The 100+ Best New & Recent Drama Films, Ranked
- 1Caitriona Balfe, Judi Dench, Jamie Dornan
An emotionally resonant story set during the tumultuous era of The Troubles in Northern Ireland, this film brilliantly captures the struggles and hopes of a working-class family caught in the crossfire of political conflict. With its striking black-and-white cinematography, evocative period detail, and unforgettable performances by its talented ensemble cast, Belfast is not only a captivating snapshot of history but also a testament to the resilience and love that define the human spirit.
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- 2Emilia Jones, Troy Kotsur, Marlee Matlin
A heartwarming tale about a child of deaf adults navigating the challenges and complexities of adolescence, this film blends family dynamics with an enchanting coming-of-age narrative. Remarkable performances from a primarily deaf cast bring a fresh authenticity to the genre while shedding light on the often-unseen world of deaf culture. The protagonist's journey to find her voice and identity will undoubtedly tug at viewers' heartstrings, making it an essential addition to any list of recent dramatic masterpieces.
- 3Jessica Chastain, Andrew Garfield, Cherry Jones
Offering an enthralling glimpse into the rise and fall of televangelist icons Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, this biopic skillfully navigates between satire, melodrama, and tragedy. Jessica Chastain's transformative performance as Tammy Faye brings newfound depth and empathy to a pop cultural figure once scorned for her excesses and moral failures. As it peels back the layers of a tabloid saga, the film reveals a poignant exploration of fame, hypocrisy, and redemption.
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- 4Daniel Kaluuya, LaKeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons
Recounting the tragic story of Black Panther leader Fred Hampton and the betrayal that led to his assassination, this powerful biographical drama serves not only as an urgent history lesson but also as a stirring call to action. Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield shine in their respective roles, delivering performances that resonate long after the credits roll. In a time when issues of systemic racism and social justice remain at the forefront of global consciousness, Judas and the Black Messiah is an essential viewing for all.
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- 5Andra Day, Trevante Rhodes, Natasha Lyonne
A harrowing biopic chronicling the tumultuous life of legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday, this unflinching portrait uncovers the depths of systemic racism endured by black artists in mid-century America. Andra Day delivers a dazzling performance as the troubled star, navigating addiction, love, and loss with remarkable conviction. Ultimately, The United States vs. Billie Holiday shines a much-needed spotlight on the tragic price of artistic genius and defiance.
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- 6
In the Heights
Anthony Ramos, Melissa Barrera, Leslie GraceFilled with infectious energy and stirring musical numbers, this vibrant adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway sensation captures the spirit and aspirations of a close-knit community in New York City's Washington Heights neighborhood. From its breathtaking choreography to its exuberant performances, In the Heights pulses with life and serves as an unapologetic celebration of Latinx identity and culture.
More In the Heights- #64 of 68 onThe Most Rewatchable Movie Musicals
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- 7Sandra Bullock, Jon Bernthal, Vincent D'Onofrio
This gripping thriller showcases Sandra Bullock at her finest as she portrays a recently paroled convict struggling to rebuild her life while confronting her dark past. The film delves into complex themes of guilt, redemption, and survival, presenting viewers with an engrossing narrative that never shies away from exploring moral ambiguity. Heart-pounding suspense combined with emotionally charged performances make The Unforgivable a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking cinema.
More The Unforgivable- #166 of 335 onThe Best Netflix Original Movies Ever
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- 8Elijah Wood, Luke Kirby, Aleksa PalladinoNo Man of God delves into the chilling psychological interplay between notorious serial killer Ted Bundy (Luke Kirby) and FBI agent Bill Hagmaier (Elijah Wood). Set in the 1980s, the narrative focuses on the unusual relationship that unfolds between the two as Hagmaier is assigned to profile Bundy during his final years on death row. The film spotlights the dark intricacies of Bundy's mind and the complex moral quandaries that Hagmaier navigates in extracting valuable insights from the killer, which would later contribute to the understanding of the psychology of serial killers.
- 9Ana de Armas, Bobby Cannavale, Adrien Brody
Offering a fresh perspective on the life of Marilyn Monroe, this biographical drama delves into the glitz, pain, and vulnerability that defined the iconic star. Ana de Armas's mesmerizing performance captures the essence of Monroe's public persona while revealing the complexities beneath her platinum facade. Poignant and evocative, Blonde grants viewers unprecedented access to one of Hollywood's most enigmatic figures.
- 10
The Last Duel
Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodie ComerIn this gripping historical epic, a brutal trial by combat pits two former friends against each other to determine the truth of a heinous crime. Directed by Ridley Scott and featuring commanding performances from Matt Damon, Adam Driver, and Jodie Comer, The Last Duel is a merciless examination of power dynamics and gender politics in medieval France.
- 11Robin Wright, Demián Bichir, Sarah Dawn PledgeA local hunter brings a grieving lawyer back from the brink of death after she retreats to the harsh wilderness of the Rockies.
- 12Angelina Jolie, Finn Little, Jon BernthalStill reeling from the loss of three lives, Hannah is a smoke jumper who's perched in a watchtower high above the Montana wilderness. She soon encounters Connor, a skittish boy who's bloodied, traumatized and on the run in the remote forest. As Hannah tries to bring him to safety, she's unaware of the real dangers to follow: two relentless killers hunting Connor, and a fiery blaze consuming everything in its path.More Those Who Wish Me Dead
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- 13Sophia Di Martino, Benedict Cumberbatch, Claire FoyThe Electrical Life of Louis Wain is a whimsical yet emotional biographical portrayal of the English artist, Louis Wain (Benedict Cumberbatch). The artist is known for his eccentric and endearing paintings of cats, and his personal life is as colorful and fraught as the felines he famously depicts. The narrative reveals Wain's struggles with mental illness, and the dynamics of his relationships, particularly with his wife Emily (Claire Foy). It shows how his innovative artwork offered both solace and challenge to Victorian society's norms. The film shows themes of creativity, the human-animal bond, and the thin line between genius and madness.
- 14Alana Haim, Cooper Hoffman, Sean PennAlana Kane and Gary Valentine grow up, run around and fall in love in California's San Fernando Valley in the 1970s.More Licorice Pizza
- 15Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, J.K. Simmons
A captivating look behind the curtain of television's most famous couple, this biographical drama delves into the pressures and prejudices faced by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz during their time on I Love Lucy. With stunning performances from Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem, Being the Ricardos is an engrossing exploration of the unique challenges faced by two industry pioneers at the height of their fame.
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- 16Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Al Pacino
Chronicling the dark saga behind one of fashion's most famous dynasties, this glossy crime drama boasts a star-studded cast led by Lady Gaga and Adam Driver. Dripping with luxury, ambition, and betrayal, House of Gucci paints an intoxicating portrait of a family consumed by greed and obsession.
- 17Penélope Cruz, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, Milena SmitTwo single women meet in a hospital room where they are both going to give birth. One is middle aged and doesn't regret it, while the other is adolescent and scared. The two women form a strong bond with one another as they both confront motherhood.
- 18Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Glenn CloseCameron Turner is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Presented with an experimental solution to shield his wife and son from grief, he grapples with altering their fate.
- 19Alessandro Nivola, Leslie Odom, Vera Farmiga
As a prequel to the acclaimed television series The Sopranos, this gripping crime saga transports viewers back to 1960s New Jersey and provides new insights into the formative years of mob boss Tony Soprano. With standout performances from Alessandro Nivola and Michael Gandolfini (son of original star James Gandolfini), The Many Saints of Newark offers a thrilling expansion of an already beloved narrative universe.
- 20Dan Stevens, Maren Eggert, Sandra HüllerA scientist at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin is persuaded to participate in a study to get funding for her research. For three weeks, she must live with a humanoid robot designed to be the perfect life partner for her.More I'm Your Man
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- 21Virginie Efira, Charlotte Rampling, Daphne PatakiaBenedetta, directed by Paul Verhoeven, premiered in 2021 and stirred audiences with its provocative take on religion and sexuality. The film is set in the 17th century and centers on Benedetta Carlini, a nun (Virginie Efira), who experiences disruptive religious and erotic visions. She embarks on a passionate affair with a fellow nun, Bartolomea (Daphne Patakia), causing scandal within the cloistered confines of the convent. The major themes include the intersection of faith and desire, the abuse of power within religious institutions, and the rebellion against oppressive norms. The film is noted for its boldness and the compelling performance by Efira.More Benedetta
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- 22Clint Eastwood, Eduardo Minett, Dwight YoakamMike Milo, a one-time rodeo star and washed-up horse breeder, takes a job from his former boss to bring the man's young son home from Mexico. Forced to take the back roads on their way to Texas, the unlikely duo face a challenging journey, during which the world-weary horseman finds unexpected connections and his own sense of redemption.More Cry Macho
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- 23
Annette
Adam Driver, Marion Cotillard, Simon HelbergThis audacious musical fantasy chronicles the tempestuous romance between a stand-up comedian and an opera singer as they grapple with parenthood, fame, and the fickle nature of love. With its daring narrative choices and mesmerizing lead performances from Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard, Annette presents a boldly inventive cinematic experience unlike any other.
More Annette - 24Melissa McCarthy, Chris O'Dowd, Kevin KlineA woman adjusting to life after loss contends with a feisty bird that's taken over her garden -- and a husband who's struggling to find a way forward.
- 25Courtney Eaton, Thomas Mann, Dave BautistaAfter being released from rehab, Riley struggles navigating the line between love and a new addiction.More Parachute
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- 26Salma Hayek, Madeline Zima, Owen WilsonAn unfulfilled man and a mysterious woman believe they are living in a simulated reality, but when their newfound "Bliss" world begins to bleed into the "ugly" world, they must decide what's real and where they truly belong.More Bliss
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- 27Zendaya, Josh O'Connor, Mike FaistTashi, a tennis player turned coach, has transformed her husband from a mediocre player into a world-famous grand slam champion. To jolt him out of his recent losing streak, she makes him play a challenger event -- close to the lowest level of tournament on the pro tour. Tensions soon run high when he finds himself standing across the net from the once-promising, now burnt-out Patrick, his former best friend and Tashi's former boyfriend.More Challengers
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- 28
Swan Song
Udo Kier, Jennifer Coolidge, Linda EvansA retired hairdresser escapes his nursing home and embarks on an odyssey across his small town to style a dead woman's hair for her funeral, confronting the ghosts of his past and rediscovering his sparkle along the way. - 29Zendaya, John David WashingtonSmoldering tensions and painful revelations push a filmmaker and his girlfriend toward a romantic reckoning.More Malcolm & Marie
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- 30Benedict Cumberbatch, Zachary Levi, Shailene WoodleyA defense attorney, her associate and a military prosecutor uncover a far-reaching conspiracy while investigating the case of a suspected 9/11 terrorist imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for six years.More The Mauritanian
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