Pineapple Express is a stoner comedy if you have ever heard of one. Released in 2008, this action-packed stoner comedy has since become a cult classic. Some say these sorts of movies have been on a wane recently with studios opting instead for big budget superhero blockbusters. However, we recognize some still find this style highly enjoyable, so we’ve created this list of movies like Pineapple Express.
The film stars Seth Rogen as Dale Denton, a process server, and James Franco as Saul Silver, his drug dealer. The two find themselves on the run after they witness a murder committed by a drug lord, and are pursued by hitmen and a corrupt police officer. Pineapple Express is as action-packed as it is hilarious, and will keep you entertained and laughing throughout.
List Of Movies Like Pineapple Express
1. This is the End (2013)
This is the End is a hilarious comedy film directed by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. The film has an all-star cast of some of the funniest actors in modern American comedy. All these actors play exaggerated parodies of themselves, and what makes it funnier is the scenario in which they are put into. This scenario is a night trapped in a house after an apocalypse which has all but wiped out the city of Los Angeles.
Some of its star-studded ensemble cast includes Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill and many others. As they struggle to survive and find a way out, the group must look inwards and confront their own demons, while finding a way to reconcile with each other. Then and only then will their path to escape be clear. This film is also a crazy blend of humor and action similar to movies like Pineapple Express.
2. Step Brothers (2008)
Step Brothers is about two supposed adults living together at home with their respective single parents. One with his divorced mother and the other with the widowed father both of whom met, and fell in love with each other, even getting married. They demand that their children, Brennan and Dale live together as step brothers. This newly formed brotherhood must navigate their hilarious new living situation despite having their personal drama which they have to deal with.
Step Brothers has received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its humor and the performances of the cast, especially for their great chemistry and believable acting, despite the movie’s hilarious premise. The movie has gotten praise for its clever writing, standout performances, and memorable quotes. Check this one out if you’re looking for films like Pineapple Express.
3. The Night Before (2015)
The Night Before is an American stoner comedy similar to movies like Pineapple Express directed by Jonathan Levine and written by Levine, Evan Goldberg, and Kyle Hunter. In this movie, three lifelong friends reunite on New Year’s Eve to partake in some crazy shenanigans and hijinks which all make for a pretty unforgettable night for them in New York City.
The film is also a blend of the holiday movie genre and all of its accompanying tropes with the stoner comedy genre, similar to the way movies like Pineapple Express blended action and comedy together. It is regarded as one the best of its type. It isn’t farfetched to say The Night Before has become a holiday favorite, which you and the family, well maybe the adults in the family, can enjoy.
4. The World’s End (2013)
Somewhat of a post-apocalyptic movie just like This Is The End, as its title suggests, The World’s End follows a hilarious group of five friends who find themselves thrust into an adventure. A mix of sci-fi action and comedy, similar to movies like Pineapple Express which also mix genres, it follows the group of friends who reunite for a pub brawl they had started in their youth.
However, upon getting into town, they start to witness some strange occurrences and stumble upon some violent robotic beings. The World’s End is a rollercoaster from start to finish, and uses its great blend of genres to capture a wider audience than might have been possible if they stuck to just one.
5. Hot Fuzz (2007)
Hot Fuzz is about the story of an overqualified policeman called Nicholas Angel, who is transferred to the village of Salford. At first all seems to be quiet and quite uneventful. But soon some accidents and murders happen which lead to him questioning this ill-conceived notion.
And what would a capable detective be without a clumsy partner. Danny Butterman is Mr Watson to Nicholas’ Sherlock Holmes, and together they are all the town has to uncover the crimes in the community once and for all. It’s an interesting blend of action and comedy like Pineapple Express and is among the most celebrated comedies of its era.
6. The Hangover (2009)
The Hangover is a movie title and franchise that is probably not unknown to you, but in case you may have passed upon watching it during its heyday then I advise you give it a try. This comedy film is directed by Todd Phillips, and features Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Justin Bartha as a group of four who travel to Las Vegas for a wild Bachelor’s Eve celebration eve. If you’re already a fan, check our list of hilarious movies like The Hangover.
The next morning, they awaken with no memory of all that happened the previous night, and have to rely on clues to determine all that transpired the previous night and find the missing groom. The Hangover might well have been the peak of the stoner comedy era, as many fans remain nostalgic of the genre’s heyday, longing for movies like Pineapple Express and The Hangover. The Hangover remains popular and has spawned two sequels, namely The Hangover Part II and The Hangover Part III.
7. 22 Jump Street (2014)
High octane action. Check. Great chemistry. Check. Hilarious scenes. Check. 22 Jump Street’s plot is centered on two police officers who partner up again to go undercover at a local college and find out who’s behind a drug spreading through the school’s populace like wildfire.
This film is a sequel to the 2012 film 21 Jump Street, and features Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum who reprise their roles as officers Schmidt and Jenko, respectively. A goofy comedy similar to movies like Pineapple Express, 22 Jump Street was a massive success both critically and commercially, grossing over $331 million worldwide.
Also Read: 10 Coming Of Age Movies Like Dazed and Confused
8. Dumb and Dumber (1994)
Dumb and Dumber is an American comedy film directed by the Farrelly brothers. This classic comedy film features two legends of the genre in Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels as Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne, two unintelligent friends who embark on a road trip across the country.
In the same vein with movies like Pineapple Express, Dumb and Dumber has since become a staple of American comedy, influencing a generation of comedians and comedy films. The film has so many unforgettable lines and scenes, scenes which still get reposted on a regular basis today on various social media platforms.
9. Zombieland (2009)
What happens when the world is overrun by zombies? Zombieland aims to answer that question through a comedic lens turning a seemingly serious situation into a hilarious one. This film features Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin, who have no choice but to find a way to survive this new dangerous world.
Overall, Zombieland is a must-see for fans of the zombie genre and comedy fans alike. With its memorable characters, witty writing, and fast-paced action that it shares with films like Pineapple Express, Zombieland remains a classic of the genre and a fan-favorite which I recommend that you watch.
10. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Shaun Of The Dead, similar to the movie above, is also all about zombies. This time it brings it all to London and its plot is centered around Shaun, a lifelong slacker who now all of a sudden has to live up to responsibility and be the one to save the day. With the help of his best friend Ed, Shaun tries to rescue his friends and loved ones, and other survivors.
Shaun of the Dead is a must-see for fans of the zombie genre and comedy fans alike. It is a sublime mix of action and comedy as seen in films like Pineapple Express. The film was so well-received that it spawned a successful trilogy, with its subsequent films being Hot Fuzz and The World’s End, both of which have come up on this list. So why not binge the whole lot?
11. Superbad (2007)
Superbad is targeted more towards a younger audience compared to films like Pineapple Express, but nevertheless is insanely funny. The film features Jonah Hill and Michael Cera as two high school friends, Seth and Evan, who decide that if they want to be one of the cool kids they have to score some alcohol to share with their fellow students.
The film has a funny ensemble cast, including the legendary character McLovin. The film is fast paced, interesting and has great chemistry between all of the characters in it. More coming of age than stoner comedy, it however still retains some of the qualities that make the latter so memorable.
12. Airplane! (1980)
Airplane! is an American comedy film directed by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker. The film is a parody of the popular disaster films of the 50s. It is all centered on Robert Hays, an ex-fighter pilot who is forced into taking over the controls of an airliner.
He has to deal with some increasingly hilarious roadblocks, including technical issues, unhelpful personnel and annoying passengers. Similar to films like Pineapple Express, Airplane! is filled with some absurd and quirky humor but all that is balanced by the on-rails action and suspense, something we all love to see in movies like these.
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few films like Pineapple Express that didn’t make the list, but can also check them out:
1. Dude, Where’s My Car?
2. Harold And Kumar Go To White Castle Sees
3. The Interview
4. We’re The Millers
5. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
