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 a close bond with a kid addicted to grim 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 relationships with a friend giving me greater understandings of hardships drug addicts are facing causing stress. Few films I’ve 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 film ever made about drug addiction. Aronofsky has always had aptitude for making captivating movies about drugs putting the lives of people in grave danger, and “Requiem for a Dream” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. With the greatest film of his career, Aronofsky used innovative cinematic techniques capturing drug addicts suffering from addiction that causes despair. 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 portrayed a drug addict experiencing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Requiem for a Dream” my favourite film about drug addiction of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies about drug addicts that are targeted to a limited audience, it tackles bold themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about the dangerous effects of drug abuse causing damage which would resonate with everyone. A bold depiction of drug addiction causing the lives of youth to face disaster, it’s a great reminder of a celebrated genre that has always provided audiences an enlightening education by making great movies that are definitely worthy to treasure.
2. The Wolf of Wall Street
Wall Street stockbrokers fascinated my father. At an early age, I formed bonds with a father admiring stockbrokers causing damage. He admired the way stockbrokers got away with crimes without 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 the lives of drug-addicted stockbrokers on Wall Street. Scorsese effectively used voice-over narration to capture the life of a Wall Street stockbroker with severe drug addiction. For instance, the scene in which Jordan Belfort faces the high of 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 movie about addiction is its message. The film delivers a cautionary message about dangers of excessive drug use which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Jordan Belfort’s desire to become a stockbroker on Wall Street, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies audiences consider a treat.
3. A Star is Born
Drug addiction often causes romantic relationships to face destruction. Several years ago, I formed friendships with a girl seeking to become a musical maestro. Fond of playing guitar, she appeared born to be a star. However, her addiction to weed caused our romance relationship to recede. As someone treasuring memories of a musical companion torn apart by addiction, I adored “A Star is Born”. Released in 2018, Bradley Cooper’s movie captured the impact of addiction on romantic relationships. Cooper effectively used montages capturing the lives of alcoholic singers facing tragedy. For instance, the scene in which Jackson Maine humiliates Ally by urinating during her awards acceptance speech causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Cooper, who embodied a musician with shallow alcohol addiction. Ultimately, what makes “A Star is Born” a romantic classic is its message. The film delivers a bold message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of alcohol addiction causing romantic bonds of singers that are far from shallow to face sorrow, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre giving audiences dreams to follow.
4. 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. Nothing in the world gave him as much satisfaction as spending all day drinking. 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 experiencing 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 professions of screenwriters to crumble, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated genre that has made great movies which audiences consider special.
5. The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is a great book that my teacher would always appreciate. I remember a school teacher that grew up to treasure a book about millionaires facing disaster. He would always speak fondly about a book that captured alcohol use in the 1920’s. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann honoured the great book about millionaires in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Luhrmann has always thrived at making lavish movies about the lives of millionaires, and “The Great Gatsby” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Gatsby is first introduced to Nick Carraway at a party in a drug-induced state is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who created an iconic millionaire character. Ultimately, what makes “The Great Gatsby” a great movie is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the legendary book to appreciate it. The film delivers a commemorated message about social inequalities that would resonate with everyone. A beautiful adaptation of a celebrated book about a millionaire that’s mysterious, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies which audiences consider precious.
6. The Substance
Body image impacts the lives of women. At an early age, I formed bonds with a girl concerned about her body image. She desired to use a substance becoming a younger version of herself changing appearance. As someone haunted by a girl that desired drugs to change appearance, I adored “The Substance”. Released in 2024, Coralie Fargeat’s movie captured drug addiction. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Substance” stand out is its depiction of body image. Fargeat uses captivating montages capturing hardships actresses are facing. Assisted by Demi Moore who is excellent in the lead role, Fargeat created a masterpiece. A bold portrait of actresses that lack confidence using a substance to enhance their appearance, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies earning a huge audience.
7. Pulp Fiction
Few filmmakers that achieved fame years ago are as beloved as Quentin Tarantino. Drug addiction is a common theme that Tarantino has often explored in his movies, and it is clearly evident in “Pulp Fiction”. Released in 1994, Tarantino’s iconic movie captured gangsters with drug addiction. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Pulp Fiction” stand out is its depiction of overdoses. Tarantino uses captivating handheld camerawork capturing a heroine overdose. Assisted by Uma Thurman who is amazing in the lead role, Tarantino created a powerful portrait of drug addiction. A powerful portrait of frightening drug addiction causing the lives of gangsters to deteriorate, it’s a profound reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured timeless movies about dangerous substances with consequences which audiences appreciate.
8. 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 frightening crash of an airline flight, I adored “Flight”. Released in 2012, Robert Zemeckis’ movie captured the grim 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 engaging 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.
9. 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.
10. Babylon
Substance abuse is a serious addiction in Hollywood. Since the 1920’s, drugs have enhanced celebrities. During this era, drugs allowed celebrities to cope with stardom. In 2022, Damien Chazelle depicted drug addiction of celebrities in his movie “Babylon”. Chazelle used montages to capture celebrities using drugs in the 1920’s. Assisted by Margot Robbie who is amazing in the lead role, Chazelle captured drug use. Although I’m a fan of the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s glamorization of substance abuse in 1920’s Hollywood has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it remains a strong addition to the genre. A dazzling depiction of celebrity drug addiction, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making timeless movies about tension experienced by drug addicts which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 