ULTIMATE DRUG LIST: Modern Films & TV Shows About Drugs/Pharmaceuticals
This list is a compilation of some of the most popular modern films and TV shows (mostly from the 1990s to present) that involve the use and/or abuse of drugs/pharmaceuticals or the topic of drugs or addiction. They are in no particular order.
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- CreatorVince GilliganStarsBryan CranstonAaron PaulAnna GunnA chemistry teacher diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer turns to manufacturing and selling methamphetamine with a former student to secure his family's future.At the epicenter of this incendiary show is Heisenberg's infamous blue meth, a trademark for an entire generation of Breaking Bad fans and beyond. Even more so at the core of BB, there is an "all or nothing" addictive tendency imbedded into the character's DNA. Whether it is achieving power/being the best (Hank), money (the drug kingpins), booze/meth/heroin(Jesse & the shows other drug addicts), minerals or catching Heisenberg (Hank), shoplifting/stealing/needing everything purple (Marie), infidelity and chain smoking (Sklyer), or the need to control and stevia (Lydia), each character had an addictive, dark side to them. From start to finish, this show has an addictive quality to it, which is just as powerful as its pure blue meth sold to the show's addicts.
Drugs on Show: Meth, Booze, Marijuana, Heroin.
Drug of Choice: Blue Meth - CreatorsLiz BrixiusEvan DunskyLinda WallemStarsEdie FalcoMerritt WeverPaul SchulzeA drug-addicted nurse struggles to find a balance between the demands of her frenetic job at a New York City hospital and an array of personal dramas.What could be better than a hospital nurse banging the pharmacist because she's addicted to pharmaceuticals, which from time to time are artistically made into a montage of pills flying through the in sky all shapes, sizes, and colors while she's passed out on the floor. Of course the show is much more than this, with real emotions and family concerns. As the show progresses we see how dedicated and caring Jackie is as a nurse. Although she is better at taking care of strangers than herself and her own family. This show realistically characterizes the ups and downs in the life of an addict, exploring subjects like AA/NA meetings, sponsorship, rehab, detox, recovery, and relapse. But I love the crazy scenes that are like dreams or hallucinations when Jackie is using again. The show seems to get more fun when she is back off the wagon, unfortunately so.
DRUGS on Show: A multitude of pharmaceuticals from Oxy, morphine, vicodin, Adderall, meth, suboxone, valium, Xanax, and the list goes on.
Drug of Choice: Oxy - CreatorDavid ShoreStarsHugh LaurieOmar EppsRobert Sean LeonardUsing a crack team of doctors and his wits, an antisocial maverick doctor specializing in diagnostic medicine does whatever it takes to solve puzzling cases that come his way.Who can mention drug-addicted TV/movies without mentioning good old Dr. Gregory House. Vicodin popping is a constant occurrence on this show along with a crash course in rare diseases to every medical test on the planet. Mix in some humor, drama, great writing, and acting, and man do you have a great show.
Drugs On Show (Mentioned or Used): Ecstasy, PCP, Vicodin, Morphin, Percocet, Lorazapem, Diazapam, Xanax, etc.
Drug of Choice: Vicodin - DirectorDarren AronofskyStarsEllen BurstynJared LetoJennifer ConnellyThe drug-induced utopias of four Coney Island people are shattered when their addictions run deep.The ultimate drug movie. A tale of several addicts intertwined and how their dreams slowly fade into nightmares as their addictions overcome them. A devastating and rash ending to a film. But appropriate considering the topic at hand.
Music and Sounds effects/Visuals are Visceral and trippy.
Drugs in Movie: Pills (Uppers/Downers), Speed, Coke, Heroin
Drugs of Choice: Heroin - DirectorJonas ÅkerlundStarsJason SchwartzmanJohn LeguizamoPatrick FugitA drug dealer introduces one of his customers, a 'speed freak', to the man who runs the meth lab. A crazy three-day adventure ensues.An independent drug movie centered around a bunch of meth addicts with crazy nicknames (Spider Mike-John Leguzamo, Cookie- Mena Suvari, Ross- Jason Schwartman, Brittany Murphy) and the "" (Mickey Rourke). Trippy visuals, great music by Billy Corrigan from the Smashing Pumpkins, and bump after bump of meth. Your brain feels spun just watching the film.
Drug of Choice: Meth - DirectorGus Van SantStarsMatt DillonKelly LynchJames Le GrosA pharmacy-robbing dope fiend and his crew pop pills and evade the law.One of the first of its kind. A classic for any modern drug-moving seeker. Robbing Pharmacies is the name of the game with heavy duty pharms taken along with heroin. Special appearance by William Burroughs, the beatnik poet who wrote THE tale of heroin addiction, "Junkie."
- DirectorLili Fini ZanuckStarsJason PatricJennifer Jason LeighSam ElliottTwo small-town Texas cops go undercover to catch a major drug dealer and are sucked into the drug culture, compromising their assignment.Jennifer Jason Leigh and Jason Patrik do a great job portraying undercover cops caught up in the drug scene and soon get lured into the drugs themselves. Another great classic for drug-movie lovers.
- DirectorTerry GilliamStarsJohnny DeppBenicio Del ToroTobey MaguireAn oddball journalist and his psychopathic lawyer travel to Las Vegas for a series of psychedelic escapades.A cinematic homage to Hunter S. Thompson (the king of drugs and gonzo journalism). Fear and Loathing is a wild, out there kind of a movie that is held in high regard for is wild plotlines and characters all centered around a drug-fueled adventure through Las Vegas.
- DirectorSpike LeeStarsJohn LeguizamoAdrien BrodyMira SorvinoSpike Lee's take on the "Son of Sam" murders in New York City during the summer of 1977 centering on the residents of an Italian-American Northeast Bronx neighborhood who live in fear and distrust of one another.Great Spike Lee film set during the 70s exploring various cultural trends during the summer where serial killer Son of Sam roamed the streets. Excellent cast and excellent portrayal of the time the actual events took plcae. Ludes, heroin, coke. Studio 54. Punk rock. Disco.
- DirectorLaurie CollyerStarsMaggie GyllenhaalRyan SimpkinsSam BottomsSherry tries to integrate again into society and become a good mother.Great film starring Maggie Gyllehal, who struggles with addiction to heroin. Must see.
- DirectorRobert HeydonStarsAdam SinclairKristin KreukBilly BoydSmall drug smuggler from Scotland is trying to figure out his way through life until he meets beautiful girl from Canada who seeks a change after bad relationship she just got out of it.Irvine Welsh's follow up to "Trainspotting," which I left off this list since it's on every other list about drugs, and I personally liked the storyline of Ecstasy better. You be your own judge. Bring on the X!
- DirectorSteven SoderberghStarsMichael DouglasBenicio Del ToroCatherine Zeta-JonesA 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.Awesome film exploring a variety of points of view of the war on drugs, from the front lines to the lines at home. Ericka Christensen's break out role as a heroin/coke addict. Good watch.
- DirectorAntoine FuquaStarsDenzel WashingtonEthan HawkeScott GlennA rookie cop spends his first day as a Los Angeles narcotics officer with a rogue detective who isn't what he appears to be.Ethan Hawke and Denzel. Perfect dichotomy between these two actors in the backdrop of a hard day out on the streets of a drug fueled society. Classic drug movie.
- DirectorD.J. CarusoStarsVal KilmerVincent D'OnofrioAdam GoldbergAfter a tragic incident, a man drifts into a world populated by thugs and speed junkies.Val Kilmer plays a meth head, hanging around other meth heads, struggling with his past and own inner demons. Decent movie. Not always mentioned on other "drug movie" lists.
- DirectorJames CoxStarsVal KilmerLisa KudrowKate BosworthIn the police investigation of a brutal crime scene, one man was at the center of it all: legendary porn star John Holmes.Based on the true story of the Wonderland murders in the early 1980s. Val Kilmer is amazing as Johnny Wadd (infamous porn star at the time). Dylan McDermott is unrecognizable as the heroin addicted, hard yet sensitive character who challenges John's (Val Kilmer) version of the story of what happened the night of the Wonderland murders. Josh Lucas plays a crazed coke head with a love for guns. Christina Applegate, Lisa Kudrow, and Kate Bosworth round out the amazing cast. This movie is all drugs galour...sleeping pills, ludes, heroin, cocaine, crack. A drug-fueled movie about an epic and amazingly captivating true story. A MUST see!
- DirectorMichael CristoferStarsAngelina JolieFaye DunawayElizabeth MitchellThe story of the life of Gia Carangi, a top fashion model from the late 1970s, from her meteoric rise to the forefront of the modeling industry, to her untimely death.Angelia's breakout role as Gia, a former model, who succumbed to drug addiction and illness. Heroin and coke are the two main drugs of choice for Gia, other than wild emotions and sexual escapades. Based on a true story. Great film
- DirectorErik SkjoldbjærgStarsChristina RicciJonathan Rhys MeyersJessica LangeA young woman struggles with depression during her first year at Harvard.Based on the book of the same name, Prozac Nation, tells the story of Elizabeth Wurtzel, a promising creative writer/college student, who Is almost as obsessed with Lou Reed as she is with her fascination with her philosophy of the world becoming a "Prozac nation." Akin to partying, her internal turmoil soon spins out of control. The film dabbles in pharmaceuticals, ecstasy, alcohol. Christina Ricci plays the role well. Decent movie.
- DirectorJames MangoldStarsWinona RyderAngelina JolieClea DuVallDirectionless teenager Susanna is rushed to Claymoore, a mental institution, after a supposed suicide attempt. There she befriends a group of troubled women who deeply influence her life.Award-winning film that takes us into a women's psych ward during the 1960s. The acting, script, direction, is impeccable. One of the best films I've ever seen. Pharmaceuticals, booze, and pot, are the films' drugs of choice. Based on a book, by an author who experienced the hardships and adventures told of in this film. Wionna Ryder, Woopi Goldberg, Angelina Jolie (Academy award winner for this film), Jared Leto, Brittany Murphy, among several others, star in this film making it one of the best films of the past twenty years.
- DirectorLucy WalkerStarsVelda BontragerMark BontragerDewayne ChuppAmish teenagers experience and embrace the modern world as a rite-of-passage before deciding which life they will choose.Eye-opening documentary about Rumpringa, a time when the teenage Amish get to explore the wild world outside the confines of their Amish homes. Explores many experiences and characters. Drugs are mentioned throughout the movie. However, the larger plot at hand in this movie is far more eye opening. Amazing documentary.
- DirectorMichel NegroponteStarsMichel NegroponteBillEddieThere's one cure for heroin addiction. But is it a cure? Methadonia is the borderland between high and straight, where recovering heroin addicts on methadone "maintenance" exist.Great documentary for any junkie looking for a drug-film fix. Talks about Methadone and the mixing of benzos for the "ultimate high." Discusses topics of recovery and relapse. Interesting documentary.
- DirectorJosh GoldbloomThe Hotel Hooker was once a quiet rooming house nestled in the suburbs of Connecticut. In the summer of 2003, the national media exploited it as a drug stop, a prostitution ring, and a dangerous place to live. Don't believe everything that you hear. Meet the residents of the Hotel Hooker, as they struggle to uncover the truth behind the controversy. This is the story of a town fighting back against their image. This is a story about the lies we read and listen to every day. This is the story about the labels we place and the sterotypes that exist around us. Through intimate and often hilarious interviews, 'Heroin Town' follows the residents of the hotel and the people of Willimantic, Connecticut as they try to restore the damage that destroyed their hometown. It is a story of hope, dedication, humor, and ultimately survival.Documentary about heroin.
- DirectorBilly CorbenStarsJon RobertsAl SunshineSam BurstynThe story of how Miami became the cocaine capital of the United States in the early 1980's and the police officers who turned the tide on crime.Documentary about the cocaine kingpin of Florida back when cocaine was the "it" drug in America. Tells the story of the female drug tycoon behind the drug movement. A must see.
- DirectorTed DemmeStarsJohnny DeppPenélope CruzFranka PotenteThe 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.Another staple in any junkie's movie collection. Copious amounts of cocaine and weed. Enough said.
- DirectorTaylor HackfordStarsJamie FoxxRegina KingKerry WashingtonThe story of the life and career of the legendary rhythm and blues musician Ray Charles, from his humble beginnings in the South, where he went blind at age seven, to his meteoric rise to stardom during the 1950s and 1960s.Although there is a lot to this biopic, heroin addiction plays a role in a greater part of the film, which is why it is on this list. An excellent film and impeccable acting work by Jaimie Foxx.
- DirectorThomas NapperStarsKevin CohenManuel CompitoDanny HarrisNarrated by Catherine Keener, Lost Angeles takes an uncompromising yet life-affirming look at the lives of eight remarkable individuals, people who have found a way to make a life for themselves within the community of homelessness..One of the best documentaries in the past 5 years. Discusses Skid Row is Los Angeles as a home for many people. Drug addiction is of course a subject discussed. On a whole though, an amazing story. Available on Netflix too :)
