Best Stoner Comedy Movies Ever Made, Ranked

In 1936, a Christian church group funded a low-budget exploitation film titled Tell Your Children, otherwise known as Reefer Madness, in an attempt to turn people away from marijuana use. They might be disappointed to learn that the ridiculously campy film is now better known as a cannabis cult classic. It may also have led to the birth of the stoner film as we know it today.

The stoner comedy is a rare viewing experience that offers an “anything goes” attitude to filmmaking. This can make for some great comedy gold, whether audiences are stoned or sober. It is not hard to see why stoner comedies reign supreme. They offer a mindless viewing experience, chill vibes, and lots of laughs.

Whether you are celebrating 4/20 or just looking for a little bit of lighthearted humor to lift your mood, you will surely enjoy this cannabis-centric cinema list. Including classic stoner films of the past and mainstream comedies of the 90s and 2000s, there is surely something here for everyone’s viewing pleasure. Here are the 15 all-time best stoner comedies ever made, ranked.

Updated Feb. 10, 2024: This collection of the best stoner comedies ever made has been updated with additional entries, useful features, and more information.

15 Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)

Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure is undoubtedly a stoner comedy, even if recreational drugs don’t make a significant appearance. Rather, it’s the infectiously oblivious charisma found in the film’s titular leads, Bill S. Preston (Alex Winter) and Theodore Logan (Keanu Reeves), that make this film such a blast. When our dullard duo is at risk of flunking their history class, their sudden discovery of a time machine may allow them to ace their history presentation and ultimately correct the course of history.

Bill and Ted are Totally Excellent

Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure is a film that fits snugly into the stoner comedy genre. Reeves and Preston portray the kind of stereotypical surfer dude archetypes to such an exaggerated degree, you can’t help but wonder if they’re living cartoon characters. Their infectious catchphrases, the comedic interpretations of historical figures — including a particularly memorable Napoleon played by Terry Camilleri — and an overall sense of silliness from Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves’ performances permeates every major plot beat. Aside from a sequel released in 1991, Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey, Reeves and Winter would portray the duo once more in 2020’s Bill & Ted Face the Music. Watch the trailer for Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure on YouTube

Stream Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure on Max

14 Superbad (2007)

A classic Judd Apatow comedy, Superbad is one of the last good high school movies of the 2000s. Jonah Hill and Michael Cera star as Seth and Evan, respectively, as they quickly approach their high school graduation. However, the duo face a conundrum: neither one has lost their virginity yet. With the help of their friend, Fogell (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), they attempt to solve their plight on a disastrous night loaded with crass humor and memorable moments.

Superbad Is Super Great

Co-written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, Superbad is a stoner comedy that stood out from the bunch during its original release. Its critical acclaim and cultural endurance is completely warranted. Emma Stone, Bill Hader, Seth Rogen, and more all lend this film a crass talent that would later become a staple of Apatow comedies to come, with Rogen and Goldberg in particular collaborating again for Pineapple Express, This Is the End, and The Interview. Watch the trailer for Superbad on YouTube

Buy or Rent Superbad on Apple TV

13 Super Troopers (2001)

A staple film by the Broken Lizard comedy troupe, Super Troopers follows the exploits of a Vermont State Police force; specifically, a bumbling Vermont State Police force. Overseeing the fictional town of Spurbury, a group of patrolling officers find themselves in jeopardy as their station is faced with a potential shutdown. Their proclivity for playing jokes on innocent motorists certainly doesn’t help matters. That said, when a high-profile case stumbles into their laps, the eponymous Super Troopers will find themselves uncovering the crime of a lifetime.

Super Troopers Is Broken Lizard’s Best Film

Arguably the best, or at least the most relevant, of the many comedies produced by the Broken Lizard comedy troupe, Super Troopers presents a police-themed slapstick comedy that frequently wades into stoner comedy territory. It’s a film whose individual scenes shine the brightest, with Kevin Heffernan’s Farva and Steve Lemme’s Mac being notable standouts. The duo would even go on to create the underrated sitcom series Tacoma FD, a series that replicates a similar atmosphere and sense of humor to that of Super Troopers. Watch the trailer for Super Troopers on YouTube

Stream Super Troopers on Hulu

12 Trailer Park Boys: The Movie (2006)

Arguably one of Canada’s greatest television exports, Trailer Park Boys is no stranger to the world of stoner comedy. Naturally, their first feature-length venture, Trailer Park Boys: The Movie, goes in a similar direction. Acting more as a reinterpretation of the original series than a direct continuation, Trailer Park Boys: The Movie pits three trailer park residents — Bubbles (Mike Smith), Ricky (Rob Wells), and Julian (John Paul Tremblay) — against their ornery supervisor as they attempt to climb the socioeconomic ladder the only way they know how: by breaking the law.

Trailer Park Boys Is a Classic Canadian Stoner Comedy

It’s difficult to condense what makes Trailer Park Boys so great into just a few sentences, let alone what the film does to differentiate itself from the original series. Eschewing the mockumentary format of the show, Trailer Park Boys: The Movie presents their curse-laden antics with some genuine artistry, trading digital footage for physical film and incorporating some surprising melodrama throughout. It’s more than just a Trailer Park Boys episode blown up to feature-length size. This is also reflected in its number of curses, with more than 150 separate utterances of a certain F-bomb.

Stream Trailer Park Boys: The Movie on Netflix

11 Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

No stoner comedy list is complete with the famed adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson’s titular novel. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas sees Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro playing the duo of Raoul Duke and Dr. Gonzo as they head to illustrious Las Vegas. Under an assignment to cover a motorcycle race for a magazine, the duo’s job quickly goes south as their copious supply of illicit substances destroys their perception, sending them on a comedic adventure lined with hallucinogens and depressants.

Terry Gilliam Adapts Hunter S. Thompson’s Novel

In the plainest terms, some may consider Fear and Loathing to be the ultimate drug movie, largely due to the utter mania and ludicrousness presented in its narrative. Johnny Depp famously loses himself in the role of Raoul Duke, pairing well with an increasingly-erratic Dr. Gonzo as the duo undergo creative hallucination sequences and bizarre anecdotes. Much like the book, it’s a film whose presentation hides a greater examination of counterculture and various excesses. It was a box office flop, but has since garnered a significant cult following. Watch the trailer for Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas on YouTube

Buy or Rent Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas on Apple TV

10 How High (2001)

How High is a 2000s comedy movie that stars Method Man and Redman as Silas P. Silas and Jamal King, respectively. Silas and King are two college applicants who luck their way into Harvard with a little help from Mary Jane. At least, it would’ve been Mary Jane, had they not indirectly smoked the ashes of their deceased friend, Ivory (Chuck Deezy). With Ivory’s ghost in tow, the duo make a splash at the college, adjusting to the Ivy League way of living until their connection to Ivory is suddenly severed. Will Silas and King be able to stay at Harvard due to their natural intellect, or was Ivory the true brains behind their success?

Method Man, Redman, and Bob Dylan’s Son

Directed by Bob Dylan’s son, Jesse Dylan, How High is a film whose plot progression is completely nonsensical. It’s a stoner comedy that opts to put silliness and hilarity above all else, and given its target audience, it feels appropriate. Method Man and Redman are clearly having a blast whenever they’re in front of the camera, and when paired with other comedic talents like the late Fred Willard or Spalding Gray — who made his last feature-length film appearance here — the absurdity shines through. Watch the trailer for How High on YouTube

Buy or Rent How High on Prime Video

9 Pineapple Express (2008)

Pineapple Express is a 2008 action comedy written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. It follows Dale Denton (Seth Rogen), a disillusioned process server, who reluctantly bonds with his weed dealer after sharing a traumatic experience. After witnessing a murder, the two are subsequently put on the run, leading to a drug-laden adventure lined with bullet casings and explosive residue. Of course, being named after a strain of marijuana, you can also expect plenty of stoner comedy shenanigans as well.

Stoner Comedy Crossed With Action

Being set in the same universe as Superbad, Pineapple Express is a film whose differing genres meld together into a fun, cohesive whole. The film was well-received by critics and has amassed a cult following since its release, earning more than $100 million dollars at the box office, which amounts to more than four times its original budget. Co-star James Franco was even nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his performance here, as he played the role of the affable but airheaded Saul. Watch the trailer for Pineapple Express on YouTube

Stream Pineapple Express on Hulu

8 Cheech and Chong’s Up in Smoke (1978)

Dubbed by many as the definitive stoner flick, Cheech and Chong’s Up in Smoke features the original stoner duo, Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, playing the roles of Pedro De Pacas and Anthony Stoner, respectively. The film follows the pair who, after being mistakenly deported to Mexico, agree to drive back to America in a van constructed entirely of cannabis. The film would be the first of several films starring the duo, with Lou Adler directing and the titular duo writing the film’s screenplay.

One of the First Major Stoner Comedies

A late 1970s production, Up in Smoke arguably does more for the comedy genre as a whole than just the stoner comedy subgenre. While yes, it does form the foundation for the stoner comedy formula to come, its offbeat moments and deliberate editing choices may have had an impact on the numerous slapstick comedies that would release in the coming decades. Ultimately, the comic timing and elaborate character portrayals make Up In Smoke a true stoner classic. The film also led to the creation of numerous other Cheech and Chong movies, including Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie and Nice Dreams.

Buy or Rent Up in Smoke on Apple TV

7 Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back has grown a significant cult following in the past 20-plus years since its 2001 release, and it’s not hard to see why. Set in the “View Askewniverse,” which originally started with Kevin Smith’s Clerks, the film kicks off with the two protagonists from said film filing a restraining order against Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith). Dejected, Jay and Silent Bob then discover that their independent comic series, Bluntman and Chronic, is getting a feature-length film adaptation — without any royalties being paid out to its original creators. The two set out on an adventure to stop the movie from being made.

Jay and Silent Bob Star in a Stellar Sequel

Arguably the best film to feature the beloved duo, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back features a plethora of impressive film cameos that are guaranteed to impress even the most devout of geekdom enthusiasts. Just at a glance, Wes Craven, Joe Quesada, Mark Hamill, George Carlin, Carrie Fisher, Jon Stewart, and more all play minor roles throughout. In an age where geekdom has permeated pop culture completely, the film’s satirical jabs at its numerous industries feel even more welcome than they did in 2001. Watch the trailer for Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back on YouTube

Stream Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back on Paramount+

6 Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

Directed by Amy Heckerling (of Clueless fame) and written by Cameron Crowe, Fast Times at Ridgemont High offers a sneak peek into the lives of several high school students as they experiment with sex, dating, drugs, and part-time jobs. Over the course of a year, we peer through the eyes of students like Stacy Hamilton (Jennifer Jason Leigh), Mark Ratner (Brian Backer), Brad (Judge Reinhold), and more, gaining an intimate understanding of high school life complete with plenty of characterization.

Amy Heckerling and Cameron Crowe Craft an Excellent Comedy

Based on the screenplay by Crowe, who famously went undercover at a real high school for inspiration, Fast Times at Ridgemont High is an incredible stoner comedy. A surprisingly progressive comedy, especially given its year of release, this laughfest is less cynical and more upbeat in the depictions of its characters. Its female characters are a notable point of praise, being given some genuine agency and fully fleshed out personalities alongside their male counterparts. As a plus, Sean Penn steals the show as the ultimate stoner and surfer dude, Jeff Spicoli. Watch the trailer for Fast Times at Ridgemont High on YouTube

Buy or Rent Fast Times at Ridgemont High on Apple TV

5 Half Baked (1998)

Half Baked is a classic 1998 comedy that follows a group of stoners — Thurgood (Dave Chappelle), Brian (Jim Breuer), and Scarface (Guillermo Diaz) — as they attempt an impossible task. When the fourth member of their friend group, Kenny (Harland Williams), is apprehended by the police after a tragic accident, the remaining three attempts to bail their friend out of jail any way they can. However, their nearsighted scheme may ultimately go up in smoke.

Dave Chappelle and Jim Breuer Form a Perfect Pair

Despite its stereotypical stoner comedy formula, Half Baked rises above the rest with its ensemble cast, top-notch performances, and celebrity cameos, including Snoop Dogg, Bob Saget, Jon Stewart, and Willie Nelson. It saw negative critical reviews at the time of its release, but like many great stoner comedy films, time has since been kinder to this Tamra Davis film. The film also has the distinction of featuring Dave Chappelle’s first lead role, with the acclaimed stand-up comedian also co-writing the script alongside Neal Brennan. Watch the trailer for Half Baked on YouTube

Buy or Rent Half Baked on Prime Video

4 Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle stars John Cho and Kal Penn as Harold and Kumar, a pair of friends who deal with the pressures of adult life by indulging in their shared love of marijuana. One particular night, the pair have an insatiable craving for White Castle. Unfortunately, what should’​​​​​ve been a quick trip to satisfy their munchies turns to a night of lunacy as the duo are repeatedly sidetracked.

An All-Time Classic Stoner Comedy

Harold and Kumar’s dazed adventure is one of the craziest any stoner comedy has ever seen, including an unforgettable cameo from Doogie Howser himself, Neil Patrick Harris. This offbeat comedy inspired several equally hilarious sequels, including Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantánamo Bay, and A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas. Despite its immature premise, the film does feature some mature themes, addressing the worries of conforming to expectations and enduring through hardship, all while delightfully contrasting against one of the most simple conflicts in film history. Both Kal Penn and John Cho saw critical acclaim for their performances here as well. Watch the trailer for Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle on YouTube

Buy or Rent Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle on Apple TV

3 Dazed and Confused (1993)

Dazed and Confused was written and directed by Richard Linklater and starred an ensemble cast of then-rising actors, such as Joey Lauren Adams, Rory Cochrane, Adam Goldberg, Cole Hauser, Jason London, and Parker Posey. It also stars Matthew McConaughey in one of his most memorable roles as overgrown high schooler-at-heart David Wooderson. Eschewing a central protagonist, Dazed and Confused instead tells a series of interconnecting tales set in the 1970s, with each one focusing on a separate segment of culture unique to the time period.

A Stepping Stone for Its Ensemble Cast

The period piece perfectly encapsulates the 70s, and the classic rock-steeped soundtrack is well worth a listen. This film would also be one of the first three films ever directed by Linklater, with its impressive casting serving as a jumping-off point for many of the actors featured throughout. But it’s the film’s ebb and flow style of pacing that truly makes it an excellent stoner comedy, relying less on strict plotting and more on the strengths of its numerous characters and their interactions with each other. Watch the trailer for Dazed and Confused on YouTube

Buy or Rent Dazed and Confused on Apple TV

2 The Big Lebowski (1998)

The Big Lebowski was written and directed by the Coen brothers and has become a cult classic stoner comedy since its 1998 release. It stars Jeff Bridges as Jeff Lebowski, a.k.a. “The Dude”, a pot-smoking bowling enthusiast who is mistaken for an affluent man of the same name. What follows is a criminal case of mistaken identity, as The Dude’s laid-back lifestyle puts him firmly at the center of a millionaire’s ransom case. Things only get more complicated when Walter Sobchak (John Goodman), The Dude’s bowling partner, suggests that they keep the money for themselves.

An Underrated Coen Brothers Film

The film is well-written, brilliantly acted, and the story just gets better with age. Its unconventional narrative structure and interwoven plot details drew criticism during its original release, but it has since seen critical acclaim for its memorable characters and bizarrely captivating dialogue. The best stoner comedies tend to be endlessly quotable, and The Big Lebowski has plenty to go around. Like other films it this list, The Big Lebowski flopped at the box office. Watch the trailer for The Big Lebowski on YouTube

Buy or Rent The Big Lebowski on Prime Video

1 Friday (1995)

Friday tops our list of best stoner movies because of its massive popularity, its enduring prevalence in film circles, and its overall cultural impact. As for the film itself, it’s the first in the titular Friday trilogy, with Ice Cube and Chris Trucker starring as Craig Jones and Smokey. The two men live a modest life in South Central LA, occasionally making quick cash via marijuana sales until a simple mistake puts their lives at risk. When Big Worm (Faizon Love), a dangerous drug supplier, comes after Smokey to collect his payments, an ultimatum is given: collect $200 by the end of the day, or be killed.

Friday Is the Most Iconic Stoner Comedy

Not only is the film filled with unforgettable one-liners, it’s also incredibly rewatchable. The film is primarily an Ice Cube movie, who, in addition to starring in the film itself, conceptualized the project along with DJ Pooh. The result is a film that contrasts against films like Boyz n the Hood or Menace II Society, putting a more amicable spin on a setting that had previously been portrayed in a more negative light. It would also mark the directorial debut of F. Gary Gray, who would later go on to direct films like Straight Outta Compton and the Netflix exclusive Lift.

Though this film occasionally dives into darker territory, its overall atmosphere and impeccable presentation have cemented it as one of the most effective stoner comedies ever put on the silver screen. The film has become a cult classic and has spawned two sequels to date, with a pending fourth film still in development. Watch the trailer for Friday on YouTube

Buy or Rent Friday on Prime Video

Though we all love stoner comedies, the best of the best comedy films can leave you howling with laughter without being under the influence. To see our choices for the best comedy movies of all time, check out the video below: