It used to be such a stigma. Not long ago, marijuana use was as demonized as smoking crack in a New York back alley. Since then, with scientific evidence backing up claims that there are actually multiple health benefits associated with the use of medical marijuana, the backlash has lessened considerably. Still, there are some states that continue to outlaw marijuana, even for medicinal purposes.
The point is, people smoke weed. Often times, those people are in movies. Sometimes, they find themselves in crazy shenanigans, either thanks to said weed or in search of said weed. We are neither condoning, nor condemning the use of marijuana as a plot device in films. But we totally dig the results. Some of the funniest movies have revolved around pot. With that here are the 5 Best Stoner Movies.
5) Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle (2004)
For a while, Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle was the prototypical stoner movie. It centered on two friends who got stoned and wanted to get some of those perfect little burgers from White Castle. It was a seemingly simple plan, but it wielded disastrous results for all parties involved. There were strippers, and bikers and Neil Patrick Harris (oh my!). At the end, though, Harold and Kumar got their White Castle and stoners the world over breathed a giant sigh of relief.
4) Anything from Cheech and Chong (1971-1985, 2002-present)
Cheech and Chong are the grand daddy’s of the stoner film. They were getting into weed-induced shenanigans way before it was legal to do so in most states. The poster boys for a segment of people who didn’t want any trouble man, they just wanted to party. Together, Richard “Cheech” Marin and Tommy Chong have made more than a dozen films, recorded albums, guest-starred on TV shows and performed live concerts. Their 1978 film, Up in Smoke, is probably their most well-known film but they have done a lot in their 40 years together. So much for stoners being slackers huh?
Even more amazing, Tommy Chong actually did time in a federal prison thanks to his fondness for grass. He only did about 9 months, but he is devoted to the cause.
3) The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
This 2012 horror film from director Drew Goddard was awesome. Of course it would be, it was co-written by Joss Whedon. The Cabin in the Woods takes a familiar premise (teenagers alone in the woods) and completely subverts expectations. To give away much more would be heading into spoiler territory, and we don’t want to rob you up the multiple reveals if you, for some reason, have yet to see the film.
What we can tell you is that out of all the characters in the film, it is the Shaggy-like stoner who seems to be the only one that is seeing things clearly. We’re not suggesting that weed makes people focus more and see things for how they really are, but this guy certainly did.
The Cabin in the Woods, even taking the stoner aspects out of it, is a phenomenal movie that demands to be watched again and again. Usually, it’s the kids doing drugs that die first. In this film, the stoner might be the only one to survive.
2) Pineapple Express (2008)
This is the role that Seth Rogen was born to play. Pineapple Express tells the story of a stoner named Dale Denton (Rogen) who ends up tangled in a web of corruption, deceit and murder, all because he picked the wrong dealer and smoked the wrong joint. It’s a silly premise and it’s hilarious. James Franco and Danny McBride also star in this film and if there is one movie that simultaneously makes you want to smoke a joint AND never touch marijuana in your life, it is this film.
1) Reefer Madness (1936)
This film is THE film for stoner movies. It’s ironic because Reefer Madness was originally created as a propaganda film to PREVENT smoking “reefer.” It details, in hilarious ways, the effects of weed on teenagers and implores parents to do everything they can to fight the madness caused by reefer. If there is one film on this list that you absolutely need to watch whilst high, it’s this one.
