If you must clear your head and get creative, this movie is for you. It’s funny and creative and will help you see that there’s more than one way to tell a story.
This cult stoner comedy follows two NJ potheads and their shenanigans. It’s hilarious and creative and makes for a great watch while high.
Little Miss Sunshine
So, what are the best movies to watch when high? Little Miss Sunshine is a quirky road movie that will bring laughs and maybe even a tear. Abigail Breslin stars as Olive, a quiet girl from Albuquerque with giant eyeglasses and a slight potbelly who qualifies in a last-minute fluke for the national Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant in California. Her family, led by Richard (a convincing Greg Kinnear), a motivational speaker who can’t seem to make it past his insecurities; Sheryl, an overworked and underappreciated wife; Dwayne, the mute son; Edwin, the drug-addicted grandpa; and Frank, a man trying to get over a suicide attempt, grudgingly agree to take her there.
While eschewing the usual formulaic movie tropes, the film is emotionally stirring, with moments of humor and utter desperation. It also features a heartfelt performance by Toni Collette as Sheryl. Its themes of family, self-confidence, and carpe diem are sure to resonate with viewers.
This cult stoner flick is best watched when in the right mood. Starring Ashton Kutcher and Sean William Scott, the movie follows these two amigos as they embark on an 1800-mile road trip to retrieve a sex tape sent by mistake. The film guarantees laughs by the minute and will make you smile. Also, don’t forget the weed!
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
As a film that tackles the idea of everything changing in an instant, Benjamin Button is a fantastic movie to watch while high. Its most prominent feature, however, is its use of visual imagery to create a sense of unease in the audience. This is achieved by juxtaposing beautiful landscapes with the gloomy, almost apocalyptic cityscapes that populate most of the film.
The film also tackles the notion of time being a precious commodity that should be cherished and treasured. This is evident in how many characters deliver philosophical aphorisms and quotes. It’s also highlighted by Queenie’s (Taraji P. Henson) constant reminders to Benjamin to embrace every moment in his life.
In addition to being a great movie to watch while high because of its visual effects, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a surprisingly thought-provoking film. It has a great cast of characters with varying opinions on what they think life is all about. This is illustrated by how the story progresses through Benjamin’s various incarnations.
The performances by Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett are top-notch, with each character gaining something different as the film moves forward. Pitt’s earliest incarnation as an older man is an eerie provocation, and his last-act teen facade is achingly Adonis-like in its look. At the same time, Blanchett’s adolescent ballerina and ’50s fashion plate are picture-perfect in their portrayals.
28 Days Later
The bloodborne Rage virus causes a societal collapse in 28 Days Later, a 2002 British post-apocalyptic zombie film that has never seemed more relevant. Director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland expertly blend horror, science fiction, and action to create a believable world populated by the violent remnants of humanity. They show how infrastructure and a false sense of security can destroy civilization and the human capacity to empathize with one another.
The film preys on the public’s naive faith in institutions that promise safety and civilization, further amplified by the post-9/11 climate of increased paranoia. Its images of a deserted London remind viewers of the eerie footage of empty streets captured after the Twin Towers fell. As the movie progresses, the characters develop dramatic arcs that illustrate the chasm between those who still believe in civilization and those who have lost all hope of a better future.
Jim, the bike courier protagonist, demonstrates this difference by regaining faith in humanity with Selena’s help. She, on the other hand, has resigned herself to accepting disorder. Her callous killing of a soldier and refusal to eat the infected shows her loss of empathy. Jim and Selena demonstrate how humanity can revert to its animalistic core without love, respect, and dignity. They must learn to trust each other and develop empathy to survive.
Insaan
As every revenge saga goes, class warfare simmers like this town’s prime, slow-cooked flavored meat. A corrupt administration oppresses the savage, ruthless villagers, and it’s up to a fearless police inspector to take them on. Despite being a rehash of several revenge films, Insaan adds its twists, like a Rocky-like training montage complete with inspiring upbeat music and slow-motion shots of the main character.
The film is a tumultuous saga showing the director’s penchant for classic cinema. He doffs his well-stuffed hat to Western masters and reveres legendary Bollywood movies like Sholay and Lagaan. He even uses subtle nods to filmmaking conventions, such as brainwashing the villains by putting black on their faces and making their skin tone whiter as they are taught the right path.