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Drugstore Cowboy 1989

Led by Bob Hughes (Matt Dillon), a group of drug addicts travels the American West, supporting their habit through petty theft. After a tragic event, Bob is forced to confront his past and consider a path toward change. However, overcoming addiction proves difficult as he grapples with old habits and evades a determined law enforcement officer. His journey explores themes of loss, redemption, and the challenges of breaking free from destructive patterns.

Led by Bob Hughes (Matt Dillon), a group of drug addicts travels the American West, supporting their habit through petty theft. After a tragic event, Bob is forced to confront his past and consider a path toward change. However, overcoming addiction proves difficult as he grapples with old habits and evades a determined law enforcement officer. His journey explores themes of loss, redemption, and the challenges of breaking free from destructive patterns.

Does Drugstore Cowboy have end credit scenes?

Yes!

Drugstore Cowboy does have end credit scenes. Stay until the very end!

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Drugstore Cowboy

Explore the complete cast of Drugstore Cowboy, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Drugstore Cowboy

See how Drugstore Cowboy is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Drugstore Cowboy stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

82

Metascore

6.8

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

97%

TOMATOMETER

review

85%

User Score

IMDb

7.2 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

71

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate Drugstore Cowboy Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Drugstore Cowboy with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Drugstore Cowboy Quiz: Test your knowledge about the film 'Drugstore Cowboy' and its themes of addiction and consequence.

What is the primary substance Bob and Diane are addicted to?

Awards & Nominations for Drugstore Cowboy

Explore awards

Discover all the awards and nominations received by Drugstore Cowboy, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Drugstore Cowboy and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


5th Independent Spirit Awards 1990

Nomination

Best Feature

Gus Van Sant
Nomination

Best Director

Gus Van Sant
Matt Dillon
Win

Best Actor

Matt Dillon
Kelly Lynch
Nomination

Best Actress

Kelly Lynch
Win

Best Supporting Actor

Max Perlich
Heather Graham
Nomination

Best Supporting Actress

Heather Graham
Gus Van Sant
Win

Best Screenplay

Gus Van Sant
Win

Best Cinematography

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Drugstore Cowboy

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Read the complete plot summary of Drugstore Cowboy, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


A superstitious man named Bob and his wife, Diane, have become deeply entangled in the world of drugs, indulging in substances like dilaudid, morphine, and cocaine. Their addiction leads them to collaborate with another couple in robbing various pharmacies to sustain their habit. However, their activities draw the attention of a persistent police officer who gets too close for comfort. Fearing imminent capture, they quickly decide to abandon their current setup and relocate their operations to another town.

Tragedy strikes when one member of their group succumbs to an overdose. In a frantic attempt to dispose of the body discreetly, they attempt to transport it from their hotel room to their car, all while a sheriff’s convention is taking place at the same hotel. Even amidst the chaos, they evade the authorities and manage to move the body without getting caught. But this harrowing incident leads Bob to reflect on the superstitions he had previously dismissed; he becomes convinced that his beliefs were somehow responsible for the disaster and opts to enroll in a methadone program.

Now distancing himself from Diane and the rest of their crew, Bob initially appears to be doing well as he adjusts to his new job and recovery regimen. However, his newfound stability is shattered when he encounters a former junkie from earlier in the story. This individual, alongside an accomplice, confronts Bob in his apartment, seeking to score drugs. When Bob informs them of his clean status and lack of supplies, they violently attack him, culminating in a tragic shooting.

As Bob is carted away in an ambulance, his last haunting words echo the tragic irony of his situation: > “The irony was fcking brilliant. The chickensht cops were giving me an escort to the fattest pharmacy in town… I was still alive. I bet he’ll keep me alive.”

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

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Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Drugstore Cowboy

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Drugstore Cowboy. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Trailer

'Robbing A Pharmacy' Scene

'Bob Haggles Drug Prices' Scene

'Cops Search Bob's Home' Scene

'Nadine Asks For A Dog' Scene

'Bob Tries To Rob A Hospital Pharmacy' Scene

'Nadine's Body' Scene

'Tom The Priest' Scene

'Bob Gets A Regular Job' Scene

Cars Featured in Drugstore Cowboy

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Explore all cars featured in Drugstore Cowboy, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Cadillac

1974

Ambulance

Cadillac

1965

Fleetwood 60 Special

Checker

1974

Marathon

Chevrolet

1965

Bel Air

Chevrolet

1969

C-Series

Chevrolet

1971

Chevelle

Dodge

1963

330

Ford

1968

Custom

Ford

1963

F-Series

Ford

1967

F-Series

Drugstore Cowboy Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


drugsambushamphetamineashtraybedbloodbreaking down a doordeath by overdosedrug dealerrecovering drug addictcigarette smokingcocainedead bodydesk bellf wordflash forwardgolf clubkickingmethadonemethamphetaminemorphineold manold womanpillssyringethiefvaliumvanwatching tvdark comedyyear 1971existential lonelinessyoung womanself transcendenceyoung manexistential poetryirony of fatefemale nudityemptinesssearch for meaningmale protagonistfalling asleepcigarette lighterdepressed boymale wears underweardisappointmentexistential heroexistential crisisnarrated by lead characterangst

Drugstore Cowboy Other Names and Titles

Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for Drugstore Cowboy across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.


Drogas amor y muerte Dragstor kauboj Rebelul Ladrón de farmacias 드럭스토어 카우보이 No Trilho da Droga Аптечный ковбой דראגסטור קאובוי A gyógyszertári cowboy Narkotykowy kowboj ドラッグストア・カウボーイ 迷幻牛郎 აფთიაქის კოვბოი Аптечний ковбой Narkomani

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