Not many genres have earned appreciation of drug addiction. Since the 1970’s, the genre has produced unforgettable movies. Whether it’s alcoholic singers, Wall Street stockbrokers or doomed lovers, the genre has produced several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite drug addiction films which deserve to be celebrated.
1. Requiem for a Dream
Drug addiction is a painful process that causes people to face stress. During my childhood, I formed friendships with a kid addicted to drugs. I remember he would often show up late to class in a dazed and confused drug-induced state. His painful addiction to weed put him on paths to fail rather than succeed. Nevertheless, I developed a strong bond with a friend that gave me a greater understanding of hardships drug addicts are facing causing stress. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured dangers of drugs affecting abilities of people to achieve their dream as powerfully as “Requiem for a Dream”. Ever since its release in 2000, Darren Aronofsky’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest drug addiction movie ever made. With the greatest film of. his career, Aronofsky used innovative cinematic techniques to capture drug addicts suffering from an addiction that causes despair. Aronofsky has always had an aptitude for capturing the lives of drug addicts in his movies, and “Requiem for a Dream” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Harry is hospitalized for drug addiction that reaches its peak causing trauma is one of the most memorable moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Jared Leto, who embodies a drug addict experiencing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Requiem for a Dream” my favourite film about drugs of all-time is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the dangerous consequences of substance abuse causing damage which would resonate with everyone. Although the film isn’t an easy watch due to its disturbing subject matter, it absolutely demands to be seen. A devastating depiction of drug addiction causing the lives of youth to face destruction, it’s a dazzling reminder of a commemorated genre that has always provided audiences with valuable education by manufacturing memorable movies that are definitely worthy of celebration.
2. The Wolf of Wall Street
Wall Street stockbrokers engaging in criminal behaviour always fascinated my father. At an early age, I formed bonds with a father that appreciated stockbrokers causing damage. A banker by profession, my father took great interest in stockbrokers running an organization. He would admire the way stockbrokers committed crimes without facing a price to pay. As someone treasuring a father fascinated with stockbrokers on Wall Street, I adored “The Wolf of Wall Street”. Released in 2013, Martin Scorsese’s movie depicted lives of drug-using stockbrokers on Wall Street. Scorsese effectively uses humour to capture the lives of stockbrokers consuming drugs causing disaster. For instance, the scene in which Jordan Belfort experiences quaaludes for the first time wrecking his car causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who embodies a stockbroker that abused dangerous drugs years ago. Ultimately, what makes “The Wolf of Wall Street” a great drug movie is its cautionary message. The film showcases consequences of drug use that destroys lives of stockbrokers. As strong as Jordan Belfort’s desire to become a successful stockbroker, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies that audiences treasure.
3. The Substance
Body image impacts the lives of women. At an early age, I formed bonds with a girl that was concerned about her body image. Called drop-dead gorgeous, she was a girl my classmates would consider precious. However, she never believed that she was a pretty woman with a bright future. She had a strong desire to use a substance that could transform her into a younger version of herself people admire. As someone haunted by a girl that yearned for drugs to change her appearance, I adored “The Substance”. Released in 2024, Coralie Fargeat’s movie depicted a woman using drugs to change her body. Fargeat used the symbolism of a drug to showcase women concerned about body image. For instance, the scene in which Elisabeth discovers using the substance changes her appearance causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Demi Moore, who embodies an actress addicted to a body-transforming substance. Ultimately, what makes “The Substance” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about body image which would resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of actresses that lack self-confidence using a substance to enhance their appearance, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies earning a huge audience.
4. Pulp Fiction
Quentin Tarantino is a legendary filmmaker that my cousin loved years ago. Several years ago, my cousin loved Tarantino. I remember forming strong bonds with a cousin the adored the legendary filmmaker. Drug addiction is a common theme that Tarantino has often explored in his movies, and it is most evident in “Pulp Fiction”. Released in 1994, Tarantino’s movie depicted consequences of drug abuse faced by gangsters. Tarantino has the rare ability to infuse humour into serious subject matter, and “Pulp Fiction” showcased his strengths as a writer. For instance, the scene in which Vincent revives Mia when she suffers a heroine overdose causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Uma Thurman, who embodies a woman with drug addiction. Ultimately, what makes “Pulp Fiction” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about substance abuse which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of drug addiction causing gangsters to deteriorate, it’s a profound reminder of a genre that has made timeless movies audiences appreciate.
5. Leaving Las Vegas
Alcohol addiction is a painful process that causes stress. Years ago, I witnessed a companion endure the effects of alcohol addiction. An alcoholic, he loved engaging in heavy drinking without concern for consequences that could be tragic. Our friendship ended when I decided I could no longer bear seeing him get wasted. As someone treasuring a friend that gave me greater awareness of alcohol addiction, I adored “Leaving Las Vegas”. Released in 1995, Mike Figgis’ movie painted a powerful portrait of alcohol addiction. Figgis uses stunning montages to capture an alcoholic whose health is declining. For instance, the scene in which Ben has a nervous breakdown after a night of heavy drinking causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Nicolas Cage, who captures an alcohol addict facing damage. Ultimately, what makes “Leaving Las Vegas” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about alcohol addiction which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of alcohol addiction causing the lives of screenwriters to crumble, it’s a remarkable reminder of a fantastic genre that has manufactured memorable movies audiences consider special.
6. A Star is Born
When it comes to the greatest musicals ever made about stars that are born, it’s worth discussing “A Star is Born”. Since its release in 1954, George Cukor’s movie has become a musical classic. In 2018, Bradley Cooper did an amazing job reimagining the musical in his movie “A Star is Born”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “A Star is Born” stand out is its depiction of drug-using musicians. Cooper showcased his strengths as a filmmaker capturing drugs causing disaster. Cooper uses montages to capture an alcoholic musician on a downward spiral. Assisted by Lady Gaga who is amazing in the lead role, Cooper created a powerful portrait of drug addiction. A powerful portrait of alcohol addiction faced by singers that are far from shallow, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre giving audiences dreams to follow.
7. Ben is Back
Drug addiction often causes parents to face tension. It’s often challenging for parents to raise children with drug addiction. Teens with drug addiction often drift apart from parents that are left with a broken heart. The back-breaking struggle faced by parents raising children with drugs is beautifully depicted in “Ben is Back”. Released in 2018, Peter Hedges’ drama capturing teens with drug addiction facing trauma. Hedges used stunning montages to capture the strained bond between a mother and drug-user son. Assisted by Julia Roberts who is superb in the lead role, Hedges created a poignant portrait of teen drug addiction. A terrific portrait of trauma faced by teen outcasts using drugs in their routine, it’s a tremendous reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies which deserve to be seen on the big-screen.
8. Babylon
Substance abuse is a serious addiction that impacts celebrities in the filmmaking profession. Since the 1920’s, drugs have played a pivotal role in lives of celebrities. During this troublesome era, drugs became a way for celebrities to cope with pressure of stardom. In 2022, Damien Chazelle depicted the drug addiction of celebrities during this era in his movie “Babylon”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Babylon” stand out is its depiction of Hollywood. Chazelle used captivating montages capturing lives of doomed celebrities using substances that are frightening. Assisted by Margot Robbie who is superb in the leading role, Chazelle captured drug use in Hollywood’s dark history. A heartbreaking portrait of drug addiction in 1920’s Hollywood, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has created movies audiences have understood.
9. Flight
Plane crashes are terrifying tragedies that have always scared me. As far as I can remember, I have often feared planes crashing causing disaster. As someone fearing the scary crash of an airline flight, I adored “Flight”. Released in 2012, Robert Zemeckis’ movie captured impact of drug use on airline pilots. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Flight” stand out is its depiction of pilots. Zemeckis uses harrowing flashbacks to capture a plane crash caused by substance use. Assisted by Denzel Washington who is amazing in the lead role, Zemeckis captures how substance abuse causes lives of airline pilots to spiral out of control. A fantastic portrait of barriers that airline pilots with drug addiction fight, it’s a fabulous reminder of a genre making movies shining light on issues that are all-too-often hidden in plain sight.
10. The Hangover
Few comedies ever made about hangovers are as beloved as “The Hangover”. Since its release in 2009, Todd Phillips’ movie has become a comedic classic. I may be in the minority but I have never been a huge fan of the movie. Phillips used montages to capture friends having a hangover together. Assisted by Bradley Cooper who is exceptional in the lead role, Phillips tackled alcoholism with humour. However, the film’s depiction of substance abuse has aged poorly. The film can’t capture consequences of drug addiction. Nevertheless, it still remains a valuable addition to the genre. As unforgettable as Phil’s hangover after a night of partying, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced captivating movies educating audiences about drug addiction which I will forever treasure for shaping my love of filmmaking.
The Film Buff 