By Sasha Brandt
Time to time, like any magazine, we try to write about nice movies on one topic or another—not always queer topics, because, believe it or not, we’re also humans, not just queer people. We’d like to see different films now and then, just like everyone else. Today, we’re writing about movies to watch stoned. Ha ha, funny, right? Well, we borrowed a list from our friends at Rotten Tomatoes (OK, they’re not necessarily our favourite film site, but they do have their moments). Our sincerest apologies for the writer; she was, in fact, stoned.
Now, let’s begin with a brief disclaimer. We, of course, encourage responsible and legal behaviour when it comes to anything that might make your movie night a little more… surreal. With that out of the way, let’s dive into the kaleidoscopic world of stoner cinema, where the mundane becomes magnificent, and the bizarre becomes the baseline.
Pink Narcissus
The Psychedelic Staples
The list, no surprise, kicks off with the usual suspects—the films that have become synonymous with psychedelic experiences. 2001: A Space Odyssey leads the charge, as Kubrick’s visual symphony takes on a whole new level of cosmic bewilderment when viewed through a hazy lens. The HAL 9000 might just start making sense after a few tokes, and those trippy colour sequences? Pure bliss. But honestly, who hasn’t recommended this one before? It’s practically a rite of passage.
Next up is Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, where the distorted desert reality depicted on screen might just match the swirling patterns in your peripheral vision. But here’s the thing: isn’t this the most obvious choice? It’s practically a guidebook on what not to do while high, yet people keep suggesting it. I suppose there’s a certain comfort in watching Johnny Depp’s descent into madness while you’re snug on your sofa, far removed from the chaos.
The Animated Oddities
Animated films are another go-to for the stoned viewer, and we can’t argue with that. There’s something about the way colours pop and lines blur that makes animation especially tantalising. Fantastic Planet” with its eerie, otherworldly art style, is a classic pick. The slow, almost dreamlike pace of the film pairs well with a relaxed state of mind, making the bizarre seem beautiful and the strange seem soothing.
But let’s take a moment to appreciate a lesser-sung hero in this category: Yellow Submarine. Sure, it’s an obvious choice, but there’s a reason it’s a mainstay. The Beatles’ psychedelic odyssey is as close as you’ll get to experiencing a visual acid trip without the actual acid. And while we’re on the subject of animation, might we suggest something a bit more contemporary? Adventure Time. Yes, the whole series. Why limit yourself to a single film when you can embark on a surrealist journey that lasts hours, if not days? Finn and Jake’s escapades are just the right mix of nonsensical and profound to keep your mind both entertained and utterly boggled.
Queer Visions
Of course, we couldn’t resist throwing in some queer cinema for good measure. Pink Narcissus, James Bidgood’s kaleidoscopic fantasy, is an undisputed masterpiece of queer psychedelia. Shot entirely on 8mm film over seven years, it’s a visual feast of homoerotic imagery, mythological references, and lush, dreamlike sequences that are perfect for a stoned viewing. The film’s exploration of fantasy, identity, and sensuality is as hypnotic as it is beautiful—a perfect example of how queer cinema can bend reality in the most delightful ways.
And then there’s The Living End, Gregg Araki’s 1992 cult classic. This punk-infused road movie about two HIV-positive lovers on the run is already a rollercoaster ride of emotions and gritty, hyper-real aesthetics. But throw in some mind-altering substances, and the film’s raw energy becomes even more visceral. Araki’s use of colour, quick cuts, and a killer soundtrack makes for a heady mix that will keep you glued to the screen.
Off the Beaten Path
Now, for those of you looking to veer off the well-trodden path, we’ve got a few curveballs. How about The Fall? Directed by Tarsem Singh, this visually stunning film is a feast for the eyes, filled with lush landscapes, intricate costumes, and an enchanting narrative that feels like it was pulled straight from a dream. When watched under the influence, it becomes less of a film and more of an experience—an adventure through the subconscious that leaves you questioning what’s real and what’s imagined.
Speaking of queer visions, let’s not overlook Orlando. Sally Potter’s adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s gender-bending novel is a heady mix of history, fantasy, and identity that’s as visually arresting as it is intellectually stimulating. Tilda Swinton’s performance as the titular character—who changes gender and lives across centuries—is a trip in itself. The film’s opulent costumes, lush cinematography, and surreal narrative shifts make it a fascinating watch, whether you’re sober or otherwise.
And speaking of questioning reality, let’s not forget about Waking Life. Richard Linklater’s rotoscoped exploration of lucid dreaming is already a mind-bending experience, but with the added enhancement, it might just push you over the edge into your own lucid dream. The dialogue-heavy film feels like an intellectual conversation with yourself—if you were your most philosophical and stoned self.
The Comedic Relief
Of course, no list would be complete without some light-hearted fare. The Big Lebowski is the ultimate stoner comedy, a film that requires no real thought, just a laid-back attitude and an appreciation for the absurd. The Coen Brothers then now Sisters’ cult classic is basically a cinematic joint in itself—roll it up, light it, and let it take you where it will. Whether it’s the oddball characters or the endlessly quotable dialogue, it’s a film that’s as satisfying as a post-munchies nap.
For something a bit more outlandish, there’s Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life. Sure, it’s not as often cited as Holy Grail, but under the right conditions, it’s a non-stop barrage of bizarre humour that’ll have you laughing at things you didn’t even realise were funny. Plus, it’s a musical! Who doesn’t love a good singalong when they’re feeling a bit… elevated?
The Grand Finale
And finally, if you’ve managed to stay coherent through the list, we have one last recommendation that might just be the perfect nightcap: Enter the Void. Gaspar Noé’s neon-soaked exploration of life, death, and everything in between is a challenging watch under the best of circumstances. But if you’re in the right mindset, it’s a transcendental experience. The swirling visuals and first-person perspective pull you into a vortex of light and sound that’s as overwhelming as it is captivating. This one isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you’re up for the challenge, it’s an unforgettable way to end your evening.
So there you have it—a list of films to watch stoned, with a little bit of something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for the psychedelic, the profound, or just a good laugh, these films offer the perfect accompaniment to a relaxing night in. Just remember: the movies may be surreal, but the popcorn is still real, and you’ll want plenty of it. Cheers!
– – –
GAY45 is committed to publishing a diversity of articles, prose, and poetry. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. And here’s our email if you want to send a letter: [email protected].
– – –
ONE MORE THING… EXCLUSIVE CONTENT.
For your dedication and support, we offer subscriptions including fresh exclusive content every week, access to THE9 newsletter before being published, and more. For our weekly premium newsletter subscribe to Substack.
Yearly subscriptions come with a printed, signed and numbered collectable edition of the magazine.
GAY45. SUPPORT. WE NEED YOU.
Support GAY45’s award-winning journalism. We need help for our mission.
You can donate to or support our Queer Journalism Campus on this page. You can also buy our merchandise.
We appreciate it. Thanks for reading.
