EntertainmentMoviesDrama MoviesThe 10 best drama movies of all time, rankedWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
EntertainmentMoviesDrama MoviesThe 10 best drama movies of all time, rankedWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)
Despite being arguably the most common type of film, drama movies are a tricky thing to define. Afterall, a lot of people believe the best stories come from conflict, and what’s a conflict if not drama? So, would Godzilla be a drama film? There’s plenty of conflict in it, but somehow, that just doesn’t feel right, does it? No. There’s an unquantifiable quality to the best drama movies that has more to do with atmosphere, character, and general vibes than other genres.
What we do know, though, is that with the exception of comedy films, dramas are films that stir the widest range of emotions, and they’re equally capable of reducing people to floods of tears and gales of laughter – it’s no surprise that drama is well represented in ourbest Oscar winning movieslist. So, with that rather vague definition in mind, we’ve been through our highly-vetted Blu-ray collection and poured over IMDb to bring you a list of the ten best drama movies ever made.
10. The Father
(Image credit: Embankment Films)
Director: Florian ZellerReleased: 2020
9. No Country for Old Men
(Image credit: Miramax Films)
Director: Ethan and Joel CoenReleased: 2007
As methodical as a hitman stalking his mark and just as terrifying, No Country For Old Men is a film that embodies fatigue and a sense of impending doom. Thankfully, the Coen Brothers' intelligent direction and dark sense of humor keep the film from being a dour affair, and it helps that its star-studded cast – Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, and Josh Brolin – are giving their all. As great as the ensemble cast is, though, this is Bardem’s picture, and we’re just watching it. His portrayal of the deadly Anton Chigurh, a merciless hitman who makes the Terminator look like a cuddly community support officer, is one of the scariest performances ever put to film and what helps the film live on in the memory (or nightmares) of film fans around the world.
8. The Truman Show
(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)
Director: Peter WeirReleased: 1998
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Part dark comedy, part psychological drama, The Truman Show ranks amongst Jim Carrey’s best movies and may just edge out Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind for the top spot. While these days, it’s remembered for its remarkable powers of prognostication – it basically predicted the idea of modern celebrity culture – it’s important to remember it’s an impressive film in its own right. Peter Weir’s direction, in particular, is worthy of praise, and he manages to perfectly balance high drama with a wry sense of humor and a cynical edge that pervades the movie. It helps, of course, that his leading man, Jim Carrey, was at the height of his acting powers at the time, switching from a high-energy, funny man to a paranoid and world-weary soul at the flick of an internal switch.
7. There Will Be Blood
(Image credit: Miramax Films)
Director: Paul Thomas AndersonReleased: 2007
A genuine masterpiece from Paul Thomas Anderson about the corrosive nature of greed told through the eyes of Daniel Day-Lewis’s ruthless oil tycoon, There Will Be Blood is unarguably one of the best movies ever made. Day-Lewis is, of course, brilliant (when is he not?), delivering a monstrous and magnetic performance that rightly won him his second Best Actor Oscar, but this is the film that arguably put Paul Dano on the road to superstardom, and for that alone, we love it. That said, there’s a lot to love in this film, whether it’s Robert Elswit’s beautiful cinematography that captured the unquantifiable beauty of the deserts of the American Southwest or Dylan Tichenor’s measured editing.
6. Taxi Driver
(Image credit: Columbia Pictures)
Director: Martin ScorseseReleased: 1976
Perhaps Martin Scorsese’s most iconic film and certainly one of his darkest, Taxi Driver, explores the damaged mind of Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro), a cab driver working the sleazy streets of New York City. Grittier than an arctic road in winter and a borderline horror film at times, this bleak tale of a man slowly losing his mind is rooted in DeNiro’s hypnotic and unhinged performance. Still, credit is due to Scorsese and his cinematographer, Michael Chapman, for finding the beauty in the squalor and dirt of ’70s New York.
5. Casablanca
(Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
Director: Michael CurtizReleased: 1942
The archetypical romantic drama Casablanca tells the story of Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), an aloof and cynical man running a nightclub in Casablanca during World War 2. Rick’s relatively peaceful world is shattered, however, when the love of his life, Isla Lund (Ingrid Bergman), walks through the doors of his gin joint and forces him to abandon his selfish facade. Featuring career-best performances from both Bogart and Bergman, Casablanca is a sentimental story about putting the needs of others before your own. Still, the film’s wartime setting and the intrigue at the heart of its plot make it a surprisingly exciting watch that helps it avoid feeling schmaltzy.
4. Tokyo Story
(Image credit: Shochiku)
Director: Yasujirō OzuReleased: 1953
The jewel in Yasujirō Ozu’s directing crown and widely considered his greatest work, Tokyo Story is a tender and heartbreaking study of loneliness and the friction between old and young told through the story of the elderly, Shūkichi (Chishū Ryū) and Tomi Hirayama (Chieko Higashiyama) visiting their family in Tokyo. An unostentatious film, Tokyo Story deliberately eschews grand theatrics and conventional cinematography. Instead, Ozu takes a minimalist approach to both the story and camerawork, which allows the film to showcase a grounded but no less dramatic reality, with the focus entirely on its central characters. Still, despite its stripped-back facade, Tokyo Story manages to be quietly radical in its own way, essentially serving as a criticism of our modern selfishness but offering no easy answers to how to fix it.
3. The Shawshank Redemption
(Image credit: Columbia Pictures)
Director: Frank DarabontReleased: 1994
2. Schindler’s List
(Image credit: Universal Pictures)
Director: Steven SpielbergReleased: 1993
1. Citizen Kane
(Image credit: RKO Radio Pictures)
Director: Orson WellesReleased: 1941
Citizen Kane and Vertigo often wrestle for the title of ‘the best film ever made’, but when it comes to outright human drama, who in their right mind wouldn’t put Orson Welles' magnum opus in the top spot? In terms of technical achievement, Kane is lightyears ahead of its time, with Greg Toland’s gorgeous cinematography and Robert Wise’s innovative editing contributing to the modern feel of the movie. Still, the real reason for Kane’s inclusion on this list is its superb storytelling; Citizen Kane does the impossible and captures the complexity and nuance of a man’s life in just under two hours. It’s a genuinely staggering achievement, inspiring countless directors and writers in the decades since.
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More about drama movies
Amid Oscar buzz, Zoe Saldana opens up on her new perspective on Hollywood and why she’s only really proud of Avatar and Emilia Pérez: “I think I just have to accept who I am as a creative person"Memento star Guy Pearce says a Warner Bros. exec blocked him from more Christopher Nolan movies, including Batman Begins: “I think he just didn’t believe in me as an actor”
Amid Oscar buzz, Zoe Saldana opens up on her new perspective on Hollywood and why she’s only really proud of Avatar and Emilia Pérez: “I think I just have to accept who I am as a creative person”
Amid Oscar buzz, Zoe Saldana opens up on her new perspective on Hollywood and why she’s only really proud of Avatar and Emilia Pérez: “I think I just have to accept who I am as a creative person”
Memento star Guy Pearce says a Warner Bros. exec blocked him from more Christopher Nolan movies, including Batman Begins: “I think he just didn’t believe in me as an actor”
Memento star Guy Pearce says a Warner Bros. exec blocked him from more Christopher Nolan movies, including Batman Begins: “I think he just didn’t believe in me as an actor”
Latest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest►
Latest
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26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time”
26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time”
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5
Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1
Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”