Top 10: Drug-Related Movies

Drugs have always been part of pop culture, and they even serve as the focal point of many movies. Some flicks joke about drug use, while others feature a small scene in which a character dabbles in illegal substances. This list, however, includes movies that feature drugs as an essential theme (the film can either be based on actual stories and drug experiences, or purely fictional).

The following is the criteria used to compile the list:

the movie can be recent or old;

drugs must be a fundamental part of the movie and plot.

Without further ado, allow me to present the Top 10 drug movies. Score some munchies and prepare for a tantalizing trip.

Number 10

Blow (2001)

In the 1960s, a young man named George Jung (Johnny Depp), from a working class Massachusetts suburb, moves to California in search of the "American Dream." He travels to Venice Beach where he meets a marijuana dealer, Derek Foreal (Paul Reubens, a.k.a. Pee-Wee Herman). He starts enjoying the lucrative bliss of selling marijuana but soon finds himself in prison, where he develops connections to the Colombian cocaine cartels. Once released from jail, he quickly rises to the top by single-handedly becoming the world's premiere importer of cocaine to the U.S., before his empire comes crashing down on him.

Based on a true story, Blow takes a look at George Jung's amazing rise and fall in the cocaine industry; this is a man who was responsible for importing about 85% of all the cocaine in America. Look for the scene where George Jung looks on as Pablo Escobar nonchalantly murders a police informant. It's pretty unnerving.

Best quote: "I went in with a bachelor's of marijuana and came out with a doctorate in cocaine." -- George Jung

Number 9

Drugstore Cowboy (1989)

Set in the early 1970s in the Pacific Northwest, a group of four superstitious users steal from drugstores to support their habits. Bob (Matt Dillon) is the leader of two young drifter couples forever in search of their next fix, with a creative plan for acquiring it. Problems arise when they must get rid of the body of one of the girls who has overdosed by sneaking it out of a motel where a sheriffs' convention is being held.

Matt Dillon narrates this completely realistic portrayal of a full-blown addict hitting the depths of despair. Most of the movie is shot in a documentary style, which gives it an extremely realistic feel. The best scenes in the movie are the robbery and recovery scenes. There is also a lot of dark humor throughout the film, best highlighted with the line, "You never f*ck me and I always have to drive" (uttered by Kelly Lynch, as Diane).

Best quote: "Most people don't know how they're gonna feel from one moment to the next. But a dope fiend has a pretty good idea. All you gotta do is look at the labels on the little bottles." -- Bob

From Trainspotting to Traffic , these flicks are trippy...