10 Essential Stoner Movies to Watch On 4/20

Where to watch it: Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Google Play Movies

Pineapple Express is the quintessential funny stoner movie. The plot revolves around Dale Denton (Seth Rogen), the stoned process server who spends his days delivering subpoenas. His otherwise boring life takes a turn when he stumbles upon a rare strain of cannabis called Pineapple Express from his dealer, Saul Silver (James Franco). 

This leads to Denton unwittingly becoming the sole witness to a murder involving a dangerous drug lord and a corrupt cop. In a panic, Dale ditches his joint at the crime scene, but the unique strain leads the killers straight to him and Saul. The duo ends up on the run for a professionally absurd, chaotic, and cannabis-infused comedic misadventure.

Why We Love It: This is Seth Rogen and James Franco at their best, hitting a high in their decades-long comedy partnership. It's funny, silly, and action-packed.

Where to watch it: Paramount+, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Apple TV, Google Play movies

Harold Lee (John Cho), a hardworking investment banker, and his best friend, Kumar Patel (Kal Penn), an unmotivated med school applicant, just want to relax with a bit of help from cannabis. But, at the peak of their evening, a well-timed commercial for White Castle ignites a craving for burgers. Then, their chill evening turns into a ridiculous all-night adventure. From run-ins with racist cops to a freakishly intense Neil Patrick Harris, their quest for the perfect fast-food meal spirals into a hilarious, out-of-control trip. 

Why We Love It: The entire Harold and Kumar series is a movie like Pineapple Express. You can expect the same kooky mashup comedy and action. Plus, who doesn't like a trip to White Castle? 

Where to watch it: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play movies

Ready for yet another buddy-comedy focused on cannabis? Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, the godfathers of stoner comedy, star in this counterculture classic. Pedro (Cheech) and Man (Chong) are two lovable characters who unknowingly smuggle a van made entirely out of marijuana across the U.S.–Mexico border. With the authorities hot on their trail, the duo bumbles through a series of hilarious accidents — but always in the endless pursuit of good times.

Why We Love It: If you aren't acquainted with the epic stoner duo, Cheech and Chong, it's time for your cannabis history lesson. This is stoner comedy gold, chock-full of memorable quotes and riffs that are still floating around in cannabis culture nearly 50 years later.

If you ask cannabis lovers what the best ‘90s stoner movie is, nine times out of ten, they'll say Half Baked. This movie starts when Thurgood (Dave Chappelle), Brian (Jim Breuer), and Scarface (Guillermo Díaz) try to save their friend Kenny (Harland Williams), who was arrested for accidentally killing a diabetic police horse. Their solution? Selling medical-grade marijuana stolen from Thurgood's workplace. But their success catches the attention of a local drug kingpin, and soon, they're in over their heads. Add in Thurgood's romantic interest, who's firmly anti-weed, and you've got a hilarious comedy packed with unforgettable cameos.

Why We Love It: From Willie Nelson to Snoop Dogg, for the cameos alone. But it also has all the standard stoner movie tropes you can't help but love.

Where to watch it: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play movies

At this point on our list, it's clear that all the good stoner movies require the dynamics between two weed-loving buddies. Which is why you need to have How High on your 420 movie list. Buckle up for the hijinks of Silas (Method Man) and Jamal (Redman), two street-smart tokers who stumble upon a magical batch of buds. When they smoke it, the ghost of Silas's dead friend appears to give them the answers to their college entrance exams. Thanks to this supernatural advantage, they get accepted into Harvard, where they shake up the Ivy League with their laid-back attitude, hilarious antics, and cannabis-fueled lifestyle. But when their magical stash runs out, they must rely on their street smarts to stay in school.

Why We Love It: How High perfectly blends early 2000s hip-hop culture with cannabis comedy. For those who grew up in that era, there is something nostalgic about seeing Method Man and Redman team up on the big screen and stumbling through a series of hijinks.

Where to Watch it: Apple TV

Dante Hicks (Brian O'Halloran) wasn't even supposed to work, yet, there he is, stuck behind the counter of a rundown New Jersey convenience store. Cue an endless parade of annoying customers, weirdos, and philosophical debates with his slacker best friend, Randal Graves (Jeff Anderson). The gist of this movie isn't about action-packed misadventures, but two small-town stoners navigate everything from love-life troubles and hockey games on the roof to a wake in the video rental section. Shot in black and white and packed with sharp, hilarious dialogue, this indie cult film captures a day in the life of two directionless Gen X clerks.

Where to Watch it: Disney+,  Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play movies, YouTube

Super Troopers is seriously dumb, but that's part of what makes it so great. Follow along with a group of unconventional Vermont state troopers as they spend more time pranking each other (and local residents) than enforcing the law. The plot hinges on them trying to avoid their station getting shut down and their discovery of a drug-smuggling operation that could save their jobs. Too bad they just can't work together! Cue outrageous antics, hilarious one-liners, and the legendary meow game.

Why We Love It: When it comes to funny stoner movies, sometimes the stupider it is, the better. Super Troopers is incredibly stupid but in all the right ways. There is no other movie on this list that will encourage uncontrollable belly laughs like this one.

Where to Watch it:  Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play movies, YouTube

Now for a slightly different angle on the canna-culture films: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. In this weird, artsy, counterculture classic, Journalist Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) and his unpredictable lawyer, Dr. Gonzo (Benicio del Toro), embark on a drug-fueled journey to Las Vegas under the guise of covering a prestigious sporting event. However, their trip quickly spirals into a surreal odyssey as they consume a staggering array of substances. As they navigate the neon-lit chaos of Vegas and their own hallucinations, we witness their strange interactions with the sober world around them, from police officers and hitchhikers to hotel clerks and casino patrons. 

Why We Love It: While many of the movies on this list sit solidly in buddy-comedy and belly laughs, this movie is based on Hunter S. Thompson's iconic gonzo journalism novel. Thanks to its striking cinematography, it's more of an arthouse flick than a comedy. But trust us that it is rife with darkly comedic reflections on the American Dream. 

Where to Watch it:  Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play movies 

In the wise words of The Dude, "Well, that's just like, your opinion man." And our opinion stands — The Big Lebowski is an S-tier weed movie. Jeff (aka The Dude) Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) is a laid-back, unemployed bowler who just wants to chill. But when he’s mistaken for a millionaire with the same name, he's dragged into a bizarre ransom plot involving a missing trophy wife and a ruined rug that really tied the room together. With the help of his intense Vietnam-vet buddy Walter (John Goodman) and their weird, quiet friend Donny (Steve Buscemi), The Dude navigates an increasingly strange world with a White Russian and a joint in hand.

Why We Love It: To this day, over 25 years after it was released, The Big Lebowski remains one of the most quotable stoner movies of all time. The Dude abides, and so do we.

Where to Watch it:  Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play movies 

Dazed and Confused is an all-American classic, but it's also legendary here in Austin. Filmed right here in our hometown, this movie begins on the last day of school in 1976 with a group of Texas high schoolers who are ready to party. There are the freshman friends dodging incoming hazing rituals and the seniors embracing their final summer before adulthood. But the main thing is, everyone is chasing a good time. With a killer soundtrack, nostalgic ‘70s vibes, and a young Matthew McConaughey delivering his iconic "Alright, alright, alright" line, this coming-of-age film perfectly captures the spirit of youth, rebellion, and hazy summer nights. 

Why We Love It: Considering Dazed and Confused is based in Austin, we don't have a choice! As Austin natives ourselves, it is our duty. But beyond our local connection, we love this classic because it feels just as cool more than three decades later as it did when it came out. 

What's better than snacks? Be the ultimate host with a plateful of THC-Infused Cereal Bites and THC Agave Syrup Mocktails. Who wouldn't appreciate such a tasty top-up midway through the movie marathon?

Don't wait until someone asks for a glass of water. If you are spending all day lazing on the couch in a cannabis-fueled haze, make sure you always have a jug of water handy. 

That's a wrap! These stoner movies are the perfect way to celebrate 420 in style. So grab your snacks, settle into the comfiest spot, and enjoy the ride.

Until next time, Mind Your Mind, and happy 420!