Most attempts on gathering the ‘best movies to watch while stoned’ end up flat because they include only low-effort stoner comedies. This one is different.

We’ve gathered the ten best movies to watch high and rediscover excellent (but not overstimulating) visuals and plots that make you think just the right amount.

You’ve probably watched some of these before as they are popular and high-quality, but that’s the fun of watching movies while high — the second time around, you can see things you didn’t notice before. Prepare your favorite edibles or vape, grab some food, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

1. Interstellar (2014)

Not everyone can handle a rainbow-colored consciousness expansion when stoned, right? Many swear by the visuals in 2001: A Space Odyssey when high, but others found them too much. If you’re looking for an easier-to-digest movie that takes you to another dimension, Interstellar won’t disappoint.

This incredible story is about the resilience of a team of explorers discovering the wonders of the universe. Matthew McConaughey (pilot Cooper) plays a NASA pilot who risks his life searching for another habitable planet after natural disasters render Earth uninhabitable.

The storyline goes through significant twists and turns as the team of researchers investigates which of the three planets could be humankind’s new home.

Wormholes are the main mystery in the movie, but that won’t blow your mind as much as the time dilation due to gravity and multiple dimensions. You’ll love how the slow passage of time leaves everyone dizzy, making the couch lock make more sense.

2. Princess Mononoke (1997)

Princess Mononoke is one of the handfuls of Studio Ghibli movies by Hayao Miyazaki that everyone needs to see while having a delta 8 high from various products. While intoxicated, most people who’ve seen the movie share appreciation for the detailed depictions of characters, locations, food, animals, and the beautifully mystical journey.

The movie takes you through a 14th-century atmosphere of broken harmony between humans, animals, and gods. It’s set in the late Muromachi period of Japan with the addition of fantasy elements. The main character, Ashitaka, is a warrior afflicted with a deadly curse.

While searching for a cure from the curse, he discovers the sacred depths of a forest where he meets Princess Mononoke, a girl raised by wolves.

Being the feisty spirit he is, he quickly finds himself in a fire between the gods of a forest and humans who consume the forests’ resources. Settling the conflict in the movie will bring you comfort and remind you of the importance of peace and unity.

3. Dr. Strange (2016)

If out of all movies on this list, you find one that you absolutely can relate to at the moment of your “highness,” but it depends on the dose you consume. we guarantee it’ll be Dr. Strange. The movie is an exposition-heavy one, providing lessons about different aspects of mysticism. The film is structured as a journey of a “trippy” visual discovery for the audience as they learn the rules and possibilities of a strange world.

Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) gets into a life-altering accident in which he loses the functionality of his hands. Traditional medicine doesn’t provide a solution to his problem, so he turns to a mysterious place — an enclave that’s at the front line of the battleground against unseen dark forces threatening to destroy reality.

Soon after, Dr. Strange is faced with the reality of choosing between his old life of fortune and status or the heroic act of leaving all behind to defend the world as “the most powerful sorcerer in existence.”

4. The Matrix (1999)

For years, The Matrix has been an inspiration for filmmakers because it presents an absolute process of visual discovery. This movie is the perfect sci-fi, strange outer world to watch while high. The world of folding city structures and physical reality that seems to bend around the characters will blow your mind.

Neo (Keanu Reeves) is on a quest to find answers to essential questions in life — What is the Matrix? He believes that an elusive figure considered to be the most dangerous man alive, known as Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), can answer his question. Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) contacts Neo and leads him into the underworld to meet Morpheus. Once they meet, the battle is on, and Neo will face an unexpected truth more precious than his own life.

5. Blade Runner (1982)

Blade Runner provides a dazzling look at a dystopian future with incredible visuals and music. The best part about it is the subtle visual worldbuilding and “exhibition” of the nature of humanity, which is a great thing to contemplate when high. The music is on another level, bringing you into pure euphoria.

Harrison Ford (Decard) is a Replicant Hunter forced by the police Boss to continue working this job. He has the assignment to eliminate four Replicants who’ve escaped the colonies that have returned to Earth. The romantic part of the story starts when he meets a Replicant girl and falls in love with her. The movie reveals layers of complex, rich detail that fully pulls you into its world and leaves you in awe.

6. A Scanner Darkly (2006)

Another Kianu Reeves movie on the list, and this one is no less cool. A Scanner Darkly is an animated illusion that “brings live-action footage into an animated dream world.” The animation of the movie will get you tripping because the consistent color palette and visual composition create the continuity of a graphic novel.

The story is about Rober Arctor (Keanu Reeves), who leads a double life as a drug-addicted former suburbanite and as an undercover narcotics cop in Orange County, California. His assignment is to spy on his housemates, out of which one is suspected to be the drug dealer’s biggest customer.

A word of warning, though: this movie is based on a 1977 book by Dicks, and reeks of suspicion of the government, paranoia, and wild conspiracy theories, but makes pretty good predictions about the times we’re living in.

7. Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)

For an absolute feeling of peaceful enjoyment of your high, just play Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Although the special effects are not as effective in some areas, you’ll enjoy the overall sleek and leisure visuals that relax the mind and the body.

The storyline is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s bearable. The Federation calls on Adm. Kirk (William Shatner) and the Starship Enterprise crew to contain a colossal object that’s about to crash Earth. Investigation shows that the alien object harbors A.I. and has evil intentions. The crew faces a crisis when they get attacked, and the adventure unfolds.

8. Being John Malcovich (1999)

You know when you are watching a poorly made movie high, and you can see right through the acting? That’s not the case with Being John Malcovich. This classic stoner movie dives into a strange love triangle between three people, and the ending will make you question big life decisions. It’s a fascinating movie that’s both dark and sad but beautiful at the same time.

Unemployed New Your City puppeteer Craig (John Cusack) takes a temporary job as a filing clerk for the eccentric Dr. Lester (Orson Bean). There, he discovers a portal that leads to the mind of the famous actor John Malkovich. He lets his beautiful co-worker Maxine (Catherine Keener) in on the secret, and a weird relationship is born with Craig’s wife, Lotte (Cameron Diaz).

9. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

How to Train Your Dragon is a good watch while high because it has a brilliant storyline with surprising dramatic depth. The dazzling animation will keep you ecstatic as you start to feel part of Hiccup’s world. The action moves at an excellent pace, so you’ll be able to tame your own dragon by the time the movie is finished.

This movie follows Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), a Norse teenager from the Island of Berk whose everyday life revolves around fighting dragons. Due to his soft heart, progressive views, and weird sense of humor, Hiccup doesn’t fit into the clan, where his dad (Gerard Butler) is chief. After being tossed into dragon-fighting school, Hiccup befriends an injured dragon (Toothless) that becomes his buddy during his new adventures and challenges.

10. Our Planet (2019)

From majestic views to dazzling imagery and natural spectacles, this visually stunning documentary dives into the diversity of habitats around the world. From the remote Arctic wilderness to the vast landscapes of Africa, the narrative shifts from wonderful to heavy as it takes you to scenes of destruction.

All of the footage on the documentary is real and offers a brilliant look at animals in the wild. The sounds of nature will take you back to those childhood days when you could see things through eyes full of hope.

Final Thoughts

This is far from an exhaustive list of movies to watch when you’re high. But, whichever of these you choose for your next session, you won’t be disappointed.

They all represent the beauty of life, love, nature, and the mystical, dark side. So, take your favorite flower or edible and settle into the comfort of your couch — don’t forget the snacks to enjoy with your cannabis product of choice.

What’s your favorite movie to watch while stoned? Leave us a comment if there’s anything you think we missed.