Good Trippy Movies

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

Inception is a 2010 science fiction heist film written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Dom Cobb, a thief who enters the subconscious minds of his targets using a device known as the "totem" to extract secrets from their dreams. Cobb and his team must then plant an idea in the minds of the targets in order to alter their perception of reality. Along the way, Cobb has to confront the guilt of his past and come to terms with the ramifications of his actions. The film also features a complex plot, dream-within-a-dream sequences, and a stellar cast, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard, and Michael Caine. Inception garnered critical acclaim and was a commercial success, earning over $828 million worldwide.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Miyu Irino, Rumi Hiiragi
Rated PG

Spirited Away is an animated Japanese fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It tells the story of Chihiro, a sullen 10-year-old girl who is moving to a new neighborhood with her parents. On the way, her family gets lost and stumble upon an abandoned amusement park. Chihiro is separated from her parents and finds herself in an alternate realm inhabited by spirits, gods, and monsters. She is then put to work in a bathhouse for these spirits, in order to free her parents and herself. Along her journey, Chihiro befriends many of the spirits and learns to understand the importance of family, courage, and the joys of helping others. Through determination and the aid of her newfound friends, Chihiro is able to free her parents, save the spirit world, and return to her own.

From Ron Fricke, starring Balinese Tari Legong Dancers, Ni Made Megahadi Pratiwi, Puti Sri Candra Dewi, Putu Dinda Pratika
Rated PG-13

Samsara is a 2011 non-narrative documentary film directed by Ron Fricke and produced by Mark Magidson. It is a spiritual journey through the world, shot over a period of five years in twenty-five countries. It explores the wonders of the world, from sacred grounds to industrial landscapes, from the depths of the ocean to the tops of mountains, from lush forests to barren deserts. It is an exploration of the human experience, taking viewers on an exploration of the wonders of the world, connecting us to the deeper understanding of our connectedness. It is a visual and philosophical journey through the human experience, featuring stunning imagery and thoughtfully composed musical selections. The film's message is one of unity, showing how our world is connected and how we are all part of one global ecosystem.

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, with a screenplay by Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke. It follows a voyage to Jupiter with the sentient computer, HAL, after the discovery of a mysterious black monolith affecting human evolution. The film spans from the dawn of man to the distant future, depicting the evolution of humanity and technology, and the possible consequences of their convergence. The film challenges viewers to question their place in the universe and the role of technology in their lives. With its groundbreaking visuals and pioneering special effects, "2001: A Space Odyssey" has become a landmark in cinematic and scientific history.

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' 1962 novel of the same name. The film follows the violent exploits of Alex, a charismatic, psychotic delinquent whose pleasures are classical music, rape, and ultra-violence. After Alex is arrested and convicted of murder and rape, he is subjected to an experimental new therapy intended to eliminate his criminal urges, which instead unleashes his own violent inner nature. The film explores the terrifying possibility of conditioning people to commit and accept violence, as well as the moral and ethical implications of such a process. Alex's experiences with the state-sponsored brainwashing ultimately lead him to reject the very system that created him, and the story ends on an ambiguous note as to the ultimate fate of the protagonist.

From Godfrey Reggio, starring Edward Asner, Pat Benatar, Jerry Brown, Johnny Carson
Rated Not Rated

Koyaanisqatsi is a 1982 American experimental film directed by Godfrey Reggio with music composed by Philip Glass. The film is an exploration of technology's effect on humans and features very little dialogue. It uses time-lapse photography, slow motion footage, and aerial photography to explore the way technology has changed the world. The title is a Hopi word that translates to “life out of balance” or “crazy life.” The film portrays how technology has produced a disconnection between humans and nature and how man’s activities are ultimately damaging to the planet. It also focuses on the destructive effects of technology on society and its power to manipulate human behavior. The film is split into three parts, each with a unique theme. In the first part, it shows the natural world dominated by humans, while in the second part, it focuses on the chaos technology has created in the modern world. The third part shows the consequences of the previous two, ending with a call for humans to take responsibility for their actions.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Chieko Baishô, Takuya Kimura, Tatsuya Gashûin, Akihiro Miwa
Rated PG

Howl’s Moving Castle is a 2004 animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It follows the story of an 18-year-old girl named Sophie, who is transformed into an old woman by a witch's curse. In order to break the curse, she must travel to the moving castle of the notorious wizard, Howl, and enlist his help. Along the way, she encounters a variety of magical creatures and discovers the true power of love. The film is a classic from Studio Ghibli, featuring vibrant visuals, a captivating score, and a heartwarming story of courage and friendship.

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

Pan's Labyrinth is a 2006 dark fantasy film written and directed by the Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro. The story takes place in 1944, five years after the Spanish Civil War, and follows a young girl named Ofelia who discovers a mysterious labyrinth and meets a faun who sets her on a path to discover her true identity. Along the way, she must face the harsh reality of her stepfather, the cruel Captain Vidal, and the horrors of the war that have engulfed her country. Filled with a variety of creatures, both terrifying and beautiful, Pan’s Labyrinth is a visual feast that blends the real and the magical together in a haunting and beautiful way. While navigating her difficult home life, Ofelia must complete three tasks in the labyrinth in order to prove her identity as a true princess and ultimately, save herself and her unborn brother.

From Directors: Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Mervyn LeRoy, Norman Taurog, Richard Thorpe, King Vidor, starring Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr
Rated PG

The Wizard of Oz is a classic 1939 musical fantasy film based on the 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. The film tells the story of Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas, who is transported to a magical land of Oz after being swept away in a tornado. Along her journey, she meets a Scarecrow in search of a brain, a Tin Man in search of a heart, and a Cowardly Lion in search of courage. With the help of her newfound friends, Dorothy embarks on a quest to find the Wizard of Oz, who she believes holds the secret to getting her home. As they journey down the yellow brick road, they must battle the Wicked Witch of the West who wants to steal Dorothy's ruby slippers. With a little help from Glinda the Good Witch of the North, Dorothy and her friends are able to eventually reach the Wizard and discover the true power of friendship and the courage they possess within themselves. The film is a beloved classic and has been hailed as one of the greatest and most influential films of all time.

From Ridley Scott, starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos
Rated R

Blade Runner is a 1982 science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott. It is set in a future dystopian Los Angeles in 2019, where the population is made up of replicants, synthetic humans created by the Tyrell Corporation for dangerous or menial jobs off-world. The protagonist, Rick Deckard, is a blade runner, a police officer tasked with hunting down and "retiring" (killing) rogue replicants. Deckard is drawn into a complex plot involving a powerful Tyrell executive and four replicants who have escaped to Earth in search of their creator. The film's themes of existentialism and what it means to be alive are explored as Deckard struggles to come to terms with his mission and his own identity, culminating in a dramatic climactic showdown. The film has since become a cult classic, and its visuals, storyline and moral dilemmas have been the subject of much analysis and debate.

From Alan Parker, starring Bob Geldof, Christine Hargreaves, James Laurenson, Eleanor David
Rated R

Pink Floyd: The Wall is an Alan Parker-directed film based on the 1979 Pink Floyd album of the same name. The film follows the story of a rock star named Pink, who is struggling with personal issues caused by the death of his father and his subsequent feelings of alienation from the world. To cope, Pink builds a metaphorical wall between himself and the outside world, leading to a breakdown. Over the course of the film, scenes of Pink’s life are intercut with animation, surrealistic imagery and concert footage from Pink Floyd’s concerts. Finally, Pink’s wall is torn down and he is able to reconnect with the world. The film features a stellar soundtrack, including many classic Pink Floyd songs.

From Terry Gilliam, starring Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, Brad Pitt, Joseph Melito
Rated R

12 Monkeys is a 1995 science fiction film directed by Terry Gilliam and starring Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, and Brad Pitt. The film follows James Cole (Willis), a prisoner sent back in time from a future dystopian society to find the source of a deadly virus in hopes of preventing its release. Along the way, he meets a psychiatrist (Stowe) and a mental patient (Pitt) who may hold the key to the future. With twists and turns along the way, Cole must decipher clues and unravel the mystery of the virus before it's too late. With a gripping story and incredible performances, 12 Monkeys is a timeless classic.

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

Brazil is a 1985 science fiction dark comedy film written and directed by Terry Gilliam and starring Jonathan Pryce, Robert De Niro, Katherine Helmond, Ian Holm, and Bob Hoskins. The story follows a bureaucratic society in a dystopian future in which a small day-dreaming bureaucrat named Sam Lowry (Pryce) is trying to find a woman he keeps seeing in his dreams. He gradually becomes disillusioned with his oppressive government and its disregard for individual rights, leading to a final confrontation between Lowry and the government. Along the way, he runs afoul of a rogue heating engineer, a terrorist organization, and a powerful government agency. The film is both a satire of bureaucratic society and a darkly humorous exploration of the power of dreams, imagination, and the power of love.

From Henry Selick, starring Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey
Rated PG

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a 1993 animated musical dark fantasy film directed by Henry Selick and produced/co-written by Tim Burton. The film tells the story of Jack Skellington, the King of "Halloween Town", who stumbles through a portal to "Christmas Town" and becomes obsessed with the idea of celebrating the holiday. He attempts to bring Christmas under his control, but his attempts don't turn out as planned. The film features the voices of Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey, Paul Reubens, and Glenn Shadix. It was met with critical and commercial success, grossing over $75 million in the United States. It has since become a cult classic, and has spawned numerous video-games, novels, and merchandise.

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

The Holy Mountain is a 1973 surrealist film by director Alejandro Jodorowsky. The film follows a mysterious Thief as he is initiated into a spiritual journey by a powerful Alchemist. Along with eight disciples, the Thief embarks on a quest to ascend the Holy Mountain, the mythical site where immortality can be achieved. Along the way, the Alchemist and his disciples confront a series of bizarre events that challenge both their physical and spiritual boundaries. Through various obstacles, they are tested and ultimately transformed on their journey to enlightenment. The Holy Mountain is an exploration of the power of faith, the search for meaning, and the rise of the individual in the face of oppressive systems.

From Directors: Dorota Kobiela, Hugh Welchman, starring Douglas Booth, Jerome Flynn, Robert Gulaczyk, Helen McCrory
Rated PG-13

Loving Vincent is an animated biographical drama about the life and mysterious death of renowned Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. The film utilizes a unique animation style which employs over 65,000 oil paintings created by 125 professional oil painters. Through interviews with characters, flashback scenes, and beautiful visuals, the film follows a postman who is delivering the last letter of Vincent van Gogh before his death. As he begins to unravel the mystery behind Vincent's death, he discovers the beauty of Van Gogh's artwork, the tragedies of his life, and how his death changed the world.

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

The Fall is a 2006 adventure drama film directed by Tarsem Singh and starring Lee Pace, Catinca Untaru, and Justine Waddell. The film is set in the early 1920s and follows a stuntman, Roy Walker (Pace), who befriends a young Romanian girl, Alexandria (Untaru), in a Los Angeles hospital. He tells her a story of five mythical heroes—the Black Bandit, the Engineer, theophilus, the Monk, and the Imperialist—on a quest to free an imprisoned princess. Roy and Alexandria, in their own way, embark on a journey to complete this quest. Along the way, they confront their own personal struggles and gain a better understanding of the world around them. The film has been critically acclaimed for its stunning visuals, its imaginative storytelling, and its emotionally powerful and moving story.

From Mel Stuart, starring Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum, Roy Kinnear
Rated G

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is a classic 1971 film by director Mel Stuart. It tells the story of Charlie Bucket, a poor but kind young boy who lives with his parents and grandparents in a tiny home. One day, Willy Wonka, the eccentric and mysterious owner of the world-famous Wonka chocolate factory, announces a competition in which five lucky golden tickets have been hidden in chocolate bars and sent around the world. The winners of the five golden tickets will receive a full tour of the factory, a lifetime supply of chocolate, and one of five special prizes. Charlie finds a golden ticket and embarks on a magical journey inside the factory. Along the way, he encounters a bizarre cast of characters, including the Oompa-Loompas and the notorious Veruca Salt. At the same time, Charlie must confront the trials and temptations of the factory, and ultimately prove his moral worthiness to win an even bigger prize.

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

Fantastic Planet is a 1973 French-Czechoslovak science fiction film directed by René Laloux. It tells the story of the Draags, a technologically advanced humanoid race, and their relationship with the Oms, a race of humanlike creatures who are their domesticated pets. The story takes place on the planet Ygam, where the Draags are the dominant species and the Oms are treated as pets and slaves. The story follows a young Om named Terr, who escapes from his owners and is taken in by a group of wild Oms. Terr soon comes to realize that the Draags are planning to exterminate all of the Oms and leads his people in a rebellion against the Draags. The film is an allegory for colonialism, oppression, and the struggle for freedom. With its unique animation style, surreal imagery, and thought-provoking themes, Fantastic Planet remains a classic of the science fiction genre.

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

Waking Life is a 2001 rotoscoped exploration of the world of dreams and reality. It follows the story of a young man, referred to only as "the protagonist," as he drifts through a series of dream-like conversations with a series of people. The conversations explore topics such as the meaning of life, free will, lucid dreaming, and the nature of reality. The film is noted for its unique animation style, which was accomplished using computers to draw over live action footage of actors. The film also features a large number of cameo appearances by Linklater regulars, including Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, and Wiley Wiggins. At the end of the film, the protagonist finds himself on a train, and the viewer is left to interpret the significance of his journey.

From Directors: James Algar, Samuel Armstrong, Ford Beebe Jr., Norman Ferguson, David Hand, Jim Handley, T. Hee, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, Bill Roberts, Paul Satterfield, Ben Sharpsteen, starring Leopold Stokowski, Deems Taylor, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Corey Burton
Rated G

Fantasia is an American animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney and released by Walt Disney Productions in 1940. It is the third Disney animated feature film. The film consists of eight animated segments set to pieces of classical music conducted by Leopold Stokowski, seven of which are performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra. Music critic and composer Deems Taylor acts as the film's Master of Ceremonies, providing a live-action introduction to each animated segment. Fantasia features seven original sequences set to pieces of classical music, which are introduced by live-action segments featuring Deems Taylor. These pieces are "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor" by Johann Sebastian Bach; "The Nutcracker Suite" by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky; "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" by Paul Dukas; "Rite of Spring" by Igor Stravinsky; "The Pastoral Symphony" by Ludwig van Beethoven; "Dance of the Hours" by Amilcare Ponchielli; and "Night on Bald Mountain" by Modest Mussorgsky. The movie also features a live-action finale. Fantasia has become one of the most iconic films in the world and has

From Satoshi Kon, starring Megumi Hayashibara, Tôru Emori, Katsunosuke Hori, Tôru Furuya
Rated R

Paprika is a 2006 Japanese animated science fiction film written and directed by Satoshi Kon. The plot follows Dr. Atsuko Chiba and her alter ego, Paprika, as she uses a device that permits therapists to help patients by entering their dreams. As she investigates the dream world, she discovers a sinister plot involving a mysterious man who wants to use the device to create a worldwide dream pandemic. With the help of her colleague, Dr. Tokita, and a police detective, Konakawa, they must stop the man before his plans come to fruition. Paprika is a thrilling and visually stimulating journey into the realm of dreams.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Joanna Cassidy, Charles Fleischer
Rated PG

Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a 1988 fantasy-comedy-mystery film directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on Gary K. Wolf's novel Who Censored Roger Rabbit?. The film combines live-action, animation, and special effects to create a unique blend of comedy, visual effects, and detective action. Set in the 1940s in Hollywood, the plot follows Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins), a private eye who is hired to investigate the alleged infidelity of cartoon star Roger Rabbit's wife, Jessica. Valiant eventually discovers that a powerful business tycoon is plotting to take over the city and replace the Toontown area with an amusement park. With the help of Roger, Valiant is able to thwart the businessman's plan and prove Roger's innocence. The film was well-received by both critics and audiences alike and was nominated for three Academy Awards.

From Tom Tykwer, starring Franka Potente, Moritz Bleibtreu, Herbert Knaup, Nina Petri
Rated R

Run Lola Run is a thrilling German film about Lola, a woman in a race against time. After receiving a frantic phone call from her boyfriend Manni, who has misplaced 100,000 Deutsche Marks, Lola has 20 minutes to find and deliver the cash before Manni faces the wrath of his crime boss. In a desperate attempt to save Manni, Lola runs through the streets of Berlin, encountering a series of unexpected twists and turns along the way. The film follows three different scenarios, each with a different outcome, as Lola attempts to save Manni and her own future. Written and directed by Tom Tykwer, Run Lola Run is an intense, fast-paced film full of suspense and excitement.

From Henry Selick, starring Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, John Hodgman, Jennifer Saunders
Rated PG

Coraline is a stop-motion animated fantasy film directed by Henry Selick and based on Neil Gaiman's novel of the same name. The story follows an adventurous 11-year-old girl named Coraline who discovers a secret door in her family's new home that leads to a fantastical world where everything seems perfect. However, she soon discovers that this alternate world is not all that it seems, and she must use her wits and courage to save her parents and escape the clutches of a mysterious other mother. Along the way, she discovers the importance of family and the power of friendship.