Promoted on Prime Video
The best drug movies and tv shows on netflix.
Finding a good Drug movie and TV show to watch can be hard, so we've ranked the best ones and included where to watch them. Check out our list of the best Drug movies and TV shows of all time streaming on Netflix.
Outer Banks (2020)
Breaking Bad (2008)
Shameless (2011)
Peaky Blinders (2014)
Ozark (2017)
Narcos (2015)
Forrest Gump (1994)
The Sinner (2017)
The Stranger (2020)
21 Jump Street (2012)
Good Girls (2018)
Ganglands (2021)
Queen of the South (2016)
Trailer Park Boys (2004)
Community Squad (2023)
Midnight Mass (2021)
BoJack Horseman (2014)
Narcos: Mexico (2018)
How to Change Your Mind (2022)
Nicky Jam: El Ganador (2018)
Fletch (1985)
Murder Mountain (2018)
Light the Night (2021)
False Identity (2018)
The Accidental Narco (2022)
Somos. (2021)
White Lines (2020)
Top Boy (2011)
The Day I Met El Chapo: The Kate Del Castillo Story (2017)
Valor (2017)
Ever After High (2013)
The Goop Lab (2020)
Undercover (2019)
How to Fix a Drug Scandal (2020)
El Chapo (2017)
Gangster Movies
Popular on netflix explore more.
Crime Movies Explore more
New Releases
Exciting Movies Explore more
Crime Dramas
International Movies Explore more
Asian Movies
Thriller Movies
International Comedies
Relentless Crime Dramas
There’s even more to watch.
Netflix has an extensive library of feature films, documentaries, TV shows, anime, award-winning Netflix originals, and more. Watch as much as you want, anytime you want.
Read about Netflix TV shows and movies and watch bonus videos on Tudum.com.
Questions? Contact us.
- Help Center
- Media Center
- Investor Relations
- Netflix Shop
- Redeem Gift Cards
- Buy Gift Cards
- Ways to Watch
- Terms of Use
- Cookie Preferences
- Corporate Information
- Legal Notices
- Only on Netflix
- Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
8 Best Movies About Drugs on Netflix Right Now
Too much of anything can be bad and the consequences of too much of drugs, that’s something we are all familiar with. Not all of us have tried these drugs, but cinema has shown us the most graphic and disturbing images of drug addictions in movies like ‘ Requiem for a Dream ‘, ‘The Basketball Diaries’, and these are just a few examples. Addiction is more or less of a disease of its own and has the capability of destroying lives and ruining families when it gets in the way of our simple day-to-day activities.
But drugs are not portrayed in a negative light all the time. Sometimes movies just show a bunch of teenagers having the time of their lives under the influence of drugs and alcohol and it’s fun to watch that as well unless it does not influence us in a wrong way. But drug abuse is not confined to being “medicated” or “stoned”. You could be “ on meds ” (prescription medicines) and still be a drug addict of some sort and this too has been discussed in one of the entries below.
Now maybe you just want to get high and have some fun watching a movie about stoned teenagers or you want something educational that’ll make you more aware about the consequences of taking drugs; whatever it is, we have you covered. Here’s the list of really good drug movies on Netflix that are available to stream right now. The list includes drug smuggling movies, substance abuse movies and drug dealer movies.
8. Shiny_Flakes: The Teenage Drug Lord (2021)
Directed by Eva Müller and Michael Schmitt, ‘Shiny_Flakes: The Teenage Drug Lord’ is a documentary film that recounts the story of Maximilian Schmidt, who serves as an inspiration for the series ‘How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast).’ In 2015, a young adult managed to sell approx—4.1 million euros worth of drugs without ever going out of his house. His international drugs empire survived for 14 months, and in that time, Maximilian managed to use his website shinyflakes.com to change the drug trade in unthinkable ways. The documentary captures Maximilian Schmidt’s account of events that transpired once he set out to run the illegal business.
7. Heroin(e) (2017)
This documentary tells the story of a town in West Virginia where heroin addiction and overdose is no less than an epidemic. With an overdose rate that is 10 times more than average the city of Huntington is threatened by something that may spread even further down to generations like wildfire. Filmmaker Elaine McMillion Sheldon captures a different side of this drug war where three women are out on a mission to break this drug cycle forever. What makes this documentary important is the bravery that it portrays of three women who are out there making a difference without expecting anything in return.
6. Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics (2020)
Hosted by Nick Offerman, ‘Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics’ is a documentary movie. The (Emmy Award-winning) Donick Cary directorial centers upon celebrities sharing their hallucinogenic drug usage experiences. Some of the tales are hilarious, and they are made more engaging through reenactments created using interactive animation. In case you wish to learn more about the hallucinogenic highs and lows of some of your favorite stars, then ‘Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics’ is a great watch.
5. The Drug King (2018)
This film is set in Busan, South Korea where Leo Doo-sam is ‘The Drug King’ and has built an impeccable empire around his smuggling business. His drug business has its foundation spread deep within the roots of the underworld. But that does not mean that he cannot be touched. Public prosecutor Kim In-goo is determined to hunt him down and look for a way in through man’s insatiable thirst to keep growing. The lead actor of the film does a great job playing his character along with a few other stars of the movie who have also done well. The only problem with this one is that at times it feels like it has been extended far too long and loses its direction.
4. Divines (2016)
‘Divines’ revolves around a teenager who lives in the outskirts of Paris. Driven by an extreme urge to succeed and seek instant gratification, she decides to become a runner for a drug dealer. But her life starts to change when she meets a young dancer who shows her a life full of new and better opportunities. This French film is absolutely amazing and the actors do a phenomenal job. The film’s depiction of life is so real that you will find yourself laughing when the characters of the film do and crying when they cry. A must-watch film in this genre, especially if you are a fan of French Cinema.
3. 6 Balloons (2018)
‘6 Balloons’ tells the story of a young mother named Katie who notices that her brother Seth ( Dave Franco ) has relapsed on his heroin addiction. The film follows the journey of Katie, her little daughter, and Seth who drive through the night looking for a rehab center. Dave Franco shows a very realistic depiction of a drug addict which will even terrify you at times. He apparently lost 20lbs for his role in this movie to look like an actual drug addict. Even the lead female Abbi Jacobson shows displays solid acting skills with her character in the film.
Most of the reviews for this film are slightly misleading and have really downgraded it from what it actually is. It is worth a watch and actually sucks you deep inside the emotions of a family dealing with the drug addiction of one of its members. This indie flick is definitely for you if you’re looking for a movie in this genre that portrays reality, instead of showing unwanted drama, and has a mindful narrative that can even be relatable for those who have experienced these addictions before.
Read More: Best Action Movies on Netflix
2. Hillbilly Elegy (2020)
Featuring stand-out performances by Amy Adams, Glenn Close, Gabriel Basso, Haley Bennett, and Freida Pinto, ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ is a drama film that is based on J. D. Vance’s memoir of the same name. The film revolves Yale Law student who returns to his hometown in the Appalachian mountains for a life-changing break. In his time there, he reflects on three generations of family history and comes to terms with his life choices and future prospects.
Read More: Best Stoner Movies on Netflix
1. Take Your Pills (2018)
Every generation has a pill and so does this one. Adderall and Ritalin abuse has become extremely common these days in this fast-paced world where everyone is competing with one another. These pills were once only for kids with a small attention span but now are being used by everyone from college students to Wall Street employees. But no one’s really thinking about the long term consequences of these drugs. In a quest to become “ Limitless “, we are slowly losing ourselves to the grind.
Read More: Best Boxing Movies on Netflix
SPONSORED LINKS
- Movie Explainers
- TV Explainers
- About The Cinemaholic
Showbiz Cheat Sheet
- Entertainment
- What to Watch
- Royal family
Now on Netflix: 7 of the Best Drug-Themed Movies
There have been countless movies centered on the use or trade of drugs, from stoner comedies to critically acclaimed, serious-minded dramas. If you’re interested in the drug theme and are looking for your next film to watch, you’re in luck. There are plenty of great options within the category available for streaming on Netflix .
Since their vast library spans such a wide variety of genres, we’ve narrowed down the options to just seven of their best drug-themed titles. All of these movies incorporate some element of the drug trade into their storylines and there’s something to fit every kind of taste, whether you prefer funny, dramatic, or a little crazy (hey, we are talking about drug-infused themes here). Below, check out seven of the best drug movies on Netflix right now.
High school senior Malcolm Adekanbi (Shameik Moore) and his group of eclectic friends become embroiled in a drug dealer’s business when Malcolm inadvertently takes a backpack full of drugs home from a party. A critically acclaimed breakout at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, Dope appears on its surface to be a standard teen sex comedy flick. However, beneath its sex comedy veneer is a thoughtful and poignant film that touches on violence, drugs, and race in unexpected ways. And it manages to do all of this while remaining hilarious throughout.
Directed and written by Rick Famuyiwa, Dope currently has a 88% “fresh” rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
2. BMF: The Rise and Fall of a Hip-Hop Drug Empire
This 2012 documentary portrays the 15-year investigation of the BMF, or Black Mafia Family, one of the largest cocaine empires in U.S. history. Tied in with the music industry, specifically hip-hop, in the ’90s, the documentary features interviews with those who worked on the case, as well as footage of the community that was responsible for transporting millions of dollars worth of drugs from Los Angeles to Atlanta.
3. Cartel Land
The Mexican Cartel is known for being a ruthless, violent operation. It terrorizes citizens on both sides of the border, while the Mexican government leaves many small towns to fend for themselves. Cartel Land shows us the stunning true story of vigilantes rising up to battle the Cartel. These militias arm and protect their villages, and operate with a swift, merciless brutality to protect their homes. The documentary itself is a breathtaking affair, putting the filmmakers right in the middle of what amounts to a war zone.
4. DMT: The Spirit Molecule
https://youtu.be/LtT6Xkk-kzk
This 2010 documentary investigates dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a psychoactive compound that is found in humans, as well as many other animals and plants. Based on Dr. Rick Strassman’s book of the same name, DMT: The Spirit Molecule was the result of his years of research into this unusual compound. However, don’t expect this to be merely a dry, academic overview of DMT. This documentary includes perspectives from a wide range of people, from scientists and mathematicians to artists and religious leaders.
5. Cocaine Cowboys
This powerful 2006 documentary, directed by Billy Corben, explores the rise of cocaine and the resulting crime epidemic that swept Miami, Florida, in the 1970s and 1980s. The producers interview everyone from law enforcement officials, journalists, and lawyers to former drug smugglers and gang members, in order to provide a first-hand perspective of the Miami drug war. The film is gripping, gritty, and intense and poses some hard questions about the drug trade and its ability to turn a city into a crime-infested war zone.
6. The Panic in Needle Park
7. Russell Brand: End the Drugs War
Although primarily known as a comedian, Russell Brand is also an ex-addict. In this documentary originally made for BBC Three, Brand talks to both users and the police about drug addiction before bringing his case for drug decriminalization to the U.N. However, Brand is far from ambivalent about the harm that drug addiction causes. As noted in The Telegrap h’s review of the documentary, “The biggest eye-opener was Brand’s uncompromising stance toward the addicts themselves. A former heroin user, his hardline message was that drugs rip apart lives and that those in a spiral of addiction need to wake up to that reality.”
Check out Entertainment Cheat Sheet on Facebook!
12 movies and shows that take you inside the world of narcotics on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar
By Prabal Sharma
Time and again films have highlighted the realm of drugs and delivered immensely impactful narratives. Since these plots are based in a harsh reality, they have the ability to connect with the audience on a personal level. While a lot of stories showcase drug use as a given habit of a character, some dive deep into its disastrous intricacies. We bring you a list of movies and series— from biographical dramas to action thrillers —that will entertain and take you inside the elusive underbelly of illegal substance trade and abuse.
Chronicling the life of Colombian drug lord , Pablo Escobar, the show highlights the spread of cartels across America and vigorous efforts of law enforcement agencies to put an end to them. It touches upon the inception of Pablo's journey in the world of drugs. The intense narrative is shown from the perspective of a DEA agent, Steve Murphy, who is sent to Colombia on an undercover mission to capture and ultimately kill Pablo.
Streaming on Netflix
By Hasina Khatib
By Rhea Singh
By Hannah Coates
The film showcases four lives which intersect in a gritty tale set in the North Indian state of Punjab. A singer, a migrant labourer, a doctor and a cop are all involved in a journey which revolves around the relentless drug use in the state. The plot takes you from regular substance abuse to a larger political conspiracy behind the ready availability of such narcotics. Fake identities, prostitution, death, and despair are just the tip of the iceberg when Udta Punjab gets underway.
It can be a lot to process when you get diagnosed with a terminal disease , and the usual reactions do not include taking to a life in crime. However, chemistry teacher Walter White thinks otherwise after his diagnosis of stage III lung cancer, and does exactly that to secure his family's future. Given approximately two years to live, he starts cooking and selling methamphetamine with a former student. The plan seems to work initially as the money starts flowing in, but his success sets the authorities and rival sellers on his scent.
After her mother's passing, Amrita Jayshankar (Kalki Koechlin)'s mental health slowly starts deteriorating. She meets Karan Chaudhary at a party, who introduces her to his gang of freeloader friends. Her lifestyle slowly spirals out of control as drugs and alcohol become the new normal. The bubble soon bursts when the group kills two people in a hit and run while over-speeding. Escaping the scene, they are found out by a corrupt cop who demands copious amounts of money to keep his mouth shut. Desperate to keep things quiet, they fake Amrita's kidnapping, but the plan backfires when the case swells up to a full-fledged investigation.
A heartfelt story of a father and son who go through various extremities as the son, Nic (Timothée Chalamet), struggles with drug addiction. The film depicts the struggles and the impact of such a situation on the family as Nic goes from being sober to relapsing from time to time. His father, David ( Steve Carell) , takes all sorts of approaches to help him, from being considerate and checking him into rehab to cutting him off financially for his own good. Beautiful Boy is based on a pair of memoirs of the real-life father-son duo.
Streaming on Amazon Prime Video
A Russian drug lord, Moshe Barak, in Goa has to deal with the murder of two of his associates which starts a devastating gang war between cartels. The bloodshed causes Moshe to consider penning a deal with his opposing gang but other rivals, including some of his own people, hunger for a piece of Goa's drug trade. As he works to fix the situation, the chief minister of the state commands a ruthless police task force to hunt the criminals down in a drive to rid the party capital of India of narcotics .
Streaming on Eros Now
Managing illegal money for a Mexican drug cartel can go wrong in a number of ways and financial advisor Martin Byrde realises that a little too late. He decides to move his family from Chicago to a small town in Missouri, where he aims to set up a huge money-laundering operation to make up for a previously failed one. As the plan is put in motion, things start to go wrong when the Bryde family gets involved with local outlaws and eventually, the Kansas City Mafia.
When Lorry Gomes gets detained at Goa airport security by inspector Vishnu Kamath, a huge case of drug smuggling comes into the light. Even though Lorry's bag is oozing with illegal substances, Vishnu realises that he is just a pawn in a bigger conspiracy . His investigations string together a lot of suspects and put him face to face with notorious drug dealers with political connections and international criminals operating in the state. Vishnu narrows down on businessman, Lorsa Biscuita, who he suspects is associated with the kingpin of the entire network.
Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar
A light-hearted documentary with a pressing incentive, Have a Good Trip seamlessly blends humour with eye-opening revelations about hallucinogenic drugs. It involves celebrities narrating their hilarious and often disastrous personal experiences with psychedelics and discuss the drugs' origin, history, societal impact, and importance in pop-culture. It also talks about the relevance of hallucinogens in treating depression and addiction.
Is there a way to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder without conventional medicine and therapy? From Shock To Awe weaves an intense narrative around the lives of two combat veterans who decide to switch from pharmaceuticals to psychedelic drugs as a cure for their PTSD. Their decision does indeed hover on scientific research into the use of these drugs for medical purposes. The documentary also forces you to think about the legality of such processes, their influence on the medical industry and the morality of war.
Available to buy on Amazon Prime Video
This 20-minute episode is a thorough study of the most consumed illicit substance in the world— marijuana. It chronicles the journey of its usage from ancient China to the modern-day, dissecting the biology of Weed and its various types, touching upon the higher potency of the female plant compared to the male one. Other primary topics of discussion include the drug's addictive properties, its impact on mental well-being, results of potential legalisation, and the global trading network.
A group of corrupt doctors who run a rehab facility formulate a new synthetic pill that takes the illegal drug market by storm. Aiding them is one of their patients addicted, Shiv Mathur, whose intention of getting his life back together is forgotten when the profits start rolling in. However, the flip side of the coin shows face when competitors and a professional assassin catch their scent, threatening their lives.
Streaming on MX Player
9 romantic thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat, on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar
7 gripping mystery movies to watch on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar and more
Screen Rant
15 drug themed movies to watch if you loved blow.
From the gritty classics to underrated gems, these are the best movies about addiction and drugs that Blow fans will love.
Drugs are prominently featured throughout all aspects of pop culture, whether it's through a rap song, a sordid novel, or displayed through our screens, and continue to fascinate our society. With the breakout success of TV shows like Breaking Bad (2008) and Narcos (2015), the representation of drugs throughout media proceeds to soar.
RELATED: 15 Stars Who Destroyed Their Careers With Drugs
The widely-beloved drama Blow (2001) will make any list of drug-related movies, gathering the inspiration for today's exploration. Here are the best drug-related movies to watch if you appreciated Blow .
Updated on December 6th, 2020 by Mark Birrell: Though given middling reviews from critics on release, and even contributing to Penelope Cruz's Golden Raspberry Award nomination for Worst Actress, Ted Demme's Blow is a very highly-rated movie amongst fans of both star Johnny Depp's overall body of work and movies about the drug trade in general. Taking into account the movie's only increased popularity over time, we've increased the number of our recommendations to 15 to better help those fans looking for similar stories.
American Made (2017)
Based on the story of pilot Barry Seal, who became heavily involved in the smuggling of cocaine from South America into the United States during the 1980s, this thriller stars Tom Cruise as Seal and delves more deeply into the mechanics of the drug trade, particularly the CIA's involvement with the Medellin Cartel and the Nicaraguan Contras.
American Made handles a lot of the same subject matter as Blow and in the same time periods, only from a different perspective, and Cruise is more than enough star power to satisfy fans of Johnny Depp's compelling performance as George Jung.
Mr. Nice (2010)
Another adaptation of a true story from a larger-than-life dealer figure within the drug trade during the turbulence of the 70s and 80s, Mr. Nice dramatizes the life of Howard Marks within the illegal drugs trade, specifically the dealing of marijuana.
In a sense Marks' story is an alternate version of Jung's within Blow , showing what may have been in another place in the world if Jung had stuck to his original business of smuggling marijuana, though Marks has more than his fair share of run-ins with the law throughout his story.
Dope (2015)
A much more generally upbeat movie about young people trying to survive the drugs trade, and not based directly on real-life figures in any way, Dope is more in the vein of John Hughes than it is Martin Scorsese but will definitely appeal to fans of Blow 's wildest moments.
The story follows an ambitious teenager in Inglewood, California who becomes roped into an ordeal involving misplaced MDMA and is taken on a coming-of-age journey as he attempts to stay one step ahead of things.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
A retelling of the heyday of Jordan Belfort, an unscrupulous Wall Street mogul famous for making as much money as he could through whatever loophole he could find, The Wolf of Wall Street is about the real drug at the center of Blow (money) but also defines Belfort by his addictions to various other substances, particularly quaaludes.
Leonardo DiCaprio 's lead performance is outstanding as is the supporting work of Jonah Hill and Margot Robbie , in particular, but its director Martin Scorsese's signature style that's the real selling point of the movie. It makes The Wolf of Wall Street one of the few true successors to Scorsese's crime masterpiece Goodfellas , which Blow so clearly emulates throughout.
Party Monster (2003)
Based on a true story, Macaulay Culkin portrays convicted murderer Michael Alig, a pioneer of the New York City rave scene that popped up during the late 1980s. Alig also created the 'Club Kids'-- a sensational group of young party-goers who took the country by a storm after making appearances on daytime talk shows like The Phil Donahue Show. The group also prominently featured James St. James, portrayed by Seth Green in this 2003 cult classic.
Party Monster chronicles the rise and fall of Alig, beginning with his failed attempts at throwing parties, and ending with his arrest for the killing and dismemberment of his roommate and drug dealer, fellow 'Club Kids' member Andre "Angel" Melendez, after Alig recklessly joked about the murder during one of his TV appearances. The movie features heavy drug usage and is one of the only films to mention ketamine, a dissociative tranquilizer popular amongst rave culture.
Pineapple Express (2008)
After the wildly popular success of his roles in The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005) and Knocked Up (2007), Seth Rogen teams up with Judd Apatow and Adam Goldberg to write this hilarious stoner comedy, which became an instant cult-classic just through watching its trailer! Pineapple Express features process server Dale Denton (Rogen), a run-of-the-mill stoner who finds himself in a pickle after witnessing a murder alongside his half-baked drug-dealer Saul (James Franco).
After the pair accidentally drop a roach of the remarkably rare marijuana strain, ' Pineapple Express ', at the murder scene, they realize the illustrious joint can be directly traced back to them, which leads to an action-packed wild goose chase as drug lord (Gary Cole) and crooked cop (Rosie Perez) stay hot on their trail. Pineapple Express is the ultimate stoner movie and the perfect representation for this list.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
Based on the critically acclaimed novel by Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas features lead Johnny Depp, also the main star in Blow (2001), the inspiration for this list! Irreverant sports journalist Raoul Duke (Depp) and his Samoan attorney Dr. Gonzo (Benicio Del Toro) traverse the Mojave desert in a red convertible to cover a motorcycle race in Las Vegas.
After spending his advance on a suitcase of drugs, Duke and his attorney spiral out of control through multiple drug binges during their psychedelic pursuit of finding the 'American Dream', with police, hitchhikers, gamblers, and other zany characters detouring their final destination. The film features a plethora of drugs, with a focus on psychedelics like LSD and mescaline.
Thirteen (2003)
This disturbing indie-film provided Evan Rachel Wood with her breakout role as Tracy Freeland, the goody-two-shoes honor student who ingratiates herself with the wrong crowd. Influenced by her popular and promiscuous classmate, Evie Zamora (Nikki Reed), Tracy ditches her innocent best friend (Vanessa Hudgens) and protests the help or advice of her mother (Holly Hunter).
RELATED: Narcos: 10 Real-Life Stories About The Illegal Drug Trade That Could Work As A Narcos Spin-Off
Following Evie's lead, Tracy begins to steal, use drugs, and engage in risky sexual practices. At just thirteen years old, viewers were particularly disturbed with the opening scene, featuring Tracy and Evie huffing Dust-Off and punching each other in the face after being numbed from the drug. Nikki Reed co-wrote the movie at fifteen, building off her own encounters and misdirections.
Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Following the lives of four intertwined drug-addicts, Requiem For a Dream emphasizes a no-holds-barred approach and features some truly disturbing scenes. Retired widow Sarah Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn) lives a delusional, dreary existence as she wastes her days watching a daytime talk show, slowly becoming reliant upon her diet pills. Her son, Harry Goldfarb (Jared Leto) becomes increasingly addicted to heroin alongside his drug accomplice Tyrone (Marlon Wayans) and girlfriend Marion (Jennifer Connelly).
As the movie switches narrative between the four different addicts, their situations become darker and darker, leading to the eventual lobotomy Mrs. Goldfarb receives after being committed to a mental institution, and the sexual depravity revealed through Marion's desperate attempts to earn drug money. Though it's incredibly depressing, Requiem For a Dream does an excellent job paralleling illicit drugs to prescription drugs, revealing their eerily similar outcomes.
Trainspotting (1996)
One of the most popular heroin-based films, Trainspotting (originating from the self-titled book by author Irvine Welsh) always makes the cut when mentioning any drug-related movies. Main character Renton (Ewan McGregor) tries to navigate himself away from the drug-addled world he knows well in Edinburgh.
Renton's attempts at sobriety prove to be more difficult than originally anticipated, influenced by his addicted friends and the perpetual fascination and calming force using drugs brings him. A gritty, unadulterated look into junkies and their careless habits, Trainspotting will always be one of the quintessential drug films.
Enter the Void (2009)
One of the less popular movies to make the cut, Enter the Void features quite a unique storyline! After being shot dead by police in the bathroom of a Tokyo nightclub, drug-dealer Oscar (Nathaniel Brown) transcends his spirit through a DMT trip, which chronicles his life-story alongside sister turned stripper (Paz de la Huerta), Linda.
RELATED: The 10 Best Movies About Real Life Organized Crime, Ranked
Exposing past grievances and traumatic situations, Oscar's adventure through "the void" gives the audience a deep dive into how this pair of siblings ended up in the underbelly of Tokyo's dark night scene, relinquishing the power he once enjoyed.
Spun (2002)
This underrated meth-centric film features a star-studded cast, including Brittany Murphy, Mickey Rourke, and Jason Schwartzman. Set over a three-day span in the life of drug user Ross (Schwartzman), Spun focuses on very realistic details, bringing meth mentality and overt paranoia to life. Ross meets fellow druggie Nikki (Murphy) through his dealer, Spider Mike (John Leguizamo), who promises a better score through "The Cook" (Rourke), Nikki's meth-chemist boyfriend.
Spun features some more-than-abrasive scenes involving an ultra-realistic drug psychosis, duct-taping the mouth of a stripper shut as she's handcuffed (and subsequently forgotten for the entire three days) to Ross' bed, and Mena Suvari's portrayal of Cookie, Spider Mike's demented girlfriend.
Kids (1995)
Another cult-classic written by Harmony Korine, known for Spring Breakers (2012) and Gummo (1997), the movie Kids is frequently mentioned as a cautionary tale. Chloë Sevigny and Rosario Dawson both made their film debut in Kids, which launched them into further successes. The film highlights a day in the life of teenage skateboarders in New York City, as they smoke, bash in the skull of a rival skater, and de-flower virgins.
Though the movie is best known for its HIV-positive outcome, Kids also exhibits drug usage, particularly when Chloë Sevigny's character Jennie takes a random pill from a raver who says the mysterious drug will "make Special K look weak." Kids was controversially given an NC-17 rating by the MPAA, which was later surrendered .
Limitless (2011)
Fans of the novel Flowers for Algernon will love Limitless . After struggling writer Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) takes an ambiguous, seemingly cure-all pill 'NZT ', which enables 100% of the user's brain capacity, he finds himself losing control and needing more of the power-drug to live up to his newfound potential.
Through a continuous downward spiral and complete misdirection from Eddie's original intent, Limitless explores the concept that the grass isn't always greener on the other side.
A Scanner Darkly (2006)
This Keanu Reeves movie features interpolated rotoscope, an animation technique where animators trace over live-action footage, an unusual style adding to the occultism of A Scanner Darkly .
Living in a dystopian, totalitarian society that's lost the war on drugs, undercover agent Bob Arctor (Reeves) begins to take 'Substance D', the crippling new hallucinogen and loses touch with reality.
NEXT: 10 Most Dangerous Fake Drugs in Movies
- Copy from this list
- Report this list
The 25 Best Drug Movies of All Time
The 25 best movies about drugs of all time. (in my opinion) This list includes anything from drug abuse to drug dealing to drug trafficking. This list does not include alcohol or marijuana abuse unless there are also harder drugs in the movie.
- Instant Watch Options
- Movies or TV
- IMDb Rating
- In Theaters
- Release Year
1. Requiem for a Dream (2000)
R | 102 min | Drama
The drug-induced utopias of four Coney Island people are shattered when their addictions run deep.
Director: Darren Aronofsky | Stars: Ellen Burstyn , Jared Leto , Jennifer Connelly , Marlon Wayans
Votes: 853,260 | Gross: $3.64M
Heroin & Other Substances
2. Pulp Fiction (1994)
R | 154 min | Crime, Drama
The lives of two mob hitmen, a boxer, a gangster and his wife, and a pair of diner bandits intertwine in four tales of violence and redemption.
Director: Quentin Tarantino | Stars: John Travolta , Uma Thurman , Samuel L. Jackson , Bruce Willis
Votes: 2,084,024 | Gross: $107.93M
Cocaine & Other Substances
3. Boogie Nights (1997)
R | 155 min | Drama
Back when sex was safe, pleasure was a business and business was booming, an idealistic porn producer aspires to elevate his craft to an art when he discovers a hot young talent.
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson | Stars: Mark Wahlberg , Julianne Moore , Burt Reynolds , Luis Guzmán
Votes: 270,409 | Gross: $26.40M
Cocaine & Weed
4. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
R | 180 min | Biography, Comedy, Crime
Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort , from his rise to a wealthy stock-broker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government.
Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio , Jonah Hill , Margot Robbie , Matthew McConaughey
Votes: 1,439,854 | Gross: $116.90M
5. Easy Rider (1969)
R | 95 min | Adventure, Drama
Two bikers head from L.A. to New Orleans through the open country and desert lands, and along the way they meet a man who bridges a counter-culture gap of which they had been unaware.
Director: Dennis Hopper | Stars: Peter Fonda , Dennis Hopper , Jack Nicholson , Antonio Mendoza
Votes: 112,301 | Gross: $41.73M
LSD & Weed
6. Trainspotting (1996)
R | 93 min | Drama
Renton, deeply immersed in the Edinburgh drug scene, tries to clean up and get out, despite the allure of the drugs and influence of friends.
Director: Danny Boyle | Stars: Ewan McGregor , Ewen Bremner , Jonny Lee Miller , Kevin McKidd
Votes: 695,317 | Gross: $16.50M
7. Magnolia (1999)
R | 188 min | Drama
An epic mosaic of interrelated characters in search of love, forgiveness and meaning in the San Fernando Valley.
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson | Stars: Tom Cruise , Jason Robards , Julianne Moore , Philip Seymour Hoffman
Votes: 317,102 | Gross: $22.46M
8. 21 Grams (2003)
R | 124 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
A freak accident brings together a critically ill mathematician, a grieving mother, and a born-again ex-con.
Director: Alejandro G. Iñárritu | Stars: Sean Penn , Benicio Del Toro , Naomi Watts , Danny Huston
Votes: 240,121 | Gross: $16.29M
9. Eastern Promises (2007)
R | 100 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
A teenager who dies during childbirth leaves clues in her journal that could tie her child to a rape involving a violent Russian mob family.
Director: David Cronenberg | Stars: Naomi Watts , Viggo Mortensen , Armin Mueller-Stahl , Josef Altin
Votes: 248,155 | Gross: $17.11M
10. 25th Hour (2002)
R | 135 min | Drama
Cornered by the DEA, convicted New York drug dealer Montgomery Brogan reevaluates his life in the 24 remaining hours before facing a seven-year jail term.
Director: Spike Lee | Stars: Edward Norton , Barry Pepper , Philip Seymour Hoffman , Rosario Dawson
Votes: 180,916 | Gross: $13.06M
11. Pain and Glory (2019)
R | 113 min | Drama
A film director reflects on the choices he's made in life as the past and present come crashing down around him.
Director: Pedro Almodóvar | Stars: Antonio Banderas , Asier Etxeandia , Leonardo Sbaraglia , Nora Navas
Votes: 59,854
12. Scarface (1983)
R | 170 min | Crime, Drama
In 1980 Miami, a determined Cuban immigrant takes over a drug cartel and succumbs to greed.
Director: Brian De Palma | Stars: Al Pacino , Michelle Pfeiffer , Steven Bauer , Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Votes: 854,794 | Gross: $45.60M
13. City of God (2002)
R | 130 min | Crime, Drama
In the slums of Rio, two kids' paths diverge as one struggles to become a photographer and the other a kingpin.
Directors: Fernando Meirelles , Kátia Lund | Stars: Alexandre Rodrigues , Leandro Firmino , Matheus Nachtergaele , Phellipe Haagensen
Votes: 764,344 | Gross: $7.56M
14. Moonlight (I) (2016)
R | 111 min | Drama
A young African-American man grapples with his identity and sexuality while experiencing the everyday struggles of childhood, adolescence, and burgeoning adulthood.
Director: Barry Jenkins | Stars: Mahershala Ali , Naomie Harris , Trevante Rhodes , Alex R. Hibbert
Votes: 314,384 | Gross: $27.85M
Crack Cocaine
15. Beautiful Boy (I) (2018)
R | 120 min | Biography, Drama
Based on the best-selling pair of memoirs from father and son David and Nic Sheff, Beautiful Boy chronicles the heartbreaking and inspiring experience of survival, relapse and recovery in a family coping with addiction over many years.
Director: Felix van Groeningen | Stars: Steve Carell , Maura Tierney , Jack Dylan Grazer , Oakley Bull
Votes: 83,439 | Gross: $7.65M
Ecstasy & Amphetamines
16. Christiane F. (1981)
R | 138 min | Biography, Drama
A teen girl in 1970s Berlin becomes addicted to heroin. Everything in her life slowly begins to distort and disappear as she befriends a small crew of junkies and falls in love with a drug-abusing male prostitute.
Director: Uli Edel | Stars: Natja Brunckhorst , Eberhard Auriga , Peggy Bussieck , Lothar Chamski
Votes: 26,563
17. Traffic (2000)
R | 147 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
A conservative judge is appointed by the President to spearhead America's escalating war against drugs, only to discover that his teenage daughter is a crack addict. Two DEA agents protect an informant. A jailed drug baron's wife attempts to carry on the family business.
Director: Steven Soderbergh | Stars: Michael Douglas , Benicio Del Toro , Catherine Zeta-Jones , Jacob Vargas
Votes: 210,628 | Gross: $124.12M
Crack Cocaine & Other Substances
18. American Gangster (2007)
R | 157 min | Biography, Crime, Drama
An outcast New York City cop is charged with bringing down Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas, whose real life inspired this partly biographical film.
Director: Ridley Scott | Stars: Denzel Washington , Russell Crowe , Chiwetel Ejiofor , Josh Brolin
Votes: 432,734 | Gross: $130.16M
19. The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996)
R | 130 min | Biography, Drama
The story of controversial pornography publisher Larry Flynt, and how he became a defender of free speech.
Director: Milos Forman | Stars: Woody Harrelson , Courtney Love , Edward Norton , Brett Harrelson
Votes: 97,080 | Gross: $20.19M
Prescription Drugs & Other Substances
20. Dope (2015)
R | 103 min | Adventure, Comedy, Crime
Life changes for Malcolm, a geek who's surviving life in a tough neighborhood, after a chance invitation to an underground party leads him and his friends into a Los Angeles adventure.
Director: Rick Famuyiwa | Stars: Shameik Moore , Tony Revolori , Kiersey Clemons , Kimberly Elise
Votes: 86,967 | Gross: $17.47M
Ecstacy & Other Substances
21. Blow (2001)
R | 124 min | Biography, Crime, Drama
The story of how George Jung , along with the Medellín Cartel headed by Pablo Escobar , established the American cocaine market in the 1970s in the United States.
Director: Ted Demme | Stars: Johnny Depp , Penélope Cruz , Franka Potente , Rachel Griffiths
Votes: 264,800 | Gross: $52.99M
22. The Basketball Diaries (1995)
R | 102 min | Biography, Crime, Drama
A teenager finds his dreams of becoming a basketball star threatened after he free falls into the harrowing world of drug addiction.
Director: Scott Kalvert | Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio , Lorraine Bracco , Marilyn Sokol , James Madio
Votes: 114,441 | Gross: $2.42M
23. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
R | 118 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama
An oddball journalist and his psychopathic lawyer travel to Las Vegas for a series of psychedelic escapades.
Director: Terry Gilliam | Stars: Johnny Depp , Benicio Del Toro , Tobey Maguire , Michael Lee Gogin
Votes: 288,624 | Gross: $10.68M
LSD & Other Substances
24. The French Connection (1971)
R | 104 min | Action, Crime, Drama
A pair of NYPD detectives in the Narcotics Bureau stumble onto a heroin smuggling ring based in Marseilles, but stopping them and capturing their leaders proves an elusive goal.
Director: William Friedkin | Stars: Gene Hackman , Roy Scheider , Fernando Rey , Tony Lo Bianco
Votes: 125,956 | Gross: $15.63M
25. Half Nelson (2006)
R | 106 min | Drama
An inner-city junior high school teacher with a drug habit forms an unlikely friendship with one of his students after she discovers his secret.
Director: Ryan Fleck | Stars: Ryan Gosling , Anthony Mackie , Shareeka Epps , Jeff Lima
Votes: 88,668 | Gross: $2.69M
List Activity
Tell your friends, other lists by malthe-tuxen.
Recently Viewed
- Documentary/Reality
- Children's/Family
- Amazon Prime Video
More From Decider
New On Netflix March 2023, Plus What’s Coming Next
New On Disney+ March 2023
New On HBO Max March 2023, Plus What's Coming Next
New On Amazon Prime Video March 2023, Plus What’s Coming Next
New On Hulu March 2023, Plus What’s Coming Next
New On Tubi March 2023
New On Showtime February 2023
The Best Horror Shows on Netflix
Share this:.
- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
- Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
- Click to copy URL
The 10 Sexiest Drug Movies On Streaming
Where to stream:.
It’s no secret that there’s an abundance of sexy flicks on streaming; whether you’re into threesomes , group sex , or straight-up controversy , there’s something for every interest out there. Another common factor in sexy movies? Drugs. Drug-fueled debauchery is prominent in tons of flicks, and sometimes even the major premise. There is something these movies manage to do constantly – make sure their drug users are as sexy and glamorous as possible. (Well, most of the time.) While real life may not be as golden-hued and libido-filled as these tales, a little sensual, substance-driven escapism can be just what you need to make you feel like anything is possible (while high).
Whether your sexy cinematic substance of choice is a smooth inhale of the green stuff or a quick snort of nose candy, these flicks revel in the highs – and lows – of drug use while keeping up an atmosphere of sex appeal. These are the ten sexiest, drug-fueled movies on streaming.
'Blow'
Johnny Depp and Penélope Cruz star in this biopic chronicling the life of cocaine smuggler – and the man who essentially kickstarted the American cocaine market in the 1970s – George Jung. While Jung’s life story was definitely no walk in the park (and doesn’t come to a happy end), the on-screen chemistry between Depp and Cruz is completely palpable – and undeniably sexy.
Where to Stream Blow
'Savages'
Blake Lively , Taylor Kitsch , Aaron Taylor-Johnson , Benicio del Toro and more star in this crime drama. Kitsch and Taylor-Johnson play marijuana growers who share a girlfriend named Ophelia (Lively). When they refuse a deal from a Mexican drug cartel, Ophelia is kidnapped, and our two pieces of eye-candy team up to take them on and get her back. Featuring a steamy, drug-driven threesome , this Oliver Stone thriller is one you won’t want to skip.
Where to Stream Savages
'Requiem for a Dream'
Okay, so this one is probably more sad than it is sexy, but we’d be remiss not to include it here. Total babes Jennifer Connelly and Jared Leto star as heroin addicts in this tale of the demons of addiction from Darren Aronofsky . The two begin as a couple deliriously in love who evidently are driven down dark paths as their desires for drugs continue to grow to frightening levels. While Marion ends up in situations that are decidedly un-sexy later on at the hands of a masochistic pimp, the scenes shared earlier in the film between Connelly and Leto before it all goes downhill are artfully shot and sensual.
Where to Stream Requiem for a Dream
'Cruel Intentions'
What, you don’t keep your coke in a rosary too? This sexy teen drama starring Sarah Michelle Gellar , Ryan Phillippe , Reese Witherspoon , Selma Blair , and the ultimate 1990s ensemble cast does not shy away from even the most scandalous of scenes. Gellar plays the ultimate villain, a seductive teenager hellbent on exacting revenge and (sexy) manipulation on anyone that crosses her path. She also keeps her main vice – cocaine – handy in the form of a cross necklace, which evidently leads to the most iconic scene in the film .
Where to Stream Cruel Intentions
'Boogie Nights'
This is more a porn industry flick than a drug one, but pretty much everyone in this movie is either snorting coke or smoking weed at one time or another. Paul Thomas Anderson ‘s 70s-set masterpiece starring Mark Wahlberg , Julianne Moore , and an incredible ensemble cast is sexy as it is sad and drug-fueled. While some of the stars meet their end due to their problem with the white stuff, others live out their scandalous, sniffly dreams.
Where to Stream Boogie Nights
'Prozac Nation'
Christina Ricci stars as a severely depressed college freshman with a Prozac prescription in Prozac Nation . I know, I know, doesn’t sound sexy – but she loses her virginity to an older student ( Jonathan Rhys Meyers ) and then throws a party to celebrate (and distance herself from him). While her journey is far from fun, there are some seriously sexy moments in this flick – she later starts dating Rafe ( Jason Biggs ) and things get pretty steamy.
Where to Stream Prozac Nation
'Basic Instinct'
This super-sexy erotic thriller may be more focused on ice picks and sex scenes than the drug trade, but people loooove their cocaine in this one – it’s even found on the brutally murdered body we see in the opening sequence. It seems to be the drug of choice for raves, sex, and murder, and this flick makes it seem pretty damn glamorous. How can you not want to do coke when Sharon Stone is?
Where to Stream Basic Instinct
'The Wolf of Wall Street'
Sex, money, and drugs are the essential basis of this Martin Scorsese flick starring Leonardo DiCaprio , Margot Robbie , and a slew of other massive stars. A ton of drugs are used in this movie; Quaaludes, cocaine, crack cocaine, Xanax, and morphine are a few of the cocktail of substances that these characters partake in, and DiCaprio’s Jordan Belfort is certainly open to just about anything sexually while under the influence. Strippers, wives, girlfriends, and more are subjected to Belfort’s affections.
Where to Stream The Wolf of Wall Street
'American Psycho'
Sure, he murders them, but the coke-fueled sexy time he has with his victims before they meet their untimely ends are suuuper hot. Even if he’s looking at himself in the mirror most of the time. Christian Bale ‘s scary-sexy Patrick Bateman makes sure his victims partake in whatever strikes his fancy. There’s a cocktail at play here, as seems to be the theme across high-powered Wall Street jobs in movies – cocaine, Halcion, Xanax, ecstasy and cannabis among the drugs in the mix here – and while Bateman treats his body like a temple, he doesn’t much care what goes into everyone else’s.
Where to Stream American Psycho
'Candy'
Abbie Cornish and the late Heath Ledger star in this tale of love and heroin addiction. Cornish stars as the eponymous Candy, an art student who falls hard for a poet (Ledger) living the most bohemian of lifestyles – including a love of heroin. They both become hooked on the drug – and hooked on each other – and while things get tough down the road, their steamy passion and delirious obsession for one another is absolutely mesmerizing at the beginning.
Where to Stream Candy
- Decider Lists
Heartbroken John Travolta’s Eyes Fill With Tears Introducing Oscars In Memoriam Segment: “Hopelessly Devoted To You”
Angela bassett stays seated during jamie lee curtis’s 2023 oscar win, despite standing ovation, 'the view': jane fonda under fire after suggesting "murder" could be a way to combat new abortion laws, is '1923' on tonight episode guide, '1923' streaming info, lady gaga roasted for oscars performance: "girl, this song is from 'top gun: maverick'", 'wheel of fortune' contestant loses $1 million in "unbelievable" flub .
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
The Best Drug Movies on Netflix ; Forrest Gump Poster · 8.8 · 97 ; 21 Jump Street Poster · 7.2 · 85 ; Fletch Poster · 6.9 · 75 ; The Rental Poster · 5.7 · 63 ; Weed the
The Best Drug Movies and TV Shows on Netflix ; Outer Banks Poster · 7.6 · 84 · Outer Banks (2020) ; Breaking Bad Poster · 9.5 · 100 · Breaking Bad (2008) ; Peaky
Drug Lords, Mob Bosses, and GangstersExplore more · Gatao - The Last Stray · Infernal Affairs · The Island · Touchez pas au grisbi · Infernal Affairs II
8 Best Movies About Drugs on Netflix Right Now · 8. Shiny_Flakes: The Teenage Drug Lord (2021) · 7. Heroin(e) (2017) · 6. Have a Good Trip: Adventures in
Now on Netflix: 7 of the Best Drug-Themed Movies · 1. Dope · 2. BMF: The Rise and Fall of a Hip-Hop Drug Empire · 3. Cartel Land · 4. DMT: The
Time and again films have highlighted the realm of drugs and ... She meets Karan Chaudhary at a party, who introduces her to his gang of
American Made (2017) · Mr. Nice (2010) · Dope (2015) · The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) · Party Monster (2003) · Pineapple Express (2008) · Fear and
The 25 Best Drug Movies of All Time · 1. Requiem for a Dream (2000). R | 102 min | Drama · 2. Pulp Fiction (1994). R | 154 min | Crime, Drama · 3. Boogie Nights (
The 10 Sexiest Drug Movies On Streaming · 'Blow' · 'Savages' · 'Requiem for a Dream' · 'Cruel Intentions' · 'Boogie Nights' · 'Prozac Nation' · 'Basic
1.Mean Girls · 2.Superbad · 3.Risky Business · 4.The Social Network · 5.The Great Gatsby · 6.21 Jump Street · 7.The Hangover · 8.Project X.