Gregg Araki, the indie auteur known for his transgressive '90s queer cinema, is making a comeback with I Want Your Sex in 2026. But before that, fans can revisit his one and only comedy, Smiley Face (2007), now streaming for free on Tubi. Starring Anna Faris at her peak, this stoner romp is a hidden gem that's only gotten better with age.
In Smiley Face, Faris plays Jane, a perpetually stoned actress whose day spirals into chaos after eating her roommate's pot-laced cupcakes. The film follows her misadventures across Los Angeles as she tries to pay off her dealer (Adam Brody) and make it to an audition. It's a sunny, West Coast take on Martin Scorsese's After Hours, complete with an angry mob and a childlike panic from Faris that's pure comedic gold.
Araki's Journey from '90s Icon to Mainstream
Araki's career began with ultra-low-budget queer films like The Living End and the Teenage Apocalypse trilogy (Totally F***ed Up, The Doom Generation, Nowhere). Those movies featured cool '90s stars like Parker Posey and Heather Graham, giving them a built-in audience. By 2004, he'd moved into heavier territory with Mysterious Skin, a drama about alien abduction and abuse starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Smiley Face was a complete 180—a light, absurd comedy that showed Araki could do John Waters-style mainstream without losing his edge.
For those who love upcoming comedy series, Smiley Face is a must-watch. It's a precursor to the Judd Apatow school of stoner humor, but with Araki's signature psychedelic style—flash animation titles, slow zooms, and funky dissolves that mirror Jane's high. The plot is loose, hanging on bits and weed jokes that feel fresh even today.
Anna Faris Shines in a Career-Defining Role
Faris, already known for the Scary Movie franchise and Just Friends, delivers a performance that's both hilarious and oddly touching. Her Jane is a mess—paranoid, graceless, and utterly lovable. Highlights include her first bus ride, where she excitedly tells the driver, and her attempt to sell "government weed" to a casting director played by Jane Lynch. John Krasinski also appears against type as a love interest, adding to the film's charm.
If you're into Jake Johnson's recent comedy work, you'll appreciate Faris's similar knack for physical comedy and timing. Smiley Face is a comedy of errors that never takes itself too seriously, making it perfect for a lazy afternoon stream.
Why It's Worth Watching in 2026
Nineteen years later, Smiley Face remains one of the great stoner comedies—up there with Half Baked and How High. It's free on Tubi, so there's no excuse to miss it. As Araki gears up for I Want Your Sex, this film is a reminder of his versatility. For fans of upcoming spy comedies, it's a fun throwback to a simpler, weed-fueled era of comedy.
So grab some snacks, get comfortable, and let Anna Faris take you on a wild ride through LA. Smiley Face is streaming now on Tubi—don't sleep on it.
