Films about drug dealers delve into the complex and often perilous world of drug trafficking. Often gritty and intense, these films explore various aspects ranging from the lives of those involved in the drug trade to the effect they have on society. These narratives can weave elements ranging from action-packed sequences, human drama, to hard-hitting repercussions faced by the characters involved.
“Scarface”, 1983
Director: Brian De Palma
This iconic crime drama revolves around Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who takes over a drug cartel and succumbs to greed and paranoia.
Starring: Al Pacino, Steven Bauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Robert Loggia, Miriam Colon, F. Murray Abraham, Paul Shenar, Harris Yulin, Ángel Salazar;
Production year: 1983;
Genre: drama, crime, action;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 170 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
More information about the film “Scarface” on the website imdb.com
“Blow”, 2001
Director: Ted Demme
Based on a true story, this film follows George Jung, who helped establish the American cocaine market in the 1970s.
Starring: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Franka Potente, Rachel Griffiths, Paul Reubens, Jordi Mollà, Cliff Curtis, Miguel Sandoval, Ethan Suplee, Ray Liotta;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: crime, biography, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 123 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Blow” on the website imdb.com
“Traffic”, 2000
Director: Steven Soderbergh
This film provides a look at the modern drug trade from multiple perspectives, including a determined Mexican cop, a powerful American drug czar, and a naive drug mule.
Starring: Michael Douglas, Benicio Del Toro, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Don Cheadle, Dennis Quaid, Erika Christensen, Jacob Vargas, Miguel Ferrer, Steven Bauer, Clifton Collins Jr.;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 147 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “Traffic” on the website imdb.com
“American Gangster”, 2007
Director: Ridley Scott
Based on the true story of Frank Lucas, a gangster from Harlem who smuggled heroin into the US on American service planes returning from the Vietnam War.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lymari Nadal, Josh Brolin, Armand Assante, Roger Guenveur Smith, Ruby Dee, John Ortiz, Ted Levine;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 157 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “American Gangster” on the website imdb.com
“City of God”, 2011
Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery
In the poverty-stricken favelas of Rio de Janeiro, two boys choose different paths; one becomes a photographer, the other a drug dealer.
Starring: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Indrajith Sukumaran, Rajeev Pillai, Jagadish, Anil Murali, Sreehari, Arun Narayan, Kishore Satya, Sudheer Karamana, Shaju K.S., Jayashankar, Nandu, Achankunju, Chemban Vinod Jose, Sumesh, Rajesh Hebbar, Abraham Koshy, Payas, Das, Santhosh, Shweta Menon, Rima Kallingal, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Rohini, Valsala Menon, Renjusha Menon, Shobha Singh, Sudha Nair;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 145 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “City of God” on the website imdb.com
“Savages”, 2012
Director: Oliver Stone
Pot growers Ben and Chon face off against the Mexican drug cartel who kidnapped their shared girlfriend.
Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Blake Lively, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, John Travolta, Benicio Del Toro, Salma Hayek, Emile Hirsch, Demián Bichir, Joel Moore, Shea Whigham;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: action, thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 130 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “Savages” on the website imdb.com
“Drugstore Cowboy”, 1989
Director: Gus Van Sant
A realistic portrayal of life and addiction, this film follows a group of drug addicts who rob pharmacies to support their habit.
Starring: Matt Dillon, Kelly Lynch, James Le Gros, Heather Graham, Eric Hull, Max Perlich, James Remar, John Kelly, Grace Zabriskie, George Catalano;
Production year: 1989;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Drugstore Cowboy” on the website imdb.com
“New Jack City”, 1991
Director: Mario Van Peebles
A crime thriller about a drug lord who rises to power during a crack epidemic in New York City during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Starring: Wesley Snipes, Ice-T, Allen Payne, Chris Rock, Mario Van Peebles, Michael Michele, Bill Nunn, Russell Wong, Bill Cobbs, Christopher Williams;
Production year: 1991;
Genre: action, thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 97 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “New Jack City” on the website imdb.com
These films not only capture the high-stake risks involved in drug dealing but also provide deep insight into the psychological and social factors surrounding this illegal activity.
In conclusion, films about drug dealers delve into the complex world of narcotics trade, exposing the multifaceted human stories that lie beneath the surface of this illicit enterprise. These narratives, ranging from the gritty realism of “Scarface” to the tragic beauty of “Requiem for a Dream” and the intricate cat-and-mouse games in “Sicario,” provide not just entertainment but also profound commentary on the societal, psychological, and moral issues intertwined with the drug trade. They hold a mirror to the often devastating consequences of addiction and the relentless pursuit of power, offering viewers a visceral understanding of the human condition in extreme circumstances. As cinema continues to explore this dark yet compelling theme, it remains a powerful medium for eliciting empathy, awareness, and, perhaps, a call for change in the ongoing discourse on drugs and their impact on society.
