Darren Aronofsky's "Requiem for a Dream" is one of the most graphic and critically acclaimed films on heroin addiction in suburban America. Another film about suburbanites, Gus Van Sant's "Drugstore Cowboy," depicts four young adults in the 1970s who rob drugstores to get their next fix. "Trainspotting" is another acclaimed film by Danny Boyle, although the film has received a lot of criticism for glorifying drugs in addition to criticizing drug culture. "Reefer Madness" by Louis J. Gasnier is another film that is questionable in terms of its criticism or glorification of drug culture, but it is hailed as one of the best drug-abuse films of all time.
James Bridges' "Bright Lights, Big City" is a cult classic that depicts a young man in the throws of Manhattan night life, where he spirals out of control on a variety of drug binges. A lighthearted and farcical exploration of drug abuse, "Half-Baked" is a cult classic that has received a lot of criticism for its glorification of marijuana usage. "Confessions of an Opium Eater" is a classic tale of a drug dealer in San Francisco's Chinatown. Another cult classic is "Dealer" by Thomas Arslan, who depicts the aspects of drug dealing and abuse in Berlin, Germany. The series of Cheech and Chong movies explores drug abuse among Mexican-Americans; these movies have been criticized as racist and presenting a skewed view of drug culture.
Many filmmakers have taken a nonfiction approach to exploring drug usage. "Cocaine Cowboys," "Marijuana Inc.," "Hooked," "Taboo" and "The World's Most Dangerous Drug: Methamphetamine" are all examples of documentaries about drug addiction.
In addition, although some might not call it a film, "Intervention" is an award-winning show that chronicles individuals as they abuse drugs to the brink of death and then receive help from family and friends. National Geographic also has a series of documentaries that takes a look at abuse of methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin, cocaine and prescription pills.
Instead of showing the negative effects of drug use, some films force the viewer to enter the mind-set of a person who is in a drug-induced stupor. Gaspar Noe's "Enter the Void" is a two-hour exploration of the mind of dead man on LSD. The film's unique camera angles and non-chronological foundation help the viewer explore life after death with the protagonist, who even after death is still affected by the drug. "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" by Terry Gilliam is another film that explores the fast-paced lifestyle; it shows drugs on every corner of Las Vegas.