Traffic (2000)
Kernel Score: 79% · 2,348 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Thriller, Drama, Crime
Released: 2000-12-27
Runtime: 147 minutes
Is Traffic worth watching?
Worth watching. Soderbergh follows the drug trade through several intertwined stories, each shot in its own colour tone. It's smart and serious, and the cast is strong, but it's long and a few of the threads work better than others.
Watch it if you
- like multi-strand crime dramas
- want a serious look at the drug war
- enjoy strong ensemble casts
Skip it if you
- want a tight, single-plot thriller
- find issue-driven films preachy
Best for: Serious night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Traffic
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
An exploration of the United States of America's war on drugs from multiple perspectives. For the new head of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the war becomes personal when he discovers his well-educated daughter is abusing cocaine within their comfortable suburban home. In Mexico, a flawed, but noble policeman agrees to testify against a powerful general in league with a cartel, and in San Diego, a drug kingpin's sheltered trophy wife must learn her husband's ruthless business after he is arrested, endangering her luxurious lifestyle.
Traffic parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Traffic is an R-rated drama exploring the war on drugs through drug trafficking, addiction, and a teenage daughter's cocaine abuse.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Cartel and police-operation violence occurs as part of the drug war narrative.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Intense — Drug trafficking, cocaine addiction, and the drug trade are central and pervasive throughout the film.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Traffic
If you liked Traffic, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Elite Squad (2007) — 90%: Hard-hitting look at drugs, crime and corruption.
- Training Day (2001) — 83%: Gritty crime drama about corruption in law enforcement.
- Erin Brockovich (2000) — 83%: Another Soderbergh drama with a real-world issue at its heart.
- Dog Day Afternoon (1975) — 89%: Gripping 70s crime drama grounded in real people.
- Blow (2001) — 81%: Real-life drug trade story told through one man.
- Ocean's Eleven (2001) — 84%: Slicker Soderbergh crime film for a lighter evening.
Director
Cast
- Michael Douglas as Robert Wakefield
- Benicio del Toro as Javier Rodriguez
- Catherine Zeta-Jones as Helena Ayala
- Erika Christensen as Caroline Wakefield
- Don Cheadle as Montel Gordon
- Jacob Vargas as Manolo Sanchez
- Miguel Ferrer as Eduardo Ruiz
- Luis Guzmán as Ray Castro
- Topher Grace as Seth Abrahms
- Tomas Milian as Gen. Arturo Salazar
Traffic FAQ
Is Traffic worth watching?
Worth watching. Soderbergh follows the drug trade through several intertwined stories, each shot in its own colour tone. It's smart and serious, and the cast is strong, but it's long and a few of the threads work better than others.
Where can I watch Traffic?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Traffic OK for kids?
Traffic is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Traffic is an R-rated drama exploring the war on drugs through drug trafficking, addiction, and a teenage daughter's cocaine abuse.
What movies are like Traffic?
If you liked Traffic, try Elite Squad, Training Day, Erin Brockovich and Dog Day Afternoon.