Films about drugs and partying explore the wild, chaotic, and often dangerous world of substance abuse and hedonistic lifestyles. These films delve into the highs and lows of drug use, the allure of parties, and the consequences that come with these indulgences. They provide a glimpse into a world filled with ecstasy, addiction, and the pursuit of pleasure.
Now, let's take a look at some films about drugs and partying:
“Trainspotting”, 1995
Director: Danny Boyle
This British film follows a group of heroin addicts in Edinburgh, Scotland. It portrays their struggles with addiction, their outrageous parties, and the devastating consequences of their choices.
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Kevin McKidd, Robert Carlyle, Kelly Macdonald, Peter Mullan, James Cosmo, Eileen Nicholas, Susan Vidler, Pauline Lynch, Shirley Henderson, Stuart McQuarrie, Dale Winton, Keith Allen, Kevin Allen, Annie Louise Ross, Billy Riddoch, Fiona Bell, Vincent Friell, Hugh Ross, Victor Eadie, Kate Donnelly, Finlay Welsh, Eddie Nestor, Tom Delmar, Archie MacPherson, Stuart McGugan, Alastair Thomson Mills, Arnold Montey, Dirk Robertson;
Production year: 1995;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “Trainspotting” on the website imdb.com
“The Wolf of Wall Street”, 2013
Director: Martin Scorsese
Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, this film showcases the excessive and debaucherous lifestyle of a stockbroker. It delves into the world of drugs, parties, and the consequences of living a life fueled by greed.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Kyle Chandler, Rob Reiner, P.J. Byrne, Jon Bernthal, Cristin Milioti, Jean Dujardin, Matthew McConaughey, Kenneth Choi, Jon Favreau, Joanna Lumley, Christine Ebersole, Shea Whigham, Katarina Cas, Brian Sacca, Henry Zebrowski, Ethan Suplee, Barry Rothbart, Jake Hoffman, MacKenzie Meehan, Bo Dietl, Jon Spinogatti, Aya Cash, Rizwan Manji, Stephanie Kurtzuba, J.C. MacKenzie, Ashlie Atkinson, Thomas Middleditch, Stephen Kunken, Edward Herrmann, Ted Griffin, Fran Lebowitz, Robert Clohessy, Natasha Newman-Thomas, Sandra Nelson, Johnnie Mae, Christina Jeffs, Sabina Maschi, Zana Markelson, Welker White, Dan Flaherty, Carla Corvo, Dustin Kerns, Ashley Blankenship, Madison McKinley, Dierdre Reimold, Kerry Malloy;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, crime, biography, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 180 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,2;
“Requiem for a Dream”, 2000
Director: Darren Aronofsky
This harrowing film tells the story of four individuals and their descent into drug addiction. It explores the dark side of drug use, the impact it has on their lives, and the devastating consequences that follow.
Starring: Jared Leto, Marlon Wayans, Jennifer Connelly, Ellen Burstyn, Christopher McDonald, Louise Lasser, Marcia Jean Kurtz, Janet Sarno, Suzanne Shepherd, Joanne Gordon, Charlotte Aronofsky, Mark Margolis, Michael Kaycheck, Jack O'Connell, Chas Mastin, Ajay Naidu, Sean Gullette, Samia Shoaib, Peter Maloney, Abraham Abraham, Aliya Campbell, Te'ron A. O'Neal, Denise Dowse, Bryan Chattoo, Eddie De Harp, Scott Franklin, Peter Cheyenne, Brian Costello, Abraham Aronofsky, James Chinlund, Olga Merediz, Allison Furman, Robert Dylan Cohen, Ben Shenkman, Keith David, Dylan Baker, Shaun O'Hagan, Leland Gantt, Bill Buell, Jimmie Ray Weeks, Gregg Bello, Henry Stram, Heather Litteer, Jenny Decker, Ami Goodheart, Nina Zavarin, Stanley Herman, Scott Bader, Jim Centofanti, Scott Chait;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
More information about the film “Requiem for a Dream” on the website imdb.com
“Spring Breakers”, 2012
Director: Harmony Korine
In this provocative film, four college girls embark on a wild spring break adventure filled with drugs, parties, and crime. It examines the allure and dangers of an uninhibited lifestyle.
Starring: James Franco, Ashley Benson, Vanessa Anne Hudgens, Selena Gomez, Rachel Korine, Gucci Mane, Heather Morris, Ashley Lendzion, Emma Holzer, Lee Irby, Jeff Jarrett, Russ Stuart, Josh Randall, Travis Duncan, John McClain, Paige Anderson, Rebecca Kauffman, Anthony Robinette, Megan Russell, Kathryn Trail, Sidney Sewell, Thurman Sewell, Christian Aaron, Ken Anthony II, Brianna Borello, Karleigh Chase, Gordie Daniels, Jessica DiTomaso, Reid Ferguson, Vivian Fleming-Alvarez, Tom Franco, Billy Gardner III, Rod L. Griffin, Courtney Hart, Jamie Pierre Jackson, Anthony J. James, Dave Kramer, Shawn Larkin, Andrew Mello, Carlee Miller, Ananda Milsa, Kevin Pace, Courtney Paige Kramer, B.J. Parker, Neil Parren, Harry Pearce, Reid Pittman, Dylan Ramus-Wright, Jarrett Ricker, Kenny Routt;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: crime, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 94 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,3;
“Blow”, 2001
Director: Ted Demme
Based on the true story of George Jung, this film follows his rise as a notorious drug trafficker in the 1970s and 1980s. It explores the extravagant parties, excessive wealth, and the consequences of his involvement in the drug trade.
Starring: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Franka Potente, Rachel Griffiths, Paul Reubens, Jordi Mollà, Cliff Curtis, Miguel Sandoval, Ethan Suplee, Ray Liotta, Kevin Gage, Max Perlich, Jesse James, Miguel Pérez, Dan Ferro, Tony Amendola, Bobcat Goldthwait, Michael Tucci, Monet Mazur, Lola Glaudini, Jennifer Gimenez, Emma Roberts, Jaime King, Charles Noland, Pamela Abdy, John Harrington Bland, Jimmy Burke, Brantley Bush, Kevin Chapman, The Dawk, Crystal Erickson, Daniel Escobar, Tracy Falco, Jean-Carlos Felix, Lazaro Galarraga, Brian Goodman, Vanessa Grayson, Elif Guertin, Josh Herman, Faith Hoover, Brad Hunt, Patrick Husted, Kristina Jung, Ralph Kampshoff, Ajgie Kirkland, Skip O'Brien, Richard LaGravenese, Roberto Lopez, Lydell M. Cheshier;
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
“Party Monster”, 2003
Director: Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato
Inspired by real events, this film tells the story of Michael Alig, a notorious New York City party promoter. It showcases the drug-fueled party scene of the 1990s and the dark consequences that follow.
Starring: Macaulay Culkin, Chloë Sevigny, Marilyn Manson, Seth Green, Diana Scarwid, Dillon Woolley, Dylan McDermott, Mia Kirshner, Wilmer Valderrama, Elliot Kriss, Janis Dardaris, Wilson Cruz, Manny Perez, Justin Hagan, Brendan O'Malley, Phillip Knasiak, John Henry Summerour, John Stamos, Natasha Lyonne, Daniel Franzese, Michael Kaycheck, Steven Marcus, Angel Anes, Brian Bergdoll, Matthew Carey, Joey Gray, Amanda Lepore, Jill Lewis, Walt Paper, Sacred Schneidmiller, James Sheldon, Gerrold Vincent;
Production year: 2003;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,2;
More information about the film “Party Monster” on the website imdb.com
“Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”, 1998
Director: Terry Gilliam
Based on Hunter S. Thompson's novel, this film follows a journalist and his lawyer as they embark on a drug-fueled trip to Las Vegas. It explores the excesses of the 1970s counterculture and the hallucinatory experiences they encounter.
Starring: Johnny Depp, Benicio Del Toro, Tobey Maguire, Christina Ricci, Michael Jeter, Gary Busey, Ellen Barkin, Mark Harmon, Craig Bierko, Katherine Helmond, Cameron Diaz, Michael Lee Gogin, Larry Cedar, Brian Le Baron, Michael Warwick, Tyde Kierney, Tim Thomerson, Richard Riehle, Ransom Gates, Laraine Newman, Frank Romano, Gil Boccaccio, Gary Bruno, Richard Portnow, Debbie Reynolds, Steve Schirripa, Verne Troyer, Will Blount, Ben Yeagar, Penn Jillette, Christopher Callen, Benjamin A. van der Veen, Lyle Lovett, Flea, Alex Craig Mann, Gregory Itzin, Troy Evans, Gale Baker, Christopher Meloni, Chris Hendrie, Larry Brandenburg, Harry Dean Stanton, Jenette Goldstein, Stephen Bridgewater, Donald Morrow, Buck Holland, Mary Gillis, Jennifer Elise Cox, Robert Allen, David Brisbin;
Production year: 1998;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” on the website imdb.com
“Project X”, 2012
Director: Nima Nourizadeh
This found footage film chronicles a high school party that spirals out of control. It captures the chaos, drug use, and the consequences of throwing an epic party.
Starring: Thomas Mann, Oliver Cooper, Jonathan Daniel Brown, Dax Flame, Kirby Bliss Blanton, Brady Hender, Nick Nervies, Alexis Knapp, Miles Teller, Peter Mackenzie, Caitlin Dulany, Rob Evors, Rick Shapiro, Martin Klebba, Pete Gardner, Nichole Sakura, Sam Lant, Henry Michaelson, Brendan Miller, Brent Tarnol, Kyle Kwasnick, David Sanchez, Ayydé Vargas, Chelsea Carbaugh, Zach Lasry, Michael C. Stretton, Andrew Harbour, Allan Chanes, Holden Morse, Briana Mari Wilde, Jarod Einsohn, Chet Hanks, Julian Evens, Jesse Marco, Chic Daniels, Kevin Dunigan, Colleen Flynn, Sophia Santi, Jodi Harris, Frank Buckley, Serene Branson, Robb Reesman, Kevin Ryder, Gene «Bean» Baxter, Big Boy, Jimmy Kimmel, Jillian Barberie, Thai Fong, Ciara Hanna, Sunshine Manderbach Johnson;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 88 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Project X” on the website imdb.com
“American Psycho”, 2000
Director: Mary Harron
Although not solely focused on drugs and partying, this film follows the life of a wealthy investment banker who indulges in excessive parties and a secret life of violence. It explores the dark side of materialism, excess, and the pursuit of pleasure.
Starring: Christian Bale, Willem Dafoe, Josh Lucas, Reese Witherspoon, Cara Seymour, Justin Theroux, Jared Leto, Chloë Sevigny, Samantha Mathis, Matt Ross, Bill Sage, Stephen Bogaert, Monika Meier, Reg E. Cathey, Blair Williams, Marie Dame, Kelley Harron, Patricia Gage, Krista Sutton, Landy Cannon, Park Bench, Catherine Black, Margaret Ma, Peter Tufford Kennedy, Mark Pawson, Jessica Lau, Lilette Wiens, Glen Marc Silot, Charlotte Hunter, Kiki Buttignol, Joyce R. Korbin, Reuben Thompson, Bryan Renfro, Ross Gibby, Christina McKay, Alan McCullough, Anthony Lemke, Connie Chen, Marilyn Burns, Doshia Darmane, Brett Alexander Davidson, Peter Loung, Joseph Oliveira, Leanne Poirier Greenfield, Ronald Reagan, Somaya Reece, Jackson Rothery, Devin Schumacher, Kate Steen;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama, crime, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “American Psycho” on the website imdb.com
“Blow Out”, 1981
Director: Brian De Palma
While not directly centered around drugs and partying, this film follows a sound engineer who unwittingly captures a murder on tape during a party. It delves into the seedy underbelly of nightlife and the consequences of getting caught up in dangerous situations.
Starring: John Travolta, Nancy Allen, John Lithgow, Dennis Franz, Peter Boyden, Curt May, John Aquino, John McMartin, Deborah Everton, J. Patrick McNamara, Missy Cleveland, Roger Wilson, Lori-Nan Engler, Cindy Manion, Missy Crutchfield, Marcy Bigelman, Ann Kelly, Dean Bennett, John Coppolino Jr., Archie Lang, Dave Roberts, Claire Carter, Maurice Copeland, John Hoffmeister, David De Felice, Barbara Sigel, Thomas J. McCarthy, Reginald M. Wallace, Robert L. Penrose, Larry Woody, Dick McGarvin, Michael Borghese, Rossana Fichera, James Jeter, Luddy Tramontana, Sid Doherty, Milt Fields, Bud Seese, Maureen Sullivan, Brian Corrigan, Elaine Filoon, Robin Sherwood, Tim Choate, B.J. Cyrus, Dave DeAngelis, Thomas Finn, Tony Devon, Henry Cohen, Bernie Rachelle, William Tarman;
Production year: 1981;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 108 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Blow Out” on the website imdb.com
These films offer a range of perspectives on the theme of drugs and partying, providing a glimpse into the allure, dangers, and consequences of this lifestyle.
In conclusion, films about drugs and partying serve as both a mirror and a cautionary tale of society's complex relationship with substance use and the revelry that often accompanies it. From the hedonistic highs and devastating lows depicted in classics like “Trainspotting” and “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” to the vibrant escapism found in “The Wolf of Wall Street” and “Superbad,” these narratives capture the allure and pitfalls of a lifestyle that seduces many while ultimately revealing the stark consequences that can follow. Through their bold storytelling and rich character studies, these films invite viewers to reflect on the intoxicating nature of freedom, excess, and the inevitable price that comes with chasing the next high.
