Watching an award-winning movie can be great, but watching an average or even below-average movie when high — now that’s an experience. Suddenly, the movie is funnier, more engaging, more visually appealing and just overall better. For this reason, I’ve compiled a list of my top-10 favorite movies to watch while high. Some have outlandish comedy, some are thought-provoking, and some are just fun to watch — there is something for everyone.
10. “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” (2004)
This iconic “buddy stoner comedy” follows two friends, Harold and Kumar, who struggle with persistent munchies and crave food from the hamburger chain White Castle. Harold and Kumar attempt to navigate New Jersey, facing absurd obstacles on their journey to the restaurant. Get ready to laugh and pack a snack for this period piece that makes us all so very grateful for food delivery services.
9. “Alice in Wonderland” (1951)
“Alice in Wonderland” is a commonly referenced film when it comes to psychedelics, but why keep weed from Wonderland? The film is visually unique and follows peculiar characters and storylines, opening up the mind to a new, animated world where one questions their reality and consciousness.
8. “Inception” (2010)
I am sure this classic movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio is familiar to most people, but have you ever watched it while high? To be honest, yes, this movie is confusing, and yes, Christopher Nolan does push the boundaries on what “makes sense.” However, this intricate plotline can be further appreciated when you are high and focusing on every detail and possibility that your imagination takes you to. After watching this you surely will have some questions about dreams, the mind, reality and just about anything far removed from your normal day-to-day thought processes.
7. “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie” (2004)
“SpongeBob SquarePants,” whether it be in movie or television form, is never a bad idea, especially when high. The cartoon alone is hilarious, visually appealing and ridiculous in terms of characters, plots and just the overall nature and rules of the show. Turning the “SpongeBob” world into a box office hit wasn’t too difficult. With the common themes of saving Bikini Bottom from the reign of Plankton and securing the Krusty Krab secret formula, SpongeBob and Patrick are seen in their prime. This movie has a fire soundtrack, guest stars, humor and overall just does a great job of expanding the world of “SpongeBob” and Bikini Bottom.
6. “Ready Player One” (2018)
“Ready Player One,” based on the book of the same name by Ernest Cline, is perfect for anyone who loves a science fiction, dystopian story. The novel alone follows an interesting plotline, but being translated into film allows for a visually immersive experience with detailed graphics of a futuristic virtual reality video game, also known as the OASIS.
5. “Knives Out” (2019)
This murder mystery has just the right amount of thrill without being too scary and causing paranoia. There are exciting twists and turns, and plenty of time to piece together who you think committed the crime. It doesn’t hurt that Chris Evans also makes an appearance, as he truly is a sight for sore, red eyes.
4. “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan” (2006) and “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” (2020)
I’m not going to lie, you either love “Borat” or you hate it. Personally, I find both movies to be entertaining and hilarious, but if you are not a fan of mockumentaries or the very specific humor that Sacha Baron Cohen portrays, you might find yourself offended by such movies. That being said, if you do find this humor funny, it will be 10 times better high and will open your eyes up to the many flaws of society, a reflection that is at times critical to partake in.
3. “Our Planet” (2019)
I don’t think I have ever met someone who doesn’t enjoy watching “Our Planet” when they are high. Luckily, in 2019, Netflix released the series along with an hourlong behind-the-scenes documentary. Although the documentary might not exactly be considered a “movie,” I think it is necessary to include because there is nothing that competes with a nature documentary, especially “Our Planet,” when you’re stoned. The videography is unreal, literally taking you into jungles, coastal seas and other incredible places with exotic animals and organisms. “Our Planet” shows us how extraordinary the world is, which is distinctively comforting and exciting to see when you are under the influence of one of the world’s most beloved creations.
2.”Shrek” (2001)
Time and time again, “Shrek” never fails to be a fan-favorite film, but let’s be honest, the demographic has definitely changed a bit over the years, shifting from children to stoners, with very few differences between the two. Let’s face it, “Shrek” is just a funny movie, with Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy playing a Shrek-Donkey duo that could never be replaced. Duloc’s other fairy-tale creatures only add to the humor and outlandish characters, although you will have to watch the later films to experience some of the notable additions such as Puss in Boots. Like always, DreamWorks pulls off an awesome animation for this movie and brings this hilarious, bizarre fairy-tale masterpiece to life.
1. “Interstellar” (2014)
Similarly to “Inception,” “Interstellar” is a Christopher Nolan film that makes you think complexly as you are transported into another reality, this one in space. “Interstellar” touches on concepts such as anomalies, general relativity, wormholes and black holes, so if you are a fan of astronomy you might be extra engaged in this movie. However, you do not need any real knowledge of astrophysics, as this movie follows a purely fictional plot based loosely off science and primarily off Nolan’s ability to access the imagination and make viewers ask questions and contemplate the expansive possibilities of the universe.