Buzz
Every April 20th, cannabis lovers worldwide commemorate the euphoric state of being high. (In my hometown, a massive 4/20 festival named Extravaganga attracts thousands.) With the ongoing decriminalization and legalization of marijuana across the nation, celebrating 4/20 has become more open—for some of us, at least. During the pandemic, enjoying 4/20 at home has become essential. Fortunately, lighting up and watching a stoner-friendly movie remains the ultimate way to celebrate.
While everyone’s perfect high movie differs, you can’t go wrong with films that embrace the stoner culture; classics like Cheech and Chong and Pineapple Express are tailor-made for cannabis enthusiasts, offering a vicarious high just by viewing. Here are 16 films to keep you in the 4/20 spirit.
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle
The Harold & Kumar series is a modern stoner anthem for the younger crowd. The perpetually high duo, Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn), embark on a quest to satisfy their White Castle burger craving after getting stoned. That’s the entire premise.
Their absurd adventure (featuring a cheetah ride, among other antics) to reach White Castle struck a chord with the stoner community, leading to a trilogy that includes Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay and A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas. Why not celebrate 4/20 by getting high and ordering White Castle to honor their iconic escapades?
Where to stream: Hulu
Pineapple Express
The title alone makes this a must-watch for 4/20, as Pineapple Express refers to a high-potency cannabis strain renowned for its strong and enduring effects. While under the influence, James Franco and Seth Rogen’s characters accidentally witness a drug dealer committing murder. When a roach that could incriminate them is left behind, the duo embarks on a frantic escape to evade both death and imprisonment. Their high-stakes decisions while stoned are hilariously absurd, making for a laugh-out-loud experience.
Where to stream: Digital rental on Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube
Half Baked
Half Baked is a comedic gem for cannabis enthusiasts. Whether you’re sober or high, its humor never falters. Thurgood Jenkins (Dave Chappelle), a self-proclaimed “master of the custodial arts,” enjoys smoking weed with his pals. When one of his friends accidentally kills a police horse while high, they hatch a quick scheme to bail him out. Discovering that Thurgood’s workplace researches medicinal marijuana, they seize the opportunity to sell ultra-potent weed to raise funds, only to cross paths with drug lord Samson Simpson (Clarence Williams III).
Where to stream: Digital rental on Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube
Dude, Where’s My Car?
This movie is a stealthy comedy gem. While its premise seems absurdly simple, it serves as a foundation for a series of bizarre and hilarious twists. Jesse (Ashton Kutcher) and Chester (Seann William Scott) are inseparable friends who enjoy getting high and partying. After a particularly wild night, Chester can’t recall where he parked their car. The duo retraces their steps, leading them on a surreal journey filled with odd encounters and unexpected destinations. The question remains: dude, where’s his car?
Where to stream: Hulu
The Hangover
While The Hangover revolves around a night of excessive drinking, watching it while high or intoxicated is an absolute delight. Similar to Dude, Where’s My Car?, this film follows a group of friends who wake up after a chaotic bachelor party to find the groom missing. They piece together the night using fragmented clues—like a live tiger in the bathroom, a missing tooth, and an unexpected baby. Under normal circumstances, these events would be stressful, but when viewed while high, they become uproariously funny and oddly captivating.
Where to stream: Digital rental on Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube
How High
Method Man and Redman of Wu-Tang Clan, known for their love of cannabis in both life and music, naturally transitioned into a film about getting high. In How High, best friends Silas (Redman) and Jamal (Method Man) create a unique strain of weed so powerful that it somehow lands them at Harvard University. Navigating this elite environment while staying true to themselves, they deliver a mix of humor and chaos. Though some jokes haven’t aged well, the film remains a fun watch for those who enjoy seeing Method Man and Redman outsmart pretentious college students.
Where to stream: Hulu
Cheech and Chong: Up in Smoke
The iconic stoner pair, Cheech and Chong, revolutionized weed comedies in Hollywood. Originating from a stand-up act, they debuted their first film in 1978, portraying stoner musicians who journey to Mexico to acquire a van crafted entirely from cannabis. Their adventures include smoking massive joints, unintentionally getting a police officer high from their van’s exhaust, and living it up like rockstars.
Where to stream: Sling TV
Friday
The Friday series stands out as a well-crafted, narrative-driven stoner film. Craig (Ice Cube), labeled a “deadbeat” by his family, faces pressure to turn his life around. After losing his job and struggling to pay rent, he just wants to relax. His friend Smokey (Chris Tucker) drags him into trouble with a local drug dealer, leading to a cascade of chaotic events. With characters like the intimidating Debo (Tom Lister Jr.) and Craig’s hilarious father (John Witherspoon), the film’s charm and humor propelled it into a beloved trilogy, perfect for 4/20 celebrations.
Where to stream: Digital rental on Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube
Smiley Face
Jane (Anna Faris), an aspiring actress, accidentally consumes six weed cupcakes meant for sale and finds herself in a hilariously chaotic situation. Now extremely high, she must make amends for the mishap by meeting her friend at Venice Beach. Along the way, she hallucinates glittery smiley faces in the sky and stumbles into auditions while completely stoned. Her straight-laced friend Brevin (John Krasinski) attempts to assist but gets swept up in her antics. Anna Faris’s comedic brilliance shines as she portrays Jane’s high-fueled escapades, making you feel as though you’re sharing her surreal, disoriented experience.
Where to stream: Tubi TV, Prime Video
Dazed and Confused
Dazed and Confused captures the essence of a teen summer, following Randall “Pink” Floyd (Jason London) and his crew on their final day of school. The film revolves around getting high, debating conspiracy theories, and cruising around town in search of trouble. Set in a Texas suburb, it portrays a world where partying is the only escape from monotony. With a young Matthew McConaughey and Milla Jovovich delivering high-energy performances, this movie is a nostalgic trip for anyone reminiscing about carefree summer days spent with friends.
Where to stream: Prime Video
Neighbors
Neighbors is a comedic exploration of aging, generational clashes, and, of course, weed. When Mac (Seth Rogen) and Kelly Radner (Rose Byrne) move next to a fraternity, they struggle to balance their new life as parents with the constant noise of wild parties. Their plea for quiet escalates into an all-out war between the two households. The film humorously depicts Seth Rogen’s seasoned stoner character passing the torch to Teddy (Zac Efron), the fraternity president, offering lessons like how to boil eggs while high. It’s a hilarious clash of lifestyles and a celebration of stoner culture.
Where to stream: Peacock
Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood
Crafted by the Wayan brothers, Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood is a hilarious parody of hood films, blending slapstick comedy with sharp satire. Ashtray (Shawn Wayans) dreams of escaping the hood and building a better life, but his journey is anything but smooth. With a weed-smoking, gangsta grandma and a cousin who’s always ready to pull the trigger, Ashtray faces absurd challenges. The film is packed with outrageous humor, from massive blunts to bazooka drive-bys, ensuring laughs whether you’re high or not.
Where to stream: Digital rental on iTunes
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
From the creator of Clerks, this high-fueled adventure follows Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith) as they discover their fictional counterparts, Bluntman and Chronic, have been profiting off their likeness without their consent. Determined to stop the film, they embark on a cross-country journey filled with absurd escapades and celebrity cameos, including Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Mark Hamill. While the humor leans heavily on Kevin Smith’s earlier works, the film’s stoner antics and over-the-top scenarios make it a fun watch for fans of the duo’s perpetual high lifestyle.
Where to stream: Hulu
The Big Lebowski
Jeff “The Dude’’ Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) spends his days indulging in cannabis and bowling with his close friends. One evening, intruders mistakenly target his home, confusing him with another Lebowski. They intimidate him and, to his dismay, urinate on his prized oriental rug, which he believes perfectly complements his living space. Determined to seek justice for his ruined decor, The Dude decides to confront the other Lebowski, unknowingly stepping into a whirlwind of kidnappings, ransom demands, and encounters with dangerous crime figures. The film is an absolute rollercoaster. I recommend preparing a generous white Russian and lighting up before hitting play.
Where to stream: Digital rental on Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube
This Is the End
This Is the End is a 2013 comedy that explores the chaos of being trapped in a house full of cannabis enthusiasts during the apocalypse. Directed and written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, the film features a star-studded cast of comedians famous for their love of weed and crude humor, including James Franco, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, and Seth Rogen himself. The group finds themselves stranded in Franco’s luxurious Hollywood home as the world begins to end. Anticipate iconic scenes like the group smoking weed together, but with the added drama of a fiery pit leading straight to hell.
Where to stream: Digital rental on Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube
Broad City (an honorable mention)
Although Broad City is a television series, the underrepresentation of women in this list motivates me to highlight these two characters who share a deep love for cannabis. In their web series, which later became a hit on Comedy Central, Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer portray exaggerated versions of themselves as they navigate life in the city with the support of their friendship and a shared passion for weed. Their quirky and bold personalities lead to countless misadventures, from accidentally falling into manholes to experimenting with drugs sourced from Craigslist. While I particularly enjoy seasons one and four, all five seasons of Broad City are incredibly entertaining, and any random episode is sure to keep you company.
Where to stream: Hulu
