Movies About Spiritual Awakening

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

Fight Club is a 1999 film directed by David Fincher and based off the novel by Chuck Palahniuk. The film follows an unnamed protagonist, played by Edward Norton, who is a depressed insomniac who is dissatisfied with his white-collar job and consumer driven lifestyle. He forms a "fight club" with soap maker Tyler Durden, played by Brad Pitt, and they are joined by men who also want to fight recreationally. The fight club eventually evolves into something much larger and more sinister as a cult-like organization called "Project Mayhem". The protagonist must confront his identity and the organization while trying to save it from his own destructive impulses. The film questions modern notions of masculinity, focusing on themes of alienation, consumerism, and nihilism.

From Directors: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
Rated R

The Matrix is a science fiction action film written and directed by the Wachowski siblings. It stars Keanu Reeves as Neo, a computer programmer who is drawn into a rebellion against machines who have taken over the world and placed humanity inside a simulated reality known as the Matrix. Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), a legendary computer hacker, explains to Neo that the reality he knows is actually a computer-generated dream world, and that the humans are being kept in pods and harvested for energy. Neo, with the help of Morpheus and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), must learn to understand and manipulate the Matrix in order to save humanity from the machines. Along the way, Neo discovers that he is "the One", an individual prophesied to bring balance to the Matrix and end the war.

From Yann Arthus-Bertrand, starring Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Glenn Close, Jacques Gamblin
Rated Not Rated

"Home" is an award-winning documentary by French director Yann Arthus-Bertrand. The film explores the state of the Earth's environment, as seen from a global perspective, and makes a call for greater change in order to protect the planet for future generations. Through stunning aerial footage and interviews with scientists, activists, and everyday people from around the world, the film paints a picture of a planet in crisis and highlights the need to conserve and protect what is left of the environment. The film also looks at how human behavior has impacted the environment and how we can work together to mitigate the damage we have done. Ultimately, the film's goal is to inspire viewers to take action and to make a difference.

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 non-narrative documentary film by director Ron Fricke. It is a visual meditation on the human experience, exploring the various aspects of life that bind us together as a species. The film visits 25 countries, investigating themes such as birth and death, technology, spirituality, industry, and nature. Through stunning visuals and a hypnotic soundtrack, it creates a cinematic experience that transcends time and language. The film celebrates the beauty of the world and its inhabitants, while also offering a thoughtful reflection on the modern state of humanity.

From Sam Mendes, starring Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Wes Bentley
Rated R

American Beauty is a 1999 American drama film directed by Sam Mendes and written by Alan Ball. It stars Kevin Spacey as Lester Burnham, a middle-aged advertising executive who has a midlife crisis when he becomes infatuated with his teenage daughter's best friend, Angela (Mena Suvari). Lester's wife, Carolyn (Annette Bening), is a real estate broker obsessed with success; his daughter, Jane (Thora Birch), is an insecure teenager dealing with her own issues of self-identity. The film's narrative follows Lester as he quits his job and begins a risky, hedonistic lifestyle. His actions ultimately lead to an unexpected outcome. The film also features Wes Bentley, Chris Cooper, and Allison Janney in supporting roles. It received positive reviews upon its release, with many praising its screenplay, direction, and performances. It was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Spacey), and Best Original Screenplay. The film has since become a cult classic.

From Peter Weir, starring Jim Carrey, Ed Harris, Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich
Rated PG

The Truman Show is a 1998 American satirical comedy-drama film directed by Peter Weir, written by Andrew Niccol, and starring Jim Carrey as Truman Burbank. The movie tells the story of a man who, unbeknownst to him, is the unwitting star of a reality television show created to document his life 24/7 on a large sound stage populated by actors hired to play the various characters that inhabit his world. After gradually becoming aware of his constructed reality and seeing through the ruse, he attempts to escape the show and its control over his life. The film was a commercial and critical success and was nominated for three Academy Awards.

From Brett Harvey, starring Snoop Dogg, Joe Rogan, Ronald Reagan, Penn Jillette
Rated TV-14

The Culture High is a 2014 documentary film written and directed by Brett Harvey that examines the growing marijuana legalization movement in North America. The film covers a variety of topics related to the marijuana debate, including the medical benefits of cannabis, the criminalization of marijuana, and the big business behind the War on Drugs. It also examines the cultural implications of marijuana legalization, including how it has impacted the lives of everyday people. The film features interviews with politicians, economists, and advocates on both sides of the marijuana debate, as well as footage from events held around the world in support of cannabis legalization. The Culture High is a timely exploration of the many facets of the marijuana debate, and how it affects our society as a whole.

From Harold Ramis, starring Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky
Rated PG

Groundhog Day is a 1993 American fantasy comedy film directed by Harold Ramis and written by Danny Rubin and Harold Ramis. The film stars Bill Murray as Phil Connors, a cynical television weatherman who is sent to cover the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Phil is trapped in a time loop, repeating the same day again and again. Initially he uses this to his advantage, indulging in hedonistic pleasures and criminal acts, but eventually he becomes desperate to escape the loop. With the help of a friendly, optimistic woman named Rita (Andie MacDowell), Phil gradually learns how to better his life, finding joy in helping others and himself. The film was both a critical and commercial success, and is now considered a cult classic.

From Sean Penn, starring Emile Hirsch, Vince Vaughn, Catherine Keener, Marcia Gay Harden
Rated R

"Into the Wild" tells the true story of Christopher McCandless, a recent college graduate who sets out on a journey of self-discovery in the Alaskan wilderness. He abandons all his possessions, donates his life savings to charity, and embarks on a four-month solo trek across the United States. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters who help him to find himself and his place in the world. Ultimately, his journey leads him to Alaska, where he ultimately meets his tragic end. The film follows his journey and examines the motivation behind it, as well as the effect it had on those who had the privilege of meeting him.

From Ingmar Bergman, starring Max von Sydow, Gunnar Björnstrand, Bengt Ekerot, Nils Poppe
Rated Not Rated

The Seventh Seal is a 1957 Swedish drama film written and directed by Ingmar Bergman. The film follows a knight and his squire, who return from the Crusades to Sweden and encounter Death on their journey home. The knight challenges Death to a chess game, for which the stakes are his life. As he and Death play chess, he reflects on his life, religion and mortality. Meanwhile, a group of traveling players, including a fool and a witch, help to illustrate the tragedy and absurdity of life. The film is considered a classic of world cinema and has become a cultural touchstone in discussions of faith, philosophy, and mortality.

From Kim Ki-duk, starring Kim Ki-duk, Oh Yeong-su, Jong-ho Kim, Kim Young-min
Rated R

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring is a 2003 South Korean film directed by Kim Ki-duk. The film is a meditation on the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, centered around a Buddhist monastery in a beautiful, isolated mountain lake in South Korea. The story follows a Buddhist monk, the master, as he takes an orphaned boy under his wing and teaches him the path of Buddhism. Through the four seasons of life, the master shows the boy the beauty and impermanence of life and ultimately the cycle of suffering. As the story comes full circle, the orphaned boy replaces the master as the new teacher.

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. The story follows Theodore Twombly, a lonely writer in Los Angeles who develops an intense relationship with his newly purchased operating system, which is designed to meet his every need. Through this unexpected connection, Theodore finds himself drawn into a profound and burgeoning relationship that reflects both the highs and lows of intimacy. As their connection deepens, he finds himself questioning the boundaries of technology and his own identity. Along his journey, Theodore discovers the power of true companionship and love.

From Richard Linklater, starring Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Elijah Smith
Rated R

Boyhood is a coming-of-age drama directed by Richard Linklater that follows the life of Mason Evans Jr. (Ellar Coltrane) from his 6th birthday in 2002 to his 18th birthday in 2014. Throughout the film, we watch Mason and his family grow, learn, and cope with the struggles of life. With remarkable performances by Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, and Ellar Coltrane, Boyhood explores the tumultuous journey of growing up, while also capturing the beauty of life's everyday moments. As Mason's parents (played by Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke) struggle to make ends meet and be good parents, Mason and his older sister, Samantha (Lorelei Linklater) learn to rely on each other and grow independently. Through the ups and downs of life, Mason and his family maintain a strong bond and an appreciation for the small moments that make up a life.

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

Mulholland Drive is a 2001 neo-noir mystery thriller film written and directed by David Lynch. The film follows the story of aspiring actress Betty Elms (Naomi Watts), who arrives in Los Angeles to start a new life and is quickly drawn into a complex web of mystery, intrigue and dark secrets. Her journey leads her to the mysterious and dangerous Mulholland Drive, where she meets a woman named Rita (Laura Harring), who has lost her memory. Together, they explore the secrets of the city, uncovering a complex web of deceit and betrayal. As they continue to unravel the truth, they are drawn deeper into a dangerous and surreal world. In the end, the truth is revealed, and the film culminates in a shocking twist.

From James Cameron, starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez
Rated PG-13

Avatar is a science fiction adventure film directed by James Cameron and released in 2009. The film is set in the year 2154 and centers around a paraplegic marine named Jake Sully. Jake is sent to the moon of Pandora, where he is able to take control of the body of an Avatar, a humanoid alien created from the combination of human DNA and the DNA of the indigenous Na’vi people. Jake is tasked with infiltrating the Na’vi people in order to gain access to their natural resources. However, as Jake gets to know them, he begins to sympathize with their plight. He ultimately joins forces with the Na’vi people in a battle against a human mining colony, which threatens to strip Pandora of its resources and destroy the Na’vi’s home.

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

The Holy Mountain is a 1973 surrealist, religious-themed film directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky. The central figure of the film is the Alchemist, a Christ-like figure who recruits a group of people to follow him on a spiritual quest to reach a mystical holy mountain. Along the way, they encounter a number of strange and bizarre characters and situations, and are challenged to confront the illusions of the world around them. As they progress on their journey, they come to question their own understanding of reality and morality as they strive to become enlightened. Ultimately, the Alchemist and his followers must make a difficult decision; whether to embrace the material world, or to pursue a higher spiritual path. The film is considered by many to be a classic of avant-garde cinema, exploring themes of religion, mysticism, and the search for enlightenment.

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

Being John Malkovich is a 1999 American fantasy comedy-drama film directed by Spike Jonze and written by Charlie Kaufman. It stars John Cusack, Catherine Keener, Cameron Diaz, and John Malkovich, with Charlie Sheen in a cameo role. The film follows a struggling puppeteer who finds a portal leading into the mind of actor John Malkovich. The movie begins with Craig Schwartz (John Cusack) entering a 7-and-a-half-floor office building located in New York City. There, he discovers a secret portal which leads into the mind of actor John Malkovich. Schwartz then begins secretly charging people money to experience "being" Malkovich for 15 minutes. Craig's wife, Lotte (Cameron Diaz), discovers the portal and begins using it to explore her own identity. Meanwhile, the office's building manager, Dr. Lester (Orson Bean), discovers the portal and plans to use it to his own advantage. The movie culminates with a twist ending, when Lotte and Craig finally realize that they are actually inside the mind of Malkovich, who is controlling their every move. In the end, the portal is closed and Malkovich is forced to remain inside his own mind.

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

Waking Life is a 2001 rotoscoped live-action film directed by Richard Linklater. It follows the dream of a young man as he wanders through a variety of dream-like scenarios and conversations with various people. Along the way, he attempts to gain insight into the meaning of his dream, and to decipher if he is dreaming or awake. Along the way, he encounters a wide range of philosophical ideas, as well as a cast of characters who both challenge and support his journey. Waking Life ultimately concludes with a powerful statement about the nature of life and existence.

From Spike Jonze, starring Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep, Chris Cooper, Tilda Swinton
Rated R

Adaptation is a 2002 comedy-drama film directed by Spike Jonze. The film follows the story of screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, who is struggling to adapt Susan Orlean’s non-fiction book The Orchid Thief into a feature film. As he grapples with writer’s block and self-doubt, Charlie’s twin brother Donald provides a much-needed jolt of confidence and optimism. Through a series of misadventures and unexpected turns, the brothers take us on a journey of self-discovery. Along the way, they explore the complexities of the creative process, the power of the human imagination, and the strength of family.

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

Dark City is a sci-fi thriller directed by Alex Proyas, featuring Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, and John Hurt. On the surface, the film appears to take place in a normal city, but in reality, the city is actually an alien experiment. Aliens known as the Strangers have taken control of the city and its inhabitants, altering their memories and manipulating them to their own ends. The main character, John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell), is trying to piece together his past and discover who he really is. As he struggles to understand the strange city he inhabits, Murdoch must battle the Strangers and their powerful leader, Mr. Hand (Kiefer Sutherland). Along the way, he discovers the truth about the city, which could have profound implications for both humanity and the Strangers. Dark City is an imaginative and stylishly-crafted film that combines elements of science fiction and film noir. The deep and complex story, fascinating visuals, and excellent performances from the cast make this a gripping and thought-provoking movie.

From Directors: Tegan Bukowski, Loressa Clisby, Kevin Macdonald, Hiroaki Aikawa, Natalia Andreadis, Jack Attridge, Cristina Bocchialini, Zillah Bowes, Andrea Dalla Costa, Lisa Cottrell-Bentley, Alejo Crisóstomo, Sócrates Cuadri, Ayman El Gazwy, Shawn Gadberry, Seth Grant, Jane Haubrich, Soma Helmi, Jennifer M. Howd, Clementine Isaac, Aditya Kolli, Gabor Kukucska, Francesco La Regina, Frederic Lumiere, Marek Mackovic, Zuqy Cruz Marquez, Linda Matarasso, Kevin McMahon, Joseph Michael, Joaquin Montalvan, Lilit Movsisyan, Emmanuelle Pickett, Christopher Redmond, Alejandro Romeo, Alaa Sheikh Hassan, Marcus Tedenryd, starring Hiroaki Aikawa, Cindy Baer, Teagan Bentley, Ester Brym
Rated PG-13

Life in a Day is a 2011 documentary film directed by Kevin Macdonald, Hiroaki Aikawa, Natalia Andreadis, Jack Attridge, Cristina Bocchialini, Zillah Bowes, Andrea Dalla Costa, Lisa Cottrell-Bentley, Alejo Crisóstomo, Sócrates Cuadri, Ayman El Gazwy, Shawn Gadberry, Seth Grant, Jane Haubrich, Soma Helmi, Jennifer M. Howd, Clementine Isaac, Aditya Kolli, Gabor Kukucska, Tegan Bukowski, Loressa Clisby, Francesco La Regina, Frederic Lumiere, Marek Mackovic, Zuqy Cruz Marquez, Linda Matarasso, Kevin McMahon, Joseph Michael, Joaquin Montalvan, Lilit Movsisyan, Emmanuelle Pickett, Christopher Redmond, Alejandro Romeo, and Alaa Sheikh Hassan. It is a user-generated documentary film featuring footage from the entire world, shot on a single day, July 24, 2010. It is composed of footage that was submitted by over 80,000 people from 192 countries. The film captures a collective portrait of life around the world through the

From Tom Shadyac, starring Tom Shadyac, Desmond Tutu, Noam Chomsky, Ray Anderson
Rated Not Rated

I Am is a 2010 documentary directed by Tom Shadyac. The film follows Shadyac as he travels the world to explore the concept of global interconnectedness, interviewing scientists, theologians, and thought leaders on the subject. He examines how humanity is interconnected with each other, and with the planet, and he discovers that a shift in consciousness is essential for humanity to move forward. He also looks at the idea of global compassion and interdependence, and how it can be harnessed to positively transform our world. The film features interviews and insights from notable figures such as Desmond Tutu, Noam Chomsky, Thom Hartmann, and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. The film also features appearances by luminaries including Deepak Chopra, Lynne McTaggart, Elisabet Sahtouris, and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. The film ultimately encourages viewers to recognize the interdependence between all of the world's peoples, and to use that knowledge to create a better world.

From Pan Nalin, starring Nicolos Kostopoulos, Vaidya Narayan Murthy, Brahmanand Swamigal
Rated Not Rated

Ayurveda: Art of Being is a documentary film that follows the journey of Dr. Vasant Lad and his students as they explore the ancient science of Ayurveda. The film showcases the healing power of Ayurveda and its wide range of applications. It also explores the personal journeys of those who have been touched by Ayurveda, including a cancer survivor, a woman struggling with infertility, and a young man with chronic depression. Through interviews, case studies, and compelling visuals, the film reveals the profound effects of Ayurveda and its potential to profoundly affect our lives. It is an inspiring journey filled with hope and insight, highlighting the importance of balance in our lives and the power of Ayurveda to bring us back to health and well-being.

From Directors: Tom Tykwer, Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski, starring Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant, Hugo Weaving
Rated R

From Iain Softley, starring Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges, Mary McCormack, Alfre Woodard
Rated PG-13