Embark on a cinematic journey through the shadowy world of smuggling with our curated list of biopics. These films not only entertain but also shed light on the complex lives of individuals who navigated the murky waters of illegal trade. From high-stakes heists to the moral dilemmas faced by these characters, each movie offers a unique perspective on the allure and dangers of smuggling. Whether you're a fan of historical dramas or simply intrigued by tales of cunning and survival, this collection promises to captivate and enlighten.

The French Connection (1971)
Description: While focusing on the police side of the story, this classic film details the smuggling of heroin from France to New York.
Fact: The famous car chase scene was filmed without permits, causing chaos in New York City.


Blow (2001)
Description: This film chronicles the life of George Jung, one of the biggest cocaine smugglers in the United States during the 1970s and 80s. It's a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of his smuggling empire.
Fact: Johnny Depp, who plays George Jung, actually met Jung to prepare for the role. The film's title "Blow" is a slang term for cocaine.


The Rum Diary (2011)
Description: Although primarily a story about a journalist, the film includes elements of smuggling, as the protagonist gets involved in a scheme to smuggle rum into the U.S. from Puerto Rico.
Fact: Johnny Depp, who stars as Paul Kemp, also produced the film. It's based on an unpublished novel by Hunter S. Thompson.


The Rum Diary (2011)
Description: Although primarily a story about a journalist, the film includes elements of smuggling, as the protagonist gets involved in a scheme to smuggle rum into the U.S. from Puerto Rico.
Fact: Johnny Depp, who stars as Paul Kemp, also produced the film. It's based on an unpublished novel by Hunter S. Thompson.


The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Description: While not strictly about smuggling, this film features Jordan Belfort's involvement in stock market manipulation and money laundering, which can be seen as a form of financial smuggling.
Fact: The film holds the record for the most use of the F-word in a mainstream movie, with over 500 instances.


The Infiltrator (2016)
Description: This film follows Robert Mazur, a U.S. Customs special agent who goes undercover to infiltrate the money-laundering operations of drug cartels, including the Medellín Cartel.
Fact: Bryan Cranston, who plays Mazur, lost 40 pounds for the role to accurately portray the stress and physical toll of the undercover work.


American Made (2017)
Description: Based on the life of Barry Seal, a pilot who became a drug smuggler for the Medellín Cartel in the 1980s, this film showcases his wild adventures and eventual cooperation with the CIA.
Fact: Tom Cruise performed many of his own stunts, including flying the planes. The movie was originally titled "Mena," after the small town in Arkansas where Seal operated.


The King of Staten Island (2020)
Description: While not a traditional smuggling biopic, this film includes a subplot where the protagonist's father was a firefighter who also engaged in smuggling activities.
Fact: The film was co-written by Pete Davidson, who also stars as the lead, and is semi-autobiographical.


The Lost City of Z (2016)
Description: This film, while primarily an adventure, includes elements of smuggling as the protagonist, Percy Fawcett, smuggles artifacts out of the Amazon.
Fact: The film was shot in Colombia, standing in for the Amazon jungle, and required extensive location scouting.


The Rum Runners (1971)
Description: Set during Prohibition, this film tells the story of a group of smugglers who transport rum from the Caribbean to the U.S.
Fact: The film was directed by Robert Mulligan, known for "To Kill a Mockingbird."
