In 1936, a Christian church group released a low-budget exploitation film titled Tell Your Children, (Now known as Reefer Madness), in an attempt to turn people away from marijuana use. They might be disappointed to learn that the ridiculously campy film is now better known as a cannabis cult classic. It may also have led to the birth of the stoner comedy as we know it today.
The stoner comedy is a rare viewing experience that offers an “anything goes” attitude to filmmaking. This can make for some great comedy gold, whether audiences are stoned or straight. It is not hard to see why stoner comedies reign supreme, they offer a mindless viewing experience, chill vibes, and lots of laughs.
Whether you are celebrating 4/20 or just looking for a little bit of lighthearted humor to lift your mood, you will surely enjoy this cannabis-centric cinema list. Including classic stoner films of the past and mainstream comedies of the 90s and 2000s, there is surely something here for everyone’s viewing pleasure. Here are the 10 all-time best stoner movies ever made, ranked.
10 How High
How High is a 2001 stoner comedy that stars Method Man and Redman as two college applicants who luck their way into Harvard with a little help from Mary Jane and the spirit of an old friend who appears after the pot-dazed duo mistakenly smoke his ashes. The film was not well received by critics, however, it was awarded the Stony Award for Best Stoner Movie of 2002. The third installment How High 3 is currently underway with Six AM productions.
9 Pineapple Express
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Pineapple Express is a 2008 action comedy written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. It follows Dale Denton a disillusioned process server who reluctantly bonds with his weed dealer after sharing a traumatic experience. The film was well-received by critics and has amassed a cult following since its release. Co-star James Franco was even nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his performance.
8 Cheech and Chong’s Up in Smoke
Dubbed by many as the definitive stoner flick Cheech and Chong’s Up in Smoke features the original stoner duo, Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong. The film follows the pair who after being mistakenly deported to Mexico agree to drive back to America in a van constructed entirely of cannabis. The comic timing and elaborate character portrayals make Up In Smoke a true stoner classic. The film also inspired two sequels, Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie and Nice Dreams.
7 Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back has grown a significant cult following in the past 20-plus years since its 2001 release, and it’s not hard to see why. After finding out that they will not receive any profits from the Bluntman and Chronic movie, the two main protagonists set out on an adventure to stop the movie from being made. The movie is one of the best to star the famed duo and includes many high-profile cameos.
6 Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Directed by Amy Heckerling (of Clueless Fame) and written by Cameron Crowe, Fast Times at Ridgemont High offers a sneak peek into the lives of several high-school students as they experiment with sex, dating, drugs, and part-time jobs. Sean Penn steals the show as the ultimate stoner and surfer dude Jeff Spicoli.
5 Half Baked
Half Baked is a classic comedy that follows a bunch of stoners who attempt to bail their buddy out of jail. Despite its stereotypical stoner comedy formula, Half Baked rises above the rest with its ensemble cast, top-notch performances, and celebrity cameos, including Snoop Dogg, Bob Saget, Jon Stewart, and Willie Nelson.
4 Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle stars Kal Penn and John Cho as two friends who deal with the pressures of their adult life by indulging in their shared love of Marijuana, one particular night the pair get an insatiable craving for White Castle. Harold & Kumar’s dazed adventure is one of the craziest any stoner comedy has ever seen, including an unforgettable cameo from Doogie Howser himself, Neil Patrick Harris.
This offbeat comedy inspired several equally hilarious sequels including, Harold & Kumar’s Escape from Guantanamo Bay, and A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas. There are even talks about a Harold & Kumar 4, but no solid details have been released at this time.
3 Dazed and Confused
Dazed and Confused is written and directed by Richard Linklater and starred an ensemble cast of then-rising actors, such as Joey Lauren Adams, Rory Cochrane, Adam Goldberg, Cole Hauser, Jason London, and Parker Posey. It also stars Matthew McConaughey in one of his most memorable roles as overgrown high schooler-at-heart David Wooderson. The period piece perfectly encapsulates the 70s and the classic rock-steeped soundtrack is well worth a listen.
2 The Big Lebowski
The Big Lebowski is written and directed by the Coen brothers and has become a cult classic stoner comedy since its 1998 release. It stars Jeff Bridges as Jeff Lebowski a.k.a “The Dude”, a pot-smoking bowling enthusiast that is mistaken for an affluent man of the same name. The film is well-written, brilliantly acted, and endlessly quotable, and the story just gets better with age.
1 Friday
Friday tops our list of best stoner movies because of its massive popularity. Not only is the film filled with unforgettable one-liners, and endlessly rewatchable, but it is also the brainchild of former NWA band member Ice Cube. The film has become a cult classic and has spawned two sequels to date, with a fourth sequel Friday 4 in talks.