For a long time, the curious and daring have been captivated by the combination of psychedelics and movies. When paired with psychedelics, films that explore the depths of human emotion, unravel the fabric of reality, or push the limits of visual expression become truly unique experiences. These are our top 10 picks for movies to watch when on psychedelics. Happy tripping!
1. Fantasia
One of the first animated musical masterpieces from Walt Disney Pictures, Fantasia has famous symphonies by renowned artists like Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, and Bach, and it blends in nicely with the psychedelic experiance. The public gave honors to this 1940 picture, praising the harmonious combination of hand-drawn imagery and classical music. They often talk about how the mix creates a very special, multisensory experience.
Among adults in the modern world, Fantasia has a cult-like following, especially among psychonauts in the US and Canada. Fantasia continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling trip across the worlds of classical music, animation, and, for some, psychedelic experiences.
2. Doctor Strange
Truth be told, any Marvel film would be ideal for your upcoming trip. However, Doctor Strange’s space-bending effects create a wondrous world where mystical forces and reality blend together in a seamless way. The vivid settings and mind-bending imagery shown by Benedict Cumberbatch and the rest of the crew will leave Psychonauts in complete amazement.
The movie tells the tale of Dr. Stephen Strange, a neurosurgeon who is intelligent but arrogant and has a life-changing accident. He sets out on a quest to find healing outside of traditional medicine, which takes him to the study of mystical arts and other, unexplored realms.
3. Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas
When taking a psychedelic trip, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a surreal must-see that shouldn’t be missed. Starring Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro, the movie follows the two as they go to Las Vegas to cover a motorbike race and have a wild weekend full of mind-altering substances.
With its psychedelic effects, this movie is ideal for an interesting trip. The graphics are bold and vivid, and the plot expertly blurs the lines between reality and surrealism.Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas leads you to the enigmatic tunnels of the human psyche when mixed with psychedelics.
4. Interstellar
Interstellar is without a doubt the greatest SCI-FI movie to watch while tripping on psychedelics. The amazing visual effects, gripping storyline, and outstanding script of Christopher Nolan’s science fiction masterpiece will have you on the edge of your seat.
It depicts the destruction of Earth due to climate change along with the last-ditch efforts of a group of astronauts to preserve humankind. The plot, which transports viewers beyond the boundaries of our physical world and explores the huge universe, is rich in themes of love, time, and the strength of human connection.
5. The Yellow Submarine
The Yellow Submarine is a timeless animated musical inspired by the groovy music of the Beatles It follows the iconic band on a whimsical journey to rescue Pepperland from the nefarious Blue Meanies, who despise the music. The fact that Blue Meanies are a type of psychedelic mushroom, indirectly suggests why’s this cinematic creation made in the first place.
The movie’s storyline is playful and silly, complemented by retro graphics and mind-altering psychedelic effects. When viewed under the influence of psychedelics, the film’s imaginative landscapes and iconic songs acquire a new depth, resonating visually and aurally, enhancing the feeling of going on an adventure. The trippy backgrounds and visuals further enhance the already surreal atmosphere of the film.
6. Enter the Void
Enter the Void is a must-see movie that is rightfully considered to be among the greatest psychedelic movies ever made. The plot revolves around two characters: Linda, a stripper, and Oscar, a drug dealer. Oscar is nearly killed when he gets shot during a police raid. But his soul won’t depart the world of the living because of a promise to his sister. The movie takes audiences on a bizarre trip as it explores Oscar’s psyche.
Over the course of the two-and-a-half hours of the movie, the plot develops, bringing excitement along with a hint of confusion. Intersecting timelines challenge the viewer’s cognitive faculties, which can be especially engaging when under the influence of psychedelics.
7. The Holy Mountain
Alejandro Jodorowsky, a visionary with an unusual style, directed the film The Holy Mountain. It tells the story of an alchemist who leads a group of characters to a holy mountain in their search for enlightenment. It is a perfect representation of a psychedelic trip in both plot and visuals. Allen Klein, the Beatles’ manager, supported this film project since he and George Harrison both admired Jodorowsky’s earlier works. It’s definitely a niche movie, appealing to specific, psychonaut audiences, but for those who connect with it, it’s incredibly fascinating.
8. The Wizard of Oz
Many of us saw the musical fantasy The Wizard of Oz as children, and it seemed like a childhood must-see. The story follows Dorothy as she journeys to a technicolor realm with her famous red ruby slippers, where she meets wizards, Munchkins, and both Good and Wicked witches.
Re-discovering this movie as an adult, especially while on psychedelics, shows its qualities, which promise to captivate you from beginning to end. These aspects include the captivating music, the subtly moral messages, and the exquisite costumes.
9. Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory
Watching Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is essential, regardless of whether you’re traveling. The 1971 version is a great option to watch while high due to its whimsical and dreamlike quality, as well as its darker undertones.
This movie, which is based on Roald Dahl’s original tale, is appealing to audiences of all ages and provides a timeless experience. While the film’s full charm can be enjoyed without tripping, the psychedelic elements add an extra layer of fascination.
10. The Trip
The Trip is the very definition of a psychedelic film. It focuses on TV advertising director Paul Groves, who is going through a personal crisis as a result of his wife leaving him. John, a close buddy who loves LSD a lot, agrees to be his trip sitter as he goes through his first LSD experience. But as Paul experiences hallucinations and visions with themes of sex, death, witches, torture chambers, and dwarves, his trip takes an unusual turn. Get ready to laugh out loud when you watch this 1967 classic if you’re tripping.
