Watching movies while tripping on mushrooms can be a profound and transformative experience. The right film can open up new dimensions, evoke powerful emotions, and lead to deep introspection. However, choosing the perfect movie is key. You want visually stunning, emotionally resonant films that explore themes of consciousness, interconnectivity, and transcendence.
To enhance your next mushroom journey, we’ve curated a list of the 15 best movies to watch while tripping. These psychedelic classics and hidden gems are sure to blow your mind. Strap in and prepare for the ultimate trip with these reality-bending films.
1. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Directed by the legendary Stanley Kubrick, 2001: A Space Odyssey is the ultimate “trip” movie. This groundbreaking sci-fi epic explores the evolution of human consciousness across millennia. With its iconic imagery, metaphysical themes, and mind-blowing “Stargate” sequence, 2001 is tailor-made for watching on mushrooms.
The film’s deliberate pacing and ambiguous narrative can be challenging for some, but on mushrooms, you’ll be fully immersed in Kubrick’s vision. As your mind expands, you’ll ponder life’s biggest questions along with the film’s characters. What is the nature of intelligence? What is our place in the universe? 2001 will take you on an unforgettable journey “beyond the infinite.”
Best Scenes to Trip To:
- The Dawn of Man sequence with proto-humans discovering tools
- The space flight to the moon set to Johann Strauss’ Blue Danube Waltz
- The dizzying “Stargate” journey that breaks through space and time
2. Fantasia (1940)
This Disney classic is the definition of psychedelic animation. Released in 1940, Fantasia pairs breathtaking visuals with classical music, creating a truly transportive experience. On mushrooms, Fantasia becomes even more enchanting, as your enhanced senses sync up perfectly with the dreamy, surreal imagery.
Each of the film’s eight animated segments explores a different visual style and emotional tone. You’ll be swept away by dancing mushrooms, delicate fairies, and shimmering fish. The “Night on Bald Mountain” sequence, with its demonic imagery, may be intense for some trippers, but the angelic “Ave Maria” finale will soothe your soul.
Best Segments to Trip To:
- The abstract “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor” sequence
- The playful “Dance of the Hours” with its ballet-dancing ostriches and hippos
- Mickey Mouse’s trippy turn as “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”
3. The Holy Mountain (1973)
Alejandro Jodorowsky’s The Holy Mountain is a surreal masterpiece that defies explanation. The plot, such as it is, follows a Christ-like figure and a group of powerful individuals on a quest for enlightenment. But the real reason to watch The Holy Mountain is for its shocking, kaleidoscopic visuals and esoteric symbolism.
On mushrooms, The Holy Mountain’s bizarre imagery takes on new layers of meaning. Jodorowsky explores themes of greed, materialism, and the illusory nature of reality. The film culminates in a powerful breaking of the fourth wall that will have you questioning the boundaries between fiction and reality.
Best Scenes to Trip To:
- The Alchemist’s mystical transformation of excrement into gold
- The colorful ascent up the Holy Mountain
- The mind-bending fourth wall break in the finale
4. Koyaanisqatsi (1982)
Koyaanisqatsi, which means “life out of balance” in the Hopi language, is a wordless documentary that juxtaposes natural wonders with the chaotic energy of modern civilization. Director Godfrey Reggio pairs stunning cinematography with Philip Glass’ hypnotic score, creating an audiovisual experience that’s ideal for tripping.
As you watch Koyaanisqatsi on mushrooms, you’ll be mesmerized by the film’s shifting rhythms and perspectives. Footage of bustling cities, assembly lines, and natural landscapes blend together, inviting reflection on humanity’s relationship with the environment. Are we living in harmony with the earth or destroying it? Koyaanisqatsi will leave you pondering these profound questions.
Best Scenes to Trip To:
- The opening sequence of desert rock formations set to Glass’ ethereal music
- Time-lapse footage of swarming crowds in fast-motion
- Slow-motion shots of rockets launching and exploding
5. Waking Life (2001)
Richard Linklater’s philosophical masterpiece Waking Life explores the blurry line between dreams and reality. Using an innovative rotoscope animation technique, Linklater creates a surreal, shifting dreamscape where big ideas come to life.
The plot follows an unnamed protagonist who wanders through a lucid dream, encountering various characters who espouse different philosophical viewpoints. On mushrooms, you’ll be drawn into their heady conversations about free will, existentialism, and the meaning of life. Waking Life will inspire you to question your own perceptions and beliefs.
Best Scenes to Trip To:
- The “Holy Moment” monologue about being present in the eternal now
- The shifting, melting backgrounds during the philosophy professor’s lecture
- The final cosmic realization that “this is a dream”
6. Baraka (1992)
Similar to Koyaanisqatsi, Baraka is a non-narrative documentary that juxtaposes scenes of natural beauty with the bustle of human civilization. Filmed over 14 months in 24 countries, Baraka explores the diversity of human culture and the oneness underlying all life.
Watching Baraka on mushrooms is a transcendent experience. With your senses heightened, you’ll be awestruck by the film’s breathtaking cinematography and immersive world music soundtrack. As you journey from ancient temples to modern metropolises, you’ll feel a profound connection to the human family and the planet we share.
Best Scenes to Trip To:
- Whirling dervishes spinning ecstatically in prayer
- Time-lapse clouds rolling over the Himalayas
- The burning oil fields of Kuwait after the Gulf War
7. Yellow Submarine (1968)
This psychedelic animated classic features The Beatles traveling through a colorful fantasy world to save Pepperland from the music-hating Blue Meanies. With its vibrant pop art style, infectious Beatles tunes, and whimsical characters, Yellow Submarine is a joyful romp that’s perfect for tripping.
On mushrooms, the film’s kaleidoscopic visuals and cheeky humor will put a big smile on your face. You’ll delight in the imaginative set pieces, like the “Sea of Holes” and the “Foothills of the Headlands.” Yellow Submarine also has moments of poignancy, like the “Eleanor Rigby” sequence, that will resonate deeply in your mushroom-enhanced state.
Best Scenes to Trip To:
- The “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” sequence with its cascading art nouveau patterns
- The “When I’m Sixty-Four” number with its marching band of oddball characters
- The triumphant “All You Need Is Love” singalong finale
8. Samsara (2011)
From the creators of Baraka, Samsara is another visually stunning documentary that explores the cyclical nature of birth, death, and rebirth. Filmed over five years in 25 countries, Samsara captures the wonders of the human experience in breathtaking 70mm cinematography.
Like Baraka, Samsara is the perfect film to watch while tripping on mushrooms. The vivid colors, mesmerizing music, and evocative imagery will transport you to a higher plane of consciousness. From sacred rituals to natural vistas, Samsara will fill you with a profound sense of wonder and connection.
Best Scenes to Trip To:
- The hypnotic Balinese Kecak dance
- Time-lapse footage of decaying objects in reverse
- The eerie images of doll factories and sex dolls
9. Fantastic Planet (1973)
This surreal French animated film takes place on a distant planet where giant blue humanoids called Draags keep humans as pets. With its striking cutout animation style and avant-garde electronic score, Fantastic Planet is a one-of-a-kind sci-fi trip.
On mushrooms, the film’s alien landscapes and bizarre creatures will ignite your imagination. But Fantastic Planet is more than just a visual feast. Its allegorical story explores themes of oppression, rebellion, and the search for identity. You’ll ponder its philosophical questions long after the credits roll.
Best Scenes to Trip To:
- The Draag meditation sequence with its pulsing abstract patterns
- The surreal mating ritual of the Draags
- The psychedelic “de-om” ceremony where humans gain knowledge
10. Paprika (2006)
From acclaimed Japanese animator Satoshi Kon, Paprika is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller about a device that allows therapists to enter patients’ dreams. When the device is stolen, the lines between dreams and reality start to blur, leading to a surreal quest through the subconscious.
With its dizzying plot twists and eye-popping visuals, Paprika is a wild ride from start to finish. On mushrooms, you’ll be fully immersed in its dream logic, marveling at the inventive set pieces and psychological insights. Paprika explores the power of dreams and the nature of reality itself.
Best Scenes to Trip To:
- The opening dream sequence with its shifting characters and settings
- The parade of inanimate objects come to life
- Paprika’s metaphysical confrontation with her alter ego
11. Akira (1988)
Akira is a groundbreaking anime film set in a dystopian future Tokyo. When a teenage biker gains telekinetic powers from a government experiment, it unleashes a chain of destruction that threatens the entire city. With its kinetic animation, pounding soundtrack, and philosophical themes, Akira is an unforgettable trip.
On mushrooms, Akira’s neon-drenched visuals and mind-blowing set pieces will leave you breathless. The film’s exploration of power, corruption, and the potential of the human mind will resonate on a deep level. Get ready for an intense, thought-provoking ride.
Best Scenes to Trip To:
- Tetsuo’s jarring hallucinations after gaining his powers
- The towering, mutating mass of flesh in the climax
- The cryptic final scene with the espers
12. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
This mind-bending sci-fi romance follows a couple (Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet) who erase each other from their memories after a breakup. As the memories are slowly wiped away, the film takes us on a surreal journey through the subconscious.
With its inventive visuals and poignant exploration of love and loss, Eternal Sunshine is a perfect film for a mushroom trip. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll ponder the nature of memory and identity. The film’s fragmented, dreamlike structure will make even more sense in an altered state.
Best Scenes to Trip To:
- The distorted, crumbling memories of Joel’s childhood
- The trippy, in-brain conversation between Joel and Clementine
- The bittersweet montage of Joel and Clementine’s relationship
13. The Tree of Life (2011)
Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life is a transcendent meditation on life, death, and the meaning of existence. The film juxtaposes the story of a 1950s Texas family with the origins of the universe itself. With its stunning cinematography and metaphysical themes, The Tree of Life is tailor-made for a mushroom trip.
On mushrooms, you’ll be fully absorbed in Malick’s poetic, free-associative style. The film’s cosmic imagery, from the formation of stars to the age of dinosaurs, will fill you with awe. And its intimate family drama will stir deep emotions and memories. The Tree of Life is a profound, life-affirming journey.
Best Scenes to Trip To:
- The creation of the universe sequence set to Zbigniew Preisner’s music
- Young Jack’s experiences of joy and wonder in nature
- The metaphysical journey through the afterlife
14. Spirited Away (2001)
Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away is a wondrous anime classic about a young girl named Chihiro who gets trapped in a spirit world. With its imaginative creatures, lush animation, and coming-of-age story, Spirited Away is a perfect film for a magical mushroom trip.
On mushrooms, you’ll be transported to the film’s enchanting bathhouse, where spirits and demons come to rejuvenate. You’ll marvel at the creativity of Miyazaki’s world, from the adorable soot sprites to the enigmatic No-Face. Spirited Away is a heartwarming, life-affirming tale of courage and friendship.
Best Scenes to Trip To:
- Chihiro’s first surreal encounter with the spirits
- The enchanting train ride over the submerged tracks
- Chihiro’s triumphant flight with Haku in dragon form
15. Donnie Darko (2001)
This mind-bending cult classic follows a troubled teenager (Jake Gyllenhaal) who starts having visions of a man in a creepy rabbit suit after narrowly escaping death. As Donnie unravels the mysteries of time travel and parallel universes, the film takes us on a surreal, metaphysical journey.
With its puzzling plot, evocative soundtrack, and trippy visuals, Donnie Darko is a perfect film to watch on mushrooms. You’ll ponder its existential questions about fate, free will, and sacrifice. The film’s ambiguous ending will leave you reeling and reflecting for days.
Best Scenes to Trip To:
- Donnie’s unsettling conversations with Frank the rabbit
- The trippy liquid spears emerging from people’s chests
- The mind-bending final montage that recontextualizes the entire film
Watching any of these mind-bending movies while tripping on mushrooms is sure to be a profound, transformative experience. Whether you’re pondering the nature of consciousness, marveling at the beauty of existence, or just enjoying the trippy visuals, these films will take your mushroom journey to new heights.
So dim the lights, settle in, and let these cinematic masterpieces be your guide as you explore the far reaches of your mind. Happy tripping!
