Coen Brothers' cult classic follows Jeffrey 'The Dude' Lebowski, an unemployed slacker and avid bowler who gets tangled up in a kidnapping plot due to a case of mistaken identity. While the plot involves crime and eccentric characters, The Dude's laid-back lifestyle often involves marijuana use, which contributes to the film's relaxed, hazy, and comedic tone.

Jeff Bridges' portrayal of The Dude is iconic, embodying a counter-culture figure drifting through early 90s Los Angeles. The film's charm lies in its quirky dialogue, surreal dream sequences, and a cast of unforgettable supporting characters. Drug use here is more of a character trait and source of comedic situations rather than a central theme of addiction or trade, fitting the film's unique slacker noir genre.

Martin Scorsese directs this biographical black comedy about Jordan Belfort, a New York stockbroker who founded the firm Stratton Oakmont, which engaged in rampant corruption and fraud on Wall Street. While the primary focus is on financial crimes, the film notoriously depicts the extravagant lifestyle fueled by Belfort's wealth, including copious amounts of drugs.

Leonardo DiCaprio gives an energetic, Oscar-nominated performance as Belfort, showcasing his charisma and depravity. The film is known for its fast pace, fourth-wall-breaking narration, and controversial depiction of excess. Jonah Hill's performance as Belfort's erratic partner, Donnie Azoff, is particularly noteworthy, adding to the film's chaotic energy.

Quentin Tarantino's non-linear crime masterpiece features several interconnected storylines involving mobsters, a boxer, and a pair of philosophical hitmen. While not solely about drugs, a significant and iconic plotline involves the retrieval of a briefcase and a near-fatal heroin overdose.

The film is celebrated for its sharp, witty dialogue, stylish violence, and eclectic soundtrack. It revitalized John Travolta's career and solidified Tarantino's place as a major directorial voice. The sequence involving Mia Wallace and the adrenaline shot is one of the most famous drug-related scenes in cinematic history, showcasing the film's unpredictable and often shocking nature.

Picking up moments after the dramatic series finale of 'Breaking Bad', 'El Camino' follows Jesse Pinkman as he attempts to outrun the law and find freedom after his harrowing captivity. This film serves as an epilogue to Jesse's story, tying up loose ends and providing closure for fans of the show.

Aaron Paul reprises his role as Jesse, delivering a raw and emotional performance as he navigates the consequences of his past. Written and directed by 'Breaking Bad' creator Vince Gilligan, the movie brings back familiar faces from the series and retains the show's signature tension and visual style. It's a must-watch for anyone who followed Jesse's journey.

Denis Villeneuve's 'Sicario' plunges viewers into the intense and morally ambiguous world of the war on drugs along the U.S.-Mexico border. Emily Blunt stars as an idealistic FBI agent who is enlisted into a government task force to take down a powerful drug cartel leader.

The film is renowned for its incredible tension, stunning cinematography by Roger Deakins (earning him an Oscar nomination), and a haunting score by Jóhann Jóhannsson. It doesn't shy away from depicting the brutal realities and ethical compromises faced by those involved in this conflict, leaving you on the edge of your seat with its palpable sense of dread and uncertainty.

Ridley Scott directs this compelling crime drama based on the true story of Frank Lucas, a heroin dealer from Harlem who smuggled drugs into the U.S. on American service planes returning from Vietnam. Denzel Washington delivers a cool, calculated performance as Lucas, while Russell Crowe plays the detective determined to bring him down.

The film highlights Lucas's ingenious and audacious smuggling method, known as the 'cadaver connection.' It's a stylish and engrossing cat-and-mouse game that explores themes of ambition, corruption, and the complex relationship between the law and the criminal underworld in the 1970s.

While primarily known as a highly successful television series, 'Narcos' (presented here as a movie entry per the request) delves deep into the true stories of drug kingpins of the late 1980s and the efforts of law enforcement to meet them head-on. The first two seasons famously focused on the rise and fall of Pablo Escobar, portrayed compellingly by Wagner Moura.

The show uses a unique blend of archival footage and dramatic reenactments, narrated by U.S. DEA agent Steve Murphy (played by Boyd Holbrook), adding a layer of historical context to the gripping drama. It offers a detailed, often brutal, look at the origins of the modern drug war and the immense power wielded by the cartels.

Journey into the favelas of Rio de Janeiro in this powerful and visually stunning Brazilian film. 'City of God' tells the story of two boys from the same slum who take different paths: one becomes a photographer, the other a drug lord. It's a brutal yet beautifully shot look at the cycle of violence, poverty, and the drug trade that plagued the area from the 1960s to the 1980s.

The film is notable for casting actual residents of the favelas, many of whom had no prior acting experience. Directors Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund conducted workshops and rehearsals with them, bringing an incredible authenticity to the performances and the portrayal of life in the 'City of God'.

Say hello to Tony Montana! Brian De Palma's 'Scarface' is a quintessential gangster film, a stylish and violent saga of a Cuban refugee's rise to power in the Miami drug trade. Al Pacino delivers an explosive, larger-than-life performance as Montana, whose ambition knows no bounds, leading him to the top... and ultimately to a tragic end.

Despite its initial mixed reviews and controversy over its violence, 'Scarface' has become incredibly influential in pop culture, particularly within hip-hop. The film is a remake of a 1932 film of the same name, but De Palma and writer Oliver Stone updated the setting and themes to the 1980s cocaine boom, creating a truly iconic anti-hero.

Embark on a psychedelic road trip with Raoul Duke and Dr. Gonzo in Terry Gilliam's wild adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's classic novel. This film is less about the drug trade and more about the bizarre, drug-fueled experiences of its protagonists as they descend upon Las Vegas in the early 1970s.

Johnny Depp is almost unrecognizable as Duke (Thompson's alter ego), capturing his mannerisms and speech patterns uncannily. Benicio del Toro is equally committed as the erratic Dr. Gonzo. The film's visual style is as hallucinatory and over-the-top as the events it depicts, making it a cult classic that perfectly embodies the gonzo journalism spirit.

Steven Soderbergh's 'Traffic' is a sprawling, multi-narrative look at the drug war from various perspectives: users, traffickers, law enforcement, and politicians. Set across different locations including Mexico and the United States, it weaves together seemingly disparate storylines that highlight the complexity and global reach of the issue.

One unique aspect is Soderbergh's use of distinct color palettes for each storyline – a desaturated, gritty look for the Mexico segments, a cooler blue for the US task force, and a warmer, almost golden tone for the suburban family plotline. This visual distinction helps keep the numerous threads clear and adds to the film's powerful mosaic effect. It's a stark and comprehensive examination of a pervasive problem.

Step into the world of George Jung, a real-life American cocaine trafficker who worked with the Medellín Cartel. Directed by Ted Demme, this film chronicles Jung's rise from a small-time marijuana dealer to a major player in the US cocaine market during the 1970s and 80s.

Johnny Depp delivers a compelling performance as Jung, portraying his journey from ambition to downfall. Penélope Cruz also stars as his tumultuous partner. The film captures the era beautifully, from the fashion to the music. It’s a fascinating, albeit cautionary, tale about the allure and ultimate cost of living a life fueled by excess and illegal trade.

Dive headfirst into the chaotic lives of Renton and his group of friends in Edinburgh. Danny Boyle's iconic film offers a raw, unflinching, yet surprisingly darkly humorous look at heroin addiction in the 1980s. It's known for its surreal sequences, quick wit, and unforgettable soundtrack featuring artists like Iggy Pop and Underworld.

Did you know Ewan McGregor, who plays Renton, actually read books about heroin addiction and even considered trying it (ultimately deciding against it) to prepare for the role? The film launched the careers of many of its cast members and remains a cultural touchstone, sparking discussions about addiction, poverty, and choosing life.

Get ready for an intense cinematic experience with Darren Aronofsky's masterpiece. This film isn't just about drug use; it's a devastating portrait of addiction and the pursuit of dreams, and how they can spiral into nightmarish obsessions. It follows four different people whose lives become intertwined through their dependencies.

Ellen Burstyn gives an absolutely powerhouse performance as Sara Goldfarb, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. The film is famous for its unique, rapid-fire editing style and Clint Mansell's haunting score, which perfectly amplify the psychological descent of the characters. It’s a tough watch, but incredibly impactful and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll.