Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

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Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

R

1998

1h 59m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

50%

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72 Reviews

89%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) and his attorney Dr. Gonzo (Benicio del Toro) drive a red convertible across the Mojave Desert to Las Vegas with a suitcase full of drugs to cover a motorcycle race. As their consumption of drugs increases at an alarming rate, the stoned duo trash their hotel room and fear legal repercussions. Duke begins to drive back to L.A., but after an odd run-in with a cop (Gary Busey), he returns to Sin City and continues his wild drug binge.

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Critics Consensus

Visually creative, but also aimless, repetitive, and devoid of character development.

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Duane Byrge

The Hollywood Reporter

May 22, 2019

The flaccid film is a goon-show version of Thompson's commentary on the craziness of the American Dream.

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Xan Brooks

Independent (UK)

Mar 29, 2019

The one stand-out is Johnny Depp, who brings Hunter S Thompson to bald-headed, pigeon-toed life.

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

May 2, 2012

It's certainly distinctive, looking at times like Richard Lester put through a postmodernist blender.

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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

Jan 27, 2026

There's nothing to ground the movie so feels like just chaos and that's it

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Scott Nye

Battleship Pretension

Jul 6, 2024

It’s a film for the young and those who think like them. That’s a great thing.

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Luke Y. Thompson

ComingSoon.net

Jun 17, 2024

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a cautionary tale, yet despite everyone’s best efforts, it also now feels like a nostalgic blast for those of us whose wild days are in the rearview.

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 9, 2026

Fear and Loathing = a *4* star Movie!

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Elias K

@RT72409358 May 27, 2026

Never a dull moment, every scene steeped in lyrical genius, and absurd comic irony. Let no one say this move isn't interesting. Anyone calling it "Aimless" is calling a rollercoaster pointless because you get off at the same place. Enjoy the ride, don't look for destinations

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Ben W

@Username618 Apr 25, 2026

Faithful adaptation of a rather pointless book.

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Brandon K

@TheKeizer Mar 19, 2026

Such an odd, funny, and messed up, movie at times. A wild journey thats worth seeing.

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Christopher H.

@ChristopherMontanaHaynes Mar 15, 2026

Top notch one of the greatest movies of all time. Main character is awesome. The whole concept is great it is a classic. For some reason in post you can't say the character's name or the robots won't let you post.

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Steven F.

@SteveGotScored Feb 19, 2026

My favorite drug movie of all time!

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Terry Gilliam

Director

Johnny Depp

'Uncle' Raoul Duke

Benicio del Toro

Oscar Zeta Acosta ("Dr. Gonzo")

Craig Bierko

Lacerda

Ellen Barkin

Waitress at North Star Cafe

Gary Busey

Highway Patrolman

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Synopsis

Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) and his attorney Dr. Gonzo (Benicio del Toro) drive a red convertible across the Mojave Desert to Las Vegas with a suitcase full of drugs to cover a motorcycle race. As their consumption of drugs increases at an alarming rate, the stoned duo trash their hotel room and fear legal repercussions. Duke begins to drive back to L.A., but after an odd run-in with a cop (Gary Busey), he returns to Sin City and continues his wild drug binge.

Director: Terry Gilliam
Producer: Patrick Cassavetti, Laila Nabulsi, Stephen Nemeth
Screenwriter: Hunter S. Thompson, Terry Gilliam, Tony Grisoni, Tod Davies, Alex Cox
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Rhino Films
Rating: R (Pervasive Extreme Drug Use|Brief Nudity|Strong Language)
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 22, 1998, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $10.6M
Runtime: 1h 59m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, SDDS, Surround, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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