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Drugstore Cowboy

Name: Drugstore Cowboy
Genre: Drama, Crime
Released: 1989-10-20
Cast: Matt Dillon, Kelly Lynch, James Remar, James Le Gros, Heather Graham

1989 | 102 min | Drama, Crime

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (97% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it: Made for crime-drama fans. If you loved Trainspotting or Menace II Society, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood: Dark and gritty.
The pace: Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 42 min.
What might put you off: Rated R: expect drug use.
Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

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.

How it earned its rating

CriticsVery strong
97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 82 on Metacritic
AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
AwardsStrong
Won 1 Berlin award: Berlin International Film Festival: Forum of New Cinema. Won 4 Independent Spirit Awards: Independent Spirit Awards: Best Cinematography, Independent Spirit Awards: Best Screenplay, Independent Spirit Awards: Best Male Lead, Independent Spirit Awards: Best Supporting Male. Also nominated for 4 more Independent Spirit Awards. Plus 5 other awards.
Box office & staying powerSolid
$5 million worldwide on a $3 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 149K people sought it out in the past year