There are some movies that, when you watch them, you have the impression that a stoned person would somehow enjoy them more than you do. And I’m not talking about silly stoner comedies like How High, Grandma’s Boy or Half Baked. Not even about Trainspotting. But about those movies that are powerful, maybe a little artsy or simply too damn… weird.

The Science of Sleep

A man entranced by his dreams and imagination is lovestruck with a French woman who moves next door and feels he can show her his world. Personally, I believe this movie is simply beautiful. The guy’s dreams are so perfect that you don’t even need any other stimulants to feel a little high. Reality and dreams struggle to find a fit and the movie is so creative that you could easily say it’s a visual treat from the opening credits to the very end. Directed by Michel Gondry, starring Gael García Bernal, released in 2006.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUCrM5i_W3c

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

‘Give us your brain for two hours and you will never be the same again’. That’s the tagline of the movie, and it’s right. This movie is a bizarre masterpiece about a journalist and a lawyer who travel to Las Vegas with a suitcase full of drugs. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s a must. Directed by Terry Gilliam, starring Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro, released in 1998.

Requiem for a Dream

I actually didn’t want to include this particular movie on my list because it’s… anti-drugs, harsh, depressing. It portrays the depths to which some people will sink to get their fix, without sparing the sometimes gruesome details. But this movie also feels a little like a roller coaster – once you’re on in you’re hooked and you won’t get down until the end, even if the road can get painful. Directed by Darren Aronofsky, starring Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, released in 2000.

The Doors

The story of the famous and influential 1960’s rock band and its lead singer and composer, Jim Morrison. Or, how the tagline of the movie says it, the ultimate story of sex, drugs & rock ‘n’ roll. The good thing is than even if you won’t like the movie, you’ll still have the music. Directed by Oliver Stone, starring Val Kilmer and Meg Ryan, released in 1991.

Pink Floyd The Wall

If you enjoyed the album you will most certainly enjoy the movie, about a troubled rock star who descends into madness in the midst of his physical and social isolation from everyone. I actually have no words to describe it – you have to watch it for yourselves. All I’ll say is that it’s close to perfection, in every way possible. Directed by Alan Parker, released in 1982.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD2ti4Ho7bs

Elephant

Ah, the colors, the clouds, the storyline. An ordinary high school day. Except that it’s not. An ordinary Gus Van Sant movie. Except that it’s not. But this is why I love Gus Van Sant’s movies. Released in 2003.

Donnie Darko

Another dark one. This movie is one long insane trip, about a troubled teenager who is plagued by visions of a large bunny rabbit that manipulates him to commit a series of crimes. You just want to see it again and again. Directed by Richard Kelly, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, released in 2001.

Natural Born Killers

Two victims of traumatized childhoods become lovers and psychopathic serial murderers irresponsibly glorified by the mass media. A friend once told me this movie is what inspired him to become a journalist, which I found odd. Maybe he was stoned when he saw it. Directed by Oliver Stone, starring Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis, released in 1994.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BppNS-epTgo

Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind

Love isn’t perfect. And this movie is honest, odd and memorable. A couple undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories when their relationship turns sour, but it is only through the process of loss that they discover what they had to begin with. Directed by Michel Gondry, starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, released in 2004.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnSgSe2GzDc

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

Personally, I find that the title of the movie sounds stupid. And the synopsis is not far either: Scott Pilgrim must defeat his new girlfriend’s seven evil exes in order to win her heart. But this movie actually is an epic of epic epicness. Just give it a chance and watch the trailer: you will be hooked. Directed by Edgar Wright, starring Michael Cera, released in 2010.

What do you think about the list? Which other movies would you include? Hit the comments and let us know.

Featured photo from Will Cong on Flickr.