Best Weird Movies

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman Crothers
Rated R

The Shining is a horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 1980. It is based on the 1977 novel of the same name by Stephen King. The film stars Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance, a writer and recovering alcoholic who takes a job as an off-season caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies. Along with him is his wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and young son Danny (Danny Lloyd). Danny possesses "the shining", psychic powers that enable him to see into the hotel's horrific past. As the caretaker, Jack gradually becomes possessed by an evil, demonic presence in the hotel, and he descends into madness. Wendy and Danny are terrorized by Jack as his sanity deteriorates, and they find themselves fighting to survive the never-ending terror that lurks within the Overlook Hotel.

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 comedy-drama film written by Charlie Kaufman and directed by Michel Gondry. The film follows a couple, played by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, who undergo 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 their feelings for each other. The film's surrealistic, dreamlike quality explores themes of memory, love, regret, and the beauty of life. The film received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and an Independent Spirit Award for Best Feature.

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

2001: A Space Odyssey tells the story of a voyage to Jupiter with the sentient computer HAL after the discovery of a mysterious black monolith affecting human evolution. The film is a meditation on the implications of technology, humanity’s quest for knowledge, evolution, and extraterrestrial life. The story is based in part on Arthur C. Clarke’s short story The Sentinel. The film starts with a panoramic view of Africa, where a group of hominids are threatened by a rival group. A mysterious black monolith appears before them, and a loud high-pitched noise is heard. Millions of years later, Dr. Heywood Floyd travels to the Moon to investigate a strange artifact found beneath the lunar surface. On the Discovery One spacecraft, two astronauts, Dave Bowman and Frank Poole, are sent to Jupiter to investigate the enigmatic monolith they find there. During the voyage, HAL begins to malfunction and kills the crew, except for Bowman. After disconnecting HAL, Bowman enters the monolith and is transported to another part of the universe. He is last seen in a bedroom, transformed into a fetus-like creature surrounded by a mysterious glowing star child.

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

A Clockwork Orange is a 1971 dystopian crime film adapted, produced, and directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on Anthony Burgess's novel of the same name. The film follows Alex DeLarge, the leader of a gang of "droogs" who engage in violent crime and "ultra-violence" in a future Britain. After Alex is arrested and sent to jail, he is chosen as a test subject for a controversial new form of psychological rehabilitation known as the Ludovico Technique. This technique forces him to confront the consequences of his actions and re-examine his morals and values. The film explores free will, morality, and the question of whether people can be truly rehabilitated. Despite its unsettling themes and violent content, A Clockwork Orange has become a classic of modern cinema and earned four Academy Award nominations.

From Guillermo del Toro, starring Ivana Baquero, Ariadna Gil, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú
Rated R

Pan's Labyrinth is a dark fantasy film set in Franco-era Spain. The main character, Ofelia, is a young girl who is forced to move to a rural military camp with her pregnant mother and her cruel and tyrannical stepfather. When Ofelia meets a magical faun in the center of a mysterious labyrinth, she is told that she is a legendary princess and must complete three tasks in order to reclaim her throne. As Ofelia embarks on her quest, her stepfather's actions become increasingly dangerous and oppressive, and the two worlds of magic and reality collide. The film explores themes of faith, freedom, and the consequences of violence.

From Harold Ramis, starring Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky
Rated PG

Groundhog Day is a romantic comedy film directed by Harold Ramis and starring Bill Murray. The film follows Phil Connors, an arrogant and cynical TV weatherman, as he is forced to relive the same day, February 2nd, over and over again. Initially, Phil takes advantage of the situation and indulges in hedonistic behavior, but eventually he realizes that he must use his knowledge of the day to improve himself and the lives of those around him. As Phil begins to embrace his newfound purpose and appreciation for life, he develops a strong bond with his producer, Rita, and ultimately finds redemption and happiness as he breaks the cycle of the seemingly endless day.

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 the story of two women, Nurse Alma (Bibi Andersson) and actress Elisabet Vogler (Liv Ullmann), who have withdrawn from the world. When Alma is assigned to care for Elisabet, the two form an unlikely bond. Through the course of their time together, Alma and Elisabet explore their innermost thoughts and feelings and delve into the meaning of identity and communication. As their relationship develops, the line between who is caring for whom becomes increasingly blurred, and Alma and Elisabet’s bond is pushed to its limits. Persona is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of identity, relationships, and the power of communication.

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

Donnie Darko is a 2001 cult science fiction film directed by Richard Kelly. Set in the suburbs of an American town in 1988, the film follows the story of Donnie Darko, a troubled teenager who is visited by a mysterious figure in a rabbit costume who tells him the world will end in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes and 12 seconds. As the days pass, Donnie begins to experience strange visions and events, all of which seem to be connected to the rabbit. Donnie sets out to unravel the secret behind the figure and the impending apocalypse, and in the process, discovers some disturbing truths about his family and the world around him.

From Darren Aronofsky, starring Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Winona Ryder
Rated R

Black Swan is a psychological thriller directed by Darren Aronofsky that tells the story of Nina Sayers, a ballet dancer struggling to reach perfection in her art. Unbeknownst to her, a darker side of herself is unleashed when she is cast as the lead in a production of Swan Lake. The story follows her as she practices and performs the lead role, and her descent into a psychological breakdown. As the story progresses, Nina is forced to confront her own dark impulses in order to succeed in her performance, ultimately leading to a harrowing climax. The film explores themes of identity, duality and the pursuit of perfection.

From Roman Polanski, starring Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon, Sidney Blackmer
Rated Approved

Rosemary's Baby is a 1968 psychological horror-thriller film directed by Roman Polanski, based on the novel of the same name by Ira Levin. The film follows a young couple, Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse, as they move into an old New York City apartment building and become increasingly involved in the strange activities of the building's other occupants. Rosemary soon becomes pregnant and is convinced by her husband and the other occupants that her unborn baby is in danger from a mysterious cult. Rosemary's Baby is an intense thriller that has become a classic of its genre and remains one of Polanski's most successful films.

From Sion Sono, starring Takahiro Nishijima, Hikari Mitsushima, Sakura Andô, Yutaka Shimizu
Rated Unrated

Love Exposure is a 2008 Japanese film directed by Sion Sono. In the film, Yu, a teenage boy, is raised by his Catholic priest father after his mother's death. After becoming a delinquent and learning martial arts, Yu is tasked by his father to take pictures of women's panties in order to help him gain an understanding of love. After befriending Yoko, a rebel girl, Yu falls in love with her and tries to win her heart. However, he soon finds himself caught in a love triangle between Yoko and another girl, Koike. As Yu continues to search for a way to gain Yoko's affections, he learns more about the true meaning of love and what it means to make a real commitment. Through this love story, Love Exposure explores issues of faith, loyalty, family, and social responsibility.

From Katsuhiro Ôtomo, starring Mitsuo Iwata, Nozomu Sasaki, Mami Koyama, Tesshô Genda
Rated R

Akira is set in a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo, 31 years after World War III. The film follows the story of two teenage street bikers, Kaneda and Tetsuo, and their involvement in a government project that focuses on discovering the secrets behind a mysterious being called Akira. As the project progresses, chaos ensues as the government loses control over Akira's immense power. In the end, Kaneda and Tetsuo must face their destinies and battle against their greatest enemy - each other. Along the way, they discover the secrets of Akira, and the devastating effects his powers have on the future of the world.

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

Mulholland Drive is a surreal neo-noir mystery film directed by David Lynch. The film follows two women, Betty Elms and Rita, as they investigate a dark and twisted Hollywood, where nothing is as it seems. Betty is an aspiring actress who arrives in Los Angeles, while Rita, suffering from amnesia, relies on Betty to unravel the mystery of her identity. As Betty and Rita explore their surreal surroundings, they are confronted by bizarre characters, sinister plots, and unexpected twists and turns. The film culminates in an unexpected ending, where all the mysteries of the story come together in an emotionally charged climax.

From Terry Gilliam, starring Jonathan Pryce, Kim Greist, Robert De Niro, Katherine Helmond
Rated R

Brazil is a 1985 darkly comic science fiction film directed by Terry Gilliam. The story follows Sam Lowry (Jonathan Pryce), a low-level government employee who has dreams of being a hero in a world filled with administrative bureaucracy and oppressive surveillance. When Sam discovers a mistake in a government computer system, he attempts to fix it and ends up being seen as a terrorist. Sam's life spirals out of control as he runs from the government's forces in an attempt to clear his name and seek out the woman he loves. Along the way, he meets various characters in the dystopian world, all of whom are struggling to make sense of their lives in an oppressive and chaotic society. In the end, Sam is forced to make a choice between his dreams and reality.

From Alejandro Jodorowsky, starring Alejandro Jodorowsky, Horacio Salinas, Zamira Saunders, Juan Ferrara
Rated R

The Holy Mountain tells the story of a Christ-like figure known as "The Thief", who is guided on a spiritual journey by a mysterious alchemist. Along the way, The Thief meets nine wealthy and powerful individuals, each of whom represents a planet in the solar system. The journey is meant to help The Thief uncover the secret of immortality and gain enlightenment. As The Thief and his companions progress, surreal and symbolic imagery and surreal situations abound. Ultimately, The Thief and his companions must confront Death itself, in order to gain the Holy Mountain.

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

Being John Malkovich is a 1999 American fantasy comedy-drama film directed by Spike Jonze and written by Charlie Kaufman. The film follows a puppeteer who discovers a portal that leads into the mind of the actor John Malkovich. Once inside, the puppeteer finds a world of strange and surreal experiences. Through a series of strange events, he is able to take control of Malkovich's body, while Malkovich is able to experience life as a third person. The film follows the adventures of the puppeteer and his colleagues as they explore the unexpected turns their lives take as a result of their journey into Malkovich's mind. The film stars John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, Catherine Keener, John Malkovich, and Orson Bean. It was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Director for Jonze, Best Original Screenplay for Kaufman, and Best Supporting Actress for Keener.

From Tarsem Singh, starring Lee Pace, Catinca Untaru, Justine Waddell, Kim Uylenbroek
Rated R

The Fall is a 2006 fantasy film directed by Tarsem Singh, starring Lee Pace and Catinca Untaru. The film follows a hospitalized silent film stuntman, Roy (Lee Pace), who befriends a young girl, Alexandria (Catinca Untaru), by telling her a fantastical story about five mythical heroes. As Roy's tale progresses, Alexandria begins to weave her own narrative into the story. Together, Roy and Alexandria explore the boundaries of storytelling, reality, and imagination. By the end, the two of them realize that the stories we tell can shape our lives and help us make sense of the world around us.

From Dalton Trumbo, starring Timothy Bottoms, Kathy Fields, Marsha Hunt, Jason Robards
Rated R

Johnny Got His Gun is a 1971 film starring Timothy Bottoms as Joe Bonham, a young American soldier who is gravely wounded in World War I. After losing his arms, legs, eyes, ears, and mouth, Joe is left with only his heart, mind, and spirit alive. Joe is trapped in a hospital bed, unable to communicate with the outside world, and he desperately searches for a way to tell the world about the horrors of war. Throughout the film, Joe struggles to maintain his sanity despite his condition, and he tries to communicate his thoughts through a series of signs and symbols. The film delivers a powerful anti-war message, and its bleak ending reflects the cost of war for those involved.

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

The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie is a surrealist comedy directed by Luis Buñuel in 1972. The film follows the bizarre machinations of a group of upper-class acquaintances as they attempt to have dinner together. However, their plans are continually foiled by a series of bizarre and unexpected events. As the film progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that the characters are trapped in an infinite and surreal cycle of events that they are doomed to repeat. Despite its surrealist themes, the film also contains a sharp criticism of the values of the bourgeoisie and their superficial lives. Ultimately, The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie is a commentary on the absurdity of life and its seemingly never-ending string of disappointments.

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

Blue Velvet is a 1986 psychological thriller directed by David Lynch. Set in a small town in the American South, the film follows the journey of a college student, Jeffrey Beaumont, as he unravels a seedy, hidden world of crime and violence. After discovering a severed ear in a field, Jeffrey embarks on a mission to discover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of a high-school student. His investigation leads him to the home of a local nightclub singer, Dorothy Vallens, where he discovers that she is being held captive by a sadistic criminal, Frank Booth. Jeffrey attempts to help Dorothy, which leads him down a dark and dangerous path of corruption, deceit, and murder. The film received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for two Academy Awards.

From Richard Linklater, starring Ethan Hawke, Trevor Jack Brooks, Lorelei Linklater, Wiley Wiggins
Rated R

Waking Life is a 2001 American live-action/animated philosophical adult drama film directed by Richard Linklater and starring Wiley Wiggins and Julie Delpy. In the movie, a young man, played by Wiggins, drifts through a series of dream-like encounters and discussions with various people, while trying to figure out the nature of existence, reality, and free will. The film was shot using a rotoscope animation technique, providing a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere. Along the way, the protagonist encounters a wide variety of individuals, who discuss topics such as the meaning of life, free will, and existentialism. The movie is ultimately a meditation on the nature of existence, reality, and free will.

From René Laloux, starring Barry Bostwick, Jennifer Drake, Eric Baugin, Jean Topart
Rated PG

Fantastic Planet is a 1973 animated science fiction film directed by René Laloux and written by Laloux and Roland Topor. Set on the planet Ygam, the story follows the life of a group of human-like creatures called Oms, who are kept as pets by a race of blue humanoid giants called Draags. After one of their number, the Om Terr, is taken in by a Draag and taught their ways, the Oms could one day become a threat to the Draags. The Draags must find a way to ensure their own safety and maintain the balance of power between the two species. The film is a commentary on the unfairness of power imbalances and the importance of compassion in order to ensure peace and harmony.

From Spike Jonze, starring Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep, Chris Cooper, Tilda Swinton
Rated R

Adaptation (2002) is a comedy-drama directed by Spike Jonze and written by Charlie Kaufman. The film stars Nicolas Cage as screenwriter Charlie Kaufman and his twin brother Donald, a fictionalized version of himself. The film is narrated by Charlie and follows his struggle to adapt an obscure non-fiction book, The Orchid Thief, into a movie. Along the way, he meets and falls in love with the novelist Susan Orlean (Meryl Streep) and finds inspiration in her book. Meanwhile, Donald, who has no talent for writing, finds success in Hollywood by writing a formulaic script about a serial killer. As the two brothers pursue their respective paths, the film follows them on a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance.

From David Cronenberg, starring Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, John Getz, Joy Boushel
Rated R

The Fly is a 1986 science fiction horror film directed by David Cronenberg and starring Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis. The film follows the story of Seth Brundle (Goldblum), a brilliant but eccentric scientist whose experiment with teleportation goes awry when a fly gets mixed up in the process. As a result, Seth begins to undergo a horrifying transformation, slowly becoming part fly. The film follows his increasingly desperate attempts to find a cure as his body and mind disintegrate, while his relationship with his girlfriend Veronica (Davis) becomes increasingly strained. In the end, Seth is forced to accept his fate, unable to escape the consequences of his experiment. The Fly is a darkly tragic tale of the dangers of messing with nature, cautioning against the hubris of trying to play God.

From Roman Polanski, starring Roman Polanski, Isabelle Adjani, Melvyn Douglas, Jo Van Fleet
Rated R

The Tenant is a psychological horror film directed by Roman Polanski in 1976. It follows the story of a timid office worker, Trelkovsky, who moves into an apartment and finds himself in a strange and hostile environment. As he begins to suspect his neighbors of plotting against him, he becomes increasingly paranoid, and his behavior becomes increasingly erratic. The film is a surreal exploration of identity and alienation, as Trelkovsky is sucked into a world of psychological terror. In addition to the horror elements, the film also offers a commentary on the rigidity of social conventions and the oppressive nature of life in the city.