Best Mindtrip Movies

From David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Meat Loaf, Zach Grenier
Rated R

Fight Club is a 1999 American film directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter. The film follows an insomniac office worker, played by Norton, who struggles to rebel against a mundane and oppressive life. He eventually forms a "fight club" with soap maker Tyler Durden, played by Pitt, and their underground fight club soon evolves into a violent and nihilistic cult. The film examines themes of masculinity, nihilism, and anti-consumerism and contains elements of black comedy and drama. It was a highly controversial film upon its release and has since become a cult classic.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page, Ken Watanabe
Rated PG-13

Inception is a science-fiction heist film written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan. The film follows Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his team of trained dream-thieves as they attempt to infiltrate the subconscious of a corporate heir to implant an idea that will revolutionize the world. Cobb and his team must navigate a dangerous landscape of shifting dreamscapes and subconscious obstacles in order to successfully complete their mission and keep their secrets safe. Complicating matters further is Cobb's guilt-ridden past, which threatens to destroy his mission and shatter his team's bond. Inception is a thrilling and thought-provoking journey into the human mind, exploring the power of dreams and the nature of reality, and ultimately asking the audience to consider what is real and what is not.

From Directors: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
Rated R

The Matrix is a 1999 science fiction action film directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski. It stars Keanu Reeves as Neo, a hacker who discovers that the reality of the world around him is an elaborate computer-generated simulation created by sentient machines in order to enslave humanity. With help from fellow hacker Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) and the mysterious Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), Neo must find a way to break out of the Matrix and save humanity. Along the way, he learns the truth about the Matrix and its creators, as well as the power of choice. The Matrix is widely regarded as one of the best science fiction films of all time, due to its groundbreaking visuals, action sequences, and story.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Mackenzie Foy
Rated PG-13

Interstellar is a 2014 science fiction epic directed by Christopher Nolan. It is set in a future where Earth is facing an imminent ecological disaster and the human race is forced to look for a new home. A group of explorers, led by ex-NASA pilot Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), travel through a newly discovered wormhole to find a new planet to colonize. Along the way they grapple with the laws of time and space, and ultimately are faced with a moral dilemma that could determine the fate of humanity. Through their journey, the characters explore the grandeur of outer space and the depths of the human spirit.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine
Rated PG-13

The Prestige is a 2006 psychological thriller directed by Christopher Nolan. It follows two rival 19th century magicians, Alfred Borden and Rupert Angier, as they attempt to outdo one another in a quest for the ultimate trick. Borden and Angier's rivalry is born from an accident during a performance that leaves Angier's wife, Julia, dead. The two men travel to great lengths and use the most advanced technology of the time to outwit and outdo each other, resulting in greater and greater stakes for their performances. The film culminates in a twist that reveals the devastating consequences of their escalating rivalry.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior
Rated R

Memento is a psychological thriller directed by Christopher Nolan. The film follows Leonard Shelby, a man with anterograde amnesia, as he attempts to track down and exact revenge on the man who raped and murdered his wife. Leonard is unable to form new memories, so he relies on photographs, notes, and tattoos to remember details. As the story progresses, it is revealed that Leonard's quest for revenge is being manipulated by an unknown third party. Throughout the film, the narrative is told in a nonlinear fashion, switching between two timelines: a present timeline which follows Leonard's quest for revenge and a past timeline which reveals how Leonard acquired his condition. As Leonard delves deeper into his investigation, he discovers more and more about the questionable motivations of those around him. In the end, Leonard comes to terms with his condition, and the truth of his past and present is revealed.

From Todd Phillips, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy
Rated R

Joker is a psychological thriller directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix as the titular character. The story follows Arthur Fleck, a failed stand-up comedian who gradually descends into madness and becomes the infamous Joker. In Gotham City, Arthur is attacked and humiliated on a nightly basis, and he begins to lose his grip on reality. As his mental health deteriorates, Arthur finds himself drawn into a criminal underworld that eventually leads him to become the Joker, a figure of chaos and anarchy in Gotham. The movie follows the Joker's journey as he rises to power and brings the city to its knees. The film explores themes of mental illness, violence, and class struggle, examining Arthur's transformation and his impact on the larger world.

From Michel Gondry, starring Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Tom Wilkinson, Gerry Robert Byrne
Rated R

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a 2004 romantic science fiction comedy-drama film written by Charlie Kaufman and directed by Michel Gondry. It stars Jim Carrey as Joel Barish and Kate Winslet as Clementine Kruczynski. The film follows Joel, a man who decides to undergo a procedure to erase memories of his former relationship with Clementine, following a painful breakup. As the procedure begins, Joel attempts to evade the erasing process by hiding in his own mind, attempting to understand why he and Clementine broke up in the first place. Through a series of surreal and dreamlike sequences, Joel and Clementine explore the complex relationship of their past and present, as Joel discovers that he still loves her even after having his memories erased. In the end, Joel decides to keep his memories of Clementine and the pair reunite, ready to start a new relationship.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Mortimer, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley
Rated R

Shutter Island is a psychological thriller directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Set in 1954, the film follows U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (DiCaprio) and his new partner, Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), as they investigate the disappearance of a patient from Ashecliffe Hospital, a hospital for the criminally insane located on an island off the coast of Massachusetts. As they search the island, they begin to unravel a web of secrets and lies that have been kept by the hospital staff, and soon Teddy discovers that he may be the key to unlocking the mystery of Shutter Island. As the investigation progresses, Teddy is forced to confront his own troubled past while facing the reality that the hospital's secrets may be more sinister than he ever imagined.

From Florian Zeller, starring Anthony Hopkins, Olivia Colman, Mark Gatiss, Olivia Williams
Rated PG-13

The Father is a 2020 drama film directed by Florian Zeller and starring Anthony Hopkins in an acclaimed performance as a man suffering from dementia. The film follows the story of Anthony, an elderly man, as he navigates a world of confusion and forgetfulness. Anthony's daughter Anne (Olivia Colman) and her husband Paul (Rufus Sewell) try to take care of Anthony as his dementia progresses. Despite their efforts, Anthony's confusion and fear of abandonment lead him to doubts about Anne and Paul's motives. As his condition deteriorates, Anthony struggles to make sense of his life, his relationships, and his past. The film is a powerful portrayal of the emotional and physical toll of dementia, as well as its devastating effects on family and loved ones.

From David Fincher, starring Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry
Rated R

Gone Girl is a psychological thriller from director David Fincher that tells the story of Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck), whose wife Amy (Rosamund Pike) has gone missing. After a media frenzy and intense police investigation, Nick soon becomes the prime suspect in her disappearance. With the clues leading to him, Nick must prove his innocence and find out the truth. As the search continues, the couple's marriage, their secrets and lies are revealed, leading to a shocking conclusion.

From Directors: Dan Kwan, Daniel Scheinert, starring Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ke Huy Quan
Rated R

Everything Everywhere All at Once is a 2022 science fiction film directed by Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. The story follows a young woman, Eleanor, who discovers an extraordinary power: the ability to pause time. With the help of her friends, she sets out to explore the world around her and uncover the secrets of her newfound powers. Along the way, she encounters an array of characters, from a charismatic AI to a mysterious figure from her past. The film is a heartfelt exploration of the power of friendship, the importance of exploration, and the beauty of life.

From Richard Kelly, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell, Holmes Osborne
Rated R

Donnie Darko is a psychological thriller directed by Richard Kelly and starring Jake Gyllenhaal in the title role. The film follows Donnie, a troubled teenager living in a small town in 1988, as he is visited by a mysterious figure in a rabbit costume. This figure encourages Donnie to commit various acts of destruction, which soon become part of a larger, mysterious conspiracy. As Donnie investigates further, he begins to uncover a dark and disturbing truth about the world and his own destiny. In the end, he learns that he is on the brink of an apocalyptic event that could take the lives of everyone around him. Donnie must then decide whether to accept his fate or fight for a better future.

From Spike Jonze, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Scarlett Johansson, Rooney Mara
Rated R

Her is a 2013 science fiction romantic drama film written and directed by Spike Jonze. It stars Joaquin Phoenix as a lonely writer who develops a relationship with a sophisticated computer operating system personified through a female voice. The film explores the complexities of love and intimacy in the modern world, along with the effects of technology on human relationships. Set in the near future, the story follows Theodore Twombly, a professionally and emotionally detached man who develops a relationship with an artificially intelligent computer operating system (OS) personified through a female voice. As Theodore's friendship with the OS deepens, it is revealed that the OS has become self-aware, and is capable of love and emotion. As their relationship progresses, Theodore finds himself struggling to balance his relationship with the OS and his relationships with his friends and family. Ultimately, Theodore is forced to decide whether or not to continue his relationship with the OS, and if he should let go of the one thing that is keeping him emotionally connected.

From Doug Liman, starring Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton, Brendan Gleeson
Rated PG-13

Edge of Tomorrow is a science fiction action film directed by Doug Liman and starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt. Set in the near future, the film revolves around Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) who is forced to fight in an unwinnable war against an alien race known as "Mimics". After his death in battle, Cage finds himself inexplicably reliving the same day over and over again. The film follows Cage as he teams up with Special Forces soldier Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt) and learns to use his newfound power to alter the future and defeat the alien invaders. Through a series of intense battles, Cage and Vrataski gain new weapons and tactics that eventually allow them to turn the tide of the war.

From Dan Gilroy, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Bill Paxton, Riz Ahmed
Rated R

Nightcrawler is a 2014 crime-drama thriller directed by Dan Gilroy and starring Jake Gyllenhaal as Louis "Lou" Bloom, a desperate young man who discovers a dark and twisted side of Los Angeles. Lou begins working as a freelance camera operator and "nightcrawler", recording and selling video footage of accidents and crimes to a local news station. As he becomes more successful, he is willing to go to increasingly dangerous lengths in order to capture the best footage possible. The film follows Lou's moral journey as he becomes increasingly obsessed with his work, and shows the consequences of his choices.

From Jaco Van Dormael, starring Jared Leto, Sarah Polley, Diane Kruger, Linh-Dan Pham
Rated R

Mr. Nobody is a 2009 science fiction drama film directed by Jaco Van Dormael. It follows the story of Nemo Nobody, a 118-year-old man in 2092, the last mortal human being alive in a world characterized by near-immortality. Nemo reflects on his life at different stages, from his childhood in the early 20th century, to a middle-aged man in the late 20th century, to his present life in the post-apocalyptic future. Throughout his life, Nemo is forced to make various choices and decisions, only to discover that his actions have no real consequence and that fate will ultimately determine his destiny. The film explores themes of identity, mortality, love, and regret, and ultimately seeks to answer the question of: What if we could take away the burden of choice?

From Jordan Peele, starring Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford, Catherine Keener
Rated R

Get Out is a critically acclaimed horror/thriller directed by Jordan Peele in 2017. It follows Chris Washington, a black man who is invited by his white girlfriend Rose Armitage to meet her parents at their family estate. Chris quickly realizes that something is very wrong in the town, and that his presence is making the locals increasingly uncomfortable. When Rose's family attempts to hypnotize him, Chris discovers that their true intentions are to extract his brain and give it to a wealthy white family member. With the help of his best friend, Chris races against time to escape from the family and their sinister plot. Along the way, he learns that this horror is much larger than he imagined, and that he is part of something much darker than he ever thought possible.

From Brad Anderson, starring Christian Bale, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, John Sharian
Rated R

The Machinist is a psychological thriller directed by Brad Anderson, starring Christian Bale as Trevor Reznik, an insomniac and machinist whose life spirals out of control when a mysterious figure named Ivan appears. Trevor's insomnia has caused him to become severely emaciated, and his mental state is becoming increasingly unstable. As Trevor's paranoia grows, he is driven to confront an increasingly surreal and dangerous world. His search leads him to confront a series of clues and mysterious events, in which he must find the strength to confront his own demons and the truth that lies within.

From Alejandro G. Iñárritu, starring Michael Keaton, Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Andrea Riseborough
Rated R

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is a dark comedy-drama directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and starring Michael Keaton. The film follows former Hollywood actor Riggan Thomas (Keaton) as he attempts to revive his career by directing, producing, and starring in a Broadway adaptation of a Raymond Carver story. As the opening night of the show draws near, Riggan is forced to deal with a series of personal and professional crises, all while being haunted by a maliciously egotistical, inner “Birdman” voice that continually undermines his efforts. With the help of his daughter (Emma Stone), Riggan strives to redeem himself and reclaim his past glory, as well as make a lasting impression on the world.

From Directors: Eric Bress, J. Mackye Gruber, starring Ashton Kutcher, Amy Smart, Melora Walters, Elden Henson
Rated R

The Butterfly Effect is a 2004 American science fiction psychological thriller film directed by Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber. The film stars Ashton Kutcher as Evan Treborn, a young man with a troubled past who discovers he has the ability to travel back in time and alter his life's decisions. As he attempts to right past wrongs, Evan quickly discovers changing the past can have unexpected and dramatic consequences on his present life. He soon learns that his attempts to fix the present by changing the past have unexpected and far-reaching consequences. The film follows Evan as he attempts to undo the devastating consequences of his decisions, ultimately leading to a powerful and unexpected ending.

From Tom Ford, starring Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Rated R

Nocturnal Animals is a 2016 psychological thriller film written, produced, and directed by Tom Ford. The film stars Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Isla Fisher, Armie Hammer, and Laura Linney. The film follows Susan Morrow (Adams), a successful art gallery owner living in Los Angeles, as she is confronted with a novel manuscript written by her ex-husband, Edward Sheffield (Gyllenhaal). As she reads, the novel's thriller story entwines with her own real life, and Susan is pulled into the darkness of a past she thought she had put behind her. The film follows the story of Tony Hastings (Taylor-Johnson), a man whose family is violently attacked on a desolate highway. Tony's story is intertwined with the life of Susan and her reminiscence of the past. The film is a tense, twisted exploration of revenge, fate, and redemption.

From Duncan Jones, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright
Rated PG-13

Source Code is a science fiction thriller directed by Duncan Jones and starring Jake Gyllenhaal. The film follows Colter Stevens, a soldier who wakes up in the body of an unknown man, and is sent on a mission to find a bomber responsible for an explosion on a Chicago commuter train. In order to prevent further terror attacks, Stevens must repeatedly enter a source code program that allows him to relive the same eight minutes over and over again and identify the bomber. As Stevens attempts to solve the mystery, he begins to uncover secrets from his past which challenge his sense of identity and morality. With the help of a fellow soldier, Christina Warren, Stevens must navigate the source code in order to save the passengers of the train and uncover the truth about himself.

From Directors: Michael Spierig, Peter Spierig, starring Ethan Hawke, Sarah Snook, Noah Taylor, Madeleine West
Rated R

From Directors: Tom Tykwer, Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski, starring Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant, Hugo Weaving
Rated R