The Scariest Movies To Watch On Psychedelics
Before we get into these suggestions for what to watch on psychedelics, perhaps we should take a moment to remind you that watching horror films on mushrooms, acid, LSD, or any other mind bending drugs can be pretty disturbing. Should you choose to embark on such a journey, please make sure you do so in the company of a group of people you trust, lest your trip go terribly wrong.
That being said, if you insist on continuing down this path, here are a list of scary horror movies to watch on psychedelics, some of which come recommended by others who have actually pulled it off. Here you'll find a list of some of the scariest movies to watch on shrooms, LSD, or anything else for that matter. These films will take you to parts of your mind you may or may not have ever wanted to go.
Again, please use caution and make sure you trip responsibly, as nothing is worse than nightmares that may or may not follow you off the screen.
Vote up the best movies to watch on psychedelics below and feel free to add anything you think is missing.
- Michael Rogers, Eva Bourne, Scott Hylands
- Released: 2011
- Directed by: Panos Cosmatos
Experience a dark, mysterious journey through the mind of a psychic woman imprisoned in a sinister research facility known as Arboria Institute. Directed by Panos Cosmatos, this visually stunning film boasts an atmospheric synth-heavy soundtrack that complements its kaleidoscopic visuals, making it perfect for captivating the senses under the influence of psychedelics. Immerse in the distinctive visual style reminiscent of 1970s and 1980s science fiction films that only intensify when accompanied by a psychedelic state.
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- Tim Robbins, Elizabeth Peña, Danny Aiello
- Released: 1990
- Directed by: Adrian Lyne
Fear blends with surrealism in this psychological thriller directed by Adrian Lyne about a Vietnam War veteran grappling with vivid hallucinations and nightmarish visions upon returning home. With an infamous hospital scene that still sends shivers down spines, the film will not disappoint anyone seeking heart-pounding terror amidst their psychedelic journey. Moreover, its intertwining themes of past traumas and mental struggles will provide viewers ample food for thought during their trip.
- Kimiko Ikegami, Haruko Wanibuchi, Yōko Minamida
- Released: 1977
- Directed by: Nobuhiko Obayashi
Nobuhiko Obayashi's cult classic Japanese horror-comedy offers a perfect blend of bizarre imagery and absurd humor. Trapped within a haunted house filled with supernatural entities, a group of adolescent girls must navigate this twisted world where traditional horror tropes receive playful treatment. The film's colorful visual style and eclectic set pieces make it an exceptional choice for a psychedelic screening.
- Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd
- Released: 1980
- Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
Directed by Stanley Kubrick, this classic horror film is known for its overwhelming sense of paranoia and unease within a deserted hotel overrun with malicious entities. Jack Nicholson delivers an iconic performance as Jack Torrance, a writer whose sanity unravels as supernatural forces consume both him and his family. Its eerie atmosphere and unnerving visuals make it ideal for those looking to plunge into psychological depths while experiencing altered states.
- Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, William Jackson Harper
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: Ari Aster
At its core, Ari Aster’s folk horror masterpiece is more than just unsettling; it is an exploration of grief, loss, and ultimately acceptance played out through spine-chilling pagan rituals. The compelling story revolves around a young woman who gets drawn into the intricacies of an isolated Swedish cult while grappling with her own personal tragedy. The film's brightly lit landscapes juxtaposed with gruesome rites create an idyllic nightmare perfect for psychedelic horror enthusiasts.
- Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, David Dorfman
- Released: 2002
- Directed by: Gore Verbinski
This iconic supernatural horror film directed by Gore Verbinski boasts captivating visuals and eerie atmosphere that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. As the main character races against time to uncover the terrifying secret behind a cursed videotape, one will be taken deeper into a dark world laced with psychological thrills. Its intense suspense and haunting images make it an apt pick for those seeking spine-chilling experiences during their psychedelic journey.