Best Surreal Movies

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates, Warren Clarke
Rated R

A Clockwork Orange is a 1971 dystopian crime drama film directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Anthony Burgess. The film follows the life of protagonist Alex, a 15-year-old problematic teenager living in a futuristic London. After he and his gang commit a series of gruesome crimes, Alex is caught and sentenced to 14 years in prison. In an effort to reduce his sentence, he volunteers for an experimental government treatment called the Ludovico Technique, which aims to reform and rehabilitate criminals by conditioning them to be repulsed by criminal acts. However, the technique has unforeseen consequences and Alex finds himself in a moral dilemma. The film explores issues of free will, morality, and the effects of government intervention on individual liberty.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester, Daniel Richter
Rated G

2001: A Space Odyssey is a 1968 science fiction film directed by Stanley Kubrick and written by Kubrick and science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke. The film follows a voyage to Jupiter with the sentient computer HAL after the discovery of a mysterious black monolith affecting human evolution. The film deals with themes of human evolution, technology, artificial intelligence, and extraterrestrial life, and is noted for its scientifically accurate depiction of spaceflight. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest and most influential films ever made.

From Darren Aronofsky, starring Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Marlon Wayans
Rated R

Requiem for a Dream is a dark psychological drama written and directed by Darren Aronofsky in 2000. It follows four separate, yet interrelated stories of people whose lives are destroyed by drug addiction. The main characters are Sara Goldfarb, a retired widow living in Brooklyn, New York, and her son, Harry, a heroin addict living with his girlfriend, Marion, and best friend, Tyrone. The story follows their downward spiral into addiction, as well as the dreams that keep them going. Sara’s dream is to appear on a game show, and Harry's dream is to make it big in the drug business. Meanwhile, Marion dreams of a better life in Florida, and Tyrone dreams of becoming a professional basketball player. As their addiction takes over, all four characters experience a horrific spiral of despair and destruction. In the end, their dreams are shattered and they are left with nothing but the grim reality of their lives.

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 drama film directed by Michel Gondry and written by Charlie Kaufman. The film follows an estranged couple who have undergone a procedure to erase each other from their memories. As their memories are erased, the couple begin to question the very nature of their relationship and whether they are destined to be together. The film stars Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet as the couple, with a supporting cast featuring Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood, and Tom Wilkinson. The film received critical acclaim and was a box office success, grossing over $72 million worldwide. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Director, and won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. The film is widely regarded as a modern classic, and is often cited as one of the best films of the 2000s.

From Jean-Pierre Jeunet, starring Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Rufus, Lorella Cravotta
Rated R

Amélie is an offbeat romantic comedy set in Paris, France. It follows the story of a shy and imaginative young woman named Amélie Poulain who decides to change the lives of those around her for the better. After finding a mysterious box of childhood treasures hidden in her apartment, Amélie embarks on a quest to make the world a better place by returning the box to its rightful owner. Along the way, she meets a variety of quirky characters and discovers love in the form of a shy painter named Nino. Through Amélie's journey, viewers experience the beauty and magic of Paris and the power of love, friendship and human connection.

From Ingmar Bergman, starring Max von Sydow, Gunnar Björnstrand, Bengt Ekerot, Nils Poppe
Rated Not Rated

The Seventh Seal is a 1957 Swedish drama film written and directed by Ingmar Bergman. Set in Sweden during the Black Death, it tells the story of a knight, Antonius Block, who returns home from the Crusades only to be confronted by the personification of Death. Block challenges Death to a chess match for his life. The film follows their game and its philosophical implications, as Block and his squire search for the meaning of life while facing the inevitability of death. Along the way, they encounter traveling performers, the plague, and a faith that is tested by the brutality of the era.

From Ingmar Bergman, starring Bibi Andersson, Liv Ullmann, Margaretha Krook, Gunnar Björnstrand
Rated Not Rated

Persona is a 1966 psychological drama directed by Ingmar Bergman. The film follows two women, Elisabet Vogler (Liv Ullmann) and Alma (Bibi Andersson), as they retreat to a cottage by the sea to recuperate. Elisabet, an actress, has lost the ability to speak, and Alma, her nurse, is tasked with trying to help her regain her voice. As Elisabet and Alma stay together, their interactions become increasingly intimate, and soon their roles start to blur and it becomes unclear who is helping whom. The film explores the complexities of identity, loneliness, and human connection in a surreal, dreamlike manner.

From David Lynch, starring Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux, Jeanne Bates
Rated R

Mulholland Drive is a psychological mystery-thriller film directed by David Lynch. The story follows aspiring actress Betty Elms (Naomi Watts), who arrives in Los Angeles, and quickly meets an amnesiac woman (Laura Harring) who is hiding from a group of mysterious men. Betty and the amnesiac woman, known only as "Rita" due to the name on her suitcase, embark on a quest to uncover their true identities. Along the way, they encounter various strange and surreal characters, leading them on a journey full of twists and turns that eventually reveals a darker side to the Hollywood dream. Mulholland Drive is a complex and visually stunning film that has been praised as one of Lynch's greatest works.

From Luis Buñuel, starring Fernando Rey, Delphine Seyrig, Paul Frankeur, Bulle Ogier
Rated PG

The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie is a satirical comedy film by director Luis Buñuel. The film follows a group of upper-class friends who are repeatedly interrupted in their attempts to have dinner, as their plans are continually thwarted by unexpected events. Despite these obstacles, the group remains determined to enjoy a meal together. As the events unfold, the film serves as a commentary on the absurdities and hypocrisies of the bourgeoisie. Through a surreal and absurdist narrative, Buñuel examines themes such as the inaccessibility of social class and the inability of people to connect with each other. The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie is considered one of the greatest films of all time and won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1973.

From Spike Jonze, starring John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, Catherine Keener, John Malkovich
Rated R

Being John Malkovich is a surreal comedy-drama film written by Charlie Kaufman and directed by Spike Jonze. It stars John Cusack as Craig Schwartz, a struggling street puppeteer, and Cameron Diaz as his wife Lotte. After losing his job, Craig takes a filing position at LesterCorp, located on the 7 1/2th floor of a Manhattan office building. There he discovers a portal that leads into the mind of actor John Malkovich. The portal allows anyone to be "inside" Malkovich for fifteen minutes before being ejected onto the side of the New Jersey Turnpike. Craig and Lotte use the portal to enter Malkovich's mind and experience the world from his perspective. This leads to unexpected and bizarre consequences for all involved. The film is a wildly imaginative exploration of identity, celebrity, and the power of dreams.

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

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is a black comedy-drama written and directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu. It follows a washed-up Hollywood actor, Riggan Thomson (played by Michael Keaton), who is trying to reclaim his past glory by adapting, directing, and starring in a Broadway play. Despite the obstacles he faces, such as his own insecurities, a difficult cast, and a meddling producer, Riggan works hard to put together the best show he can. Along the way, he is haunted by his superhero alter ego, Birdman, who tries to influence him and his career choices. As opening night approaches, Riggan must decide whether he will succumb to Birdman's influence or find the strength to be his own man.

From David Lynch, starring Isabella Rossellini, Kyle MacLachlan, Dennis Hopper, Laura Dern
Rated R

Blue Velvet is a 1986 American neo-noir mystery thriller film written and directed by David Lynch. It stars Kyle MacLachlan as college student Jeffrey Beaumont, who discovers a severed human ear in a field. This leads him to an investigation of a beautiful nightclub singer, Dorothy Vallens, who is being terrorized by a criminal gang, which includes a mysterious and menacing figure known only as Frank Booth. As he delves deeper into Dorothy's situation, Jeffrey finds himself drawn into a complex web of power, passion, and violence that transcends the boundaries between dream and reality. The film also stars Isabella Rossellini, Dennis Hopper, Laura Dern, and Dean Stockwell. Blue Velvet explores themes of domestic violence, sexual assault, voyeurism, and the dark side of American suburbia. It has been met with critical acclaim, and is regarded as one of Lynch's best films.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Todd Field, Sydney Pollack
Rated R

Eyes Wide Shut tells the story of a New York City doctor named Bill Harford (Tom Cruise), whose seemingly perfect life is disrupted when his wife (Nicole Kidman) reveals her fantasized affair. To cope with his feelings of insecurity, Bill embarks on a night-long odyssey of sexual and moral discovery, leading him into a dream-like realm of seduction and betrayal. Along the way, Bill encounters strange and mysterious figures, including a masked orgy of wealthy patrons, a beautiful young prostitute, and a powerful Secret Society. In the end, Bill comes to a greater understanding of the complexities of relationships and the fragility of life.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Ingrid Bergman, Gregory Peck, Michael Chekhov, Leo G. Carroll
Rated Approved

Spellbound is a 1945 classic thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film follows the story of psychiatrist Dr. Constance Peterson (Ingrid Bergman), who takes on the case of amnesiac John Ballantyne (Gregory Peck). Ballantyne is a possible murderer, and Constance is determined to unlock the secrets of his mind. With the help of her mentor, Dr. Fleurot (Leo G. Carroll), Constance slowly discovers the truth about Ballantyne's past. As the mystery unravels, their relationship deepens and the truth is finally revealed. Spellbound is an intriguing and suspenseful thriller, filled with compelling performances, psychological thriller elements, and a twist ending.

From Darren Aronofsky, starring Sean Gullette, Mark Margolis, Ben Shenkman, Pamela Hart
Rated R

From Dario Argento, starring Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini, Flavio Bucci, Miguel Bosé
Rated R

From David Lynch, starring Jack Nance, Charlotte Stewart, Allen Joseph, Jeanne Bates
Rated Not Rated

From Darren Aronofsky, starring Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz, Sean Patrick Thomas, Ellen Burstyn
Rated PG-13

From Denis Villeneuve, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Mélanie Laurent, Sarah Gadon, Isabella Rossellini
Rated R

From Darren Aronofsky, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris, Michelle Pfeiffer
Rated R