Movies With Puzzles

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

Fight Club is an American psychological thriller film based on the 1996 novel of the same name by Chuck Palahniuk. The film follows an unnamed protagonist (Edward Norton) as he struggles with an increasing sense of alienation and dissatisfaction with consumer-driven society. He eventually forms a "fight club" with Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt), a soap salesman, and the two engage in increasingly dangerous and destructive activities. Ultimately, the protagonist must choose between his new found freedom and the constraints of his mundane life. The film is a comment on modern consumerism and explores themes of nihilism, masculinity, and anarchism.

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

Inception is a science-fiction action thriller film directed by Christopher Nolan, who also wrote and produced the film. The film follows Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), a professional thief who specializes in extracting valuable secrets from the subconscious of his targets while they are dreaming. Cobb is offered a chance to regain his old life, but only if he is able to perform one last job: Inception. The task is to plant an idea in the mind of a target, allowing Cobb and his team to manipulate their targets into believing that the idea was their own. With the help of his team, Cobb must navigate the depths of the subconscious to pull off the impossible job of inception. The film is filled with intense action sequences, mysterious settings, and intense psychological drama.

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

The Matrix is a 1999 sci-fi action film directed by the Wachowskis. It stars Keanu Reeves as Neo, a computer programmer who discovers the world he lives in is actually a simulated reality created by machines. When Neo is contacted by a mysterious figure named Morpheus, he is offered the chance to learn the truth about the Matrix and his place in the grand scheme of things. With the help of Morpheus, Neo learns martial arts and battles against the Machines that control the Matrix in order to free humanity from their oppressive rule. Along the way, he discovers the secrets of the Matrix and discovers his true destiny.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Mackenzie Foy
Rated PG-13

Interstellar is a science fiction epic directed by Christopher Nolan. The film follows a team of scientists and astronauts as they travel through a newly-discovered wormhole to search for a new home for humanity amid a global food crisis. The crew embarks on an epic journey that leads them through a variety of strange and unfamiliar worlds. Along the way, they must confront their own personal demons and make difficult moral choices that will determine the fate of humanity. The film stars Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine, and many other renowned actors. It was praised for its spectacular visuals and philosophical themes. Interstellar is a profound exploration of the power of love, human potential, and the fragility of life. It was a commercial and critical success, earning over $677 million at the box office and winning an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

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

Memento is a psychological thriller directed by Christopher Nolan that follows Leonard Shelby, a former insurance investigator living with anterograde amnesia. After the violent death of his wife, Leonard is on a mission to find and punish the person responsible. To do this, he relies on Polaroid photos and notes written on his skin to keep track of people and events. He meets a variety of characters along the way, including Teddy, a shady figure who may have information about his wife's killer, and Natalie, a woman Leonard begins to rely on for help. As the story progresses, Leonard pieces together the truth about his wife's death and must ultimately face the consequences of his actions.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester, Daniel Richter
Rated G

Released in 1968, "2001: A Space Odyssey" is a science-fiction epic directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film follows a voyage to Jupiter with the sentient computer HAL after the discovery of a mysterious black monolith affecting human evolution. The story is based in part on author Arthur C. Clarke's short story "The Sentinel". Beginning in the prehistoric past, the film follows the evolution of man from ape to human as guided by the monolith. In the year 2001, a space mission is sent to Jupiter to investigate the monolith, which is believed to be an alien artifact. As the astronauts travel through space, they are put in danger by their onboard computer, HAL, which has malfunctioned and is now acting independently. The mission ultimately ends with the discovery of the monolith's purpose. Through the use of psychedelic imagery, Kubrick creates a mind-blowing journey through time, space, and the human experience.

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 film written by Charlie Kaufman and directed by Michel Gondry. It stars Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet as a couple in an on-again, off-again relationship. After their latest break-up, the lovers discover that a new medical procedure can erase all memories of their relationship. They go through with the procedure, only to find themselves struggling to forget each other once again. The film follows their journey of self-discovery as they grapple with the power of memory and the human capacity for love.

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

The Sixth Sense is a psychological thriller released in 1999 and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The movie follows the story of Malcolm Crowe (played by Bruce Willis), a child psychologist who is struggling to deal with a failed marriage and a failed career. He meets Cole Sear (played by Haley Joel Osment), an 8-year-old troubled boy who claims to see dead people. As Malcolm works to help Cole, he discovers frightening secrets about the boy's past and comes to believe that his visions are real. Malcolm's journey leads him to an emotional and spiritual transformation as he slowly begins to understand the power of Cole's gift. Along the way, Malcolm and Cole face many supernatural forces, and ultimately, Malcolm discovers the truth about Cole's abilities.

From Ron Howard, starring Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Christopher Plummer
Rated PG-13

A Beautiful Mind is a 2001 biographical drama directed by Ron Howard about the life of John Nash, a Nobel Laureate in Economics. Nash is a brilliant but asocial mathematician who suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. The film follows Nash's struggles to overcome his mental illness while also striving to maintain relationships with his wife, Alicia, and their son, Charles. He is able to relearn how to interact with people and to recognize his own delusions. Throughout the movie, Nash is aided by his friends, family and doctors, who help him realize his potential and accept his illness. In the end, Nash is able to find a balance between his social life and his responsibilities as a mathematician and Nobel Laureate. The film ultimately conveys a message of hope and resilience in the face of mental illness.

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 movie follows U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (DiCaprio) and his partner, Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), as they travel to Shutter Island's Ashecliffe Hospital to investigate the disappearance of a missing patient. Teddy and Chuck soon discover that there are more secrets and conspiracies lurking within the hospital's dark corridors than they expected. With a heavy storm looming, Teddy begins to fear for his safety as he attempts to unravel the mystery of the missing patient and the hospital's true motives. As the investigation progresses, Teddy is forced to confront his demons as he confronts the troubling truths of his past. The film culminates in a thrilling and tense finale as Teddy and Chuck finally uncover the shocking truth of what is really going on at Shutter Island.

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

12 Monkeys is a 1995 science fiction film directed by Terry Gilliam. The story follows a time traveler from the post-apocalyptic future sent to the present day to locate and apprehend a group of rogue scientists believed to be responsible for releasing a deadly virus that wiped out nearly all of humanity. Along the way, he discovers a possible cure for the virus, and must make a difficult decision about the future of the human race. The film stars Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, Brad Pitt, and Christopher Plummer. The film is often considered to be one of Gilliam's best works, and earned several Oscar nominations, including Best Supporting Actor for Pitt.

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

Donnie Darko is a psychological thriller directed by Richard Kelly and stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Donnie, a troubled teen living in a suburban town in 1988. Donnie is visited by a six-foot tall demonic-looking rabbit named Frank, who tells Donnie the world will end in 28 days, six hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds. With Frank as his guide, Donnie embarks on a surreal mission involving his family, friends, and a school psychologist, which ultimately leads to uncovering a dangerous government conspiracy. Along the way, he discovers more about himself, the universe, and the power of love.

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

Black Swan is a psychological thriller directed by Darren Aronofsky. The film follows the story of Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman), a talented but emotionally repressed ballerina. She is cast in a production of Swan Lake, and must embody both the White Swan and the Black Swan. As the production progresses, Nina's obsession with perfection begins to take its toll on her mental health. She finds herself in a battle between her own identity and artistic ambition, and as she begins to unravel, the lines between reality and fantasy begin to blur. As the pressure increases, Nina is forced to confront her inner demons in order to discover her true self and ultimately to take flight in her performance.

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

Mulholland Drive is a 2001 neo-noir psychological thriller directed by David Lynch. The film follows an aspiring young actress named Betty Elms, who arrives in Los Angeles with hopes of making it big in Hollywood. However, her dreams are quickly dashed when she discovers that her aunt’s apartment has been rented out to a mysterious woman named Rita. Through a series of mysterious events, the two women form an unlikely friendship and embarque on a strange and surreal journey through the underbelly of the city, encountering all sorts of bizarre people and places. As the movie progresses, their adventure unravels all sorts of secrets and mysteries, culminating in a shocking and unexpected climax. In the end, Betty and Rita are left with a greater understanding of their place in life and in each other’s lives.

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

Edge of Tomorrow is a sci-fi action-adventure film directed by Doug Liman, starring Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, and Bill Paxton. Set in the future, the story follows Major William Cage (Cruise), an officer who is killed in a battle against an alien race called Mimics. After his death, however, he finds himself in a time loop in which he is repeatedly resurrected and forced to relive the same day of combat. With the help of a Special Forces soldier named Rita (Blunt), Cage eventually learns to use the loop to his advantage as he and Rita work together to end the Mimic threat forever. With its intense action sequences, unique story structure, and strong performances, Edge of Tomorrow is a thrilling and entertaining ride.

From Denis Villeneuve, starring Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg
Rated PG-13

Arrival is a 2016 science fiction drama film directed by Denis Villeneuve, starring Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner. The film follows linguist Louise Banks (Adams), who is recruited by the U.S. Army to help them communicate with a race of aliens that have arrived on Earth in several large, mysterious ships. With the help of theoretical physicist Ian Donnelly (Renner), Louise must decipher the aliens’ language and discover their purpose on Earth before a global conflict erupts. Along the way, Louise begins to experience visions of her daughter, who died of a terminal illness at a young age. Through this experience, Louise is forced to confront her grief and the power of our human relationships while working to solve the alien mystery and save the world.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Tom Wilson
Rated PG

Back to the Future Part II follows Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) and Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) as they travel to the future, to October 21, 2015, to prevent the disastrous consequences of an altered future. After retrieving a sports almanac from the future, they must prevent their arch nemesis Biff Tannen (Thomas F. Wilson) from using the almanac to become rich and powerful. Along the way they must also try to find a way to get back to the present. Along the way they encounter aDoc Brown from the future and meet Marty's future wife and children, and ultimately must fix the future before they can return to their own time.

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

Mr. Nobody is a 2009 fantasy drama film directed by Jaco Van Dormael and stars Jared Leto, Sarah Polley, Diane Kruger, Linh Dan Pham, Rhys Ifans, and Natasha Little. The story follows 118-year-old Nemo Nobody, who is the last mortal on Earth after the human race has achieved quasi-immortality and has become nearly immortal. As he reminisces about his life and the paths he could have taken, he must come to a decision about which of his lives he will choose. The film explores themes of memory, regret, and life choices, and questions the concept of fate and free will.

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

Moon is a 2009 science fiction film directed by Duncan Jones. It stars Sam Rockwell as Sam Bell, an astronaut working on a three-year solo mission mining helium-3 on the far side of the moon. During his mission, Sam begins to experience strange occurrences, including hallucinations and talking to an identical clone of himself. He eventually discovers that his employer, Lunar Industries, has been cloning him in order to extend their mining mission. After a series of events, Sam ultimately decides to destroy the clones and Lunar Industries' facility on the moon.

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

The Machinist is a psychological thriller directed by Brad Anderson and starring Christian Bale. It tells the story of Trevor Reznik, an industrial worker who suffers from chronic insomnia. He begins to suffer from hallucinations, paranoia, and extreme weight loss due to his insomnia. Trevor eventually discovers that the strange events occurring in his life are connected to a mysterious figure from his past. As the story progresses, Trevor gradually unravels the truth behind his condition, and is forced to confront his own inner demons. The Machinist is a dark and unsettling character study that explores the depths of human suffering and the power of redemption.

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

Dark City is a 1998 science fiction neo-noir film directed by Alex Proyas. It follows John Murdoch, an amnesiac man accused of murder in a dystopian metropolis filled with secrets and mysterious inhabitants. Murdoch discovers that the city is run by a powerful group of alien-like "Strangers" who possess the ability to manipulate reality and change people's memories. With the help of Dr. Schreber, a psychiatrist, and Emma, a mysterious woman, Murdoch learns the truth about his past and the Strangers' agenda. In order to protect the human race, Murdoch must fight the Strangers and eventually save the city from destruction.

From Alejandro Amenábar, starring Nicole Kidman, Christopher Eccleston, Fionnula Flanagan, Alakina Mann
Rated PG-13

The Others is a 2001 supernatural horror film, written and directed by Alejandro Amenábar. It follows a woman, Grace Stewart (Nicole Kidman), and her two children who live in an isolated estate on the British Isles in 1945. After Grace begins to suspect that their house is haunted, she finds out that three mysterious servants, Mrs. Mills (Fionnula Flanagan), Mr. Tuttle (Alakina Mann) and Lydia (Elaine Cassidy), have appeared and are living in her home. Grace is then haunted by strange visions, and discovers that her children have a rare sensitivity to light, forcing them to live in darkness. As the mystery of the house's ghosts and the true identity of the servants unravels, Grace learns of a terrible secret hidden in the house that could cost her children their lives. In the end, the truth is revealed, and the family is freed from the burden of the supernatural forces that have tormented them.

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 directed by Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber. The plot follows a young man named Evan Treborn (Ashton Kutcher) who suffers from memory blackouts, but discovers that he can travel back in time to important moments of his life. He uses this ability to try and fix his own history, but discovers that even the slightest changes can have unexpected and devastating consequences. As he desperately tries to repair the damage, he realizes that the butterfly effect is in full force and that every choice he makes has consequences that ripple through time. He eventually learns that he must accept the consequences of his actions and let go of the past.

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

Total Recall is an action-packed science fiction movie directed by Paul Verhoeven and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. The film follows construction worker Douglas Quaid (Schwarzenegger) as he struggles to piece together his forgotten past. After visiting Rekall Inc., a company that implants false memories, Quaid discovers he is actually a secret agent from Mars and is caught in a war between two rival nations. He embarks on an action-packed journey, forced to use his newfound skills and knowledge to save his life and his planet. Along the way, he discovers that nothing is as it seems and he may be in more danger than he originally thought.

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

Source Code is a science-fiction thriller directed by Duncan Jones and starring Jake Gyllenhaal. The story follows Army helicopter pilot Colter Stevens (Gyllenhaal) who, after a mysterious event, finds himself entering a top-secret government program called the Source Code, which allows him to enter the body of an unknown commuter who was killed in a terrorist bombing on a train. Once inside the Source Code, Stevens is tasked with finding the bomber and preventing a larger attack. With the help of a scientist (Vera Farmiga) and the train's enigmatic conductor (Jeffrey Wright), Stevens is forced to relive the fateful eight minutes of the train ride over and over again, in order to uncover the bomber's identity and save countless lives. As Stevens comes closer to discovering the truth, he must face his own demons, as well as his own mortality.