Best Movies To Watch When You Re High

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine
Rated PG-13

The Dark Knight is a 2008 superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan and based on the DC Comics character Batman. The film follows the vigilante Batman as he attempts to protect Gotham City from a criminal mastermind known as The Joker. With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to unravel the mystery of The Joker’s identity and exact revenge. As the city descends further into chaos, Batman must confront personal demons and confront the Joker in a battle of wits and physical prowess. Along the way, Batman discovers the true power of justice and sacrifice.

From David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Meat Loaf, Zach Grenier
Rated R

Fight Club is a 1999 psychological drama directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt and Edward Norton. The film follows an unnamed protagonist (Norton) who is suffering from insomnia and meets a strange soap salesman named Tyler Durden (Pitt). The two men form an underground Fight Club with a growing membership of men looking to take out their aggression and frustration in physical altercations. The club serves as a form of therapy for the men, allowing them to vent their anger, until the violent activities spiral out of control and the narrator's life is on the line. The film explores themes of masculinity, violence, consumerism and nihilism in its darkly humorous, yet thought-provoking narrative.

From Michel Gondry, starring Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Tom Wilkinson, Gerry Robert Byrne
Rated R

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a 2004 romantic drama film directed by Michel Gondry and written by Charlie Kaufman. The film stars Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet as a couple who have their memories of each other erased. When Joel (Carrey) finds out that his ex-girlfriend Clementine (Winslet) has undergone a procedure to erase their memories of each other, he decides to do the same. But as the procedure progresses, Joel begins to question his decision and tries to fight to hold onto the memories of their relationship. The film explores themes of heartache, regret, and the power of memories.

From John Lasseter, starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney
Rated G

Toy Story is an animated adventure directed by John Lasseter and released by Pixar in 1995. It follows the adventures of a group of toys which come to life when no one is looking. The main characters are Buzz Lightyear and Woody, two toys belonging to a young boy named Andy. Buzz is a space ranger action figure with dreams of becoming a real space ranger, while Woody is an old-fashioned cowboy doll who feels threatened by Buzz's popularity. The two of them, along with a cast of other toys, embark on an exciting journey filled with friendship, rivalry, and danger as they try to get back to Andy's house. Along the way, they learn the importance of loyalty and the joy of friendship.

From Guy Ritchie, starring Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, Stephen Graham, Vinnie Jones
Rated R

Snatch tells the story of a botched diamond heist in the London criminal underworld. The movie follows a group of criminals and street hustlers, including Turkish (Jason Statham), Tommy (Stephen Graham), and their accomplice, "Bullet-Tooth" Tony (Vinnie Jones). The group is hired by Brick Top (Alan Ford) to steal a huge diamond from a pawn shop, but the plan goes horribly wrong when the diamond is sold to an unsuspecting buyer, before they can get their hands on it. Meanwhile, the notorious thief and sophisticated criminal, Franky Four Fingers (Benicio Del Toro), is sent to London to deliver the diamond to a powerful mob boss. In their attempts to reclaim the diamond, Turkish and Tommy find themselves in the middle of a dangerous gang war between rival factions and they must use their wits and street smarts to survive. In the end, the diamond is returned, but the journey to get it back is filled with unexpected twists and turns.

From Directors: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam
Rated PG

Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a 1975 British comedy film directed by Monty Python members Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones. The film follows King Arthur and his knights as they embark on a quest to find the Holy Grail. Along the way, they encounter a variety of ridiculous situations, including nose-biting knights, killer rabbits, and taunting French soldiers. The film features an array of famous lines and characters, most notably the knight who says “Ni!” and the Black Knight who refuses to surrender. With its absurd humor and low-budget special effects, Monty Python and the Holy Grail has become a cult classic.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough
Rated PG-13

Jurassic Park is a science-fiction adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the novel of the same name by Michael Crichton. The film follows a millionaire who creates a wildlife park of cloned dinosaurs using DNA extracted from prehistoric amber. However, when the dinosaurs break out of their enclosures and wreak havoc, it is up to the park's game warden and a paleontologist to save the day. With thrilling special effects and state-of-the-art technology, Jurassic Park is a thrilling ride that will leave viewers in awe.

From Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi
Rated R

The Big Lebowski is a 1998 comedy film written, produced, and directed by the Coen brothers. The film stars Jeff Bridges as Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski, an out-of-work Los Angeles slacker and avid bowler who is mistaken as a millionaire with the same name. When The Dude is assaulted and his rug urinated upon by two thugs hired by a millionaire whose wife owes money to Lebowski's namesake, The Dude starts a quest to get recompense. Along the way, The Dude enlists the help of his bowling buddies (John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman) and a new acquaintance (Julianne Moore). Hijinks ensue as The Dude is pursued by the thugs, the millionaire, and a smarmy Malibu private investigator (David Huddleston). The film also features a host of other memorable characters, such as Jesus Quintana (John Turturro), Maude Lebowski (Moore again), and Brandt (Philip Moon). Ultimately, The Dude is able to reclaim his rug, thus returning the world to its proper order.

From Danny Boyle, starring Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Kevin McKidd
Rated R

Trainspotting is a British crime drama film directed by Danny Boyle and released in 1996. The film follows the lives of a group of heroin addicts living in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on the choices they make and their struggles with drug addiction. The main characters are Mark Renton, who is trying to quit heroin, and his friends Sick Boy, Begbie, Spud and Tommy, all of whom are addicted. The film follows the group as they get involved in various criminal activities, face a variety of personal and societal problems, and ultimately make life-changing decisions. The film is a dark and at times humorous tale of friendship and loyalty, as well as a commentary on the dangerous consequences of drug addiction.

From Gore Verbinski, starring Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley
Rated PG-13

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is a 2003 adventure film directed by Gore Verbinski and produced by Walt Disney Pictures. The film stars Johnny Depp as the eccentric pirate Jack Sparrow, Orlando Bloom as the dashing Will Turner, Keira Knightley as the aristocratic Elizabeth Swann, Geoffrey Rush as the evil Captain Barbossa, and Jack Davenport as Commodore Norrington. The Curse of the Black Pearl centers around a cursed pirate ship, the Black Pearl, which turns its crew into the undead. The film follows the adventures of Jack Sparrow and Will Turner as they seek to free Elizabeth Swann, who has been kidnapped by Captain Barbossa, the former captain of the Black Pearl. With the help of the eccentric Captain Jack Sparrow and the courageous Will Turner, they sail off on the legendary Black Pearl in a daring attempt to rescue Elizabeth. Along the way, they face off against the fearsome undead pirates and fight for the freedom of the Caribbean.

From Directors: Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders, starring Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Craig Ferguson
Rated PG

How to Train Your Dragon is a 2010 American computer-animated action fantasy comedy film loosely based on the 2003 book of the same name by British author Cressida Cowell. Directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders, the film stars Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, T.J. Miller, and Kristen Wiig, with the voices of Baruchel, Ferrera, Hill, Mintz-Plasse, and Miller. The story follows Hiccup (Baruchel), a Viking teenager who lives on the island of Berk, where fighting dragons is a way of life. His smarts and offbeat sense of humor don't win him any popularity points with his tribe, which includes his father, Stoick the Vast (Butler). When Hiccup is included in Dragon Training with the other Viking teens, he sees his chance to prove he has what it takes to be a fighter. But when he encounters and ultimately befriends an injured dragon, his world is flipped upside down, and what started out as an impulsive adventure leads to an epic battle to save the future of men and dragons.

From Harold Ramis, starring Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky
Rated PG

Groundhog Day is a 1993 comedy-drama film directed by Harold Ramis and starring Bill Murray. The film follows Phil Connors (Murray), an arrogant Pittsburgh TV weatherman who, during an assignment covering the annual Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, finds himself in a time loop, repeatedly reliving the same day. As the days stretch on, Phil becomes increasingly despondent, until he begins to appreciate the people and routine of the small town. He begins to recognize that he can use the time loop to better himself and the lives of others, ultimately finding redemption and the key to breaking the loop.

From Directors: Frank Miller, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, starring Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba
Rated R

Sin City (2005) is a neo-noir crime anthology film co-directed by Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller, and Quentin Tarantino. The film is based on the graphic novel series by Miller and is told in a nonlinear narrative, interweaving four different stories of crime and corruption in the fictional city of Basin City. The stories follow characters such as a mysterious hitman, a cop framed for a murder, a vengeful vigilante, and a group of criminals looking to pull off a heist. The film is noted for its distinct visuals, which are heavily stylized to appear as if it were a live-action comic book. Sin City also features an all-star cast, including Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, Clive Owen, Mickey Rourke, and Benicio del Toro.

From Terry Jones, starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam
Rated R

Life of Brian is a British comedy film directed by Terry Jones and written by Jones, along with his fellow Monty Python members Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, and Terry Gilliam. The film follows the life of Brian Cohen (played by Chapman), an average young Jewish man who is born on the same day as, and next door to, Jesus Christ and is subsequently mistaken for the Messiah. The film follows Brian as he attempts to escape from the ever-growing crowds of people who believe he is their messiah, and his ultimate crucifixion by the Romans. Throughout the film, Brian faces various comedic obstacles, such as getting caught up in religious debates, joining a subversive political movement, and falling in love with a radical activist. Life of Brian is a satirical comedy which uses its humor to poke fun at religion, politics, and other aspects of everyday life.

From Edgar Wright, starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis
Rated R

Shaun of the Dead is a horror comedy directed by Edgar Wright and starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. The film follows Shaun, a hapless electronics store employee, as he attempts to win back his ex-girlfriend, Liz, while simultaneously attempting to save the world from an impending zombie apocalypse. After realizing the severity of the situation, Shaun teams up with his best friend, Ed, and Liz's best friend, David, to battle their way through hordes of the undead. Along the way, they must rely on each other's unique skill set to survive the zombie apocalypse and ultimately save the day.

From Martin McDonagh, starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Ciarán Hinds, Elizabeth Berrington
Rated R

In Bruges is a black comedy film directed by Martin McDonagh and starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, and Ralph Fiennes. The story follows two Irish hitmen who, after a job gone wrong in London, are sent to the Belgian city of Bruges, where one of them, Ray, quickly becomes depressed and frustrated with the city's beauty and charm. He begins a relationship with a local drug addict and artist, and the two become involved in a hit, where Ray has to face the consequences of his actions. Meanwhile, Ken, the other hitman, is determined to make the best of the situation, immersing himself in the city's culture and attempting to help Ray out of his funk. As the two men grow closer and their experiences in Bruges deepen, they are eventually forced to confront their past and make some difficult choices.

From Neill Blomkamp, starring Sharlto Copley, David James, Jason Cope, Nathalie Boltt
Rated R

District 9 is a sci-fi action movie from 2009, directed by Neill Blomkamp and starring Sharlto Copley. The plot revolves around an extraterrestrial race of aliens, known as "prawns," who have been forced to live in an internment camp-like district on the outskirts of Johannesburg, South Africa. The lead character, Wikus van de Merwe, is a field operative tasked with relocating the aliens to a new camp. However, when Wikus is exposed to a mysterious alien chemical, he begins to mutate, forcing him to go on the run from the government and hostile aliens. The movie follows his journey as he discovers the truth of the aliens' origins and their real intentions on Earth. Along the way, Wikus is forced to form unlikely alliances and fight for his freedom and that of the aliens. Ultimately, the movie culminates in a satisfying conclusion that showcases the power of acceptance and understanding.

From Edgar Wright, starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Martin Freeman, Bill Nighy
Rated R

Hot Fuzz is a 2007 British action comedy directed by Edgar Wright. The film follows Nicholas Angel, a highly skilled and successful London police officer, who is transferred to the small village of Sandford. There, he teams up with an unruly partner, Danny Butterman, to investigate a series of mysterious accidents and murders. As the investigation deepens, Angel and Butterman uncover a dark conspiracy involving the town's eccentric residents and a sinister plot to take over the village. With action, humor, and plenty of surprises, Hot Fuzz is a thrilling and hilarious ride.

From John Cameron Mitchell, starring John Cameron Mitchell, Miriam Shor, Stephen Trask, Theodore Liscinski
Rated R

Hedwig and the Angry Inch is a 2001 musical comedy-drama film written and directed by John Cameron Mitchell and starring John Cameron Mitchell, Stephen Trask, and Miriam Shor. The film follows the story of an "internationally ignored" German rock singer, Hedwig Schmidt (John Cameron Mitchell), as she struggles to find success and true love. Forced to flee her home country after a botched sex-change operation, Hedwig embarks on an American journey of self-discovery and musical exploration. Along the way, she encounters a wild variety of characters and learns to embrace her unique identity and sexuality. Hedwig and the Angry Inch uses comedy and music to explore themes of identity, self-realization, and the power of love.

From Mike Judge, starring Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, David Herman, Ajay Naidu
Rated R

Office Space is a 1999 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Mike Judge. It satirizes the everyday work life of a typical mid-to-late-1990s software company, focusing on a handful of individuals oppressed by their work environment. The main character, Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston), is a frustrated programmer at Initech Corporation who hates his job and the tedium of his daily tasks. He soon joins forces with two of his friends to embezzle money from their employer using a series of schemes. As their schemes progress and Initech becomes aware of their actions, the protagonists must struggle to keep their jobs while maintaining their scheme. The film also features Jennifer Aniston, Gary Cole, David Herman, Ajay Naidu, and Stephen Root. The film was a box office success, grossing over $30 million. It has since achieved cult classic status.

From Todd Phillips, starring Zach Galifianakis, Bradley Cooper, Justin Bartha, Ed Helms
Rated R

The Hangover is a 2009 American comedy film directed by Todd Phillips and starring Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Justin Bartha, and Heather Graham. The plot follows a group of friends who travel to Las Vegas for a bachelor party and wake up the next morning with no memory of the previous night. As the group attempts to reconstruct their night, they piece together an ever-more-bizarre series of events, ultimately leading them to discover the true cause of their hangover.

From Sam Raimi, starring Bruce Campbell, Sarah Berry, Dan Hicks, Kassie Wesley DePaiva
Rated R

Evil Dead II is a 1987 horror-comedy film directed by Sam Raimi. It is a sequel to Raimi's 1981 film The Evil Dead, and stars Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams. The film follows Ash, a young man who has been stranded in a cabin in the woods, as he battles an army of demonic forces summoned from the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis. Ash must face off against the Deadites, a group of evil spirits that possess the living, as he attempts to survive the night and make it out alive. The film is widely considered to be one of the best horror-comedies of all time, thanks to its intense, gory action sequences combined with its comedic elements. The film is widely praised for its memorable one-liners, such as "Groovy" and "This is my BOOMSTICK!" It is also widely credited with popularizing the "splatstick" genre.

From Matthew Vaughn, starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Nicolas Cage, Chloë Grace Moretz, Garrett M. Brown
Rated R

Kick-Ass is a 2010 action-comedy superhero film directed by Matthew Vaughn and based on the comic book of the same name by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. The film stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and Chloe Grace Moretz as the titular hero, Dave Lizewski (Taylor-Johnson), the teenage geek who sets out to become a real-life superhero despite having no powers or training. He is soon joined by a pair of veteran costumed vigilantes, Hit-Girl (Moretz) and Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage), and they battle against the crime boss Frank D'Amico (Mark Strong) and his son Chris (Mintz-Plasse). The film was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $96 million worldwide and receiving a Golden Globe nomination. It has since spawned two sequels, Kick-Ass 2 and Kick-Ass 3.

From Ruben Fleischer, starring Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson, Abigail Breslin
Rated R

Zombieland is a 2009 American post-apocalyptic zombie comedy film directed by Ruben Fleischer and written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. The film follows four survivors, Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), Wichita (Emma Stone), and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), as they travel across the United States in an attempt to find a safe haven from the zombie apocalypse. The film satirizes zombie films and American culture, depicting the friends' encounter with various zombie types and their efforts to survive in a world filled with the undead. Along the way, they meet Bill Murray, who inadvertently helps them find their way to an amusement park which is thought to be a safe haven. The film was a box office success, grossing over $102 million in the United States and $187 million worldwide.

From Luc Besson, starring Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, Gary Oldman, Ian Holm
Rated PG-13

The Fifth Element is a science-fiction action-adventure film directed by Luc Besson and released in 1997. The film is set in the 23rd century and stars Bruce Willis as an ex-soldier-turned-taxi-driver who must save the world from an Evil Element. The fifth element is a divine energy source that is the only thing strong enough to defeat the Evil Element and its minions. Along the way, he teams up with a beautiful young woman named Leeloo and a wisecracking alien named Ruby Rhod. Together they must find four powerful stones on various planets and put them together to create the Fifth Element. With the help of an eccentric scientist and a mysterious priest, they must save the world from total destruction.