20 times cinema defined obsession and we couldn't look away

Modified Jan 20, 2025 03:10 ET

14) Terence Fletcher and Andrew Neiman in Whiplash (2014)

Whiplash (Image via Sony Pictures Classics)

Fletcher’s relentless pursuit of perfection in his students drives him to push Andrew beyond his limits. Andrew’s obsession with becoming one of the greats matches Fletcher’s intensity, leading to a volatile dynamic. Their relationship becomes a dangerous tug-of-war between ambition and abuse. Andrew’s drive culminates in a jaw-dropping final performance that earns Fletcher’s respect but leaves viewers questioning the cost of such obsession. The film’s portrayal of perfectionism and its consequences remains unforgettable for its raw intensity.