In 1936, a Christian church group funded a low-budget exploitation film titledTell Your Children, otherwise known asReefer 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 thestoner film as we know it today.
Thestonercomedyis 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 17 all-timebest stoner comedies ever made, ranked.
Updated Jul 12, 2025: This collection of the best stoner comedies ever made has been updated with additional entries, useful features, and more information.
17Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)
Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure
Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventureis 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 Adventureis 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’re able to’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 andKeanu Reeves' performancespermeates 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’sBill & Ted Face the Music.Watch the trailer forBill & Ted’s Excellent AdventureonYouTube
Stream Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure on Max
A classic Judd Apatow comedy,Superbadis one of thelast good high school moviesof 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.
Co-written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg,Superbadis 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 forPineapple Express,This Is the End, andThe Interview.Watch the trailer forSuperbadonYouTube
Buy or Rent Superbad on Apple TV
15Super Troopers (2001)
Super Troopers
A staple film by the Broken Lizard comedy troupe,Super Troopersfollows 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 Trooperspresents 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 theunderrated sitcom seriesTacoma FD, a series that replicates a similar atmosphere and sense of humor to that ofSuper Troopers.Watch the trailer forSuper TroopersonYouTube
Stream Super Troopers on Hulu
14Trailer Park Boys: The Movie (2006)
Trailer Park Boys: The Movie
Arguably one of Canada’s greatest television exports,Trailer Park Boysis 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 Moviepits 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 makesTrailer Park Boysso 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 Moviepresents 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 aTrailer Park Boysepisodeblown 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
The Funniest Stoner Characters in Movie History
These cannabis-loving crackpots left some braincells behind on these sets, literally blazing a trail for audiences of the future.
13Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
No stoner comedy list is complete with the famed adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson’s titular novel.Fear and Loathing in Las Vegassees 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 considerFear and Loathingto be theultimate 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 forFear and Loathing in Las VegasonYouTube
Buy or Rent Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas on Apple TV
12How High (2001)
How Highis a2000s comedy moviethat 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 Highis 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 forHow HighonYouTube
Buy or Rent How High on Prime Video
11Pineapple Express (2008)
Pineapple Express
Pineapple Expressis a 2008 action comedywritten by Seth Rogenand 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’re able to also expect plenty of stoner comedy shenanigans as well.
Stoner Comedy Crossed With Action
Being set in the same universe asSuperbad,Pineapple Expressis 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 forPineapple ExpressonYouTube
Stream Pineapple Express on Hulu
10Cheech and Chong’s Up in Smoke (1978)
Dubbed by many as the definitive stoner flick,Cheech and Chong’s Up in Smokefeatures 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 Smokearguably 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 makeUp In Smokea true stoner classic. The film also led to the creation of numerous otherCheech and Chongmovies, includingCheech and Chong’s Next MovieandNice Dreams.
Buy or Rent Up in Smoke on Apple TV
The Rise and Fall of Stoner Comedies
With real-life stoner culture changing, let’s take a look at how the stoner comedy genre has evolved over time.
9Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Backhas 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’sClerks, 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 Bobthen 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 Backfeatures 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 forJay and Silent Bob Strike BackonYouTube
Stream Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back on Paramount+
8Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
Fast Times At Ridgemont High
Directed by Amy Heckerling (ofCluelessfame) and written by Cameron Crowe,Fast Times at Ridgemont Highoffers 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 likeStacy 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 Highis 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 forFast Times at Ridgemont HighonYouTube
Buy or Rent Fast Times at Ridgemont High on Apple TV
