POV: You’ve just finished a long day of work, and now it’s time to kick back and relax. When it comes to post-work rituals, few things rival the simple joy of watching a great movie with a little help from your favorite cannabis strain.
But with so many great movies to watch high, how do you choose? Whether you’re looking to laugh until your sides hurt, immerse yourself in a visual masterpiece, or simply unwind with a feel-good flick, we’ve got your back. From cult stoner comedies to visually stunning documentaries and everything in between, here’s your curated guide to the best movies to watch while high.
The Best Strains for Watching Movies
We’ve written before about the nuances between indicas and sativas, and how those categories, while scientifically outdated, can still be helpful when choosing the right product for a specific experience.
For movie night, many people gravitate toward sativa-leaning or hybrid strains that may inspire creativity, enhance focus, and spark joy. These strains often deliver a giggly, euphoric sensation that makes on-screen moments more vivid and engaging. Think of it as turning up the volume on every laugh, plot twist, or cinematic shot.
Of course, everyone’s preferences and experiences vary. If you’re looking to melt into your couch and sink into a slow-paced drama, a calming indica might be the better fit. When in doubt, ask your local Mission budtender for a recommendation tailored to your vibe.
Top Funny Movies to Watch While High
Cannabis and comedy are a classic pairing for a reason. THC can brighten your mood and heighten your sense of humor, making funny movies while high even funnier. These picks range from cult classics to modern masterpieces—all ideal to watch when high.
Friday (1995)
This stone(d)-cold classic bridges the gap between old-school stoner comedies (think Cheech and Chong) and newer iterations of the genre. Friday follows friends Craig and Smokey as they bumble their way through the last workday of the week. You’ll see many future stars as the movie progresses, including Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, and Regina King.
Strain recommendation: Cuban Linx
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)
While Bill and Ted may not smoke out on screen, they certainly act like they did (perhaps they took some edibles before George Carlin sent them back in time). Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure helped launch Keanu Reeves’ career, which makes it a fun watch in retrospect: You don’t often get to see Neo and John Wick making jokes about the number “69.”
Strain recommendation: Durban Poison
Dude, Where’s My Car? (2000)
Jesse and Chester delve ever deeper into a ridiculous series of escapades to find Jesse’s missing automobile in Dude, Where’s My Car? As with Bill and Ted, they’re not explicitly stoned, but they might as well be.
Spoiler alert: they eventually find it after helping a race of aliens secure the Continuum Transfunctioner. It’s a truly iconic film that captures the promise and excitement of the late ‘90s.
Strain recommendation: Booberry Cookies
Chicken Run (2000)
In this animated classic, a plucky band of chickens finds their world turned upside down when a cocky rooster stops by. If that sounds a bit goofy, it’s because it is—in the best way! Chicken Run is the top-grossing stop-motion animation film ever made, and it’s also one of the best movies to watch high.
Strain recommendation: Cheetah Piss
Pineapple Express (2008)
Built on a very stony premise featuring an evil drug lord who traces two witnesses to a crime by analyzing the cannabis strain in a roach they’d thrown out. Pineapple Express is an action movie, a police procedural send-up, and one of the best stoner movies of all time.
Strain recommendation: Pineapple Express
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Though Jeff “The Dude” Bridges claims he was stone-cold straight during filming, it’s hard to believe him. This mistaken-identity flick features kidnapping, bowling, and one seriously abused rug. Sharp as a knife and hilariously dumb at the same time, The Big Lebowski is an excellent pick after lighting up.
Strain recommendation: Papaya
Up In Smoke (1978)
No list of funny movies to watch while high would be complete without a Cheech and Chong flick. Be warned: Nothing really happens, but Up in Smoke somehow manages to be hilarious all the same. Visit (or revisit) this classic for a taste of what being high in the ‘70s was all about.
Strain recommendation: Low Rider
Superbad (2007)
Revolving around a gigantic party and the characters’ desperate need to kick-start their non-existent sex lives, Superbad is an end-of-high-school romp that helped introduce Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, and Michael Cera to the world.
Strain recommendation: Super Bad
Not Feeling the Comedy? Check Out These Movies Instead
Even if you’re not feeling the giggles, there are plenty of other good movies to watch high. From thought-provoking documentaries to visually stunning sci-fi, here are more of the best movies to watch high when comedy isn’t calling your name.
Dune (2021)
This sci-fi story has been made and remade before, but it’s never looked and felt so utterly mind-bending. Dark and even awe-inspiring, Dune might leave you unsettled, but wanting more.
Strain recommendation: Outer Space
My Octopus Teacher (2020)
Slow-moving and unexpectedly touching, My Octopus Teacher is a Netflix documentary that charts a filmmaker’s friendship with a real-life octopus. When paired with cannabis, it’s an absolute mind-bender … and you may never think about sushi the same way again.
Strain recommendation: Purple Octopus
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Nearly 60 years after its release, 2001: A Space Odyssey remains as eerie and captivating as ever. With minimal dialogue, you may often wonder what’s actually going on, but you’ll be enthralled the whole time.
Strain recommendation: Space Oddity
Dazed and Confused (1993)
Another “last day of high school” movie, Dazed and Confused, is about getting ripped and rocking out and features some very up-and-coming actors at the time, including Ben Affleck, Matthew McConaughey, and Milla Jovovich. Though considered a comedy, it’s sweeter and more poignant than Superbad. It’s one that will stick with you.
Strain recommendation: Dazed & Confused
Koyaanisqatsi (1982)
In Koyaanisqatsi, there’s no plot. There’s no dialogue. You may wonder what (and why) you’re watching. Yet this non-narrative film about the collision of the natural and urban worlds remains gripping, affecting, and as relevant as ever, perfect to pair with a focusing and mind-opening cultivar.
Strain recommendation: Jack Herer
Cannabis in Film
Cannabis has long held a unique role in film culture. From the cautionary absurdity of Reefer Madness (1936) to the stoner legends of Cheech and Chong, cannabis has been both demonized and celebrated on screen.
One of the funniest weed movies of all time—Reefer Madness—was never meant to be funny. Originally released as a propaganda film, it later became a cult favorite for its over-the-top warnings and bizarre messaging. On the other end of the spectrum, films like Pineapple Express and The Big Lebowski made cannabis central to the plot, contributing to the normalization and humorization of cannabis culture in mainstream media.
Whether you’re exploring the evolution of weed in cinema or just diving into the funniest weed movies ever made, cannabis and film continue to inspire each other and entertain us in the process.
Stock Up on More Cinematic Strains at Mission
With so many good movies to watch high, there’s something out there for every mood, taste, and vibe. Cannabis has a way of making the familiar feel new again by heightening emotions, sharpening focus, and turning your screen time into something special.
So next time you’re wondering what to watch high, come back to this list, grab your favorite strain, and let the night begin.
And if you’re in Massachusetts or Illinois, don’t forget: your local Mission Dispensary is just around the corner. Our team is here to help you find the perfect product for your perfect movie night.
