany, United Kingdom

Director: Frank Oz

A respected English family reunites to say goodbye to the head of the household. But at some point the funeral turns into chaos when a mysterious blackmailer reveals scandalous details from the deceased’s life.

Themes

Deception under social pressure, Public performance of grief, Family reputation under strain, Generational gaps and conflict, Loyalty vs coercion, Secrets emerge under scrutiny

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
fuboTV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.