The 7 Best Movies for Whisky Lovers
- Stu
- Sep 28, 2024
- 3 min read

There’s something about whisky that brings a touch of class to the screen. Whether it’s the smooth pour or the brooding sip, a whisky scene adds gravitas to any film. If you’re a whisky enthusiast or just someone who enjoys a good dram while watching movies, here’s a curated list of films where whisky plays a starring (or at least supporting) role. These picks will make you want to reach for the bottle and pour yourself something neat while you kick back and enjoy the show.

1. Lost in Translation (2003)
Ah, Bill Murray. Is there anyone who can pull off existential crisis with so much charm? In Lost in Translation, whisky plays a subtle but memorable role in one of the film’s iconic scenes. Bob Harris (Murray) finds himself in Tokyo, detached from life back home, while shooting a commercial for Suntory whisky. His mantra? “For relaxing times, make it Suntory time.” This scene has become legendary in pop culture, making Suntory whisky a must-try for fans of the film.
Whisky Pairing: Suntory Hibiki Harmony – smooth and elegant, just like Bob Harris’s deadpan delivery.
2. The Angel’s Share (2012)
A little-known gem, The Angel’s Share is a Scottish comedy-drama that takes whisky lovers deep into the heart of Scotland’s whisky-making tradition. The story follows a group of Glaswegian misfits who find themselves plotting a heist to steal some of the finest whisky in the world. This film captures not only the craft and tradition behind whisky but also its cultural significance in Scotland.
Whisky Pairing: A dram of Lagavulin 16-Year-Old – rich, smoky, and packed with Scottish soul.
3. Skyfall (2012)
James Bond has always been a man of refined taste, and in Skyfall, we see him sipping on some of the finest single malts. In a particularly intense scene with the villain Raoul Silva (played by Javier Bardem), Bond shares a glass of Macallan 1962. This luxurious whisky, aged for half a century, represents everything about 007 – smooth, sophisticated, and dangerous.
Whisky Pairing: Macallan 12-Year-Old – because a bottle of 1962 Macallan will set you back about the price of a small house.
4. The Untouchables (1987)
Set during Prohibition, The Untouchables is packed with action, crime, and, of course, whisky. While the movie focuses on Eliot Ness’s mission to take down notorious mobster Al Capone, it also paints a vivid picture of the underground whisky trade in America. There’s nothing like seeing barrels of whisky being smuggled around Chicago while Kevin Costner and Sean Connery try to uphold the law.
Whisky Pairing: Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style – a taste of the Roaring Twenties in every sip.
5. Whisky Galore! (1949)
Based on the true story of the SS Politician, a shipwreck that left an island full of whisky, Whisky Galore! is a classic British comedy that revolves around the residents of a Scottish island and their desperate attempts to retrieve the cargo of whisky. When wartime rationing leaves them dry, they take matters into their own hands. The movie is charming, light-hearted, and a perfect homage to the Scots’ love for the golden liquid.
Whisky Pairing: GlenDronach 12-Year-Old – rich, sherried, and full of character, just like the film’s quirky cast.
6. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
If you’re in the mood for a classic Western, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance has all the right elements – cowboys, outlaws, and whisky. John Wayne and James Stewart star in this tale of law and legend, where whisky flows freely in the saloons of the Old West. It’s the kind of movie that makes you want to pour yourself a glass of bourbon, lean back, and soak in the nostalgia of a bygone era.
Whisky Pairing: Wild Turkey 101 – bold, unapologetic, and perfect for an old-school Western.
7. Sideways (2004)
Okay, hear me out. While Sideways is technically about wine, there’s a famous scene where Miles (Paul Giamatti) reaches his breaking point and chugs a bottle of whisky straight from the bottle. It’s messy, it’s desperate, and it’s memorable. Sometimes, whisky isn’t about sipping in a classy bar – sometimes it’s about drowning your sorrows and embracing the chaos.
Whisky Pairing: Buffalo Trace – reliable and robust, perfect for a night of existential crisis.
Whether you’re in the mood for high-stakes drama, comedy, or something in between, these films will enhance your love for whisky. So next time you settle in for movie night, pour yourself a glass and enjoy a cinematic experience with a whisky lover’s twist. Cheers!
留言