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Vote for the best drama movies of 2018…
July 14, 2018
Vote for the best drama movies of 2018.
Whether they’re about historical events or fictional stories of romance, tension, and love, the best drama movies of 2018 left viewers inspired and emotional. What were the best drama movies this year? Help decide below.
Featuring romantic dramas, coming-of-age movies, biopics, and comedy-dramas, this list of good 2018 shows includes 12 Strong, Chappaquiddick, Lean on Pete, and Permission.
Good drama films usually feature compelling characters and intriguing storylines, avoiding melodrama in favor of more realistic plot lines and complicated protagonists. Which drama movies of 2018 fit such a description? Vote on this list of 2018 drama movies. Give an up vote to the best drama movies of 2018 and down vote anything you feel is overrated or downright bad.
1
12 StrongChris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Michael Peña12 Strong (also known as 12 Strong: The Declassified True Story of the Horse Soldiers) is a 2018 American war drama film directed by Nicolai Fuglsig. Following the September 11 attacks, Task…more
2
Forever My Girl Alex Roe, Jessica Rothe, John Benjamin Hickey Forever My Girl is a 2018 romantic drama film directed by Bethany Ashton Wolf. After being gone for a decade, a country star (Alex Roe) returns home to the love (Jessica Rothe) he left behind.
3
Thoroughbreds Olivia Cooke, Anya Taylor-Joy, Anton Yelchin Thoroughbreds is a 2018 American drama thriller film directed by Cory Finley. After years of growing apart, upper-class teenagers Lily (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Amanda (Olivia Cooke) rekindle their …more
4
Final Portrait Geoffrey Rush, Armie Hammer, Clémence Poésy Final Portrait is a 2017 British-American drama film directed by Stanley Tucci. In Paris 1964, famed painter Alberto Giacometti (Geoffrey Rush) asks James Lord (Armie Hammer), the American…more
5
Freak ShowAlex Lawther, Abigail Breslin, Bette Midler Freak Show is a 2018 American drama film directed by Trudie Styler, based on the novel by James St. James. Despite attending an ultra-conservative high school, Billy Bloom (Alex Lawther) decides…more
6
The Strange OnesAlex Pettyfer, James Freedson-Jackson, Emily Althaus Strange Ones is a 2017 American drama film directed by Christopher Radcliff and Lauren Wolkstein. Mysterious events surround two travelers as they make their way across a remote American …more
7
NostalgiaJon Hamm, Nick Offerman, Amber Tamblyn Nostalgia is a 2018 American drama film directed by Mark Pellington. A group of people is connected through a loss.
8
The 15:17 to Paris Anthony Sadler, Alek Skarlatos, Spencer Stone The 15:17 to Paris is a 2018 American biographical drama film directed by Clint Eastwood, based on the 2015 Thalys train attack. Three Americans (Spencer Stone, Anthony Sadler, and Alek …more
9
First ReformedEthan Hawke, Amanda Seyfried, Cedric the Entertainer First Reformed is a 2017 American drama thriller film directed by Paul Schrader. Grieving over the death of his son, an ex-military chaplain (Ethan Hawke) is further challenged when a young …more
10
Leave No TraceBen Foster, Thomasin McKenzie, Jeff Kober Leave No Trace is a 2018 American film directed by Debra Granik, based on the book My Abandonment by Peter Rock. A father (Ben Foster) and his 13-year-old daughter (Thomasin McKenzie) are living …more
11
Every DayAngourie Rice, Maria Bello, Debby Ryan Every Day is a 2018 American romantic-drama directed by Michael Sucsy, based on the novel by David Levithan. 16-year-old Rhiannon (Angourie Rice) falls in love with a spirit named A, a traveling…more
12
DisobedienceRachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams, Alessandro Nivola Disobedience is a 2017 British-Irish-American drama film directed by Sebastián Lelio, based on the novel by Noami Alderman. A woman (Rachel Weisz) returns to her Orthodox Jewish home …more
13
Eighth GradeElsie Fisher, Josh Hamilton, Emily RobinsonEighth Grade is a 2018 American comedy film directed by Bo Burnham. An eighth grader (Elsie Fisher) struggles to finish her last week of classes before embarking for high school.
14
The Rider Brady Jandreau, Tim Jandreau, Lilly Jandreau The Rider is a 2017 American drama film directed by Chloé Zhao. After suffering a near-fatal head injury, a young cowboy (Brady Jandreau) undertakes a search for a new identity and what it …more
15
BreathSimon Baker, Elizabeth Debicki, Samson CoulterBreath is a 2018 drama film directed by Simon Baker, based on the novel by Tim Winton. Two teenage boys form an unlikely connection with an older surfer (Simon Baker).
16
Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Jonah Hill Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot is a 2018 American drama film directed by Gus Van Sant, based on the memoir by John Callahan. After nearly losing his life in a car accident, a slacker…more
17
Shock and AweWoody Harrelson, Tommy Lee Jones, James MarsdenShock, and Awe is a 2017 American drama film directed by Rob Reiner. Journalists investigate the assertions by the Bush Administration concerning Saddam Hussein’s alleged possession of weapons of …more
18
A Fantastic WomanDaniela Vega, Francisco Reyes, Luis Gnecco A Fantastic Woman is a 2017 Chilean drama film directed by Sebastián Lelio. Marina (Daniela Vega), a waitress who moonlights as a nightclub singer, is bowled over by the death of her …more
19
Lean on PeteCharlie Plummer, Chloë Sevigny, Travis Fimmel Lean on Pete is a 2017 British drama film directed by Andrew Haigh, based on the novel by Willy Vlautin. A teenager (Charlie Plummer) gets a summer job working for a horse trainer and befriends…more
20
The Catcher Was a SpyPaul Rudd, Mark Strong, Sienna Miller The Catcher Was a Spy is a 2018 biographical spy film directed by Ben Lewin, based on the book by Nicholas Dawidoff. A major league baseball player, Moe Berg (Paul Rudd), lives a double life …more
21
Borg vs McEnroeSverrir Gudnason, Shia LaBeouf, Stellan Skarsgård Borg vs McEnroe is a 2017 internationally co-produced multi-language biographical sports drama film directed by Janus Metz Pedersen. The story of the 1980s tennis rivalry between the placid …more
22
Red SparrowJennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Matthias Schoenaerts Red Sparrow is a 2018 American spy thriller film directed by Francis Lawrence, based on the book by Jason Matthews. A Russian spy (Jennifer Lawrence) falls for a CIA officer (Joel Edgerton) and…more
23
Golden ExitsEmily Browning, Adam Horowitz, Mary Louise Parker Golden Exits is a 2018 American-Greek film directed by Alex Ross Perry. Two families living in Brooklyn are interrupted by the arrival of a young foreign girl (Emily Browning).
24
American AnimalsEvan Peters, Barry Keoghan, Blake Jenner American Animals is a 2018 British-American crime drama film directed by Bart Layton. Rebelling against their suburban upbringing, childhood friends Spencer (Barry Keoghan) and Warren (Evan…more
25
Hearts Beat LoudNick Offerman, Kiersey Clemons; Ted Danson Hearts Beat Loud is a 2018 drama music film directed by Brett Haley. A father (Nick Offerman) and daughter (Kiersey Clemons) form an unlikely songwriting duo in the summer before she leaves for…more
26
Nancy Andrea Riseborough, Steve Buscemi, Ann Dowd Nancy is a 2018 American drama film directed by Christina Choe. Convinced she was kidnapped as a child, Nancy (Andrea Riseborough) meets a couple whose daughter went missing thirty years ago,…more
27
Foxtrot Lior Ashkenazi, Sarah Adler, Yonatan Shiray Foxtrot is a 2017 Israeli drama film directed by Samuel Maoz. An affluent Tel Aviv couple learns that their son, a soldier, has died in the line of duty.
28
A Prayer Before DawnJoe Cole, Vithaya Pansringarm, Panya Yimmumphai A Prayer Before Dawn is a 2017 British-French drama film directed by Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire. The true story of an English boxer (Joe Cole) incarcerated in one of Thailand’s most notorious …more
29
Claire’s Camera Isabelle Huppert, Kim Min-hee, Chang Mi-hee Claire’s Camera is a 2017 drama film directed by Hong Sang-soo. A French photographer (Isabelle Huppert) befriends a Korean sales agent (Min-hee Kim).
30
Where Is Kyra? Michelle Pfeiffer, Kiefer Sutherland, Suzanne ShepherdWhere Is Kyra? is a 2017 American drama film directed by Andrew Dosunmu. In Brooklyn, New York, Kyra (Michelle Pfeiffer) loses her job and struggles to survive on her ailing mother’s income, …more
31
The Leisure SeekerDonald Sutherland, Helen Mirren, Kirsty MitchellThe Leisure Seeker is a 2017 Italian-French road movie directed by Paolo Virzì, based on the novel by Michael Zadoorian. A runaway couple (Donald Sutherland and Helen Mirren) embark on a …more
32
Josie Sophie Turner, Dylan McDermott, Daeg Faerch Josie is a 2017 drama thriller film directed by Eric England. Hank (Dylan McDermott), a solitary man living a dull existence in the sleepy Southern town raises eyebrows when he develops a …more
33
Chappaquiddick Jason Clarke, Kate Mara, Ed Helms Chappaquiddick is a 2017 American drama film directed by John Curran. In 1969, Senator Ted Kennedy (Jason Clarke) in Chappaquiddick drove his car into the water, killing his passenger (Kate…more
34
Dark RiverRuth Wilson, Mark Stanley, Sean Bean Dark River is a 2017 British drama film directed by Clio Barnard, loosely based on the novel Trespass by Rose Tremain. Following the death of her father, Alice (Ruth Wilson) returns to her home …more
35
Adrift, Shailene Woodley, Sam ClaflinAdrift is a 2018 American romance drama film directed by Baltasar Kormákur, based on a true story. When Tami (Shailene Woodley) and Richard (Sam Claflin) are hit by a storm while sailing, …more
36
Gotti John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Stacy KeachGotti is a 2018 American biographical crime drama film directed by Kevin Connolly. The story of crime boss John Gotti (John Travolta) and his son (Spencer Lofranco).
37
The SeagullSaoirse Ronan, Annette Bening, Corey Stoll The Seagull is a 2018 American drama film directed by Michael Mayer, based on the novel by Anton Chekhov. During one summer visit to her brother and her son (Billy Howle), an aging actress …more
38
An Ordinary ManBen Kingsley, Hera Hilmar, Peter SerafinowiczAn Ordinary Man is a 2017 American drama film directed by Brad Silberling. A war criminal (Ben Kingsley) in hiding begins to form a relationship with his maid (Hera Hilmar).
39
Journey’s End Sam Claflin, Asa Butterfield, Paul Bettany Journey’s End is a 2017 British war film directed by Saul Dibb, based on the play by R. C. Sherriff. In a dugout in Aisne in 1918, a group of British officers, led by the mentally disintegrating …more
40
Love After Love Chris O’Dowd, Andie MacDowell, James Adomian Love After Love is a 2017 American independent drama film directed by Russell Harbaugh. Following the death of their father, brothers Nicholas (Chris O’Dowd) and Chris (James Adomian) deal with …more
41
The Miracle SeasonHelen Hunt, William Hurt, Danika YaroshThe Miracle Season is a 2018 sports drama film directed by Sean McNamara. After the tragic death of star volleyball player Caroline “Line” Found, a team of dispirited high school girls …more
42
AardvarkZachary Quinto, Jenny Slate, Sheila Vand Aardvark is a 2017 American drama film directed by Brian Shoaf. A mental health professional (Jenny Slate) falls for the brother (Jon Hamm) of a patient (Zachary Quinto) who may or may not be…more
43
The House of TomorrowAsa Butterfield, Alex Wolff, Nick Offerman The House of Tomorrow is a 2017 American drama film directed by Peter Livolsi, based on the novel by Peter Bognanni. The incredible story of futurist, architect, and inventor R. Buckminster…more
44
Racer and the JailbirdMatthias Schoenaerts, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Dimitry LoubryRacer and the Jailbird is a 2017 Belgian drama film directed by Michaël R. Roskam. Set against the background of a brutal criminal gang in Brussels, a tragic love story between Gigi (Matthias …more
45
A Kid Like JakeClaire Danes, Jim Parsons, Priyanka ChopraA Kid Like Jake is a 2018 American drama film directed by Silas Howard, based on the 2013 play by Daniel Pearle. Alex (Claire Danes) and Greg Wheeler (Jim Parsons) has always known that their…more
46
I Can Only Imagine J. Michael Finley, Cloris Leachman, Dennis QuaidI Can Only Imagine is a 2018 American drama film directed by Andrew and Jon Erwin, based on the story behind the Christian song by MercyMe. Bart Millard (J. Michael Finley) finds inspiration for…more
47
The Vanishing of Sidney Hall Logan Lerman, Elle Fanning, Michelle Monaghan Vanishing of Sidney Hall is a 2017 American mystery drama film directed and co-written by Shawn Christensen. After writing a generation-defining book that makes him world famous, a young…more
48
Acrimony Taraji P. Henson, Lyriq Bent, Tika Sumpter Acrimony is a 2018 American psychological thriller film directed by Tyler Perry. Tired of standing by her devious husband (Lyriq Bent), a faithful wife (Taraji P. Henson) becomes enraged when it …more
49
Like MeAddison Timlin, Ian Nelson, Larry FessendenLike Me is a 2017 American film directed by Robert Mockler. A loner (Addison Timlin) sets out on a crime spree that she broadcasts on social media.
50
KingsHalle Berry, Daniel Craig, Lamar Johnson Kings is a 2017 romance film directed by Deniz Gamze Ergüven. A South Central recluse (Daniel Craig) helps a woman’s working-class mother (Halle Berry) during the 1992 civil unrest in Los Angeles
51
Woman Walks AheadJessica Chastain, Michael Greyeyes, Chaske Spencer Woman Walks Ahead is a 2017 American biographical drama film directed by Susanna White. Catherine Weldon (Jessica Chastain), a portrait painter from 1890s Brooklyn, travels to Dakota to paint a portrait …more
52
Outside InJay Duplass, Edie Falco, Kaitlyn Dever Outside In is a 2017 American drama film directed by Lynn Shelton. An ex-con (Jay Duplass) struggling to readjust to life in his small town forms an intense bond with his former high school teacher (E …more
53
PermissionRebecca Hall, Dan Stevens, Morgan Spector Permission is a 2018 romantic dramedy film directed by Brian Crano. A woman (Rebecca Hall) on the brink of a marriage proposal from her boyfriend (Dan Stevens) is impeded by the suggestion of her brot …more
54
The CommuterLiam Neeson, Vera Farmiga, Patrick WilsonThe Commuter is a 2018 psychological thriller-horror film directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. While on his daily commute home, an insurance salesman (Liam Neeson) is offered $100,000 if he identifies a hi …more
55
Midnight SunBella Thorne, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Rob Riggle Midnight Sun is a 2018 American romantic drama film directed by Scott Speer, based on the 2006 Japanese film. Sheltered since early childhood due to a rare disease, Katie Price (Bella Thorne) only ven …more
56
Paul, Apostle of Christ James Faulkner, Jim Caviezel, Olivier Martinez Paul, Apostle of Christ is a 2018 biblical drama film directed by Andrew Hyatt. The story of Paul (James Faulkner), who started out as the most infamous persecutor of Christians to becoming Jesus Chri …more
57
Fifty Shades Freed Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Kim Basinger Fifty Shades Freed is a 2018 American erotic romantic drama film directed by James Foley, based on the novel by E. L. James. Now married, Ana (Dakota Johnson) and Christian (Jamie Dornan) face new pro …more
58
Mary ShelleyElle Fanning, Douglas Booth, Bel PowleyMary Shelley (titled initially A Storm in the Stars) is a 2017 Irish-American-Luxembourgish romance film directed by Haifaa al-Mansour. The love affair between poet Percy Shelley (Douglas Booth) and …more
59
The Forgiven Forest Whitaker, Eric Bana, Jeff Gum The Forgiven is a 2017 British drama film directed by Roland Joffé, based on the play The Archbishop and the Antichrist by Michael Ashton. After the end of Apartheid, Archbishop Desmond Tutu (Forest W …more
60
PickingsElyse Price, Joel Bernard, Katie Vincent Pickings is a 2018 American neo-noir crime film directed by Usher Morgan. When a short-tempered mobster and his gang of thugs try to shake down a neighborhood bar, they’re soon confronted with the wra …more