Lust for Life

You don't need another "must-watch drama" list — Lust for Life earns the spot regardless. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Kirk Douglas's performance alone is worth the time investment. Available now — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

There is a reason Lust for Life keeps coming up in conversation. Lust for Life trusts its audience to sit with discomfort instead of resolving it too quickly. An intense and imaginative artist, revered Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh possesses undeniable talent, but he is plagued by mental problems and frustrations with failure. Supported by his brother, Theo, the tormented Van Gogh eventually leaves Holland for France, where he meets volatile fellow painter Paul Gauguin and struggles to find greater inspiration. Kirk Douglas and Anthony Quinn lead a cast doing genuinely serious work here. It hit screens in 1956. The performances in Lust for Life do a lot of work in the silences between the dialogue. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

Drama fans who appreciate slow-burn storytelling will feel right at home with Lust for Life. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Kirk Douglas anchors a cast that never overplays its hand. The kind of drama that stays with you well after the finale.

Lust for Life was released in 1956, directed by Vincente Minnelli. The full 122-minute film is available to watch now. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.