This particular 4/20 just happens to be inherently special for fans of the movie Friday because it commemorates the 20th anniversary for Ice Cube and Chris Tucker allowing us to laugh our asses off by showcasing just a typical day in the hood. Taking a page from the legacy written by Cheech and Chong, the instant classic was able to create the same kind of feeling for urban audiences to identify with.
Over the years, there have been an incredible movies like Friday that may have carved out their own niche but mostly fell flat off the contact.
Check them out in the gallery below.
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Photo: New Line Cinema
3 Strikes (2000)
The very same day dude gets let out of jail, shenanigans throughout the hood ensue forcing him to prove his innocence, or else.
Lottery Ticket (2010)
From the neighborhood hero (Bow Wow Shad Moss) to neighborhood bully (Gbenga Akinnagbe), the entire storyline basically follows Friday‘s template. Thank Cube Vision.
Puff, Puff, Pass (2006)
A couple of stoners involved in a harebrained scheme to get money isn’t a new concept but this Mehki Phifer-directed flick wasn’t as nearly bad as some of the other movies on this list.
I Got the Hook Up! (1998)
Master P’s No Limit Records’ first theatrical release starred Ezel from Friday A.J. Johnson peddling cell phones through the hood and ended with Mystikal hitting a killer blunt.
The Wash (2001)
Friday co-writer DJ Pooh got Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg to portray their own version of Craig and Smokey without being fired from the job.
Paper Soldiers (2002)
When Roc-A-Fella Films ventured into the urban comedy market, this is what they came up with.
Half Baked (1998)
The crazy minds of Dave Chappelle and Neal Brennan took pop culture’s increasing interest in hood weed flicks to an entirely ‘nother level with this cult classic.
Janky Promoters (2009)
Ice Cube and Omar Epps’ character’s name might as well been “Craig” and “Day-Day” when they were trying to get Young Jeezy to perform in the hood.
Malibu’s Most Wanted (2003)
Jamie Kennedy went over-the-top with the Hip-Hop stereotypes. The wackness.
Something Like a Business (2010)
Pimpin’ and panhandling and all around bad cinema.
School Dance (2014)
Although the idea to get an ensemble cast to carry out all the hijinks was appreciated, no chemistry between any of them ever developed to make this one a winner.
Grandma’s Boy
Obviously this remains a fan favorite in the hood.
Mac & Devin Go to High School (2012)
Peer pressure gets you nowhere but high.
Phat Beach (1996)
Released not too long after Friday, this one of the first of many films that saw Tommy “Tiny” Lister inconspicuously revising his role as Deebo.
The Breaks (1999)
If Craig was a white guy and Friday was a Sunday, this is what you would get.
Next Day Air (2009)
Swap out the weed for cocaine and you’re left with another unauthorized Friday sequel.
How High (2001)
Red and Meth put their spin on the time-tested hood weed comedy but never released a follow-up.
Soul Plane (2004)
It’s rare that a movie is famous and accepted for being complete trash but when you run all the concepts for a ghetto comedy flick to the ground, you’ll be searching for that little black box.
All About The Benjamins (2002)
Nothing to see here but Craig and Day-Day running around looking for a “lottery ticket.”
Next Friday (2000)
Where as the third Friday movie has gone on to become a seasonal staple, this particular installment tried to swap out the hood for the ‘burbs but never hit the same kind of mark.
20 Movies Like Friday For 4/20
