Trippy Movies

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

Inception is a 2010 science fiction action film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. The film follows Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his team of experts as they conduct corporate espionage by infiltrating the subconscious minds of their targets. Cobb and his team use a technology known as "Inception" to implant powerful ideas in the minds of their targets, while attempting to protect their own secrets in the process. The team is forced to confront their own fears and secrets when their mission goes awry, and they find themselves in a dangerous psychological limbo. Inception explores the idea of reality, memory, and identity, as Cobb and his team delve into the complex layers of the human mind. Ultimately, the team must confront their own inner demons and secrets in order to save themselves and their mission.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Miyu Irino, Rumi Hiiragi
Rated PG

Spirited Away is a classic animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It tells the story of a young girl named Chihiro who, while moving to a new home with her family, stumbles upon an abandoned amusement park. After wandering inside, she discovers that the park is not what it appears to be, as it is actually a supernatural realm inhabited by gods, witches, and strange creatures. With the help of a mysterious boy named Haku, Chihiro embarks on an adventure to free her parents and her own spirit from the clutches of the powerful witch Yubaba, who has stolen their memories and identities. Along the way, Chihiro encounters a variety of characters, both good and bad, and learns valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and the power of self-discovery.

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 visually stunning and thought-provoking documentary film directed by Ron Fricke that explores the wonders of the world from the perspectives of Eastern and Western traditions. It is an exploration of the human experience, featuring stunning visuals from all around the world, and an original score by Marcello De Francisci. The film is composed of a series of images that are edited together to create a visual journey. Samsara does not contain any dialogue or narration; instead, the film uses its visuals, music, and soundscapes to create a sense of beauty, wonder, and awe. It is a meditation on life, death, and the beauty of nature and humanity.

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

2001: A Space Odyssey is a groundbreaking science fiction film directed by Stanley Kubrick in 1968. It 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 Arthur C. Clarke's short story "The Sentinel." It is a timeless classic that has influenced generations of filmmakers and continues to inspire the exploration of humanity's place in the universe. The film is renowned for its innovative visual effects, score, and themes of human evolution and technological advancement. The film follows a series of intriguing events, including a prehistoric ape discovering the bone of an animal that becomes a tool of destruction and a spacecraft traveling to Jupiter. Along the way, HAL - a computer with artificial intelligence - attempts to take control of the mission, leading to an intense struggle between man and machine. The film culminates in a psychedelic sequence that questions the nature of human existence.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates, Warren Clarke
Rated R

A Clockwork Orange is a 1971 dystopian crime film directed, produced, and co-written by Stanley Kubrick. The film follows the violent and criminal exploits of Alex (Malcolm McDowell), a sociopathic youth in a near future England. After Alex is arrested and convicted of murder and rape, he is subjected to an experimental form of rehabilitation, a technique designed to condition him to abhor violence. Despite the success of the treatment, Alex eventually finds that his newfound morality is at odds with his criminal past. The film is an exploration of the nature of morality, violence, and free will.

From Godfrey Reggio, starring Edward Asner, Pat Benatar, Jerry Brown, Johnny Carson
Rated Not Rated

Koyaanisqatsi is a landmark experimental documentary film directed by Godfrey Reggio and featuring music composed by Philip Glass. The film, which is in the Hopi language, means "life out of balance." Koyaanisqatsi is an exploration of modern life and humanity's disconnection from the natural world. Through the use of visual images, the film illustrates the conflict between technology and the environment, and the idea that human society has become overly industrialized and mechanized. The film shows the effects of modern society on nature, and the effects of society on the individual. Koyaanisqatsi does not contain any dialogue, but instead relies on its music and visuals to create a powerful and thought-provoking experience. The film was a worldwide success and has become a cult classic.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Chieko Baishô, Takuya Kimura, Tatsuya Gashûin, Akihiro Miwa
Rated PG

Howl's Moving Castle tells the story of Sophie, a teenage girl who is transformed into an old woman by a wicked witch. To reverse the curse, she seeks the help of the mysterious wizard Howl, who lives in a magical moving castle. Along the way, Sophie meets various characters and discovers the true nature of Howl's powers. The journey leads them both to a climactic showdown with the Witch of the Waste, who has been wreaking havoc on the kingdom. In the end, Howl and Sophie are able to break the curse and restore peace to the kingdom.

From Guillermo del Toro, starring Ivana Baquero, Ariadna Gil, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú
Rated R

Set in 1944, Pan's Labyrinth is an adult fairy tale that follows Ofelia, a young girl who moves with her pregnant mother to live with an oppressive stepfather in a rural Spanish village. While exploring the grounds of the military outpost where her stepfather is stationed, Ofelia discovers a mysterious labyrinth and meets a faun who tells her she is a princess of an underground kingdom. To prove her identity, Ofelia must complete three dangerous tasks. Along the way, Ofelia must face off with her stepfather, who is determined to root out a nearby resistance movement. Ultimately, Ofelia must choose between the real world and a magical realm of monsters and fairies.

From Directors: Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Mervyn LeRoy, Norman Taurog, Richard Thorpe, King Vidor, starring Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr
Rated PG

The Wizard of Oz (1939) is a classic musical fantasy film directed by Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Mervyn LeRoy, Norman Taurog, Richard Thorpe, and King Vidor. It follows the story of Kansas native Dorothy Gale who is swept away to the magical Land of Oz. Along the way, she meets a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion, all of whom are searching for their own dreams that the Wizard of Oz can fulfill. Together, they journey to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard, encountering many magical creatures and obstacles along the way. They must use their wits and courage to overcome the Wicked Witch of the West and her minions and ultimately discover the power of friendship, loyalty, and belief in oneself.

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

Blade Runner is a 1982 science fiction neo-noir film directed by Ridley Scott. The story takes place in a dystopian future in which genetically engineered replicants, designed by the Tyrell Corporation, are used as slaves on off-world colonies. When a group of replicants led by Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer) escape to Earth, blade runner Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) is tasked with hunting them down and "retiring" them. As Deckard pursues the replicants, he discovers a larger conspiracy and discovers the true nature of his mission. Along the way, he meets the beautiful Replicant Rachael (Sean Young) and is forced to confront his own identity as he begins to question what it means to be human. The film is widely considered to be a classic and has inspired numerous sequels and spin-offs.

From Alan Parker, starring Bob Geldof, Christine Hargreaves, James Laurenson, Eleanor David
Rated R

Pink Floyd: The Wall is a 1982 British live-action/animated musical drama film directed by Alan Parker and written by Pink Floyd vocalist and bassist Roger Waters. It is based on the 1979 Pink Floyd album of the same name. The film centres on a confined rock star named Pink, who, after being driven into insanity by the death of his father and many depressive moments during his lifetime, constructs a metaphorical wall to be protected from the world and emotional situations around him. The movie follows Pink as he deals with personal demons symbolized by the metaphorical wall and attempts to come to terms with his past. A series of events lead him to question what his life has become and to put pieces of his life back together. The film features a mixture of live action, animation, and surrealistic imagery, as well as a mix of music from the album and orchestral pieces composed by Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason.

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

12 Monkeys is a 1995 science fiction/drama film directed by Terry Gilliam and starring Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt and Madeleine Stowe. The story follows convict James Cole (Willis) who is sent back in time by the future to uncover the source of a deadly virus that has decimated the world population. While on his journey, he meets a brilliant scientist, Dr. Kathryn Railly (Stowe), and a mental patient named Jeffrey Goines (Pitt), who may or may not have the answers he needs. Along the way, he discovers the truth behind the virus, and ultimately must decide whether he can save mankind. The film is renowned for its visuals and thought-provoking themes.

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

Brazil is a 1985 dystopian science fiction film directed by Terry Gilliam. The central character is Sam Lowry, a low-level government employee who is constantly dreaming of a life of adventure and heroism. His dreams include a beautiful woman, who is an embodiment of his desires, and a mysterious figure known as the "Man in the Fish Tank". Sam’s reality is one of oppressive bureaucracy, where his every action is monitored and controlled by the government. As Sam embarks on a quest to make his dreams a reality, he uncovers a dark conspiracy that threatens his freedom and his very existence. Along the way, he finds adventure, love, and an inner strength that will carry him to the end. Brazil is a complex and thought-provoking film that is both a dark satire and a celebration of individualism in the face of an oppressive society.

From Henry Selick, starring Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey
Rated PG

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a 1993 American stop-motion animated musical dark fantasy film directed by Henry Selick and produced/co-written by Tim Burton. The film follows Jack Skellington, the King of Halloween Town, who discovers the joys of Christmas Town and decides to bring the two together. But when his enthusiastic plans to bring the two holidays together go awry, it's up to Jack to save the day. Along the way, he meets a rag-tag group of colorful characters, including a ragdoll named Sally and an evil doctor who is planning to take over both Halloween and Christmas. With the help of his friends and a little bit of Christmas magic, Jack is able to make things right and save the holiday season.

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

The Holy Mountain is a surrealist comedy-drama film directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky and released in 1973. The story follows a Christ-like figure who sets out on a spiritual journey with eight other individuals, each representing a planet in the solar system. Along the way, they confront the immorality of materialism and the emptiness of organized religion. Through a series of bizarre scenes that blend religious symbolism and psychedelic visuals, the film explores themes of spirituality, individual growth, and the power of imagination. Ultimately, the group of pilgrims sets out to climb a mysterious holy mountain, a metaphor for humanity’s quest for spiritual enlightenment.

From Directors: Dorota Kobiela, Hugh Welchman, starring Douglas Booth, Jerome Flynn, Robert Gulaczyk, Helen McCrory
Rated PG-13

Loving Vincent is a 2017 biographical animated drama film about the life and mysterious death of Vincent van Gogh. Directed by Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman, the film is the world’s first fully painted animated feature film where every frame is an oil painting on canvas. The film intertwines the investigations of a postman as he looks for clues to the painter’s death with flashbacks to Vincent’s life. Through interviews with those who knew him, including his brother Theo and his doctor Paul Gachet, the postman discovers the truth behind Vincent's death. Loving Vincent tells the story of the life of one of the world's most beloved painters, through the unique medium of oil painted animation.

From Tarsem Singh, starring Lee Pace, Catinca Untaru, Justine Waddell, Kim Uylenbroek
Rated R

The Fall is a 2006 fantasy drama film written and directed by Tarsem Singh. The film follows the story of Alexandria, a five-year-old girl living in 1920s Los Angeles who is hospitalized for an accident with a broken arm. While there, she meets an injured stuntman who tells her a fantastical story of five mythical heroes who set out on a quest to free their trapped and enslaved prince. Through the course of his story, Alexandria and the stuntman forge a strong bond and form a friendship that helps Alexandria heal her broken arm and spirit. The Fall is a visually stunning film that blends fantasy and reality to tell a moving and emotionally resonant story of friendship, healing and courage.

From Mel Stuart, starring Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum, Roy Kinnear
Rated G

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is a classic 1971 musical fantasy film directed by Mel Stuart. The film follows Charlie Bucket, a young boy living in poverty with his family, as he finds one of the five Golden Tickets hidden inside Wonka chocolate bars. He and four other children are invited to tour the mysterious, magical world of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. Over the course of their journey, they learn the importance of friendship, courage, and the power of imagination. Along the way, they meet a cast of strange and wonderful characters, including the eccentric Willy Wonka himself. In the end, Charlie's optimism and good nature are rewarded, and he wins a prize beyond his wildest dreams.

From René Laloux, starring Barry Bostwick, Jennifer Drake, Eric Baugin, Jean Topart
Rated PG

Fantastic Planet is a 1973 animated science fiction film directed by René Laloux. Set in a distant future, the film follows a human-like species called the Oms, who are kept as domestic pets by the giant, blue-skinned aliens called the Draags. After a daring escape, one of the Oms, Terr, joins a rebel group of his kind living in the wilderness. As Terr and his allies struggle to survive and gain freedom, they must contend with the Draags' advanced technology and overwhelming power. The film carries a strong anti-imperialist message, as it examines the struggles of the Oms against their oppressors and the consequences of colonialism.

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

Waking Life is an animated film written and directed by Richard Linklater that follows a young man as he wanders through a succession of dreamlike realities, encountering a series of philosophical conversations. The conversations are on topics such as the meaning of life, free will, and lucid dreaming, among others. The film contains elements of surrealism, existentialism, and postmodernism, as the protagonist is frequently seen questioning the nature of reality. The film ends with the protagonist waking up, suggesting he has been dreaming the entire time. The visuals are mostly rotoscoped animation, giving the film a unique and visually stunning look.

From Directors: James Algar, Samuel Armstrong, Ford Beebe Jr., Norman Ferguson, David Hand, Jim Handley, T. Hee, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, Bill Roberts, Paul Satterfield, Ben Sharpsteen, starring Leopold Stokowski, Deems Taylor, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Corey Burton
Rated G

Fantasia is a 1940 American animated film produced by Walt Disney and released by Walt Disney Productions. The film consists of eight animated segments set to pieces of classical music, conducted by Leopold Stokowski and performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra. The music is performed throughout the film without the use of spoken dialogue. The film includes segments based on The Nutcracker Suite, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Dance of the Hours, and more. Throughout the film, various characters from myth and legend, from Greek gods and goddesses to mythical creatures like centaurs, unicorns, and fauns are depicted in a variety of settings and scenarios. Fantasia is considered to be a pioneering achievement in animation and film as a whole, and is regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

From Satoshi Kon, starring Megumi Hayashibara, Tôru Emori, Katsunosuke Hori, Tôru Furuya
Rated R

Paprika is a 2006 Japanese science fiction psychological thriller anime film directed by Satoshi Kon and written by Seishi Minakami. The film is based on the 1993 novel of the same name by Yasutaka Tsutsui. It follows a team of researchers who are trying to use a device called the DC Mini that allows therapists to help patients by entering their dreams. Unfortunately, when the machine falls into the wrong hands, the dream world and reality begin to merge, leading to dangerous and destructive consequences. The team must use the DC Mini to enter the dream world and try to restore order before the dream world completely consumes reality. Paprika is a visually stunning and thought-provoking exploration of the power of dreams and the dangers of technology.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Joanna Cassidy, Charles Fleischer
Rated PG

Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a 1988 live-action/animated adventure-comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis. The film is set in Hollywood in 1947 and follows Eddie Valiant, a washed-up private eye who reluctantly agrees to take on a case involving a toon, the titular Roger Rabbit. Valiant soon finds himself in the midst of a conspiracy involving a sinister organization that wants to get rid of toons. In order to save both himself and the toons, Valiant must team up with the popular cartoon star and outwit the villainous Judge Doom. Along the way, they encounter a host of characters from classic cartoons, as well as standout performances from Bob Hoskins and Christopher Lloyd as Valiant and Doom, respectively. Ultimately, the film is a lighthearted and visually stunning blend of live-action and animation that succeeds in blending its two genres together in a unique and memorable way.

From Tom Tykwer, starring Franka Potente, Moritz Bleibtreu, Herbert Knaup, Nina Petri
Rated R

Run Lola Run is a 1998 German film directed by Tom Tykwer and starring Franka Potente as the titular character, Lola. The film follows Lola as she attempts to save her boyfriend, Manni, from a life of crime. After Manni loses a bag of money he was supposed to deliver to his gangster boss, Lola has only 20 minutes to find the money and save him. The film follows Lola as she races against time and fate to try and save the day. The film is full of visually stunning sequences, intense action, and an eclectic soundtrack. As viewers watch the events unfold in three different scenarios, they are taken on an exhilarating journey of suspense and excitement.

From Henry Selick, starring Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, John Hodgman, Jennifer Saunders
Rated PG

Coraline is an adventurous young girl who moves into a new home with her parents, who are too distracted with their work to pay her much attention. She discovers a secret door that leads to a parallel world that is a better version of her own. However, when she stays too long, she discovers a sinister secret about the 'other mother' who rules this alternate reality. Coraline must use her wits and courage to save her family from the clutches of the other mother and her minions.