10 Movies & Shows Like The Addiction Project

Description: A groundbreaking drama about a former heroin addict trying to rebuild his life. The film's frank depiction of addiction was controversial for its time and helped pave the way for future addiction narratives.

Fact: The film was one of the first Hollywood productions to address drug addiction openly. It was initially denied a Production Code seal due to its controversial subject matter.

Description: A gritty yet stylish depiction of a group of drug addicts who rob pharmacies to support their habits. The film balances dark humor with the stark realities of addiction.

Fact: The writer was a former addict who drew from his own experiences. The film was initially banned in several countries due to its controversial subject matter.

Description: A deeply emotional story about a man determined to drink himself to death and the woman who loves him. The film's unflinching portrayal of alcoholism and self-destruction is both tragic and poetic.

Fact: The lead actor reportedly drank real alcohol during filming to authentically portray his character's drunkenness. The film was shot on a very low budget, with many scenes improvised.

Description: A raw and darkly comedic look at heroin addiction, focusing on a group of friends in Edinburgh. The film's gritty realism and surreal moments capture the highs and lows of substance abuse.

Fact: The famous 'Choose Life' monologue was improvised by the lead actor. The movie's soundtrack became a cultural phenomenon, featuring artists like Iggy Pop and Underworld.

Description: A surreal and chaotic journey through the drug-fueled adventures of a journalist and his attorney. The film's hallucinogenic visuals and dark humor reflect the excesses of substance abuse.

Fact: The director insisted on using practical effects rather than CGI to create the film's trippy sequences. The novel it's based on was initially rejected by publishers for being too extreme.

Description: A harrowing portrayal of addiction, showcasing the physical and psychological toll it takes on individuals. The film's intense visual style and unflinching narrative highlight the destructive cycle of dependency.

Fact: The film's iconic split-screen sequences were inspired by the director's desire to show simultaneous events in a visually striking way. It was shot in just 25 days.

Description: A multi-layered exploration of the drug trade, from users to law enforcement. The film's intersecting storylines and documentary-like style provide a comprehensive look at the impact of drugs on society.

Fact: The film was shot in three different color schemes to distinguish its parallel narratives. It was based on a British TV series that also tackled the drug trade.

Description: A biographical crime drama about the rise and fall of a cocaine trafficker. The film's fast-paced narrative and vivid visuals capture the allure and consequences of the drug trade.

Fact: The real-life subject of the film was consulted during production. The movie's soundtrack features classic rock hits from the 1970s and 1980s.

Description: A romantic yet devastating story of two lovers whose lives are consumed by heroin addiction. The film's lyrical style and emotional depth highlight the destructive power of love and drugs.

Fact: The film is based on a semi-autobiographical novel by the lead actor's brother. It was shot in a documentary-like style to enhance its realism.

Description: A biographical drama about a TV writer's descent into heroin addiction. The film's nonlinear storytelling and dark humor provide a unique perspective on the struggles of dependency.

Fact: The lead actor lost a significant amount of weight to portray the physical deterioration of addiction. The real-life subject of the film later became a successful author and speaker.