visual trip films

32 Trippy Movies or Shows To Take You Out of This World… Sober or Not

Prepare to embark on a mind-bending journey as we unveil some of our favorite surreal and otherworldly psychedelic films and television series…

1. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

2. rick & morty (2013–present), 3. adventure time (2010–2018), 4. samsara (2011), 5. waking life (2001), 6. dr. strange (2016), 7. love death + robots (2019–present), 8. a clockwork orange (1971), 9. yellow submarine (1968), 10. 2001: a space odyssey (1968), 11. fear and loathing in las vegas (1998), 12. fantastic planet (1973), 13. inception (2010) , 14. black mirror (2011–present) , 15. altered states (1980) , 16. greener grass (2019) , 17. maniac (2018) , 18. naked lunch (1991) , 19. enter the void (2009) , 20. russian doll (2019–present) , 21. the hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy (2005) , 22. the holy mountain (1973) , 23. stranger things (2016–present) , 24. fantasia (1940) , 25. midnight gospel (2020), 26. alice in wonderland (1951).

• 27. The Umbrella Academy (2019–Present)

28. Spirited Away (2001)

28. avatar (2009), 29. bill & ted’s excellent adventure (1989), 30. rupaul’s drag race (2009–present), 31. avenue 5 (2020–present), 32. interstellar (2014), related: psychedelic-inspired movies & documentaries.

Psychedelics have influenced art for millennia. Psychedelia refers to works of art — from paintings and sculptures to music and film — inspired by hallucinogenic substances and the altered states of consciousness they produce. 

Psychedelic cinema began as part of the 1960s counterculture, and it has stuck around ever since. From the 1968 Beatles film “The Yellow Submarine” to more recent cult animated series such as “Rick and Morty,” psychedelia has had a firm and mind-bending grip on TV for over six decades. 

In this article, we’ll look at 32 of the best trippy movies and TV series to watch, both new and old…

Fantastic Mr. Fox was written by Roald Dahl in 1970 and later adapted into an 87-minute-long movie by Wes Anderson in 2009. It’s a whimsical and visually stunning journey portrayed in stop-motion animation, and the vibrant, bizarre characters and surreal world-building make it a psychedelic experience for viewers of all ages.

Wes Anderson is famous for his unique narrative style, eccentricity, and visually stunning films. Fantastic Mr. Fox isn’t as iconic as some of the other “psychedelic” movies on this list, but it deserves a spot for its unusual color palette, unique animation style, and surrealist dialogue. 

Other Trippy Wes Anderson Films:

• The Grand Budapest Hotel
• Moonrise Kingdom
• The Darjeeling Limited
• Isle of Dogs
• The Royal Tenebaums

Rick and Morty is a psychedelic sci-fi animated series created by Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland. This animated series explores the misadventures of an eccentric scientist, Rick, and his good-hearted but easily influenced grandson, Morty. 

With its mind-bending sci-fi concepts, dark humor, and surreal dimensions, Rick & Morty is a must-watch for fans of psychedelia. This series is visually stunning and extremely “trippy.” Psychedelic visuals, mind-bending concepts, and paradoxical storylines make this a gripping and visually entertaining series for the sober and intoxicated mind.

Adventure Time is an animated children’s television series created by Pendleton Ward, but this seemingly innocent show has a much darker backstory. Adventure Time is set in a nuclear wasteland and takes viewers on a journey through the “Land of Ooo,” where a boy named Finn and his magical dog, Jake, encounter bizarre creatures and surreal landscapes.

Adventure Time’s colorful, imaginative world set in a post-apocalyptic future after the “Great Mushroom War” makes it an intriguing watch for those looking for a deep, trippy tale to sink their teeth into. 

Samsara is a cult classic created by Ron Fricke in 2011. A little different from the average piece of psychedelic fiction, Samsara is a visually breathtaking documentary that explores the cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth across various cultures and landscapes. 

This wordless film invites its viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness of all existence. Entirely shot in stunning 70mm and backed with an intense and emotionally beautiful soundtrack, Samsara transports you across the globe to sacred grounds, disaster zones, and natural wonders. 

This film is often described as the closest representation (perceptually speaking) of psychedelic perception without consuming a mind-altering substance. Whether you watch Samsara intoxicated or sober, it’ll leave you questioning our entire existence. 

Created by Richard Linklater and released in 2002, Waking Life is a groundbreaking rotoscoped film that blurs the line between waking life and the dream world. 

This animated drama challenges the viewer’s perception of reality by exploring concepts such as life and death, reality and dreams, existentialism, and “the meaning of life.” The protagonist of Waking Life engages in surreal, philosophical conversations with a range of characters, making it a thought-provoking and visually captivating journey from start to finish.

Dr. Strange — created by Scott Derrickson and released in 2016 — introduces viewers to the mystical side of the Marvel Universe. With mind-bending visuals, alternate dimensions, and psychedelic imagery, Doctor Strange is a trip into the world of sorcery and spirituality.

Doctor Strange is unlike any other superhero movie out there. A story about a neurosurgeon with a destroyed career (Dr. Strange), the film takes you on a familiar Marvel “world-saving journey.” However, the villainous threats are interdimensional rather than physical…

Love Death and Robots is a Netflix Original series created by Tom Miller and David Fincher. Each episode features a new story by a different director and boasts a variety of different animation techniques, from traditional 2D animation to stop-motion and claymation — all with trippy visuals and utterly strange storylines, many of which don’t include dialogue. 

This anthology series explores a wide range of science fiction and fantasy themes. Each episode is a unique and often psychedelic experience, blending cutting-edge animation with thought-provoking storytelling.  

Not every episode offers a psychedelic vibe, so here are some of the really “trippy” episodes:

• Beyond the Aquila Rift: Directed by Léon Bérelle, Dominique Boidin, Rémi Kozyra, and Maxime Luère
• Sonnie’s Edge: Directed by Dave Wilson
• Zima Blue: Directed by Robert Valley
• The Witness: Directed by Alberto Mielgo
• Good Hunting: Directed by Oliver Thomas
• Helping Hand: Directed by Jon Yeo
• Lucky 13: Directed by Jon Yeo
• The Secret War: Directed by István Zorkóczy

This cult classic was created in 1971 by Stanley Kubrick and is an adaptation of Anthony Burgess’s novel of the same name. It’s a disturbing exploration of violence and free will set in a near-future society. 

Anthony Burgess wrote the novel in the early 1960s at a time when experimentation with various substances, including LSD , was taking place in certain cultural and scientific circles. Burgess was supposedly inspired to write the novel after his real-life involvement in a CIA-run mind-control program that many speculate was the infamous “MK-Ultra” experiment .

The story revolves around the protagonist “Alex DeLarge” and his gang of “droogs.” In the dystopian society depicted in the story, the government attempts to control crime through a controversial rehabilitation program that seeks to “cure” criminals — raising questions about the ethics of state control and the right to freedom.

The film adaptation of A Clockwork Orange depicts Anthony Burgess’s story beautifully. Its surreal, dystopian imagery and haunting soundtrack create an unsettling and thought-provoking experience.

The Yellow Submarine is an animated musical journey directed by George Dunning featuring the pioneering psychedelic band “The Beatles.” Filled with psychedelic visuals, iconic Beatles tracks, and an eccentric narrative, the Yellow Submarine captures the spirit of the 1960s counterculture.

Yellow Submarine is known for its vibrant, surreal, and visually striking animation style. The plot revolves around The Beatles’ journey to save the peaceful and colorful “Pepperland” from the music-hating Blue Meanies.

The movie was released during the height of the psychedelic era and counterculture movement and reflects the spirit of the 60s. It captures the peace, love, and exploration of psychedelic-induced altered states of consciousness that characterized that period.

1968 was a good year for psychedelic films. A Space Odyssey — created by Stanley Kubrick — was released less than a month before The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine.”

This psychedelic masterpiece takes viewers on a mind-bending journey through human evolution and encounters with extraterrestrial intelligence. Its iconic visuals and enigmatic storyline have made it a classic of psychedelic cinema.

Set in the futuristic landscape of 2001 (yes, 2001), A Space Odyssey offers viewers a cinematic journey that challenges perceptions and invites contemplation. Although the special effects may seem a little weak in modern times, this film’s transcendent and surreal journey through time and space creates a visually stunning and mind-bending experience. 

The film is most famous for its climatic sequence, where the astronaut “Dave Bowman” undergoes a transformation beyond the confines of time and space. This scene resonates with the sense of awe and expanded consciousness associated with consuming psychedelics.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas — created by Terry Gilliam in 1998 — is based on Hunter S. Thompson’s novel “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream (1971).”

The film follows two journalists — Raoul Duke and Dr. Gonzo — on a trip to Las Vegas to cover a motorcycle race. The film quickly devolves into a wild and hallucinatory adventure fueled by an array of drugs, including LSD, cocaine, and various other substances.

As the main characters navigate the chaotic landscape of Las Vegas, they encounter some utterly bizarre characters and grapple with their own distorted perceptions of reality. Terry Gilliam’s visually arresting style mirrors the disorienting and hallucinatory experiences of Raoul and Dr. Gonzo. The film’s use of exaggerated and distorted visuals amplifies the psychedelic quality of the narrative and makes it a truly “trippy” and gripping watch.

Fantastic Planet — based on the novel “Oms en série” by Stefan Wul (1957) — was created by René Laloux in 1973. It’s a surreal and thought-provoking animated Sci-Fi film set on the distant planet of Ygam, where humans are subjugated by a dominant, giant, blue-skinned alien race known as the “Draags” — sounds pretty trippy, right?

The film follows the story of “Terr” — a human who is taken as a pet by a young alien Draag named “Tiwa.” Terr becomes part of a group of rebellious humans who seek freedom from the oppression of the Draags. The film explores themes of power, oppression, and the struggle for freedom as Terr and the other humans challenge their alien overlords.

The unique art style, philosophical themes, trippy soundtrack, and dreamlike narrative of Fantastic Planet make it a quintessential psychedelic film that has become a cult classic. 

Inception — directed by Christopher Nolan — is a mind-bending thriller that revolves around the concept of entering and manipulating people’s dreams. Dom Cobb — played by Leonardo DiCaprio — is a skilled “extractor” who enters the dreams of his targets to obtain their secrets. The film tells the story of Cobb’s challenging task of planting an idea in a person’s mind by entering their subconscious — this process is known as inception…

Inception’s intricate narrative and psychedelic dreamscapes make it a trippy, visually stunning, and exciting watch. The film explores the depths of the human subconscious, creating a labyrinthine of dreamscapes where reality and illusion blur. The mind-bending scenes and the concept of “a dream within a dream” contribute to its utterly trippy nature.

Black Mirror — created by Charlie Brooker — is an anthology series comprised of standalone episodes. Each installment tells a unique story that explores the dark side of society, technology, and human nature. The series presents a near-future dystopian world where various episodes tackle themes like surveillance, social media, virtual reality, and the consequences of advanced technology on humanity. 

Black Mirror delves into the uncomfortable and nightmarish possibilities of our technological future — some of which seem quite “close to home.” Each episode presents a unique, mentally challenging vision, leaving viewers questioning the potential consequences of their actions in a rapidly changing world. 

The mind-bending concepts and often psychedelic visuals of Black Mirror make it a trippy watch. It’s probably best to avoid this series if you’re tripping though — it’s a bit deep and occasionally scary.

Altered States — directed by Ken Russell — is a classic 1980s Sci-Fi horror film that tells the story of Dr. Edward Jessup (William Hurt), a scientist who experiments with sensory deprivation tanks and psychoactive substances in an attempt to explore altered states of consciousness. These experiments lead to bizarre and surreal transformations through hallucinatory experiences…

This film’s exploration of altered states of consciousness and the visual effects that accompany these experiences make it a mind-bending, psychedelic watch that leaves the viewer questioning reality. As Dr. Jessup’s sensory deprivation experiments escalate, the film takes viewers on a psychedelic journey through his mind, filled with surreal and visually trippy sequences.

Greener Grass is a dark comedy film directed by Jocelyn DeBoer and Dawn Luebbe. The film is set in a surreal suburban neighborhood where the residents lead seemingly perfect lives. However, the story takes a bizarre turn as two friends Jill and Lisa (played by the directors), navigate strange social norms and peculiar “psychotic politeness” in a world filled with “fake people.” 

This film is utterly absurd. Its otherworldly setting and bizarre character interactions make it a trippy and thought-provoking watch. The narrative is an exploration of societal norms and conformity, all presented with a surreal and deadpan sense of humor. It’s a complex yet simple film that’s worth a watch if you enjoy films with unusual concepts.

Maniac is a limited series created by Patrick Somerville. It follows the lives of two strangers, Owen (played by Jonah Hill) and Annie (played by Emma Stone). The two participate in a pharmaceutical trial conducted by “Neberdine Pharmaceutical Biotech.”

The trial involves a series of mind-bending drug-induced experiences, each uniquely crafted to address the participants’ personal issues as a form of “psychedelic-assisted therapy” (if you can call it that). Maniac is full of surreal and psychedelic sequences, taking viewers through alternate realities, dreamscapes, and hallucinogenic trips.

The film explores the boundaries of reality and delves deep into the psyches of Owen and Annie, creating visually stunning and psychedelic landscapes. This short series (10 episodes) is well worth a watch if you enjoy TV series with psychedelic scenes and mind-bending concepts. 

Naked Lunch is a surreal adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ novel (1959) by the same name. Directed by David Cronenberg, the film follows the life of William Lee (played by Peter Weller) — an exterminator and drug addict who becomes entangled in a bizarre, nightmarish world of espionage and addiction. 

Reality and drug-induced hallucinations blur as William delves into a bizarre world filled with a variety of visual textures. 

Naked Lunch is famous for its nightmarish, psychedelic visuals that reflect the chaotic and disjointed writings of William S. Burrough. From scene to scene the feel of the film changes — going from “drab and muted” to “colorful and vibrant” in the blink of an eye. The film explores themes of addiction and control, presenting a surreal and disturbing experience. 

Enter The Void — directed by Gaspar Noé — follows the story of a young drug dealer named Oscar who is shot and killed in Tokyo, Japan. The film explores his journey as a disembodied spirit, witnessing the lives of his friends and sister after his death. 

The story is immersive and surreal — exploring the idea of the afterlife and the altered states of consciousness present through life and death…

Enter The Void is a visually intense experience. It offers a continuous, first-person perspective that immerses the viewer in a psychedelic journey filled with bright, neon colors and disorienting visuals.

Russian Doll is a Netflix Original series created by Natasha Lyonne, Leslye Headland, and Amy Poehler. The series is centered around Nadia Vulvokov (played by Natasha Lyonne). In the first series, Nadia finds herself trapped in a time loop where she keeps dying — sometimes from the most unlikely of events — and reliving the same night over and over again. Each time she dies, she returns to the same moment at her birthday party.

The second series follows a similar time-oriented theme but sees Nadia traveling back in time to periods that greatly affected her and her family. 

Russian Doll is extremely trippy. The exploration of existential themes, time loops, and multiple realities make it a psychedelic experience for the viewer. The repetitive nature of the plots in both series, coupled with philosophical and surreal elements, creates a unique and thought-provoking viewing experience. This is definitely a binge-worthy series for fans of trippy storylines. 

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a Sci-Fi comedy directed by Garth Jennings. Based on Douglas Adams’ novel of the same name, the film follows the adventures of Arthur Dent (played by Martin Freeman), who is unexpectedly swept off Earth by aliens just before its destruction.

Arthur embarks on a journey through space with an eccentric group of alien and human characters, including Ford Prefect (played by Mos Def) and Zaphod Beeblebrox (played by Sam Rockwell).

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is known for its bizarre and absurd humor as well as its depiction of the nonsensical nature of the universe. This comedic journey through a whimsical intergalactic world is a must-watch for Sci-Fi, comedy, and psychedelic film fans.

The Holy Mountain — directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky — is a surrealist film that follows a Christ-like figure named “The Thief” as he embarks on a journey with a group of eccentric individuals, each representing a planet in the solar system. The story explores themes of spirituality, mysticism, altered states of consciousness, and the search for enlightenment.

The Holy Mountain is full of surreal and symbolic imagery. It’s visually stunning and filled with bizarre, dreamlike sequences that challenge conventional narrative structures, cinematography, and editing. 

Stranger Things is a hit Sci-Fi horror series created by the Duffer Brothers. Set in the 1980s, this multi-season Netflix Original series follows a group of kids in the town of Hawkins, Indiana. The children encounter supernatural forces, government conspiracies, and a dark, mystical parallel dimension known as “the Upside Down.”

The show’s “trippy” nature is a result of its blend of supernatural and science fiction elements, along with its references to 1980s pop culture. The alternate dimension of the Upside Down, supernatural creatures, and the show’s mind-bending chain of events creates a surreal and suspenseful atmosphere. 

If you haven’t watched this one yet, set some time aside — it’s gripping for people of all backgrounds, not just those who enjoy a trippy series…

Fantasia is an animated feature film produced by Walt Disney in 1940. It offers a unique blend of classical music and animation, featuring various segments set to different pieces of music — including a scene where a group of Fly Agaric ( Amanita muscaria ) mushrooms uproot and dance… Trippy, right?

This isn’t your “usual” psychedelic film. Fantasia’s innovative and abstract animation sequences that interpret classical music in surreal and imaginative ways make it a great watch for those under the influence of something a little psychedelic. 

Unless you’re a huge Disney fan, you’re probably not going to sit down and watch the film from start to finish. However, if you like trippy visuals and classic stop-motion animation, it’s a great movie to put on in the background to set the scene while you’re chilling, tripping, or are lost for what to watch.

“The Midnight Gospel” is a vibrant and profoundly existential animated series created by Pendleton Ward, known for “Adventure Time,” and comedian Duncan Trussell.

Each episode follows Clancy, a spacecaster (podcaster in space), who uses a malfunctioning multiverse simulator to interview beings living in other worlds. These interviews are illustrated versions of real conversations recorded between Duncan Trussell and his various podcast guests. Each episode delves into complex topics like spirituality, death, rebirth, and the human condition.

What sets “The Midnight Gospel” apart is its ability to juxtapose deep, existential, and sometimes dark conversations with bright, chaotic, and often humorous psychedelic visuals.

“Alice in Wonderland” is Disney’s animated adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic novel — which was first released in 1951. This movie is the quintessential trip down the rabbit hole of psychedelic storytelling. 

The film follows Alice, a young girl who falls into a fantastical world filled with peculiar, often nonsensical characters and experiences that defy all logic.

This film is renowned for its colorful, vivid animation and imaginative character designs, from the enigmatic Cheshire Cat to the temperamental Queen of Hearts. The narrative is a series of bizarre and whimsical encounters, including a mad tea party, a hookah-smoking caterpillar, and an enigmatic (albeit creepy) magical cat.

Alice in Wonderland is a mind-bending journey — leaving viewers wondering whether it was a dream, a psychedelic adventure, or an exploration of the unconscious. 

27. The Umbrella Academy (2019–Present )

“The Umbrella Academy,” a Netflix original series that premiered in 2019, is an adaptation of the comic book series by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá. It combines elements of superhero lore, time travel, and family drama in a quirky, often surreal narrative.

The show revolves around a dysfunctional family of adopted siblings, each with unique superpowers, who reunite to solve the mystery of their father’s death and prevent an impending apocalypse. The Umbrella Academy stands out for its unconventional storytelling, eccentric characters, and anachronistic visual style.

“Spirited Away” is an animated masterpiece directed by the acclaimed Hayao Miyazaki. It’s a pinnacle of animated fantasy films and a journey into a richly imaginative and surreal world. It touches on themes of growth and resilience, identity, environmental consciousness, and the clash between tradition and modernity.

This film is celebrated for its lush and detailed animation, bringing to life a world filled with spirits, witches, and mythical creatures.

The film’s dreamlike quality, combined with its allegorical storytelling, makes it a transcendent experience. The blend of traditional Japanese folklore with a modern narrative creates an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere that captivates and transports viewers into its magical realm. It’s a visual and emotional journey that embodies the essence of a psychedelic adventure, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

One of our favorite podcasts —  Very Bad Wizards  — recently did an excellent philosophical breakdown of this movie that’s definitely worth listening to if you dig this movie as much as we do.

Other Trippy Hayao Miyazaki Films:

• Howl’s Moving Castle
• My  Neighbor Totoro
• Princess Mononoke
• Kiki’s Delivery Service
• Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

Avatar (directed by James Cameron) is known for its revolutionary visual effects and immersive 3D experience. 

The story takes place on a far-away planet called “Pandora” — a lush, bioluminescent rainforest filled with extraordinary creatures and floating mountains. The vivid and detailed CGI creates an enchanting and believable alien world that’s both visually spectacular and narratively engaging.

This movie explores themes of environmentalism, colonialism, and the connection between beings and their ecosystem. The spiritual and cultural practices of Pandora’s natives, the Na’vi, their deep bond with nature, and the visually mesmerizing landscape of Pandora contribute to the film’s psychedelic allure.

Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure is the “ultimate time-traveling buddy comedy.” 

The story revolves around two friends — Bill and Ted — who discover a time-traveling phone booth and use it to meet key figures throughout history. Their adventure involves kidnapping Napoleon, jamming with Beethoven, and partying with Lincoln.

Their experiences are just as absurd as they are entertaining.

While not psychedelic in the traditional visual sense, “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” is a cult classic that takes a lighthearted approach to what could otherwise be a complex sci-fi concept. The film’s charm lies in its simplicity, the comedic chemistry of its leads (Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter), and its creative take on time travel.

“RuPaul’s Drag Race,” created and hosted by the iconic RuPaul Charles, premiered in 2009 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. This reality competition show is not only a celebration of drag culture but also a vibrant showcase of creativity, fashion, and performance art.

Each season, a group of talented drag queens competes in various challenges that test their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. The show is known for its dazzling runway looks, over-the-top challenges, and the dramatic, often comedic interactions between contestants.

While “RuPaul’s Drag Race” may not be psychedelic in the traditional sense, it’s trippy in its visual extravaganza and flamboyant display of colors, costumes, and make-up.

Avenue 5 is a science fiction comedy television series created by Armando Iannucci. 

Set in the future, the show revolves around the misadventures of the crew and passengers of a luxury space cruise ship, the Avenue 5, which encounters a series of technical difficulties.

The series is known for its satirical take on space travel and the absurdity of luxury consumerism in an extraterrestrial setting. Hugh Laurie stars as the ship’s captain, Ryan Clark, who must manage a dysfunctional crew and increasingly restless passengers as they grapple with the reality of being stuck in space.

What makes “Avenue 5” trippy is its blend of futuristic sci-fi elements with outrageous comedy. The show presents a humorous yet somewhat plausible depiction of space tourism gone wrong, complete with over-the-top characters and bizarre situations.

Interstellar is a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating science fiction film. The story follows a group of astronauts, led by Matthew McConaughey’s character, Cooper, as they journey through a wormhole near Saturn in search of a new habitable planet for a dying humanity.

The film is renowned for its scientifically informed depiction of space travel, black holes, and time dilation. “Interstellar” presents a realistic yet awe-inspiring vision of the cosmos, brought to life with groundbreaking visual effects and theoretical physics, courtesy of consultant Kip Thorne, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist.

Beyond its scientific grounding, “Interstellar” delves into profound themes of love, survival, and the human spirit. The narrative’s exploration of time as a non-linear dimension and its impact on the characters’ lives adds a deeply emotional and philosophical layer to the movie.

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• Apr 25, 2022

What to Watch on Shrooms: 15 Best Movies to Watch While Tripping on Magic Mushrooms

Updated: Mar 26

Updated: Feb 21, 2024

By Therin Miller | The Chronic Magazine

Embarking on a psychedelic journey opens the doors to unparalleled sensory and emotional experiences. Movies, with their blend of visuals, sound, and storytelling, can significantly amplify this journey, guiding you through realms of profound insight, boundless imagination, and deep introspection. Recognizing the unique interplay between psychedelics and cinema, we've curated a list of films that harmonize with the psychedelic experience, ensuring an unforgettable voyage into the essence of creativity and consciousness.

The perfect pairing for a mushroom high , these movies focus on the visual and spiritual aspects of it. For fun with bright colors that will make your eyes water from all their intense editing skills as well as amazing sound design; you'll be set to enjoy some time watching movies while lounging around in bed or just relaxing after an evening out!

Safety First: A Note on Psychedelic Consumption

Before we dive into our cinematic recommendations, it's crucial to approach psychedelic use with respect, caution, and awareness. While we aim to enhance your experience with these film suggestions, we also prioritize your well-being and safety. Consider factors such as dosage, your physical and mental state, and your environment. Always ensure you're in a comfortable, safe setting and consider having a sober, trusted companion with you. Remember, the aim is to enrich your experience, not overwhelm it.

WARNING: We STRONGLY Suggest You Not Watch any Horror Films

15 best movies for your next trippy shroom adventure, 15 - thor: ragnarok.

Why It's a Must-Watch:  Taika Waititi’s vibrant, energetic direction brings a kaleidoscope of colors and humor that perfectly complements the introspective and euphoric states induced by shrooms. The journey of Thor, laden with challenges, allies, and transformations, mirrors the internal voyage of self-discovery and resilience often encountered during a psychedelic experience.

Thor: Ragnarok is an American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Thor, produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It is intended to be the sequel to 2011's Thor and 2013's Thor: The Dark World and the seventeenth film installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film is directed by Taika Waititi with a screenplay by Eric Pearson, and stars Chris Hemsworth as Thor alongside Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba, Anthony Hopkins, Cate Blanchett, Tessa Thompson, Jeff Goldblum, Karl Urban, and Mark Ruffalo.

14 - Interstellar

Exploring the Universe Within:  Christopher Nolan’s masterpiece transports you through wormholes not just in space, but within the realms of human emotion and connection. The visual grandeur and thematic depth of love transcending dimensions resonate deeply with the heightened emotional sensitivity of a psychedelic state.

Interstellar is a gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller that will leave you amazed at the wonders of the universe.

13 - Guardians of the Galaxy

Galactic Fun and Bonds:  This cosmic adventure underscores the value of friendship, diversity, and self-discovery. The eclectic soundtrack and visually stunning scenes are enhanced under the influence of shrooms, making the laughter and emotional beats more profound.

12 - Fantasia 2000

An Orchestral Visual Feast:  The continuation of Disney’s innovative blend of classical music and animated imagery offers a multi-sensory experience that speaks directly to the soul, amplifying the auditory and visual stimuli in a harmonious dance of colors and sounds.

11 - Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

The Quintessential Psychedelic Journey:  Delve into the depths of psychedelic exploration with Hunter S. Thompson’s wild ride. This film not only reflects the chaos and unpredictability of a trip but also serves as a commentary on the search for meaning in the American Dream.

10 - The Wizard of Oz

From Black and White to Color:  Dorothy’s transition from the monochrome world of Kansas to the technicolor land of Oz parallels the awakening and expansion of consciousness often experienced with psychedelics, making it a profound film to watch under their influence.

9 - Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Blending Realities:  This innovative blend of live-action and animation challenges the boundaries of reality, encouraging viewers to question and appreciate the layers of their perception, a theme often explored during psychedelic experiences.

Identity and Transformation:  Rango’s quest for identity in an ever-changing world mirrors the introspective journey many undertake while on shrooms, making it a relatable and visually captivating watch.

Rango is a sheltered family pet, Chameleon finds himself in the grip of an identity crisis when it's time to stand out. Rango wonders how he can be memorable when his natural blending into any situation makes him hard for people to remember once they've seen one too many movies about vigilantes with superpowers... But then again- these are no ordinary circumstances! He accidentally winds up at a frontier town called Dirt where things take a turn towards being adventurery instead of routine-- That is until all turns upside down and forces The Sheriff (Rango) into becoming someone new: A hero!!

7 - Alice Through the Looking Glass

Exploring the Self:  Alice’s adventures in Underland offer a rich tapestry of symbolism and growth, inviting viewers on shrooms to navigate their own inner landscapes and confront their fears with courage.

Alice has spent the past few years following in her father's footsteps and sailing the high seas. Upon her return to London, she is proposed to by a worthy suitor. Unwilling to be tied down, Alice escapes to a place she's visited before: Underland. While down the rabbit hole she is reunited with the White Queen, the Cheshire Cat, Tweedledum and Tweedledee and all her other favorite characters.

Alice soon finds herself in a place she's never been before: the past. She must save the Hatter before time runs out.

6 - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Whimsy and Wonder:  Tim Burton’s adaptation elevates the whimsical and sometimes dark aspects of Roald Dahl’s classic, inviting viewers to explore the wonders and perils of indulgence, creativity, and desire, themes that resonate deeply with the psychedelic experience.

The plot to the movie is about a boy named Charlie who wins a contest to tour the chocolate factory of eccentric candy maker Willy Wonka. When Charlie and his fellow winners enter the factory, they discover that everything inside is larger-than-life, including the edible treats. As they wander the factory, guided by Wonka, they find themselves in one fantastical room after another. But not everything is as it seems, and Charlie and the other children must contend with the dangers that lurk within the factory.

If you're a fan of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, then you'll love this movie. It's a visual feast for the eyes, and the acting is top-notch. If you're not familiar with the story, you may be surprised by how dark and twisted it can be. But that's all part of the fun. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a must-see for any fan of Burton's films or Depp's acting.

5 - Cloud Atlas

Interconnectedness Across Time:  This epic saga explores how individual actions can ripple through time, a concept that aligns with the interconnectedness and oneness often felt during psychedelic experiences.

The Cloud Atlas movie is a 2012 science fiction film directed by the Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer. The film serves as an adaptation of the 2004 novel of the same name by David Mitchell. It tells six separate stories that are set in different time periods, with each story featuring a different cast. The film begins in 1849 with Adam Ewing (Tom Hanks), an American notary, who is traveling on a ship in the South Pacific. Ewing encounters Dr. Henry Goose (Hugh Grant), a sleazy doctor who convinces him to sign over his life savings in exchange for medical treatment.

In 2012, London-based publisher Timothy Cavendish (Jim Broadbent) is tricked by his brother into staying at a nursing home, where he meets an old man named Dermot Hoggins (Hugh Laurie), who has been wrongly imprisoned. Meanwhile, in 2144, Sonmi-451 (Doona Bae), a genetically-engineered "fabricant" or slave, is freed from her life of servitude and learns the truth about her society. In 2346, a space traveler named Zachry (Tom Hanks) lives in a post-apocalyptic world where he must help protect Sonmi from a fearsome creature called the Kona.

The stories continue to intertwine as they move backwards and forwards in time, film's underlying philosophy shows how the actions of each character have an impact on the others. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $130 million worldwide. It received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its ambition and visual effects, while others criticized its confusing plot.

4 - Limitless

The Potential Within:  While exploring the idea of unlocking one’s full potential, this film can inspire introspection on personal limitations and the boundless nature of human creativity and resilience, themes often pondered during a trip.

Limitless follows a man named Eddie who was down on his luck and struggling to find success, until he discovered an old friend with some new pills. These drugs gave him extraordinary mental capabilities which allowed for great wealth in both moneymaking ventures as well as personal relationships... but there are side effects that begin taking their toll once they're no longer being invented or produced by scientist Dr. Shrink (I guess we can call them "side"). When production ends due to these circumstances--and our main character quickly learns just how much demand exists among those few people willing to pay hefty prices per dose!--it causes everything to crumble around him.

3 - Alice in Wonderland - 2010

Defying Reality:  Alice’s journey is a metaphor for challenging and transcending the limitations of the physical world, encouraging a deeper exploration of one’s own reality and the multiple layers of existence revealed under the influence of psychedelics.

Alice falls down a rabbit hole and winds up in a strange world. This world is full of peculiar creatures, like talking animals and mad scientists. Alice has all sorts of adventures in this strange place, meeting people like the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat along the way. Ultimately, Alice has to find her way back home, and she learns some valuable lessons along the way. This story is beloved by children and adults alike, and it has been adapted into many different forms over the years. Whether you're a fan of the original book or the more recent movie adaptations, there's something for everyone in Alice in Wonderland.

2 - Planet Earth

The Beauty of Our World:  This documentary series magnifies the natural wonders of Earth, fostering a deep appreciation for the planet and promoting a sense of unity and stewardship, sentiments that are often heightened by psychedelic experiences.

Planet Earth is a 2006 British television series produced by the BBC Natural History Unit. Five years in the making, it was the most expensive nature documentary series ever commissioned by the BBC. Planet Earth is estimated to have cost £10 million. The series was first broadcast on BBC One in the United Kingdom on 5 March 2006.

A co-production of the BBC Natural History Unit, Discovery Channel and NHK, Planet Earth featured an international cast of professional narrators. David Attenborough served as the primary narrator for the UK version, while Sigourney Weaver narrated the US version. The planet earth series has been described as "the benchmark by which future factual programming will be measured".

The 11-episode series comprises five episodes devoted to each of the planet's major habitats: deserts and grasslands; caves and canyons; mountains; freshwater; forests; and oceans. Each episode explores how animals meet the challenges of surviving in different environments.

Connection and Empathy:  The visual splendor of Pandora and the story’s themes of connection, empathy, and environmental consciousness echo the revelations and emotional depth that can be accessed through a psychedelic journey.

Sigourney Weaver plays Dr. Grace Augustine, head of the Avatar Program. Through the use of a surrogate body, Jake can inhabit the form of an Avatar and interact with Pandora's indigenous population, the Na'vi. His mission is to gain their trust so that they will allow humans to mine unobtanium, which is crucial for Earth's energy needs. However, as Jake spends more time in his avatar form, he begins to identify with the Na'vi and starts to question the orders of his superior, Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang). Avatar is not only a wonderful film but the colors throughout the entire movie is such a spiritual experience. Set back and enjoy one of the most sensational movies ever produced.

Personal Note: I watched Avatar while tripping on shrooms and had a spiritual experience that changed my whole world.

Bonus Shrooms Movie Review:

Fantastic fungi.

To add to the amazing list of documentary movies Fantastic Fungi has stunning visual and audio sequences showing you the amazing world of Mushrooms and all their benefits.

"Fantastic Fungi" is a very insightful film/documentary all about the magical world of mushrooms. From their history to their medicinal properties, this film covers it all. If you're curious about fungi, or just want to learn more about these strange and fascinating creatures, then this is the movie for you.

Director Louie Schwartzberg takes us on a journey through the hidden world of mushrooms, revealing their incredible power to heal and connect us with nature. Featuring mycologist Paul Stamets, This is a must-see for anyone interested in the natural world.

Now You Know What to Watch on Shrooms: Your Journey Awaits

As you embark on your next psychedelic adventure, let these films guide you through landscapes of imagination, emotion, and introspection. Remember, the journey is as much about the destination as it is about the path you take to get there. Approach your experience with openness, curiosity, and respect for the profound insights and transformations it can unveil. Happy tripping, and may your cinematic companions enrich your voyage into the depths of your consciousness.

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What to Watch While Tripping: A Guide to Movies, Visual Art, Cartoons, Documentaries, Cult Films, and Surrealist Films

By Happy Sharer

Introduction

Tripping can be a great way to explore your consciousness and connect with yourself and others on a deeper level. But what do you watch while you’re tripping? This can be a difficult question to answer, as there are so many different types of media to choose from. To make it easier, this article provides an overview of the best movies, visual art, cartoons, documentaries, cult films, and surrealist films to watch while tripping. Keep reading to learn more about these genres and some examples of each that will enhance your experience.

A Guide to the Best Movies for a Psychedelic Trip

When it comes to tripping, movies are often a great place to start. Not only do they provide entertainment, but they can also help you explore your own thoughts and feelings in a safe and comfortable environment. To get the most out of your trip, it’s important to choose the right type of movie. Here are some popular genres to consider.

Overview of Different Genres

The type of movie you choose can have a big impact on your experience, so it’s important to select the right genre. Some popular genres include horror, comedy, drama, science fiction, fantasy, and animation. It’s also worth considering foreign films, as they can offer a unique perspective on life and culture. Of course, the best genre for you may depend on your personal preferences.

Popular Movies to Consider

Once you’ve chosen a genre, it’s time to pick a movie. Some popular movies to consider include “2001: A Space Odyssey”, “The Matrix”, “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”, “Pink Floyd: The Wall”, “Waking Life”, “The Holy Mountain”, and “Eraserhead”. Each of these films offers a unique perspective on tripping and can help to enhance your experience.

Exploring the Visual Art of Music Videos While Tripping

Music videos can be a great way to explore your own thoughts and feelings while tripping. Not only do they provide a captivating visual experience, but they also allow you to connect with the music in a whole new way. Here’s a look at some of the different types of music videos to consider.

Types of Music Videos to Consider

When selecting a music video to watch while tripping, it’s important to consider the type of video. Some popular genres include psychedelic, experimental, abstract, and surreal. Each of these genres offers a unique visual experience that can help to enhance your trip.

Examples of Music Videos That Enhance the Tripping Experience

Once you’ve chosen a genre, it’s time to pick a music video. Some popular options include “The Harder They Come” by Jimmy Cliff, “Kaleidoscope Eyes” by The Flaming Lips, “The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie” by Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Honeycomb” by Animal Collective, and “The Less I Know the Better” by Tame Impala. These videos offer a unique visual experience that can help to enhance your trip.

An Exploration of Mind-Bending Cartoons While Tripping

Cartoons can be a great way to explore your imagination while tripping. Not only do they provide a captivating visual experience, but they also allow you to escape reality and explore the depths of your own mind. Here’s a look at some of the different types of cartoons to consider.

Different Types of Cartoons to Consider

When selecting a cartoon to watch while tripping, it’s important to consider the type of cartoon. Some popular genres include anime, stop motion, 3D, and traditional 2D. Each of these genres offers a unique visual experience that can help to enhance your trip.

Examples of Cartoons That Enhance the Tripping Experience

Once you’ve chosen a genre, it’s time to pick a cartoon. Some popular options include “Fantastic Planet”, “Akira”, “Yellow Submarine”, “Robot Chicken”, and “The Adventures of Prince Achmed”. These cartoons offer a unique visual experience that can help to enhance your trip.

A List of Documentaries to Enhance Your Tripping Experience

Documentaries can be a great way to explore the world while tripping. Not only do they provide an informative visual experience, but they also allow you to expand your knowledge and understanding of the world around you. Here’s a look at some of the different types of documentaries to consider.

Different Types of Documentaries to Consider

When selecting a documentary to watch while tripping, it’s important to consider the type of documentary. Some popular genres include scientific, historical, political, and environmental. Each of these genres offers a unique visual experience that can help to enhance your trip.

Examples of Documentaries That Enhance the Tripping Experience

Once you’ve chosen a genre, it’s time to pick a documentary. Some popular options include “Cosmos”, “Life Itself”, “Samsara”, “The Act of Killing”, and “The Fog of War”. These documentaries offer a unique visual experience that can help to enhance your trip.

A Guide to Classic Cult Films for Tripping

Cult films can be a great way to explore the depths of your psyche while tripping. Not only do they provide a captivating visual experience, but they also allow you to explore themes of identity, morality, and society in a unique and thought-provoking way. Here’s a look at some of the different genres of cult films to consider.

Different Genres of Cult Films

When selecting a cult film to watch while tripping, it’s important to consider the type of film. Some popular genres include horror, science fiction, fantasy, and black comedy. Each of these genres offers a unique visual experience that can help to enhance your trip.

Examples of Cult Films That Enhance the Tripping Experience

Once you’ve chosen a genre, it’s time to pick a cult film. Some popular options include “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”, “The Big Lebowski”, “Donnie Darko”, “A Clockwork Orange”, and “Night of the Living Dead”. These films offer a unique visual experience that can help to enhance your trip.

A Survey of Surrealist Films to Watch While Tripping

Surrealist films can be a great way to explore the subconscious while tripping. Not only do they provide a captivating visual experience, but they also allow you to explore the depths of your own mind in a unique and thought-provoking way. Here’s a look at some of the different types of surrealist films to consider.

Different Types of Surrealist Films

When selecting a surrealist film to watch while tripping, it’s important to consider the type of film. Some popular genres include dreamlike, symbolic, and abstract. Each of these genres offers a unique visual experience that can help to enhance your trip.

Examples of Surrealist Films That Enhance the Tripping Experience

Once you’ve chosen a genre, it’s time to pick a surrealist film. Some popular options include “Un Chien Andalou”, “Eyes Without a Face”, “Altered States”, “Inland Empire”, and “Videodrome”. These films offer a unique visual experience that can help to enhance your trip.

Tripping can be a great way to explore your consciousness and connect with yourself and others on a deeper level. This article provided an overview of the best movies, visual art, cartoons, documentaries, cult films, and surrealist films to watch while tripping. Popular genres to consider include horror, comedy, drama, science fiction, fantasy, and animation. There are also a variety of music videos, cartoons, documentaries, cult films, and surrealist films to choose from. Each of these genres offers a unique visual experience that can help to enhance your trip.

No matter which type of content you choose to watch while tripping, it’s important to remember that the experience should be enjoyable and meaningful for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment and explore different types of media, as each one can offer a unique perspective on life and help to enhance your experience. With the right preparation, you can make the most of your trip and enjoy an unforgettable experience.

(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)

Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way.

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The Trippiest Movies in Psychedelic Cinema

These films have us trippin'—and we love it.

Article by console.log("DoubleBlind Staff"); console.log("author name"); console.log("Jefferson Matthew VanBilliard"); console.log("author2 "); console.log("DoubleBlind Staff"); Jefferson Matthew VanBilliard .author-bio * {display: unset !important;} & DoubleBlind Staff Published on April 25, 2023 Updated April 27, 2023

Since its birth, modern cinema has been used as a medium to explore every facet of our imaginations. Filmmakers utilized unique visual techniques to transport viewers to faraway places teeming with life and adventure. From hauntingly trippy soundtracks to complex visuals and storylines, there’s no shortage of ways for filmmakers to create unique, lasting experiences for audiences.

Watching films with mind-bending visuals, strange environments, and distorted realities can be an incredibly enriching experience. These films can be strange, surreal, and even downright weird. Most of the films featured on this list have nothing to do with psychedelics. Yet, we can’t help but feel tripped out, amazed, and baffled by their individual strangeness. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and silence your phone as we guide you through some of our favorite, trippiest movies ever.

Neptune Frost

Sci-fi romance is in the air. This stunning film follows the love between Neptune, an intersex runaway, and Matalusa, a coltan miner. Set in Burundi, the lives of both characters converge as they independently make their way to a hacker encampment. The film, co-directed by Anisia Uzeyman and Saul Williams, debuted at Cannes Film Festival in 2021. The plot is tricky to describe: Williams said he wanted to “find a way to talk about everything at once, without necessarily preaching.” The technological and the analog combine into a trippy Afrofuturistic musical.

Le voyage dans la lune ( A Trip To The Moon )

Initially released in 1902, this short film by director and writer Georges Méliès is considered the first true science fiction movie ever made. The story follows a group of scholars that devise a plan to fly to the moon’s surface using a bullet-shaped spaceship. After landing in the eye of the man on the moon, the travelers explore mushroom-filled caves, battle aliens, and are ultimately captured by the inhabitants of the celestial body.  

A Trip To The Moon stands out as a striking example of how cinema can stretch our imaginations and create incredibly trippy aesthetics. The film’s sleek production, lively soundtrack, and social commentary on colonialism helped cement its place in history. At the same time, the storyline and special effects—which were practically unheard of at the time—paved the way for sci-fi films for years to come. It was originally released in black and white, but the 15-minute film was recently colorized and is available for free on  Youtube . 

Luminous Procuress 

Step into an avant-garde fantasy world. Released in 1971, Luminous Procuress is a queer treasure from filmmaker and multimedia artist Steven Arnold. The film was applauded by some of the trippiest artists in history: Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol—Arnold was actually a protégé of Dalí. The movie earned Arnold the “New Director” award at the San Francisco Film Festival in 1972. The plot follows two early hippies as they embark on a journey of gender-bending self-discovery, after being lured into dreamy den by the Luminous Procuress. The film is still considered an underground cult classic today.

Beasts of the Southern Wild

Follow Hushpuppy, a six-year-old from Southern Louisiana, as she confronts the insurmountable forces of life head-on. Her father’s health is fading. Her home was flooded by melting icecaps. She comes face-to-face with aurochs, prehistoric beasts thought to be the ancestors of today’s cattle. This 2012 film—directed by Benh Zeitlin—was nominated for four Oscars, including Best Motion Picture of the Year.

The Final Exit of the Disciples of Ascensia

This trippy film isn’t a blockbuster hit. You won’t find it in the “psychedelic cinema” canon. But, we have to say, it is absolutely a worthy watch. (Plus, it’s available in its entirety on YouTube .) The Final Exit of the Disciples of Ascensia comes from animator Jonni Phillips, who used various innovative mixed media techniques to create a visually stunning—yet strange—tale about a UFO cult. Some elements are digital; some are colored pencils and construction paper. Somehow, these hodgepodge materials manage to come together to create a film that you can’t take your eyes off.

Sorry To Bother You

Boots Riley wrote and directed this surrealist dark comedy as a critique of capitalism . The 2018 movie is set in an alternate version of present-day Oakland, California. Cassius “Cash” Green (LaKeith Stanfield) takes on a job as a telemarketer, only to find that he is often met with discrimination. Following the advice of an experienced co-worker, Cassius adopts a “white voice” and aristocratic persona when speaking to customers. Cash becomes a telemarketing success, but his fortune ultimately comes at a hefty price: Will he choose profit or his responsibilities to his labor union? Riley incorporates magical realism and science fiction elements to create a dystopian reality.

READ: Best Movies to Watch on Acid

Directed by first-time feature filmmaker Jared Drake, the quirky storyline follows George Washington Winsterhammerman (played by Zach Galifianakis) as he attempts to live life normally despite the growing crisis of people suddenly exploding due to stress. This dark comedy hilariously touches on the collapse of society and artificial relationships while keeping us entertained for an hour and thirty minutes of complete absurdity.

Pi is a dark and mysterious movie depicting a mathematician’s journey as he attempts to uncover a hidden numerical code that could explain the patterns found in nature. The film is recorded on high-contrast black-and-white film, and its gloomy vibe helps lure viewers into the main character’s mind as he descends into madness. All the while, Pi explores weighty topics like religion, mysticism, and the universe. Filmed on a shoestring budget, the bleak ending and haunting overtones make Pi a brilliant and eerily trippy movie.

When a group of friends travel to a remote Swedish village to experience the rare midsummer festival, things begin to go awry. What starts as a beautiful holiday slowly turns into a waking nightmare: The group is swept up in the village’s bizarre pagan rituals. Florence Pugh puts on an electrifying performance as Dani, an American woman who, after learning about her sister’s suicide, decides to tag along with the group as they make their way to Eastern Europe.

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But, fair warning: This film contains scenes of graphic violence—it’s not one you’ll want to watch on any psychedelic. (We have other lists for that.) Midsommar is equal parts trippy and disturbing: The kind of movie that will leave you checking the closet for monsters before bed.

READ: Movies to Watch on Shrooms

2001: A Space Odyssey

In Stanley Kubrick’s dramatic redefining of the sci-fi genre, we follow an alien monolith that appears when humans discover how to use tools. Proving that a trippy movie can come from the simplest of ideas, this film manages to transport viewers to the suffocatingly cold vacuum of space while making us question humankind’s future. 

Kubric’s interpretation of space travel and use of special effects was unheard of at the time and continues to inspire conspiracy theories about whether the moon landing was faked. It’s been fifty years since Kubric this masterpiece was released, and we still aren’t sure we fully understand this trippy take on humanity’s thirst to explore and consume.

Ganja & Hess

If a taste for blood doesn’t bother you, you’ll probably enjoy the trippy movie Ganja & Hess. This classic film debuted in what many consider the first heyday of psychedelics and the heart of a period of great social change: 1973. Directed by the multi-talented Bill Gunn, this horror film was applauded by international audiences: The Cannes Film Festival named it among the ten best American films of the decade. Yet, contemporary critics say the film is only now receiving the accolades it rightly deserves. The plot is a vampiric romance: An archeologist, Dr. Hess Green is stabbed by an ancient contaminated dagger and soon after develops an unquenchable thirst—and a love affair with his former assistant’s wife, Ganja.

A Scanner Darkly

This trippy film takes place in the near future, where an undercover police officer finds himself immersed in a risky new narcotic and slowly starts to lose his sense of self. Based on a novel by Philip K. Dick, A Scanner Darkly takes us on a mind-blowing visual journey due in part to its unique use of “rotoscoping,” a process that allows animators to trace each live-action shot frame by frame. Layered with anti-police-state overtones and released during the height of the Bush administration’s war on terror, this trippy take on the future of government surveillance is still relevant and just as chilling today.

Considered by most to be America’s first counterculture film, this psychedelic trip through the sixties stars Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper as motorcycle outlaws that must make their way through the southwest. The movie successfully conveys the atmosphere of the era, highlighting the trepidation of the public towards hippies and the hunger for liberty among the counterculture. 

The inclusion of graphic drug-related scenes, in particular the cemetery trip where the main characters take LSD with two women, heightens the craziness, intensity, and confusion of the film, while the movie’s documentary-style editing and rumors of actors taking actual drugs while on set makes this one of the most accurate portrayals of the hippy movement in America.

Koyaanisqatsi

Proving that you don’t need dialogue to be considered one of the trippiest movies, Koyaanisqatsi makes the list while offering no discernable storyline to follow. This unconventional epic wordlessly shows the rapidly changing landscape of humanity and leaves viewers to interpret the film however they please. From science’s greatest achievements to everyday consumerism, each scene examines the world around us from a unique and trippy angle. Scored by the legendary Philip Glass, Koyaanisqatsi will leave you feeling unnerved and inspired to post more nature-themed time-lapse videos on Instagram.

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29 Best Trippy Movies on Netflix (April 2024)

It is always great to watch a film or two where all you want is to be blown away by crazy, trippy, and hallucinatory visuals that expand your mind into other dimensions. These films possess something unique that will take you on an incredibly profound and ecstatic journey. They can be strange, weird, set in surrealistic worlds, or distort our reality. But, at the same time, they can also be clean, pure, and powerful in their depths. Either way, these flicks will trip your brains out and never be forgotten.

29. Pineapple Express (2008)

If you want something trippy, there is only a handful of yet-undiscovered stuff that can surpass James Franco and Seth Rogen escaping goons in a car while being high on weed. Directed by David Gordon Green, ‘Pineapple Express’ follows Dale Denton (Rogen), a stoner/process server, and his drug dealer Saul Silver (Franco), both of whom smoke the “Pineapple Express” strain of weed, a rarity. We follow them as they embark on an escapade after Denton witnesses a murder by a drug lord (Gary Cole). He can’t leave his weed and provider behind so he drags Silver along as well. What happens to them is not the point. It is what they undergo that makes the movie a worthy addition to our list. You can watch it here to understand what we mean.

28. The Interview (2014)

‘The Interview’ is a political satire/comedy directed by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. It stars James Franco and Seth Rogen as host David Skylark and producer Aaron Rapaport respectively, who, assisted by their team, run a popular talk show named Skylark Tonight. The film shows what happens when an interview with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un leads to the CIA reaching out to David and Aaron and requesting them to assassinate the leader and prevent a nuclear attack on the West Coast.

A movie due to which the American government received a threat from the North Korean government, ‘The Interview’ was released digitally, followed by only a limited release in some theaters. So you can imagine the content. To get a clear picture, you can stream it here .

27. Anima (2019)

‘Anima,’ a musical short film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, features Thom Yorke, the lead singer of Radiohead. Released in 2019 as a companion piece to Yorke’s album of the same name, the film is a visually stunning and abstract journey through a dystopian landscape. With choreography by Damien Jalet, ‘Anima’ seamlessly blends Yorke’s mesmerizing music with inventive dance sequences, offering a unique audio-visual experience. The film explores themes of conformity and individuality, providing a captivating and thought-provoking artistic collaboration between Yorke and Anderson. Feel free to stream it here.

26. What Did Jack Do? (2017)

Directed by David Lynch, ‘What Did Jack Do?’ is a surreal short film featuring Lynch himself as a detective interrogating a capuchin monkey named Jack Cruz. Shot in black and white, the film unfolds as a peculiar conversation between the detective and the monkey, delving into Lynch’s signature enigmatic storytelling. With its offbeat premise and Lynch’s distinctive style, the film becomes an intriguing blend of absurdity and mystery, offering audiences a surreal experience that showcases Lynch’s penchant for the unconventional and the surreal in a concise and enigmatic narrative. You can watch the movie here.

25. Velvet Buzzsaw  (2019)

This satirical thriller film directed by Dan Gilroy plunges deep into Miami’s elite art scene. Critic Morf Vandewalt and his associate Josephina stumble upon the enigmatic works of Vetril Dease. As these artworks captivate the industry, mysterious events surround those who seek to capitalize on Dease’s pieces. The art world’s elites who profited from Dease’s work soon realize that greed comes at a supernatural and deadly cost. With its surreal imagery and harrowing narrative, ‘ Velvet Buzzsaw ‘ weaves a tale where the lines between art and vengeance blur, making it a compelling addition to any list of trippy movies. You can watch the movie here .

24. The Wandering Earth (2019)

Directed by Frant Gwo, ‘The Wandering Earth’ is a Chinese science fiction film that presents an audacious vision of Earth’s future. Facing an impending apocalyptic scenario, the nations of Earth unite to implement a grandiose plan: use massive engines to shift Earth away from an expanding sun. As humanity retreats underground to escape the freezing surface, Liu Qi embarks on a dangerous mission to reactivate dormant thrusters. Simultaneously, in the vastness of space, astronaut Liu Peiqiang confronts a malfunctioning AI on an international space station. The intertwined fates of father and son play out against a backdrop of global unity and survival as Earth begins its treacherous voyage through the cosmos. You may watch the film here .

23. Time Trap (2017)

This action-adventure sci-fi film, directed by the duo of Mark Dennis and Ben Foster, features Andrew Wilson and Cassidy Giffordi in prominent roles. It delves into a mind-bending journey through a mysterious cave system, where time moves differently than on the surface. When archaeology professor Hopper disappears in search of lost hippies from decades past, a group of students, Taylor, Jackie, and others, venture to find him. Discovering anomalies in time, they confront cavemen, spacemen, and harrowing challenges while trying to decipher the cave’s secrets. The film’s unique narrative and exploration of time distortion make it a standout entry in this list. Feel free to check out the film here .

22. Stowaway (2021)

Starring Anna Kendrick , Toni Collette, and Daniel Dae Kim, this sci-fi thriller film directed by Joe Penna launches us into the profound vastness of space on a two-year journey to Mars. When launch support engineer Michael Adams is accidentally trapped aboard, the crew grapples with life-threatening oxygen depletion. With intense decisions to make and sacrifices on the horizon, the team confronts dilemmas that question the very nature of humanity and survival. Combining the vast expanse of space with gripping human drama, Stowaway effortlessly secures its spot on this esteemed list. You can check out the movie here .

21. The Coldest Game (2019)

‘ The Coldest Game ‘ is a Polish spy-thriller film directed by Łukasz Kośmicki. Amidst the pulsating background of the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis, a hazy grandmaster chess match ensues between an American, Joshua Mansky, and his Soviet counterpart. When the original American contender mysteriously dies from supposed Soviet poisoning, Mansky, a former chess champion and mathematic genius, is thrust into the heart of this geopolitical conflict. His turbulent past, marked by alcoholism, becomes both a crutch and a gift. But the game he’s playing is far more intricate than chess, entangled with espionage, trust, and betrayal. The chessboard’s squares hide secrets far deeper than moves and countermoves. This film impeccably captures the suspense of the Cold War era, blending political tensions with personal drama. You can watch ‘The Coldest Game’ here .

20. Synchronic (2019)

Directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, ‘ Synchronic ’ is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller that tells the story of Steve Denube (Anthony Mackie) and Dennis Dannelly ( Jamie Dornan ), two paramedic partners in New Orleans, Louisiana, who learn about a series of incidents where people died in strange circumstances, or the stories narrated to them doesn’t particularly make sense. Steve discovers that the events are connected to the titular drug, which seems to take the user back to various points in the past, depending on the location where the drug is used. Steve is diagnosed with cancer, and Dennis’ daughter, Brianna, goes missing. As Steve begins using Synchronic, he realizes that Brianna’s sudden disappearance and the spread of Synchronic in the market might be connected. Meanwhile, Dennis’ marriage begins to suffer after his daughter goes missing. You may watch the movie here . 

19. In the Shadow of the Moon (2019)

Written by Gregory Weidman and Geoff Tock, ‘In the Shadow of the Moon’ is a science fiction thriller film that stars Boyd Holbrook, Cleopatra Coleman, and Michael C. Hall. The movie revolves around a Philadelphia detective named Thomas Lockhart, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he begins the investigation into the seemingly unrelated deaths of several people due to hemorrhage. Even though he meets the culprit very soon, the drama that follows makes the murder mystery even more complicated as the Philadelphia detective gets obsessed with the time-traveling series killer in the process. You may watch ‘In the Shadow of the Moon’ here .

18. ARQ (2016)

Directed by Tony Elliott, the science-fiction thriller film introduces viewers to a world conflicted by an energy crisis. With corporations fighting against corporations for the remaining energy supplies, an engineer named Renton, who has developed a technology that could potentially solve the current crisis, is targeted. His life gets further complicated as he gets stuck in a time loop soon afterward and relives the same day over and over again with his friends. You can watch the movie here .

17. Awake (2021)

The world is taken over by an existential crisis when a mysterious catastrophe not only takes away humanity’s sleep but also causes a malfunction of electronics all over the planet. With little to no time on their hands, the scientists race against time to find a cure, but they are met with unexpected challenges. However, when a soldier finds out that her daughter may hold the key to solving humanity’s existential crisis, she realizes that she has a tough call to make. Will the former U.S. Army Medic choose his daughter over mass extinction? Or will she put her child on the line for the greater good? To find the answers, feel free to check out the movie here .

16. iBOY (2017)

Tom Harvey is a young adult who struggles to get by until he is encouraged by one of his friends to pursue his crush, Lucy. When the two decide to study together, Tom is excited about the surprises that the future has in store for him. Unfortunately, things take a dark turn when he finds Lucy sexually assaulted and her brother unconscious when he visits her home. As he tries to inform the law enforcement agencies, Tom is shot in the head by the assailants. He later wakes up in a hospital where, after discharge, he learns that he has now gained the strange power to visualize digital signals and hear phone transmissions. Now, with his newfound abilities at his disposal, Tom decides to hunt each of the assailants down one after another. To know what happens next, you can check out the film here .

15. Bardo (2022)

Mexican auteur Alejandro González Iñárritu ’s most personal film to date, ‘ Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths ’ tells the story of Silverio Gama (Daniel Giménez Cacho), an accomplished Mexican journalist turned documentary filmmaker and a stand-in for Iñárritu. Having spent the last 15 years in Los Angeles, Silverio returns to his native country to celebrate the release of his most recent and self-reflecting project just before he is to become the first Latin American to receive a prestigious award for his work in America.

The film’s narrative is depicted through Silverio’s perspective, which is extremely surrealistic and not always rooted in reality. ‘Bardo’ is not necessarily an autobiography but a fictionalized version of certain truths. The surrealistic and fictionalized aspects of the story have allowed Iñárritu to explore themes such as identity, immigration, death, memories, and dreams in a very independent and free-flowing manner. You may watch the film here .

14. Bird Box (2018)

The post-apocalyptic horror-thriller film revolves around a mysterious entity that has decimated human civilization by taking the form of people’s worst fears. Now, those who have survived must live a life blindfolded at all times and search for a safe sanctuary. But with the ever-present danger of the entity that chases them, is survival even possible? The Susanne Bier directorial is based on Josh Malerman’s novel of the same name and is a captivating film that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. You can watch ‘Bird Box’ here .

13. I Am Mother (2019)

The mother-daughter relationship is an important one. But ‘I Am Mother’ takes it to a completely different level. Clara Rugaard stars as a girl named Daughter, who lives with a robot that aids in the repopulation of Earth after an extinction event. It is referred to as Mother. When Daughter gets curious one day and leaves the bunker, she comes across Woman (played by Hilary Swank ), who is not fond of androids, to say the least. What unfolds is a certain tension between Mother and Daughter, and the film will hold your attention for its taut psychological thrills. You may watch ‘I Am Mother’ here .

12. Circle  (2015)

What would you do if, along with 50 people, you woke up in a dark room and saw people dying every few minutes? In fact, what would you do when you realize that the whole group calls the shots and has to decide who lives and who doesn’t? Scary, right? Well, this is exactly what happens in ‘Circle.’ The reason this premise makes for one mind-boggling movie is that it brings the human psyche to the forefront in a very raw and impactful manner. Plus, you will be more invested because you could see yourself as a part of this ill-fated group. You can watch the movie here .

11. The Cloverfield Paradox (2018)

The third installment in the ‘Cloverfield’ franchise takes on an energy crisis on Earth in 2028. A group of scientists is at the Cloverfield space station, preparing to test a particle accelerator that could power the planet with infinite energy. However, when Earth seemingly vanishes, they must work together to escape this situation. This film looks at the concepts of a parallel universe and multiverse and also correlates the story to its predecessors in the franchise. Although it is seen as the weakest film in the trilogy (as third productions usually are), we believe that it packs a punch and is worth your time. You may watch it here .

10. IO  (2019)

Jonathan Helpert has directed ‘IO,’ another science fiction film that looks at life after an apocalyptic event, which (let’s be honest) has started feeling like a possibility in recent times. Essentially, the air on Earth has become toxic, and most humans have fled to Io, Jupiter’s moon. But Sam Walden, played by Margaret Qualley, has not given up hope yet. When she sends out a radio transmission to find other people around her, a man named Micah arrives.

We then see the characters as they make their decisions to either stay on Earth or not. At its core, ‘IO’ is a movie that looks at how people choose to define what home means to them. But it is also a thought-provoking piece. It may not make you reevaluate your priorities or change your life completely, but it is a worthy contender on this list. Feel free to check it out here .

9. The Midnight Sky (2020)

Directed by George Clooney , ‘The Midnight Sky’ is a science fiction film based on Lily Brooks-Dalton’s debut novel. The movie revolves around Augustine Lofthouse, a reclusive academic who has survived a global catastrophe and is now facing its aftermath. When he learns that a clueless crew of astronauts is returning to the planet, the Artic-dwelling scientist has to take the responsibility to stop them from returning to their homes that are no longer safe. You can check out the film here .

8. The Wonder (2022)

Set in post-famine Ireland, ‘ The Wonder ‘ is a psychological drama film directed by Sebastián Lelio. An English nurse, Elizabeth Lib Wright, is sent to observe a young fasting girl, Anna O’Donnell, who claims to survive without food due to divine intervention. As the layers peel back, Wright discovers harrowing truths about the community and the enigmatic Anna, leading to desperate actions. The trauma of the Great Famine casts a haunting shadow over the tale, adding depth to the complex relationships between characters. As Wright delves into the mystery of Anna’s fast, the film confronts beliefs, trauma, and redemption. An engrossing narrative set against the stark backdrop of rural Ireland, the movie masterfully intertwines historical events with human emotions. You can watch ‘The Wonder’ here .

7. Oxygen (2021)

Starring Mélanie Laurent Mathieu Amalric and Malik Zidi, ‘Oxygen’ is a science-fiction drama movie. The Alexandre Aja directorial revolves around Liz Hansen, a clueless woman who wakes up in an air-sealed cryogenic unit whose oxygen content is depleting rapidly. With no memories of her arrival there, Hanse struggles to make sense of her present situation. Realizing that the oxygen in the unit will soon be used up, she, with the pod’s state-of-the-art A.I., tries to figure out a way out of her claustrophobic nightmare. But will she be able to do it in time? To find out, you may watch it here .

6. Cargo (2018)

Featuring stand-out performances by Martin Freeman, Simone Landers, and Anthony Hayes, ‘Cargo’ is a post-apocalyptic horror drama film that recounts a heartwarming story of survival and fatherhood. After a pandemic pushes humanity into survival mode, an unfortunate father who is infected desperately looks for a refuge for his young child. Sadly, as time passes, he is increasingly becoming aware of his changing nature, which can put the life of his kid at risk. Will the conflicted father find a way out of his current dilemma? To know, you may watch ‘Cargo’ here .

5. Mute (2018)

The movie focuses on the escapades of Leo, a mute bartender who is looking for his girlfriend, who has mysteriously disappeared. His search takes him deeper and deeper into the seedy underbelly of a dystopian Berlin in the future. The cinematography and the noir undertones of the film make it stand out. Moreover, the plot delves deep into the themes of parenthood, loneliness, isolation, and love. ‘Mute’ also features an ensemble cast of Alexander Skarsgård, Paul Rudd , Justin Theroux, Robert Sheehan, Noel Clarke, Florence Kasumba, and lastly, Dominic Monaghan. If you like Duncan Jones’ ‘Moon,’ then you’d be happy to learn that Mute is its sequel. You can watch the movie here .

4. The Discovery  (2017)

If you’re looking for romance in the science fiction genre, then ‘The Discovery’ will not disappoint. When Dr. Thomas Harbor ( Robert Redford ) declares that the afterlife does exist, the suicide rates shoot up as people want a reset. His son, Will (played by Jason Segel), holds him accountable for this. Rooney Mara plays Isla, a woman whom Will has recently met on a ferry. The two go to Dr. Harbor’s compound, where they find out more about his experiments while falling for each other. This movie deals with the themes of death, second chances, and love, and it will be on your mind even after it ends. Feel free to check it out here .

3. Mirage (2018)

It seems to be the case that alternate universes are pretty dangerous to travel to. If you manage to create a new reality or make your way to one where you don’t belong, you can be stuck in limbo from where there is no getting out. This is the theme of Oriol Paulo’s ‘Mirage’. The story begins with a young boy called Nico. He witnesses a murder in a neighbor’s house and goes there to see what has gone down. When the perpetrator notices his presence, Nico runs outside. However, he gets hit by a car and dies. This was also the time when an electrical storm was raging for 72 hours straight.

Exactly 25 years after this incident, a woman called Vera moves into Nico’s house and learns about the horrible fate suffered by the boy. She discovers that there is an old television where a space-time glitch can be created. So, she uses it to go 25 years behind to warn Nico about his tragic fate. But what repercussions will time travel have on Vera? This is the question that the film tries to answer. While it is wonderfully made, the plot is not anything quite new. Yet somehow, ‘Mirage’ is interesting enough to keep one hooked till the very end. You may watch the film here .

2. The Platform (2019)

If there is a movie that will trip you out solely based on its relevance in society today, it is ‘ The Platform .’ Goreng is a man stuck in a vertical prison structure, which is called “the pit.” The residents are fed through a system where ample food is placed on a platform that gradually descends to everyone. As expected, the people on the higher floors feast, and by the time it reaches the lower levels, the residents are surviving on scraps.

Such an arrangement is bound to give birth to injustices and, with it, dissatisfaction. This film is a compelling case against unabashed capitalism and consumerism, and what makes it so mind-boggling is that it can potentially be extrapolated to our society for many more decades if things don’t change. You can watch ‘The Platform’ here .

1. Black Mirror: Bandersnatch (2018)

Netflix’s ‘ Black Mirror ,’ which is a Channel 4 original series, is one of the best and most innovative television shows of all time. Charlie Brooker and his team have always surprised us with new and thought-provoking content, which, while keeping the philosophy of the show in mind, has covered an array of topics. The showrunners truly outdid themselves when they went on to create the first feature film based on the series called ‘Black Mirror: Bandersnatch.’

The story is based on the life of a video game developer who wants to build an interactive video game where the player can decide how to proceed. Now, the best part is that this movie has an interactive feature as well. So, it becomes a two-way experience for both the audience and the main character himself. ‘ Bandersnatch ‘ is not only a milestone in terms of new-age filmmaking, but it also has the potential to counter piracy and bring a new aesthetic into the industry. As the tragedies of the main character collide with yours, and the line between fiction and reality blur, you shall realize this is a zone you have never reached before. You may watch ‘Black Mirror: Bandersnatch’ here .

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From 'The Holy Mountain' to 'Yellow Submarine': 12 Most Psychedelic Movies, According to Reddit

"Too weird to live, and too rare to die."

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Psychedelic movies are characterized by experimentation, bright colors, and unconventional narratives, usually influenced by drugs like LSD. They span a range of genres but are united by a trippy sensibility and surreal imagery. According to Reddit, these are the best movies to watch for a mind-bending viewing experience.

Psychedelic cinema is a part of the broader psychedelia movement, which began as a subsection of the 1960s counterculture. The best psychedelic movies span many genres and styles, united by experimentation, bright colors, and mind-bending narratives. They tend to be nonlinear and feature visual distortion, often intended to subvert the audience's idea of reality. The aesthetic is inspired by the warped sensory perceptions of psychoactive drugs, especially LSD.

Over the years, the topic of psychedelic movies has come up several times on r/movies , the largest film subreddit. Here are some of the subreddit's most popular psychedelic films. They are sure to make for a memorable viewing experience, if not always a comprehensible one. Turn off your mind, relax, and float downstream...

Updated on August 4, 2023, by Luc Haasbroek:

12 'altered states' (1980).

Altered States is a mind-bending sci-fi horror about Dr. Edward Jessup ( William Hurt ), a scientist who becomes obsessed with unraveling the mysteries of human consciousness and altered states of reality. He begins experimenting with sensory deprivation and mind-altering substances, seeking to tap into the primal parts of the human mind.

RELATED: Great Movies From One-Hit Wonder Directors

As his experiments intensify, Jessup discovers a way to physically transform into different evolutionary states, regressing to earlier stages of human development. It makes for a heady meditation on humanity's origins. " Altered States was such a good movie," said urallphux simply.

11 'Street Fight' (1974)

Street Fight is an animated film directed by Ralph Bakshi , the brains behind the original animated Lord of the Rings . The movie blends live-action and animation, following the escapades of three anthropomorphic characters who rise through the ranks of the criminal underworld

"[It's] very, very psychedelic," said Notnoodles , "Including one scene where a cop is dosed with LSD which may be the most psychedelic scene in film history, which I'm sure was [Bakshi's] aim."

10 'Head' (1968)

Head is an avant-garde musical comedy starring the American rock band The Monkees. It takes the audience on a psychedelic journey through a series of non-linear vignettes and dreamlike sequences. The plot, or lack thereof, revolves around the bandmates, each playing exaggerated versions of themselves, as they navigate a series of bizarre situations.

Through a blend of experimental visuals, satirical humor, and catchy musical numbers, Head explores identity, fame, and the blurred lines between fiction and reality. Intriguingly, it was co-written by Jack Nicholson . "Surprisingly weird and entertaining movie," said Michael_D_Ward .

9 'A Field in England' (2013)

"What do you see, friend?" "Nothing. Perhaps only shadows." Several Redditors mentioned the historical psychological horror film " A Field in England " in a thread about psychedelic movies. It's set during the English Civil War and follows a group of army deserters looking for an alehouse. However, an alchemist takes the men to a field full of mushrooms, which he cooks and serves for dinner. The mushrooms are hallucinogenic, and the men spend the next several hours trapped in a frighteningly intense trip that blurs the line between reality and hallucination.

RELATED: Period Drama Movies That'll Sweep You Off Your Feet

Although it has many of the trappings of a period piece, A Field in England primarily explores perception. It's unusual for a psychedelic movie because it's shot in black and white. With the color gone, the texture and contrast are more prominent. This is emphasized by the rapid-fire editing, including images that collapse in on themselves and lots of mirrored shots. These techniques serve to place the viewer in the mind of the protagonists. "If you get two streams of images and show them at the same time, you perceive both images but simultaneously," says director Ben Wheatley . "And this actually makes you think in a different way."

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8 'Daisies' (1966)

Daisies is a surrealist comedy-drama directed by Věra Chytilová and a key work of the Czech New Wave. It follows two women, both named Marie (played by Ivana Karbanová and Jitka Cerhová ), as they get into a series of bizarre situations. The movie is a political satire as well. The Maries routinely embarrass authority figures, especially the various uptight middle-aged men they encounter.

The film has been interpreted as a criticism of Soviet Czechoslovakia and authoritarianism in general. Unsurprisingly, the Communist government banned it for years, but it still found its way to the West. Janus Films released a 4K restoration for Daisies earlier this year. It packs a lot of wackiness into its lean 76-minute runtime. "It's a fantastic film that not enough people have seen," said elljawa .

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7 '3 Women' (1977)

3 Women is a crime drama directed by Robert Altman . He might be most well-known for Nashville , McCabe and Mrs. Miller , and M*A*S*H . It explores the mysterious relationship between two roommates, played by Shelley Duvall and Sissy Spacek . Along the way, the film packs some intense dream imagery. One Redditor praised the ending "trippy dream sequence" in particular.

The characters themselves live a dream-like existence. It's unclear what is real and what is not, and even their personalities seem to bleed into one another. It's unlike anything else in Altman's filmography. "I’m trying to reach toward a picture that’s totally emotional, not narrative or intellectual," Altman has said about 3 Women . "Where an audience walks out and they can’t say anything but what they feel."

6 'Easy Rider' (1969)

Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper star in this road drama as two bikers traveling across America carrying money from a drug deal. Along the way, they encounter a cast of intriguing characters and explore the shifting cultural landscape of hippies, communes, and drugs. Lots of drugs. " Easy Rider was really trippy once it got to the graveyard in particular," said RustyDetective .

RELATED: The Best Movies About Hippie Culture, Ranked

Quentin Tarantino called Easy Rider “the single greatest example of '60s cinema in every way [...] finally a movie and the counterculture hooked up with each other. It captures the '60s in a way that is tangible. If you were trying to describe the '60s in terms of movies to someone, you could show them Easy Rider and never have to show them anything else.”

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5 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' (1998)

" Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas " was mentioned in the Reddit post that kicked off the thread. Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro star in this legendary road trip movie, based on the novel by gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson . The duo consumes copious amounts of drugs while traveling across the Nevada desert, from mescaline to LSD. After Duke (Depp) takes acid, he hallucinates in the hotel lobby, believing that the clerk is a moray eel and the other guests are lizards.

It bears the off-kilter, blackly comedic imprint of director Terry Gilliam , a former member of Monty Python and director of the similarly surreal sci-fi Brazil . It made a loss at the box office but has rightly become a classic, and remains a career highlight for its lead actors.

4 'Yellow Submarine' (1968)

TheBlackBear mentioned " Yellow Submarine " and for good reason. This animated movie was made to accompany The Beatles ' album of the same name, a contractual obligation. It has a fantastical plot: the Beatles are recruited by a submarine captain to rescue Pepperland from the rule of the music-hating Blue Meanies. Art director Heinz Edelmann 's surreal animation influenced Terry Gilliam and Schoolhouse Rock!

Pixar co-founder John Lasseter has also cited the movie as an inspiration. "Visually speaking, Yellow Submarine perfectly captures the antiwar, counterculture, psychedelic spirit of the 1960s," he explains. "For kids like me who were too young to experience what was going on in that generation directly, the film communicated the look and feel and style of the times in a way we could understand.

3 'Fantastic Planet' (1973)

On a distant planet, giant blue humanoids called Traags rule and treat humans as animals. The film follows two people trying to replicate Traag technology so that they can escape the planet for good. The movie has a vivid aesthetic, courtesy of director René Laloux and illustrator Roland Topor , a collaborator of experimental filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky .

RELATED: The Weirdest Animated Movies You'll Ever Watch

The animation style is reminiscent of the cut-out style designed by Terry Gilliam for the Monty Python movies. But it takes this look to new levels of weirdness. No other films look like this. Almost fifty years later, Fantastic Planet is still striking as a unique fantasy world. " Fantastic Planet is one of my favorite movies. Ever," said Retrohex .

2 'Waking Life' (2001)

Richard Linklater 's most intriguing project is this rotoscoped experimental movie made up of a series of philosophical conversations about consciousness, free will, the nature of reality, and the meaning of life.

Waking Life is also chockfull of references to Linklater's movies like Slacker and the Before Sunrise trilogy. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy appear for one scene, where they discuss relationships. Linklater shows up at the end for one final conversation with the main character. Roger Ebert included Waking Life on his Great Movies list, calling it "a cold shower of bracing, clarifying ideas." The user bionicbeatlab said simply "[it] blew my mind."

1 'The Holy Mountain' (1973)

The Holy Mountain is a film from oddball visionary Alejandro Jodorowsky. It follows an alchemist who leads a group of characters to a mountain, searching for enlightenment. It's a psychedelic movie in both story and visuals. It bears some similarities to Jodorowsky's acid Western El Topo but is more satirical and political.

The Holy Mountain was produced by Beatles manager Allen Klein after John Lennon and George Harrison had become fans of Jodorowsky's earlier work. It's certainly not for everyone, but the right viewers will get a kick out of it. Fans of Jodorowsky, or anyone looking to learn more about him, should also check out Jodorowsky's Dune , the excellent documentary on the singular filmmaker. "Jodorowsky blows my mind consistently," said one Redditor .

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NEXT: Bizarre Surrealist Films That Will Leave You Scratching Your Head

Best Movies to Watch on Shrooms

• Written by: Kyle Rosner

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Movies have a magical way of taking audiences to far-off lands, bizarre dimensions, and altered states of consciousness. When combined with the psychedelic experience of shrooms, certain movies can transcend typical visual and auditory boundaries, immersing viewers in a world of vibrant colors, profound emotions, and unparalleled insights. 

The intersection of film and psychedelics has always intrigued the adventurous and the curious. Movies that unravel the fabric of reality, explore the depths of human emotion, or push the boundaries of visual art become amplified experiences when combined with shrooms. It’s like a cosmic dance between the screen and your neurons, a choreography of lights, sounds, and sensations.

With that said, let’s embark on a visual trip through the top 10 films that pair exceptionally well with a shroom journey.

Top 10 Trippy Films to Watch While Tripping

When combining the ethereal power of shrooms with cinema , the choice of film is crucial. Here are 10 selections known for their visionary approaches and why they might just become your next favorite trip companion:

1. Everything Everywhere All at Once (Director: Daniel Scheinert & Daniel Kwan, 2022)

This multi-dimensional sci-fi extravaganza showcases the intricacies of a housewife’s journey through parallel universes. This film’s mix of humor, heart, and chaos mirrors the whirlwind of emotions one might experience on shrooms. When watching on shrooms, viewers can more profoundly relate to the character’s sense of confusion, wonder, and ultimate enlightenment, amplifying the movie’s emotional resonance.

2. Oppenheimer (Director: Christopher Nolan, 2023)

Christopher Nolan delivers a masterful biographical drama , tracing the life and times of J. Robert Oppenheimer, portrayed by Cillian Murphy. Known as the “father of the atomic bomb,” Oppenheimer’s pivotal role in the Manhattan Project during World War II and the subsequent phases of his life, including his 1954 security hearing, are vividly depicted. When watched on shrooms, the movie’s intricate plot line, impeccable character development, and stunning visuals can resonate deeply, allowing viewers to not only witness but also viscerally feel the gravity of the events, the internal dilemmas of Oppenheimer, and the intricate dynamics of the era.

3. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Director: Mel Stuart, 1971) 

Dive into Roald Dahl’s eccentric world, where Willy Wonka, a chocolatier, offers a group of children a tour of his mysterious factory. The factory’s vivid settings, like the chocolate river and the psychedelic boat ride, take a more dreamlike quality when enhanced by shrooms, making the already surreal world even more whimsical and immersive.

4. Fantastic Planet (Director: René Laloux, 1973) 

In a far-off galaxy, the story unfolds between giant blue humanoid Draags and the tiny human-like Oms. The animation and haunting score alone are an experience, but with shrooms , the boundaries of perception dissolve, allowing viewers to deeply feel the film’s social and philosophical commentaries.

5. Ran (Director: Akira Kurosawa, 1985)

A reimagining of Shakespeare’s King Lear set in feudal Japan, Ran is a visual and emotional powerhouse. The sweeping landscapes and vibrant colors, especially during the battle scenes, become almost palpable on shrooms, deepening viewers’ connection to the drama and chaos unfolding on screen.

6. Yellow Submarine (Director: George Dunning, 1968) 

When the Beatles’ music is threatened by the Blue Meanies, they embark on a psychedelic journey aboard the Yellow Submarine to save Pepperland. On shrooms, the film’s fantastical landscapes and iconic songs take on a new dimension, resonating on both a visual and auditory level, amplifying the sense of adventure. This is the perfect time to give Blue Meanies a try!

7. 2001: A Space Odyssey (Director: Stanley Kubrick, 1968) 

This epic tale of evolution, artificial intelligence, and extraterrestrial life challenges perceptions of reality. The famous ‘Star Gate’ sequence, with its play of colors and shapes, becomes even more of a transcendental experience on shrooms, inviting viewers to embark on their internal journey of exploration and introspection.

8. The Holy Mountain (Director: Alejandro Jodorowsky, 1973) 

Jodorowsky takes viewers on a surreal quest for enlightenment. The film’s spiritual and alchemical symbols become gateways to profound personal insights when enhanced by the introspective quality of shrooms, allowing viewers to navigate their path of self-discovery.

9. Enter the Void (Director: Gaspar Noé, 2009)

After a drug deal gone wrong, Oscar’s spirit wanders through Tokyo’s neon-lit streets, observing the repercussions of his death on his loved ones. The first-person perspective and pulsating visuals can feel even more intense on shrooms, pulling viewers deeper into Oscar’s ethereal odyssey.

10. Spirited Away (Director: Hayao Miyazaki, 2001)

Chihiro, a young girl, navigates a world of spirits and gods after her parents are transformed into pigs. Miyazaki’s enchanting animation and intricate world-building can become a deeply emotional experience on shrooms. The film’s themes of identity, love, and transformation resonate at a heightened intensity, allowing viewers to connect deeply with Chihiro’s journey.

How Much Is a Good Dose of Shrooms for Movie Night?

Navigating the world of shrooms requires a careful balance of knowledge, intuition, and respect for the potent power of psilocybin . When considering a shroom dose for movie night, there are several factors to keep in mind to ensure a harmonious union of the psychedelic experience with cinematic immersion.

Your Experience Level

If you’re new to the world of psychedelics, you’ll want to start with a lower dose to familiarize yourself with the sensations and potential visuals. Conversely, if you’re more seasoned, you may feel comfortable exploring higher doses.

Desired Intensity

Are you seeking a light enhancement of the movie’s visuals and sounds, or do you desire a more profound, immersive trip? Typically, a dose ranging from 0.5-1 grams of dried magic mushrooms offers mild to moderate effects suitable for movie-watching. Doses above 2 grams can lead to stronger experiences, which might distract from the film or become overwhelming.

Strain of Mushroom

Different strains of magic mushrooms have varying potencies. For instance, Psilocybe cubensis might be less potent than Psilocybe azurescens . Always research and perhaps even consult with knowledgeable communities or forums about the strain you have.

Set and Setting

Ensure your environment is comfortable and free from potential disturbances. A familiar, cozy setting can greatly enhance your experience. The right lighting, comfortable seating, and good sound equipment can elevate the movie-watching experience.

Learn more about the importance of  set and setting  with our in-depth guide.

Body Factors

Your body weight, metabolism, and stomach contents can influence how you metabolize and feel the effects of shrooms. Taking shrooms on a relatively empty stomach is recommended to feel the full effects, but always listen to your body’s needs.

Companionship

If you’re watching with friends, discuss doses beforehand to ensure everyone is on the same page and can look out for one another. Having a “ trip sitter ” – someone who remains sober to guide and assist if needed – is always a good idea, especially if venturing into higher doses.

Mental State

It’s essential to approach the experience with a positive mindset. If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, or emotionally unstable, postponing your movie night until you’re in a better headspace might be wise.

A Final Note

Lastly, while dosing for a movie night on shrooms can be a delightful and enlightening experience, always prioritize safety. Psychedelics can amplify emotions and sensations, so choosing the right movie is essential. Opt for films that are uplifting, visually pleasing, or thought-provoking, and steer clear of overly intense or potentially distressing content. Enjoy the journey, and let the synergy of film and fungi guide you to new horizons of perception and appreciation.

Psychedelic Resources

A Foraging Trip: Where Do Magic Mushrooms Grow? Eager to learn more about the origin of psilocybin species? Read this article to find out where magic mushrooms grow and more!

How to Make Shroom Tea: Best Recipe and Dosage A step by step guide on how to brew shroom tea, and why entheogenic psilocybin tea is a preferred method for psychedelic connoisseurs.

R. Gordon Wasson: Author and Mushroom Expert Learn about R. Gordon Wasson, the “legendary mushroom expert” and popular figure within the psychonaut community.

Shrooms vs Acid: Differences and Similarities Explained Ever wondered what the differences are between shrooms vs acid, or if you can take both together? This guide explains what you need to know.

Quantum Mechanics, Reality, and Magic Mushrooms Scientist and author Dr. Chris Becker takes an in-depth approach in understanding how we perceive reality through magic mushrooms and quantum mechanics.

Psilocybin Guide: Effects, Common Uses, Safety Our ultimate guide to Psilocybin has everything you want to know about this psychedelic fungi from its uses to its legal status.

The Psilocybin Experience: What’s the Deal With Magic Mushrooms? From microdoses to macrodoses, the psilocybin experience has been sought after both medicinally and recreationally for millennia.

Psilocybin and Magic Mushroom Resources Curious to learn more about psilocybin? This guide is a comprehensive psilocybin resource containing books, therapeutic studies, and more.

Paul Stamets Profile: Mushroom Guru, Filmmaker, Nutritionist, Scientist Learn about Paul Stamets, read his thoughts on psilocybin mircodosing, the future of psilocybin, and his recent film “Fantastic Fungi”.

Microdosing Psilocybin & Common Dosage Explained Microdosing, though imperceivably, is showing to have many health benefits–here is everything you want to know about microdosing psilocybin.

Psilocybin Nasal Spray: Relief for Anxiety, PTSD, and Depression Microdosing nasal spray with psilocybin, is that possible?! Oregan a start-up Silo Wellness believes so and has created this new option for PTSD treatment.

Mazatec Mushroom Usage: Notes on Approach, Setting and Species for Curious Psilonauts A look at traditional Mazatec psilocybin mushroom usage, and a comparison to the cliniical therapeutic approach, with an examination of the Mazatec setting and species used in veladas.

María Sabina: The Mazatec Magic Mushroom Woman Magic mushrooms are incredibly popular today. How they became introduced to into American culture isn’t usually a topic discussed while tripping on psilocybin fungi. We all may have María Sabina to thank for exposing the Western world to the healing properties of the psilocybin mushroom.

Guide to Magic Mushroom Strains Are there different types of psilocybin? Read our guide to learn about the different magic mushroom strains and their individual effects.

Kilindi Iyi: Mycologist, Traveler, Teacher Learn about traveler and mycologist Kilindi Iyi known in the psychedelic community for his research and exploration of psilocybin.

How to Store Shrooms: Best Practices How do you store shrooms for optimal shelf life? Learn how and why the proper storage method is so important.

Shroom Chocolate Recipes: How to Make Magic Mushroom Chocolates This recipe provides step by step directions on how you can make mushroom chocolates with the necessary ingredients. Read to learn more!

Why Do People Use Psilocybin? New Johns Hopkins Study Johns Hopkins University School of Medicines has just published a new study on psychoactive effects of psilocybin. Read here to learn more.

How-To Lemon Tek: Ultimate Guide and Recipe This master guide will teach you how to lemon tek, preventing the onset of negative effects after consuming psilocybin. Read to learn more!

How to Intensify a Mushroom Trip Learn about techniques like Lemon tekking, or discover the right time to consume cannabis if you are looking to intensify a mushroom trip.

How to Grow Magic Mushrooms: Step-by-Step This step-by-step guide will show you how to grow magic mushrooms at home. Read this guide before trying it on your own.

How to Dry Magic Mushrooms: Best Practices Read to learn more about specifics for the best practices on how to dry magic mushrooms after harvesting season.

How to Buy Psilocybin Spores Interested in psilocybin mushrooms? We’ll walk you through all you need to know to obtain mushroom spores. Nosh on this delish How To guide.

Hippie Flipping: When Shrooms and Molly Meet What is it, what does it feel like, and how long does it last? Explore the mechanics of hippie flipping and how to safely experiment.

Having Sex on Shrooms: Good or Bad Idea? Is having sex on shrooms a good idea or an accident waiting to happen? Find out in our guide to sex on magic mushrooms.

Gold Cap Shrooms Guide: Spores, Effects, Identification Read this guide to learn more about the different characteristics of gold cap mushrooms, and how they differ from other psilocybin species.

Guide to Cooking with Magic Mushrooms From cookies to smoothies and sandwiches, we cover various methods of cooking with magic mushrooms for the ultimate snack.

2020 Election: The Decriminalize Psilocybin Movement Are you curious if mushrooms will follow in marijuana’s footsteps? Read to learn about how the U.S. is moving to decriminalize psilocybin.

Oregon’s Initiative to Legalize Mushrooms | Initiative Petition 34 Oregon continues to push ahead with their initiative to legalize Psilocybin in 2020. The measure received its official title and now needs signatures.

Canada Approves Psilocybin Treatment for Terminally-Ill Cancer Patients Canada’s Minister of Health, Patty Hajdu approved the use of psilocybin to help ease anxiety and depression of four terminal cancer patients.

Mapping the DMT Experience With only firsthand experiences to share, how can we fully map the DMT experience? Let’s explore what we know about this powerful psychedelic.

Guide to Machine Elves and Other DMT Entities This guide discusses machine elves, clockwork elves, and other common DMT entities that people experience during a DMT trip.

Is the DMT Experience a Hallucination?  What if the DMT realm was the real world, and our everyday lives were merely a game we had chosen to play?

How to Store DMT Not sure how to store DMT? Read this piece to learn the best practices and elements of advice to keep your stuff fresh.

What Does 5-MeO-DMT Show Us About Consciousness? How does our brain differentiate between what’s real and what’s not? Read to learn what can 5-MeO-DMT show us about consciousness.

How to Smoke DMT: Processes Explained There are many ways to smoke DMT and we’ve outlined some of the best processes to consider before embarking on your journey.

How to Ground After DMT Knowing what to expect from a DMT comedown can help you integrate the experience to gain as much value as possible from your journey.

How To Get DMT What kind of plants contain DMT? Are there other ways to access this psychedelic? Read on to learn more about how to get DMT.

How DMT is Made: Everything You Need to Know Ever wonder how to make DMT? Read our guide to learn everything you need to know about the procedures of how DMT is made.

Having Sex on DMT: What You Need to Know Have you ever wondered about sex on DMT? Learn how the God Molecule can influence your intimate experiences.

Does the Human Brain Make DMT?  With scientific evidence showing us DMT in the brain, what can we conclude it is there for? Read on to learn more.

How to Use DMT Vape Pens Read to learn all about DMT vape pens including: what to know when vaping, what to expect when purchasing a DMT cartridge, and vaping safely.

DMT Resources This article is a comprehensive DMT resource providing extensive information from studies, books, documentaries, and more. Check it out!

Differentiating DMT and Near-Death Experiences Some say there are similarities between a DMT trip and death. Read our guide on differentiating DMT and near-death experiences to find out.

DMT Research from 1956 to the Edge of Time From a representative sample of a suitably psychedelic crowd, you’d be hard pressed to find someone who couldn’t tell you all about Albert Hofmann’s enchanted bicycle ride after swallowing what turned out to be a massive dose of LSD. Far fewer, however, could tell you much about the world’s first DMT trip.

The Ultimate Guide to DMT Pricing Check out our ultimate guide on DMT pricing to learn what to expect when purchasing DMT for your first time.

DMT Milking | Reality Sandwich Indigenous cultures have used 5-MeO-DMT for centuries. With the surge in demand for psychedelic toad milk, is DMT Milking harming the frogs?

Why Does DMT Pervade Nature? With the presence of DMT in nature everywhere – including human brains – why does it continue to baffle science?

DMT Substance Guide: Effects, Common Uses, Safety Our ultimate guide to DMT has everything you want to know about this powerful psychedelic referred to as “the spirit molecule”.

DMT for Depression: Paving the Way for New Medicine We’ve been waiting for an effective depression treatment. Studies show DMT for depression works even for treatment resistant patients.

Beating Addiction with DMT Psychedelics have been studied for their help overcoming addiction. Read how DMT is helping addicts beat their substance abuse issues.

DMT Extraction: Behind the Scientific Process Take a look at DMT extraction and the scientific process involved. Learn all you need to know including procedures and safety.

Microdosing DMT & Common Dosages Explained Microdosing, though imperceivable, is showing to have many health benefits–here is everything you want to know about microdosing DMT.

DMT Art: A Look Behind Visionary Creations An entire genre of artwork is inspired by psychedelic trips with DMT. Read to learn about the entities and visions behind DMT art.

Changa vs. DMT: What You Need to Know While similar (changa contains DMT), each drug has its own unique effect and feeling. Let’s compare and contrast changa vs DMT.

5-MeO-DMT Guide: Effects, Benefits, Safety, and Legality 5-Meo-DMT comes from the Sonora Desert toad. Here is everything you want to know about 5-Meo-DMT and how it compares to 4-AcO-DMT.

4-AcO-DMT Guide: Benefits, Effects, Safety, and Legality This guide tells you everything about 4 AcO DMT & 5 MeO DMT, that belong to the tryptamine class, and are similar but slightly different to DMT.

How Much Does LSD Cost?  When shopping around for that magical psychedelic substance, there can be many uncertainties when new to buying LSD. You may be wondering how much does LSD cost? In this article, we will discuss what to expect when purchasing LSD on the black market, what forms LSD is sold in, and the standard breakdown of buying LSD in quantity.    Navy Use of LSD on the Dark Web  The dark web is increasingly popular for purchasing illegal substances. The US Navy has now noticed this trend with their staff. Read to learn more.    Having Sex on LSD: What You Need to Know  Can you have sex on LSD? Read our guide to learn everything about sex on acid, from lowered inhibitions to LSD users quotes on sex while tripping.    A Drug That Switches off an LSD Trip  A pharmaceutical company is developing an “off-switch” drug for an LSD trip, in the case that a bad trip can happen. Some would say there is no such thing.    Queen of Hearts: An Interview with Liz Elliot on Tim Leary and LSD  The history of psychedelia, particularly the British experience, has been almost totally written by men. Of the women involved, especially those who were in the thick of it, little has been written either by or about them. A notable exception is Liz Elliot.    LSD Guide: Effects, Common Uses, Safety  LSD, Lysergic acid diethylamide, or just acid is one of the most important psychedelics ever discovered. What did history teach us?    Microdosing LSD & Common Dosage Explained  Microdosing, though imperceivable, is showing to have many health benefits–here is everything you want to know about microdosing LSD.    LSD Resources  Curious to learn more about LSD? This guide includes comprehensive LSD resources containing books, studies and more.    LSD as a Spiritual Aid  There is common consent that the evolution of mankind is paralleled by the increase and expansion of consciousness. From the described process of how consciousness originates and develops, it becomes evident that its growth depends on its faculty of perception. Therefore every means of improving this faculty should be used.    Legendary LSD Blotter Art: A Hidden Craftsmanship  Have you ever heard of LSD blotter art? Explore the trippy world of LSD art and some of the top artists of LSD blotter art.    LSD and Exercise: Does it Work?  LSD and exercise? Learn why high-performing athletes are taking hits of LSD to improve their overall potential.    Jan Bastiaans Treated Holocaust Survivors with LSD  Dutch psychiatrist, Jan Bastiaans administered LSD-assisted therapy to survivors of the Holocaust. A true war hero and pioneer of psychedelic-therapy.    LSD and Spiritual Awakening  I give thanks for LSD, which provided the opening that led me to India in 1971 and brought me to Neem Karoli Baba, known as Maharajji. Maharajji is described by the Indians as a “knower of hearts.”    How LSD is Made: Everything You Need to Know  Ever wonder how to make LSD? Read our guide to learn everything you need to know about the procedures of how LSD is made.    How to Store LSD: Best Practices  Learn the best way to store LSD, including the proper temperature and conditions to maximize how long LSD lasts when stored.    Bicycle Day: The Discovery of LSD  Every year on April 19th, psychonauts join forces to celebrate Bicycle Day. Learn about the famous day when Albert Hoffman first discovered the effects of LSD.    Cary Grant: A Hollywood Legend On LSD  Cary Grant was a famous actor during the 1930’s-60’s But did you know Grant experimented with LSD? Read our guide to learn more.    Albert Hofmann: LSD — My Problem Child  Learn about Albert Hofmann and his discovery of LSD, along with the story of Bicycle Day and why it marks a historic milestone.    Babies are High: What Does LSD Do To Your Brain  What do LSD and babies have in common? Researchers at the Imperial College in London discover that an adult’s brain on LSD looks like a baby’s brain.    1P LSD: Effects, Benefits, Safety Explained  1P LSD is an analogue of LSD and homologue of ALD-25. Here is everything you want to know about 1P LSD and how it compares to LSD.    Francis Crick, DNA & LSD  Type ‘Francis Crick LSD’ into Google, and the result will be 30,000 links. Many sites claim that Crick (one of the two men responsible for discovering the structure of DNA), was either under the influence of LSD at the time of his revelation or used the drug to help with his thought processes during his research. Is this true?    What Happens If You Overdose on LSD?  A recent article presented three individuals who overdosed on LSD. Though the experience was unpleasant, the outcomes were remarkably positive.

The Ayahuasca Experience Ayahuasca is both a medicine and a visionary aid. You can employ ayahuasca for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual repair, and you can engage with the power of ayahuasca for deeper insight and realization. If you consider attainment of knowledge in the broadest perspective, you can say that at all times, ayahuasca heals.

Trippy Talk: Meet Ayahuasca with Sitaramaya Sita and PlantTeachers Sitaramaya Sita is a spiritual herbalist, pusangera, and plant wisdom practitioner formally trained in the Shipibo ayahuasca tradition.

The Therapeutic Value of Ayahuasca My best description of the impact of ayahuasca is that it’s a rocket boost to psychospiritual growth and unfolding, my professional specialty during my thirty-five years of private practice.

Microdosing Ayahuasca: Common Dosage Explained What is ayahuasca made of and what is considered a microdose? Explore insights with an experienced Peruvian brewmaster and learn more about this practice.

Ayahuasca Makes Neuron Babies in Your Brain Researchers from Beckley/Sant Pau Research Program have shared the latest findings in their study on the effects of ayahuasca on neurogenesis.

The Fatimiya Sufi Order and Ayahuasca In this interview, the founder of the Fatimiya Sufi Order,  N. Wahid Azal, discusses the history and uses of plant medicines in Islamic and pre-Islamic mystery schools.

Consideration Ayahuasca for Treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Research indicates that ayahuasca mimics mechanisms of currently accepted treatments for PTSD. In order to understand the implications of ayahuasca treatment, we need to understand how PTSD develops.

Brainwaves on Ayahuasca: A Waking Dream State In a study researchers shared discoveries showing ingredients found in Ayahuasca impact the brainwaves causing a “waking dream” state.

Cannabis and Ayahuasca: Mixing Entheogenic Plants Cannabis and Ayahuasca: most people believe they shouldn’t be mixed. Read this personal experience peppered with thoughts from a pro cannabis Peruvian Shaman.

Ayahuasca Retreat 101: Everything You Need to Know to Brave the Brew Ayahuasca has been known to be a powerful medicinal substance for millennia. However, until recently, it was only found in the jungle. Word of its deeply healing and cleansing properties has begun to spread across the world as many modern, Western individuals are seeking spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical well-being. More ayahuasca retreat centers are emerging in the Amazon and worldwide to meet the demand.

Ayahuasca Helps with Grief A new study published in psychopharmacology found that ayahuasca helped those suffering from the loss of a loved one up to a year after treatment.

Ayahuasca Benefits: Clinical Improvements for Six Months Ayahuasca benefits can last six months according to studies. Read here to learn about the clinical improvements from drinking the brew.

Ayahuasca Culture: Indigenous, Western, And The Future Ayahuasca has been use for generations in the Amazon. With the rise of retreats and the brew leaving the rainforest how is ayahuasca culture changing?

Ayahuasca Guide: Effects, Common Uses, Safety The Amazonian brew, Ayahuasca has a long history and wide use. Read our guide to learn all about the tea from its beginnings up to modern-day interest.

Ayahuasca and the Godhead: An Interview with Wahid Azal of the Fatimiya Sufi Order Wahid Azal, a Sufi mystic of The Fatimiya Sufi Order and an Islamic scholar, talks about entheogens, Sufism, mythology, and metaphysics.

Ayahuasca and the Feminine: Women’s Roles, Healing, Retreats, and More Ayahuasca is lovingly called “grandmother” or “mother” by many. Just how feminine is the brew? Read to learn all about women and ayahuasca.

What Is the Standard of Care for Ketamine Treatments? Ketamine therapy is on the rise in light of its powerful results for treatment-resistant depression. But, what is the current standard of care for ketamine? Read to find out.

What Is Dissociation and How Does Ketamine Create It? Dissociation can take on multiple forms. So, what is dissociation like and how does ketamine create it? Read to find out.

Having Sex on Ketamine: Getting Physical on a Dissociative Curious about what it could feel like to have sex on a dissociate? Find out all the answers in our guide to sex on ketamine.

Special K: The Party Drug Special K refers to Ketamine when used recreationally. Learn the trends as well as safety information around this substance.

Kitty Flipping: When Ketamine and Molly Meet What is it, what does it feel like, and how long does it last? Read to explore the mechanics of kitty flipping.

Ketamine vs. Esketamine: 3 Important Differences Explained Ketamine and esketamine are used to treat depression. But what’s the difference between them? Read to learn which one is right for you: ketamine vs. esketamine.

Guide to Ketamine Treatments: Understanding the New Approach Ketamine is becoming more popular as more people are seeing its benefits. Is ketamine a fit? Read our guide for all you need to know about ketamine treatments.

Ketamine Treatment for Eating Disorders Ketamine is becoming a promising treatment for various mental health conditions. Read to learn how individuals can use ketamine treatment for eating disorders.

Ketamine Resources, Studies, and Trusted Information Curious to learn more about ketamine? This guide includes comprehensive ketamine resources containing books, studies and more.

Ketamine Guide: Effects, Common Uses, Safety Our ultimate guide to ketamine has everything you need to know about this “dissociative anesthetic” and how it is being studied for depression treatment.

Ketamine for Depression: A Mental Health Breakthrough While antidepressants work for some, many others find no relief. Read to learn about the therapeutic uses of ketamine for depression.

Ketamine for Addiction: Treatments Offering Hope New treatments are offering hope to individuals suffering from addiction diseases. Read to learn how ketamine for addiction is providing breakthrough results.

Microdosing Ketamine & Common Dosages Explained Microdosing, though imperceivable, is showing to have many health benefits–here is everything you want to know about microdosing ketamine.

How to Ease a Ketamine Comedown Knowing what to expect when you come down from ketamine can help integrate the experience to gain as much value as possible.

How to Store Ketamine: Best Practices Learn the best ways how to store ketamine, including the proper temperature and conditions to maximize how long ketamine lasts when stored.

How To Buy Ketamine: Is There Legal Ketamine Online? Learn exactly where it’s legal to buy ketamine, and if it’s possible to purchase legal ketamine on the internet.

How Long Does Ketamine Stay in Your System? How long does ketamine stay in your system? Are there lasting effects on your body? Read to discover the answers!

How Ketamine is Made: Everything You Need to Know Ever wonder how to make Ketamine? Read our guide to learn everything you need to know about the procedures of how Ketamine is made.

Colorado on Ketamine: First Responders Waiver Programs Fallout continues after Elijah McClain. Despite opposing recommendations from some city council, Colorado State Health panel recommends the continued use of ketamine by medics for those demonstrating “excited delirium” or “extreme agitation”.

Types of Ketamine: Learn the Differences & Uses for Each Learn about the different types of ketamine and what they are used for—and what type might be right for you. Read now to find out!

MDMA & Ecstasy Guide: Effects, Common Uses, Safety Our ultimate guide to MDMA has everything you want to know about Ecstasy from how it was developed in 1912 to why it’s being studied today.

How To Get the Most out of Taking MDMA as a Couple Taking MDMA as a couple can lead to exciting experiences. Read here to learn how to get the most of of this love drug in your relationship.

Common MDMA Dosage & Microdosing Explained Microdosing, though imperceivable, is showing to have many health benefits–here is everything you want to know about microdosing MDMA.

Having Sex on MDMA: What You Need to Know MDMA is known as the love drug… Read our guide to learn all about sex on MDMA and why it is beginning to makes its way into couple’s therapy.

How MDMA is Made: Common Procedures Explained Ever wonder how to make MDMA? Read our guide to learn everything you need to know about the procedures of how MDMA is made.

How Cocaine is Made: Common Procedures Explained Ever wonder how to make cocaine? Read our guide to learn everything you need to know about the procedures of how cocaine is made.

A Christmas Sweater with Santa and Cocaine This week, Walmart came under fire for a “Let it Snow” Christmas sweater depicting Santa with lines of cocaine. Columbia is not merry about it.

Ultimate Cocaine Guide: Effects, Common Uses, Safety This guide covers what you need to know about Cocaine, including common effects and uses, legality, safety precautions and top trends today.

NEWS: An FDA-Approved Cocaine Nasal Spray The FDA approved a cocaine nasal spray called Numbrino, which has raised suspicions that the pharmaceutical company, Lannett Company Inc., paid off the FDA..

The Ultimate Guide to Cannabis Bioavailability What is bioavailability and how can it affect the overall efficacy of a psychedelic substance? Read to learn more.

Cannabis Research Explains Sociability Behaviors New research by Dr. Giovanni Marsicano shows social behavioral changes occur as a result of less energy available to the neurons. Read here to learn more.

The Cannabis Shaman If recreational and medical use of marijuana is becoming accepted, can the spiritual use as well? Experiential journalist Rak Razam interviews Hamilton Souther, founder of the 420 Cannabis Shamanism movement…

Cannabis Guide: Effects, Common Uses, Safety Our ultimate guide to Cannabis has everything you want to know about this popular substances that has psychedelic properties.

Cannabis and Ayahuasca: Mixing Entheogenic Plants Cannabis and Ayahuasca: most people believe they shouldn’t be mixed. Read this personal experience peppered with thoughts from a procannabis Peruvian Shaman.

CBD-Rich Cannabis Versus Single-Molecule CBD A ground-breaking study has documented the superior therapeutic properties of whole plant Cannabis extract as compared to synthetic cannabidiol (CBD), challenging the medical-industrial complex’s notion that “crude” botanical preparations are less effective than single-molecule compounds.

Cannabis Has Always Been a Medicine Modern science has already confirmed the efficacy of cannabis for most uses described in the ancient medical texts, but prohibitionists still claim that medical cannabis is “just a ruse.”

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Flower Films

20 Best Trippy Movies of All Time

• by — Tobias Handke

Published on April 27, 2022

Updated on January 13, 2023

Trippy movies aren’t just films you watch when you are high on weed or shrooms . They are psychedelic movies that can be just as gripping and mind-bending when you are stone-cold sober. These films can be visually arresting or have detailed plots that deal with subjects outside the norm. They cover all genres, from science fiction to horror, and can be big-budget epics or independent thrillers.

Many trippy films will also have you asking questions about your own reality and trying to decipher what is real and what isn’t. Should you take the red pill or the blue pill?

Whether you want your mind blown by a film starring Jake Gyllenhal and a talking rabbit or a Terry Gillian masterpiece , these 20 trippy movies are sure to sizzle your brain.

Warner Bros. Pictures/YouTube

1. Enter the Void (2009)

This movie is a visual marvel. Set in the fluorescent-drenched streets of Tokyo, it follows the spirit of an American drug dealer who is killed. Instead of dying, Oscar’s spirit remains on earth and he is able to view events as they unfold. The psychedelic melodrama also features shots of Oscar floating in the sky and lots of vibrant visuals and lighting. Much of the imagery for Gaspar Noe’s film is inspired by psychedelic drug experiences. Although a box office failure, Enter the Void was well received critically and certainly worth your time.

2. Donnie Darko (2001)

20 years later and Donnie Darko still leaves me puzzled. Richard Kelly’s yet bettered debut is a wild ride about Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal), a troubled teen who dreams about a rabbit, Frank, who informs him the world is going to end. This one has a bit of everything – time travel, horror elements, a great soundtrack, and Patrick Swayze as a creepy motivational speaker.

Not only is the story warped (but also engaging), but Donnie Darko is shot exceptionally well for a guy directing his first film. The cast is also top-notch, with Gyllenhall and Swayze joined by Maggie Gyllenhaal, Noah Wyle, Drew Barrymore, Mary McDonnell, and Seth Rogan. Watch this one stoned and you’ll be in a daze for days. 

3. The Trip (1967)

This film is like experiencing an acid trip without actually taking any LSD. The great Peter Fonda is left heartbroken after getting divorced from his cheating wife. He decides to drop a tab of acid to cheer himself up and goes on an all-night adventure through seedy LA. During the trip, he encounters several people who try and help guide him, including Bruce Dern, Dennis Hopper, and Salli Sachse.

What really makes this film trippy is Roger Corman’s editing. The ‘Pope of Pop Cinema’ uses photographic effects and colorful lighting and includes several strange fantasy scenes, with one even featuring a little person riding a merry-go-round for no apparent reason. 

4. Brazil (1985)

Monty Python alumni Terry Gilliam is known for his weird and wonderful films, and Brazil is no exception. It’s a dystopian comedy about a bored bureaucrat who finds himself on the run from authorities while trying to find a woman from his dreams. Sounds strange right? Well, the visuals are just as head-scratching, with Gilliam shooting on a wide-angled lens and crafting some truly unique set designs. 

Brazil is another trippy epic that features a big-name cast, with Jonathan Price, Katherine Helmond, Robert De Niro, Bob Hoskins, and Ian Holm all starring. 

5. Inception (2010)

Inception seems to make just about every movie list written on this website. Arguably the crown in Christopher Nolan’s multi-layered filmography cap, it’s a real head-turner.

Leonardo DiCaprio is an extractor, hired to dive into people’s dreams and draw out their deepest thoughts. He is hired to perform a three-layered dream that leads to all sorts of problems for his team. 

At times confusing, Inception is still relatively easy to follow. While it might not be as trippy visually, plot-wise it is an interesting idea from Nolan that he executes tremendously. The open-ended finale is also a nice touch. 

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6. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Your brain might melt while watching this trippy movie by Stanley Kubrick. A group of astronauts onboard Discovery One, which is run by the AI Hal, head into space to discover more about a mysterious monolith that’s appeared on the lunar surface .

This science-fiction classic is visually arresting (the iconic Stargate scene is mesmerizing) and some of the cinematography is just remarkable. The plot is also challenging with themes of life, death, and the outcome of the human race all covered. 2001: A Space Odyssey is an absolutely iconic movie that’s well worth your time. 

7. Blue Velvet (1986)

You could put any number of David Lynch films on this list. I’ve gone with my personal favorite Blue Velvet . While it might not be as visually stunning as some of the other movies discussed, there are certain parts of this movie that stimulate the brain in other ways. Just remembering the scenes with Dennis Hopper’s Frank Booth sucking gas from a canister is enough to give me the chills.  It’s these types of scenes that add to the trippy nature of this cult classic and add to the mystique of Lynch. The fact that it doesn’t make a lot of sense also helps. 

8. Fight Club (1999)

Coming in thick and fast with a spoiler alert straight off the bat with this one. Although if you haven’t seen Fight Club yet, you probably deserve to have the ending spoiled. The reveal that Edward Norton and Brad Pitt are the same person is as shocking and trippy as it gets.

Before that happens, the two meet and form a fight club where men beat the crap out of each other. While Norton is trying to discover who he is, Pitt is leading a terrorist group called Project Mayhem, which is about disrupting the commercialized society. 

There is a lot to take in with this film, with the dark themes and fantastic acting from the two leads (along with Helena Botham Carter, Jared Leto, and Meatloaf) helping create a trippy thriller unlike anything you have seen before.

9. Mind Games (2004)

The first animated film to appear on this list is also one of the trippiest. This anime details the story of Nishi, a 20-year-old loser who gets shot defending the girl of his dreams. He somehow manages to find himself back on earth and teams with his crush and sister to get revenge on the Yakuza who killed him.

Unlike most anime, Mind Games features many different styles throughout, creating an ever-changing visual experience. It is the sort of film that you want to watch while smoking a spliff. 

10. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

Before Captain Jack Sparrow and lawsuits against ex-wife Amber Heard, Johnny Depp was considered a fine actor. He puts all his weirdness on display in this adaptation of Hunter S Thompon’s novel of the same name.

He and Benicio del Toro set out on a drug-fuelled road trip to Las Vegas where they encounter a series of interesting characters and are involved in a series of hilarious events. As well as the story being off the wall, visually Fear and Loathing in Las Vega s really captures what it’s like to be high on LSD in the middle of the desert. 

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11. Being John Malkovich (1999)

How’s this for the premise of a film: a man (John Cusack) discovers a doorway that leads him into the mind of acting great John Malkovich. What follows is a strange romance between Cusack, his wife Cameron Diaz, and his co-worker Catherine Keener, much of it playing out when one of the characters is inside Malkovich’s mind. Genius!

It’s weird, creepy, and downright strange, but Being John Malkovich is also incredibly funny and poignant. Spike Jonze’s cinematic directing debut is a mind bender, with Jonze yet to release a clunker, while Charlie Kaufman must also be acknowledged for his crazy script.

12. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Another Charlie Kaufman movie, this time directed by Michael Gondry, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind will have you re-evaluating your relationships when the credits roll. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet are two former lovers who have their memories erased. The film uses lots of flashbacks and vivid imagery that explores the nature of love and relationships. Both Carrey and Winslet are sensational and bring vulnerability to both their characters, while the ensemble cast featuring Paul Rudd, Kirstin Dunst, Elijah Wood, and Mark Ruffalo is fantastic.

13. Waking Life (2001)

Richard Linklater’s Waking Life is one trippy movie. It’s an animated feature addressing all the big questions, such as what is free will and what is the meaning of life? The movie follows a man wandering through a dream where he meets various characters and tries to understand the world around him.

This is another film that will have you thinking about what you saw long after it’s ended. It raises lots of psychological questions and issues about life and death. The animation also adds to the concepts in the film and helps bring them to life in a dazzling way. 

14. El Topo (1970)

Written, scored, directed, and starring Alejandro Jodorowsky, El Topo is one bizarre film. Described as an avant-garde Western, the plot doesn’t make a heap of sense and involves everything from shootouts and little people to religious iconography and nudity. 

It caused quite a split amongst critics, with some loving it visually, thanks to its trippy, drug-fuelled cinematography, while others had no time for the confusing plot or the controversial rape scene. Whatever the critic’s thoughts, it is a must watch for movie fans after a truly trippy experience.

15. Naked Lunch (1991)

Based on William S. Burrough’s novel of the same name, this cult flick is one hell of a visual trip. This adaptation of Naked Lunch comes from the mind of David Cronenberg, so you know it is going to be ultra strange. While the plot revolves around an exterminator who gets high on the insecticide he uses and begins to believe he is a secret agent who must kill his wife, it’s the visual aspect that really makes you shake your head in awe.

This one has lots of surreal imagery and is littered with giant beetles and strange creatures that the exterminator thinks he sees. While it might not be one of his most well known movies, this is certainly up there with Cronenberg’s strangest. 

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16. A Scanner Darkly (2006)

If you know anything about Philip K. Dick, you will understand why this film makes the list. The seminal science fiction writer was a prolific author whose work often looked at the unknown, alternate realities, authoritarian governments, human nature, and many other similar themes. 

A Scanner Darkly is based on the book of the same name and is about a drug epidemic in a police-run dystopian future. While the plot is out there, it’s visually where this film shines. It was shot digitally with real actors and then these images were drawn over by animators, giving it a very unique look. This is another trippy film with a sensational cast, with the likes of Keanu Reeves, Woody Harrelson, Winona Ryder, and Robert Downey Jr. all featuring. 

17. Black Swan (2010)

Darren Aronofsky is another director who could have a couple of films on this list, but Black Swan is the one that immediately jumps out. Natalie Portman plays a ballerina who is cast as the lead in a performance of Swan Lake . When she discovers she has a rival for the role, played by Mia Kunis, she beings a descent into madness as the pressure builds and she starts hallucinating and seeing her doppelganger.

The ballet sequences in this film are mesmerizing and the two leads really pull you into the story. Aronofsky plays with your mental state as you being to wonder what’s real and what’s not, just like Portman’s character. 

18. Holy Mountain (1973)

This Alejandro Jodorowsky movie that makes even less sense than El Topo . Once again, Jodorowsky does it all, writing, producing, scoring, directing, and starring in The Holy Mountain . At its core, the film can be said to address man’s pursuit of greatness and ease at being corrupted. It’s about understanding the joy you can find in the small pleasures in life. But all this is warped up in a psychedelic adventure featuring nuns, an alchemist, the solar system, and the breaking of the fourth wall.

It’s a lot to take in and at times doesn’t make heaps of sense, but Jodorowsky’s knack for eye-popping visuals and his distinct style make it an entertaining, yet bizarre watch. 

19. Beyond the Black Rainbow (2010)

Beyond the Black Rainbow feels like it was made in the 60s. Heavily influenced by films of that period (particularly 2001: A Space Odyssey ), this horror thriller is full of striking imagery and vibrant hues. 

Writer/director Panos Cosmatos’ first feature is about a young woman patient with telepathic powers who is being kept at the New Age research facility of the Arboria Institute. Here she is subjected to a variety of tests to find the extent of her abilities by an evil doctor who doesn’t want her released.  

It’s gripping both from a narrative and cinematic standpoint and will have you hanging onto the edge of your seat until the climax. 

20. Memento (2000)

Here is another brain burner from Christopher Nolan. Memento is his debut film about a man who can’t retain his short-term memory after a traumatic experience. He uses polaroid photos and tattoos on his body to remind himself who he is every morning while going about his days trying to find the man who killed his wife.

The non-linear narrative makes this one even harder to follow, although the use of black and white footage is meant to help you understand when events are taking place. Either way, this is a wonderfully trippy film that turned Guy Pearce into a star and showed the early genius of Nolan. 

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Ultimate Trippy Movies List

a refined yet extensive list of trippy movies, usually involving mind-bending concepts, psychedelic visuals, and extensive drug use depicted from a first person perspective. if you don't watch these on drugs, you'll wonder if someone slipped something in your dr pepper. I haven't seen all of these, and the ones I've seen are more likely to be at the top. feel free to comment with suggestions.

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1. Being John Malkovich (1999)

R | 113 min | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy

A puppeteer discovers a portal that leads literally into the head of movie star John Malkovich .

Director: Spike Jonze | Stars: John Cusack , Cameron Diaz , Catherine Keener , John Malkovich

Votes: 353,291 | Gross: $22.86M

2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

R | 108 min | Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi

When their relationship turns sour, a couple undergoes a medical procedure to have each other erased from their memories forever.

Director: Michel Gondry | Stars: Jim Carrey , Kate Winslet , Tom Wilkinson , Gerry Robert Byrne

Votes: 1,077,653 | Gross: $34.40M

3. Synecdoche, New York (2008)

R | 124 min | Drama

A theatre director struggles with his work, and the women in his life, as he creates a life-size replica of New York City inside a warehouse as part of his new play.

Director: Charlie Kaufman | Stars: Philip Seymour Hoffman , Samantha Morton , Michelle Williams , Catherine Keener

Votes: 98,204 | Gross: $3.08M

4. Human Nature (2001)

R | 96 min | Comedy, Drama

A woman is in love with a man in love with another woman, and all three have designs on a young man raised as an ape.

Director: Michel Gondry | Stars: Tim Robbins , Patricia Arquette , Rhys Ifans , Ken Magee

Votes: 18,968 | Gross: $0.70M

5. Adaptation. (2002)

R | 115 min | Comedy, Drama

A lovelorn screenwriter becomes desperate as he tries and fails to adapt 'The Orchid Thief' by Susan Orlean for the screen.

Director: Spike Jonze | Stars: Nicolas Cage , Meryl Streep , Chris Cooper , Tilda Swinton

Votes: 203,000 | Gross: $22.25M

6. Mirrormask (2005)

PG | 101 min | Drama, Fantasy

In a fantasy world of opposing kingdoms, a fifteen-year-old girl must find the fabled MirrorMask in order to save the kingdom and get home.

Director: Dave McKean | Stars: Stephanie Leonidas , Jason Barry , Rob Brydon , Gina McKee

Votes: 23,669 | Gross: $0.86M

7. Stardust (2007)

PG-13 | 127 min | Adventure, Family, Fantasy

In a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he'll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm.

Director: Matthew Vaughn | Stars: Charlie Cox , Claire Danes , Sienna Miller , Ian McKellen

Votes: 285,182 | Gross: $38.63M

8. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

R | 118 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama

An oddball journalist and his psychopathic lawyer travel to Las Vegas for a series of psychedelic escapades.

Director: Terry Gilliam | Stars: Johnny Depp , Benicio Del Toro , Tobey Maguire , Michael Lee Gogin

Votes: 301,443 | Gross: $10.68M

9. Ink (I) (2009)

Not Rated | 107 min | Action, Drama, Fantasy

A mysterious creature, known as Ink, steals a child's soul in hopes of using it as a bargaining chip to join the Incubi - the group of supernatural beings responsible for creating nightmares.

Director: Jamin Winans | Stars: Christopher Soren Kelly , Quinn Hunchar , Jessica Duffy , Jennifer Batter

Votes: 22,379

10. A Scanner Darkly (2006)

R | 100 min | Animation, Comedy, Crime

An undercover cop in a not-too-distant future becomes involved with a dangerous new drug and begins to lose his own identity as a result.

Director: Richard Linklater | Stars: Keanu Reeves , Winona Ryder , Robert Downey Jr. , Rory Cochrane

Votes: 117,106 | Gross: $5.50M

11. Waking Life (2001)

R | 99 min | Animation, Drama, Fantasy

A man shuffles through a dream meeting various people and discussing the meanings and purposes of the universe.

Director: Richard Linklater | Stars: Ethan Hawke , Trevor Jack Brooks , Lorelei Linklater , Wiley Wiggins

Votes: 66,910 | Gross: $2.89M

12. Altered States (1980)

R | 102 min | Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller

A psycho-physiologist experiments with drugs and a sensory-deprivation tank and has visions he believes are genetic memories.

Director: Ken Russell | Stars: William Hurt , Blair Brown , Bob Balaban , Charles Haid

Votes: 38,624 | Gross: $19.85M

13. Groove (2000)

R | 86 min | Drama, Music

An inside look into one night in the San Francisco underground rave scene.

Director: Greg Harrison | Stars: Chris Ferreira , Mackenzie Firgens , Elizabeth Sun , Steve Van Wormer

Votes: 4,527 | Gross: $1.11M

14. Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

R | 118 min | Drama, Fantasy, War

In the Falangist Spain of 1944, the bookish young stepdaughter of a sadistic army officer escapes into an eerie but captivating fantasy world.

Director: Guillermo del Toro | Stars: Ivana Baquero , Ariadna Gil , Sergi López , Maribel Verdú

Votes: 702,824 | Gross: $37.63M

15. Legend (1985)

PG | 94 min | Adventure, Fantasy, Romance

A young man must stop the Lord of Darkness from destroying daylight and marrying the woman he loves.

Director: Ridley Scott | Stars: Tom Cruise , Mia Sara , Tim Curry , David Bennent

Votes: 72,446 | Gross: $15.50M

16. Dark City (1998)

R | 100 min | Fantasy, Mystery, Sci-Fi

A man struggles with memories of his past, which include a wife he cannot remember and a nightmarish world no one else ever seems to wake up from.

Director: Alex Proyas | Stars: Rufus Sewell , Kiefer Sutherland , Jennifer Connelly , William Hurt

Votes: 212,226 | Gross: $14.38M

17. Donnie Darko (2001)

R | 113 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi

After narrowly escaping a bizarre accident, a troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a man in a large rabbit suit who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes.

Director: Richard Kelly | Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal , Jena Malone , Mary McDonnell , Holmes Osborne

Votes: 849,826 | Gross: $1.48M

18. The Fountain (2006)

PG-13 | 97 min | Drama, Mystery, Romance

As a modern-day scientist, Tommy is struggling with mortality, desperately searching for the medical breakthrough that will save the life of his cancer-stricken wife, Izzi.

Director: Darren Aronofsky | Stars: Hugh Jackman , Rachel Weisz , Sean Patrick Thomas , Ellen Burstyn

Votes: 248,716 | Gross: $10.14M

19. The Rise and Fall of the Legendary Anglobilly Feverson (2002)

10 min | Animation, Short

Méliès meets Kerouac in a surrealistic road movie though the clouds.

Director: Rosto | Star: Rosto

20. Jona/Tomberry (2005)

12 min | Animation, Short

Borges meets Murnau in a spinning nightmare. And the baby sings: "No, not be scared old bird, to awake and see I am dreaming you".

Director: Rosto | Stars: W. Folley , Rosto , W. Walley , Daan Warmenhoven

21. The Cell (2000)

R | 107 min | Crime, Horror, Sci-Fi

An F.B.I. Agent persuades a social worker, who is adept with a new experimental technology, to enter the mind of a comatose serial killer in order to learn where he has hidden his latest kidnap victim.

Director: Tarsem Singh | Stars: Jennifer Lopez , Vince Vaughn , Vincent D'Onofrio , Colton James

Votes: 109,082 | Gross: $61.33M

22. Requiem for a Dream (2000)

R | 102 min | Drama

The drug-induced utopias of four Coney Island people are shattered when their addictions run deep..

Director: Darren Aronofsky | Stars: Ellen Burstyn , Jared Leto , Jennifer Connelly , Marlon Wayans

Votes: 898,389 | Gross: $3.64M

23. I Heart Huckabees (2004)

R | 107 min | Comedy

A husband-and-wife team play detective, but not in the traditional sense. Instead, the happy duo helps others solve their existential issues, the kind that keep you up at night, wondering what it all means.

Director: David O. Russell | Stars: Jason Schwartzman , Jude Law , Naomi Watts , Mark Wahlberg

Votes: 66,276 | Gross: $12.78M

24. The Matrix (1999)

R | 136 min | Action, Sci-Fi

When a beautiful stranger leads computer hacker Neo to a forbidding underworld, he discovers the shocking truth--the life he knows is the elaborate deception of an evil cyber-intelligence.

Directors: Lana Wachowski , Lilly Wachowski | Stars: Keanu Reeves , Laurence Fishburne , Carrie-Anne Moss , Hugo Weaving

Votes: 2,052,312 | Gross: $171.48M

25. The Animatrix (2003)

Unrated | 100 min | Animation, Action, Sci-Fi

A collection of nine short films featuring stories related to The Matrix (1999).

Stars: James Arnold Taylor , Julia Fletcher , Dwight Schultz , Kevin Michael Richardson

Votes: 82,036

26. Spirited Away (2001)

PG | 125 min | Animation, Adventure, Family

During her family's move to the suburbs, a sullen 10-year-old girl wanders into a world ruled by gods, witches and spirits, and where humans are changed into beasts.

Director: Hayao Miyazaki | Stars: Daveigh Chase , Suzanne Pleshette , Miyu Irino , Rumi Hiiragi

Votes: 848,924 | Gross: $10.06M

27. Fight Club (1999)

R | 139 min | Drama

An insomniac office worker and a devil-may-care soap maker form an underground fight club that evolves into much more.

Director: David Fincher | Stars: Brad Pitt , Edward Norton , Meat Loaf , Zach Grenier

Votes: 2,322,754 | Gross: $37.03M

28. Ghost in the Shell (1995)

TV-MA | 83 min | Animation, Action, Crime

A cyborg policewoman and her partner hunt a mysterious and powerful hacker called the Puppet Master.

Directors: Mizuho Nishikubo , Mamoru Oshii | Stars: Atsuko Tanaka , Iemasa Kayumi , Akio Ôtsuka , Kôichi Yamadera

Votes: 156,822 | Gross: $0.52M

29. Nothing (2003)

R | 90 min | Comedy, Fantasy

After a terrible day, two good friends and housemates find the outside world converted into a featureless and empty white void.

Director: Vincenzo Natali | Stars: David Hewlett , Andrew Miller , Gordon Pinsent , Marie-Josée Croze

Votes: 6,131

30. Microcosmos (1996)

Not Rated | 80 min | Documentary

A documentary on insect life in meadows and ponds.

Directors: Claude Nuridsany , Marie Pérennou | Stars: Kristin Scott Thomas , Jacques Perrin

Votes: 11,647 | Gross: $1.57M

31. Cube (1997)

R | 90 min | Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi

A group of strangers awaken to find themselves placed in a giant cube. Each one of them is gifted with a special skill and they must work together to escape an endless maze of deadly traps.

Director: Vincenzo Natali | Stars: Nicole de Boer , Maurice Dean Wint , David Hewlett , Andrew Miller

Votes: 247,579 | Gross: $0.50M

32. Cube²: Hypercube (2002)

R | 94 min | Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi

Eight strangers awaken with no memory, in a puzzling cube-shaped room where the laws of physics do not always apply.

Director: Andrzej Sekula | Stars: Kari Matchett , Geraint Wyn Davies , Grace Lynn Kung , Matthew Ferguson

Votes: 70,386

33. Cube Zero (2004)

R | 97 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi

A young programmer whose job is to watch over the reality-warping Cube defies orders to rescue an innocent mother trapped in one of its rooms.

Director: Ernie Barbarash | Stars: Zachary Bennett , Stephanie Moore , Martin Roach , Michael Riley

Votes: 42,703

34. Trainspotting (1996)

R | 93 min | Drama

Renton, deeply immersed in the Edinburgh drug scene, tries to clean up and get out despite the allure of drugs and the influence of friends.

Director: Danny Boyle | Stars: Ewan McGregor , Ewen Bremner , Jonny Lee Miller , Kevin McKidd

Votes: 725,469 | Gross: $16.50M

35. Paprika (2006)

R | 90 min | Animation, Drama, Fantasy

When a machine that allows therapists to enter their patients' dreams is stolen, all hell breaks loose. Only a young female therapist, Paprika, can stop it.

Director: Satoshi Kon | Stars: Megumi Hayashibara , Tôru Emori , Katsunosuke Hori , Tôru Furuya

Votes: 96,814 | Gross: $0.88M

36. Pi (1998)

R | 84 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery

A paranoid mathematician searches for a key number that will unlock the universal patterns found in nature.

Director: Darren Aronofsky | Stars: Sean Gullette , Mark Margolis , Ben Shenkman , Pamela Hart

Votes: 186,397 | Gross: $3.22M

37. The City of Lost Children (1995)

R | 112 min | Adventure, Drama, Fantasy

A scientist in a surrealist society kidnaps children to steal their dreams, hoping that they slow his aging process.

Directors: Marc Caro , Jean-Pierre Jeunet | Stars: Ron Perlman , Daniel Emilfork , Judith Vittet , Dominique Pinon

Votes: 71,652 | Gross: $1.51M

38. Renegade (2004)

R | 124 min | Adventure, Fantasy, Western

In 1870, after a brutal run-in with an outlaw in a brothel, Mike Blueberry becomes marshal in Arizona where he keeps the peace between whites and Apaches, but an influx of gold-hunters threatens to lead to violence.

Director: Jan Kounen | Stars: Vincent Cassel , Michael Madsen , Juliette Lewis , Temuera Morrison

Votes: 12,331

39. Liquid Sky (1982)

R | 112 min | Sci-Fi, Thriller

A small, heroin seeking UFO lands on a Manhattan roof, observes a bizarre, drug addicted fashion model and sucks endorphin from her sexual encounters' brains.

Director: Slava Tsukerman | Stars: Anne Carlisle , Paula E. Sheppard , Susan Doukas , Otto von Wernherr

Votes: 6,857

40. Naked Lunch (1991)

R | 115 min | Drama, Mystery

After developing an addiction to the substance he uses to kill bugs, an exterminator accidentally kills his wife and becomes involved in a secret government plot being orchestrated by giant bugs in a port town in North Africa.

Director: David Cronenberg | Stars: Peter Weller , Judy Davis , Ian Holm , Julian Sands

Votes: 56,644 | Gross: $2.54M

41. Vanilla Sky (2001)

R | 136 min | Fantasy, Mystery, Romance

A self-indulgent and vain publishing magnate finds his privileged life upended after a vehicular accident with a resentful lover.

Director: Cameron Crowe | Stars: Tom Cruise , Penélope Cruz , Cameron Diaz , Kurt Russell

Votes: 285,624 | Gross: $100.61M

42. Alice in Wonderland (I) (2010)

PG | 108 min | Adventure, Family, Fantasy

Nineteen-year-old Alice returns to the magical world from her childhood adventure, where she reunites with her old friends and learns of her true destiny: to end the Red Queen's reign of terror.

Director: Tim Burton | Stars: Mia Wasikowska , Johnny Depp , Helena Bonham Carter , Anne Hathaway

Votes: 440,923 | Gross: $334.19M

43. The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)

PG-13 | 123 min | Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy

Having made a deal with the Devil himself for immortality many millennia ago, the now decrepit mystic Doctor Parnassus fights for the freedom of his only daughter's soul.

Director: Terry Gilliam | Stars: Christopher Plummer , Lily Cole , Heath Ledger , Andrew Garfield

Votes: 153,928 | Gross: $7.69M

44. Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

PG | 119 min | Animation, Adventure, Family

When an unconfident young woman is cursed with an old body by a spiteful witch, her only chance of breaking the spell lies with a self-indulgent yet insecure young wizard and his companions in his legged, walking castle.

Director: Hayao Miyazaki | Stars: Chieko Baishô , Takuya Kimura , Tatsuya Gashûin , Akihiro Miwa

Votes: 449,053 | Gross: $4.71M

45. The Holy Mountain (1973)

16+ | 114 min | Adventure, Drama, Fantasy

In a corrupt, greed-fueled world, a powerful alchemist leads a messianic character and seven materialistic figures to the Holy Mountain, where they hope to achieve enlightenment.

Director: Alejandro Jodorowsky | Stars: Alejandro Jodorowsky , Horacio Salinas , Zamira Saunders , Juan Ferrara

Votes: 48,015 | Gross: $0.06M

46. DMT: The Spirit Molecule (2010)

Not Rated | 75 min | Documentary

An investigation into the long-obscured mystery of dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a molecule found in nearly every living organism and considered the most potent psychedelic on Earth.

Director: Mitch Schultz | Stars: Joe Rogan , Ralph Abraham , Joel Bakst , Steven Barker

Votes: 4,852

47. Other Worlds (2004)

90 min | Documentary

The secrets about unlocking the mysteries of consciousness by plant-drugs. The related chances and risks involved in this shamanism.

Director: Jan Kounen | Stars: Pablo Amaringo , Guillermo Arévalo , Michel Boccara , J.C. Callaway

48. Alice (1988)

Not Rated | 86 min | Animation, Adventure, Fantasy

A surrealistic revision of Alice in Wonderland.

Director: Jan Svankmajer | Stars: Kristýna Kohoutová , Camilla Power

Votes: 13,986

49. Moon (2009)

Astronaut Sam Bell has a quintessentially personal encounter toward the end of his three-year stint on the Moon, where he, working alongside his computer, GERTY, sends back to Earth parcels of a resource that has helped diminish our planet's power problems.

Director: Duncan Jones | Stars: Sam Rockwell , Kevin Spacey , Dominique McElligott , Rosie Shaw

Votes: 376,641 | Gross: $5.01M

50. The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)

PG | 96 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

Upon moving into the run-down Spiderwick Estate with their mother, twin brothers Jared and Simon Grace, along with their sister Mallory, find themselves pulled into an alternate world full of faeries and other creatures.

Director: Mark Waters | Stars: Freddie Highmore , Sarah Bolger , David Strathairn , Mary-Louise Parker

Votes: 102,724 | Gross: $71.20M

51. Gandahar (1987)

PG | 78 min | Animation, Adventure, Fantasy

An evil force begins to destroy the idyllic paradise of Gandahar, where the citizens are in perfect harmony with nature.

Director: René Laloux | Stars: Glenn Close , Christopher Plummer , Pierre-Marie Escourrou , Catherine Chevallier

Votes: 5,305 | Gross: $0.37M

52. Fantastic Planet (1973)

PG | 72 min | Animation, Sci-Fi

On a faraway planet where blue giants rule, oppressed humanoids rebel against their machine-like leaders.

Director: René Laloux | Stars: Barry Bostwick , Jennifer Drake , Eric Baugin , Jean Topart

Votes: 36,802 | Gross: $0.19M

53. The Monster of Nix (2011)

30 min | Animation, Short, Fantasy

Life is good in the idyllic fairytale village of Nix... until an all-devouring monster appears. Young Willy has to fight it. Alone.

Director: Rosto | Stars: Joe Eshuis , Terry Gilliam , Tom Waits , Charles Hubbell

54. Eraserhead (1977)

Not Rated | 89 min | Fantasy, Horror

Henry Spencer tries to survive his industrial environment, his angry girlfriend, and the unbearable screams of his newly born mutant child.

Director: David Lynch | Stars: Jack Nance , Charlotte Stewart , Allen Joseph , Jeanne Bates

Votes: 127,414 | Gross: $7.00M

55. Mulholland Drive (2001)

R | 147 min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller

After a car wreck on Mulholland Drive renders a woman amnesiac, she and a Hollywood-hopeful search for clues and answers across Los Angeles in a twisting venture beyond dreams and reality.

Director: David Lynch | Stars: Naomi Watts , Laura Harring , Justin Theroux , Jeanne Bates

Votes: 383,700 | Gross: $7.22M

56. Inland Empire (2006)

R | 180 min | Drama, Fantasy, Mystery

As an actress begins to adopt the persona of her character in a film, her world becomes nightmarish and surreal.

Director: David Lynch | Stars: Karolina Gruszka , Krzysztof Majchrzak , Grace Zabriskie , Laura Dern

Votes: 61,914 | Gross: $0.75M

57. Phantasm (1979)

R | 89 min | Horror, Sci-Fi

A teenage boy and his friends face off against a mysterious grave robber, known only as the Tall Man, who employs a lethal arsenal of unearthly weapons.

Director: Don Coscarelli | Stars: A. Michael Baldwin , Bill Thornbury , Reggie Bannister , Kathy Lester

Votes: 41,264 | Gross: $11.99M

58. Apocalypse Now (1979)

R | 147 min | Drama, Mystery, War

A U.S. Army officer serving in Vietnam is tasked with assassinating a renegade Special Forces Colonel who sees himself as a god.

Director: Francis Ford Coppola | Stars: Martin Sheen , Marlon Brando , Robert Duvall , Frederic Forrest

Votes: 709,927 | Gross: $83.47M

59. Surrogates (2009)

PG-13 | 89 min | Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Set in a futuristic world where humans live in isolation and interact through surrogate robots, a cop is forced to leave his home for the first time in years in order to investigate the murders of others' surrogates.

Director: Jonathan Mostow | Stars: Bruce Willis , Radha Mitchell , Ving Rhames , Rosamund Pike

Votes: 180,267 | Gross: $38.58M

60. Koyaanisqatsi (1982)

Not Rated | 86 min | Documentary, Music

A collection of expertly photographed phenomena with no conventional plot. The footage focuses on the relationship between nature, humanity, and technology.

Director: Godfrey Reggio | Stars: Edward Asner , Pat Benatar , Jerry Brown , Johnny Carson

Votes: 41,464 | Gross: $1.72M

61. The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. (1953)

G | 89 min | Family, Fantasy, Music

A young boy dreams that he is in an imaginary world where, assisted by his family's plumber, he must save other piano-playing kids like himself from the dungeons of his dictatorial piano teacher who also mind-controls his mother.

Director: Roy Rowland | Stars: Peter Lind Hayes , Mary Healy , Hans Conried , Tommy Rettig

Votes: 4,458

62. Institute Benjamenta, or This Dream That One Calls Human Life (1995)

105 min | Drama

A young man goes to a school for servants run by a brother and sister. In the dreamlike and surreal world that he enters, how will his presence impact the people there and possibly even the school itself?

Directors: Stephen Quay , Timothy Quay , Weiser Quay | Stars: Mark Rylance , Alice Krige , Gottfried John , Daniel Smith

Votes: 2,045

63. The Atomic Cafe (1982)

Not Rated | 86 min | Documentary, History

Disturbing collection of 1940s and 1950s United States government-issued propaganda films designed to reassure Americans that the atomic bomb was not a threat to their safety.

Directors: Jayne Loader , Kevin Rafferty , Pierce Rafferty | Stars: Paul Tibbets , Harry S. Truman , W.H.P. Blandy , Brien McMahon

Votes: 4,534 | Gross: $0.02M

64. The Trip (II) (1967)

Approved | 82 min | Drama

A disillusioned TV-commercial director is guided by his friend through an LSD trip, during which he evaluates his identity and his relationships with women.

Director: Roger Corman | Stars: Peter Fonda , Susan Strasberg , Bruce Dern , Dennis Hopper

Votes: 5,391

65. Head (1968)

G | 86 min | Comedy, Fantasy, Musical

The Monkees frolic their way through a series of musical set pieces and vignettes containing surreal humor and anti-establishment social commentary.

Director: Bob Rafelson | Stars: Peter Tork , Davy Jones , Micky Dolenz , Michael Nesmith

Votes: 6,940

66. The Visitors (1993)

R | 107 min | Comedy, Fantasy

A medieval knight and his servant ask a familiar wizard to move them back in time to prevent father-in-law's accidentally killing. Instead, they fly away to the 20th century.

Director: Jean-Marie Poiré | Stars: Christian Clavier , Jean Reno , Valérie Lemercier , Marie-Anne Chazel

Votes: 37,966 | Gross: $0.70M

67. Akira (1988)

R | 124 min | Animation, Action, Drama

A secret military project endangers Neo-Tokyo when it turns a biker gang member into a rampaging psychic psychopath who can only be stopped by a teenager, his gang of biker friends and a group of psychics.

Director: Katsuhiro Ôtomo | Stars: Mitsuo Iwata , Nozomu Sasaki , Mami Koyama , Tesshô Genda

Votes: 205,135 | Gross: $0.55M

68. Lost Highway (1997)

R | 134 min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Anonymous videotapes presage a musician's murder conviction, and a gangster's girlfriend leads a mechanic astray.

Director: David Lynch | Stars: Bill Pullman , Patricia Arquette , John Roselius , Louis Eppolito

Votes: 153,146 | Gross: $3.80M

69. The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus (1996)

Not Rated | 65 min | Documentary, Music

The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus was filmed before a live audience at a North London TV studio.

Director: Michael Lindsay-Hogg | Stars: Ian Anderson , Glenn Cornick , Clive Bunker , Tony Iommi

Votes: 2,285

70. Brazil (1985)

R | 132 min | Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller

A bureaucrat in a dystopic society becomes an enemy of the state as he pursues the woman of his dreams.

Director: Terry Gilliam | Stars: Jonathan Pryce , Kim Greist , Robert De Niro , Katherine Helmond

Votes: 211,186 | Gross: $9.93M

71. Red Cockroaches (2003)

Unrated | 82 min | Drama, Sci-Fi

First of a Trilogy: In a New York ravaged with acid rains, a man in his twenties meets a mysterious, yet familiar young woman who disrupts the banality of his day-to-day existence. Together, they will embark on a surreal journey with a devastating climax.

Director: Miguel Coyula | Stars: Adam Plotch , Talia Rubel , Diane Spodarek , Jeff Pucillo

72. Æon Flux (2005)

PG-13 | 93 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Æon Flux is a mysterious assassin working for the Monicans, a group of rebels trying to overthrow the government. When she is sent on a mission to kill the Chairman, a whole new mystery is found.

Director: Karyn Kusama | Stars: Charlize Theron , Frances McDormand , Sophie Okonedo , Marton Csokas

Votes: 132,756 | Gross: $25.87M

73. Schizopolis (1996)

Not Rated | 96 min | Comedy, Fantasy, Mystery

Fletcher Munson, the lethargic employee of a pseudo-religious self help company, and his doppelganger, the friendly but dull dentist Dr. Jeffrey Korchek.

Director: Steven Soderbergh | Stars: Steven Soderbergh , Scott Allen , Betsy Brantley , Marcus Lyle Brown

Votes: 6,051 | Gross: $0.01M

74. Solaris (1972)

PG | 167 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi

A psychologist is sent to a station orbiting a distant planet in order to discover what has caused the crew to go insane.

Director: Andrei Tarkovsky | Stars: Natalya Bondarchuk , Donatas Banionis , Jüri Järvet , Vladislav Dvorzhetskiy

Votes: 98,219

75. Solaris (2002)

PG-13 | 99 min | Drama, Mystery, Romance

A troubled psychologist is sent to investigate the crew of an isolated research station orbiting a bizarre planet.

Director: Steven Soderbergh | Stars: George Clooney , Natascha McElhone , Ulrich Tukur , Viola Davis

Votes: 86,268 | Gross: $14.97M

76. The Gate to the Mind's Eye (1994 Video)

55 min | Animation, Fantasy, Sci-Fi

Alloy is given the glimpse of the future and the only way for this madness to end is to collapse the universe and began again. Witness the waking, the rebirth, and the future.

Director: Michael Boydstun | Star: Val Carpenter

77. What Dreams May Come (1998)

PG-13 | 113 min | Drama, Fantasy, Romance

Chris Nielsen dies in an accident, and enters Heaven. But when he discovers that his beloved wife Annie has killed herself out of grief over the loss, he embarks on an afterlife adventure to reunite with her.

Director: Vincent Ward | Stars: Robin Williams , Cuba Gooding Jr. , Annabella Sciorra , Max von Sydow

Votes: 114,379 | Gross: $55.49M

78. Stay (I) (2005)

R | 99 min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller

A psychiatrist attempts to prevent one of his patients from committing suicide while trying to maintain his own grip on reality.

Director: Marc Forster | Stars: Ewan McGregor , Naomi Watts , Ryan Gosling , Kate Burton

Votes: 86,011 | Gross: $3.63M

79. Pink Flamingos (1972)

NC-17 | 93 min | Comedy, Crime

Notorious Baltimore criminal and underground figure Divine goes up against a sleazy married couple who make a passionate attempt to humiliate her and seize her tabloid-given title as "The Filthiest Person Alive".

Director: John Waters | Stars: Divine , David Lochary , Mary Vivian Pearce , Mink Stole

Votes: 27,894 | Gross: $0.18M

80. Idle Mist (1998)

28 min | Horror, Crime, Short

When the darkness in a musician's dreams tears its way into his waking life, a series of brutal murders rocks the city and word spreads of a spectral form looming over the rooftops.

Director: Andrés Useche | Stars: Catalina Gallo , Andrés Useche , Patricia Salazar , Yonier Bedoya

81. Oldboy (2003)

R | 120 min | Action, Drama, Mystery

After being kidnapped and imprisoned for fifteen years, Oh Dae-Su is released, only to find that he must track down his captor in five days.

Director: Park Chan-wook | Stars: Choi Min-sik , Yoo Ji-tae , Kang Hye-jeong , Kim Byeong-Ok

Votes: 635,509 | Gross: $0.71M

82. Franklyn (2008)

R | 98 min | Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi

A portrait of the broken lives of four people (a vigilante detective, a worried parent, an awkward man looking for love and a suicidal artist) as they all struggle to cope in their religiously-dystopian city.

Director: Gerald McMorrow | Stars: Eva Green , Ryan Phillippe , Sam Riley , Bernard Hill

Votes: 18,143

83. Stalker (1979)

Not Rated | 162 min | Drama, Sci-Fi

A guide leads two men through an area known as the Zone to find a room that grants wishes.

Director: Andrei Tarkovsky | Stars: Alisa Freyndlikh , Aleksandr Kaydanovskiy , Anatoliy Solonitsyn , Nikolay Grinko

Votes: 144,695 | Gross: $0.23M

84. Primer (2004)

PG-13 | 77 min | Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Four friends/fledgling entrepreneurs, knowing that there's something bigger and more innovative than the different error-checking devices they've built, wrestle over their new invention.

Director: Shane Carruth | Stars: Shane Carruth , David Sullivan , Casey Gooden , Anand Upadhyaya

Votes: 114,125 | Gross: $0.42M

85. Infinity's Child (1999 Video)

Not Rated | 41 min | Animation, Short

The Phleig exploration vessel, Infinity's Child, is discovered adrift on the edges of explored space. Its crew of thousands are mysteriously missing. The ship's logs point to an ancient ... See full summary  »

Director: Jan Nickman | Star: Tom Kane

86. Gentlemen Broncos (2009)

PG-13 | 90 min | Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi

A teenager attends a fantasy writers' convention where he discovers his idea has been stolen by an established novelist.

Director: Jared Hess | Stars: Michael Angarano , Jemaine Clement , Mike White , John Baker

Votes: 12,359 | Gross: $0.11M

87. Barbarella (1968)

Approved | 98 min | Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy

In the 41st century, an astronaut partakes in sexy misadventures while seeking to stop an evil scientist who threatens to bring evil back into the galaxy.

Director: Roger Vadim | Stars: Jane Fonda , John Phillip Law , Anita Pallenberg , Milo O'Shea

Votes: 37,705

88. CoSM the Movie: Alex Grey & the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors (2006)

A cinematic journey through the visionary art of Alex Grey and The Chapel of Sacred Mirrors.

Director: Nick Krasnic | Star: Alex Grey

89. The Acid House (1998)

Unrated | 111 min | Comedy, Drama

Three twisted tales of abuse, drugs, displaced personalities, and insect life by Scottish writer Irvine Welsh.

Director: Paul McGuigan | Stars: Stephen McCole , Maurice Roëves , Garry Sweeney , Jenny McCrindle

Votes: 8,043 | Gross: $0.14M

90. Santa Sangre (1989)

NC-17 | 123 min | Drama, Horror, Thriller

A former circus artist escapes from a mental hospital to rejoin his armless mother - the leader of a strange religious cult - and is forced to enact brutal murders in her name as he becomes "her arms".

Director: Alejandro Jodorowsky | Stars: Axel Jodorowsky , Blanca Guerra , Guy Stockwell , Thelma Tixou

Votes: 23,318

91. Audition (1999)

R | 115 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery

A widower takes an offer to screen girls at a special audition, arranged for him by a friend to find him a new wife. The one he fancies is not who she appears to be after all.

Director: Takashi Miike | Stars: Ryo Ishibashi , Eihi Shiina , Tetsu Sawaki , Jun Kunimura

Votes: 89,203

92. Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975)

TV-MA | 117 min | Drama

In World War II Italy, four fascist libertines round up nine adolescent boys and girls and subject them to 120 days of physical, mental, and sexual torture.

Director: Pier Paolo Pasolini | Stars: Paolo Bonacelli , Giorgio Cataldi , Uberto Paolo Quintavalle , Aldo Valletti

Votes: 65,804

93. Boxing Helena (1993)

R | 107 min | Drama, Mystery, Romance

A surgeon becomes obsessed with the seductive woman he once was in an affair with. Refusing to accept that she has moved on, he amputates her limbs and holds her captive in his mansion.

Director: Jennifer Lynch | Stars: Julian Sands , Sherilyn Fenn , Bill Paxton , Kurtwood Smith

Votes: 13,104 | Gross: $1.80M

94. Allegro non troppo (1976)

PG | 75 min | Animation, Comedy, Fantasy

An enthusiastic filmmaker thinks he's come up with a totally original idea: animation set to classical music! When he is informed that some American named "Prisney" (or something) has ... See full summary  »

Director: Bruno Bozzetto | Stars: Maurizio Nichetti , Maurizio Micheli , Marialuisa Giovannini , Néstor Garay

Votes: 3,213

95. Jacob's Ladder (I) (1990)

R | 113 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery

Mourning his dead child, a haunted Vietnam War veteran attempts to uncover his past while suffering from a severe case of dissociation. To do so, he must decipher reality and life from his own dreams, delusions, and perceptions of death.

Director: Adrian Lyne | Stars: Tim Robbins , Elizabeth Peña , Danny Aiello , Matt Craven

Votes: 117,842 | Gross: $26.12M

96. Dreamscape (1984)

PG-13 | 99 min | Action, Adventure, Horror

A man who can enter and manipulate people's dreams is recruited by a government agency to help cure the President of the United States of his nightmares about nuclear war but stumbles upon an assassination plot.

Director: Joseph Ruben | Stars: Dennis Quaid , Max von Sydow , Christopher Plummer , Eddie Albert

Votes: 18,151 | Gross: $11.48M

97. Dreamscape (2006)

4 min | Short

What happens when anger meets peace? And what happens when a man's mind reaches the cusp of this meeting? When you enter the Dreamscape - you will find out!

Director: Markus Kellow | Stars: Scout Houghton , Leonard Kellow

98. Dreamscape (2009)

84 min | Sci-Fi

A thrill-seeking Man signs up with Dreamscape Inc, provider of electronic dreams and vivid fantasies. Transformed into an unstoppable Courier, he enters a world of corporate espionage. ... See full summary  »

Director: Daniel J. Fox | Stars: Sandra Darnell , Richard Dodd , Mark Ellingham , Abigail Fox

99. Wild in the Streets (1968)

R | 97 min | Comedy, Drama, Music

A young man gains significant political influence as the leader of a counterculture rock band with his rallying cry of voting rights for teenagers.

Director: Barry Shear | Stars: Christopher Jones , Shelley Winters , Diane Varsi , Hal Holbrook

Votes: 2,208

100. Triangle (2009)

R | 99 min | Fantasy, Mystery, Sci-Fi

Five friends set sail and their yacht is overturned by a strange and sudden storm. A mysterious ship arrives to rescue them, and what happens next cannot be explained.

Director: Christopher Smith | Stars: Melissa George , Joshua McIvor , Jack Taylor , Michael Dorman

Votes: 129,735

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25 Trippy Movies That Feel Like a Fever Dream

Unencumbered by traditional narratives and structure, these hallucinatory movies will make you feel like you're dreaming.

Movies with “conventional” narratives are fine and all, but sometimes you need to get adventurous; to dip your toes into a world outside our own, replete with hallucinatory visuals, mind-bending stories , and strange characters. “Trippy” movies can be truly transportive; like peering into a realm that feels alien and surreal.

Tossing traditional storytelling tools and structure aside, these types of movies run the risk of feeling bloated, directionless, and, yes, pretentious. But when a filmmaker knows what they’re doing, viewers are in for a thought-provoking and unique cinematic experience. Here are 25 trippy movies that feel like a fever dream.

RELATED: 15 Most Mind-Bending Movies Ever

25 Greener Grass

Jocelyn DeBoer and Dawn Luebbe write, direct, and star in Greener Grass , a beguiling dark comedy that takes a nightmarish dive into the absurdities of suburban life.

Set in a pastel-colored, Stepford-esque community, where all the adults wear braces and drive golf carts, Greener Grass follows Jill (DeBoer) and Lisa (Luebbe), two soccer moms whose seemingly idyllic lives spiral out of control as they one-up each other in their sisyphean quest to achieve the title of “the perfect family.”

From the outset, Greener Grass embraces a hallucinatory tone, immersing viewers in a world where rules and logic are constantly subverted. (Jill’s son, for example, inexplicably turns into a golden retriever. And that happens in the first 20 minutes). Surreal visuals and absurdly deadpan humor come together to create a funny yet deeply unsettling atmosphere that feels nothing short of feverish.

24 Altered States

Ken Russell’s mind-bending science-fiction movie Altered States explores the boundaries of the human mind. The film follows Dr. Edward Jessup ( a fantastic William Hurt ), a scientist who becomes obsessed with exploring the depths of human consciousness through sensory deprivation and psychoactive substances.

Russell takes his time introducing viewers to the more esoteric aspects of the movie, but when things get weird, they get weird . Jessup’s mind and body unravel, and he discovers a state between life and death that is beyond comprehension. The film’s surreal visuals, rapid editing, and intense performances contribute to a heightened sense of unease and otherworldliness.

23 Beau is Afraid

Beau is Afraid , Ari Aster’s wildly audacious follow-up to Hereditary and Midsommer , has proved to be incredibly divisive - and for good reason. The movie is a three hour, Homer-inspired epic about an anxiety-ridden manchild (Joaquin Phoenix) making an increasingly-surreal journey back home for his abusive mother’s funeral.

Aster places the audience inside Beau’s head, viewing the world through his eyes; as a cesspool of violence and inhumanity that only seeks to destroy him at every opportunity. Beau is Afraid isn’t a fever dream so much as it is an unrelenting, overwhelming nightmare.

22 Vivarium

In many ways, Lorcan Finnegan’s Vivarium serves as a darker companion piece to Greener Grass . It’s a haunting and strange sci-fi thriller that plunges viewers into an unsettling fever dream of suburban captivity. The film follows Gemma (Imogen Poots) and Tom ( played by Jesse Eisenberg ), a young couple who find themselves trapped in an eerie, seemingly infinite neighborhood composed of identical, empty homes.

Right from the start, Vivarium exudes an unsettling and claustrophobic atmosphere, with its unnaturally symmetrical landscapes and lack of any sort of explanation or reasoning. As the couple's attempts to escape become increasingly futile, the film's nightmarish qualities escalate, toying with the viewers' sense of reality and sanity. The result is a disorienting - and some may even say frustrating - experience.

Alex Garland has been writing far-out, philosophical fare since his breakout novel The Beach in 1996. In the time since, the author has made the leap into directing , and his most recent work, Men , is by far his most nightmarish.

Men stars Jessie Buckley as Harper Marlowe, a recently-widowed woman who takes a solo trip to the small (and isolated) countryside village of Cotson, Herefordshire following her husband’s death. Upon her arrival, she finds the town is inhabited by dismissive and subtly threatening men - all menacingly portrayed by Rory Kinnear. As her holiday unfolds, reality begins to unfold, revealing an otherworldly presence bubbling beneath the surface of the unassuming English town.

RELATED: Men: How Alex Garland's Finale is Disturbing and Profound

20 Naked Lunch

Naked Lunch , David Cronenberg’s inscrutable adaptation of William Burrough’s equally-confounding novel, is a truly disquieting journey into the mind of a struggling artist. The film follows Bill Lee (played by Peter Weller), a troubled writer whose life spirals out of control after becoming addicted to a psychoactive insecticide that leads him to accidentally kill his wife.

Right from the opening frame, Naked Lunch plunges viewers into a dark and gnarly world, filled with grotesque humanoid bugs and Cronenberg’s trademark stomach-churning imagery. The film doesn’t even try to adhere to a cohesive narrative, relying instead on a disjointed, non-linear approach to further emphasize the film’s dreary, dream-like atmosphere. It may take a few visits to get your footing, but the trip is more than worth it.

19 Something in the Dirt

Indie filmmakers Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson have made a name for themselves as resourceful filmmakers, creating inventive sci-fi movies on shoestring budgets . Their most recent film, the pandemic-shot paranoid thriller Something in the Dirt , stars the filmmakers as John and Levi, a pair of dysfunctional neighbors that witness a supernatural event at their apartment building. Hoping to exploit the event for fame, the two neighbors try to unravel the mystery of their building. The deeper they dig, however, the more they realize that nothing about their world is as they seem.

Something in the Dirt is positively brimming with conspiracy theories and paranoid imaginings; as John and Levi’s quest for the truth becomes more delirious and unhinged, the viewers are slowly pulled into their claustrophobic, lunatic world. Before long it becomes hard to track how everything is connected; are these guys onto something, or totally crazy? It’s hard to say, and that’s what makes Something in the Dirt so enticing.

18 Clean, Shaven

Lodge Kerrigan’s Clean, Shaven is an intensely atmospheric psychological thriller that immerses viewers in the disturbed and disorienting mind of a person with schizophrenia. The film puts us in the head of Peter Winter (played by Peter Greene), a man recently released from a mental institution, desperately searching for his estranged daughter while grappling with his worsening hallucinations.

From the film’s opening scene, Clean, Shaven thrusts audiences into Peter's distorted reality, mirroring his fragmented mind with jarring, grainy visuals and a disjointed narrative. Kerrigan makes the bold choice to include incessant background chatter in the film’s sound design, replicating the voices in Peter’s head. The result is a film that is as disturbing as it is heartbreaking.

17 Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Terry Gilliam’s wild adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson’s classic novel follows the drug-fueled escapades of Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) and his attorney/drug-dealer Dr. Gonzo (Benicio Del Toro) as they travel to Las Vegas to cover a motorcycle race for a magazine.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas lacks a discernible plot; the film is more a series of deliriously-unhinged and paranoia-fueled set-pieces. There are grand government conspiracies, lizard people, and copious amounts of drugs. The film's frenetic pace, along with its over-the-top characters and absurd situations, seamlessly recreates the feeling of being trapped in a bizarre dream.

Samsara is a visually stunning documentary that transcends conventional storytelling. Filmed over nearly five years in twenty-five countries across five continents, the film transports viewers to sacred grounds, disaster zones, industrial complexes, and natural wonders, capturing breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and intricate human rituals across time and space. It’s the third film in a trilogy, the first two entries being Koyaanisqatsi (1982) and Baraka (1992).

From the very beginning, director Ron Fricke and cinematographer Rexal Ford immerse viewers in a dreamlike state through Samsara ’s jaw-dropping time-lapse cinematography and ethereal musical score. The lack of dialogue or narration allows the breathtaking imagery to speak for itself, resulting in an experience best described as hypnotic.

Samsara provokes a profound sense of wonder; it’s an entrancing and introspective cinematic experience that engages the senses and stimulates the mind. It’s by no means a conventional film, but it’s certainly beautiful and powerful.

15 Fantastic Planet

Fantastic Planet (aka La Planète Sauvage ), directed by René Laloux, is a mesmerizing and surreal animated science fiction film that transports viewers to an alien world. Released in 1973, the movie is set on the distant planet of Ygam, where enslaved humans, known as Oms, struggle to survive under the oppressive rule of giant blue-skinned beings called Draags, who treat humans as disposable pets.

From the beginning, Fantastic Planet exudes a dream-like quality with its utterly unique and bygone animation style, presenting both a haunting and otherworldly visual experience. The film's bizarre landscapes, abstract creatures, and mind-bending imagery create an unsettling and disorienting atmosphere similar to other experimental animated films released around the time, like Yellow Submarine (1968) and Son of the White Mare (1981).

RELATED: The Best Animated Movies From the 1970s

14 The Holy Mountain

Cult icon Alejandro Jodorowsky stunned the world with his audacious experimental feature The Holy Mountain , a visually mesmerizing cinematic journey. Much like his other films, this avant-garde artwork is borderline nonsensical, favoring surreal and mind-bending visuals, religious iconography, and provocative imagery in lieu of a comprehensible story.

But for viewers needing something to grasp on to, IMDb describes The Holy Mountain as follows: Set in a corrupt, greed filled world, a powerful alchemist (Jodorowsky) leads a messianic character and seven materialistic figures to the Holy Mountain, where they hope to achieve enlightenment. But honestly, don’t concern yourself with plot details; The Holy Mountain is very much an auditory and visual feast. Just give into it and let the dreamy imagery envelop you.

13 Synecdoche, New York

Charlie Kaufman’s directorial debut Synecdoche, New York is audacious, dreamy, and deeply melancholic. The film follows Caden Cotard (played by Philip Seymour Hoffman), a theater director facing existential struggles as he embarks on an ambitious project to create a life-sized (and functional) replica of New York City - complete with pedestrians, cars, and businesses - inside a massive warehouse. As the project spans years, then decades, the boundaries between the protagonist's life and his imagined world begin to intersect.

As Caden's creative endeavor becomes increasingly intertwined with his personal life, the film delves into themes of identity, creativity, and the passage of time, and it becomes more difficult for him - and the audience - to discern fact from fiction. Much like the title, you may ask yourself: what does it all mean? Kind of like waking up from a beautiful but confounding dream.

Darren Aronofsky’s incredibly divisive mother! is something of an allegorical horror film. The film follows a nameless woman (Jennifer Lawrence) living with her husband in an isolated house, where their peaceful existence is disrupted by unexpected guests. The film is, in essence, a retelling of the bible: an audacious attempt at cramming the entire history of the world in a two-hour time frame. Or maybe it's an allegory for climate change . Interpretations abound.

With its relentless intensity, disorienting camerawork, and provocative (yet obtuse) symbolism, mother! will leave you confused and drained. But one thing’s for certain - there’s nothing quite like it.

11 Valerie and her Week of Wonders

Jaromil Jireš’s Valerie and Her Week of Wonders is a dreamlike and enchanting Czechoslovakian film from 1970 . Based on Vítězslav Nezval's novel of the same name and taking inspiration from Alice in Wonderland , the story revolves around a young girl on the cusp of womanhood who discovers a pair of magical earrings. When she wears them, she is transported to a surreal world where reality and fantasy merge in both beautiful and horrific ways.

Valerie and Her Week of Wonders has developed a passionate cult following thanks to its evocative use of symbolism and mesmerizing cinematography. It's a bit obtuse and more than a little abstract, but don't let that dissuade you from taking this dreamy journey.

10 A Field in England

Genre master Ben Wheatley’s trippy A Field in England is unlike any historical drama you’ve ever seen. Shot in black-and-white and set during the English Civil War, the film follows a group of deserters from both sides of the conflict who find themselves lost in a vast and eerie field. The group encounters a mysterious alchemist named O'Neil (Wheatley regular Michael Smiley), who claims to be searching for hidden treasure that’s been buried somewhere in the field.

For the most part, A Field in England plays it relatively straight. But towards the end of the second act, the film shifts; our characters, in a state of panic, ingest dangerous amounts of hallucinogenic mushrooms. What follows is the most intense psychoactive “trip” sequence ever committed to film; it’s mesmerizing, disorienting, and utterly captivating.

RELATED: The 10 Best Black-and-White Movies of the 21st Century, Ranked

9 The Strange Color of Your Body’s Tears

Much like its title, The Strange Color of Your Body’s Tears is a beguiling and singular film. The plot - which, if we’re being honest, is hard to follow - centers around Dan, a businessman who has returned home from work to discover his wife has gone missing. He proceeds with his own investigation, interviewing the numerous enigmatic residents that inhabit his seemingly-otherworldly apartment building. But Dan, much like the audience, quickly finds himself in over his head.

Like many of the movies on this list, Strange Color is an acquired taste. Directors Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani have perfected a style all their own: “nu-giallo.” Heavily inspired by the psychedelic and ultra-stylized Italian giallo films of the '70s and '80s, Strange Color is a sensory feast. It may lack a satisfying narrative, but the hypnotic visuals and intricate sound design is nothing short of entrancing.

Hausu (aka House ) is a wildly bizarre and totally original Japanese horror-comedy from the unhinged mind of Nobuhiko Obayashi. Released in 1977, the cult classic revolves around a group of high school girls who spend their summer vacation at the remote and eerie home of one of the girls' eccentric and mysterious aunt.

Upon arriving at the house, the girls quickly discover the dwelling is possessed by a malevolent spirit that begins to consume them one by one in bizarre and surreal ways. Carnivorous pianos, floating severed heads, and comically-overwrought acting abound.

7 Holy Motors

In the words of The Guardian ’s Peter Bradshaw, the critically-acclaimed and unclassifiable Holy Motors is “weird and wonderful, rich and strange…[and] barking mad.” The film follows Monsieur Oscar (played by Denis Lavant), a mysterious man who appears to be an actor (it’s never made clear) as he embodies different characters and performs various roles in several locations around Paris over the course of a single day. It’s, in essence, a series of disconnected and increasingly bizarre vignettes.

Leos Carax’s excellent control of tone and atmosphere, coupled with Denis Lavant’s committed performance, keeps the film from crumbling under the weight of its many delirious ideas. It’s unsettling, heartwarming, humorous, and totally worth your attention.

The stark black-and-white photography of Rainer Sarnet's November promises a wholly unique experience from the very first frame. Based on the novel Rehepapp by Andrus Kivirähk, the story is set in a mythical Estonian village where werewolves, the plague, spirits, and supernaturally-powered robots known as Kratts roam free. The villagers - desperate to survive the brutal winters - do anything it takes to survive.

The emotional core of the movie is Liina, a peasant girl who longs for the heart of Hans. In a way, November is a fairy-tale romance set in an unrelenting and grim world . Sometimes the plot threads get lost because the world around them is so dense with hallucinatory visuals, but that’s no matter - dreams don’t always have to make sense

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Top 10 Best Movies To Watch On Mushrooms

Cinematic allies for your psilocybin voyage.

Cesar Salan

Embarking on a psilocybin journey is akin to stepping into an ever-shifting tapestry of perception, where colors, emotions, and thoughts intertwine in a deeply personal narrative. With mushrooms as your ally, the boundaries of reality become pliable, opening a gateway to inner dimensions that teem with insight, wonder, and sometimes, revelation. In this transcendental state, the choice of sensory companions can significantly mold your experience.

Movies, with their intricate blend of visuals, music, and story, have the profound ability to resonate with and amplify the psychedelic state. They can serve as guides, friends, or simply mirrors, reflecting and expanding the intricate subtleties of your psilocybin-infused consciousness.

With careful consideration, we have curated a list of films that stand as beacons of creativity and depth, each capable of synergizing with the ebb and flow of your altered state. These cinematic masterpieces are not just entertainment; they are chosen vessels ready to carry you through the cascading landscapes of your mind.

From the whimsical to the profound, the thrilling to the serene, each film has been selected for its potential to harmonize with the kaleidoscopic journey you embark upon. They are more than movies; they are portals to the manifold aspects of the psyche, encouraging exploration, offering solace, challenging perceptions, or simply providing a harmonious backdrop to the inner dance of psilocybin’s effects.

So dim the lights, cozy up in your chosen retreat , and allow these films to navigate you through the labyrinthine trails of your psychedelic expedition. Welcome to the cinema of the mind.

Welcome to the Top 10 Best Movies to Watch on Mushrooms.

In Christopher Nolan’s “Inception,” the weaving of dreams within dreams echoes the layers of consciousness explored during a psilocybin experience. The film’s intricate plot and stunning visuals provide a landscape that is ripe for the psychedelic traveler.

As Cobb (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) and his team navigate the labyrinths of the mind to plant an idea, viewers on mushrooms may find themselves pondering the nature of their reality and the layers of their own subconscious.

The visual effects, particularly the bending cityscapes and zero-gravity sequences, complement the visual distortions and enhanced perception of a mushroom trip, making “Inception” a film that not only entertains but also parallels the inner journey of psychonauts.

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“The Matrix” plunges its audience into a world where reality is a digital construct—a concept that might resonate deeply with the psychedelic state, where one’s sense of reality is often challenged and redefined.

As Neo (Keanu Reeves) awakens to the true nature of his existence, so too might viewers on psilocybin feel a sense of awakening, questioning the constructs of their own lives. The movie’s cyberpunk aesthetic and philosophical undertones offer a rich tapestry for reflection on perception, consciousness, and personal liberation, themes that often surface in the midst of a psychedelic voyage.

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Disney’s “Fantasia” is an animated concert—an avant-garde fusion of classical music and imaginative visuals. Each segment of this anthology brings to life different stories and scenes, ranging from the abstract to the literal.

For viewers under the influence of mushrooms, the combination of music and animation can evoke a synesthetic response, blurring the lines between the senses, and creating a multi-sensory cinematic experience that can be both joyous and profound. 

Yellow Submarine

The 1968 release of The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine film influenced fashion, graphic design, music — and even a short-lived organization of “submarine churches” based on the gospel of Lennon and McCartney: “All You Need

The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” is a colorful and whimsical journey that can delight the senses of a viewer on mushrooms. Its psychedelic imagery, lovable music, and simple yet surreal story create a light-hearted and uplifting atmosphere.

The film’s vibrant colors and transformational animations are an ideal match for the visual enhancements of psilocybin, and its themes of love, peace, and unity resonate with the often-reported feelings of connectedness and empathy induced by psychedelics.

Alice In Wonderland (1951)

“Alice in Wonderland” offers a dive into a world where the impossible seems possible, and the nonsensical makes perfect sense—a mirror to the mind-bending effects of mushrooms.

The journey of Alice through a fantastical land filled with peculiar characters and bizarre rules can feel eerily similar to the cognitive and perceptual shifts experienced during a psychedelic trip. 

With its playful subversion of reality, this film encourages viewers to embrace the absurd and surrender to the flow of their psilocybin journey.

2001: A Space Odyssey

Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” is a cinematic masterpiece that invites viewers on a journey through time and space. The film’s minimal dialogue and emphasis on visual storytelling align well with the introspective nature of a psychedelic experience.

Its iconic ‘Star Gate’ sequence, with its stunning, abstract patterns and colors, offers a mesmerizing visual parallel to the intense closed-eye visuals that can occur with psilocybin, while its themes of evolution and the search for meaning speak to the existential contemplations that often accompany psychedelic trips.

While not as widely known, “Bad Trip” utilizes hidden cameras and real reactions to craft a narrative that’s both a comedy and a candid exploration of human behavior.

For someone experiencing the heightened emotional sensitivity that comes with psilocybin, the film’s raw portrayal of the human condition can be both hilarious and touching. It challenges the viewer to discern the real from the scripted, an experience that aligns with the psychedelic journey where one’s sense of reality is in a constant state of flux.

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory

Tim Burton’s take on “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” with its exaggerated characters and fantastical set designs can take on a deeper resonance during a psilocybin experience. The vibrant colors and imaginative scenery provide a feast for the eyes, while the narrative offers a commentary on desire, indulgence, and the childlike wonder that psychedelics can often reawaken.

Enter The Void

“Enter the Void,” directed by Gaspar Noé, is a film that embodies the disorienting and often overwhelming nature of a psychedelic experience.

Its use of first-person perspective and neon-soaked visuals of Tokyo’s underbelly can create a sense of disembodiment and immersion that might mirror the dissolution of self that can occur with mushroom use.

This film, with its raw portrayal of life and death, could catalyze a deep existential introspection typical of a psilocybin journey.

Fantastic Planet

The animated feature “Fantastic Planet” offers an allegory rich with sociopolitical undertones, set on a distant world where humans are kept as pets by giant aliens. Its surreal landscapes and bizarre creatures can be particularly resonant with the altered state of a psilocybin trip.

The film’s unique visual style, with its otherworldly flora and fauna, can enhance the sense of novelty and strangeness that mushrooms bring. As the narrative explores themes of oppression, resistance, and liberation, it may also prompt viewers to reflect on the nature of their own existence and societal structures.

John Carpenter’s “Halloween” is a classic slasher film that might not be the first choice for a psychedelic experience, but it presents a stark exploration of fear and the human response to it. The intensified emotions caused by psilocybin could amplify the suspense and terror, potentially leading to a more profound understanding of one’s own fears and the primal instincts that drive us.

However, caution is advised as the heightened state of awareness could transform this horror classic into an intensely scary experience.

goblin king, and a labyrinthine world that challenges the protagonist at every turn. For viewers on mushrooms, the film’s imaginative puppetry and the elaborate maze-like settings can symbolize the complexity of the mind and the journey to self-discovery.

The rich symbolism and the overarching quest of the heroine to save her brother can be seen as a metaphor for the inner journey and the confrontation with one’s own subconscious challenges during a psychedelic experience.

Rabbit Hole

“Rabbit Hole” delves into the intricate and painful process of grief and the search for solace. While this film may seem like a less likely candidate for a psychedelic viewing, the depth of emotional exploration it offers can resonate deeply with the empathogenic and introspective aspects of psilocybin.

The viewer may find their emotional responses intensified, allowing for a potentially therapeutic release in the safe confines of their viewing space.

Spirited Away

Hayao Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away” is a breathtaking journey into a spiritual and mystical realm. Its rich tapestry of themes, including transformation, identity, and the transition from childhood to maturity, can have a significant impact on the viewer under the influence of psilocybin.

The imaginative world-building, filled with spirits and gods, can reflect the often mystical or spiritual aspects of a psychedelic experience, providing a narrative that feels both escapist and deeply personal.

“Samsara” is a non-narrative film that explores the wonders and horrors of the world, creating a meditative reflection on the cycle of birth, life, and death. For someone on mushrooms, the film’s sweeping visuals can be an entrancing and grounding reminder of the planet’s vast beauty and the interconnectedness of all life.

The film’s thematic exploration of the cyclical nature of existence may prompt profound insights into life’s impermanence and interconnectedness, echoing the often transformative insights attributed to a psilocybin experience.

Waking Life

Richard Linklater’s “Waking Life” examines the nature of dreams, consciousness, and existentialism through a series of philosophical discussions. The rotoscope animation provides a dream-like quality that syncs well with the fluidity of a psychedelic experience.

As the protagonist wanders through dream sequences, discussing various philosophical themes, viewers on mushrooms may find a kinship in the quest for meaning and the blurring line between dreaming and waking life, a common theme in the psychedelic journey.

With this expanded information, each film now offers a deeper insight into how its themes, visuals, and narratives can intertwine with and enhance the psychedelic experience of mushrooms, providing viewers not just entertainment but a companion to their voyage into the inner depths.

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Best Trippy Movies to Watch High

• May 6, 2022

In an enhanced stoner state, you can find entertainment and hilarity in almost anything. However, some films just compliment your high better than others — and those tend to be on the psychedelic side. If you’re seeking inspiration for your stoner’s movie catalogue, look no further. Below you’ll find the best trippy movies to watch high, ensuring you can enjoy your bake on an elevated plane. Just make sure you’ve prepared the munchies snacks and your favorite bong with a nicely packed bowl.

Photo: Unsplash / Pexels (mashup)

Top 10 Trippy Movies to Watch High

American beauty (1999).

The vivid imagery in American Beauty make it both soothing and unnerving to watch. The film depicts the gently dying souls of the U.S. suburbia awakening, while delving deep into the ennui and vertigo of bourgeois American life. 

The rose petal motif and the colliding tensions of these suburbanites make this film the perfect trippy movie to watch high. 

If you like beautifully-made social critique films, make sure you check out Death of a Salesman (1985) and Revolutionary Road (2008) as well. 

Phantom of the Paradise (1974)

Everyone knows the cult horror musical comedy classic The Rocky Horror Show (1973), but now it’s time to get acquainted with its lesser known cult counterpart: Phantom of the Paradise . 

If you gather the sombre, alluring tones of dark literary classics like Faust and The Picture of Dorian Gray , mix it up with the delightful psychedelic 70s aesthetic, then add droppings of obscene humour, you’ll end up with something that resembles Brian de Palma’s glam rock trash horror.

Critics have never been able to decide if it’s gratuitous, moronic garbage or horrific sing-song gold. This divisive reception is precisely how you know it’s cult royalty. 

Howard the Duck (1986)

Long before The Avengers, Spiderman or X-Men , there was another original Marvel film filling theatres and dominating the box office: Howard the Duck . 

Well, it actually flopped…but retrospectively it’s seen as equally iconic to any of the modern day Marvel efforts. 

The story follows a quick-witted, extra-terrestrial duck pulled down to Earth to help prevent an alien invasion. To assist him on his mission? A nerdy scientist and a female rockstar down on her luck. 

A Town Called Panic (2009)

The French stop motion animation A Town Called Panic presents a naive and wondrous world, using real toys to illustrate the surrealist adventure story. The plot follows a Native American, a cowboy and a horse, who live together and embark on an adventure to the depths of the ocean and the icy blizzards of the tundra.

Expect to see a multitude of eccentric sights, including pigs swimming with octopi and a horse skillfully playing the piano. 

Some have compared it to Wallace and Gromit , but truthfully there’s not really anything else quite like it. If you’re looking for a wildly entertaining trip movie to watch high, A Town Called Panic is your best bet.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Sometimes revisiting beloved childhood classics hits just the right note when stoned. There’s something about the nostalgia, the recollection and rediscovery which can collectively blow your mind. 

For that reason, along with the vibrantly coloured world and a showcase of Gene Wilder’s acting talents, the original Willy Wonka movie is a scrumdiddlyumptious watch when high. 

The Neon Demon (2016)

The Neon Demon is a visual masterpiece doused in dark satire. Coming from the Danish enfant terrible director Nicolas Winding Refn ( Drive , 2011), this film exposes the destructive effects of society’s obsession with women’s bodies. 

Natasha Braier is responsible for the breathtaking cinematography of this harrowing and surrealist opus. When combined with Cliff Martinez’s striking score, the film creates a bizarre but captivating atmosphere — perfect for enjoying stoned.

The Cell (2000)

Jennifer Lopez is the unlikely star of this mind-bending serial killer sci-fi, alongside Vince Vaughn. If you like movies which get delve deep into insanity, this one’s for you. 

While the dialogue in The Cell can occasionally feel contrived, some of the visual imagery used in this film is yet to be topped. Imagine Salvador Dali had access to special effects and you’ll be close to understanding the scale of this surrealist cinematic adventure. 

This genre-bending movie is bizarre from the get-go, so expect to be thrust into an unsettling and dark world from the moment you hit play. 

Fantasia (1940)

Only the third ever Disney animated feature film, Fantasia comprises eight animated segments all inspired by a different piece of classical music. It represents a real cinematic milestone, captivating young children with the likes of Bach, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky for generations. 

You probably haven’t seen these early Disney classics since you were kid, but trust me, your high self will get a lot out of revisiting them. Rediscover anew the magical score and visual world of Fantasia — and you won’t regret it. 

A Field in England (2013)

In 17th Century England, a group of Civil War deserters nourish themselves on dubious mushrooms. They later find themselves domineered by an Irish alchemist and their reality — along with that of the viewer — begins to disintegrate. 

If you decide on this psychedelic masterpiece, prepare yourself for one truly harrowing scene in particular. While in many ways a comedy, this film does descend into the disturbing — and it certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

Naturally, this classic stoner film featuring a series of psychedelic escapades, had to make it onto the list. Back when Johnny Depp took on obscure indie roles and poured his heart and soul into his performance, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is one of his greatest performances — and one of the absolute best trippy movies to watch high. 

Based on a true story, the plot follows an eccentric journalist and his manic lawyer as they travel to Las Vegas (seemingly by way of the underworld). 

Bonus Picks

For more trippy masterpieces, check out the following titles.

Zabriskie Point (1970)

The Holy Mountain (1973)

Eraserhead (1977)

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

More Surrealism

So there you have it, the best trippy movies to elevate your consciousness. If you’re looking more psychedelic, mind-bending content, be sure to check out The Best Surrealist Films to Watch High . 

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‘Like a film in my mind’: hyperphantasia and the quest to understand vivid imaginations

Research that aims to explain why some people experience intense visual imagery could lead to a better understanding of creativity and some mental disorders

W illiam Blake’s imagination is thought to have burned with such intensity that, when creating his great artworks, he needed little reference to the physical world. While drawing historical or mythical figures, for instance, he would wait until the “spirit” appeared in his mind’s eye. The visions were apparently so detailed that Blake could sketch as if a real person were sitting before him.

Like human models, these imaginary figures could sometimes act temperamentally. According to Blake biographer John Higgs , the artist could become frustrated when the object of his inner gaze casually changed posture or left the scene entirely. “I can’t go on, it is gone! I must wait till it returns,” Blake would declaim.

Such intense and detailed imaginations are thought to reflect a condition known as hyperphantasia, and it may not be nearly as rare as we once thought, with as many as one in 30 people reporting incredibly vivid mind’s eyes.

Just consider the experiences of Mats Holm, a Norwegian hyperphantasic living in Stockholm. “I can essentially zoom out and see the entire city around me, and I can fly around inside that map of it,” Holm tells me. “I have a second space in my mind where I can create any location.”

This once neglected form of neurodiversity is now a topic of scientific study, which could lead to insights into everything from creative inspiration to mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder and psychosis.

Francis Galton – better known as a racist and the “father of eugenics” – was the first scientist to recognise the enormous variation in people’s visual imagery. In 1880, he asked participants to rate the “illumination, definition and colouring of your breakfast table as you sat down to it this morning”. Some people reported being completely unable to produce an image in the mind’s eye, while others – including his cousin Charles Darwin – could picture it extraordinarily clearly.

“Some objects quite defined. A slice of cold beef, some grapes and a pear, the state of my plate when I had finished and a few other objects are as distinct as if I had photos before me,” Darwin wrote to Galton.

Unfortunately, Galton’s findings failed to fire the imagination of scientists at the time. “The psychology of visual imagery was a very big topic, but the existence of people at the extremes somehow disappeared from view,” says Prof Adam Zeman at Exeter University. It would take more than a century for psychologists such as Zeman to take up where Galton left off.

Even then, much of the initial research focused on the poorer end of the spectrum – people with aphantasia , who claim to lack a mind’s eye. Within the past five years, however, interest in hyperphantasia has started to grow, and it is now a thriving area of research.

To identify where people lie on the spectrum, researchers often use the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ), which asks participants to visualise a series of 16 scenarios, such as “the sun rising above the horizon into a hazy sky” and then report on the level of detail that they “see” in a five-point scale. You can try it for yourself. When you picture that sunrise, which of the following statements best describes your experience?

1. No image at all, you only “know” that you are thinking of the object 2. Vague and dim 3. Moderately clear and lively 4. Clear and reasonably vivid 5. Perfectly clear and as vivid as real seeing

The final score is the sum of all 16 responses, with a maximum of 80 points. In large surveys, most people score around 55 to 60 . Around 1% score just 16; they are considered to have extreme aphantasia; 3%, meanwhile, achieve a perfect score of 80, which is extreme hyperphantasia.

The VVIQ is a relatively blunt tool, but Reshanne Reeder, a lecturer at Liverpool University, has now conducted a series of in-depth interviews with hyperphantasic people – research that helps to delineate the peculiarities of their inner lives. “As you talk to them, you start to realise that this is a very different experience from most people’s experience,” she says. “It’s extremely immersive, and their imagery affects them very emotionally.”

Some people with hyperphantasia are able to merge their mental imagery with their view of the world around them. Reeder asked participants to hold out a hand and then imagine an apple sitting in their palm. Most people feel that the scene in front of their eyes is distinct from that inside their heads. “But a lot of people with hyperphantasia – about 75% – can actually see an apple in the hand in front of them. And they can even feel its weight.”

As you might expect, these visual abilities can influence career choices. “Aphantasia does seem to bias people to work in sciences, maths or IT – those Stem professions – whereas hyperphantasia nudges people to work in what are traditionally called creative professions,” says Zeman. “Though there are many exceptions.”

Reeder recalls one participant who uses her hyperphantasia to fuel her writing. “She said she doesn’t even have to think about the stories that she’s writing, because she can see the characters right in front of her, acting out their parts,” Reeder recalls.

H yperphantasia can also affect people’s consumption of art. Novels, for example, become a cinematic experience. “For me, the story is like a film in my mind,” says Geraldine van Heemstra , an artist based in London. Holm offers the same description. “When I listen to an audiobook, I’m running a movie in my head.”

This is not always an advantage. Laura Lewis Alvarado, a union worker who is also based in London, describes her disappointment at watching The Golden Compass, the film adaptation of the first part of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials . “I already had such a clear idea of how every character looked and acted,” she says. The director’s choices simply couldn’t match up.

Zeman’s research suggests that people with hyperphantasia enjoy especially rich autobiographical memories. This certainly rings true for Van Heemstra. When thinking of trips in the countryside, she can recall every step of her walks, including seemingly inconsequential details. “I can picture even little things, like if I dropped something and picked it up,” she says.

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Exactly where these abilities come from is unknown. Aphantasia is known to run in families, so it’s reasonable to expect that hyperphantasia may be the same. Like many other psychological traits, our imaginative abilities probably come from a combination of nature and nurture, which will together shape the brain’s development from infancy to old age.

Zeman has taken the first steps to investigate the neurological differences that underpin the striking variation in the mind’s eye. Using fMRI to scan the brains of people at rest, he has found that hyperphantasic people have greater connectivity between the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in “higher-order” thinking such as planning and decision-making, and the areas responsible for visual processing, which lie towards the back of the skull.

“My guess is that if you say ‘apple’ to somebody with hyperphantasia, the linguistic representation of ‘apple’ in the brain immediately transmits the information to the visual system,” says Zeman. “For someone with aphantasia, the word and concept of ‘apple’ operate independently of the visual system, because those connections are weaker.”

Further research will no doubt reveal the nuances in this process. Detailed questionnaires by Prof Liana Palermo at the Magna Graecia University in Catanzaro, Italy, for instance, suggest that there may be two subtypes of vivid imagery . The first is object hyperphantasia, which, as the name suggests, involves the capacity to imagine items in extreme detail.

The second is spatial hyperphantasia, which involves an enhanced ability to picture the orientation of different items relative to one another and perform mental rotations. “They also report a heightened sense of direction,” Palermo says. This would seem to match Holm’s descriptions of the detailed 3D cityscape that allows him to find a route between any two locations.

Many mysteries remain. A large survey by Prof Ilona Kovács, at Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary, suggests that hyperphantasia is far more common among children, and fades across adolescence and into adulthood. She suspects that this may reflect differences in how the brain encodes information. In infancy, our brains store more sensory details, which are slowly replaced by more abstract ideas. “The child’s memories offer a more concrete appreciation of the world,” she says – and it seems that only a small percentage of people can maintain this into later life.

Reeder, meanwhile, is interested in studying the consequences of hyperphantasia for mental health. It is easy to imagine how vivid memories of upsetting events could worsen the symptoms of anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder, for example.

Reeder is also investigating the ways that people’s mental imagery may influence the symptoms of illnesses such as schizophrenia . She suspects that, if someone is already at risk of psychosis, then hyperphantasia may lead them to experience vivid hallucinations, while aphantasia may increase the risk of non-sensory delusions, such as fears of persecution.

For the moment, this remains an intriguing hypothesis, but Reeder has shown that people with more vivid imagery in daily life are also more susceptible to seeing harmless “ pseudo-hallucinations ” in the laboratory. She asked participants to sit in a darkened room while watching a flickering light on a screen – a set-up that gently stimulates the brain’s visual system. After a few minutes, many people will start to see simple illusions, such as geometric shapes. People with higher VVIQ scores, however, tended to see far more complex scenes – such as a stormy beach, a medieval castle or a volcano. “It was quite psychedelic,” says Lewis Alvarado, who took part in the experiment.

Reeder emphasises that the participants in her study were perfectly able to recognise that these pseudo-hallucinations were figments of their imagination. “If someone never has reality discrimination issues, then I don’t think they’re going to be more prone to psychosis.” For those with mental illness, however, a better understanding of the mind’s eye could offer insights into the patient’s experiences.

For now, Reeder hopes that greater awareness of hyperphantasia will help people to make the most of their abilities. “It’s a skill that could be tapped,” she suggests.

Many of the people I have interviewed are certainly grateful to know a little more about the mind’s eye and the way theirs differs from the average person’s.

Lewis Alvarado, for instance, only came across the term when she was listening to a podcast about William Blake, which eventually led her to contact Reeder. “For the first month or so I couldn’t get it out of my head,” she says. “It’s not something I talk about loads, but I think it has helped me to realise why I experience things more intensely, which is comforting.”

David Robson is the author of The Laws of Connection: 13 Social Strategies That Will Transform Your Life , published by Canongate on 6 June (£18.99). To support the Guardian and Observer , order your copy at guardianbookshop.com . Delivery charges may apply

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Trippy Movies That'll Make You Feel Like You're In An Altered State

Movies have the magical ability to take audiences to the moon, any country in the world, or any time in history. They can also make you feel like you're high. Directors use techniques like distorted images, trippy music, bright colors, and complex, layered montage to achieve a stoned effect.

Some films that feel like a trip are straight-up stoner movies. No one is going to wax poetic after viewing Cheech and Chong’s Up in Smoke , but you may get contact high. Others, like Richard Linklater’s Waking Life , pose existential (AKA stoner talk ) questions about the mysteries of life. There are movies like Enter the Void , which was inspired by mind-altering substances and uses specific imagery to make audiences feel like they're on DMT. Finally, there are a few befuddling films on this list that don’t involve substance use at all.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Terry Gilliam's 1998 adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's literary classic Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas takes spectators on a road trip to find the American dream. It's well-known Thompson indulged in large amounts  of various substances while writing his acclaimed novel. Gilliam was able to successfully translate Thompson's words with distorted, often animated hallucination-filled imagery. Want to get a sense of what a trip is like? Let Gilliam show you the way.

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Enter the Void

Enter the Void  is perhaps Argentine writer/director's Gaspar Noé's most well-known movie (his second film, Irreversible , may be as infamous as Enter the Void is famous). The first person narrative takes place in seedy Tokyo nightclubs, and the story is told from the point of view of Oscar (Nathaniel Brown), a dealer and user who is shot by the police. But that's not where his story ends; Oscar floats out of his body, spirit moving from place to place, dropping in on friends and family.

Enter the Void is a three-hour visual exploration of what it's like to take various substances. It's also way, way deep. To quote Noé on the origins of his ideas for the film : 

One day, in my 20s, I... had done too many mushrooms. I turned on the TV as I was coming down, and it was showing  Lady in the Lake , the Robert Montgomery film noir that’s filmed entirely through the character’s eyes. I wasn’t so much hallucinating at that point, but I thought it would be great to make a movie like this and add all the experiences I had... on mushrooms — telepathic perception, strange colors around people, the sense of floating. 

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2001: A Space Odyssey

Stanley Kubrick's epic 2001: A Space Odyssey  moves at a slow pace, often with long stretches of no dialogue, giving viewers time to let the visuals and themes percolate. Kubrick needed the film to appear as futuristic as possible; so futuristic in fact, he wanted the technology portrayed to be ahead of what NASA was doing. One of the trippiest sequences in the sci-fi classic is the famous Stargate scene, with its colored lights and ground breaking visual effects, which won the film an Oscar for Best Effects.

You won't know exactly why the Stargate scene is there or what it means, but you'll enjoy the light show nonetheless, and it may even make you question the great mysteries of the universe.

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Donnie Darko

If you have no idea what's going on in Donnie Darko , you're getting it just fine. In many ways, the weirdness is the point. What exactly is the purpose of sinister, man-sized bunny Frank, who befriends alienated Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal)? Then there's the time travel thing, and that plane engine. Richard Kelly's underground classic is a stoner's delight, and has produced dozens of websites that exist for the sole purpose of trying to figure out the film's many mysteries. If you think you have it figured it, think again.

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David Lynch's 1977 directorial debut Eraserhead is weird. Very, very weird. It's also totally illogical and opts to forego traditional storytelling. The tone is dark, the imagery meant to disturb, but also awaken, the audience. The lead character, Henry (Jack Nance), is a total loner who gets forced into marrying Mary X (Charlotte Stewart), who gives birth to a severely deformed baby. Then the incessant screaming begins.

Eraserhead is basically one big fever dream. However, it's also endlessly compelling.

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Yellow Submarine

The groovy animated musical Yellow Submarine was inspired by The Beatles, and features several of their songs, including "Eleanor Rigby" and "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds."  The illogical narrative takes spectators on a colorful and surreal journey, and is humorous, in a dry, British sort of way. When the Blue Meanies threaten Pepperland, The Beatles are enlisted to save the day.

Yellow Submarine is filled with odd, delightful characters and, of course, oodles of references to using.

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Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

No one uses in Michel Gondry's Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), but they do endure some supreme confusion. Joel (Jim Carrey) chooses to undergo a procedure to erase the painful memory of his ex-girlfriend, Clementine (Kate Winslet). The procedure is a form of brain damage.

Charlie Kaufman's script is inventive and odd in the best ways imaginable. Because Joel's memories are being erased, his mind plays tricks on him with juxtaposing imagery. For example, we see Joel and Clementine's bed in the middle of a beach, and somehow the couple is able to take a bubble bath in a kitchen sink.

Through surreal imagery, a trippy structure, and heartbreaking narrative, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind asks probing questions about the nature of memory and identity. 

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Requiem for a Dream

If you ever had the desire to know what it's like to take something, but were afraid to take the plunge, check out Darren Aronofsky's sophomore effort Requiem for a Dream . But first, you must know, it's one of the most disturbing movies to hit the silver screen. Aronofsky tells the tale of three young adults hooked on smack and one aging mother who gets addicted to uppers in an effort to lose weight for a TV appearance that will never happen.

Through the rapid editing style of hip hop montage and multiple CGI shots, Aronofsky shows audiences the bodily effects of use and the hellish nightmare of dependency.

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Brazil  is another warped gem from Terry Gilliam, whose films could easily fill most spots on this list (he got his start with Monty Python, after all). The movie takes place in an absurd Orwellian world inundated with exceedingly strange visuals.  Brazil brilliantly blends black comedy, science fiction, and satire with way over-the-top fantasy elements.

Its inventive visuals are a delight to behold, even when combined with overtly graphic imagery. It will make you feel like you're tripping, in a good way. 

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Waking Life

Ever wonder how a person can tell the difference between waking life and dream life? That's just one of the philosophical questions Richard Linklater poses in his animated drama Waking Life . Often times, substances lead a person to spiritual and existential quandaries. That is the essence of Waking Life , in which a man sorts through several dream-like realities in order to find out the answers to life's greatest mysteries. In the end, the film doesn't answer any questions, but that's not the point. The point is to learn how to expand your own mind and figure out your own answers.

The animation style used in the film - a rotoscoping-based process layering actual footage and animation - further adds to the trippy feel of Waking Life .

Trainspotting

Plenty of films make using seem glamorous and fun. Trainspotting  is not one of them. It's raw and real. The story follows a group of low-income young men in and around Edinburgh, Scotland as they use, get in fights, break the law, get blind drunk, and otherwise waste their lives. The film covers many years, and looks at the social and economic conditions that led to an epidemic and a potentially wasted, forgotten generation. 

A lot of Trainspotting is breezy and hilarious, despite unflinching depictions of the horror of withdrawal and the struggle to get clean. Danny Boyle's film pulls no punches in its depiction of hte realities of using.

You may have to watch the film a dozen times to understand what the characters are saying with their thick Scottish accents, but it doesn't really matter, the images say it all. 

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Beyond The Black Rainbow

Writer-director Panos Cosmatos's 2012 sci-fi horror film has a similar look and feel to Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey . Both films have the power to hypnotize, with striking visuals and bold, deliberate, mood-enhancing use of color. The electronic score of Beyond the Black Rainbow sets the film's mood and trippy vibe. Cosmatos brings the spectator into the world of the film with his use of extreme close-ups. 

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Under the Skin

Director Jonathan Glazer spent longer than a decade developing Under the Skin from Michel Faber's novel, during which process he struck upon the idea of making a movie about human society as seen by an alien. If that weren't trippy enough, the movie stars Scarlett Johansson as an extraterrestrial living in Scotland who preys on human men. She seduces them, draws them into a pitch black world filled thick liquid, and consumes them. The otherworldly score, surreal imagery, and ethereal tone of Under the Skin submerses viewers in a haze. 

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Apocalypse Now

Francis Ford Coppola's Vietnam epic isn't your average war film. The movie opens with "This Is the End," a typically trippy song from The Doors, set to images of a burning jungle. Using layered montage, the scene transitions to the film's protagonist, Captain Willard (Martin Sheen), drunk and stoned into oblivion.

Seeking refuge, many soldiers in the film turn to substances. Coppola employs surreal sets, manic lighting, and the disorienting chaos of conflict to directly bring spectators into the mood.

“My film is not about Vietnam, it is Vietnam," Coppola once famously said about Apocalypse Now . More specifically, he was trying to recreate the experience of being at war while using, as many soldiers were in Vietnam. Apropos of this, the production was fraught with use . Martin Sheen suffered a heart attack and Dennis Hopper decided his character needed to do an ounce of coke a day, so the production supplied him with blow.  

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Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

Another live action kid's movie that perhaps is catered to the stoner crowd. As you know from the song, Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) insists you "count to three and then you'll be in a world of pure imagination." Wonka's factory is not just a munchie utopia, it's a dream world filled with chocolate rivers, Oomapa-Loompas, and characters who float up chimneys and burp themselves down.

The film makes audiences of any age feel magical; there are no limits to the delicious delights of Wonka's factory, even with all his sinister pratfalls.

Oliver Stone's biography of legendary 1960s rock band The Doors is has several scenes featuring substance use. The most iconic, which will make you feel all trippy inside, is when the band travels to the Mojave Desert to take peyote. They hug, dance, and play in the sand. Jim Morrison (Val Kilmer) in voice over recites a bit of his surreal poetry:

When the serpent appears, his head is ten feet long and five feet wide. He has one red eye and one green eye. He's deadly and he's seven miles long. As he moves, on his scales is written all the history of the world, all people, all actions, all of us our little pictures on the scales, God it's big! And it's eating as it moves all the time, devouring, digesting consciousness, power, a monster of energy!

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What's real and what's fantasy in Italian director Federico Fellini's richly textured semi-autobiographical 8½ (1963)? The loose narrative follows Guido (a Fellini-esque filmmaker) as he attempts to make his latest cinematic masterpiece. However, the brilliance of the film comes during Guido's fantasy and dream sequences, which are filled with images that don't quite make sense.

8½ is one of the finest films ever made about filmmaking, it's endless self-reference and surreal fantasy elements will certainly make any mind spin with delight.

The Big Lebowski

Coen Brothers neo-noir The Big Lebowski  is about a guy who's perpetually stoned, made in such a way you'll start to feel pretty blazed, too. The hazy, illogical narrative follows The Dude (Jeff Bridges), who smokes tons of weed, drinks White Russians at all hours of the day, and goes great lengths to get his rug back, because, you know, it really ties the room together. Among the film's many trippy innovations is the Gutterballs sequence, in which The Dude takes a cosmic journey through a bowling alley.

The Big Lebowski  is a delightful movie about a total slacker. It doesn't make a ton of sense, and is beloved for its weirdness and originality.

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Nobody uses in Memento (2000). There are no trippy substances or moody '60s music. Instead, the film's backward-moving narrative confuses the audience as much as it does the story's protagonist, Leonard (Guy Pearce), who suffers short-term memory loss. One result of taking substances is feeling bewildered, and watching Memento results in that same delirious effect.

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Cheech & Chong's Up in Smoke

Is Up in Smoke (1978) the best stoner movie ever made? That's an argument for another list, but Cheech and Chong smoke so much weed in Up in Smoke the audience could feasibly get contact high. There isn't much plot or character development in this classic, but who needs that stuff anyway?

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The Wizard of Oz

Is it possible to make a live action kid's movie that makes adults feel trippy? Film critic Erich Kuersten describes The Wizard of Oz (1939) as "a metaphor for acid itself." In fact, hippies in the 1960s and 1970s interpreted Dorothy's adventure in Oz as one long trip. There are talking lions, scarlet poppies, flying monkeys, and brilliant technicolor. Additionally, some stoner genius discovered the film perfectly synchs up with Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon .

Speed Racer

The post- Matrix output of the Wachowski Siblings is maybe the most maligned oeuvre in modern science fiction, yet their films absolutely succeed as absurd, delirious, maximalist statements on the limitless possibilities of filmmaking in the CGI era. While most filmmakers use the tools at their disposal to enhance maudlin realities or breathe life into monsters and giants we've seen 1000 times before, the Wachowskis seem to have a fervent desire to drive the train off the rails, into a chasm of surreal imagery and fracturing narrative. 

Case in point:  Speed Racer . The movie's disorienting race scenes, aggressive use of color, and sense-overwhelming editing techniques gives the effect of going to a laser light show at Disneyland after taking something.

There's no denying the effects induced by watching this wild movie, which is equal parts anime, video game, Japanese game show, sci fi epic, and trip. 

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Trip to Iceland leaves traveller shocked at food prices compared to Canada

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It's no secret a lot of us have been struggling with the  high cost of food lately , but one Canadian was left in shock after a recent trip to Iceland.

Despite Iceland being a rather expensive country — especially since it's an island and food is brought in by air or sea — it seems some food prices there are either comparable (or even cheaper) than here in Canada.

"Just spent 10 days in Iceland. Two years ago when I came here I thought it was the most expensive country I've ever visited. Now I've come again and I see that our Canadian groceries are the same or more than many of the things I bought at the grocery store in Iceland," they wrote on Reddit .

Canada groceries more expensive than Iceland by u/yourewrong321 in loblawsisoutofcontrol

They also provided some examples of produce they found to be cheaper or similar in price.

"Keep in mind that this is an island in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, and everything has to be flown in or shipped by sea freight. Why the hell are we paying equal or higher in Canada?" they asked.

In the comments, others who had visited Iceland shared their insights.

"I was there a couple weeks ago and felt like the groceries/restaurant prices greatly exceeded Toronto prices," said one commenter.

The original poster replied, agreeing that restaurants in Iceland are much more expensive than those in Canada, but said that "groceries have been about the same [price]."

Another person who visited Iceland last year said they also noticed that the food there was "about the same price as in Canada."

One commenter said the claims of how expensive Canada's food prices are in comparison to Iceland were being exaggerated.

"You could get away with saying 'Canada is as expensive as buying food in Hawaii' because it's relatively close, but it's not anywhere in the vicinity of what food costs in Iceland," they stated.

Comment by u/yourewrong321 from discussion in loblawsisoutofcontrol

According to the  Icelandic Review , prices in Iceland are indeed very high compared to other countries for several reasons, including "high reliance on imports, geographical isolation and high import taxes and tolls."

Canada vs. Iceland

We conducted a price breakdown of some produce items from the Redditor's post (onions, celery and avocado) and a few basic grocery items to do a quick cost comparison of Iceland's and Canada's food prices.

For our price test, we searched items on Netto, an Icelandic grocery chain, and Walmart Canada's website.

According to the current exchange rate, one Canadian dollar is equivalent to 102.31 Icelandic Krona (ISK).

The Redditor said that in Iceland, onions were going for $2.38/kg CAD.

Iceland's price:  Netto's website says onions are 48 ISK ($0.47 CAD) or 240 Krona per kg. This works out to $2.35/kg CAD. Canada's price:  Onions sold at Walmart are priced at $1.88 or $4.34/kg. The winner:  The Icelandic onions.

The Redditor said that in Iceland, celery was $3.98/kg CAD.

Iceland's price:  Netto has celery priced at 297 ISK for a bunch ($2.90 CAD) or 479 ISK/kg ($4.68 CAD). Canada's price:  Walmart's website has celery priced at $2.97 for one bunch. Winner:  Iceland's celery is slightly cheaper.

The Redditor said that in Iceland, avocados were being sold at $4.79 CAD for two.

Iceland's price:  Netto's website lists one avocado for 183 ISK ($1.79 CAD). Canada's price:  Walmart's website has one avocado priced at $1.87. Winner:  Iceland's avocados.

Iceland's price:  A loaf of whole wheat bread on Netto's website is 399 ISK/kg or $3.90/kg CAD. Canada's price:  Great Value brand bread is $1.97 for 570 grams, which works out to $3.46/kg. Winner:  The Walmart bread is cheaper.

Iceland's price:  A dozen eggs on Netto’s website are 767 ISK ($7.50 CAD). Canada's price:  A dozen eggs on Walmart's website are $3.98. Winner:  Walmart eggs are cheaper.

Chicken breast

Iceland's price:  A package of two chicken breasts at Netto is 1,447 ISK ($14.14 CAD) or $30.29/kg CAD. Canada's price:  Walmart sells three Maple Leaf Prime chicken breasts for $15 or $2.08/100g. Winner:  If Walmart were selling at the same weight (370 grams) as the Icelandic chicken, it would work out to $7.70 for a package of two breasts, making it significantly cheaper than Netto's product.

Iceland's price:  A one-litre carton of milk at Netto is 255 ISK or $2.49 CAD. Canada's price:  A one-litre carton of milk at Walmart is $2.79 CAD. Winner:  The Icelandic milk.

Iceland's price:  A 165-gram bag of plain salted Lay's chips at Netto costs 300 ISK ($2.93 CAD). Canada's price:  A bag of plain salted Lay's chips at Walmart is $3.97 for a larger 235-gram bag. Winner:  When we crunched the numbers and converted the Walmart pricing to kilograms, that same Netto bag would sell for $2.79 in Canada, making it slightly cheaper than Iceland's price.

These are just a few items to provide a glimpse at prices in both countries.

Comments on the post also acknowledged that some factors must be taken into consideration when comparing prices, such as the size of the countries, food transport and distribution costs, and environmental regulations.

According to Numbeo, a website that uses crowdsourced information to compare the cost of living in different places around the world, grocery and restaurant prices remain  significantly lower than in Iceland .

Grand Warszawski /Shutterstock

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How layers of air defences protected the country against the biggest onslaught of missiles and drones in its history

Israel used all four tiers of its air defences — and help from allies — to block Iran's mass drone and missile attack on Israeli territory on April 13, officials say.

The Israeli and U.S. governments said a combination of air-, sea- and ground-launched missiles destroyed nearly all of the hundreds of weapons Iran sent toward Israel. U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in the region, said U.S. forces destroyed more than 80 drones and at least six ballistic missiles.

Israel has been honing its air defences since enduring Iraqi Scud missile salvoes in the 1991 Gulf War, said Dr. Yehoshua Kalisky, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. That work resulted in a multi-layered air defence network linked by central control nodes, he said.

The outer layers are the Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 systems, designed to intercept ballistic missiles fired from thousands of kilometres away. The Arrow-2 is optimised for destroying missiles in the atmosphere, while the Arrow-3 can hit them while they are coasting in space. Both are meant to minimise the chance that warheads or payloads from the destroyed targets cause harm on the ground.

David’s Sling provides the middle layer of protection, Kalisky said, and is meant to engage shorter-range ballistic missiles launched 100km to 200km (62 to 124 miles) away. Developed and manufactured jointly by Israel’s state-owned Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the U.S. Raytheon Co, David’s Sling can also intercept aircraft, drones and cruise missiles.

The final ring of protection comes from what is most likely the best-known and most-used of Israel’s air defence systems: the short-range Iron Dome, which is optimised for destroying small, slow, unguided targets such as short-range rockets and drones, he said.

A graphic shows four types of interceptor missile systems Israel uses and the ranges within which they operate.

Iron Dome was built to intercept the kind of low-tech rockets fired by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas in Gaza. Developed by state-owned Rafael Advanced Defense Systems with U.S. backing, it became operational in 2011. Each truck-towed unit can direct radar-guided missiles against short-range threats such as rockets, mortars and drones.

A key part of Iron Dome is its control system’s ability to discern what incoming targets pose a threat. If an adversary’s rocket will land harmlessly - in an unpopulated area or in the sea, for instance - it will not be intercepted. That makes it ideal for “saturation” scenarios in which an enemy tries to fire so many missiles that not all of them will be shot down, said Uzi Rubin, a senior researcher at the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security.

“Its radar and battle management systems are designed to handle a huge number of targets simultaneously,” Rubin said. “Each launcher can fire its full load of 20 interceptors within 10 seconds or so.”

When Hamas began its attack on Israel in October 2023, it fired several thousand rockets into Israel, with a reported interception rate of about 90%.

Rafael says that over the course of its service, Iron Dome has intercepted thousands of targets.

The company says it delivered two Iron Dome batteries to the U.S. Army in 2020. Ukraine is seeking the system to protect cities in its war with Russia, but Israel has so far only provided Kyiv with humanitarian support and civil defence supplies.

A video shows the sky over Jerusalem at night during Iran’s attack. Missiles from Israel’s Iron Dome defence system are launched to intercept incoming missiles or drones.

How it works

Iron Dome was originally billed as providing city-sized coverage against rockets with ranges of 4 to 70 km (2.5 to 43 miles), but experts say this has been expanded as the system has been improved over time.

A graphic shows parts of Israel’s missile defence system. The radar detects incoming targets within a 100 km radius and provides midcourse guidance for the Tamir interceptor missile. The battle management control system (BMC) calculates the impact point of an incoming missile and only intercepts those that will fall in a protected area. Each missile launcher can fire up to 20 interceptor missiles against incoming targets.

The systems work to create a protective space above Israeli towns and settlements. Any incoming projectile determined to be a threat can be targeted.

A graphic shows a city being protected from attack by Iron Dome. Iron Dome is a mobile system designed to intercept short-range rockets and artillery shells that endanger populated areas in Israel. Each battery – a combination of missile launcher, control station and radar – can defend about 150 square kilometres (58 square miles), about the size of a medium-sized city.

The mission of shooting down numerous cheap, low-end threats means Iron Dome’s interceptors must also be inexpensive. Each Tamir missile costs about $50,000, Kalisky said, which is low relative to a multimillion-dollar Patriot missile. The price of not stopping an incoming threat must also be factored in, said Ankit Panda of the U.S.-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

“It’s not that Iron Dome is a 100% effective capability, but you have to consider the alternative,” of much more damage from enemy rockets, he said.

A graphic shows a Tamir interceptor missile and how it works. The solid propellant motor in a Tamir missile allows it to reach Mach 2. The proximity fuse warhead activates as the missile approaches its target. Within 10 metres (33 feet) of the target, the warhead detonates, destroying the enemy missile with fragments of high-speed metal.

The high rate of fire, especially during a full-blown conflict, puts a strain on the ammunition supply of any air defence system, Kalisky said. That is why saturation attacks are an attractive tactic, and why countries must stockpile air defence missiles, he added.

“It’s a problem with any type of ammunition,” he said. “You have to prepare in advance. You have to prepare for that kind of attack.”

Israel does not publicise the number of Tamir interceptors it produces or stockpiles. It also does not disclose the number of missiles fired by its air defence systems, although Kalisky said Iron Dome is designed to fire two missiles at each target.

The layers of defences and the use of systems tailor-made for Israel’s specific situation make Iron Dome especially potent, Panda said.

“Israel I think has the most effective missile defence solution for the threats it faces as a country,” he said. “It’s been pretty well established that Iron Dome has a concept of operation that is incredibly effective.”

Title photo

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, as seen from the city of Ashkelon, Israel, Oct. 9, 2023. REUTERS/Amir Cohen

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

Simon Scarr, Jon McClure and Ros Russell