Lights, camera, action… and a little bit of relaxation. When the aroma of fresh popcorn mingles with the sweet scent of your favorite herb, you know you’re in for an unforgettable movie night. Whether you’re in for a solo night of self-care or a chill hangout with your friends, the right cannabis strain can transform a simple movie night into an immersive, multi-sensory experience.
From the laugh-out-loud absurdity of stoner comedies to the nail-biting tension of horror flicks, from the adrenaline rush of action-packed adventures to the deep introspection of dramatic masterpieces, we’ve curated a list of the best movies to watch high. These aren’t just entertaining films – they’re films that offer an enhanced experience when paired with the right strain of cannabis.
So, sit back, light up, and let the magic of cinema wash over you. Here’s our list of the top movies to watch when you’re super stoned, brought to you by Embarc. Grab your herb, pick your film, and get ready for a truly elevated movie night.
Let’s start our journey with a genre that was practically invented for those late-night, herb-enhanced movie sessions – stoner comedies. These are the kind of films where the dialogue, situations, and overall vibe can take on an extra layer of hilarity and absurdity when viewed through a smoky haze. So load up that bowl or pre-roll, and get ready to laugh like you’ve never laughed before.
A Seth Rogen-James Franco vehicle, Pineapple Express (2008) is a stoner comedy par excellence. When low-key stoner Dale Denton (Rogen) witnesses a murder involving a corrupt cop and a drug lord, he and his dealer Saul Silver (Franco) find themselves in a weed-infused, action-packed adventure. Not only does the film boast of some hysterically funny moments, but it’s also a joyful celebration of the cannabis culture itself. While stoned, you’ll find yourself roaring with laughter and rooting for the bumbling duo as they navigate the outrageous predicaments they find themselves in. This is an absolute must-watch, folks.
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004) is the epitome of a stoner odyssey. Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn), after getting stoned, develop an insatiable craving for White Castle burgers, launching them into a series of hilarious misadventures. This film is more than just a quest for sliders, it’s a journey through a heightened world where every encounter and every situation feels like a wild, surreal detour. With a joint in hand, you’ll find yourself sharing Harold and Kumar’s bizarre, madcap journey in an unusually profound way.
The brilliance of Tropic Thunder (2008) lies in its layers of satire and absurdity, making it a great choice for a high viewing. It follows a group of self-absorbed actors who unknowingly step into a real-life war zone while filming a Vietnam War movie. The film is full of colorful characters played by an all-star cast, including Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr. Each actor is hilariously over-the-top, reflecting a funhouse mirror onto Hollywood itself. Watching this while high, you’ll find the humor becomes even more outrageous, and the clever meta-jokes hit with even more impact.
Relive the wild days of fraternity life with Old School (2003). After their lives take disappointing turns, a group of friends decides to recapture their glory days by starting a fraternity. Featuring comedy heavyweights like Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, and Luke Wilson, this film is a laugh riot. Every prank, party, and the ridiculously juvenile act of rebellion will leave you in stitches, especially if you’re indulging in some cannabis. Under the influence, you’ll find yourself more deeply drawn into the anarchy, perhaps even feeling a sense of camaraderie with these lovable losers trying to relive their youth. Whether it inspires you to perform gymnastics on a balance beam or simply laugh until you cry, Old School is an ideal stoner comedy.
Horror and cannabis can be a potent combination. If you’re someone who loves a good scare, being high can amplify the experience. Your senses become more acute, and your imagination is more active, making each jump scare more startling, each creepy visual more unsettling. So if you’re ready to brave the terror, here are some horror flicks to get your heart racing and your bowl blazing.
Event Horizon (1997) is a space-horror film that blends elements of cosmic terror with psychological horror. When a spaceship that disappeared years ago mysteriously reappears, a rescue crew discovers that the ship may have brought back something otherworldly. Under the influence of cannabis, the suspense and sense of foreboding in this film become more pronounced, making the hair-raising climax even more intense. The feeling of isolation and the paranoia that this film induces will make your high a chilling thrill ride.
Don’t be fooled by the familiar title, Cabin in the Woods (2012) is anything but your average horror flick. Five friends head to a remote cabin for a vacation but soon find themselves in a nightmare of their own making. This movie cleverly deconstructs horror movie tropes while simultaneously delivering a suspenseful and scary viewing experience. If you’re high, the twists and turns in the plot become more startling, the tension more tangible, and the satirical humor peppered throughout the film hits harder.
Martin Scorsese’s Cape Fear (1991) is a classic thriller that keeps you on edge right from the start. An ex-con seeks revenge on his former lawyer, who he believes betrayed him. This movie is an intense exploration of the consequences of past actions and the lengths one might go to for vengeance. Under the influence, the creeping sense of dread becomes almost palpable. The suspenseful cat-and-mouse game played by Robert De Niro and Nick Nolte will keep you gripped, and your heightened senses will make every jump-scare more heart-stopping.
If your tastes run more toward giant monsters, Shin Godzilla (2016) is a perfect choice. When a giant creature emerges from the sea and begins to wreak havoc, the government must find a way to stop it. While Godzilla films are usually known for their action, this one also injects a sense of creeping horror as the enormity of the threat becomes clear. Your high will make the monster’s rampage seem even more epic, the scale of destruction more awe-inspiring. The terror this film evokes comes not only from the creature itself but also from the sense of helplessness that such a monstrous force can evoke. So, light up, and let Godzilla roar into your stoned consciousness.
The thrills and spills of action movies take on a whole new intensity when you’re high. The fight sequences seem more visceral, the car chases more adrenaline-fueled, and the hero’s victory more triumphant. For the cannabis consumer who loves a good action flick, here’s a selection that will send your pulse racing and your mind reeling.
It wouldn’t be an action movie list without Die Hard (1988). This explosive film chronicles the one-man war waged by off-duty cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) against a group of terrorists in a skyscraper. Each death-defying leap, each tense stand-off, becomes even more thrilling when you’re stoned. The tension ramps up, the stakes seem higher, and you’ll find yourself cheering for McClane with renewed gusto. This is a film that will have you gripping your armrests – or your bong – a little tighter.
Welcome to The Rock (1996), where a mild-mannered chemist (Nicolas Cage) and a resourceful ex-con (Sean Connery) are all that stand between rogue U.S. Marines and mass destruction. The high-octane action sequences, made even more exhilarating by your high, will keep you riveted. The escalating tension and explosive finale are sure to get your heart pounding, while the humorous exchanges offer some much-needed light relief. This is action movie gold, made even shinier by the glint of your high.
The Mummy (1999) is a thrilling rollercoaster ride from start to finish. When adventurer Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser) awakens an ancient Egyptian mummy, he must stop it before it ends the world. The supernatural elements, combined with impressive action set-pieces, make for an exhilarating viewing experience when high. The monstrous mummy seems even more terrifying, the catacombs more labyrinthine, and the adventure more exciting. Pack your bowl and strap in for a wild ride.
Peter Jackson’s King Kong is a spectacle of adventure and special effects. A film crew voyages to a mysterious island where they encounter the colossal King Kong. Watching this while high will intensify the scale and majesty of Kong, making his rampages more thrilling and his bond with Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts) more poignant. The lush island setting becomes more immersive, the dangerous creatures more menacing, and the epic finale more heartwrenching. The combination of action, adventure, and emotion in King Kong makes for a truly enhanced experience when you’re high.
Sometimes, being high gives you a heightened sense of empathy and introspection, allowing you to connect more deeply with the characters and themes in a film. For those of you who enjoy a more thoughtful, reflective high, these introspective dramas will strike a chord and might even stir up some enlightening discussions.
Sideways (2004) follows two middle-aged friends, Miles and Jack, on a week-long road trip through California’s wine country. Miles, a wine enthusiast and struggling writer, and Jack, a has-been actor about to get married, both grapple with their past choices and prospects. The film’s exploration of friendship, regret, and self-discovery becomes more poignant when you’re high. The nuanced performances, especially Paul Giamatti’s portrayal of the complex, flawed Miles, resonate more deeply. The picturesque vineyards, the passion for wine, and the slow reveal of the characters’ layers form a rich, rewarding tapestry that feels even more textured under the influence of cannabis.
Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999) is a unique blend of crime drama and philosophical introspection. Forest Whitaker stars as the titular Ghost Dog, a hitman who lives by the ancient code of the samurai. While the film offers its share of action, it’s the deeper exploration of themes like honor, duty, and the clash of old and new worlds that will truly captivate the stoned viewer. The atmospheric soundtrack and the quiet moments of contemplation take on a more profound significance when you’re high, making Ghost Dog a meditative, almost hypnotic experience.
Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon (1975) is a visual feast that tells the tale of a young Irishman’s journey from poverty to nobility in 18th-century Europe. This film, known for its meticulously composed shots and natural light cinematography, becomes even more captivating when viewed high. The narrative, which unfolds at a measured pace, the complex protagonist, and the stunning visuals all contribute to an immersive, almost dream-like experience. Under the influence of cannabis, you’re likely to feel more attuned to the film’s subtle commentary on social hierarchy and the fleeting nature of fortune.
Chef (2014) is a heartwarming story of a top-tier chef (Jon Favreau) who quits his job at a posh Los Angeles restaurant to start a food truck. This film is as much about the love of food as it is about rediscovering passion and the importance of family. The cooking sequences, already mouthwatering, become even more tantalizing when you’re high, and the themes of creativity and personal fulfillment resonate more deeply. The journey of Favreau’s character from a stifled artist to a man who rediscovers his love for cooking is made all the more satisfying by the film’s authentic depiction of food and cooking. If you’re stoned and have the munchies, just beware – this movie will make you very, very hungry.
Your movie night experience can be heightened to new dimensions with the right strain from Embarc. Known for our friendly, approachable customer service, Embarc provides a five-star experience for all cannabis enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or a curious newcomer, our knowledgeable team is always ready to help you navigate our extensive range of quality products.
So, before you embark on your cinematic journey, swing by Embarc. Whether it’s a relaxing indica strain for an introspective drama, a cerebral sativa for a mind-bending thriller, or a balanced hybrid for a laugh-out-loud comedy, we’ve got you covered. Embarc is your perfect partner for an elevated movie-watching experience. Here’s to unforgettable movie nights!
