Buzz
Movies and marijuana are a perfect pairing, so much so that an entire film category—stoner comedies—has emerged. These films typically follow characters who are either high or chasing their next buzz, often leading to bizarre and hilarious escapades. (A personal favorite is Gregg Araki’s Smiley Face, featuring Anna Faris delivering a performance worthy of stoner acclaim.)
While these films are enjoyable—there’s nothing wrong with watching Half Baked while high—sometimes you crave something more thought-provoking for your cannabis-enhanced mind. Inspired by the 1960s counterculture that embraced Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey as a psychedelic masterpiece, here’s a list of 50 unconventional films to watch when you’re stoned (and not in the mood for video games).
Vampyr (1932)
Danish filmmaker Carl Theodore Dryer’s inaugural sound film unfolds with minimal dialogue, presenting a disorienting and shadowy tale. Produced around the same time as Tod Browning’s Dracula, it delivers a far more eerie and atmospherically haunting interpretation of the gothic genre. Wrapped in fog and surreal visuals, its allure is mesmerizing.
Where to stream: Max, The Criterion Channel, ScreamBox
Pinocchio (1940)
The pinnacle of Disney’s golden age, this film balances heartwarming moments with deeply unsettling scenes. It’s astonishing to think every frame was meticulously hand-drawn. The story is also far darker than many recall.
Where to stream: Disney+
His Girl Friday (1940)
The fast-paced energy and rapid-fire dialogue of the screwball comedy genre make it ideal for stoners seeking a laugh. This chaotic romantic tale, featuring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell as feuding newspaper editors and former lovers, stands out as one of the sharpest and most humorous films ever created. Where to stream: Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Tubi, basically all the places
Beauty and the Beast (1946)
Much like Vampyr, this 1946 masterpiece by French poet and filmmaker Jean Cocteau reimagines the classic tale with a surreal twist. While it shares the same narrative foundation as the Disney adaptation, it’s far stranger, featuring avant-garde sets (like a hallway adorned with candelabras made of human arms), opulent costumes, and a dreamlike visual style.
Where to stream: Max, The Criterion Channel, Tubi
The Red Shoes (1948)
Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, known as the Archers, are celebrated for creating some of the most visually stunning technicolor films in history. This ballet drama, centered on a prodigious ballerina and a domineering impresario whose relentless pursuit of perfection drives her to madness, stands as their magnum opus. The film’s highlight is a mesmerizing 17-minute ballet sequence inspired by the titular fairy tale. Where to stream: Max, The Criterion Channel, The Roku Channel, Tubi, Shout TV, Freevee
The Night of the Hunter (1955)
This tale of two children fleeing a menacing, self-proclaimed “preacher” in search of their father’s stolen fortune is a surreal nightmare brought to life. As they journey down a river, the imagery grows increasingly bizarre and perilous, with their pursuer becoming ever more relentless. Initially misunderstood by audiences in 1955, it is now rightly hailed as an expressionist triumph.
Where to stream: Tubi
Forbidden Planet (1956)
While many stoners might recommend Tarkovsky’s films like Solaris or Stalker for a high viewing experience, these films lean more toward hypnotic tedium than trippy visuals. Instead, I’d suggest the Shakespearean-meets-Star Trek charm of Forbidden Planet, a sci-fi reimagining of The Tempest set on the distant planet Altair IV.
Where to stream: Vudu Free, Tubi
Invention for Destruction (1958)
This visually stunning aquatic adventure, produced in Czechoslovakia in 1958, showcases cutting-edge filmmaking techniques that feel like they belong to the era of 1902’s A Trip to the Moon.
Where to stream: The Criterion Channel
Black Orpheus (1959)
This Palm d’Or-winning retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, set in a Brazilian favela during Carnival, is brimming with striking visuals and pulsates with a captivating bossa nova rhythm. Where to stream: Max, The Criterion Channel, Kanopy
The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
Angela Lansbury dominates in this mind-bending, hypnotic Cold War spy thriller.
Where to stream: Tubi, MGM+
PlayTime (1967)
Jacques Tati’s third and most acclaimed film starring Monsieur Hulot, a lovable everyman in a signature overcoat, PlayTime offers a dazzling portrayal of 1967 Paris, a city becoming increasingly impersonal as technological advancements intended to simplify life instead create distance between people. Shot in meticulously choreographed long takes with action unfolding across every inch of the screen, it’s akin to a living Where’s Waldo? scene. Perfect for those who enjoy getting high and immersing themselves in intricate details.
Where to stream: The Criterion Channel, Kanopy
Fellini Satyricon (1969)
“I am examining ancient Rome as if this were a documentary about the customs and habits of the Martians,” director Federico Fellini remarked about this surreal, indulgent depiction of the past—a nightmarish journey through a decadent republic, inspired by a play written during Emperor Nero’s reign. The film unfolds in episodic, dreamlike sequences. (Not recommended for those prone to bad trips.)
Where to stream: Nowhere officially, but you can find the full movie (with subtitles) on YouTube
Donkey Skin (1970)
French filmmaker Jacques Demy crafted numerous vibrant musical gems perfect for enjoying while high, but my top pick is this bold adaptation of Charles Perrault’s fairy tale about a king who desires to marry his own daughter (likely because she’s portrayed by Catherine Deneuve). The visual artistry alone is worth your strongest edibles—take, for instance, the dress made from a material resembling a movie screen, projecting a sky filled with clouds.
Where to stream: The Criterion Channel
Fantastic Planet (1973)
This avant-garde animated art film, a collaboration between France and Czechoslovakia, takes place on a distant planet ruled by giant beings who view humans as mere animals. While the storyline is secondary, the animation is minimalist, haunting, surreal, and utterly unforgettable—especially when experienced under the influence of THC.
Where to stream: Max, The Criterion Channel, The Roku Channel
Blood for Dracula (1974)
While horror isn’t typically my go-to genre for high viewing, this over-the-top, gory satire, produced by pop artist Andy Warhol, leans more toward comedy. It follows an aging succubus (Udo Kier) in search of virgin blood to maintain his immortality, only to find a shortage of virgins in early 20th-century Italy. The awkward acting and low-budget appeal become even more enjoyable when watched while high.
Where to stream: The Criterion Channel, Vudu Free, Night Flight Plus, Tubi
Zardoz (1975)
This infamous flop is a post-apocalyptic, Wizard of Oz-inspired sci-fi tale featuring Sean Connery in an orange diaper, serving a giant floating stone head that consumes people—or something along those lines. Director John Boorman used his Deliverance success to fund this bizarre project, and while its purpose remains unclear, it’s impossible to look away (or fully decipher its convoluted themes).
Where to stream: Digital rental
Phantom of the Paradise (1974)
Before Brian De Palma delved into modern Hitchcock-inspired thrillers like Sisters and Body Double, he crafted this eccentric rock opera homage, blending The Phantom of the Opera with '70s glam rock and a touch of The Picture of Dorian Gray.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Tommy (1975)
The Who and Ken Russell’s Tommy stands as the ultimate rock opera experience for cannabis enthusiasts...
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
...but if The Who’s music isn’t your thing, Rocky Horror is a fantastic alternative. It’s best enjoyed with a lively audience, but if that’s not possible, some THC will enhance the experience just as well.
Where to stream: Digital rental
House (1977)
I’d prefer not to spoil the bizarre surprises in this Japanese cult classic, but honestly, I wouldn’t know how to describe it anyway. Calling it a “legendarily strange Japanese haunted house film” barely begins to cover it.
Where to stream: Max, The Criterion Channel
The Shining (1980)
Choosing just one Kubrick film was no easy task, but this is the one I ultimately settled on.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Koyaanisqatsi (1982)
This film doesn’t follow a traditional narrative. Instead, it features slow-motion and time-lapse visuals of urban and natural landscapes, accompanied by a powerful score by Philip Glass. A cautionary note: avoid watching it while operating heavy machinery.
Where to stream: The Roku Channel, Kanopy, Hoopla
Stop Making Sense (1984)
Enjoying music while high is fantastic. Watching movies while high is equally fantastic. Therefore, watching what is widely regarded as the greatest concert film ever made—Jonathan Demme’s Oscar-winning documentation of Talking Heads’ Speaking in Tongues tour—is an unbeatable combination. It’s simple logic. (If you miss it this year, you’ll be ready for A24’s upcoming 4K rerelease.)
Where to stream: Digital purchase
After Hours (1985)
Griffin Dunne experiences an incredibly bizarre night in this mid-career Martin Scorsese film, which was initially set to be directed by Tim Burton—hinting at its quirky tone. Dunne portrays an office worker who stumbles into Manhattan’s strangest nightlife in 1985 while trying to get home from SoHo. New York had its moments of coolness.
Where to stream: The Roku Channel, The Criterion Channel, Tubi
Tampopo (1985)
Juzo Itami’s “ramen western” reimagines classic bandit and hero tropes into the tale of a woman striving to perfect her noodle recipe to save her struggling restaurant. This whimsical, episodic satire, filled with fourth-wall breaks, is perfect for stoners with short attention spans. Nearly every scene features mouthwatering dishes, so keep snacks nearby. (But beware the raw egg scene.)
Streaming options: Available on Max and The Criterion Channel
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988)
Pedro Almodovar's films, known for their vibrant visuals and dramatic plots, are perfect for a relaxed viewing experience. This particular movie, his most chaotic and humorous, is a whirlwind of romantic mishaps and eccentric characters constantly making poor choices.
Available for: Digital rental
Slacker (1990)
Richard Linklater's charming and philosophical first film captures a group of unique eccentrics striving to maintain Austin's quirky vibe in 1991. (Alternatively, you might call it the cartoon Slacker.)
Streaming platforms: Available on Max and The Criterion Channel
Chungking Express (1990)
Wong Kar-wai's films, much like Almodovar's, are a dream for relaxed viewing. This quirky romantic comedy, featuring two lovelorn cops and set in a Hong Kong late-night diner, is a standout. It’s a mix of laughter, tears, and swooning moments, with the Cantonese rendition of The Cranberries’ “Dreams” lingering in your mind for days.
Streaming options: Max and The Criterion Channel
Dick Tracy (1990)
Warren Beatty’s flamboyant tribute to a forgotten comic strip, Dick Tracy, is an extravagant spectacle in every aspect. From its film noir-meets-musical vibe (featuring songs by Stephen Sondheim) to Al Pacino’s Oscar-nominated, over-the-top portrayal of Big Boy Caprice, the film is a visual feast with its bold prosthetics and Vittorio Storaro’s vibrant cinematography. Madonna’s sultry Jessica Rabbit-esque presence adds to the madness, making it the strangest film to ever partner with McDonald’s.
Streaming availability: Digital rental
The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)
The Coen brothers’ most overlooked gem, this film cleverly parodies classic screwball comedies. It follows a well-meaning inventor whose ambitious dream of creating the hula-hoop (for kids!) leads to his downfall. I’ve picked this over the more popular The Big Lebowski simply because I’m that cool.
Streaming platforms: Available on The Roku Channel and Kanopy
eXistenZ (1999)
When you’re in the right state of mind, questioning reality becomes second nature, and video games add to the intrigue. This David Cronenberg thriller, released during the Matrix era, dives into a surreal world where characters might be stuck inside a bizarre, organic video game.
Streaming options: Kanopy and Pluto TV
The Virgin Suicides (1999)
While many might choose Sofia Coppola’s acclaimed Lost in Translation, I prefer this dreamy, slow-paced thriller filled with nostalgia. It tells the story of a group of ill-fated sisters and the boys forever marked by their memory. The ethereal soundtrack by Air adds to the hypnotic, sun-soaked atmosphere.
Streaming options: Available on The Criterion Channel and Pluto TV
Mulholland Drive (2001)
No list like this would be complete without a David Lynch film. This is my top pick: a surreal Los Angeles noir where nothing is as it seems, reflecting the unpredictable nature of Hollywood itself.
Streaming platform: The Criterion Channel
Spirited Away (2001)
Everyone has their preferred Studio Ghibli film, and this one tops my list.
Streaming platform: Max
The Saddest Music in the World (2003)
Canadian director Guy Maddin’s films are a surreal blend of silent-era aesthetics and bizarre storytelling. This melancholic comedy centers on a global contest to crown the nation with the most sorrowful music—think Eurovision meets a suicide hotline. The judge, Helen Port-Huntley, a beer magnate who lost her legs in a peculiar car accident, navigates the world on glass prosthetics filled with beer.
Streaming platform: AMC+
Kontroll (2003)
Even when sober, I’m drawn to tales of fractured minds, but this Hungarian dark comedy-thriller hits differently when your senses are heightened. It follows a team of subway ticket inspectors navigating Budapest’s underground maze at night, all while a mysterious killer pushes unsuspecting victims onto the tracks.
Streaming options: Tubi, Pluto TV, Shout TV, Fandor
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
I’ve watched this film four times, always under altered states, which might be why its plot remains a blur. Ironically, this fits perfectly, as the story unfolds inside the mind of a man undergoing a procedure to erase memories of a failed romance using dubious science.
Streaming option: Digital rental
Lady Vengeance (2005)
While Oldboy is a South Korean cult favorite, I opted for another entry in Park Chan-wook’s Vengeance trilogy. Lady Vengeance (also known as Sympathy for Lady Vengeance) follows Lee Geum-ja, a woman wrongly imprisoned, who, upon release, orchestrates a meticulous revenge. She unites grieving parents to exact justice on the man responsible for their children’s suffering—a man she once took the fall for. The film is a razor-sharp, introspective revenge tale, crafted with the precision of a master pastry chef.
Streaming platforms: Tubi, Kanopy, Pluto TV
The Fountain (2006)
Darren Aronofsky's visually stunning sci-fi masterpiece follows a man, played by Hugh Jackman, on a transcendent quest for eternal life, spanning multiple eras and dimensions. Its breathtaking visuals and thought-provoking metaphysical themes deliver an intoxicating experience, even without any external influences.
Where to stream: Available for digital rental
Shortbus (2006)
John Cameron Mitchell, known for Hedwig and the Angry Inch, crafts a heartfelt tribute to sexual liberation and the vibrancy of New York City. Featuring authentic intimate scenes, the film blends the raw energy of adult cinema with the quirky charm of a Miranda July production.
Where to stream: Mubi, Pluto TV, Night Flight
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Blurring the lines between dream, nightmare, and fantasy, this Guillermo del Toro masterpiece follows a young girl navigating a dark, magical world to escape her oppressive reality in Fascist Spain. Filled with both terrifying and mesmerizing creatures, the film is a visually stunning fairytale that rewards viewers who take the time to savor its intricate details.
Where to stream: Available for digital rental
Sunshine (2007)
While Danny Boyle's Trainspotting is a thrilling ride, his underappreciated sci-fi gem starring a pre-Oppenheimer Cillian Murphy offers a more introspective experience. The film follows a desperate mission to reignite the dying sun with a massive bomb, blending hard science with gripping space drama. Enhanced by Underworld and John Murphy's haunting score and surreal, sun-drenched visuals, it’s a cerebral journey that lingers long after viewing.
Where to stream: Available for digital rental
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Critics often claim Wes Anderson treats his actors like puppets, but here, they literally are. George Clooney’s stop-motion fox, with its meticulously animated fur, steals the show, making every frame a captivating visual delight.
Where to stream: Max
A Town Called Panic (2009)
This stop-motion wonder feels like the chaotic result of giving a hyperactive child a mountain of candy and a box of old toys. Cowboy and Indian, realizing they’ve forgotten Horse’s birthday, embark on a hilariously absurd journey to create the ultimate gift, filled with slapstick antics and whimsical charm.
Where to stream: Kanopy, OVID.tv
The Tree of Life (2011)
Terrance Malick’s films are renowned for their poetic visuals over conventional storytelling. His fascination with nature’s minutiae—like sunlight on dew—creates a meditative experience. The film’s grand sequence, depicting the birth of the universe to the age of dinosaurs, feels like a cosmic detour, blending profound beauty with a dreamlike narrative.
Where to stream: Hulu
Holy Motors (2012)
This film is best experienced with no prior knowledge—skip the trailer, indulge in an edible, and let the surreal journey unfold. It’s a cinematic enigma that defies explanation.
Where to stream: Roku, Vudu, Tubi, Kanopy, basically everywhere
Inherent Vice (2014)
Paul Thomas Anderson dared to adapt Thomas Pynchon’s labyrinthine prose to film, and the result is as bewildering as you’d expect. Joaquin Phoenix stars as a perpetually high private detective searching for his vanished ex-girlfriend in a murky Los Angeles. His confused, drug-addled journey mirrors the viewer’s experience—sober or not, the plot remains an elusive mystery.
Where to stream: Paramount+
Suspiria (2018)
While Black Swan is a strong contender, Luca Guadagnino’s reimagining of Dario Argento’s 1977 cult classic takes psychological horror to new heights. Dakota Johnson portrays an American dancer who joins a prestigious Berlin academy, only to discover it’s a front for a witch coven seeking a host for their ancient queen. The film’s unsettling atmosphere and surreal narrative defy any attempt at simple explanation.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Freevee
The Green Knight (2021)
David Lowry’s visually stunning fantasy epic is a slow-burning, enigmatic journey through a medieval world filled with immortal warriors, towering giants, and eloquent foxes. Its deliberate pacing invites viewers to fully immerse themselves in its breathtaking imagery and dreamlike atmosphere.
Where to stream: Max
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Watching this unlikely Best Picture winner while slightly buzzed in a theater is an unforgettable experience. Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan’s multiverse-hopping adventure, packed with increasingly absurd and hilarious scenarios, is even more exhilarating when you’re not entirely sober.
Where to stream: Netflix
