Movies About Memory Manipulation

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

Inception is a sci-fi action film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. The plot follows a team of professional thieves led by Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) who use a dream-sharing technology to enter into the subconscious of their targets and extract valuable information. They are enlisted by a wealthy corporate magnate to perform an impossible task: to implant an idea into the mind of a CEO. In order to succeed, the team must travel deeper into the mind of the target than they ever have before. With an all-star cast, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Ken Watanabe and Tom Hardy, Inception is a thrilling, thought-provoking film that will keep you guessing until the very end.

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

Memento is a 2000 neo-noir psychological thriller directed by Christopher Nolan. The film follows Leonard Shelby, a former insurance investigator suffering from anterograde amnesia, as he attempts to avenge his wife's death by hunting down her murderer. Leonard's condition causes him to be unable to form new memories, forcing him to rely on notes, tattoos, Polaroid photos, and other cues to keep track of his progress. As the story progresses backwards, the audience is able to piece together the full story of Leonard's journey. The film explores the nature of memory and identity, as Leonard's past and present collide, and he must struggle to come to terms with the consequences of his choices.

From Park Chan-wook, starring Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jeong, Kim Byeong-Ok
Rated R

Oldboy is a South Korean action-thriller film directed by Park Chan-wook and starring Choi Min-sik. It tells the story of a man named Oh Dae-su, who is kidnapped and incarcerated in a private prison for 15 years without explanation. After his sudden release, he embarks on a quest to discover who imprisoned him, and why. As the truth unravels, Oh Dae-su and his allies must battle a powerful and sinister organization that is determined to protect its dark secrets at any cost. Oldboy is a story of revenge, redemption, and the power of love.

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 a couple, played by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, who undergo a procedure to erase their memories of each other after their relationship turns sour. As their memories are erased, a dreamlike journey through their past together begins. Along the way, they re-experience the passionate highs and painful lows of their tumultuous relationship, and ultimately come to understand the power of true love.

From Jon Watts, starring Tom Holland, Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jacob Batalon
Rated PG-13

Spider-Man: No Way Home is an upcoming 2021 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Spider-Man, produced by Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios, and distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing. The film is directed by Jon Watts and stars Tom Holland as Peter Parker / Spider-Man, alongside Zendaya, Marisa Tomei, Jacob Batalon, Tony Revolori, Jamie Foxx, Benedict Cumberbatch, Alfred Molina, and Jamie Foxx reprising his role from the previous Spider-Man films, Doctor Octopus. The film follows Peter Parker attempting to return to his normal life after the events of Avengers: Endgame, only to be thrown into a new adventure when several of his enemies from the past return and a greater threat emerges. Now with the power of Doctor Octopus and his other enemies, Peter must face the challenge of not only protecting New York City but also the entire world.

From Thomas Vinterberg, starring Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Annika Wedderkopp, Lasse Fogelstrøm
Rated R

The Hunt is a 2012 Danish drama by director Thomas Vinterberg that follows the story of Lucas, a divorced father who works as a kindergarten teacher in a small, close-knit rural community. When he is falsely accused of a crime he did not commit, he is forced to face the distrust and hostility of the townspeople. Despite his protests of innocence, he is ostracized and shamed as the townspeople turn against him. With the help of his best friend, Lucas must find a way to prove his innocence and reclaim the life he once had. The Hunt is an emotionally powerful exploration of the consequences of false accusation, and a reminder of the importance of truth and justice.

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 based on the novel by Dennis Lehane. The movie stars Leonardo DiCaprio as U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels, who is sent to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a patient from the remote Shutter Island mental institution. As he continues his investigation, Teddy starts to uncover secrets about the hospital’s dark past that might be connected to his own traumatic experiences. With the help of his new partner, Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), Teddy must confront his inner demons before he can unravel the truth about the island and its inhabitants.

From Directors: Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen, starring Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling
Rated PG

Inside Out is a 2015 Pixar animated film directed by Pete Docter and Ronnie Del Carmen. The story follows the emotions of an 11-year-old girl, Riley, as she navigates the challenges of growing up. When Riley's family moves to San Francisco, her emotions—Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness—are sent into a tailspin. After an accident sends Riley's emotions into chaos, Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness must work together to help Riley find a way to adjust to a new life in a new city. Along the way, they learn lessons about the importance of recognizing all of one's emotions and allowing them to coexist in harmony.

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

Blade Runner is a 1982 sci-fi film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Harrison Ford. Set in a dystopian future, the story follows Rick Deckard (Ford), a blade runner who is tasked with hunting down and retiring four escaped replicants, who are bioengineered humans made to look like humans, but are much stronger and more intelligent. During his mission, Deckard discovers that one of the replicants, Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer), has a hidden agenda. As Deckard begins to uncover the mystery surrounding the replicants, he falls in love with a beautiful replicant, Rachel (Sean Young). The film culminates in a climactic confrontation between Deckard and Batty, and the ultimate resolution of the fate of the replicants and Deckard. The film is noted for its thought-provoking themes on the nature of humanity and memory, as well as its groundbreaking visual effects and iconic soundtrack.

From Denis Villeneuve, starring Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas, Dave Bautista
Rated R

Blade Runner 2049 is a 2017 sci-fi thriller directed by Denis Villeneuve and set thirty years after the original Blade Runner. Officer K (Ryan Gosling), a new blade runner for the Los Angeles Police Department, discovers a dark secret that could potentially plunge what’s left of the society into chaos. His discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former blade runner who has been missing for 30 years. K’s journey unearths a number of secrets that could have potentially devastating consequences for humanity, as well as a powerful enemy who will do anything to stop him from finding the truth. Along the way, K discovers his true identity and the meaning of his existence, leading him to an unexpected and powerful climax.

From Mamoru Oshii, starring Atsuko Tanaka, Iemasa Kayumi, Akio Ôtsuka, Kôichi Yamadera
Rated TV-MA

Ghost in the Shell is a 1995 anime film directed by Mamoru Oshii. Set in the year 2029, the story follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg policewoman of the fictional counter-cyberterrorist organization Public Security Section 9. Motoko and her team are given the task of tracking down a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master, who hacks into the brains of cyborg-human hybrids. As the team investigates the Puppet Master, they learn of a new technology that blurs the lines between humans and machines and could potentially have far-reaching implications for society. As the investigation deepens, Motoko begins to question her own identity, and the scope of the crime becomes far more complex than anyone could have imagined. In the end, Motoko and her team must face off against the Puppet Master in a thrilling finale.

From Doug Liman, starring Franka Potente, Matt Damon, Chris Cooper, Clive Owen
Rated PG-13

The Bourne Identity tells the story of Jason Bourne (Matt Damon), a man who has lost his memory and is found suffering from amnesia in the Mediterranean Sea. With no knowledge of his identity or past, he is taken in by a French fisherman and discovers from a implanted device that he may be a CIA assassin. He travels to Zurich and seeks out a former CIA operative who tells him he is a government trained assassin codenamed "Jason Bourne". In order to protect himself, he must unlock the secrets of his past. With the help of a female ally, Marie (Franka Potente), he must evade the agents of an American government agency while attempting to learn his true identity. As he pieces together clues to his past, he discovers that he has a special set of skills that make him a dangerous adversary.

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

Mulholland Drive tells the story of two women, Betty Elms (Naomi Watts) and Rita (Laura Harring), who are drawn together by a mysterious car accident and their resulting search for identity and reality. Betty is an aspiring actress who arrives in Los Angeles hoping to start a new life. Rita is a woman suffering from amnesia who has no recollection of her past. As Betty and Rita come together, they find themselves caught in a surreal, dreamlike world populated by strange characters and dark secrets. Together, they must confront the forces that have brought them together in order to uncover the truth and find their own place in the world.

From Duncan Jones, starring Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey, Dominique McElligott, Rosie Shaw
Rated R

Moon is a science fiction film directed by Duncan Jones and starring Sam Rockwell. It follows Sam Bell, a lunar astronaut working a solitary three-year contract mining helium-3 on the far side of the moon. He has a robot assistant, GERTY, to help him with his duties. As his contract nears its end, Sam begins to experience strange events and visions that lead him to believe he may not be alone on the moon. Investigating further, he discovers the truth about his mission, and finds himself in a battle for his own survival.

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

Mr. Nobody is a 2009 science fiction drama film written and directed by Jaco Van Dormael. It stars Jared Leto, Sarah Polley, Diane Kruger, Linh Dan Pham, Rhys Ifans, Natasha Little, and Toby Regbo. The film follows Nemo Nobody, a 118-year-old man, who is the last mortal on Earth after the human race has achieved quasi-immortality. With the help of the scientists, Nemo recounts his life story from three different perspectives. The story follows Nemo's life from childhood to adulthood as he struggles to choose between three women who have loved him during his life: Anna, a childhood friend; Elise, his long-time lover; and Jean, his wife. Though the film follows the events of his life, it also explores the concept of parallel universes, showing how the choices he makes can affect his life in other realities. As Nemo reflects on his life, he comes to terms with the fact that he is both a nobody and a somebody, and that he can choose to make a difference in whatever world he lives in.

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

Get Out is a horror-thriller written and directed by Jordan Peele. The film follows a black photographer named Chris, who visits the family estate of his white girlfriend, Rose. As Chris and Rose spend time with her family, it becomes increasingly obvious that something sinister is afoot. It is soon revealed that Rose's family is part of a sinister plot to kidnap and brainwash black people in an effort to prolong their own lives. Chris must now fight for his life and freedom, as well as that of his fellow victims. With a combination of horror and social commentary, Get Out is an intense and thrilling ride that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

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

The Butterfly Effect is a 2004 American sci-fi psychological thriller film directed by Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber. The film stars Ashton Kutcher as Evan Treborn, a troubled young man who discovers he has the ability to time travel and alter past events. When he uses his power to try to change the past and save loved ones, he finds that his actions have unexpected and disastrous consequences. As his life spirals out of control, Evan must figure out how to fix the future while avoiding the destruction of the past. It is a thrilling exploration of fate, destiny, and how our decisions can have far-reaching impacts on the world.

From Paul Verhoeven, starring Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Dan O'Herlihy, Ronny Cox
Rated R

RoboCop (1987) is a science fiction action film directed by Paul Verhoeven. The movie follows Detroit cop Alex Murphy (Peter Weller) who is brutally murdered during a shoot-out with a gang of robbers. He is then resurrected as the titular cyborg law-enforcer, RoboCop. With the help of his partner Anne Lewis (Nancy Allen), RoboCop battles the criminal underworld of Detroit, as well as the powerful mega-corporation Omni Consumer Products (OCP) that seeks to take control of the city. Along the way, RoboCop is forced to confront his own identity as a man and a machine, as well as the morality of the law enforcement and corporate practices he must enforce. In the end, RoboCop is able to save the city from OCP's evil plan and bring justice to the criminals of Detroit.

From Alex Proyas, starring Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, William Hurt
Rated R

Dark City is a 1998 science fiction film directed by Alex Proyas. The film stars Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, William Hurt, and Richard O'Brien. The story follows John Murdoch, a man who wakes up with no memory of his past or identity, and finds himself pursued by mysterious figures. He soon discovers the world he lives in is actually a vast artificial construct created by a race of mysterious aliens known as the Strangers. Together with the help of an underground doctor and the mysterious Shell Beach, John must uncover the secrets of Dark City before the Strangers can complete their sinister experiment. Dark City received widespread critical acclaim, praising its visuals, atmosphere, and inventive plot. It was nominated for Saturn Awards for Best Director and Best Science Fiction Film. The film is regarded as a cult classic and has since influenced numerous other films and television series.

From Paul Verhoeven, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside, Rachel Ticotin
Rated R

Total Recall is a science-fiction action film directed by Paul Verhoeven and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rachel Ticotin, and Sharon Stone. The film is set in a dystopian future where Douglas Quaid (Schwarzenegger) is haunted by dreams of Mars. After visiting a memory-implanting service, Quaid discovers he is actually a secret agent from Mars, and that his memories were erased to protect the mission. With the help of a Martian freedom fighter, Quaid embarks on a mission to Mars to uncover the truth about his identity and his past. As Quaid attempts to unravel the mystery of his true identity, he finds himself in the middle of a civil war between two powerful Martian factions. He must ultimately make a difficult decision that could determine the fate of Mars.

From Barry Sonnenfeld, starring Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Linda Fiorentino, Vincent D'Onofrio
Rated PG-13

From James Mangold, starring John Cusack, Ray Liotta, Amanda Peet, John Hawkes
Rated R

From Joseph Kosinski, starring Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, Andrea Riseborough, Olga Kurylenko
Rated PG-13