It’s time to pick a theme for your next movie night, and frankly, we get it: You’re looking for something a little deeper than car chases and shootouts. Those are intense, but a heart-wrenching plot with jaw-dropping twists is in order, right?
So how about these drug kingpin movies? With the perfect blend of action and drama, these 5 drug-themed flicks will have you mid-pizza-slice, teetering at the edge of your seat the entire time.
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5. City Of God
You might never admire a drug lord in real life, but prepare to be intrigued by The Brazilian kingpin at the center of this riveting tale of drugs and crime.
Set in impoverished 1970’s Rio De Janeiro, “City Of God” tells the tale of two young men. One becomes a photographer, while the other rises from poverty into the world of drugs and riches.
This critically-acclaimed film of 2002 was nominated for 4 Academy Awards. It was adapted from a novel of the same name and loosely based on fact. Cue it up and watch as the kingpin builds his career on the images taken by the photographer.
4. Traffic
“Traffic” is the kind of movie you can enjoy with a diverse group of friends. Unless your friends don’t like drug smuggling movies, that is.
Featuring a large, star-packed cast and set in three different locations, this 2000 movie will leave you scrambling for your college ethics class notes. It tells three different stories and they all fall in the gray area of humanity as it relates to drug addiction. Perhaps the most intriguing is the story of the drug boss whose empire gets swiped from under him by no one other than his wife.
“Traffic” enjoys positive vibes on Rotten Tomatoes. Both audiences and critics are intrigued by the murky nature of the drug-smuggling business. The drugs in question are much stronger than the substances sold medically for these uses, causing another main character’s addiction.
3. Scarface
Ready to dive back into the 80’s?
Sit back, relax, and “say hello to my little friend” as you cue up “Scarface.” This star-studded flick from 1983 is a cinematic masterpiece. It depicts the violence and ruthlessness of a Cuban drug cartel and its boss, played by Al Pacino.
Though it eventually became a box office hit, “Scarface” was too real for the early 80’s. Some audiences and critics alike were put off by the raw depictions of violence and explicit drug use in the film. Of course, that’s what makes the movie a relevant hit today.
2. Goodfellas
If you haven’t seen “Goodfellas,” you haven’t watched enough movies yet. That said, if you have seen this one, you know it’s worth rewatching. No list of drug movies is complete without this gangster flick that belongs in the hall of fame.
Though this Martin Scorsese film was released at the dawn of the 1990’s, it became a contemporary classic almost instantly. Movie lovers can’t tear their eyes away from the unique mix of drama, comedy, and violence that is “Goodfellas.”
Based on real events, this movie tells the story of drugs, illegal sports betting, and life in Italian organized crime. Adapted from the novel “Wise Guy,” “Goodfellas” was based on the informant Henry Hill and the Italian mob he joined and sold out.
“Goodfellas” was nominated for an Oscar 6 times. the only winner was Joe Pesci who portrayed mobster Tommy Davido.
1. The Best Of The Drug Kingpin Movies: American Gangster
Nothing beats “American Gangster” in terms of drug dealer movies. Suspense, action, and drama bind together into a fast-paced tale of race and crime. In this 2007 film, Denzel Washington plays Lucas Frank, a career criminal who makes his money smuggling heroin. His starring role alongside Russell Crowe makes for priceless acting.
Ready For More Action?
No one loves action movies quite like you. Once you fly through these top 5 drug kingpin movies, check us out for more movies about addiction.