Some weed movies are awesome to watch high; others have become part of the culture for how they reflect the world of weed then … and now. Here are some of our favourites from across the cannabis genre, including a few classics, and possibly a few surprises.
Pineapple Express (2008)
Starring BC’s own Seth Rogen, Pineapple Express is best watched with some weed to go along with it… maybe even some pineapple express? This classic stoner movie popularized the strain of weed by the same name and forever etched their names into weed fandom.
Says Rotten Tomatoes: “Stoner Dale Denton’s (Seth Rogen) enjoyment of a rare strain of marijuana may prove fatal when he drops his roach in a panic after witnessing a murder. Upon learning that the fancy weed can be traced back to them, Dale and his dealer (James Franco) go on the lam, with a dangerous drug lord (Gary Cole) and crooked cop (Rosie Perez) hot on their heels.”
Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)
Out of the pair’s series of weed-propelled adventures, their trip to the restaurant White Castle is the best example of a simple task going really wrong. Our heroes’ symbolic journey to the restaurant features jokes all along the way to keep you laughing, but make sure to plan snacks before you sit down to avoid your own munchies catastrophe.
Up in Smoke (1978)
Among the extensive catalog from Cheech and Chong, Up in Smoke is the first and most iconic of all the stoner duo’s creations, man. With so many legendary lines and famous moments from actors Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin, this smoke-fuelled buddy flic should be on every pothead’s list.
Dazed and Confused (1993)
This film hilariously displays the lackadaisical attitude towards marijuana and psychedelics of the mid-1970s. The tagline of “a time they’d never forget… if only they could remember” perfectly encapsulates the essence of this movie and the small town Texas high schoolers taking part in the hazing the incoming freshmen. Familiar faces include Matthew McConaughey, Milla Jovovich, Parker Posey and Ben Afflek.
How High (2001)
Exams are difficult for everyone, and cannabis can be a great way to unwind from academic anxieties, but what if it was the answer to all your problems? Literally. This classic 2001 film starring hip hop duo Method Man and Redman will connect with anyone reminiscing about college stresses and a certain college life de-stressor.
Says IMDB: “Two guys by the name of Silas and Jamal decided to one day smoke something magical, which eventually helps them to ace their college entrance exam. This eventually lands them in Harvard, where they’re surrounded by the world of Ivy Leaguers. Although their new lifestyle is much different from back home, they keep on having fun until their supernatural smoke runs out. Now, they are on their own and they have to rely on each other to survive.”
Half Baked (1998)
A true friend has your back no matter what happens. But what about friends who try everything in their power to get you out of prison? This 1998 film, written by and starring Dave Chappelle, follows a group of stoners and their “Half Baked” plans to spring their friend from prison after he accidentally kills a New York City police horse by feeding it junk food.
Evil Bong (2006)
While possibly the worst on the list in terms of critic rating, Evil Bong is the audiovisual embodiment of a stoner “B” movie. Because a movie with SEVEN sequels has to be good, right? …Right?
Here, notes IMDB, “straight-laced nerd Alistair moves into a college dorm with hardcore marijuana users Brett, Larnell, and Bachman. Larnell orders an old giant bong that proves to have strange magical powers. When smoked, said bong sends a person to a bizarre drugged-out alternate realm from which there is no easy escape.”
Dude Where’s My Car (2000)
Two guys don’t remember where they parked, but that happens to everyone right? Well these two dudes take it to another level and their method of retracing their steps results in a day that’s anything but ordinary.
Starring Ashton Kutcher, Seann William Scott, Jennifer Garner and others, the two set out “to retrace their steps to find out what they did last night hoping it will lead them to the missing car,” Rotten Tomatoes says. Little do the Dudes know, they’re in for the ride of their lives.”
Honourable Mentions
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
While not a classic stoner movie, and not about weed specifically, this multi-drug-fuelled stream of consciousness of a motion picture from director Terry Gilliam is definitely improved by some THC-fuelled viewing.
Says Rotten Tomatoes: “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, he returns to Sin City and continues his wild drug binge.”
The Big Lebowski (1998)
In this classic from the Coen brothers, our wonderful protagonist, the Dude, abides by his own set of laissez-faire rules and lives with an overall laid-back demeanour. Played by Jeff Bridges, the Dude is the embodiment of the carefree stoner who wouldn’t hurt a fly and just wants to chill, man.
Problems arise because he shares his name with a millionaire whose wife owes a lot of money to some very dangerous people, and the resulting mistaken identity sends the Dude and his buddies, including John Goodman, on an unwanted adventure through Los Angeles.
Reefer Madness (1936)
The only thing that should be scared of a stoner on a rampage is a bag of chips … or is it?
This 1936 propaganda piece will have you thinking otherwise! While it’s concerning to think anyone would take this seriously at the time, through our current lens of legalization it’s can provide a good laugh.
Says IMDB, “A cautionary tale featuring a fictionalized take on the use of marijuana. A trio of drug dealers lead innocent teenagers to become addicted to ‘reefer’ cigarettes by holding wild parties with jazz music.”