10 of the Best Drinking Scenes in Film
What makes a great drinking scene in film? It’s not just about what’s in the glass—it’s about the moment. The best ones capture something unforgettable: celebration, rebellion, connection, or even quiet tension. They aren’t depictions of alcohol at its worst, highlighting addiction, violence, or harm. Classics, Westerns, action films, and even the fantasy genre have iconic drinking scenes with memorable bars, rousing toasts, and comedic escapades.
So pour yourself something you love, gather a few friends, and press play—these are the drinking scenes worth raising a glass to.
Casablanca (1942)
There are several memorable scenes with alcohol in this classic film, but one stands out as the best. It’s the scene where the Nazis start singing "Die Wacht am Rhein” when Victor Laszlo leads everyone in Rick's Café Casablanca in a rendition of the “Marseilles” in the bar in defiance of the Nazis. Afterwards, Lazlo and company toast to the frustrated Nazis. It’s a reminder that art and culture can be used in protest against fascists.
Casino Royale (2006)
We all know James Bond’s signature drink, a vodka martini, shaken not stirred. There’s plenty of scenes with this iconic cocktail, but the one in Casino Royale is notable since it’s the alleged origin of his preferred drink. The scene has got it all - rising tension as the poker game stakes get higher and humor as fellow poker players ask for the same drink.
Beerfest (2006)
Written by comedy group Broken Lizard, this film celebrates all things beer fests, focusing on a drinking competition. Like James Bond, there are plenty of scenes that could qualify but the best scene is the final scene when two teams face off while drinking the boot of beer. Without giving too much away, it’s satisfying to watch in more ways than one.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988)
It’s one of the more terrifying scenes in the film where Judge Doom has finally caught Roger Rabbit in a bar. Accused of murder, Roger is about to be dunked into the terrifying Dip. The only thing that Eddie Valiant can save Roger Rabbit is giving him whiskey. The results are explosive to say the least. It’s what gives the detective duo a fighting chance.
Shawshank Redemption (1994)
In this classic film about the friendship of two men in prison, there’s one very memorable drinking scene. Prisoner Andy Dufresne manages to convince the Captain to let his fellow inmates have bottles of beer in exchange for accounting services. It’s a beautiful scene where the prisoners are enjoying a cold beer on a presumably hot day on the roof while Andy looks on, content and sober. Nothing in the world will taste as good as that Bohemian Style Beer. It’s a moment of calm in the midst of the storm in these prisoners’ lives.
Some Like It Hot (1959
You can’t go wrong with Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis. In this film, both of their characters, Jerry and Joe, are disguised as women to escape a death sentence from the mob. Both fall in love with the enchanting Marilyn Monroe, as Sugar, and end up joining an all-women’s jazz band. They all travel via train to their gig in Florida, while avoiding the mobsters all the while. In this scene, Jerry is having a party of two with Sugar in her bunk on the train. Intending to romance Sugar, the soiree becomes an all-out party when all the rest of the bandmates end up joining them and bringing their own stashes of booze and utensils. It’s a bit like a clown car, involving hard liquor and a train car.
Tombstone (1993)
In this scene, the outlaws face down Wyatt Earp and his men over a card table in the saloon. The tension amps up as Doc Holliday, played by Val Kilmer, sips from his cup and decides whether he hates outlaw Johnny Ringo. After a surprising conversation between the two men in Latin, Ringo shows off his incredible speed with his gun, twirling it around. In the face of the threat, Doc Holliday mimics Ringo using his cup. It’s a beautiful moment of Doc Holliday’s unflappability and sense of humor, defusing the situation. We all know that there will be a showdown, later on. There are several other scenes where Doc Holliday really makes the film.
Inglorious Basterds (2009)
Speaking of tense scenes, the scene in the tavern is the epitome of stress! To prepare for the mission in the movie theatre, Lt. Archie Hicox meets up with Bridget von Hammersmark, a German actress, British spy, to discuss the plot. Hicox, disguised as a German officer, discovers that the tavern is filled with German soldiers, changing the entire dynamic. With each glass of beer, the temperature rises as each of the characters trade verbal blows and mistruths to a fiery conclusion.
The Hobbit (2012)
While the Lord of the Rings universe provides a variety of great drinking scenes, the best one is from the beginning of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. It’s when the dwarves have come to Bilbo Baggin’s house and are eating him out of house and home. There’s that lovely song “Blunt the Knives” that the company of Dwarves sing when they start clearing up. Eventually, the evening gets more emotional when the Dwarves sing “Misty Mountains,” a lament for their lost home. The overall scene has wonderful highs and lows of a night of drinking and merrymaking. The scene with the dancing hobbits at the Prancing Pony in the Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring is a distant second. Check out the Misty Mountain clip.
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Last but not least, we have the famous drinking competition between Marion Ravenwood and a man. She’s the lone woman in a room full of drunken men keen to see her fail. With each drink and bob of the head, the men exchange money. Then at the last moment, she manages to hold out over her opponent who falls head first onto the table. It establishes her as a formidable woman who has had to fend for herself. It’s also impressive how she holds her liquor considering the scenes that follow that drinking game.