Narcotics Crime movies

Vibe

Realistic Tense Claustrophobic Measured Gritty

Overview

Strike is a young city drug pusher under the tutelage of drug lord Rodney Little. When a night manager at a fast-food restaurant is found with four bullets in his body, Strike’s older brother turns himself in as the killer. Detective Rocco Klein doesn’t buy the story, however, setting out to find the truth, and it seems that all the fingers point toward Strike & Rodney.

Themes

Class inequality, Loyalty under pressure, Betrayal and suspicion, Deception and violence, Informant risk, Authority and resistance

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Vibe

Dynamic Claustrophobic Brutal Relentless Fast-paced

Overview

El Mariachi plunges headfirst into the dark border underworld when he follows a trail of blood to the last of the infamous Mexican drug lords, Bucho, for an action-packed, bullet-riddled showdown. With the help of his friend and a beautiful bookstore owner, El Mariachi tracks Bucho, takes on his army of desperados, and leaves his own trail of blood.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Revenge motive, Organized crime networks, Protection of others, Mercy within vengeance, Family conflict amid crime

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Vibe

Realistic Tense Raw Claustrophobic Gritty

Overview

A day in the life of a group of teens as they travel around New York City skating, drinking, smoking and deflowering virgins.

Themes

Illicit youth culture, Urban alienation, Peer pressure dynamics, Reckless experimentation, Health risk and stigma, Street violence and consequence

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Vibe

Tense Raw Fast-paced Stylish Gritty

Overview

Clarence finally finds real love with Alabama and a stolen bag of cocaine that could buy their future. But every mobster with a gun wants it back. To protect the woman he just married, will he give up the score—or go all‑in on a war he can’t win?

Themes

Crime under pressure, Loyalty under threat, Ambition through illicit markets, Deception and risk, Love against danger, Reputation vs survival

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Vibe

Tense Raw Claustrophobic Relentless Fast-paced

Overview

El Mariachi just wants to play his guitar and carry on the family tradition. Unfortunately, the town he tries to find work in has another visitor, a killer who carries his guns in a guitar case. The drug lord and his henchmen mistake el Mariachi for the killer, Azul, and chase him around town trying to kill him and get his guitar case.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Romance under threat, Deception and appearances, Mistaken identity risk, Survival amid crime, Performing as shelter

Available on

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Vibe

Realistic Tense Claustrophobic Brutal Atmospheric

Overview

Based on the true life experiences of poet Jimmy Santiago Baca, the film focuses on half-brothers Paco and Cruz, and their bi-racial cousin Miklo. It opens in 1972, as the three are members of an East L.A. gang known as the "Vatos Locos", and the story focuses on how a violent crime and the influence of narcotics alter their lives. Miklo is incarcerated and sent to San Quentin, where he makes a "home" for himself. Cruz becomes an exceptional artist, but a heroin addiction overcomes him with tragic results. Paco becomes a cop and an enemy to his "carnal", Miklo.

Themes

Race and factional loyalty, Cycle of violence, Family bonds under pressure, Shifting loyalties and alliances, Institutional power struggles, Drug trade economy