Drugstore Cowboy (1989)
Kernel Score: 79% · 602 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Crime
Released: 1989-10-20
Runtime: 102 minutes
Where to watch Drugstore Cowboy
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, Fandango at Home, Plex, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Portland, Oregon, 1971. Bob Hughes is the charismatic leader of a peculiar quartet, formed by his wife, Dianne, and another couple, Rick and Nadine, who skillfully steal from drugstores and hospital medicine cabinets in order to appease their insatiable need for drugs. But neither fun nor luck last forever.
Drugstore Cowboy parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that this R-rated drama is a frank depiction of drug addiction, theft, and its toll on relationships.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes burglary and the dangers of the addicted lifestyle, with some tense confrontations.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Intense — Centers on a group of drug addicts stealing prescription drugs from pharmacies to feed constant addiction.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Drugstore Cowboy
If you liked Drugstore Cowboy, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Trainspotting (1996) — 88%
- Requiem for a Dream (2000) — 89%
- Reservoir Dogs (1992) — 89%
- The Basketball Diaries (1995) — 84%
- Menace II Society (1993) — 85%
- The Secret Life of Bees (2008) — 86%
- The Doors (1991) — 80%
- Cleveland Abduction (2015) — 80%
Director
Cast
- Matt Dillon as Bob
- Kelly Lynch as Dianne
- James Remar as Gentry
- James Le Gros as Rick
- Heather Graham as Nadine
- Beah Richards as Drug Counselor
- Grace Zabriskie as Bob's Mother
- Max Perlich as David
- William S. Burroughs as Tom the Priest
- Eric Hull as Druggist
Drugstore Cowboy FAQ
Is Drugstore Cowboy good?
Drugstore Cowboy has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 602 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Drugstore Cowboy?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, Fandango at Home, Plex and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Drugstore Cowboy OK for kids?
Drugstore Cowboy is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that this R-rated drama is a frank depiction of drug addiction, theft, and its toll on relationships.
What movies are like Drugstore Cowboy?
If you liked Drugstore Cowboy, try Trainspotting, Requiem for a Dream, Reservoir Dogs and The Basketball Diaries.