The 90+ Best Drug Movies of All Time

Ranker Film
Updated April 18, 2024 1.4M views 97 items
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Vote up your favorite films where drugs are a central part of the story and portrayed well.

Step into the cinematic underbelly with our expertly curated selection of the best movies about drugs, where the gritty and seductive narratives of substance use and crime take center stage. These films weave a tapestry of stories that range from the temptation of casual use to the intense, life-altering consequences of addiction and the dangerous game of trafficking.

These drug movies straddle a broad spectrum, from thought-provoking dramas about the perils of addiction to the drug dealer movies that unfold thrilling tales of crime and power, not to mention explorations of drugs in the movies through a humorous lens. Our collection stands out for capturing the essence of drug-related storytelling at its finest, with good drug movies that are as impactful in their messages as they are in their storytelling craft.

Beyond just showcasing the top movies about drugs, this list is the product of film aficionados who appreciate cinema's role in portraying the complex relationship between society and narcotics. And thanks to the power of crowd ranking, your voice can help determine which films resonate most profoundly with audiences as they navigate through narratives of caution, downfall, and sometimes, redemption.

In this exploration of drug movies based on true stories and fiction alike, you'll find films that have captivated viewers not just for their gripping plots but for the real-life crossover into the world of celebrity-endorsed cannabis - think of the legacy that Pineapple Express holds due to Seth Rogen's influence.

If you're looking to get your fix of teen drug movies or a taste of the drug dealer movies based on true stories, your votes will help refine our list to truly reflect the pinnacle of this powerful genre. So whether you're browsing for the next intense watch or a good drug movie on Netflix to stream tonight, join us in creating the ultimate ranking of movies that tackle the complex theme of drugs with honesty, flair, and unforgettable narratives. And if your appetite for enthralling cinema isn't sated, explore our other lists featuring the cream of the crop in psychological thrillers, cult classics, and epic sagas—all influenced by your selections and insights.

  • Trainspotting
    1
    Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller
    2,200 votes

    Trainspotting is an audacious exploration of the Edinburgh drug scene, blending dark humor and searing drama into a potent narrative about hope, friendship, and the grip of heroin addiction. Director Danny Boyle adeptly captures Irvine Welsh's source material, employing innovative storytelling techniques and a pulsating soundtrack to bring the unglamorous world of its characters to life. The film's ensemble cast, led by Ewan McGregor, delivers visceral performances that embody the tragic cycle of addiction and fleeting exhilaration that permeates their lives. As one of the most raw and unflinching depictions of the drug experience in cinema, Trainspotting remains an enduring masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

  • Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
    2
    Johnny Depp, Benicio Del Toro, Craig Bierko
    3,009 votes

    Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas masterfully showcases the drug-fueled escapades of two disillusioned outcasts searching for the American Dream in Sin City. Recognized as one of the most iconic drug movies ever made, director Terry Gilliam brings Hunter S. Thompson's hallucinatory novel to life through chaotic imagery and frenzied performances by Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro. The film unapologetically delves into themes of hedonism, disillusionment, and excess, all the while creating an unforgettable portrait of America's love affair with drugs. Fear and Loathing not only encapsulates the spirit of the counter-culture movement of the 1960s and 1970s but also continues to serve as a defining commentary on the never-ending pursuit of self-indulgence.

  • Dazed and Confused
    3
    Jason London, Wiley Wiggins, Sasha Jenson
    1,727 votes

    Dazed and Confused is a quintessential coming-of-age film that masterfully captures the drug and party culture of the 1970s. Director Richard Linklater's iconic ensemble piece boasts a diverse cast of high school students, each navigating their own personal struggles while embracing the rampant marijuana use that permeated the era. The film's relaxed, episodic structure perfectly encapsulates the aimlessness and hazy atmosphere of youth in a time where drugs served as a rite of passage and escape from suburban ennui. Dazed and Confused remains an enduring classic for its authentic portrayal of the adolescent experience and its candid exploration of drug culture as an integral part of teenage life.

  • Pulp Fiction
    4
    John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman
    2,344 votes

    Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction is a nonlinear, postmodern masterpiece that weaves drug use into its intricate tapestry of interlocking stories. The film portrays the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, populated by colorful characters whose lives are deeply intertwined with drug culture. From John Travolta's heroin-addicted hitman to Uma Thurman's coke-snorting mob wife, Pulp Fiction displays the complex relationship between substance abuse and criminality, showcasing the recklessness and desperation that drugs can provoke. By intertwining these narratives and placing drugs at the core of the characters' motivations and actions, Pulp Fiction achieves notoriety as a seminal drug movie, providing an unorthodox yet engaging examination of society's darker side.

  • Requiem for a Dream
    5
    Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly
    2,390 votes

    Requiem for a Dream is a harrowing cinematic experience that depicts the devastating effects of drug addiction on four individuals and their interconnected lives. Directed by Darren Aronofsky, the film employs a surreal and visceral style, immersing the viewer in the characters' downward spirals without mercy or reprieve. The expertly crafted visuals, combined with Clint Mansell's haunting score, create an atmosphere of impending doom as the protagonists fall deeper into their respective drug-induced delusions and despair. Through its brutally honest portrayal of addiction, Requiem for a Dream remains an essential film in the drug movie canon––one that serves as a cautionary reminder of the all-consuming nature of substance abuse.

  • The Wolf of Wall Street
    6
    Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie
    1,951 votes

    Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street is an epic tale of excess and debauchery, revealing the darker side of the American Dream through the lens of drug-fueled hedonism. The film follows the rise and fall of stockbroker Jordan Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, whose insatiable appetite for wealth and power leads him down a path of rampant drug use and reckless behavior. Scorsese masterfully balances dark humor with cautionary drama, exposing the corrupt and drug-addled world of Wall Street and the destructive consequences of unbridled ambition. The Wolf of Wall Street is a modern-day parable, illustrating the powerful allure of drugs and their capacity to corrupt even the most seemingly invincible individuals.

  • Blow
    7
    Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Franka Potente
    3,012 votes

    Blow recounts the real-life story of George Jung, an ambitious American drug smuggler who played a crucial role in the rise of the cocaine trade in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s. Ted Demme's biographical drama thoughtfully delves into the complex motivations and personal relationships behind Jung's involvement in the drug trade, exploring the allure of money, power, and drugs as an escape from an unsatisfying life. Johnny Depp's nuanced portrayal of Jung reveals the depths of desperation that drove him to become the ultimate drug kingpin. Blow serves as a sobering reminder of the immense power and danger of the drug trade, and the devastation it can inflict on the lives of those involved.

  • Friday
    8
    Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Nia Long
    1,329 votes

    Friday is a hilarious and insightful look into the drug culture that pervades urban America, offering a unique blend of humor and social commentary. Ice Cube and Chris Tucker lead the film with their side-splitting chemistry, depicting two friends attempting to navigate the complexities of their South Central Los Angeles neighborhood while indulging in marijuana use. Director F. Gary Gray uses the film's humor to shine a light on the often-trivialized impact of drug use within the African American community. By striking a delicate balance between comedy and social critique, Friday effectively underscores the far-reaching effects of drugs and their role in shaping daily life in urban environments.

  • Pineapple Express
    9
    Seth Rogen, James Franco, Gary Cole
    1,589 votes

    Pineapple Express is a riotous stoner action-comedy that follows the misadventures of two marijuana enthusiasts caught up in a dangerous drug conspiracy. Directed by David Gordon Green and written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, the film hilariously explores the absurdity and paranoia often associated with recreational drug use. Rogen and James Franco deliver uproarious performances as the hapless duo, who find themselves navigating a surreal world of drug dealers, corrupt cops, and ruthless killers, all while fueled by the titular strain of weed. Pineapple Express brilliantly melds humor, action, and buddy-film tropes to create an unforgettable romp through the haze of marijuana culture.

  • Goodfellas
    10
    Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci
    1,380 votes

    Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas is an iconic crime epic that unflinchingly depicts the corrosive influence of drugs on the lives of mobsters and their families. The film delves into the seedy underworld of organized crime, revealing the key role that drug trafficking and addiction played in the rise and fall of its central characters. Through its captivating performances and brutal honesty, Goodfellas highlights the allure of power and wealth in the criminal world, as well as the destructive consequences of drug use and addiction. By illustrating the insidious relationship between drugs and crime, Scorsese's masterpiece serves as a powerful commentary on the darker side of the American Dream.

  • Half Baked
    11
    Dave Chappelle, Guillermo Díaz, Jim Breuer
    1,505 votes

    Half Baked is a stoner comedy that delivers a whimsical and hilarious take on the carefree nature of marijuana culture. The film follows the escapades of four friends, played by a talented ensemble cast led by Dave Chappelle, as they embark on a series of absurd adventures fueled by their love for smoking weed. Director Tamra Davis expertly blends lighthearted humor with surprisingly thoughtful observations on the nature of friendship, loyalty, and the pitfalls of drug use. Half Baked remains a cult classic for its unapologetic celebration of marijuana and its unique ability to make audiences both laugh and think.

  • Up in Smoke
    12
    Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, Stacy Keach
    1,418 votes

    Cheech & Chong's Up in Smoke is a pioneering stoner comedy that has stood the test of time as an enduring ode to the laidback nature of marijuana culture. The film features the iconic comedic duo, Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, as two easygoing stoners whose seemingly mundane lives are turned upside down by a series of outrageous drug-related mishaps. Director Lou Adler adeptly captures the absurdity and excitement of the 1970s counterculture, delivering a hilarious and often surreal exploration of drugs as a source of both comedy and social commentary. Up in Smoke remains a beloved classic for its beloved characters and unapologetic embrace of the stoner lifestyle.

  • The Big Lebowski
    13
    Jeff Bridges, Steve Buscemi, John Goodman
    485 votes

    The Big Lebowski is a cult classic renowned for its quirky characters, deadpan humor, and its central character's affinity for marijuana. Directed by the Coen Brothers, the film follows Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski, played by Jeff Bridges, as he navigates a convoluted web of lies, deceit, and crime, all while maintaining his trademark laid-back demeanor fueled by his steady consumption of weed. The Big Lebowski brilliantly uses marijuana as a means of highlighting the absurdity and chaos of the world around The Dude, revealing how drugs can simultaneously soothe and accentuate life's unpredictable nature. With its unforgettable characters, timeless humor, and unabashed celebration of drug culture, The Big Lebowski remains a beloved favorite in the world of cinema.

  • The Basketball Diaries
    14
    Leonardo DiCaprio, Bruno Kirby, Lorraine Bracco
    1,006 votes

    The Basketball Diaries is a powerful coming-of-age drama that delves into the harrowing world of teenage drug addiction. Based on the true-life experiences of writer Jim Carroll, the film chillingly portrays the downward spiral of a promising high school athlete, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, as he succumbs to the grip of heroin addiction. Director Scott Kalvert expertly captures the bleakness and despair of Carroll's descent into addiction, showcasing the devastating consequences of drug abuse on both the individual and their loved ones. The Basketball Diaries remains an essential piece of cinema for its authentic portrayal of youth and addiction, reminding viewers of the all-too-real dangers of drug use.

  • Boogie Nights
    15
    Mark Wahlberg, Burt Reynolds, Julianne Moore
    579 votes

    Boogie Nights is an engrossing examination of the exploitation and excess that permeated the adult film industry during the 1970s and 1980s. The film delves deep into the intertwined lives of its characters, revealing the destructive consequences of drug use on professional and personal relationships. Director Paul Thomas Anderson's vivid portrayal of the hedonistic culture of the era serves as a powerful backdrop for the film's exploration of addiction and self-destructive behavior. Boogie Nights remains a compelling portrait of a bygone era, offering an unflinching look at the dark underbelly of fame, fortune, and drug-fueled debauchery.

  • The Doors
    16
    Val Kilmer, Meg Ryan, Kevin Dillon
    648 votes

    The Doors is a dazzling biographical film that explores the life and times of legendary rock icon Jim Morrison, whose turbulent lifestyle was inextricably linked to his drug use and experimentation. Director Oliver Stone's psychedelic visual style brilliantly reflects the chaos and hedonism of the 1960s counterculture, capturing the essence of The Doors' music and the tormented genius of Morrison himself. Val Kilmer's captivating portrayal of Morrison offers insight into the allure and consequences of drugs in the world of rock and roll, showcasing the dual nature of creativity and self-destruction. The Doors serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of unchecked drug use, even in the seemingly untouchable realm of superstardom.

  • A Clockwork Orange
    17
    Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates
    985 votes

    A Clockwork Orange is a thought-provoking and disturbing exploration of societal control, violence, and drug-induced psychological manipulation. Directed by legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, the film centers on Alex DeLarge, a sociopathic young man whose penchant for brutal violence is exploited through experimental drug treatment. Through its use of drugs as a means of control and coercion, A Clockwork Orange raises challenging questions about the ethics of governmental power and the nature of free will. With its striking visuals and provocative subject matter, A Clockwork Orange stands as a chilling cautionary tale about the potential dangers of unchecked authority and the dark side of human nature.

  • American Gangster
    18
    Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor
    998 votes

    American Gangster is an engrossing crime epic that chronicles the rise and fall of real-life drug kingpin Frank Lucas. The film explores the powerful impact of drug trafficking on Lucas' life and his relentless pursuit of wealth and influence. Director Ridley Scott masterfully captures the gritty reality of 1970s Harlem, revealing the insidious influence of drugs and organized crime on communities and individuals alike. Through its examination of Lucas' drug empire, American Gangster offers a sobering commentary on the power and danger of the drug trade and the devastation it can inflict on all involved.

  • Training Day
    19
    Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Scott Glenn
    786 votes

    Training Day is a tense and gripping crime thriller that delves into the corrupt world of law enforcement, exploring themes of power, manipulation, and drug-induced moral decay. The film follows rookie cop Jake Hoyt, played by Ethan Hawke, as he spends his first day on the job under the tutelage of charismatic but morally compromised detective Alonzo Harris, played by Denzel Washington. Director Antoine Fuqua masterfully captures the gritty realities of Los Angeles' criminal underworld, where drugs and corruption blur the lines between law enforcement and the criminals they pursue. Training Day is a compelling examination of the moral ambiguities that arise from the influence of drugs and the quest for power, providing a thrilling exploration of the darker side of human nature.

  • Pink Floyd – The Wall
    20
    Bob Geldof, Christine Hargreaves, James Laurenson
    502 votes

    Pink Floyd – The Wall is a surreal and visually stunning adaptation of the iconic concept album, expertly blending live-action and animation to explore the mind of a deeply troubled rock star. The film's protagonist, Pink, portrayed by Bob Geldof, turns to drugs as a means of coping with his personal demons and the consequences of fame. Director Alan Parker's ambitious and inventive storytelling offers a unique glimpse into the hallucinatory world of drug-induced psychosis while also exploring themes of isolation, depression, and self-destruction. Pink Floyd – The Wall remains an enduring classic for its powerful visuals and unapologetic exploration of the dark side of creativity and drug use.

  • Spun
    21
    Mickey Rourke, Debbie Harry, Brittany Murphy
    935 votes

    Spun is an unrelenting and visually arresting portrayal of the chaotic world of methamphetamine addiction. Director Jonas Åkerlund employs a frenetic style and kinetic energy to immerse viewers in the disjointed lives of its characters, capturing the heightened reality of drug-induced paranoia and delusion. The film's darkly comic tone underscores the absurdity of its characters' behavior and the destructive consequences of addiction. Spun remains a stark examination of the devastating impact of drugs on both the individual and the community, offering a hauntingly realistic look at the all-consuming nature of methamphetamine abuse.

  • Super Troopers
    22
    Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme
    863 votes

    Super Troopers is a cult classic and an outrageous comedy that explores the antics of a group of unconventional highway patrolmen who find themselves at the center of a drug smuggling conspiracy. The film delivers irreverent humor and slapstick comedy, portraying law enforcement in a less-than-serious light while showcasing the chaotic hilarity that can arise from drug-fueled escapades. The ensemble cast, led by the Broken Lizard comedy troupe, masterfully balances wit and absurdity to create a memorable and entertaining ride. Super Troopers stands as a testament to the power of humor, offering a unique and hilarious take on the relationship between drugs, law enforcement, and the absurdity of life.

  • Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle
    23
    John Cho, Kal Penn, Paula Garcés
    1,022 votes

    Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle is an uproarious stoner comedy that follows the hijinks of two friends on a seemingly simple quest for fast food while high on marijuana. The film embraces the absurdity of its premise, delivering a hilarious and heartfelt exploration of friendship, cultural stereotypes, and the role of drugs in popular culture. The chemistry between John Cho and Kal Penn carries the film, creating a dynamic duo that balances smart humor with slapstick comedy. Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle remains a beloved entry in the stoner comedy genre for its unique blend of humor, heart, and unabashed celebration of marijuana culture.

  • Almost Famous
    24
    Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson
    319 votes

    Almost Famous is a heartfelt ode to the world of rock and roll, offering a candid exploration of the music industry and the drug culture that pervades it. The film, directed by Cameron Crowe, follows a young journalist as he navigates the excesses and pitfalls of life on the road with a budding rock band. Through its authentic portrayal of the era, Almost Famous highlights the role of drugs as both a source of creative inspiration and a catalyst for self-destructive behavior. With its memorable characters, unforgettable soundtrack, and unapologetic celebration of the spirit of rock and roll, Almost Famous remains an enduring classic in the world of cinema.

  • Fast Times at Ridgemont High
    25
    Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold
    339 votes

    Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a seminal coming-of-age film that expertly captures the teen experience in all its glory and messiness, complete with a healthy dose of marijuana culture. Director Amy Heckerling's iconic ensemble piece offers a diverse array of high school students, each grappling with their own personal struggles and embracing the drug culture that epitomized the early 1980s. The film's relaxed and episodic nature perfectly encapsulates the aimlessness and uncertainty of adolescence, while also exploring the role of drugs as both a rite of passage and an escape from the pressures of growing up. Fast Times at Ridgemont High remains a beloved classic for its authentic portrayal of youth, and its unabashed exploration of drug culture as an integral part of the teenage experience.

  • Limitless
    26
    Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Abbie Cornish
    658 votes

    Limitless is a thrilling sci-fi drama that explores the seductive power of a mysterious drug that grants users unparalleled intelligence and focus. The film follows struggling writer Eddie Morra, played by Bradley Cooper, as he discovers the wonders and dangers of the drug NZT-48. Director Neil Burger masterfully captures the allure of the drug, showcasing the heightened reality experienced by those under its influence while questioning the ethical implications of such power. Through its inventive premise and engaging storytelling, Limitless offers a compelling examination of the potential consequences of drug use and the human obsession with self-improvement.

  • Drugstore Cowboy
    27
    Matt Dillon, Kelly Lynch, James LeGros
    736 votes

    Drugstore Cowboy is a poignant and gritty examination of the lives of a group of drug addicts as they navigate the dangerous world of substance abuse and crime. Directed by Gus Van Sant and based on the novel by James Fogle, the film delves deep into the psychology of addiction and the lengths to which individuals will go in pursuit of their next fix. Matt Dillon delivers a powerful performance as the group's ringleader, Bob, who is forced to confront the consequences of his actions and the impact of his addiction on those around him. Drugstore Cowboy remains an essential piece of cinema for its unflinching portrayal of addiction and the oftentimes futile struggle for redemption.

  • Kids
    28
    Leo Fitzpatrick, Justin Pierce, Chloë Sevigny
    491 votes

    Kids is a controversial and unflinching portrayal of the dark underbelly of urban youth culture, marked by promiscuity, substance abuse, and wanton hedonism. Director Larry Clark explores the lives of reckless teenagers as they indulge in drug use, engaging in dangerous and self-destructive behavior. By shedding light on the darker aspects of youth culture and the consequences of unbridled drug use, Kids serves as a sobering and cautionary tale about the risks and dangers young people face while navigating the turbulent world of adolescence. With its raw and honest approach to filmmaking, Kids remains one of the most impactful and provocative explorations of the relationship between drugs and youth culture in cinema.

  • Traffic
    29
    Michael Douglas, Don Cheadle, Benicio Del Toro
    662 votes

    Traffic is a complex and gripping ensemble drama that delves into the multifaceted world of drug trafficking, addiction, and law enforcement. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, the film interweaves multiple narratives, each exploring different aspects and perspectives on the drug trade and those affected by it. Traffic masterfully balances authenticity and intensity, showcasing the human cost of drugs and the morally ambiguous actions of all those involved. Through its intricate storytelling and powerful performances, Traffic remains a seminal examination of the far-reaching effects of drug culture on individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

  • Cheech and Chong's Next Movie
    30
    Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, Paul Reubens
    248 votes

    Cheech & Chong's Next Movie is another uproarious installment in the iconic stoner comedy duo's filmography, delivering a healthy dose of absurdity and hilarity. Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong reprise their roles as a pair of easygoing stoners on a series of misadventures fueled by their love of marijuana. Director Tommy Chong captures the essence of the duo's signature brand of humor, blending slapstick comedy and surreal escapades while maintaining a laidback atmosphere. With its memorable characters and unapologetic celebration of drug culture, Cheech & Chong's Next Movie remains a beloved classic for fans of the stoner comedy genre.