Finding a way to watch Cheech and Chong's Next Movie in 2026 shouldn’t feel like a scavenger hunt through a hazy 1980s basement, but honestly, streaming rights for cult classics are always shifting. If you're looking for that specific brand of chaotic, low-budget humor that only Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong can provide, you've probably noticed it isn't always sitting right there on the Netflix homepage.
This flick is the 1980 follow-up to Up in Smoke, and it’s basically a fever dream of Los Angeles counterculture. Unlike their debut, which had a bit more of a linear "road trip" vibe, this one is just pure, unadulterated madness. You’ve got Cheech playing dual roles—both himself and his Texan cousin Red—and a very young Paul Reubens showing up before he was "Pee-wee" famous.
How to Stream Cheech and Chong's Next Movie Today
Currently, your best bet for a high-definition experience is through the major digital retailers. While it occasionally pops up on "free-with-ads" services like Tubi or Pluto TV, those licenses expire faster than a lit match.
As of January 2026, here is the breakdown of where you can actually find it:
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- Apple TV: Available for digital rental (usually around $3.99) or permanent purchase ($14.99).
- Amazon Prime Video: You can rent or buy the HD version here. Sometimes it’s included with a "STARZ" or "MGM+" add-on subscription, so check your active channels first.
- Google Play & YouTube Movies: Both offer the standard 1980 cut for rental or purchase.
- Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu): Often carries the 1080p version, which is about as good as this movie is ever going to look.
Physical media fans, don't sleep on the Blu-ray. Universal Pictures released a decent transfer that preserves the grain and grit of the original 35mm film. If you're a purist, the DVD is still floating around in bargain bins and on Amazon for under ten bucks.
Why This Sequel Actually Beats the Original
Most people point to Up in Smoke as the pinnacle, but there's a strong argument that you should watch Cheech and Chong's Next Movie if you want to see the duo at their most creative. Tommy Chong took the director's chair for this one. He had a vision that was less about a "plot" and more about capturing a specific energy.
The movie had a modest $3.2 million budget, but it feels bigger because of the sheer variety of locations. They move from a decrepit house to a movie studio, then a welfare office, and eventually... well, they end up in outer space. Literally.
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The "Red" Factor
Cheech Marin’s performance as Red Mendoza is arguably the highlight. It’s a completely different energy—loud, aggressive, and wearing a massive cowboy hat. Watching Chong try to keep up with Red’s "go to clubs, get plenty of chicks" attitude provides some of the best improvisational moments in the film.
Groundlings Cameos
If you’re a comedy nerd, this movie is a goldmine. Because Chong scouted local improv groups, the film features several members of The Groundlings.
- Paul Reubens: He plays the irritable hotel desk clerk (and essentially a proto-version of Pee-wee Herman).
- Edie McClurg: She plays the "Gloria’s Mother" character and absolutely steals the scene at the party.
- Phil Hartman: Keep your eyes peeled; he’s in there too as "Chick Hazard, Private Eye."
- Michael Winslow: Before Police Academy, he was doing his legendary vocal sound effects in the welfare office scene here.
What to Expect Before You Hit Play
Don't go into this expecting a tight script. It’s a collection of vignettes. The "plot" involves Cheech trying to hook up with Donna (Evelyn Guerrero) while his neighbor, Mr. Neatnik, loses his mind over their lifestyle.
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There’s a lot of "of-its-time" humor. Some of it is brilliantly surreal—like the "space coke" ending—and some of it is just weird 80s slapstick. The soundtrack is surprisingly solid, featuring guitar work by Steve Lukather (of Toto fame) and a title track that stays stuck in your head for days.
Honestly, the movie is a time capsule. It captures a version of Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard that simply doesn't exist anymore. The grit, the cars, the fashion—it's all there in its unwashed glory.
Actionable Tips for the Best Viewing Experience
If you're planning a movie night, don't just wing it. Follow these steps to make sure you're getting the best version:
- Check the Runtime: The standard cut is roughly 95 minutes. Some TV edits hack it down to 80 minutes to remove the "extracurricular" activities. Avoid the TV edits if you want the real experience.
- Look for the HD Tag: Because this was shot on film, the 1080p HD versions available on Apple and Amazon are significantly clearer than the old SD (Standard Definition) files that still linger on some platforms.
- Bundle Up: If you’re a fan, many platforms offer a "Cheech & Chong 3-Movie Collection" that includes Up in Smoke and Nice Dreams. It’s usually cheaper than buying them individually.
To get started, search your preferred streaming app for the title directly. If it’s not on your subscription services, a $3.99 rental is a small price to pay for a 90-minute trip back to 1980. Check your local library's digital catalog through apps like Hoopla or Libby too; they often carry these classic comedies for free with a library card.