Movies and cannabis go together like peanut butter and jelly. The combination can create a unique experience, amplifying the visuals, humor, or emotional impact of a film. When you’re high, you’re often more relaxed, open to new ideas, and susceptible to the subtle nuances of storytelling, color, and sound that may otherwise go unnoticed. Choosing the right movie to watch while you’re in this altered state is crucial to maximize enjoyment. Whether you’re looking for something to laugh at, contemplate deeply, or simply marvel at, there’s a genre or film that will fit perfectly with your vibe.
Why Movies Are So Enjoyable When High
Before diving into the specific films, it’s worth exploring why movies are particularly enjoyable when you’re high. Cannabis heightens sensory experiences, making colors seem more vibrant, sounds more intense, and emotions deeper. This sensory enhancement means that elements of films, such as visual effects, humor, or even the pacing of the narrative, are often more impactful and immersive. Watching a movie while high can turn a simple scene into a mesmerizing or hilarious experience.
Another reason cannabis pairs well with movies is its tendency to shift your perspective. A film you’ve seen many times before can feel fresh and different when viewed while high. You may pick up on new details, appreciate the cinematography or soundtrack in a deeper way, or find yourself laughing uncontrollably at something that seemed mundane before. The altered perception that cannabis provides can turn any movie night into a memorable event.
Comedy Films: For the Perfect Dose of Laughter
One of the best genres to dive into when you’re high is comedy. The euphoria and giddiness brought on by cannabis can make even the most subtle jokes feel hilarious. There’s something about the carefree, silly nature of stoner comedies that pair well with being high. It’s no wonder many of these films have developed a cult following within the cannabis community.
Superbad: This is a high school comedy that’s just as funny today as it was when it was released. The awkwardness, the bizarre situations, and the friendship dynamics are amplified when you’re high, turning even the smallest misadventures into laugh-out-loud moments. The witty banter and over-the-top antics will leave you grinning from ear to ear.
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Pineapple Express: You can’t talk about films to watch while high without mentioning this Seth Rogen and James Franco stoner classic. The plot is simple but filled with action, absurdity, and endless comedic moments, making it perfect for watching with friends. The chemistry between the characters and the ridiculousness of their situations hit harder when you’re elevated.
In Pineapple Express (2008), the title doesn’t just refer to the film but also to a real strain of cannabis. The movie, starring Seth Rogen and James Franco, revolves around a rare and potent strain of marijuana called Pineapple Express, which plays a central role in the plot.
Interestingly, the Pineapple Express strain is well-known in real life. It’s a sativa-dominant hybrid recognized for its uplifting and energetic effects. The strain is a cross between Trainwreck and Hawaiian, offering a tropical, fruity flavor with notes of pineapple and citrus. This strain has become iconic in cannabis culture, much like the film itself, creating a unique connection between the world of cinema and cannabis enthusiasts.
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
The Big Lebowski: This iconic film is more than just a stoner comedy; it’s a work of art. The Dude’s laid-back, carefree attitude is relatable in a whole new way when you’re high, and the surreal scenes and unforgettable characters will keep you entertained from start to finish. It’s the kind of film that leaves a lasting impression, especially when viewed through a cannabis-enhanced lens.
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Step Brothers: This movie is pure absurdity. From the outrageous dialogue to the ridiculous plot, Step Brothers is a comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s perfect for when you’re looking to laugh without thinking too hard. The exaggerated personalities and wild situations are even funnier when your mind is in an elevated state.
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Animated Films: A Visual and Creative Journey
Animated films are another excellent choice when you’re high because they offer a unique combination of colorful visuals, creative storytelling, and often, a touch of fantasy. The animation itself can become mesmerizing, with the rich details, vivid colors, and fluid motion making you feel like you’re stepping into an entirely different world.
Spirited Away: This Studio Ghibli masterpiece takes you on an enchanting journey into a magical world. Its dreamy landscapes, imaginative characters, and surreal atmosphere are the perfect companion for a cannabis-induced state. Each scene is a visual feast, and the emotional depth of the story hits harder when you’re more in tune with your senses.
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Fantastic Planet: This French animated sci-fi film is a trippy experience on its own, but watching it while high takes it to another level. The strange alien landscapes, peculiar creatures, and bizarre plot create a surreal, almost hypnotic viewing experience. It’s a film that will make you question reality and marvel at the creativity of animation.
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Rick and Morty: While it’s a TV series rather than a movie, this animated show deserves mention. Its mind-bending plots, outrageous humor, and often philosophical undertones are ideal for when you’re high. The sci-fi concepts and zany adventures can take on a deeper meaning, and the rapid-fire jokes and visual gags will keep you engaged.
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse: This movie is not only a visual masterpiece, but it’s also a revolutionary step in animation. The stylized animation, with its comic-book feel and vibrant colors, is stunning even when you’re sober, but while high, it’s a spectacle that pulls you in completely. Every detail pops, and the action sequences are like nothing else.
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Sci-Fi Films: Expanding the Mind
For those looking to expand their minds and explore otherworldly concepts, science fiction films are an excellent choice. The combination of imaginative settings, futuristic technology, and philosophical questions posed by sci-fi films can lead to deep thoughts and contemplation, especially when you’re high. These films often challenge your perception of reality, which pairs well with cannabis’s ability to alter your perspective.
2001: A Space Odyssey: This Stanley Kubrick classic is a visual and intellectual journey. The stunning cinematography and groundbreaking special effects make it a must-watch for anyone interested in sci-fi. When you’re high, the slower pacing and philosophical themes can take on new significance, and the iconic “Star Gate” sequence is a sensory overload that will leave you in awe.
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Interstellar: Christopher Nolan’s space epic explores the nature of time, space, and love, making it a deeply philosophical film. The breathtaking visuals of distant galaxies and black holes are awe-inspiring, especially when you’re high. The movie’s emotional core hits harder, and its complex scientific concepts feel more accessible and thought-provoking.
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Blade Runner 2049: Visually stunning and thematically deep, Blade Runner 2049 is a perfect film for getting lost in while high. The dystopian future it presents is immersive, with neon-lit cityscapes and haunting music that transport you to another world. The slow pace and philosophical questions about humanity and artificial intelligence encourage deep thought.
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Psychedelic Films: A Surreal Experience
For those looking to truly enter another realm of consciousness, psychedelic films are the way to go. These movies play with visuals, narratives, and sound in a way that complements the altered state of mind cannabis induces. They offer a surreal experience that can feel like a dream come to life on the screen.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: Based on Hunter S. Thompson’s book, this film is a wild, chaotic trip through Las Vegas, fueled by drugs, confusion, and bizarre encounters. The surreal visuals and frenetic pacing mimic the sensation of a psychedelic experience, making it a fascinating film to watch while high. The colorful scenes and strange characters become even more disorienting and captivating.
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Enter the Void: This film is known for its experimental and visually intense style. Told from the perspective of a character’s soul after death, the movie uses long takes, vibrant colors, and dream-like visuals to create a hypnotic experience. Watching it while high can feel like you’re floating through an ethereal world, making it one of the most immersive and intense films to pair with cannabis.
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
The Holy Mountain: Directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky, this avant-garde film is a mind-bending journey through surreal landscapes and symbolic imagery. It’s visually rich and filled with bizarre, thought-provoking scenes that make you question reality. Watching The Holy Mountain while high is a truly unique experience, as it feels like stepping into a world of pure imagination and symbolism.
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10