Top 10 Movie Overdose Scenes
And this, kids, is why you don't do drugs. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the top 10 overdose scenes in movies. For this list, we're looking at those tough-to-watch big screen scenes where a character takes a little too much of something, and goes off the deep end. To be clear, the character does not need to die, or even be seriously injured, to be eligible. And because some of these moments include character deaths, SPOILER ALERT.
Special thanks to our users Charlie Palmer and Andreb139 for submitting the idea on our Suggestions Page at http://www.WatchMojo.comsuggest
#10: F***ed-up Bowman
“Traffic” (2000)
This crime drama tells the story of four different people involved in the illegal drug trade, all from various perspectives. In this scene, Seth and his girlfriend are free-basing heroin when a fellow student joins in, only to start sweating profusely, lose concentration, and eventually collapse and convulse on the floor. It’s a disturbing scene shown realistically, with a progression of worsening symptoms. The reality of the scene hits the viewers like a punch in the gut and makes us want to stay far far away from heroin.
#9: Can You Hear Me, Mandy?
“Eyes Wide Shut” (1999)
This Stanley Kubrick film sees a man go on a journey of sexual discovery after finding out his wife nearly cheated on him. In this scene, the man in question, Dr. Bill Harford as played by Tom Cruise, is called to help Mandy, who has overdosed on a speedball. A speedball is a mixture of cocaine and heroin, so generally, it’s something you don’t want to be trying. The quietness of the scene works as a stark contrast to the bustle of the party downstairs, and the fact that Mandy is still conscious but unable to move adds a touch of horror to the scene.
#8: This Girl Has Definitely OD’d
“Boogie Nights” (1997)
In this Paul Thomas Anderson film, parties and drugs are on the docket as Eddie Adams works his way through the porno business in the ‘70s and ‘80s. In this scene, a girl at a party takes too much coke, and we see her on the floor, bleeding out her nose and convulsing. It’s serious subject matter, but it’s played for comedy, with the calmness of the three men, the stress of the other, and the memorable and hilarious quotes. Leave it to Anderson to mix dark subject matter with humor.
#7: Penny, Wake Up
"Almost Famous" (2000)
The rock and roll lifestyle might seem like fun, but this scene realistically shows some of the many downsides. This comedy-drama follows a teenage journalist as he reports on the adventures of a made-up rock band. Just as he is proclaiming his love to “Band-Aid” Penny Lane, she overdoses on Quaaludes. It's both a funny and disturbing scene, as we feel bad for William, since Penny never actually hears his proclamation, but we also see the harsh reality of Penny's stomach being pumped. Then there’s the fact that the lovely “My Cherie Amour” plays over her vomiting, which makes the moment hard to forget as well.
#6: I’d Like to Try it in the Bath
"Candy" (2006)
A bathtub seems like such a peaceful place, doesn't it? Well, not in this scene, as this is where Candy, an art student who falls in love with Dan and his lifestyle of drug abuse, overdoses after snorting heroin. It’s tense the whole way through, starting from the beginning where we fear she might drown, and during, as we watch Dan try to keep her awake while his friend makes a saline solution. Featuring terrific performances and a haunting score, this sequence from the romantic drama shows a terrifying but realistic portrayal of an overdose that lands just shy of our top 5.
#5: Here He Is, Mr. Johnny Cash
“Walk the Line” (2005)
This biographical film tells the life story of country singer Johnny Cash. Unfortunately, Cash was addicted to amphetamines and barbiturates beginning in the late 1950s, and this scene brings that harrowing truth to the big screen: Cash performs erratically and eventually passes out on stage. It’s difficult to watch not only due to the raw performance of Joaquin Phoenix, but also because we know this situation is based on reality and that his prospective wife June had to witness it. Still, he was one hell of an artist.
#4: Julian’s Death
“Less Than Zero” (1987)
This 1987 film stars a young Robert Downey, Jr., in the role of Julian. When Clay returns home from college, he finds his childhood friend, Julian, addicted to cocaine. At the end of the movie, despite their best efforts, they are unable to save him and he dies from heart failure. It is a hard scene to watch because the whole movie had you thinking he might pull through, but he doesn’t. It’s also especially hard to watch because Downey was actually going through a real drug addiction at the time of filming.
#3: Nicole ODs
“Flight” (2012)
In this movie, Denzel Washington’s Whip has to face possible prosecution after piloting a plane while intoxicated on drugs and alcohol. Meanwhile, in this scene, Nicole is on the verge of being evicted when she buys some heroin and promptly overdoses, falling to the ground and failing to hear the door. It’s a realistic portrayal of addiction, in which she chooses to pay for drugs over rent, and that choice makes theoverdose that much more impactful. In a movie dealing with addiction, this scene proves one of the strongest, even if it doesn’t involve the main character.
#2: Just a Perfect Day
“Trainspotting” (1996)
An adaptation of Irvine (err-vin) Welsh’s novel, this crime comedy drama follows a group of heroin addicts in Scotland. When protagonist Mark Renton takes a particularly potent hit of heroin, he ends up needing emergency care. What makes this scene effective is the funny visual effect of Renton being stuck in the floor, and also the Lou Reed song that plays over the overdose. Such a beautiful song is contrasted with the images on screen, including a disgusting apartment and Renton’s disgraced body, making this scene weirdly funny and upsetting at the same time.
Before we take a look at our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Partied Too Hard
“Party Monster” (2003)
Cookie's First Hit
"Gridlock'd" (1997)
Abberline Does Too Much
"From Hell" (2001)
#1: A Shot in the Heart
“Pulp Fiction” (1994)
This classic Quentin Tarantino flick follows separate storylines as they become intertwined in a tale of crime, and it’s this scene which is one of the most famous. Mia, thinking it’s cocaine in Vincent’s pocket, snorts it, but it turns out to be heroin and she passes out. A particularly gripping scene, it’s especially intense due to the lack of music, the handheld camera, and the sheer suspense of waiting to see if she dies. In fact, one woman apparently passed out during the resolution of this scene due to the intensity. If anything, that alone guarantees it the topspot.
Do you agree with our list? What overdose big screen scene do you think was the most effective? For more heart-stopping top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
