Mind Tripping Movies

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

Fight Club is a 1999 American psychological thriller film directed by David Fincher and stars Brad Pitt and Edward Norton. The plot follows an unnamed protagonist who is unfulfilled by his white-collar job. He forms a "fight club" with soap maker Tyler Durden, and they are joined by men who also want to fight recreationally. The narrator becomes embroiled in a relationship with Durden and a dissolute woman named Marla Singer. The plot takes a chaotic turn when their fight club evolves into an underground terrorist organization called Project Mayhem which is determined to destroy civilization. In the end, the narrator must face himself and choose between his new identity and his old life.

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

Inception is a science-fiction action film directed by Christopher Nolan. It follows Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), a thief who specializes in obtaining secrets from people’s minds through a shared dream state. He is approached by a powerful businessman, Saito (Ken Watanabe), who orders Dom to plant an idea into the mind of a rival businessman, Robert Fischer (Cillian Murphy). To do so, Dom and his team of dream-sharing experts must enter the dreams of Fischer and manipulate his subconscious. The film follows their mission as they delve deeper into Fischer's dream layers, dealing with unforeseen consequences and fighting off corporate spies out to sabotage them. In order to succeed, Dom must confront his innermost secrets and reconcile them with his mission, or risk being lost in the dream world forever.

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 written and directed by the Wachowski brothers. The film follows Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves), a computer programmer who is drawn into a rebellion against the machines who have created a simulated reality known as the Matrix. Anderson discovers that his reality is actually a virtual world created by advanced artificial intelligence to keep humans in control while they harvest the people's bioelectricity. With help from rebel leader Morpheus (Lawrence Fishburne) and other allies, Anderson fights to free humanity from the Matrix and its controllers. The Matrix is known for its innovative visual effects, cinematography, and its integrated use of other art forms such as Kung Fu and Japanese animation. The film won four Academy Awards and is widely regarded as one of the greatest science fiction films of all time.

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. The film centers on a team of explorers who travel through a wormhole in search of a new home for humanity. The team, led by former NASA pilot Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), must find a planet capable of sustaining human life and a way to save humanity from an inevitable extinction. Along their journey, the team navigates a mysterious and dangerous landscape of time and space, relying on their scientific knowledge and the guidance of an unknown entity known as "The Creator". Cooper and his crew must battle the forces of gravity, time, and a hostile alien species to ensure the survival of the human race. Along the way, they discover the true power of love, hope, and courage, and the value of human relationships in an increasingly hostile universe.

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

The Prestige is a 2006 mystery thriller directed by Christopher Nolan. It follows Robert Angier and Alfred Borden, two rival stage magicians in London at the end of the 19th century who, upon the death of a former colleague, become obsessed with creating the greatest stage illusion ever seen. In their obsessive pursuit of success and fame, they unearth dark secrets and employ the use of cutting-edge technology in an attempt to out-do each other. The film follows their dangerous rivalry as it spirals out of control and their lives become increasingly intertwined. In the end, it is revealed that an illusion has been created that transcends the worlds of life and death.

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

Memento is a psychological thriller about a man suffering from anterograde amnesia, a condition that renders him unable to form new memories. The story is told in two timelines that intersect throughout the film. In one timeline, protagonist Leonard Shelby is on a mission to find his wife's killer. In the other timeline, which is told in reverse chronological order, Leonard is shown piecing together the mystery of his wife's death, relying on imperfect memories and notes he has written to himself. As Leonard searches for answers, he discovers that the truth is darker and more complex than he originally thought. Ultimately, he discovers that it is impossible to move forward if one cannot remember the past.

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

Joker is an American psychological thriller film directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker. Set in 1981, the story follows struggling stand-up comedian Arthur Fleck, who is disregarded and mistreated by society. He then embarks on a downward spiral of revolution and bloody crime. This path brings him face-to-face with his alter-ego: the Joker. The film depicts a man disregarded by society, who begins a slow descent into madness and transfigures into the criminal mastermind of Gotham City. The film explores themes of mental health, grief and the lack of a support system in society.

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 directed by Michel Gondry and written by Charlie Kaufman. The film follows an estranged couple, played by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, who have each undergone a procedure to erase all memories of their relationship. During the course of the erasure process, they begin to rediscover their love for each other. Along the way, they must grapple with the implications of erasing memories, and ponder what it means to truly love someone. The film's unique narrative structure and dream-like visuals explore themes of love, loss, identity, and the power of memory.

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. It is based on the novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane. 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 the Ashecliffe Hospital for the Criminally Insane. As the two explore the mysterious island, they uncover a web of secrets and a shocking truth about the hospital's director, Dr. John Cawley (Ben Kingsley). With the help of an accomplished psychiatrist (Max von Sydow) and a mysterious patient (Emily Mortimer), Teddy slowly unravels the truth about the hospital and its inmates. The film culminates in a thrilling finale that proves the power of the human mind.

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

The Father is a 2020 French-British drama film directed by Florian Zeller and starring Anthony Hopkins. The film follows a man in his eighties, Anthony, as he struggles with dementia. As his mental health deteriorates, Anthony's family members try to care for him while dealing with their own struggles. As the film progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to tell what is real and what is a product of Anthony's deteriorating mental state. Ultimately, The Father is a powerful and often heartbreaking exploration of the challenges and emotions that accompany dementia and the toll it takes on its victims and those around them.

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

Gone Girl is a 2014 psychological thriller directed by David Fincher and based on the novel of the same name by Gillian Flynn. The film stars Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike as Nick and Amy Dunne, a couple whose marriage has become strained due to Amy's suspicions of infidelity. On their fifth wedding anniversary, Amy mysteriously disappears, and Nick becomes the prime suspect in her disappearance. Through a series of flashbacks, the film explores the events leading up to her disappearance and Nick's desperate search for her. As the investigation intensifies and detectives and the media begin to scrutinize Nick's every move, he works to prove his innocence and uncover the truth behind Amy's disappearance.

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 an upcoming 2022 American fantasy drama film directed by Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert and written by Kwan. The film follows three teenagers as they embark on a fantastical journey of self-discovery and exploration, discovering a world beyond their own. Along the way, they encounter a mysterious old man who guides them on a quest to unlock the secrets of the universe. The film explores themes of growing up, identity, and the power of imagination and dreams.

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

Donnie Darko is a psychological thriller set in 1988 in the suburbs of Virginia. Donnie is a troubled teen whose life is turned upside down when he is visited by a 6-foot tall rabbit named Frank, who tells him the world will end in 28 days. Throughout the film, Donnie follows Frank's instructions, forming relationships with a variety of characters and coming to terms with his family. Donnie's journey leads him to discover the dark secrets behind his town and its inhabitants. As the end of the film approaches, Donnie must face the consequences of his actions and find a way to save the world from disaster.

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

Her is a romantic science fiction drama directed by Spike Jonze. It stars Joaquin Phoenix as Theodore Twombly, a lonely, introverted writer who develops a relationship with a highly advanced artificial intelligence operating system named Samantha, voiced by Scarlett Johansson. The story follows Theodore as he navigates the complexities of a new relationship with a being who can evolve and grow beyond his own imagination. As the two explore the boundaries of their connection, Theodore discovers the true power of love and intimacy, and how far he is willing to go to hold onto it.

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

Edge of Tomorrow is a science fiction action movie starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt. The story revolves around Major William Cage (Cruise), a military public relations officer with no combat experience who is unexpectedly thrown into a suicide mission against an alien invasion. After dying on the battlefield, Cage finds himself stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over. With the help of Special Forces warrior Rita Vrataski (Blunt), he must figure out how to survive the day and use his knowledge of the future to turn the tide of the war against the aliens.

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

Nightcrawler is a 2014 crime-thriller film written and directed by Dan Gilroy, starring Jake Gyllenhaal as a freelance crime journalist. Lou Bloom is a motivated, ambitious, and morally ambiguous character who is willing to do whatever it takes to make money. Lou discovers the world of nightcrawling: a shady business of filming crimes and accidents and selling the footage to TV news stations in Los Angeles. Lou is willing to go to extreme lengths to get his footage, no matter the cost. Along the way, he forms an unlikely partnership with a fellow nightcrawler, a local news director, and discovers the power of manipulating the media. In the end, Lou's ambition and questionable morals come to a head in a shocking climax that leaves the audience questioning the morality of the characters' actions.

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

Mr. Nobody is a 2009 science fiction film directed by Jaco Van Dormael. The film follows Nemo Nobody (Jared Leto), a 118-year-old man who is the last mortal on Earth after the human race has achieved quasi-immortality. Nemo reflects on his life, and the choices he made that have led him to this point. Throughout the film, Nemo explores the various paths his life could have taken, leading him to realize the importance of making conscious decisions. The film explores themes of fate, love, mortality, identity, and the power of choice.

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

Get Out is a 2017 horror-thriller movie written and directed by Jordan Peele. The movie follows protagonist Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya), a young African American man, and his girlfriend, Rose (Allison Williams), as they visit her family's estate. While there, Chris discovers that Rose's family has a sinister agenda and is subjected to a series of horrifying events, including threats of enslavement. Through a series of events and twists, Chris is eventually forced to fight for his life and freedom. Along the way, Chris is aided by his best friend and his family who, despite their own struggles, strive to help him in any way they can. Get Out ultimately reveals that racism and white supremacy are still alive and well in America.

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

The Machinist is a psychological thriller starring Christian Bale as Trevor Reznik, a factory worker who has not slept in a year and suffers from crippling insomnia. As his health deteriorates, he gradually becomes more and more suspicious of the people around him and eventually sets out on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth behind his condition. Along the way, he discovers that he may be linked to a traumatic event in his past, and must face his own inner demons in order to find peace. As dark secrets begin to unravel, Trevor must find the strength to accept his reality and confront the horrors of his past.

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 that follows the story of Riggan Thomson, a washed-up actor famous for playing the superhero Birdman decades earlier. Desperate to revive his career, Riggan takes on the ambitious task of writing, directing, and producing a Broadway adaptation of a Raymond Carver short story. With the help of his best friend and lawyer Jake, as well as his daughter Sam, Riggan struggles to gain the respect and admiration of his peers and the public. As opening night approaches, Riggan is plagued with self-doubt and the looming threat of a disastrous review from the powerful New York theater critic Tabitha Dickinson. In the end, Riggan is forced to confront his inner demons and make a difficult decision about his future.

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

The Butterfly Effect is a 2004 science fiction psychological thriller film directed by Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber. The film follows Evan Treborn (Ashton Kutcher), a troubled young man who discovers he has the ability to time travel by reading his personal journals. His newfound power allows him to travel back to his childhood and attempt to change his and his friends' lives for the better. However, every time he alters the past, new and unexpected consequences arise, leading to a devastating outcome. The film explores the idea that our actions, however small they may be, can have far-reaching and unexpected consequences on the future, a concept known as the butterfly effect.

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

Nocturnal Animals is a 2016 American psychological thriller film directed by Tom Ford, based on the novel Tony and Susan by Austin Wright. The film follows Susan Morrow, an art gallery owner, who receives a book manuscript from her ex-husband. As she reads, she is drawn into the fictional world of Tony, the author, and is forced to confront some dark truths about their former relationship. The film shows the story within a story, as it switches between the real world and the fictional world of Tony's manuscript. It is a gripping and suspenseful tale of love, loss, and revenge, with a powerful performance by Amy Adams as Susan.

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

Source Code is a science fiction action-thriller directed by Duncan Jones and starring Jake Gyllenhaal. The film follows Colter Stevens, a soldier who wakes up to find himself in the body of a stranger on a Chicago commuter train. Stevens discovers he is part of a government program called the "Source Code," which uses a simulated reality to investigate a bombing incident on the train. With the help of a fellow passenger and the mysterious voice of the Source Code's creator, Stevens must use his newfound skills to identify the bomber and prevent further attacks. With fast-paced action and a thought-provoking story, Source Code is a thrilling experience that will keep viewers guessing until the very end.

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