How Movies and TV Shows Shape Our View of Alcohol

From the Cosmopolitan-sipping friends in Sex and the City to the brooding detective downing whiskey before a big case, alcohol is a constant presence in our favorite shows and films. Even when these portrayals are unrealistic—like taking down a crime boss after several drinks—we grow accustomed to seeing them. But what effect does this have on us? And how do movies depict alcohol and alcoholism? Let’s take a closer look.

Alcohol's Influence on Audiences

One major concern is how alcohol in movies affects young viewers. Research shows a clear link: the more alcohol teens see on screen, the more likely they are to drink.

A Dartmouth University study found that teens who watched the most alcohol-heavy movies were twice as likely to start drinking, and 63% more likely to binge drink. A similar study in Latin America showed that exposure to alcohol in films was connected to trying alcohol, current drinking, and binge drinking among Mexican adolescents. In Argentina, the effect was milder but still present.

It’s not just teens—adults are also influenced. Over time, cocktails at lunch, wine with dinner, and the “funny drunk” in comedies start to feel normal. Without realizing it, we often imitate what we see.

Common Ways Alcohol Appears On Screen

1. Alcohol as a Background Element

One subtle way alcohol enters our minds is by appearing constantly in the background. When every dinner, date, or meeting includes drinks, it creates the illusion that everyone is always drinking.

• Cheers (1982): Set in a bar, the show revolves around drinkers, but it also features a teetotaler main character, showing that not everyone drinks.
• It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005): This bar-centered sitcom shows characters spiraling into worse situations each season, highlighting the downsides of heavy drinking.
• Coyote Ugly (2000): Here, drinking—especially binge drinking—is portrayed as fun and normal, even for the bartenders.

In reality, actors aren’t actually drinking, and real-life alcohol use rarely blends so smoothly into daily life.

2. Alcohol as a Social Lubricant

Many shows and movies present alcohol as essential for socializing. Shy characters become outgoing after a few drinks, and social events always include alcohol.

• Sex and the City (1998): The characters frequently drink Cosmopolitans. Interestingly, one of the stars, Kristin Davis, has spoken openly about her own recovery from alcoholism.
• How I Met Your Mother (2005): The friends constantly meet at a bar, making nightly drinking seem like a normal part of social life.

But research suggests alcohol isn’t the social glue it’s made out to be. One study found that people who drank before a virtual social event spent more time looking at themselves than at others, and reported feeling worse afterward.

3. Alcohol as a Romantic Catalyst

Films often suggest that alcohol is necessary for romance.

• Casablanca (1942): Memorable scenes unfold in a bar, linking love and longing with drinking.
• Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011): The main character uses alcohol to build confidence and improve his romantic life.

In reality, alcohol can lower libido and has been linked to sexual violence. Real romance doesn’t depend on drinking.

4. The “Funny Drunk” Trope

Some movies turn alcoholism into comedy with the “funny drunk” character—someone whose antics are played for laughs.

• Arthur (1981): The main character is a charming but problematic drinker, even driving drunk—something that isn’t funny in real life.
• Animal House (1978): This film celebrates reckless drinking and chaos, making light of destructive behavior.

In truth, alcohol often makes people miss out on genuine, meaningful moments.

Realistic Portrayals of Alcoholism

Not all films glamorize drinking. Some show the real struggles of addiction.

• Flight (2012): Depicts a high-functioning alcoholic whose life falls apart, showing how addiction can escalate suddenly.
• Walk the Line (2005): Follows Johnny Cash’s battle with addiction and how it threatened his career and relationships.
• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017): Initially uses alcohol as a crutch for comedy, but the main character eventually realizes she’s better without it.

Tips for Staying Grounded

Here’s how to enjoy movies without letting alcohol portrayals affect your habits:

• Remember it’s fiction. Actors aren’t really drinking, and scenes are crafted for entertainment.
• Switch up your viewing. Try nature shows or documentaries to balance what you watch.
• Watch documentaries about addiction. Films like Recovery Boys or Addicted: America’s Opioid Crisis offer real-life perspectives.
• Talk to your kids. Discuss the difference between movie portrayals and real-life risks.

Final Thoughts

Being mindful of what we watch can help us separate fiction from reality. You don’t have to avoid shows with drinking, but remember that what you see on screen isn’t real life. Explore different genres and let your tastes evolve—there’s a whole world of great content and sober activities to enjoy.