It’s that time of year again — it’s cold out, it’s dark by 4 p.m., and productivity has slowed to an all-time low. When it’s too gloomy to venture outside, what better way to pass the time and get into the holiday spirit than with some beloved films?
Whether you’re spending a night relaxing at home alone or kicking back with friends, there’s no shortage of Christmas and Hanukkah movies to queue up to brighten the mood.
If you’re ready to take your stoner movie game to the next level, try pairing up one of our favorite holiday films with a hand-picked festive cannabis strain designed to elevate the experience. From the shenanigans of Office Christmas Party or The Night Before to the heartwarming ending in The Grinch, there’s an option for every mood.
Bad Santa, starring Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox, Bernie Mac, and Lauren Graham, is a 2003 dark Christmas comedy about an alcoholic, cynical con man with a plan to rob some department stores on Christmas Eve with his elf partner in crime. He sets off to do his dark deeds, but finds his plans thrown awry when he meets a troubled, lonely boy named Thurman Merman. Together, they get into mischief — and along the way, the con man finds that his heart may not be as frozen as he thought.
This unrestrained and hilarious tale pairs well with a Sativa-dominant strain like Chemdawg, a potent diesel strain that will have you and your friends feeling buzzed, euphoric, and full of giggles as you adventure along with Bad Santa. It also has enough Indica content to help you relax while you watch, keeping you awake and alert without feeling overly hyper. Fair warning: Chemdawg is known for inducing the munchies, so make sure you have some snacks on hand before you press play.
The Night Before is classic Seth Rogen fare, starring him alongside Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Anthony Mackie. This 2015 stoner holiday movie follows the three men, who started out as childhood friends, as they embark on their annual tradition of spending Christmas Eve searching for the elusive Nutcracka Ball — the best party in New York City. This year, however, is their last year reuniting to find the party, so they decide to go all-out in their quest. Shenanigans, substance use, and emotional moments ensue in this naughty and chaotic story. And, thanks to Seth Rogen’s Jewish heritage, there are jokes here for people of all denominations.
If you’re planning to put on The Night Before this year, we recommend indulging in some of the legendary Pineapple Express strain as you watch. Created by Seth Rogen himself as he made the 2008 film of the same name, the Sativa-dominant hybrid strain has a 60:40 Sativa to-Indica ratio and prominent effects like euphoria, chattiness, and liveliness. After a few tokes of Pineapple Express, you’ll feel like you’re part of the journey with Rogen, Gordon-Levitt, and Mackie.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), starring Jim Carrey, is perhaps the most well-known and loved adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s iconic holiday classic. The story follows the Grinch, a grouchy hermit living on a mountain above Whoville — and he despises Christmas and the holiday-obsessed residents of the town. One year, he crafts a plan to ruin the holiday by stealing the Whos’ decorations, presents, and meals on Christmas Eve. However, his encounter with a girl named Cindy Lou Who threatens to change how he views the holidays forever.
Although this is the most family-friendly movie on our list, it remains one of the most popular Christmas movies of the century — and for good reason. With plenty of quality jokes, heartfelt moments, and incredible performances from actors like Taylor Momsen, it’s held up well since its debut more than 20 years ago. A zany plot and trippy psychedelic set make it perfect for stoners, and you’ll soon feel like a child marveling at the magic of Christmas all over again. For this one, try watching with some of the Indica-dominant Northern Lights strain to fully relax and feel your woes melt away. Afterward, you’ll be able to go right to bed and dream of Whoville until morning.
Harold and Kumar are well-known figures among the weed community, and they have a trio of classic stoner movies documenting their exploits. In A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas, the estranged friends (John Cho and Kai Penn) are reunited years after their original adventures concluded. When Kumar accidentally burns down Harold’s father-in-law’s prized Christmas tree, the two set off on a chaotic quest through New York City to find a replacement. They encounter crazy characters, outlandish situations, goofy mishaps, and even their old friend Neil Patrick Harris.
Laughing Buddha, which gets its name from the serious giggles it induces, is a potent Sativa strain perfect for watching a Christmas comedy. It will make the absurd moments that much funnier, and the sweet, fruity flavor adds a tasty touch. By starting your stoner holiday movie binge with this strain, you’ll be sure to stay alert and joyful until the credits roll.
Office Christmas Party is a 2016 stoner holiday movie that follows a struggling office branch on the verge of closure. To land an important client and save their jobs, the office branch manager Clay (T.J. Miller) and his coworkers (Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston, Kate McKinnon, and more) throw an extravagant Christmas party. What starts as a well-laid plan quickly becomes chaotic, with outrageous antics and plenty of holiday-themed debauchery.
This film’s star-studded cast, R rating, and wild tribulations make it a raucous addition to your Christmas movie night, especially if you’re watching with friends and plenty of weed. Embrace the chaos with a Sativa strain like Green Crack, a strain notable for its ability to alleviate depression and stress and have you feeling uplifted and giggly. No matter how precarious the movie’s shenanigans become, you’ll still be able to laugh along knowing that it all works out in the end. After all, what’s a holiday flick without a feel-good ending?
Is your favorite Christmas movie not on this list? Don’t worry, we’ve also decided to give a few holiday classics an honorable mention. Whether it’s wholesome family fare, animated adventures, or a cheesy rom-com, we’ve got something for everyone.
Try one of these movie and strain pairings to get into the holiday mood:
Enjoy!
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