The Best Films Made About Drug Addicts Ranked

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 causing people to face stress. During my childhood, I formed a close bond with a kid that was addicted to grim drugs. I recall 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 solid genre that has always given audiences a strong education by making great movies that are definitely worthy to commonly treasure. 

2. 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 extremely special.

3. 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 undeniably appreciate.

4. 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 commonly follow.

5. 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 universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Wall Street, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. 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 undeniable treat.

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 worldwide audience.

7. Rocketman

Elton John is a legendary musician that built a lasting legacy. A troubled musician, John suffered from severe drug addiction that almost ruined his reputation. Despite facing drug addiction, John never lost his passion for becoming a musician. In 2019, Dexter Fletcher honoured the legendary singer with elan in his movie “Rocketman”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Rocketman” stand out is its honesty. Fletcher uses the captivating setting of therapy sessions to capture Elton John’s battle against addiction that’s frightening. Assisted by Taron Edgerton who is extraordinary in the lead role, Fletcher honoured Elton John’s legacy. As strong as Elton John’s love for music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre that has produced iconic movies about the catastrophic consequences of drug addiction which have captivated the movie-going public.

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 undeniable 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 theatrical 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 drugs celebrities use, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies about substances that cause issues which I will forever treasure for inspiring my passion for writing movie reviews.