Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro star in director Terry Gilliam's adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's cult novel. Journalist Raoul Duke (Depp) and his attorney Dr Gonzo (Del Toro) arrive in Las Vegas, ostensibly so that Raoul can cover the Mint 400 off-track race.

The duo proceed to embark on a drug-fuelled binge replete with vivid hallucinations, checking into the Mint Hotel before visiting the Bazooka Circus casino while high on ether. The hedonistic weekend continues the following day, with Raoul and Gonzo meeting various eccentric characters along the way.