Movies like Barfly

The Wrestler depicts a has-been professional wrestler who deals with his dwindling career, health problems, and loneliness. Like Barfly, it shows a raw and emotional journey of a character seeking meaning and connection in a harsh world, featuring a standout performance that fans of character-driven dramas will admire.

Leaving Las Vegas, much like Barfly, dives into the life of self-destruction and alcoholism, featuring a captivating performance by Nicolas Cage. Fans of Barfly's exploration of the darker side of the human psyche may find this Oscar-winning portrayal of a hopeless drunk's relationship with a kind-hearted prostitute deeply moving and gritty.

While Withnail & I originates from the UK, its story of two down-and-out actors who booze their way through a holiday resonates with the same humorous yet somber spirit of Barfly. Fans of Barfly's gritty and alcohol-soaked narrative will likely enjoy this cult classic's blend of humor and pathos.

Crazy Heart showcases the life of a faded country musician who's trying to turn his life around. The central character's struggle with addiction and redemption echoes the themes in Barfly, making it a strong recommendation for those who appreciate complex characters on a journey towards salvation.

Trees Lounge is about an unemployed mechanic who spends most of his time in a bar full of colorful eccentrics in a small town. It captures the spirit of Barfly in its laid-back storytelling, sense of community among the bar patrons, and its lead character's self-reflective journey.

Ironweed features Jack Nicholson as a drifter and former major league baseball player who returns to his hometown haunted by the ghosts of his past. The film's depiction of personal demons and redemption parallels Barfly's deep dive into the life of its protagonist, offering viewers another powerful look at life on the margins.