10 Psychedelic Movies You Need to Watch

Well, folks, the writers in Hollywood are on strike, again. I remember the last time they were on strike in 2007.

I was still in the film industry then and working in the Special Effects department for huge blockbuster films such as Blood Diamond, Superman Returns, Safehouse, and a few more.

Back then the industry was utterly upended for over 3 months. Suffice it to say, we might have to wait a while for good-quality content to watch.Fear not, we have a solution for you.

Here below is a list of the top 10 psychedelic films (including animations)

Please bear in mind that these are not ranked in a particular order of preference or status, but more of a short list of psychedelic movies that you might not have come across yet.

They are:

“Yellow Submarine” (1968)

An animated film featuring the music of The Beatles, “Yellow Submarine” takes viewers on a psychedelic adventure through Pepperland, an enchanting world threatened by the Blue Meanies. 

It’s a visually inventive and whimsical film that captures the spirit of the ’60s.

“Fantasia” (1940)

A classic Disney film, “Fantasia” combines animation with classical music to create a series of visually stunning and abstract sequences. 

It’s a surreal and experimental film that explores the power of music and imagination.

“Fantastic Planet” (1973)

Directed by René Laloux, this French-Czech animated science fiction film presents a surreal and visually captivating world inhabited by humans and Draags, giant blue-skinned aliens. 

It touches on themes of oppression, rebellion, and coexistence.

“Waking Life” (2001)

Directed by Richard Linklater, this animated film explores philosophical concepts and existential ideas through dreamlike encounters and conversations.

It’s a visually striking and intellectually stimulating exploration of reality and consciousness.

“The Trip” (1967)

Directed by Roger Corman, this film follows a character portrayed by Peter Fonda on an LSD trip under the guidance of a “psychedelic guru” played by Bruce Dern. 

It explores the hallucinatory effects of the drug and its impact on perception.

“Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon” (2003)

Directed by Adrian Maben, this concert film captures Pink Floyd’s performance of their iconic album “The Dark Side of the Moon” in 1972, blending it with stunning visual effects and psychedelic imagery.

“The Wall” (1982)

Directed by Alan Parker and based on Pink Floyd’s concept album, this animated/live-action hybrid film tells the story of a rock star’s descent into madness, incorporating surreal visuals and mind-altering sequences.

“Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” (1998)

Based on Hunter S. Thompson’s novel, this Terry Gilliam-directed film follows the drug-fueled misadventures of journalist Raoul Duke (played by Johnny Depp) and his attorney (played by Benicio Del Toro) as they embark on a psychedelic journey through Las Vegas in the 1970s.

“2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968)

Directed by Stanley Kubrick, this is a visually stunning and intellectually challenging film that takes viewers on a cosmic journey exploring human evolution, artificial intelligence, and the nature of existence.

“Alice” (1988)

Directed by Jan Švankmajer, this Czech animated film combines live-action with stop-motion animation to create a dark and surreal interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”

It’s a visually striking and psychologically intense exploration of Alice’s journey through a nightmarish Wonderland.

Bonus Film

I will confess that this is one of my favorite films. It’s easy to watch, hilarious, and quite psychedelic in its own right

“The Beach Bum” (2019), directed by Harmony Korine and starring Matthew McConaughey, features a trippy and eccentric narrative following the misadventures of Moondog (McConaughey), a rebellious and hedonistic poet. 

The movie is FUNNY and packed with vibrant visuals, surreal sequences, and a distinctive style that captures the spirit of a psychedelic journey through Moondog’s life, aka Matthew McConaughey. The film also includes brilliant cameos like Snoop Dogg. A must-watch!

Let me know if you’ve seen any of these already, if not, let me know which film you decided to discover and watch. Maybe we should start a Film Club? Once a month or something? 

Let me know your thoughts on social channels like our Facebook group or Discord channel.

Or send me a private email at asha@microdose-pro.com

As always, flow strong.

Asha ✨