Traffic (2000)
Multiple lives collide in a bleak, gritty drug war, where no one escapes without sacrifice.
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.
How intense is Traffic?
Traffic is not scary, with light gore and strong violence. Emotionally it is devastating. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated R.
What Traffic feels like
- Tone
- grittysuspensefulbleakintimate
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream Traffic
Not on a US subscription service at our last check. Rent or buy may still be an option.
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 15, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is Traffic for you?
Is Traffic scary?
No. Traffic is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is Traffic gory or violent?
Light gore (1 of 3) and strong violence (2 of 3).
Is Traffic sad or heavy?
Yes. Emotional weight 3 of 3. It hits hard; do not plan anything light after.
Is Traffic OK for kids?
It is rated R, so it is made for adults. Intensity: scare 0, gore 1, violence 2, each out of 3.
How long is Traffic?
Traffic runs 2h 27m.
Where can I stream Traffic?
Traffic is not on a US subscription service right now (rent or buy may still be an option).
Does Traffic have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
Bittersweet. It earns its ending, but not everyone gets what they want.
Cast and crew
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