Here’s an exciting lineup of 18A drama movies, ranked from the absolute best to the not-so-great, complete with thrilling movie trailers. This epic list aims to determine the ultimate 18A drama movie of all time by pitting them against each other in a cinematic showdown. Get ready to explore the minds behind these films, their release dates, and the incredibly talented actors involved. If you believe that the top 18A drama movie deserves a higher place, make sure to give it your seal of approval. You can also effortlessly search and filter this list to find that specific 18A drama flick you’ve been craving.
Prepare to be blown away by masterpieces like “The Skin I Live In” and “Martha Marcy May Marlene.”
If you’re on the hunt for the most outstanding and renowned 18A drama movies, this list is an absolute gem. It will guide you through the vast array of drama films that carry an 18A rating, ensuring you never miss out on the thrilling options available on streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu.
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It’s worth mentioning that brilliant directors like David Cronenberg and Pedro Almodóvar have left their mark on the world of 18A drama films. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the realm of intense and captivating cinema.
1. Martha Marcy May Marlene
After spending years trapped in a cult, Martha (played by Elizabeth Olsen) manages to break free and reaches out to her estranged sister, Lucy (portrayed by Sarah Paulson), for support. Lucy resides in a tranquil home in Connecticut with her husband, Ted (played by Hugh Dancy). However, Martha’s time in the cult haunts her, making it difficult to find solace. Disturbing memories from her past continue to plague her, intensifying her feelings of unease, particularly regarding the cult’s manipulative leader (portrayed by John Hawkes).
Released: 2011
Directed by: Sean Durkin
Actors: Elizabeth Olsen, Sarah Paulson, John Hawkes
2. The Refuge
François Ozon is known for his diverse styles and versatile talent, but one recurring theme in his films is the determination of women. Whether it’s the individual protagonists in movies like Sous le sable and Swimming Pool, or the entire cast of 8 Femmes, this French filmmaker celebrates the force and range of female willpower, regardless of its moral compass.
In Le Refuge, the story begins in a stylish Paris apartment where Mousse (Isabelle Carré) and Louis (Melvil Poupaud) have spiraled into a world of drugs. Despite their love for each other, their fate seems uncertain. Tragically, Louis dies from an overdose, leaving Mousse unconscious. Unexpectedly, Louis’s mother arrives to show the apartment to a potential tenant, oblivious to her son’s life. Now, she finds herself left with his pregnant junkie girlfriend.
Mousse is not the typical daughter-in-law one would expect, and against all advice, she decides to keep the baby and leaves Paris behind for a house near the sea.
Ozon skillfully guides us through the life of a woman who doesn’t seek or necessarily deserve our sympathy, yet manages to captivate us. When Louis’s brother Paul (Louis-Ronan Choisy) visits their country house, Mousse’s reactions to him are far from predictable. Ozon keeps us on our toes, never quite sure if Mousse and Paul will become lovers, enemies, or something entirely unexpected. However, it becomes evident that Paul carries traces of his brother that intrigue Mousse as her pregnancy progresses.
Le Refuge is a character study that builds tension through carefully crafted scenes. It bears the unique mark of its auteur, with its exploration of uncomfortable situations and its focus on the enigmatic protagonist. When Mousse makes her final, decisive move, it shocks us while also feeling like the only logical choice she could have made.
Cameron Bailey, in his review for the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival site, captures the essence of Le Refuge.
Released: 2010
Directed by: François Ozon
Actors: Melvil Poupaud, Isabelle Carré, Jérôme Kircher
3. God Bless America
God Bless America is a 2011 dark comedy movie that brings together political satire and black humor. It was written and directed by Bobcat Goldthwait and features Joel Murray and Tara Lynne Barr in the lead roles.
The film made its debut on September 9, 2011, at the Toronto International Film Festival. It was then made available On Demand on April 6, 2012, and hit theaters on May 11, 2012. The DVD for the movie was released on July 9, 2012.
Released: 2011
Directed by: Bobcat Goldthwait
Actors: Larry Miller, Tom Kenny, Sandra Vergara
4. The Skin I Live In
The Skin I Live In” is a Spanish psychological thriller film from 2011. It’s directed by Pedro Almodóvar and based on Thierry Jonquet’s novel called “Mygale.” The story revolves around a brilliant plastic surgeon, played by Antonio Banderas, who is haunted by his past tragedies. In his quest to overcome these haunting memories, he creates a groundbreaking synthetic skin that is resistant to all forms of damage. To test his creation, he uses it on a mysterious and volatile woman who holds the key to his obsession
Released: 2011
Directed by: Pedro Almodóvar
Actors: Antonio Banderas, Blanca Suárez, Elena Anaya
5. A Dangerous Method
In 1904, there’s this Russian lady called Sabina Spielrein, played by Keira Knightley, who shows up at Carl Jung’s clinic with hopes of getting treatment for her hysteria. Jung, portrayed by Michael Fassbender, is pretty keen on trying out Sigmund Freud’s theories on Sabina. And guess what? He actually manages to help her out. Fast forward two years, Jung and Sabina finally get to meet Freud in the flesh. Oh, and by the way, Jung also starts treating this guy named Otto Gross, who ends up having a major impact on Jung’s life. As a result, Jung ends up having an affair with Sabina, which causes some serious tension with Freud.
Released: 2011
Directed by: David Cronenberg
Actors: Keira Knightley, Viggo Mortensen, Michael Fassbender
6. Harry Brown
Harry Brown is the first feature film by the talented up-and-coming director Daniel Barber. He was even nominated for an Academy Award® in 2008 for his short film The Tonto Woman. This film is like an urban western, but it’s set in modern-day Britain. It’s about one man’s journey through a chaotic world where drugs are everywhere and guns rule the streets. The film received a £1 million grant from the Premiere Fund.
The main character, Harry Brown, played by Sir Michael Caine, is a retired Marine and a widower. He’s just a regular guy who follows the law. He lives alone, except for his best friend Leonard, played by David Bradley.
Released: 2009
Directed by: Daniel Barber
Actors: Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, Iain Glen
7. Tyrannosaur
Tyrannosaur is a British drama film released in 2011, marking the directorial debut of Paddy Considine. The movie features a talented cast, including Peter Mullan, Olivia Colman, Eddie Marsan, Paul Popplewell, and Sally Carman.
Released: 2011
Directed by: Paddy Constantine
Actors: Paddy Constantine, Eddie Marsan, 피터 뮬란
8. Trespass
Fast-talking diamond dealer Kyle Miller, played by Nicolas Cage, and his wife, Sarah, portrayed by Nicole Kidman, are living a comfortable life in their picturesque home nestled among dense woods. However, their idyllic existence takes a terrifying turn when a gang of violent thieves, led by Elias (played by Ben Mendelsohn), infiltrates their house while posing as police officers. Kyle and Sarah find themselves held hostage, gripped by fear as their lives hang in the balance. In this harrowing situation, Kyle realizes he must employ all his expertise in negotiation to save himself and his wife. If Elias and his cohorts get what they want, the outcome for the Millers looks bleak – death seems imminent.
Released: 2011
Directed by: Joel Schumacher
Actors: Nicolas Cage, Nicole Kidman, Ben Mendelsohn
9. Love and Bruises
Love and Bruises is a drama film from 2011, directed by Lou Ye. This French/Chinese collaboration made its debut at the prestigious 68th Venice International Film Festival.
Released: 2011
Directed by: Lou Ye
Actors: Tahar Rahim, Jalil Lespert, Patrick Mille
10. Leaving
Leaving (Partir) explores a timeless tale of a married woman who makes the difficult decision to leave her husband for another man. However, the aftermath of her infidelity takes an unconventional and captivating turn, as her betrayed husband seeks revenge through a calculated and ruthless economic warfare, determined to dismantle their lives. With its captivating storyline, talented cast, beautiful locations, and passionate love scenes, this French melodrama has great potential for international appeal, especially in markets that still appreciate the remarkable performance of Kristin Scott Thomas in I’ve Loved You So Long. As screendaily.com highlights.
Released: 2009
Directed by: Catherine Corsini
Actors: Kristin Scott Thomas, Sergi López i Ayats, Yvan Attal
11. Lena
Lena is a drama film from 2011, written by Mieke de Jong and directed by Christophe Van Rompaey.
Released: 2011
Directed by: Christophe van Rompaey
Actors: Agata Buzek, Jeroen Willems, Lottie Hellingman