Films about being high often explore the experiences and consequences of drug use, offering a mix of humor, drama, and social commentary. These films can delve into the euphoric highs, the comedic situations, and the darker realities associated with drug use. While some portray drug use as a form of escapism or rebellion, others emphasize the dangers and pitfalls of substance abuse.
“Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”, 1998
Director: Terry Gilliam
Directed by Terry Gilliam, this film follows the drug-fueled journey of journalist Raoul Duke and his attorney, Dr. Gonzo, as they travel to Las Vegas to cover a motorcycle race. The movie is a surreal and hallucinatory exploration of the effects of various drugs and the counterculture of the 1960s.
Starring: Johnny Depp, Benicio Del Toro, Tobey Maguire, Christina Ricci, Michael Jeter, Gary Busey, Ellen Barkin, Mark Harmon, Craig Bierko, Katherine Helmond, Cameron Diaz, Michael Lee Gogin, Larry Cedar, Brian Le Baron, Michael Warwick, Tyde Kierney, Tim Thomerson, Richard Riehle, Ransom Gates, Laraine Newman, Frank Romano, Gil Boccaccio, Gary Bruno, Richard Portnow, Debbie Reynolds, Steve Schirripa, Verne Troyer, Will Blount, Ben Yeagar, Penn Jillette, Christopher Callen, Benjamin A. van der Veen, Lyle Lovett, Flea, Alex Craig Mann, Gregory Itzin, Troy Evans, Gale Baker, Christopher Meloni, Chris Hendrie, Larry Brandenburg, Harry Dean Stanton, Jenette Goldstein, Stephen Bridgewater, Donald Morrow, Buck Holland, Mary Gillis, Jennifer Elise Cox, Robert Allen, David Brisbin;
Production year: 1998;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” on the website imdb.com
“Requiem for a Dream”, 2000
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Directed by Darren Aronofsky, this intense drama portrays the devastating impact of drug addiction on the lives of four individuals. The film powerfully depicts the downward spiral of addiction and the harrowing consequences it brings to each character.
Starring: Jared Leto, Marlon Wayans, Jennifer Connelly, Ellen Burstyn, Christopher McDonald, Louise Lasser, Marcia Jean Kurtz, Janet Sarno, Suzanne Shepherd, Joanne Gordon, Charlotte Aronofsky, Mark Margolis, Michael Kaycheck, Jack O'Connell, Chas Mastin, Ajay Naidu, Sean Gullette, Samia Shoaib, Peter Maloney, Abraham Abraham, Aliya Campbell, Te'ron A. O'Neal, Denise Dowse, Bryan Chattoo, Eddie De Harp, Scott Franklin, Peter Cheyenne, Brian Costello, Abraham Aronofsky, James Chinlund, Olga Merediz, Allison Furman, Robert Dylan Cohen, Ben Shenkman, Keith David, Dylan Baker, Shaun O'Hagan, Leland Gantt, Bill Buell, Jimmie Ray Weeks, Gregg Bello, Henry Stram, Heather Litteer, Jenny Decker, Ami Goodheart, Nina Zavarin, Stanley Herman, Scott Bader, Jim Centofanti, Scott Chait;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
More information about the film “Requiem for a Dream” on the website imdb.com
“Pineapple Express”, 2008
Director: David Gordon Green
Directed by David Gordon Green, this action-comedy film follows a process server and his drug dealer as they go on the run after witnessing a murder. Filled with comedic moments and high-stakes action, the movie offers a lighthearted take on the consequences of getting caught up in the world of drugs.
Starring: Seth Rogen, James Franco, Danny McBride, Kevin Corrigan, Craig Robinson, Gary Cole, Rosie Perez, Ed Begley Jr., Nora Dunn, Amber Heard, Joe Lo Truglio, Arthur Napiontek, Cleo King, Bill Hader, James Remar, Jonathan Spencer, Dana Lee, Bobby Lee, Ken Jeong, David C. Cook, Howard S. Lefstein, Connie Sawyer, David McDivitt, Mae LaBorde, Kendall Carly Browne, George Lew, John Robert Tramutola, Adam Crosby, Andrew Heald, Jeanetta Arnette, Carlos Aleman, Omar Leyva, Sam Carson, Jack Kehler, Robert Longstreet, Peter Gray Lewis, Steve Bannos, Eddie Rouse, Mark Whigham, Brian Scannell, Ricky Dominguez, John R. Duncan, Gabe Fiscale, Zake Foster, Troy Gentile, Mandy Henderson, Brandon G. Holley, Marc Joseph, Trudi Kennedy, Jourdan Lee Khoo;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: action, comedy, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Pineapple Express” on the website imdb.com
“The Big Lebowski”, 1998
Director: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Directed by the Coen brothers, this cult classic follows “The Dude,” a laid-back slacker who becomes entangled in a complex kidnapping scheme. The film features humorous scenes involving marijuana use and its effects on the characters' perceptions and actions.
Starring: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, David Huddleston, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Tara Reid, Ben Gazzara, Sam Elliott, Peter Stormare, Jon Polito, John Turturro, David Thewlis, Philip Moon, Mark Pellegrino, Flea, Torsten Voges, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Jack Kehler, James G. Hoosier, Carlos Leon, Terrence Burton, Richard Gant, Christian Clemenson, Dom Irrera, Gérard L'Heureux, Lu Elrod, Mike Gomez, Peter Siragusa, Marshall Manesh, Harry Bugin, Jesse Flanagan, Irene Olga López, Luis Colina, Leon Russom, Ajgie Kirkland, Aimee Mann, Jerry Haleva, Jennifer Lamb, Warren Keith, Wendy Braun, Asia Carrera, Kiva Dawson, Jeff Dowd, Robin Johnson, Jaime Peralta, Anthony J Sacco;
Production year: 1998;
Genre: comedy, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “The Big Lebowski” on the website imdb.com
“Up in Smoke”, 1978
Director: Lou Adler, Tommy Chong
Directed by Lou Adler, this comedy film follows the misadventures of two stoner friends as they travel to a rock concert while unknowingly smuggling a van made entirely of marijuana. Filled with absurd humor and iconic moments, the film has become a quintessential representation of stoner culture.
Starring: Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, Stacy Keach, Tom Skerritt, Strother Martin, Edie Adams, Harold Fong, Richard Novo, Jane Moder, Pam Bille, Arthur Roberts, Marian Beeler, Donald Hotton, John Ian Jacobs, Christipher Joy, Ray Vitte, Michael Caldwell, José Pulido, Ruben Guevara, Miguel Murillo, Gary Mule Deer, June Fairchild, Mills Watson, Karl Johnson, Rick Beckner, Cheryl Smith, Angelina Estrada, Ernie Fuentes, Val Avery, Ben Marino, Akemi Kikumura, Joe Creaghe, Roy Stocking, Marcia Wolf, Andrea Nachman, Betty McGuire, Cheryl Jeffrey, Gayna Shernen, June Creeghe, Patty Proudfoot, Zane Buzby, Wally Ann Wharton, Louisa Moritz, Otto Felix, Rodney Bingenheimer, Berlin Brats, The Dils, The Whores, Kurt Kaufman, David Nelson;
Production year: 1978;
Genre: comedy, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 86 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Up in Smoke” on the website imdb.com
These films offer diverse perspectives on the theme of being high, showcasing the range of emotions and experiences associated with drug use.
The films about being high capture the complex and often comedic experiences of altered states of consciousness. From the hilariously absurd misadventures to the profound introspective journeys, these films offer a unique perspective on the human condition and the allure, pitfalls, and consequences of mind-altering substances. They skillfully blend humor, empathy, and social commentary, inviting audiences to reflect on the highs and lows of the human experience while providing a platform for open conversations about substance use and its impact on individuals and society. These films not only entertain but also challenge societal norms and perceptions, making them a fascinating and thought-provoking genre within the cinematic landscape.
