The 25+ Best Drug Cartel Movies

For Fans Of: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Why Should I Watch Sicario: This 2015 action-thriller directed by Denis Villeneuve focuses on an idealistic FBI agent (Emily Blunt) enlisted in a covert operation against Mexican drug cartels along the U.S.-Mexico border. Featuring stunning cinematography from Roger Deakins and tense performances from Blunt, Benicio Del Toro, and Josh Brolin, Sicario is a visceral examination of corruption within government institutions fighting against powerful cartel networks.

For Fans Of: Biography, Crime, Drama
Why Should I Watch Blow: Based on the true story of George Jung (played by Johnny Depp), this 2001 film chronicles the rise and fall of one of America's most notorious drug smugglers during the cocaine boom of the 1970s. Directed by Ted Demme, Blow offers a compelling examination of addiction, greed, and the consequences of pursuing wealth at any cost while presenting memorable performances from both Depp and his supporting cast.

For Fans Of: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Why Should I Watch Scarface: This 1983 cult classic, directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone, showcases Al Pacino's legendary performance as Tony Montana - a Cuban immigrant who rises to the top of Miami's drug underworld. With its highly stylized visuals, unforgettable dialogue, and intense themes of ambition and betrayal, Scarface is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and an influential milestone in the genre.

For Fans Of: Biography, Crime, Drama
Why Should I Watch American Gangster: Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Denzel Washington as real-life Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas, this 2007 biographical crime drama delves into the corrupt world of 1970s New York City. With Russell Crowe playing Richie Roberts - the detective tasked with bringing Lucas down - American Gangster offers viewers a riveting exploration of power dynamics between law enforcement and organized crime.

For Fans Of: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Why Should I Watch Training Day: In this 2001 crime thriller directed by Antoine Fuqua, Ethan Hawke portrays a rookie LAPD narcotics officer assigned to work alongside a corrupt veteran detective played by Denzel Washington. The film's relentless pacing and intense performances from its lead actors make Training Day an essential watch for fans of morally complex crime dramas that explore the dark side of law enforcement.

For Fans Of: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Why Should I Watch The Mule: In this 2018 crime drama directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, an elderly horticulturist becomes a successful drug courier for a Mexican cartel to save his failing business. Based on a true story, The Mule presents an intriguing character study of an unconventional protagonist caught up in the dangerous world of drug trafficking while exploring themes of redemption, family, and mortality.

For Fans Of: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Why Should I Watch Traffic: Directed by Steven Soderbergh, this 2000 ensemble drama interweaves three distinct storylines to present a comprehensive portrait of the war on drugs in America. Boasting an all-star cast, including Michael Douglas, Benicio Del Toro, and Catherine Zeta-Jones, Traffic offers a relentlessly bleak depiction of addiction and the collateral damage inflicted by efforts to combat drug trafficking.

For Fans Of: Biography, Crime, Drama
Why Should I Watch Midnight Express: Based on the harrowing true story of Billy Hayes' imprisonment in Turkey for attempting to smuggle hashish out of the country, this 1978 drama directed by Alan Parker serves as both a cautionary tale and a visceral exploration of human resilience. With unforgettable performances from Brad Davis and John Hurt, Midnight Express remains an enduring classic within the genre.

For Fans Of: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Why Should I Watch The French Connection: This 1971 crime thriller directed by William Friedkin centers on two NYPD detectives (played by Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider) attempting to dismantle an international heroin smuggling ring. Featuring gritty urban settings, realistic dialogue, and one of cinema's most famous car chase scenes - The French Connection is a groundbreaking film that continues to resonate with audiences today.

For Fans Of: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Why Should I Watch Maria Full of Grace: This powerful 2004 drama follows the harrowing journey of a young Colombian woman (played by Catalina Sandino Moreno) as she becomes a drug mule, smuggling narcotics into the United States to escape poverty in her home country. Directed by Joshua Marston, the film offers an unflinching look at the human cost and desperation driving individuals to participate in the perilous drug trade.

For Fans Of: Crime, Drama, Action
Why Should I Watch New Jack City: Starring Wesley Snipes as ruthless drug lord Nino Brown, this 1991 action-crime film directed by Mario Van Peebles presents a brutal snapshot of New York City during the crack epidemic. With supporting performances from Ice-T and Chris Rock, New Jack City offers hard-hitting social commentary on the destructive impact of drug addiction and violence in urban communities.

For Fans Of: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Why Should I Watch Arkansas: In his directorial debut, Clark Duke adapts John Brandon's novel into this 2020 dark comedy-crime drama starring Liam Hemsworth and Duke himself as low-level drug runners caught in a deadly game between rival factions within their own organization. Featuring a strong ensemble cast including Vince Vaughn and John Malkovich, Arkansas provides an engaging mix of Southern gothic atmosphere and offbeat humor that sets it apart from other films in the genre.

For Fans Of: Action, Crime, Comedy
Why Should I Watch The Gentlemen: Directed by Guy Ritchie, this 2019 British-American crime comedy features an all-star cast including Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, and Hugh Grant as they navigate London's criminal underworld amid a power struggle over a lucrative marijuana empire. With its witty dialogue, sharp humor, and thrilling twists and turns, The Gentlemen offers a fun ride for those who enjoy crime capers with a dash of dark comedy.

For Fans Of: Action, Biography, Drama, Thriller
Why Should I Watch Rush: Based on Kim Wozencraft's autobiographical novel about her time working undercover for the Tyler Police Department, this 1991 crime drama directed by Lili Fini Zanuck features Jennifer Jason Leigh and Jason Patric as narcotics detectives who become ensnared in the drug world they're investigating. The film's intense, gritty portrayal of addiction and corruption makes Rush a must-watch for fans of character-driven crime dramas.

For Fans Of: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Why Should I Watch We Own the Night: Set in late '80s New York City, this 2007 crime drama directed by James Gray explores family loyalty within both sides of the law as Joaquin Phoenix plays nightclub manager Bobby Green who discovers that his father (Robert Duvall) and brother (Mark Wahlberg) are NYPD cops targeting Russian mob-run drug operations. The film offers gripping tension, strong performances, and an atmospheric glimpse into a turbulent era in American history.

For Fans Of: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Why Should I Watch Leaves of Grass: This offbeat 2009 crime-comedy directed by Tim Blake Nelson stars Edward Norton in a dual role as twin brothers - one an Ivy League classics professor, the other an Oklahoma drug dealer - who become entangled in a violent criminal conspiracy involving the local marijuana trade. With its clever script, quirky humor, and top-notch acting from Norton and his supporting cast, Leaves of Grass is a unique take on the drug cartel movie formula that's sure to entertain.

For Fans Of: Action, Crime, Thriller, Comedy
Why Should I Watch Lethal Weapon 2: The second installment in this classic buddy cop action-comedy franchise finds partners Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Murtaugh (Danny Glover) taking on a ruthless South African drug cartel. Directed by Richard Donner, Lethal Weapon 2 delivers thrilling action sequences, witty banter between its leads, and a memorable villain played by Joss Ackland - making it an essential watch for fans of '80s cinema.

For Fans Of: Drama, Thriller, Comedy, Crime
Why Should I Watch The Tailor of Panama: Based on John le Carré's novel, this 2001 espionage thriller directed by John Boorman stars Pierce Brosnan as an MI6 operative who enlists Geoffrey Rush's character - a British expatriate tailor with connections to Panama's political elite - to gather intelligence on nefarious dealings involving drug trafficking. The film's engaging plot twists, strong performances, and darkly comic undertones make it a standout entry in the genre.

For Fans Of: Action, Comedy, War
Why Should I Watch Tropic Thunder: This 2008 satirical action-comedy directed by Ben Stiller centers around a group of self-absorbed actors who unwittingly become entangled with Southeast Asian drug traffickers while shooting a war movie on location. With its hilarious ensemble cast - including Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, and Tom Cruise - Tropic Thunder takes aim at Hollywood's excesses while providing high-octane laughs set against the backdrop of international drug cartels.

For Fans Of: Adventure, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Why Should I Watch The Deep: This tense 1977 adventure-thriller directed by Peter Yates follows amateur treasure hunters played by Nick Nolte and Jacqueline Bisset as they discover underwater wreckage containing both valuable artifacts and illicit narcotics cargo off the coast of Bermuda. As dangerous criminals close in to reclaim their lost drugs, The Deep delivers suspenseful underwater action sequences that continue to captivate audiences decades after its release.

For Fans Of: Crime, Drama
Why Should I Watch Kush: This 2007 independent film directed by York Shackleton tells the story of a group of young marijuana dealers who find themselves embroiled in increasingly dangerous situations as they try to evade law enforcement and rival criminal organizations. With its raw storytelling style and realistic depiction of the high-stakes drug trade, Kush is a captivating exploration of ambition, betrayal, and survival in an unforgiving world.

For Fans Of: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Why Should I Watch Miami Vice: Based on the iconic '80s television series, this 2006 crime thriller directed by Michael Mann follows detectives Crockett (Colin Farrell) and Tubbs (Jamie Foxx) as they infiltrate a dangerous drug cartel in their trademark stylish fashion. With its sleek visuals, high-stakes action sequences, and intense chemistry between its leads, Miami Vice is an adrenaline-fueled reimagining of the beloved show that will appeal to both fans of the original and newcomers alike.

For Fans Of: Comedy, Crime, Mystery
Why Should I Watch Super Troopers: A cult comedy classic, this irreverent 2001 film from Broken Lizard follows a group of inept Vermont state troopers who stumble upon a drug-smuggling operation while attempting to save their department from budget cuts. With its quotable lines, eccentric characters, and off-the-wall antics, Super Troopers offers an entertainingly absurd take on the war on drugs that's sure to have viewers laughing out loud.

For Fans Of: Action, Comedy, Crime
Why Should I Watch Black Dynamite: A hilarious send-up of '70s blaxploitation films, this 2009 action-comedy directed by Scott Sanders stars Michael Jai White as ex-CIA agent Black Dynamite who embarks on a quest to avenge his brother's death at the hands of nefarious drug pushers. With its pitch-perfect parody of genre conventions and tongue-in-cheek humor, Black Dynamite is an uproarious tribute to classic cinema that will delight fans of action-packed adventures with a comedic twist.

For Fans Of: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Why Should I Watch Silk Road: Based on the true story of Ross Ulbricht, creator of the infamous online drug marketplace Silk Road, this 2021 crime thriller directed by Tiller Russell chronicles the rise and fall of one of the most notorious cybercriminals in history. With compelling performances from Nick Robinson as Ulbricht and Jason Clarke as the DEA agent pursuing him, Silk Road offers a fascinating glimpse into a digital-age criminal empire.

For Fans Of: Action, Crime, Thriller
Why Should I Watch Above Suspicion: This gritty 2019 crime thriller directed by Phillip Noyce tells the true story of an FBI informant (played by Emilia Clarke) who becomes involved with her handler (Jack Huston) while assisting in an investigation into local drug trafficking operations. Featuring strong performances and a captivating narrative exploring love, betrayal, and moral compromise, Above Suspicion provides an intense viewing experience that will resonate with fans of crime dramas based on real events.

For Fans Of: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Why Should I Watch Birds of Passage: This visually stunning 2018 Colombian crime drama directed by Cristina Gallego and Ciro Guerra explores the origins of the country's drug trade through indigenous traditions and family dynamics over several decades. With its unique blend of ethnographic storytelling, violent conflict, and engaging character arcs, Birds of Passage is a highly original entry in the genre that offers fresh insight into historical events shaping modern-day cartels.