10 Cannabis Movies That Are Actually Worth Watching—No, Seriously
Look, we get it. You love a good stoner comedy like “Half Baked” when you’re in a certain state of mind. But let’s be real: the critics are probably not hanging out on the couch with you, munching on overpriced snacks while quoting the film. Fear not, dear cinephile! We’ve dug through the herb-infused archives to bring you 10 cannabis films that have more depth than your typical “dude, where’s my car?” scenario.
Stacker scoured the universe of stoner cinema—from the reflective vibes of “Dazed and Confused” to the absurdity of “The Beach Bum”—to pinpoint ten movies that actually possess craftsmanship and unexpected insight. These films come complete with IMDb scores and Metascores (as of December 2025, because why not?), so you can fully understand both their critical acclaim and the collective stoner audience’s approval rating.
Some of these gems, like “Koyaanisqatsi,” serve up existential questions with a side of time-lapse footage that’ll make you wonder when you last socialized with a tree. Others, such as the cult classic “Friday,” are slapstick laughs while also giving the proverbial middle finger to negative stereotypes about the “hood.” Either way, whether you’re lit or just here for a cinematic adventure, this list promises to keep you entertained regardless of your state of existence.
Koyaanisqatsi (1982)
– Director: Godfrey Reggio
– IMDb User Rating: 8.2
– Metascore: 72
– Runtime: 86 minutes
“Koyaanisqatsi” is to existentialism what “Fast Food” is to your stomach—it’s a trip! This artistic film is the first in Reggio’s trilogy that dares to ask, “What have we done to our connection with nature?” Spoiler alert: the answer involves a lot of stunning visuals and zero dialogue. So, if you’re high and pondering life’s big questions, grab some popcorn—or perhaps something a little stronger.
Dazed and Confused (1993)
– Director: Richard Linklater
– IMDb User Rating: 7.6
– Metascore: 82
– Runtime: 103 minutes
Friday (1995)
– Director: F. Gary Gray
– IMDb User Rating: 7.2
– Metascore: 54
– Runtime: 91 minutes
Meet Craig and Smokey, the dynamic duo who teach us more about life for $200 in a day than any self-help book ever could. “Friday” isn’t just a stoner comedy; it’s a pitch-perfect critique of both neighborhood life and the absurdities that come with it. Ever wanted to see a plot that unfolds around a couch? Now you can!
The Big Lebowski (1998)
– Directors: Joel and Ethan Coen
– IMDb User Rating: 8.1
– Metascore: 71
– Runtime: 117 minutes
Ah, “The Dude”—a legend in his own right. This film combines bowling, intrigue, and an oddly obsessive quest to replace a rug, making it one of the most iconic stoner films out there. The clever dialogue and dream sequences make it a visual feast for both the sober and the high. Just don’t spill your White Russian while diving deep into “what it all means.”
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
– Director: Terry Gilliam
– IMDb User Rating: 7.5
– Metascore: 41
– Runtime: 118 minutes
What’s better than a mind-altering journey through the desert? A mind-altering journey led by Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro! Based on Thompson’s unfilmable work, this movie perfectly encapsulates the highs and lows of substance-fueled escapades. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be blissfully confused, this visually trippy ride should be on your watchlist.
Almost Famous (2000)
– Director: Cameron Crowe
– IMDb User Rating: 7.9
– Metascore: 90
– Runtime: 122 minutes
Follow an aspiring teen journalist trailing a rock band like a lovable puppy. “Almost Famous” is the antithesis of a traditional coming-of-age story; it’s filled with rock ‘n’ roll, drugs, and, oh yes, Oscar-winning screenwriting. It serves as a reminder that life is a festival, and your high school journal may just lead you to it.
Waking Life (2001)
– Director: Richard Linklater
– IMDb User Rating: 7.6
– Metascore: 85
– Runtime: 99 minutes
Ah, “Waking Life”—the ultimate philosophical film for those marveling at life’s ambiguity while high. This gorgeous animated gem meanders through various topics like love, consciousness, and human experience, all while you contemplate if you left the stove on. A perfect watch when pondering if reality is merely a shared delusion.
A Scanner Darkly (2006)
– Director: Richard Linklater
– IMDb User Rating: 7.0
– Metascore: 73
– Runtime: 100 minutes
Set in a dystopian future where addiction reigns supreme, this movie is both horrifying and surreal. If you thought being high was bad, wait till you see Keanu Reeves fighting with his own drug-addled self in this rotoscope animation wonder. It’s one part sci-fi thriller, one part social commentary, and two parts “Wait, what?”
Inherent Vice (2014)
– Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
– IMDb User Rating: 6.6
– Metascore: 81
– Runtime: 148 minutes
Joaquin Phoenix stars as Doc Sportello in a narrative as tangled as his hair. This film is less about solving a crime and more about existing within a cloud of haze. It’s a narrative experience that feels like a psychedelic trip; you can’t help but feel that maybe this movie is about more than it lets on—or maybe you’re just really high.
The Beach Bum (2019)
– Director: Harmony Korine
– IMDb User Rating: 5.5
– Metascore: 55
– Runtime: 95 minutes
Finally, let’s wrap it up with “The Beach Bum,” starring Matthew McConaughey as a pot-smoking poet who bumbles his way through life like a man who just discovered sunshine. Critical reviews may be mixed, but one thing is for sure: watching this film while stoned is basically a rite of passage. So roll up and roll for it, friends.
Editorial Note: This article was formed through the creative dance of thought and editing—because even the greatest stoner films need a little refinement. Popcorn may be optional, but a good time is mandatory. Enjoy, and may your film choices be as expansive as your imagination!
