Verdict:The Making of Drugstore Cowboy is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 0.0/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Documentary genre.
Answer: Maybe not, The Making of Drugstore Cowboy is likely a skip if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 28 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 11, 2026
Released in 1999, The Making of Drugstore Cowboy enters the Documentary genre with a narrative focused on Portland, 1988. Under the direction of John Campbell, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from William S. Burroughs. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
From a technical standpoint, The Making of Drugstore Cowboy offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Beyond the narrative, The Making of Drugstore Cowboy resonates with current cultural themes in the Documentary space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
As of early 2026, The Making of Drugstore Cowboy is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
The plot of The Making of Drugstore Cowboy centers on a unique premise within the Documentary landscape. Portland, 1988. Filmmaker Gus Van Sant shoots Drugstore Cowboy, the project that will bring he and his collaborators a formidable burst of mainstream attention. Starring Matt Dillon, Kelly Lynch, and Heather Graham, the film follows a roving quartet of drug addicts — and, consequently, drug thieves, especially from the businesses of the title — who wash up in Portland's then-gritty Pearl District. A death among their own spooks the leader of the pack into trying to clean up, and an encounter with a sepulchral junkie priest does its part to convince him further. Or maybe we should call him a Junkie priest, portrayed as he is by a controversial cameo from writer William S. Burroughs. "I'm going back to the old days," Burroughs says of his role early in the above documentary on the making of Drugstore Cowboy. "The old days when they used to give people morphine in jail. The old days before the methadone programs." The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1999 cinema will find fairly predictable.
The ending of The Making of Drugstore Cowboy has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a The Making of Drugstore Cowboy sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for The Making of Drugstore Cowboy (1999): with an audience rating of 0/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of Documentary cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, The Making of Drugstore Cowboy stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1999 cinematic year.
The Making of Drugstore Cowboy is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Based on the low rating of 0/10, The Making of Drugstore Cowboy may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
The Making of Drugstore Cowboy may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
The Making of Drugstore Cowboy is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Based on the low rating of 0/10, The Making of Drugstore Cowboy may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
The Making of Drugstore Cowboy may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
The Making of Drugstore Cowboy is a Documentary movie that follows: Portland, 1988. Filmmaker Gus Van Sant shoots Drugstore Cowboy, the project that will bring he and his collaborators a formidable burst of mainstream attention. Starring Matt Dillon, Kelly Lynch, and ...
The Making of Drugstore Cowboy is classified as Documentary. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
The Making of Drugstore Cowboy is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Portland, 1988. Filmmaker Gus Van Sant shoots Drugstore Cowboy, the project that will bring he and his collaborators a formidable burst of mainstream attention. Starring Matt Dillon, Kelly Lynch, and Heather Graham, the film follows a roving quartet of drug addicts — and, consequently, drug thieves, especially from the businesses of the title — who wash up in Portland's then-gritty Pearl District. A death among their own spooks the leader of the pack into trying to clean up, and an encounter with a sepulchral junkie priest does its part to convince him further. Or maybe we should call him a Junkie priest, portrayed as he is by a controversial cameo from writer William S. Burroughs. "I'm going back to the old days," Burroughs says of his role early in the above documentary on the making of Drugstore Cowboy. "The old days when they used to give people morphine in jail. The old days before the methadone programs."
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