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Dope

Dope

It's hard out here for a geek.

2015103 minRMidcredits score: 87th percentile of all films
Director
Rick Famuyiwa
Starring
Shameik Moore, Zoë Kravitz, A$AP Rocky, Kiersey Clemons

Malcolm is carefully surviving life in a tough neighborhood in Los Angeles while juggling college applications, academic interviews, and the SAT. A chance invitation to an underground party leads him into an adventure that could allow him to go from being a geek, to being dope, to ultimately being himself.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Dope?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Dope streaming on Prime Video and STARZ and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Dope?

Dope earns 7 badges, led by Top 10% in Adventure and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is Dope worth watching?

Dope's Midcredits score is the 87th percentile of all films, from 239K ratings across 6 sources. 77% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

87th percentile

Better received than 87% of films

91st percentile among Adventure87th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)84th
Approval (how many liked it)87th

72 /100

84th percentile of all films

90th percentile among Adventure83rd percentile among 2010s

Critics 72 · Audience 72

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.3 — solid but not unanimous.

77% liked it

87th percentile of all films

90th percentile among Adventure88th percentile among 2010s
77% rated it 7–1023% rated it 1–6

Critics 88% · Audience 83%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 4 wins / 21 noms overall

96th percentile

239K ratings across platforms

93rd percentile among Adventure96th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 8% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$7M
Opening weekend$6.1M
Domestic gross$18M
Worldwide gross$18M

Returned 2.6× its budget — 71st percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A lively, ambitious indie that blends 90s hip-hop nostalgia with a modern coming-of-age drug caper.

Fans praised

  • charismatic young lead with breakout potential
  • sharp, witty dialogue with pop-culture references
  • energetic, inventive plotting and fresh take on coming-of-age

Detractors panned

  • overstuffed, uneven story with multiple endings
  • preachy, heavy-handed social commentary
  • implausible plot twists and coincidences

What stands out

Sound and musicDivisive82

nostalgic 90s hip-hop soundtrack well-integrated

Acting78

breakout lead and strong ensemble chemistry

OriginalityDivisive78

fresh spin on geek-in-the-hood formula

DialogueDivisive72

snappy, witty but overuses certain slang

CharactersDivisive70

protagonist relatable, side characters underdeveloped

Plot and storyDivisive55

engaging setup but increasingly implausible and baggy

PacingDivisive55

high-energy first half, second half drags

EndingDivisive48

multiple endings feel excessive and preachy

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 7 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 5 points apart
  • Critics vs users 8 points apart
  • US vs non-US 4 points apart

Watch experience

What is Dope like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It has a few laughs and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
ThrillingWarmHopeful
Heaviest: middle
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Frame story · 5% of films: A story told inside another — someone is recounting it.
ToneThe film treats its characters and their struggles earnestly while maintaining a playful, energetic tone.
The rideThe adventure is likely ebullient and exciting, with a warm core of friendship and a hopeful forward motion.
StructureThe film is told in a straightforward chronological order with a brief framing device of definitions at the start.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves the viewer feeling optimistic about Malcolm's future and uplifted by his journey.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rags
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3% (this title): Underdog triumph 2% (this title) · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rags to riches: A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition. · Underdog triumph: Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).

3% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeMalcolm, a geek from a tough LA neighborhood, seizes a chance to escape his circumstances and outwit a drug dealer to secure his dream of attending Harvard. The film follows his rise through wit and determination, fitting the underdog triumph subtype.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% (this title) · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsAmbition · 7% of filmsFriendship · 9% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeMalcolm navigates his identity as a geek in a tough neighborhood, trying to carve out his own path while holding onto his friendships and ambitions.
StanceThe film likely celebrates Malcolm's journey of self-definition within his community, embracing his identity and friendships.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanRealistic
ElectronicSupportive music · hybrid
SettingA tough Los Angeles neighborhood and the underground party scene
MusicA vibrant mix that captures the energy of Los Angeles youth culture.

Content guide

Is Dope okay for kids?

R

Dope is rated R: “Rated R for language, drug content, sexuality/nudity, and some violence-all involving teens” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (64/100), sexual content at intense (72/100), language at severe (93/100), drug and alcohol content at severe (88/100) and frightening material at moderate (41/100). Its frightening material has too few votes to rank. Overall it is heavier than 89% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 17 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA15+
  • Germany16
  • FranceU
  • Ireland16
  • JapanR18+
  • South Korea19
  • Czechia18+
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-16
  • Hungary18
  • Netherlands6
  • Norway15
  • Poland18
  • RO18
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland16
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 93% of all filmsHeavier than 89% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 42%
Sex & Nudity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 91%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 96%
Alcohol & Drugs
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 96%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
too few votes to rank (9 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Heavy almost across the board: language, drug and alcohol content, sexual content, and violence.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Dope have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Dope?

Cast

Shameik Moore
as Malcolm
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Zoë Kravitz
as Nakia
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
A$AP Rocky
as Dom
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Kiersey Clemons
as Diggy
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Tony Revolori
as Jib
Blake Anderson
as Will Sherwood
Chanel Iman
as Lily
Roger Guenveur Smith
as Austin Jacoby
LaKeith Stanfield
as Bug
newcomer then · star now
Tyga
as De'Andre

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Dope?

Movies like Dope include The Wood (1999), You Got Served (2004) and Smiley Face (2007). Of the 7 closest matches, most are films set in Los Angeles, and two are teen dramas.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Dope?

1.7K other films share the rarest tag below, up against: tycoon. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.