Movies for the perfect stoner night

Why a stoner movie?

Cannabis and its consumption not only shape the daily lives of many people worldwide but also represent a sociocultural phenomenon that has firmly established itself in film as a recurring motif. Many of the well-known stoner movies emerged around the turn of the millennium and form the canon of much-discussed classics in the genre. Although films like “Bube Dame König grAS” (1998), “Lammbock” (2001), and “How High” (2001) are good stoner films, we focus on a small selection of productions that have particularly proven themselves in certain moods of different highs.

Paulette (2012, France)

The first film we want to introduce to you is a French production from 2012. Paulette is about an elderly, slightly bitter French woman who feels alienated by the changes in modern society. Widowed in the suburbs, she only has three friends for card games and her daughter Agnes. However, the mother-daughter relationship is more than strained due to Paulette's racist mindset, as she is opposed to Agnes's black partner Ousmane and her grandson Leo. This is the starting point of a suburban crime comedy that picks up speed when Paulette comes into contact with cannabis, and her life begins to change gradually.

The Big Lebowski (1998, USA)

The second film we recommend is a true classic. An evergreen for many cinephiles: The Big Lebowski. The story of an old hippie, played by Jeff Bridges, during the second Gulf War, who is caught up in all sorts of wild stories due to a mix-up, even though he would rather be lying in a bathtub between his bowling rounds, getting high, and listening to whale songs. The film is about a rug that once made the room cozy, a rich namesake, a nihilistic gang of thugs, and the desire to return to a more relaxed time.
Sharp dialogues and iconic quotes from the main characters distinguish this film, about which everything has probably already been said. For the stoner, the main character, known only as "The Dude," embodies a way of life full of freedom and the desire to disconnect from the stresses of daily life. The Dude’s odyssey through early 90s Los Angeles invites laughter and relaxation. In addition to the high-profile cast, the magnificent soundtrack should also be mentioned, which rounds off this already great film perfectly. Enjoy this gem with a White Russian in a bathrobe, just like The Dude would do.

Bang Boom Bang – A Sure Thing (1999, Germany)

Now we come to the only German production on the list, which does have some parallels to "The Big Lebowski," with the caveat that the protagonist Keek (Oliver Korittke) is quite responsible for his situation. Tasked with managing the money of his friend Kalle (the excellent Ralf Richter), which he stole during a robbery while Kalle is serving time in prison, Keek lives relaxed with little success from horse betting and joints. However, when Kalle escapes from prison and wants his money back, Keek finds himself in trouble, as he has invested large portions of what was meant for Kalle into his carefree lifestyle. With the best Ruhrpott charm, a new scheme must be devised to repay Kalle. We won’t spoil more for you.
Unlike the previous films, this one hits you metaphorically in the face with its roughness. Nonetheless, it is one of our favorite films, with rapid twists perfect for a foggy head. Hilarious, crude, and culty, it’s perfect for an evening when you want to get a little bit stoned and silly.

Harold and Kumar – Go to White Castle (2004, USA)

Everyone knows those nights that completely go off the rails. Such a night happens to the aspiring, diligent, and orderly banker Harold and his chaotic, lazy roommate Kumar when they get high, see an advertisement for a fast food restaurant, and decide they want to eat a hamburger there. Upon arriving at the branch, they find out that it is closed. What follows is a crazy ride of two stoners who are desperate to eat burgers and get into all sorts of trouble along the way. The film covers almost the entire range of comedic repertoire. From the clash of two very different protagonists, who constantly argue, to completely absurd but hilarious scenarios that keep the audience laughing. And if that’s not enough, you also get a young Neil Patrick Harris as himself, who crashes the story while on Ecstasy.

If you consume while watching this somewhat crude film, a bellyache from laughing is pretty much guaranteed. If not, the fun may potentially be a little lessened.

Beavis and ButtHead Do America (1996, USA)

And now it gets intense. The cartoon Beavis and Butt-Head is for those who don’t want to see real faces while high. The two teenagers fall asleep in front of the TV and wake up to find their television has been stolen. In search of a replacement, they meet a shady guy who offers them a large sum of money to kill his ex-wife. Since the two need money to buy a new TV and assume "killing" means having sex with the ex-wife rather than actually killing her, the duo agrees without much hesitation. What happens next is almost impossible to describe. Just watch it for yourself. The film consists almost entirely of pubescent and weird humor. The bluntness of the dialogues is hard to beat, and that’s what makes the film great. 81 minutes of complete overdrive that lead to one laugh after another.

The film is likely to get better with increasing consumption, but please, don’t overdo it.

We hope we’ve helped you find a film and wish you lots of fun watching!