Movies About Simulation

From David Fincher, starring Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey, Andrew Kevin Walker
Rated R

Se7en is a psychological thriller film directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Spacey. The film follows two detectives, William Somerset (Freeman) and David Mills (Pitt), as they investigate a string of gruesome murders in the city of New York that appear to be associated with the seven deadly sins. The killer, John Doe (Spacey), forces the detectives to confront their own sins as they struggle to understand the killer's twisted logic. In the end, Somerset and Mills discover a shocking and tragic conclusion to their investigation. Se7en is renowned for its suspenseful atmosphere and its unexpected plot twists.

From Jonathan Demme, starring Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Lawrence A. Bonney, Kasi Lemmons
Rated R

The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological horror film directed by Jonathan Demme and based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Harris. It stars Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee who must track down a serial killer known as Buffalo Bill, played by Ted Levine. Clarice must consult with the incarcerated genius and cannibalistic serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), in order to gain insight into Buffalo Bill's motives. As Clarice slowly pieces together clues in the investigation, she is forced to confront her own traumatic past in order to understand Buffalo Bill and ultimately find him. The Silence of the Lambs was a commercial and critical success, and is considered one of the greatest films ever made. It won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Anthony Hopkins, and is widely considered to be one of the best psychological horror films ever made.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin
Rated R

Psycho is a 1960 psychological thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock, based on the 1959 novel of the same name by Robert Bloch. The film stars Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates, a mentally unstable motel proprietor who kills guests while under the influence of his overbearing mother. Marion Crane, played by Janet Leigh, is a secretary who steals $40,000 from her employer and flees to the Bates Motel, where Norman lives with his mother. From there, events take a twisted and unexpected turn as the mysterious inhabitants of the motel and Marion's own inner demons begin to take control. The film is known for its innovative and suspenseful use of cinematography, music, and editing, and its iconic shower scene. Psycho is widely regarded as one of Hitchcock's most iconic films and is considered a classic of the horror genre.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey, Thelma Ritter
Rated PG

Rear Window is a classic thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Taking place in a small apartment, the story follows a bored photographer, Jeff, who is confined to his wheelchair after an accident. To pass the time, he begins to spy on his neighbors with a pair of binoculars. As the film progresses, Jeff comes to believe that one of his neighbors, Lars Thorwald, is a murderer. With the help of his girlfriend, Lisa, Jeff sets out to uncover the truth, leading to a thrilling finale. Along the way, Jeff and Lisa must deal with the suspicions of their nosy neighbor, Stella, and the probing questions of the police. The film showcases some of Hitchcock's most iconic scenes and is often cited as one of the best suspense films of all time.

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 based on the 1977 Stephen King novel of the same name. It follows Jack Torrance, an aspiring writer and recovering alcoholic, and his family as they move into the Overlook Hotel, an isolated resort in the Rocky Mountains, to serve as its winter caretaker. When a series of supernatural and mysterious events begin to occur, Jack slowly descends into madness and sets out to murder his family. The Shining stars Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, and Scatman Crothers. The film is widely considered to be one of the greatest horror films ever made, and has become a cultural phenomenon.

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

Vertigo is a classic Alfred Hitchcock film starring James Stewart and Kim Novak. The story follows Scottie Ferguson, a retired police detective suffering from vertigo, as he is hired to investigate a woman, Madeleine, who appears to be possessed by the ghost of her ancestor. As Scottie follows Madeleine and struggles to overcome his fear of heights, he finds himself falling in love with her. When he discovers that the woman he has been following is a fraud, he falls into a deep depression. In a desperate attempt to recreate the woman he loves, Scottie sets out to change Judy Barton into Madeleine. In the end, Scottie discovers the truth and is left to grapple with his failing mental health.

From Darren Aronofsky, starring Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Marlon Wayans
Rated R

Requiem for a Dream is a 2000 American psychological drama directed by Darren Aronofsky. The film stars Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, and Marlon Wayans. It tells the story of four characters living in Coney Island, Brooklyn—Harry, his girlfriend Marion, his mother Sara, and his best friend Tyrone—whose lives spiral out of control due to drug addiction. The film depicts their struggle with addiction, with each character battling their own demons. The movie is a powerful and heartbreaking tale of the devastating effects of addiction and how desperate people can become in their pursuit of a brief moment of joy.

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. Set in 1954, the story follows U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels as he travels to Shutter Island, a mysterious and isolated mental health facility located off the coast of Boston. With his partner Chuck, the two are investigating the disappearance of a convicted murderer, who escaped from her cell. However, as they explore the island they discover dark secrets and a conspiracy that extends far beyond the walls of the facility. As Teddy unravels the truth, his own mental state begins to unravel and he begins to question his own sanity. In the end, he must confront the truth of what is really going on in Shutter Island and decide if he is ready to accept it.

From M. Night Shyamalan, starring Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette, Olivia Williams
Rated PG-13

The Sixth Sense is a 1999 supernatural thriller directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The film stars Bruce Willis as Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a child psychologist who is trying to help a young boy, Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), who is haunted by visions of the dead. Dr. Crowe soon discovers that Cole has the ability to see and communicate with the spirits of the deceased. As the story progresses, viewers learn of the secrets and tragedies that have plagued Dr. Crowe and Cole, and the film culminates in a shocking twist ending. The Sixth Sense was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is widely considered one of the best films of the 1990s.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Albert Brooks
Rated R

Taxi Driver is a 1976 American psychological thriller film written by Paul Schrader and directed by Martin Scorsese. The film stars Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, a taxi driver and U.S. Marine who descends into insanity as he plots to assassinate a presidential candidate and clean up the streets of New York City. Jodie Foster stars as Iris, a teenage prostitute whom Travis decides to save. The film follows Travis' increasingly disturbed mental state as he navigates the city's dark underbelly and struggles with his own personal demons. His attempts at finding solace are misguided, as he instead finds himself drawn deeper and deeper into a cycle of violence and hatred. The film portrays a searing portrait of urban alienation, violence and paranoia, and is considered one of the greatest films of its era.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, Robert Cummings, John Williams
Rated PG

Dial M for Murder is a 1954 British thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, Robert Cummings and John Williams. The film follows the story of Tony Wendice, a former tennis player who plots to have his wealthy wife, Margot, murdered in order to get her money. Tony devises a plan to have her killed while he is away on a business trip, but things don't go as planned when an old friend of Margot's becomes involved. The film involves intricate plot twists and suspenseful moments, as Tony attempts to frame Margot's friend for the murder and clear his own name. In the end, Tony's plan comes to a thrilling climax as Margot fights back and attempts to save herself.

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

Gone Girl is a psychological thriller directed by David Fincher, based on the novel by Gillian Flynn. The movie follows the story of Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) and his wife Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike). On their fifth wedding anniversary, Amy goes missing and Nick becomes the prime suspect. Through a series of flashbacks, we learn more about the couple's relationship and the secrets they harbor. As the investigation continues, Nick is forced to uncover the truth and prove his innocence. The film is a thrilling and suspenseful exploration of marriage, betrayal, and mystery.

From Denis Villeneuve, starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Melissa Leo
Rated R

Prisoners is a 2013 American crime thriller film directed by Denis Villeneuve. The film follows two fathers, Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) and Franklin Birch (Terrence Howard), as they search for their missing daughters in a small Pennsylvania town. When the police are unable to find any clues to the girls' whereabouts, Dover takes matters into his own hands and kidnaps a mentally impaired man he believes to be involved in the incident. As the investigation continues, Dover's desperation increases, and he soon finds himself embroiled in a desperate race against time to save his daughter. Meanwhile, Birch struggles to cope with the disappearance of his daughter, as his wife falls into a deep depression. With the help of a detective (Jake Gyllenhaal), the two fathers attempt to uncover the truth about what happened to their daughters. The film was a critical and commercial success, with critics praising Villeneuve’s direction and Jackman’s performance.

From Federico Fellini, starring Marcello Mastroianni, Anouk Aimée, Claudia Cardinale, Sandra Milo
Rated Not Rated

8½ is a 1963 Italian film directed by Federico Fellini. The film follows the story of Guido Anselmi, a famous Italian film director experiencing creative block in his attempt to make his ninth feature film. As he struggles to come up with ideas, his personal life and past experiences come to the forefront of his mind. Guido struggles to juggle his life and work, as he is forced to confront his own anxieties and insecurities. He eventually finds solace in his dreams and fantasies, allowing him to rediscover his artistic inspiration. The film is a semi-autobiographical account of the director's own struggles and serves as a reflection of his innermost thoughts and feelings.

From Andrei Tarkovsky, starring Natalya Bondarchuk, Donatas Banionis, Jüri Järvet, Vladislav Dvorzhetskiy
Rated PG

Solaris is a sci-fi classic from Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky that follows the story of Kris Kelvin, a psychologist sent to a space station orbiting the mysterious planet Solaris. The crew of the station is dealing with strange events and a mysterious life force emanating from the planet. Upon arriving, Kris soon discovers that the strange phenomena on the station are linked to Solaris, and that he is being haunted by the ghost of his dead wife, Hari. He must grapple with his own inner turmoil and the secrets of Solaris in order to find a way to save the station and his own soul. Solaris is a thought-provoking journey into the power of the human mind and consciousness, and a testament to the power of love.

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

Black Swan is a 2010 psychological thriller-horror film directed by Darren Aronofsky, starring Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, and Vincent Cassel. The film follows a ballerina, Nina Sayers (Portman), as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. As Nina rehearses for a prestigious ballet production of Swan Lake, she slowly descends into a world of psychological torment, as she struggles to perfect her performance and battle her inner demons. With the help of her mentor, Thomas Leroy (Cassel), and her rival, Lily (Kunis), Nina takes on a dangerous quest to perfect her dual roles as the White Swan and the Black Swan, as she spirals into a nightmarish and hallucinatory state of mind.

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

Donnie Darko is a 2001 science fiction-fantasy-drama film written and directed by Richard Kelly. Set in 1988 in a suburban community, the film tells the story of Donnie Darko, a troubled high-school student who is plagued by visions of a menacing six-foot-tall rabbit named Frank. Donnie learns that the world will end in 28 days and sets out to find a way to prevent it. He is aided in his quest by a mysterious self-help guru known as Dr. Thurman, as well as a group of supernatural entities known as the "Tiny Dancers". Along the way, Donnie must confront his own inner demons and find a way to make peace with his troubled past. Through a journey of self-discovery, Donnie is ultimately able to save the world from destruction and come to terms with the life he has been given.

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

Rosemary's Baby is a 1968 psychological horror film written and directed by Roman Polanski. The film tells the story of a young couple, Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse, who move into a New York City apartment building with an ominous reputation. As Rosemary becomes pregnant and experiences increasingly disturbing and supernatural occurrences, she comes to believe that her unborn baby is the target of a powerful satanic cult operating within the building. As her desperation grows, Rosemary realizes that she must protect her baby and herself if she is to survive. Rosemary's Baby is a thought-provoking and chilling exploration of faith, paranoia, and the true nature of evil.

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

Brazil is a 1985 dystopian fantasy comedy-drama film directed by Terry Gilliam. The film centers around Sam Lowry (played by Jonathan Pryce), a low-level government worker who is trying to find a way to escape the oppressive bureaucratic society he is living in. In his search for freedom, Sam discovers a whole new world of possibilities and dangers. Along his journey, he meets a variety of characters, including a dream woman, a revolutionary, and an eccentric mechanic. As Sam goes deeper into his search, he finds himself in more and more danger, with circumstances spinning further and further out of control. Ultimately, Sam must choose between a life of conformity and a life of chaos, and the consequences of his decision will shape his future.

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

Mulholland Drive is a 2001 psychological mystery thriller film directed by David Lynch and written by Lynch and co-screenwriter Mary Sweeney. It stars Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux, and Ann Miller. The film follows an aspiring actress, Betty Elms (Watts), who arrives in Los Angeles and is thrust into a mysterious dream world. She meets Rita (Harring), a amnesiac woman who has escaped from a car accident. As the two attempt to unravel the mystery of who Rita is and how she came to be in the city, they are led down a dark, twisted path of secrets and illusions. Along the way, Betty and Rita are forced to confront their deepest fears and desires as they come face to face with the true nature of reality. The film ultimately culminates in a shocking and surreal finale that leaves viewers with a haunting sense of uncertainty.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Emmy Rossum
Rated R

Mystic River is a 2003 American mystery drama film directed by Clint Eastwood and written by Brian Helgeland. It stars Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Laurence Fishburne, Marcia Gay Harden, and Laura Linney. The film is set in the Boston neighborhood of Mystic River, and tells the story of three childhood friends, Dave Boyle, Sean Devine and Jimmy Markum, who grow up in a tight-knit community of Irish Americans. After a tragic event involving the disappearance and death of Dave Boyle's daughter, Sean, now a homicide detective, is assigned to investigate the case. As he begins to uncover the truth, secrets and lies begin to emerge, causing tensions and resentments to come to the surface among the friends and their families. As the story develops, it becomes clear that the three men are connected in an inescapable and complex web of vengeance, guilt and betrayal.

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

The Holy Mountain is a surrealist fantasy film directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky in 1973. The film follows a mysterious thief known as "The Alchemist" as he leads a group of people on a spiritual quest to the top of a mysterious mountain in search of enlightenment. Along the way, they encounter strange creatures, bizarre situations, and various teachings in an effort to gain spiritual knowledge and wisdom. The film features a mix of religious symbolism, traditional Mexican culture, and psychedelic imagery. Through its exploration of themes such as the human condition, faith, and power, the film serves as an allegory for the search for personal fulfillment and spiritual enlightenment.

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

The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie is a surreal black comedy directed by Luis Buñuel. The film follows the exploits of a group of upper-class friends who continually attempt to host a dinner party, but are repeatedly interrupted by various unforeseen events. Each interruption provides insight into the characters' personalities, as well as a commentary on the increasing absurdity of the world around them. The film's dream-like quality and use of non-linear storytelling makes it one of the most beloved and acclaimed works of Luis Buñuel's career.

From Víctor Erice, starring Fernando Fernán Gómez, Teresa Gimpera, Ana Torrent, Isabel Tellería
Rated Not Rated

The Spirit of the Beehive is a 1973 Spanish drama film directed by Víctor Erice. Set in a small village in Castile during the 1940s, the film follows two sisters, six-year-old Ana and her older sister Isabel, who are deeply affected by a screening of James Whale’s 1931 film Frankenstein. As they explore the countryside, Ana develops an obsession with the creature from the film, believing that it is living in the nearby beehive, while Isabel searches for a way to help her sister make sense of the world around her. Told through the eyes of a child, The Spirit of the Beehive is an exploration of childhood innocence, innocence that is slowly being eroded by the tragedy of the Spanish Civil War and the fascists’ rise to power.

From Rob Reiner, starring James Caan, Kathy Bates, Richard Farnsworth, Frances Sternhagen
Rated R

Misery is a psychological horror film directed by Rob Reiner, based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. The plot follows novelist Paul Sheldon (James Caan) who is rescued from a car crash by his "number one fan" Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates). Annie then begins to terrorize Paul, holding him captive in her remote home and forcing him to write a novel for her. As Annie's behavior becomes increasingly unstable and violent, Paul realizes he must find a way to escape. The film explores themes of obsession, obsession with fame and success, and the power of psychological manipulation.