10 Films About Bartenders You Should Watch

Description: This neo-noir film features Philip Marlowe, a private detective, who often finds himself in bars, interacting with bartenders who provide him with information and atmosphere.

Fact: The film was directed by Robert Altman and was initially met with mixed reviews but has since gained cult status.

Description: Although primarily a horror film, the character of Lloyd, the ghostly bartender at the Overlook Hotel, adds a chilling layer to the narrative, showcasing the eerie side of bar life.

Fact: The film was adapted from Stephen King's novel, but King was famously unhappy with the adaptation, particularly with the character of Jack Torrance.

Description: This film follows the journey of a young and ambitious bartender, showcasing the highs and lows of the profession, from flashy flair bartending to the more intimate moments of connection with patrons.

Fact: Tom Cruise performed many of his own stunts, including the famous bottle-flipping scene. The movie was also responsible for a surge in popularity of the cocktail culture.

Description: While not a bartender-focused film, the character of Maude Lebowski, who is an artist, has a memorable scene in a bar where she discusses her art, highlighting the social and cultural significance of bars.

Fact: The film has inspired a cult following, with annual festivals celebrating its characters and dialogue. The White Russian, famously known as "The Dude's Drink," became popular after the movie.

Description: This film dives into the world of the Coyote Ugly Saloon, where bartenders are as much performers as they are drink mixers, showcasing the energy and camaraderie behind the bar.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life Coyote Ugly Saloon in New York City. The song "Can't Fight the Moonlight" by LeAnn Rimes was specifically written for the movie.

Description: In this Coen Brothers' film, the protagonist, a barber, frequents a bar where the bartender becomes a confidant, reflecting the bar's role as a place for confessions and solace.

Fact: The film was shot in black and white, giving it a timeless, noir feel, and it was one of the last films to use traditional black and white film stock.

Description: While the protagonist is a journalist, the film captures the essence of bar culture in 1950s Puerto Rico, with many scenes set in bars where the bartender plays a pivotal role in the story's development.

Fact: Johnny Depp, who stars as the lead, was a close friend of Hunter S. Thompson, the book's author, and had been trying to adapt the novel for years.

Description: While not solely about bartending, this film features a memorable pub crawl where the bartender plays a crucial role in the unfolding alien invasion plot, highlighting the social aspect of bars.

Fact: The film is the final installment in Edgar Wright's "Three Flavours Cornetto" trilogy. The pub names in the film are all references to British sci-fi.

Description: This adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's play features a bar as the central setting, where the bartender, Harry Hope, interacts with a group of down-and-out characters, exploring themes of hope and despair.

Fact: The film was directed by John Frankenheimer and features an all-star cast including Lee Marvin and Fredric March.

Description: Based on J.R. Moehringer's memoir, this film explores the relationship between a young man and his uncle, who is a bartender, offering life lessons and a sense of community in a local bar.

Fact: The film marks George Clooney's return to directing after a long hiatus. The bar scenes were shot in a real, historic bar in Massachusetts.