Reefer Movie Madness: Top 10 Stoner Comedies
THE TOP 10 GREATEST STONER COMEDIES
10. Half Baked (1998)
Like Doritos, lava lamps and zig-zag rolling papers, Half Baked has become a staple in the repertoire of any self-respecting stoner. While it’s perhaps best known as Dave Chappelle’s comedic breakout role, the film also stars Canadian comic Harland Williams and long since forgotten Saturday Night Live cast member Jim Breuer (Goat Boy, anybody?). The plot follows Chappelle and company as they decide to start selling pot stolen from the medical research clinic where they’re employed. A local drug dealer soon finds out that they’re cutting into his action and hilarity - and over the top weed jokes – soon ensue. While the film isn’t nearly as funny as Chappelle’s later work on his now defunct television series The Chappelle Show, Half Baked does have a few hilarious moments, including a drug-fuelled cameo from Bob Saget and of course, Chappelle strutting his stuff as rapper and ganja connoisseur Sir Smoka Lot.
9. Outside Providence (1999)
While it’s probably best known as one of the Farrelly brother’s more introspective films (while still fulfilling the prerequisite number of fart jokes) Outside Providence is also a classic stoner comedy. Based on Peter Farrelly’s semi-autobiographical novel of the same name, the film stars Shawn Hatosy as burned out slacker Timothy “Dunph” Dunphy; a teen who is forced to attend a well-to-do private school after getting high and crashing his van into the back of a police cruiser. What follows is a hilarious send up of prep schools and pot smoking as Dunph pisses off the obligatory crusty dean of the school, picks up a local hottie (played by perennial comedy go-to-girl Amy Smart) and of course smokes an almost ungodly amount of weed (including constructing a homemade bong out of a 55 gallon oil drum). The cast is further rounded out with an unforgettable performance from Alex Baldwin and a much underrated appearance from George “Norm from Cheers” Wendt. With a smart script, hilarious dialogue and some surprisingly poignant moments, Outside Providence hits all the right marks; a stoner comedy capable of bringing both laughter - and tears - to even the most jaded of pot heads.
8. Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)
When you’re high his movies are hilarious, and when you’re not high they’re still pretty damn funny. Yes, there’s no doubt that Kevin Smith is the man when it comes to blending irreverent indie-filmmaking and pot humour. Nowhere is this more evident than in his weed-loving leading characters Jay and his Chaplain-esque cohort Silent Bob. The film follows the duo’s plan to head to Hollywood to thwart the making of an unapproved blockbuster film based on their lives. Sure it may not be as smart or dramatic as Smith’s script in Chasing Amy, but there’s no denying the sheer awesomeness in watching Bluntman and Chronic take on a light sabre-wielding Mark Hamill as the villainous Cock-Knocker. Nooch!
7. Saving Grace (2000)
And who says the British are stuffy? Saving Grace proved that a movie could successfully blend snooty upper crust English society with some grade-A cheeba. The film stars Brenda Blethyn (who recently appeared in Atonement; a film which, coincidentally, is only bearable while super high) and is based on a script from Scottish funny man Craig Ferguson of Late Night TV fame. The plot follows prim-and-proper British housewife Grace Trevethyn who is left with a sizable debt after her husband passes away. With her life and country manor hanging in the balance, the widow Grace decides to use her well-seasoned green thumb to cultivate a crop of potent ganja. The result is a quaint, quirky and incredibly well-written movie that goes down smoother than a bong hit of Panama Red.
6. Pineapple Express (2008)
These days it seems like screenwriter-actor Seth Rogen and his writing partner Evan Goldberg can’t take a dump without Hollywood agents trying to option it into a six-figure deal. With Pineapple Express, the duo blends the best of both stoner comedies and action flicks into a film which follows a low-level processing server and his bumbling pot dealer as they go on the run from vicious mobsters. While the film does have a few noticeable flaws on its otherwise perfectly rolled exterior, it’s still a half-way decent flick. More importantly though, Rogen and Goldberg’s work on Pineapple Express has almost single-handedly revitalized the entire stoner comedy genre, giving an entirely new generation of slackers and potheads a reason to get blazed.
5. Detroit Rock City (1999)
An underappreciated masterpiece in the annals of stoner comedies, Detroit Rock City skilfully blends both reefer and rock n’ roll, while also resuscitating the post-Terminator 2 career of Edward Furlong. Directed by Adam Rifkin and based on a script by little-known horror scribe Carl V. Dupré, the film takes place in the summer of 1978 and follows a group of weed-loving teens who decide to cut class and head to Cleveland to check out a KISS concert. What follows is a hilarious pot-fuelled road trip into sex, drugs and rock n’ roll and a comedic masterpiece that will covers the demographic trifecta of pot heads, film geeks and KISS fans alike.
4. Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)
The quintessential buddy-stoner comedy, Harold & Kumar remains a ground breaking film not only because of its portrayal of two young ethnic-minority Americans, but also in its loving homage to all things weed. The film follows Harold and his best pal Kumar over the course of a single evening as they get baked, are overcome with the inevitable munchies and decide to cap it all off with a trip to the fast food underdog that is White Castle. With diseased raccoons, giant anthropomorphic bags of weed and of course, an appearance from a coked-out Doogie Howser, what more could any stoner comedy fan ask for?
3. Dazed and Confused (1993)
The crown jewel of both teen comedies and stoner flicks, the film follows a group of teens during their last day of high school in the summer of 1976. Written and directed by Richard Linklater, Dazed also included an ensemble cast featuring Jason London, Matthew McConaughey, Milla Jovovich, Cole Hauser, Parker Posey, Joey Lauren Adams, Nicky Katt and a show stealing performance from a young Adam Goldberg. While only a modest success at the box office, the film has since become a cult hit among both potheads and cinephiles, even gracing Quentin Tarantino’s picks for his 12 greatest films of all time. Throw in a dash of brutal ass paddling, copious amounts of cannabis, and a noticeably chunkier Ben Affleck and the end result is one of the greatest stoner comedies of all time.
2. The Big Lebowski (1998)
Call him the Dude, His Dudeness or El Duderino if you’re not into the whole brevity thing, there’s little doubt that Jeff Bridge’s portrayal of “The Dude” is one of the greatest stoner heroes in movie history. Based on a real life friend of legendary filmmakers the Coen brothers, The Big Lebowski crams bowling, pot, nihilists, severed toes, art and a gun totting Vietnam Vet into a Chandler-esque mystery story. Unusual? Maybe, but the film has since become a cult classic, even spawning its own annual film festival and a recent book documenting the film’s almost unheard of popularity. Sure, most film aficionados feel it pales in comparison to the Coen brother’s Academy Award winning No Country For Old Men, but ask any Lebowski fan worth their roach clips and they’ll tell you: sociopathic hit man Anton Chigurh could definitely take a chill lesson from The Dude.
1. Cheech & Chong’s Up in Smoke (1978)
Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no doubt that Up In Smoke almost single-handedly pioneered the entire stoner comedy film genre. The first feature-length film released by the comedy duo (who’d been performing together for almost ten years before going mainstream), Up in Smoke was perhaps unsurprisingly a controversial smash hit when it was released in the late 70s. Directed by Lou Adler (who has the incredibly fucked up distinction of being a producer on both The Rocky Horror Picture Show AND The Care Bears Movie), the film follows Cheech and Chong’s efforts to avoid the cops, pick up chicks, and of course, get unbelievably stoned. Sure you could read deeper into the film’s subtle exploration of late 70s socio-economics or its comedic deconstruction of American racism, but the truth is that Up in Smoke (along with almost all of the films on our list) was - and still is - best enjoyed while really, really, really high.
What do you think? Any other classic stoner comedies that should be on our top 10 list?
Comments (63)
Nice list, though there is maybe one stinker on there (*ahem* Jay and Silent Bob *ack*). Totally forgot about Outside Providence and how much I liked it. Don’t know if I would rate Harold and Kumar or Detroit Rock City over Pineapple Express, but they’re all classics of the genre. Here’s my top five off the top of my noggin:
1. The Big Lebowski
Posted by Joel on August 22nd, 20082. Pineapple Express
3. Dazed and Confused
4. Cheech and Chong Up In Smoke
5. The Accused starring Jodie Foster
I just saw “Super High Me” yesterday. I think it should most certainly be on there.
Great first real post Adam. Keep it up.
Posted by Matt on August 22nd, 2008Great list. Are you going to be on the next podcast?
Posted by Drew on August 22nd, 2008No stoner comedy list should be without Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
Posted by Danno on August 22nd, 2008I don’t think Up in Smoke should be first just because it pioneered the genre. If it has to be included, it should be much lower. Like 10th. It just doesn’t hold up over time, high or not.
Posted by Brett on August 22nd, 2008For the record, the lads in “Detroit Rock City” did not road-trip to cleveland so see Kiss, they in fact, *wait for it* went to DETROIT.
…It’s all in the title folks
Posted by RSBK on August 22nd, 2008Knocked Up had a really great mushrooms scene, and there is weed throughout.
Also, 40-year-old virgin shows them smoking weed.
Hmm…
4:52 on a Friday….
fuck it! I am out of the office and going to smoke a bowl.
Posted by Phil on August 22nd, 2008If you’re going to mention Cheech and Chong, don’t forget about Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie.
Posted by Baychuk on August 22nd, 2008Pretty good list. I’d probably have The Big Lebowski at No. 1. I haven’t seen too many stoner comedies, but Friday was pretty awesome when I saw it as a teenager and it holds up pretty well.
Posted by Primal on August 23rd, 2008Saving Grace is indeed a fine little dramedy. Nice mention on that one.
Posted by kurt on August 24th, 2008Dazed and confused is #1 for me. I can’t stand cheech & chong, but I love half baked. Never been a big weed guy, though.
Posted by Jon Rocks on August 24th, 2008“No stoner comedy list should be without Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.”
Yes! That should hit the top 3.
I have to admit that Cheech & Chong may deserve the top spot but I’m tired of top ten lists that give up spots for seniority…I’d have given it to Lebowski.
I’m REALLY glad Harold & Kumar is up there…especially in a high slot. I think people dismiss how clever and lighthanded the racial commentary is in this movie (in favor of criticizing it’s sophomoric humor.)
Calling Detroit Rock City a stoner movie is a stretch in my mind. It’s way more about coming of age than getting high!
Half Baked should be WAY higher on the list!
I’d never heard of #’s 7 & 9. I must see those. I also must see Pineapple Express…it is already on a top ten plus Jay and Greg dug it so much. I wonder if they get high (I doubt it for some reason.)
Posted by Ryan M. on August 25th, 2008I’ll guess that Jay has messed around with Mary Jane, but not Sean and Greg. Isn’t marijuana basically legal in parts of Cananda or is that a misconception? I think that all you get is a ticket or something if you get caught with it.
Posted by Primal on August 25th, 2008How High? - Redman / Method Man… Grandma’s Boy / Allen Covert…Friday / Ice Cube…Fast Times at Ridgemont High perhaps need to be added… the list is very good but there are some other considerations to be made. Still.. to choose just ten.. this list is very good.
Posted by Nate on August 25th, 2008Good list but Half Baked has to be in the Top 3 for me.
Posted by Julien on August 27th, 20081.Cheech & Chong’s Up in Smoke
2.Fast Times at Ridgemont Hill
3.Dazed & Confused
4.Half Baked
5.Friday &/or Next Friday
6.How High?
7.Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle
8.Grandma’s Boy
9.Puff, Puff, Pass
10.Knocked Up
Cheech & Chong is still hilarious.
Posted by HempKnight757 on August 27th, 2008Detroit Rock City is excellent, but not making the list.
Jay & Bob are great, but not enough smoking like maybe #11.
Puff, Puff, Pass is good if you’ve never seen that.
Super High Me is informative, but a little boring. Best like in the movie is “Why don’t you go bust a meth lab you pussy cops!”
Half baked should be higher on the list… at least top 3
It would have been a much better movie then it was had it not been for the studio big wigs who tied Chappelle’s hands & made him make a Quote “stoner flick for kids”
I wish Dave makes another stoner flick but then again i hope he does anything as he is a funny dude.
smoke it if u got it….
Posted by CheebaHawk on August 29th, 2008this list makes contains some favourites of mine, however i think the film Grandmas Boy has to be included. its made by adam sandlers film compony but doesnt contain him. such a good stoner film
also freddy got fingered is a must, even though no bud is smoked in it. its one of the best films to watch bent
wordlife
Posted by Lewis Gilbert on August 31st, 2008no Grandmas Boy? O_o
Posted by Keith on August 31st, 2008dont agree at all , mine goes
1. Half Baked
Posted by weedsmoker420 on August 31st, 20082. Cheech and chongs up in smoke
3. The Big Lebowski
4. Harold and Kumar 2 Escape to Guantanamo Bay
5. Dazed and confused
scratch my last spot
Posted by weedsmoker420 on August 31st, 2008the real 5. is Grandmas Boy
where is Grandma’s boy? that movie was hilarious
Posted by joogy on September 1st, 2008not sure about pineapple express being above greats like half baked and jay & silent bob.. but up in smoke definitely deserved no.1.. i got my dreads put in while watching that movie!
Posted by haywir3 on September 24th, 2008Rolling Kansas is a good one, too. Friday definitely should have made the top 10. I also liked The Stoned Age. Nonetheless, this is a pretty good list.
Posted by ts on September 24th, 2008number 1 is How High, followed by half baked.cheech and chong, and pineapple express, friday and or next friday…..see there are alot of stupid movies on this list, a good stoner movie has people smoking a lot of weed, i mean….you smoke right? learn to make a list
Posted by weedsmoker on September 25th, 2008Its Alec Baldwin not Alex.
Posted by Aimee on September 25th, 2008Im telling you go out and rent the movie puff puff pass it is amazing and def. should be on this list i dont think its very popular but i watched it last year on 420 and i liked it better than pineapple express
Posted by Brad on September 25th, 2008very good list but you missed the best stoner movie ever made . The Stoned Age . a very funny low budget movie . a must see
Posted by saint on October 6th, 2008Grandma’s boy? And also Idle Hands. Horror/stoner with Seth Green and Jessica Alba. Possibly my favorite stoner flick of all time. “As usual, marijuana saves an otherwise disastrous day” So good.
Posted by Blackrose on October 12th, 2008can anybody help me in finding out torrents of the following movies, b/w size 699 mb- 1 gb.
1. My Boss’s Daughter (2003)
Posted by Anonymous on October 12th, 20082. Outside Providence (1999)
^^www.thepiratebay.org, since demonoid went under.
Posted by Saevio on October 12th, 2008You forgot Grandmas Boy
That is one of the best by far next to Harold and Kumar go to white castle
Posted by Shonari on October 14th, 2008Up In Smoke is a classic stoner film
Posted by Gary Lewis on October 26th, 2008Strange wilderness was funner sober. still gotta gat grilled but loved it anyway!
Posted by Ed on October 28th, 2008Really, no Grandma’s Boy?
Posted by Phillis on October 28th, 2008WAIT ONE SECOND!!!!
Did anyone see the 1st poster’s movie LIST????
The last choice.
THE ACCUSED?
Damn… That shit is funny….
But I am really baked right now.
I say if you want Jodie Foster movies while high I would suggest Silence of the Lambs…..
Posted by Deguello on November 7th, 2008ok how can you not have ( Stoned Age ) on here…should be one of the top 5!! if you havnt seen it..go watch it..great flick…(you worms)
Posted by joe blow on November 7th, 2008Easy Rider….enough said
Stay High Friends!
Posted by Jake on November 7th, 2008Easy Rider….enough said
Posted by Jake on November 7th, 2008Dragnet.
Posted by Wait on November 8th, 2008So absolutely no mention of Super Troopers? C’mon people.
Posted by Dudermcscooter on November 8th, 2008My Top 5
1. Super Troopers
Posted by Dudermcscooter on November 8th, 20082. Grandma’s Boy
3. Half-Baked
4. How High
5. Dazed and Confused
Fear and loathing in Las Vegas should be at least number two. Brilliant film, i know all the words when im high and cant remember anythin in it when sober. its perfect though PERFECT
Posted by Alex on November 9th, 2008glad to hear all the shouts for grandma’boy.not the best but i always have to watch part of it when i see it on.
Posted by ecloaljor on November 9th, 2008shyza!
Posted by Julien on December 18th, 2008look at all the Film Junk potheads!
haha
What about “how high”?
that was a pretty damn decent movie!
SMOKE WEED EVERYDAY
Posted by DoubleTJ on January 25th, 2009Withnail & I. and Fear and loathing are my top 2, should be in any list. Rest i agree with though
Posted by Russell on January 30th, 2009Half Baked ??? above Fast Times, Cheech and Chong, and Dazed? Sorry but all I have to say is FAIL
Posted by Hotsauce on February 1st, 2009worst list ever, you suck.
Posted by brendoncasey on February 1st, 2009grandma’s boy….
Posted by derp on February 2nd, 2009Smiley Face, has anyone seen it? Its got Anna Faris (chick from Scary Movie) and its pretty fucking funny.
Posted by snowkitty on February 2nd, 2009Grandmas Boy should be there for sure.
I totally think that Planet Earth should be listed as one of the movies. I love animal planet.
Posted by Mark on February 12th, 2009Are we listing these as best movies or the most pot smoked in a movie? As for best I think in this order
Posted by David on March 2nd, 20091. The Big Lebowski (No Brainer Here)
2. Dazed and Confused (My Class, My Era, Dead On!)
3. Half Baked (Do you know how much condoms were back in the day?)
4. Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie(Might not have started the genre, but the best one)
5. Super Troopers(Beer Fest is better, but for stoner flicks…)
I was going to do a top ten, but I’ve forgot what I was doing. Um, cookies!
Guys, you all have great examples, but where’s The Stoned Age (1994). Love that one.
Posted by Matt on March 26th, 2009I am very sad that Grandma’s Boy did not make the list.
Posted by Ethan on April 7th, 2009yea sorry this list is completely shit with out grandma’s boy and half bake being ten real weak
Posted by lok on April 8th, 2009“How High” belongs on this list!
Posted by Finfrosk on April 20th, 2009(I know it’s already been said, but not by me! ..until now)
Grandma’s Boy, Fear and Loathing, and American Beauty are all missing.
Posted by Issawi on May 21st, 2009dude how cant smiley face be in that list?
Posted by masix on May 30th, 2009its the greatest
No one has mentioned DRUGSTORE COWBOY… The scene from the movie The Party Animal where he thinks taking drugs will attract women needs some kind of honorable mention…
Posted by Dial F for Frankenstein on May 31st, 2009Supertrooper!!! Its easily top 10 and sits atop my list.
Posted by Lud on June 5th, 2009You forgot Super Troopers.
The first 5 minutes is the best part of any stoner movie….
And Spinal Tap!!
Posted by Dude World Order on June 15th, 2009Leave a Reply