It is no secret that many modern films tackle thematic content involving drugs, but the history of drugs and cinema is a bit complicated. The Motion Picture Production Code was enforced from 1934 to 1968 and was adopted by studios as a form of self-censorship to prevent the government from stepping in. The Motion Picture Production Code prevented films from being released with adult content, including illegal drug use. Since the abandonment of the Motion Picture Production Code, drugs have become prominent in many films, both in a positive and negative light. Let’s take a look at nine post-Code films and one pre-Code film that feature recreational drugs as a core motif or theme.
10. “The Untouchables” (1987)
Do not forget that alcohol is a drug, and perhaps the best film to tackle Prohibition-era politics is “The Untouchables.” The film explores how a small team of federal agents was able to take down Al Capone by exposing his tax evasion. The film is absolutely riveting from start to finish and gives a look into the world of organized crime during Prohibition.
9. “Pulp Fiction” (1994)
“Pulp Fiction” weaves together several nonlinear stories of the Los Angeles underworld to create one of the most influential and acclaimed films of all time. Although drugs are peripheral to the main plotline, the use of heroin is pervasive throughout the film. One of the most memorable scenes involves a harrowing heroin overdose and the race to save the victim with a shot of adrenaline. Simultaneously disturbing, inventive and humorous, “Pulp Fiction” manages to give an inside look into the grim realities of the drug scene of 1990s Los Angeles.
8. “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013)
Few films have the courage to be as open in their portrayal of stockbroker culture as “The Wolf of Wall Street,” which is what makes the film so captivating. Stockbroker Jordan Belfort is easily corrupted by the Wall Street culture of drugs, prostitution and deception. The film shows copious amounts of use of both cocaine and Quaaludes, with one scene of Belfort trying to get to his car while high being a standout in terms of memorability and cinematic importance.
7. “Trainspotting” (1996)
“Trainspotting” can be best described as a film that gives a haunting look into the drug scene in Edinburgh, Scotland. The film follows Renton, played by a young Ewan McGregor, as he struggles with heroin addiction, going back and forth on quitting and relapsing. The most iconic scene from the film occurs when Renton swims down a toilet and the imagery is somehow fantastical and horrifying at the same time, portraying the dreamlike state of being on drugs.
6. “Scarface” (1932) & 5. “Scarface” (1983)
“Say hello to my little friend” — two excellent, but not so little, films called “Scarface.” Both the original 1932 film and remake from 1983 are Hollywood classics for good reason. They follow Tony Camonte/Tony Montana as he becomes a crime lord in the world of drugs. The 1932 version features alcohol as the illicit drug while the 1983 remake uses cocaine, and comparison of the two films provides an interesting insight into how much Hollywood had changed since its inception in the way that violence and drugs could be portrayed on screen.
4. “The Deer Hunter” (1978)
Michael Cimino’s epic Vietnam War masterpiece “The Deer Hunter” is one of the most emotionally moving and impactful films ever made. The film, which is over three hours long, tracks three friends as they face war, imprisonment and death during their deployment in Vietnam. The tragedy of the film centers on one of the character’s use of heroin to self-medicate his PTSD, eventually leading to a heartbreaking ending.
3. “Moonlight” (2016)
Although “Moonlight” only has one brief scene of characters using hard drugs on screen, the theme of drugs and their impact is at the beating heart of the film. This conflict is captured perfectly through Mahershala Ali’s performance as Juan, a charismatic drug dealer who has to come to terms with the fact that he is selling crack that is damaging his friend’s life. This gripping drama of growing up and sexuality is punctuated with a look into how drugs can destroy families and relationships.
2. “City of God” (2002)
This Brazilian crime film details the paths of two parallel characters — Rocket as he tries to become a photographer and escape the crime world of Rio de Janeiro, and Li’l Zé as he engrosses himself in organized crime and rises through its ranks. The grim juxtaposition between these two characters make it one of the best films ever made to portray drugs on screen, particularly the role of organized crime in the drug business.
1. “Requiem for a Dream” (2000)
There is no doubt in my mind that “Requiem for a Dream” deserves its spot as the best film ever made about drugs. I do not think that I have ever seen a film that is more tragic, harrowing and desperate in its portrayal of how drug addiction can tear people’s lives apart. The film has four main characters, all of whom struggle with addiction to either heroin or prescription drugs, and each of their endings show the different directions that addiction can lead to. To top it all off, the film has a devastating score with a haunting main theme that reflects the car crash-like quality of the story.