We recently took a look at the best and cutestfamily movies. Now it's time to travel into the strange, intense, twisted and mysterious with the best mind-blowing movies. Ever since the rise of Hollywood, stunning movies have been a staple on the big screen. These thrilling and outlandish stories will take audiences down a rabbit hole, with more twists to stick a stick in.
Some filmmakers specialize in films that alter consciousness and leave audiences in shock. These mind-blowing big movies have a reputation for slowly revealing a mysterious plot, leading to an unexpected ending that often offers more questions than answers.mind-blowing moviecome in a variety of genres, including science fiction films that take audiences on mind-bending adventures through time and spacePsychological thrillers and horror films that draw viewers into haunted worlds with shocking plot twists that leave audiences reeling.
Many filmmakers blend different genres to create mind-bending epic films with ambiguous endings. Indeed, ambiguous stories and vague endings are a staple of mind-bending cinema. Hollywood wouldn't be the same without these amazing movies. So let's take a journey through Hollywood and the world of cinema to discover movies that will blow your mind.
30 mind-blowing movies that will make you think
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1. The Sixth Sense (1999)
The critically acclaimedOSixth Sensetakes mind-blowing twists to the next level. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the plot revolves around a child psychologist who begins seeing a patient who claims he can see dead people. The film builds suspense brilliantly with its icy atmosphere and incredible performances.
The twist ending still shocks audiences upon rewatching. With one of the greatest endings in cinema,OSixth Senseit became the second highest-grossing film of 1999. It also launched Shyamalan's career and became one of Hollywood's most prominent directors.
2. Memory (2000)
Christopher Nolan has a unique ability to make films that bend and distort the mind like a pretzel. It all started with the critically acclaimedMemory. Leonard Shelby is determined to find the people who attacked him and killed his wife. But it's difficult, as Leonard suffers from amnesia and the inability to form new memories, otherwise known as anterograde amnesia. So he uses polaroids and tattoos to capture information he can't remember.
Considered one of the best films of the 2000s, it uses a non-linear dual perspective narrative to put the viewer in Leonard's shoes. A series of events unfold in chronological order in black and white, but scenes captured in color happen in reverse order. The two stories collide in a stunning finale. Critics and fans considerMemoryOne of Nolan's best films.
3rd Fight Club (1999)
Directed by David Fincherfight clubfollows the unnamed narrator who is unhappy with his everyday life and boring job. Everything changes when he starts an underground fight club with the enigmatic soap salesman Tyler Durden.fight clubbecame a cult classic due to the excellent cast, direction and impressive storyline.
Despite starring Edward Norton, Brad Pitt and Helen Bonham Carter, it was a box office success. Upon its home video release, it achieved cult status and eventually became one of the biggest cult films of all time.
4. Black Swan (2010)
Darren Aronofskyblack Swanis a psychological story set in the world of ballet. The riveting plot centers on ballerina Nina Sayers, who lands the challenging lead role in the New York City Ballet's production of Swan Lake. However, Sayers begins to unravel and goes berserk when a rival puts extra pressure on the young ballerina.
The celebrated by critics and economicsblack Swanit became one of the best films of 2010. Fans and critics alike praised Aronofsky's direction and gripping storyline. Natalie Portman won Best Actress at the Academy Awards for her performance as a troubled ballet dancer.
5. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Considered one of the greatest films of all time,2001: A Space OdysseyPioneering innovative techniques in visual effects. It was also one of the first films to accurately depict outer space. With unconventional narrative methods, director Stanley Kubrick takes the audience into a mysterious and dark world of the future.
It follows a group of astronauts and scientists who travel to Jupiter using an HAL supercomputer to study a strange alien monolith. The film's ambiguous nature and ending are hotly debated among critics and fans alike.
6. Interstellar (2014)
Christopher NolansInterstellartakes place in a future where humanity is struggling to survive after a plague causes global famine. A group of astronauts travels to a wormhole in hopes of discovering a new home for humans. The incredible plot takes the viewer on an intense journey through space and time.
Critics and fans alike praised the brilliant sci-fi film for its excellent cast, scientific rigor and cinematography. It hit theaters to rave reviews and quickly became one of the best sci-fi movies of the 2000s.
7. Eternal Sunshine of the Immaculate Mind (2014)
The critically acclaimedEternal sun of the mind without memoriesis an impressive romantic film. Fans and critics alike consider it one of the greatest romance films of all time. Written by Charlie Kaufman, it revolves around a couple whose memories have been erased.
After a nasty fight, Joel (played by Jim Carrey) is shocked to discover that his girlfriend Clementine (played by Kate Winslet) has had her memories of him erased by a company called Lacuna. Joel opts for the same procedure and sees his memories erased. The beautiful romantic story takes viewers on a sci-fi ride through love, heartbreak and reconciliation.
8. Blade Runner (1982)
In a dystopian future, the Tyrell Corporation creates artificial humans known as replicants to work in space colonies. Ex-cop Rick Deckard returns to track down a group of rogue replicants who have escaped to Earth. However, Deckard may not be who he appears to be.
First, the critically acclaimedblade runnerbombed at the box office and failed to impress critics. But, as is often the case with '80s movies, the complex and intriguing plot soon achieved cult status upon its release on VHS..
Eventually, it was considered one of the greatest science fiction films of all time.blade runnershows a bleak portrayal of the future with shocking twists. a continuation,blade runner 2049,was released in theaters in 2017 and is well worth a watch.
9. Donnie Darko (2001)
the cult classicDonnie Darkotells the story of a troubled teenager who avoids a fatal and freak accident while sleepwalking in October 1988. He then begins experiencing visions of a mysterious person in a bunny costume, Frank, telling Donnie that the world will end on 28 days.
Dealing with the themes of death, fate and coincidence,Donnie Darkoit's a stunning film that requires multiple reruns. Directed by Richard Kelly, it did poorly at the box office despite a cast that included Jake Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Patrick Swayze. After DVD releaseDonnie Darkogrew in popularity and became a cult classic.
10. Foundation (2010)
Christopher Nolan is considered one of the best films of 2010startis a dazzling thriller that left audiences in awe. The classic film is famous for its cast, cinematography, dream sequences and ambiguous ending.
Professional thief Dom Cobb (played by Leonardo Dicaprio) steals information by penetrating the subconscious of his targets. He can erase his criminal history by planting an idea in the subconscious of his next target. The film's famous ambiguous ending has viewers re-watching the classic film hundreds of times.
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11. Arrival (2016)
The universally acclaimed dramaArrivalit will bend your mind and break your heart. It takes viewers on an emotional journey as they explore time travel and communicate with aliens with a unique approach.
Starring Amy Adams, people panic when twelve alien ships arrive on Earth. So the US Army brings in linguist Louise Banks to communicate with the aliens. Critics praised the captivating film's cinematography, cast and approach to time travel. Considered one of the best films of 2016, it explores themes such as free will, family, communication and loss.
12. Corda (1957)
Legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock was the master of suspense and the construction of suspense. He knew how to "tie in" the audience in his moving films. For example, the classic psychological thrillerCordahas the audience at the edge of the seats.
Inspired not actual case ofLeopoldo e Lob,Two college friends kill their classmate to pull off the perfect murder. The two friends have a dinner party where the body is hidden in a nearby chest. Hitchcock plays with viewers' minds by making them accomplices to the murder, as only the two killers and the audience know what happened before the party.
13. The Shining (1980)
the shinefollows writer Jack Torrance as he takes a job as a janitor at the Overlook Hotel during the winter. Jack, his wife and son, who possesses psychic abilities dubbed "The Shining One", live alone in the historic hotel. After a blizzard cuts them off from the rest of the world, Jack goes insane.
Based on the novel by Stephen King,the shineis famous for its mind-bending plot and ambiguous ending. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, it received mixed reviews upon its release, although opinions about the film have changed, as many horror fans consider it to be one of the greatest films of the genre.
14. The Usual Suspects (1995)
The usual suspectsfollows the interrogation of crook Roger "Verbal" Kint after a deadly massacre on a ship. Verbal's captivating story is about a mysterious crime boss named Keyser Söze. By hiding, Verbal managed to survive to tell this story.
After a slow startThe usual suspectsreceived widespread acclaim for its direction and excellent cast. The film is best known for its jaw-dropping ending, which is considered one of cinema's greatest plot twists.
15. American Psycho (2000)
Set in 1987, Patrick Bateman's twisted story unfolds in the critically acclaimed film.American Psycho.Starring Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman, a quintessential 1980s New York bank investor, living the luxurious life with his beautiful bride and wealthy colleague. Bateman lives a double life as a sick and sadistic serial killer.
Based on the novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellisamerican psychopathis one of the most popular films of the 2000s. As Bateman's life unfolds, he and audiences question reality and whether what they see is real or just in Bateman's mind.
16. Consistency (2013)
As Comet Miller passes by Earth, eight friends gather for a typical dinner. Already a tense situation, the night takes a strange turn when several houses from different realities of the eight friends show up.
The intriguing story becomes stranger and more complex as the eight friends unfold. Soon, only one reality will remain. Influenced by the classic TV seriesDie Twilight-Zone, critics praised the film for its writing, direction, and cast.
17. Mulholland Drive (2001)
David LynchsMullholland Driveis a convoluted neo-noir mystery that ends with more questions than answers. Though it divided fans, many consider it to be one of Lynch's best films. Set in Los Angeles, it follows an aspiring actress who meets a woman with amnesia in her apartment. This is just the beginning, as the two women embark on a strange journey across the world-famous city.
Critics praised the cinematography, surrealist approach, and ambiguous ending.Mullholland Drivepresents more questions than answers as it takes viewers down a rabbit hole full of twists and turns.
18. Die Truman-Show (1998)
Truman Burbank grew up living an ordinary life in a small town with a white picket fence. But Truman doesn't know that his life is a reality show filmed on a huge soundstage full of actors playing his wife and best friend.
Mit Jim Carry,Show the Trumanhit theaters to rave reviews and universal praise. Psycho movie mixes the genres of romance, metafiction, comedy and science fiction. It quickly became one of the best films of 1998.
19. Holy Motors (2012)
play in paris,holy machinesfollows a mysterious actor named Mr. Oscar, who drives in a white limousine with his driver Celine. The astonishing film keeps viewers guessing as Mr. Oscar draws them into his mysterious world.
Several times throughout the day, Mr. Oscar appears in various roles for cameras he cannot see. Critics and fans alike praised the actor's compelling and outlandish story in the critically acclaimed film.Holy Engines.
20. Seven (1995)
David FinchersSevenis a breakneck thriller that influenced a generation of movies to come. With one of the greatest plot twists in cinema,Sevenfollows disaffected detective William Somerset and new transfer David Mills as they track down a deadly serial killer.
The killer leaves a terrifying calling card with the seven deadly sins. Fincher slowly unravels the nerve-wracking mystery until the enthralling final moments, with Millis and the audience screaming, "what's in the box?”
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21. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Directed by Stanley Kubrickeyes wide closedis considered a masterpiece of the 1990s. Dr William "Bill" Harford embarks on a bizarre two-day journey after discovering that his wife was contemplating an affair with a naval officer.
Played by Tom Cruise, Bill faces temptation, jealousy and danger after attending a mysterious party organized by a secret society. Kubrick completed the critically acclaimed film just days before his sudden death.
22. Cor Upstream (2013)
Filmmaker Shane Carruth has a gift for creating mind-blowing films full of twists and turns. He made his film debutprimerand followed it with the weird and wonderfulascending color.The critically acclaimed film explores the themes of loss, birth and death in a breakneck sci-fi thriller.
The strange story follows two people who are unaware that they are suffering from the effects of a parasite. They embark on an intense emotional journey as they try to unravel some mysterious days they can't remember.
23. The Prestige (2006)
In the late 1800s, two wizards, Robert Angier and Alfred Bowden, become embroiled in a bitter rivalry as they try to create the perfect teleportation gimmick. Both men sacrifice their families, their identities and their lives for the ruse.
Christopher Nolan's gripping and gripping psychological thriller leaves viewers guessing with a series of twists that culminate in the final trick. Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale lead an exceptional cast in a gripping story that leaves audiences stunned as they try to unravel the mystery.
24. Predestination (2014)
Ethan Hawke stars in Australian sci-fi thrillerpredestination. Follows a Temporal Bureau agent as he travels through time to complete his mission. He soon realizes that his future, present and past are all tangled up in ways he can't imagine.
The thrilling time-travel movie warps time and unbelievably mind-bending. Critics and audiences alike praised the film's lead actress as a transgender person and her unique approach to time travel.
25. The Source (2006)
Darren AronofskyThe sourceis a stunning love story that unfolds across three loosely connected stories. Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz portray couples in love in three settings where the queen or wife is terminally ill in all three.In each timeline, the husband is determined to discover the secret of eternal life or cure death.
The ambiguous film isn't clear on how the three narratives are connected, and it's unclear whether all the events actually occur. The complex and epic romantic story of eternal life, love and death leaves more questions than answers.
26. Primer (2004)
independent filmprimeris famous for its dazzling plot, low budget and minimal cast. Written, produced and directed by Star Shane Carruth,primerfollows two engineers, Abe and Aaron, who create a time machine. While Abe is careful not to intrude on the past, Aaron is impulsive and breaks all the rules.
The critically acclaimedprimerwrings viewers with its fresh approach to time travel film. It is one of the most popular low-budget independent films.
27. Shutter-Insel (2010)
The psychological thriller directed by the legendary Martin Scorseseshutter islandslowly builds tension until unleashing a fury of intense twists and turns. US Marshal Edward "Teddy" Daniels and his partner travel to a psychiatric clinic on mysterious Shutter Island to investigate a patient's death.
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo, the nail-biting finale sends audiences into a frenzy of confusion. It's easily one of Scorsese's scariest films.
28. Sendo John Malkovich (1999)
Writer Charlie Kaufman made his film debut with the strange and gripping psycho comedySer John Malkovich.It follows a puppeteer, Craig Schwartz, who finds a secret portal into actor John Malkovich's mind.
Craig and his colleague Maxine decided to accuse people of dire consequences for using the portal. The strange story draws audiences in with incredible writing, acting and a compelling storyline.
29. Inland Empire (2006)
Legendary director David Lynch took a different approach with this stunning horror film.inner empire. Lynch shot the film over three years using a simple Sony handheld camera. The unique approach gives the surrealistic horror film a personal touch.
The plot follows a Hollywood actress who cannot separate reality from the cursed fictional character she plays. It goes down a strange rabbit hole ending with a final dance sequence that is sure to leave you stunned.
30. Dark City (1998)
When John Murdoch wakes up in a hotel bathtub, he has no memories and no idea how he got there. He then embarks on a baffling journey in search of the woman he loves while evading capture by the police and alien beings known as The Strangers.
Initially,black cityit was a box office bomb and failed to impress critics. However, it gained cult status for its amazing cinematography, engaging story, and sci-fi themes. Apart from that,black cityhad a great influence on the laying of the cornerstoneHeadquarters, which came out a year later.
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