Movies About Gaslighting

From Frank Capra, starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell
Rated PG

It's a Wonderful Life is a classic 1946 American Christmas fantasy drama film starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, and Lionel Barrymore. It is widely considered one of the most heartwarming and uplifting films of all time. The movie tells the story of George Bailey, a man who has given up on his dreams of seeing the world and instead has stayed in his hometown to help the people he loves. Through a series of events, he finds himself in a moment of despair and is about to take his own life when an angel intervenes and shows him what life would have been like for the people he loves if he had never been born. Through this journey, George learns to appreciate his life and the people he loves and rediscovers the joy of living.

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

The Shining, directed by Stanley Kubrick, is a psychological horror film based on the 1977 novel by Stephen King. The film follows Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson), a writer and recovering alcoholic, as he takes a job as the winter caretaker of the secluded Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Jack brings his wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and young son Danny (Danny Lloyd) along with him, hoping the seclusion will help him finish his writing project and repair his broken family. However, the hotel has a dark past and supernatural forces that prey on Jack’s sanity and threaten the safety of his family. As Jack’s mental state deteriorates, he descends into madness, with violent and terrifying consequences. The Shining is a classic horror film that has had a profound and lasting impact on film and popular culture.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes, Tom Helmore
Rated PG

Vertigo is a psychological thriller film released in 1958 and directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It follows the story of Scottie (James Stewart), a retired San Francisco police detective suffering from acrophobia, as he is hired to investigate the strange activities of an old friend's wife (Kim Novak). Driven by his obsession with the woman, Scottie attempts to discover the truth behind her alleged haunting, eventually leading him to the brink of his own emotional and psychological collapse. With its stunning visuals, intricate plot, and gripping atmosphere, Vertigo is considered one of Hitchcock's greatest and most influential films.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine, George Sanders, Judith Anderson
Rated Approved

Rebecca is a 1940 American romantic drama-mystery film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film stars Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine and is based on the novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurier. Set in 1930s England, the film tells the story of a young woman who marries the wealthy and mysterious widower Maxim de Winter, becoming the second Mrs. de Winter. Upon arriving at his estate, the young woman finds herself in the shadow of Maxim's dead first wife Rebecca. She soon finds out that Rebecca's legacy and memory still linger over the estate and her husband, and as her own insecurities build, so does her paranoia surrounding the secrets of the de Winter estate.

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. Set in a dystopian future in which genetically-engineered replicants, artificial humans, have been created to work off-world, the film follows Rick Deckard, a "blade runner" tasked with hunting down and "retiring" four escaped replicants. Along the way, Deckard falls in love with a replicant, Rachael, and discovers a shocking secret about his own identity. The film blurs the line between man and machine and raises philosophical questions about the nature of humanity, identity, and what it means to be alive. Featuring a star-studded cast, groundbreaking special effects, and a mesmerizing score by Vangelis, Blade Runner is widely considered a classic and is a landmark in the science fiction genre.

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

Gone Girl is a 2014 American psychological thriller directed by David Fincher and based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Gillian Flynn. The film follows the story of Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck), an unemployed writer living in Missouri who is suspected of murdering his wife, Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike), when she goes missing on their fifth wedding anniversary. The film follows the mystery surrounding Amy's disappearance and Nick's search for the truth. Several twists and turns along the way reveal the complexity of their marriage, as well as Nick's criminal past. The film also features performances from Carrie Coon, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry and Kim Dickens. Gone Girl was a critical and commercial success, earning over $369 million against its $61 million budget. It was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Pike.

From Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Tom Cruise, Jason Robards, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Rated R

Magnolia is a 1999 drama directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. The film tells the intersecting stories of several different characters in San Fernando Valley in the days leading up to a severe rainstorm. Among the characters we follow are a lonely, dying and abusive father, his son, a policeman dealing with his own issues, a former quiz show prodigy, a nurse, and a motivational speaker. As the film progresses, these characters eventually find themselves inextricably linked, as their lives are suddenly and drastically changed by an unexpected event. At the same time, a series of coincidences and misfortunes forces them to confront their inner problems and their relationships with one another. In the end, they learn that life is unpredictable and that it's important to forgive and accept one another.

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

12 Monkeys is a 1995 sci-fi thriller directed by Terry Gilliam. The film stars Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, Brad Pitt, and Christopher Plummer. The film is set in a post-apocalyptic future, where most of humanity has been wiped out by a deadly virus. James Cole (Willis) is recruited by a mysterious organization known as the Army of the Twelve Monkeys to travel back in time to stop the virus from being released. He is sent back to the year 1996 and meets brilliant virologist Dr. Kathryn Railly (Stowe) and Jeffrey Goines (Pitt), an unstable mental patient. As they traverse through various time periods, they uncover an even greater conspiracy that involves an anarchist group, a secret government project, and a deadly virus. At the climax of the film, Cole is forced to make a difficult decision that will determine the fate of humanity. In the end, he succeeds in stopping the virus from being released, but at a high cost. 12 Monkeys is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat.

From George Cukor, starring Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten, May Whitty
Rated Passed

Gaslight is a 1944 American psychological thriller directed by George Cukor. The film stars the legendary Ingrid Bergman as Paula Alquist, a young woman whose aunt was murdered in a London house when she was a child. When her husband, Gregory Anton (Charles Boyer), moves them into the same house, strange things begin to happen. Gregory begins to exhibit controlling and manipulative behavior, slowly convincing Paula that she is losing her sanity. Meanwhile, a police inspector (Joseph Cotten) is suspicious of Gregory's involvement in the original murder, and sets out to uncover the truth. As Paula's mental state deteriorates, she begins to suspect Gregory of trying to drive her mad. Ultimately, Paula must save herself and the truth must be uncovered.

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

Being John Malkovich is a 1999 film directed by Spike Jonze and written by Charlie Kaufman. The film tells the story of Craig Schwartz, a frustrated puppeteer who discovers a portal into the mind of actor John Malkovich. After entering the portal, Craig finds himself inhabiting Malkovich’s body and gaining access to his memories and thoughts. Craig’s wife, Lotte, discovers the portal and the two embark on a journey of exploration and discovery. Meanwhile, Craig’s co-worker, Maxine, begins to develop feelings for him and Craig soon finds himself in a complicated love triangle. As the plot progresses, the characters are forced to confront their own desires and the consequences of their actions. The film explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the power of the imagination.

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

Get Out is a 2017 horror/thriller film written, directed, and produced by Jordan Peele. The plot follows a young African-American man named Chris Washington (played by Daniel Kaluuya) as he meets the family of his white girlfriend, Rose Armitage (Allison Williams). During his stay, Chris quickly realizes that the Armitages are hiding a dark secret. Along with the help of his friend, Rod (Lil Rel Howery), Chris attempts to escape from the Armitages' dangerous and sinister plot. Get Out is a powerful and chilling exploration of race and society, as well as a thrilling horror movie.

From Mike Newell, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Eric Sykes
Rated PG-13

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is a 2005 British-American fantasy film directed by Mike Newell and based on the fourth novel in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. The film sees Harry's fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as he competes in the dangerous Triwizard Tournament while Lord Voldemort plots to return to power. Harry Potter and his friends Ron and Hermione must face challenges from dragons and merpeople as well as a deadly taskmaster in the Triwizard Tournament. Meanwhile, Lord Voldemort is gathering followers and plotting his return to power. As the tournament draws to a close and the final challenge looms, Harry must confront Voldemort in an epic battle for the fate of the wizarding world.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Richard Dreyfuss, François Truffaut, Teri Garr, Melinda Dillon
Rated PG

Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a sci-fi classic directed by Steven Spielberg. It follows the story of Roy Neary, a power-line worker who is one of many witnesses to a close encounter with an alien spacecraft. After the encounter, Roy becomes obsessed with learning the truth about the alien visitation and encounters a group of scientists investigating the phenomenon. Together, the group join an alien mothership that takes them to meet the extraterrestrial visitors. The aliens show them a vision of a better future for humanity, and Roy and the others return to Earth, changed for the better.

From Taylor Hackford, starring Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino, Charlize Theron, Jeffrey Jones
Rated R

The Devil's Advocate is a 1997 psychological horror-thriller film starring Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino, and Charlize Theron. It follows hotshot corporate lawyer, Kevin Lomax (Reeves), who is recruited by a prestigious New York law firm headed by the mysterious and powerful John Milton (Pacino). Despite warnings from those close to him, Kevin accepts the offer and soon discovers the firm's true purpose — to unleash chaos and evil onto the world. With the help of his wife, Mary Ann (Theron), he must battle his inner demons and the devil himself to save humanity from Milton's sinister plans.

From Ridley Scott, starring Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen
Rated R

Thelma & Louise is a 1991 American road movie directed by Ridley Scott, starring Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis as two friends who embark on a road trip with disastrous consequences. After Louise (Davis) shoots a man who tries to rape Thelma (Sarandon), the two friends decide to go on the run. As they drive further away and their situation becomes increasingly desperate, they become more and more independent and empowered, refusing to give in to the police or their respective partners. Along the way, they pick up a young thief (Brad Pitt) and, ultimately, make a stand against the patriarchy that oppresses them. A critical and commercial success, Thelma & Louise is a classic example of Hollywood feminism.

From Tim Burton, starring Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Michael Keaton, Annie McEnroe
Rated PG

Beetlejuice is a supernatural comedy fantasy film directed by Tim Burton and released in 1988. The film follows newly deceased couple, Adam and Barbara Maitland, who hire a "bio-exorcist" named Beetlejuice to scare away the family that has moved into their home. In their efforts to rid themselves of the family, they must outwit Beetlejuice, who has his own agenda. Along the way, Adam and Barbara encounter a variety of eccentric characters, including the afterlife's bureaucratic case worker, Juno. As they desperately try to reclaim their home, they discover that they may be more powerful than they ever imagined.

From John Landis, starring Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche
Rated R

Trading Places is a 1983 American comedy film directed by John Landis. The film stars Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy as two men from vastly different social classes who are forced to trade lives after being manipulated by two wealthy brothers. The wealthy brothers, relieved of their fortunes after a series of bets, make a bet on whether a homeless hustler (Murphy) can become more successful than an Ivy League snob (Aykroyd) if their circumstances are changed. In the process, both men gain a newfound appreciation for each other's way of life. Along the way, they team up with a female con artist (Jamie Lee Curtis) to get back at the brothers and reclaim their fortunes. The film received positive reviews from critics and was a box office success, grossing over $90 million.

From Brian De Palma, starring Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, Amy Irving, John Travolta
Rated R

From Chad Stahelski, starring Keanu Reeves, Riccardo Scamarcio, Ian McShane, Ruby Rose
Rated R

From Daniel Alfredson, starring Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Lena Endre, Annika Hallin
Rated R

From Mark Pellington, starring Jeff Bridges, Tim Robbins, Joan Cusack, Hope Davis
Rated R

From Jaume Balagueró, starring Luis Tosar, Marta Etura, Alberto San Juan, Petra Martínez
Rated Not Rated

From Dan Trachtenberg, starring John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Gallagher Jr., Douglas M. Griffin
Rated PG-13

From Paul Verhoeven, starring Isabelle Huppert, Laurent Lafitte, Anne Consigny, Charles Berling
Rated R

From Tom Holland, starring Chris Sarandon, William Ragsdale, Amanda Bearse, Roddy McDowall
Rated R