Best stoner comedies of the last 30 years

Even the most sophisticated of cannabis connoisseurs can appreciate a good stoner comedy. The last 30 years have brought us some amazingly memorable and quotable comedy masterpieces. Although this kind of list can certainly be subjective, we’ve compiled a list of our favorites.

Dazed and Confused (1993)
A quintessential coming-of-age movie, Dazed and Confused takes us on a ride on the last day of high school in Austin, Texas and all of the shenanigans of the rowdy crowd. Whether you watch for the cast, the clothes, the cars, or the soundtrack, this is a classic that everyone needs to see at least once. You don’t have to get stoned when you watch, but it’d be a lot cooler if you did. 

Friday (1995)
Set on a Friday in south central LA, Friday is a hilarious story of the struggles of urban life and all of its misadventures. If Craig and Smokey can’t come up with the $200 they owe a dealer by the end of the day, there won’t be a Saturday.

Don’t Be A Menace in South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996)
Made as a parody of quintessential “hood” movies, (Menace II Society, Boyz n the Hood, Higher Learning, Juice), Don’t be a Menace is a hilarious tale from the Wayans brothers. Innocent Tray is forced to move to a south central LA slum to live with his Grandma and cousin, Loc Dog, who takes him along for the ride in the comical crime underworld. After surviving a gang fight and being shot, Tray gets the girl and Loc Dog doesn’t too to bad himself as the host of a parody show of Def Comedy Jam, Death Comedy Jam. And Grandma…she’s still grandma.

Half Baked (1998)
When their buddy, Kenny, is arrested for accidentally killing a police horse by over feeding it all the munchies he procured, Thurgood, Brian, and Scarface go on an epic adventure to try to raise enough money to make his bail. The guys take us along for non-stop laughs from robbing a medical dispensary to an undercover sting gone wrong. This stoner classic belongs on everyone’s go to list.

The Big Lebowski (1998)
After being mistaken for a different Jeffrey Lebowski, the Dude takes us with him on his journey for compensation for his desecrated rug. Hilarity ensues as we meet Walter and Donny who, much to his dismay, totally sidetrack the Dude’s plan. A cult classic and favorite among movie lovers everywhere, the Big Lebowski has definitely earned it’s spot on this list.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
Possibly the biggest cinematic masterpiece on any list, Fear and Loathing is a crazy and drug fueled adventure that takes you right along for every bit of the ride. Using amazing cinematic effects and angles, you’ll feel like you’ve just taken some adrenachrome yourself watching it. Based on true events in the life of the eccentric and drug-and-booze soaked life of Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing follows Raoul Duke and Dr. Gonzo as they trek to the desert to cover a motorcycle race. With the human body’s capacity to handle their cocktails of drugs being pushed to its limits, Fear and Loathing will forever go down as one of the best movies ever made.

Super Troopers (2001)
Following the mishaps of 5 screw-up Vermont State Troopers, Super Troopers delivers raucous comedy from the opening sequence. When their squad is on the line, they try to pull it together to save their barracks. While they seem to end up ok, the pitfalls and hijinks they get into along the way are what make this movie a stoner classic.

How High (2001)
Method Man and Redman team up in this comedy as Jamal and Cyrus who smoke some amazing herb before their college entrance exams which results in them acing their tests and being accepted to Harvard. When their magical weed dries up, they have to see if they can make it with their own intelligence.

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)
Jay and Silent Bob learn that Bluntman and Chronic are using their comic book counterparts, they get excited thinking about all the royalties about to roll in. One catch-there won’t be any. After learning this, they set out to sabotage the movie at any cost. Go along for the ride on this hilarious rollercoaster.

Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)
After Harold and Kumar get stoned while watching tv, an ad for White Castle makes them obsessed with idea of munching on some delicious sliders. After realizing there isn’t one nearby, they make the trek all the way to New Jersey to score. Insanity and hilarity ensue when they run into some pretty crazy characters along the way. At long last, they finally get their hands on the mystical sliders…and another surprise visit from Neil Patrick Harris.

Grandma’s Boy (2006)
Packed with some of the hottest comedians of the time, Grandma’s Boy brings us along when Alex, a video game creator, gets kicked out of his shared apartment and must find a new place to stay. After a few missed attempts to find a new roommate, he ends up living with his Grandmother and her eccentric friends. While things start out ok, she starts to cramp his lifestyle and quest for love. After an accidental tea mix-up and exposing the “genius” JP for the fraud he is, all ends well for Alex and he can finally get high in peace.

Superbad (2007)
Another coming-of-age film and Judd Apatow’s first big screen bromance, Superbad follows Seth, Evan, and Fogel (McLovin) on their last night of high school. Fake ID in hand and invites to THE party of the year, what starts out as all fun and games ends with the touching moment they realize life is going to move on without each other at college next year. And that’s ok.  Definitely a good buddy movie to watch with friends, even well after high school.

Pineapple Express (2008)
When process server Dale Denton is caught witnessing a murder while on the job, he runs straight to his dealer, Saul, to freak out and figure out his next steps. After realizing he left a roach of the elusive Pineapple Express that only Saul has possession of, the two go on the run to save their lives. With a comedic superstar cast, Pineapple Express is a non-stop laugh fest.

There are hundreds of amazing stoner comedies out there, some of the best from the last 30 years, but these are a few that we think everyone should enjoy at least once. What are some of your go to’s?

Must be 21+. Please consume responsibly.