Movie night! What’s it going to be? Superbad? The Harold & Kumar Go to Whitecastle?

You know what will make your movie-watching experience even better? Cannabis, of course. Marijuana usually makes most things better – especially MOVIES!

But we advise you against smoking just any strain of cannabis. No two strains are alike, and you could potentially ruin your entire evening if you’ve got the wrong strain in your pre-roll, bowl, or bong. Some strains are best for watching certain types of movies. And some strains should be avoided no matter what kind of movie it is.

To ensure that you pair the right strain with the right film, here’s a marijuana guide to match your movie mood!

The Top 5 Cannabis Strains to Smoke While Watching a Movie! And Not!

As a general rule, when you’re planning to Netflix and chill and smoke, you want to avoid heavy-Sativa strains. You could get so energized that you won’t be able to sit still long enough to enjoy the film, or the strain might simply overwhelm your mind with euphoria, making it difficult to concentrate.

On the flip side, you also want to avoid heavy Indicas. “Couch-lock” might seem like a good idea if you’re sitting down to watch a movie, but if the strain is so sedating that you fall asleep, that kinda defeats the purpose.

So, there’s a balance that needs to be struck.

Hybrids are typically the best strains for movie-watching because they’ll put you in a relaxed state of mind while giving you some mind stimulation that will help enhance your viewing experience.

Within the category of hybrids, you have Sativa-dominant hybrids, Indica-dominant-hybrids, and 50-50 hybrids to choose from. Your mileage may vary with each of these, but here are the 5 best hybrid strains that we recommend for movie-watching.

Royal Wedding Cake

Royal Wedding Cake is an Indica-dominant hybrid with highly potent, all-encompassing, mind-body effects that make you feel like you’re being launched into another world. In other words, it’s great for highly visual movies — action, sci-fi, fantasy, horror — or anything that feels slightly out of this universe. Pro-breeders in the USA mixed a Girl Scout phenotype with the potent Cherry Pie. What they got wasn’t an American Pie, oh no, but a proper Royal Wedding Cake, fit only for aristocracy.

Movies that we’d recommend for this strain are chilled movies like, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Slow pace, timeless story line. Perfect.

What’s next?

Blue Dream

The forever-a-classic Blue Dream is a Sativa-dominant hybrid that’s loved by both novice and experienced users alike. Its gentle calming euphoria and uplifting head effects make it ideal for afternoon binge-watching. If you need to be able to follow plotlines — mysteries, thrillers, documentaries — grab a hold of this strain and settle in for the day!

We’re feeling like a showing of Easy Rider would be epic. A journey of self-discovery across the length of the USA.

White Widow

White Widow a balanced hybrid that gives users a burst of energy, stimulating their creative faculties and propensity for communication. If you like thought-provoking, mind-bending movies that are sure to inspire conversations (we’re thinking arthouse, indy films) this one’s the way to go. Because of the highly energizing nature of White Widow, we recommend smoking this with other people as opposed to smoking it alone. Gotta share that energy!

If you’re up for a collective movie viewing with epic catch-lines to repeat, switch on Pineapple Express.

Putin’s Punch

Putin’s Punch is an Indica-dominant hybrid that delivers a balanced but intense psychoactive experience. Happiness, contentment and full-body intoxication take place almost immediately. This strain is reputed to be a powerful aphrodisiac, so if you want to snuggle up with your partner and watch a romance movie or a steamy erotic thriller, try this strain on for size.

For those looking at a trippy time wrap, watching Dazed and Confused,

Strawberry Lemonade

Strawberry Lemonade is a delicious-tasting, Sativa-dominant hybrid with a whimsical nature, known for its ebbs and flows, raising your euphoria levels and then bringing you down into a state of serenity. Pair this one with a light comedy!

We’re thinking maybe putting on Super Troopers. Basically a cult classic. Meow, let’s look at some strains you should avoid if you’re planning on watching a movie.

Cannabis Strains To Avoid When Watching a Movie

While we can assume you’re a veteran cannabis user, there are still strains that will totally ruin a movie. Especially if you’re planning on watching Bambi… no one in a fragile mental state should witness his mother die!

Also, most heavy Sativas will evoke an active response.  Here’s our top five strains to exercise caution around.

Super Silver Haze

AKA the King of All Sativas, this strain will hurl you into the Stratosphere from the first drag, then throws you back into the chair with a laid-back body high. Some users have gone on the record saying that they’e disappeared into their own pit of despair.

As a whole, not the type of experience great for movies.

Jack the Ripper

We feel like the name is a dead give away that you should avoid using this if you’re watching a movie. Some sources say that it is the fastest acting lemon haze on the market. Something worth mentioning is that general rule of thumb is to avoid Hazes.

Cindy99

An Amsterdam based Mr Soul developed the sativa-dominant Cinderella 99. Or as we’ve referred to it, Cindy99.

The main issue with using good old Cindy99 is that it has been known to knock some user unconscious and flip others out in pure terror. So, avoid.

Vietnamese Black

It’s been called a carpet bomber of a strain, just throwing people into pure fits of your own dreaded phobia. It also just ruins all your senses and life grinds to an absolute halt. So, avoid.

Sour Diesel

A true classic, Sour Diesel has made the rounds. And it’s known for flipping users into puddles of sweat. This is due to the fact its THC levels are far to high ranging from 15%-30%! Once again, not the greatest strain if you’re looking to enjoy a movie.