Movies like The Basketball Diaries

A harrowing exploration of the devastating effects of drug addiction, Requiem for a Dream weaves together the stories of four individuals as they succumb to the grip of substances. Its raw and visceral portrayal of descent into addiction makes it a compelling watch for fans of The Basketball Diaries.

Kids provides an unfiltered glimpse into the lives of sexually active, substance-abusing teenagers in mid-90s New York City. The film's raw and often disturbing depiction of youth culture shares similarities with The Basketball Diaries' blunt portrayal of teen life on the edge.

Set in Scotland, Trainspotting follows a group of heroin addicts navigating life and their addictions. Its gritty and darkly comedic approach deals with themes of youth rebellion and the struggle to find direction, resonating with viewers who appreciate the tumultuous journey in The Basketball Diaries.

Directed by Gus Van Sant, Drugstore Cowboy is the tale of a group of drug addicts who rob pharmacies to support their habit. Its candid and stylized depiction of the subculture of drug users provides a narrative thread that audiences of The Basketball Diaries may find compelling.

Featuring a compelling performance by Ryan Gosling, Half Nelson delves into the life of a middle school teacher who forms a bond with one of his students while he himself struggles with drug addiction. Its intimate look at personal battles and unlikely friendships will resonate with viewers drawn to character-driven stories like The Basketball Diaries.

Candy, featuring Heath Ledger and Abbie Cornish, is an Australian film about a poet and an art student whose passionate love affair is marred by their mutual addiction to heroin. The destructive nature of their relationship and the spiraling addiction echoes the intense personal turmoil seen in The Basketball Diaries.

Permanent Midnight stars Ben Stiller as a successful television writer whose life is overshadowed by a destructive heroin addiction. The film's focus on the protagonist's struggle with his inner demons and the consequences of addiction align with the themes presented in The Basketball Diaries.