Movies can be captivating and awe-inspiring, loved for their ability to transport viewers to far-off lands; often, movies can even elicit a sense of escapism from the negative parts of everyday life. Modern technology and CGI have made it easier than ever for film creators to bend reality and bring elements of fantasy and science fiction to life. However, some movies, instead, play with our expectations, warping and twisting reality as we know it to bring us new stories, characters, and ways of living that would otherwise be impossible… or so we think.
Whether it be virtual reality or an elaborate government conspiracy, some movies can be so convincing with their story that reality itself is brought into question. Today, we’re looking at some of the best examples of movies that make us question reality while amazing, and at times, scaring us into deep, introspective thought. Spoilers ahead!
Updated September 1st, 2024: This collection of reality-defying films has been updated with additional information, including where to stream each movie featured.
15 Mother! (2017)
Starring the talented Jennifer Lawrence, Mother! is an intense psychological thriller. Here, we follow a man named “Him” (Javier Bardem) and his wife named “Mother.” One night, the couple hears a knock on their door and, upon opening it, welcome a man and his wife into their home. This ultimately causes a series of chaotic events to unfold.
Hard to Follow At First
The story itself is, at times, confusing and thought-provoking; the characters don’t even have real names and instead, go by words like “Man” and “Woman.” Viewers are on the edge of their seats, watching in dismay as the world around Mother falls apart and reshapes itself into unimaginable horrors. By the end, when everything seems to reset back to the beginning, you’re left to piece together the true meaning of this dream-like film. Stream Mother! on Pluto TV.
14 Pleasantville (1998)
Pleasantville follows two teen siblings, David (Tobey Maguire) and Jennifer (Reese Witherspoon), as they are thrust into the on-screen world of the classic TV show called Pleasantville. David, who is a longtime fan of the show, is able to navigate the world with respect to its original script, maintaining the innocent, happy lifestyle that was meant to be. However, his sister Jennifer begins introducing the town to the realities of life, including sex, art, and unhappy emotions like anger.
What Makes Reality Real?
Though Pleasantville is a fictional town, the two teens ultimately bring the fantasy land to life and spread color throughout the once-black-and-white town. In the end, viewers are left to reflect on the significance of fictional characters as they watch a fake world come to life. It begs the question: What makes reality real? The film would mark the final on-screen performances of both Don Knotts and J. T. Walsh, with the film being dedicated to the latter’s memory. Buy or Rent Pleasantville on Prime Video.
13 Shutter Island (2010)
Shutter Island is one of the ultimate psychological thrillers. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Teddy Daniels, Shutter Island follows two detectives as they attempt to solve a cold case originating from the Ashecliffe Hospital for the criminally insane. While Teddy inches closer and closer to the truth, his mind starts to fall apart, leading to hallucinations and revelations that will change his life forever. Mark Ruffalo and Ben Kingsley co-star as Chuck Aule and Dr. Cawley, respectively.
Was It All a Dream?
Viewers eventually come to learn in the film’s ending that Teddy might actually be the infamous Andrew Laeddis, an arsonist who took his wife’s life. However, the anticipation that builds into this discovery is nothing short of palpable. Each scene leaves viewers questioning what is real and what is simply delusion. The film is filled with contradictions that help warp the audience’s perceptions of the main character, building to an ambiguous ending that’ll leave you scrambling for the truth. Stream Shutter Island on Fubo TV.
12 Jacob’s Ladder (1990)
Jacob’s Ladder tells the story of a US army veteran named Jacob (Tim Robbins) as he returns from his time in combat. From the moment he re-enters society, he is plagued by intense hallucinations, many of which involve seeing demons and nearly being run over by oncoming traffic. The distinct visual style, the metaphysical narrative, and the reliance on dreamlike storytelling would go on to influence dozens of other productions in the coming years, namely the prolific Silent Hill franchise.
An Incredibly Influential Mystery
Viewers learn that Jacob is utterly tormented by the death of his son and is experiencing some form of dissociation after being given a new type of drug. At least, that’s what we’re supposed to believe, right? You’ll watch in horror as Jacob is tortured by his own psyche and falls deeper into delusion, precariously balancing genuine intrigue and terrifying practical effects in equal measure. It’s all carried by a terrific performance from Tim Robbins, who would later win an Academy Award for his role in Mystic River. Stream Jacob’s Ladder on Paramount+.
11 The Sixth Sense (1999)
Best known for its incredible twist ending, The Sixth Sense creatively explores the afterlife and suggests that our spirits often linger, without knowing that we have died. Here, we follow a young boy, Cole (Haley Joel Osment), as he works with a renowned child psychologist named Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) to understand his unique ability to communicate with the dead. Toni Collette co-stars as Lynn, Cole’s Mother, in one of her earliest breakout performances.
“I See Dead People”
Cole’s ability to see dead people suggests that the living and the deceased are not as separated as many tend to think; in fact, the dead are shown walking about, acting as if they are completely normal and unfazed by their circumstances. Of course, it’s eventually revealed in the iconic twist that Crowe was a spirit himself, with the film fundamentally changing upon a rewatch. For better or worse, the film would come to define director M. Night Shyamalan’s career, as many of his subsequent movies would attempt to recapture the magic found in this incredible breakout feature. Stream The Sixth Sense on Max.
10 Inception (2010)
Inception explores the complex nature of dreaming. Here, we follow protagonist Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) as he attempts to infiltrate the mind of a business competitor and subconsciously convince him to give up his company. However, the task seems nearly impossible and extremely dangerous. One wrong move could send the dream infiltrators into an endless limbo, a state between reality and the subconscious.
Layers Upon Layers of Dreams
The hazy, dream-like nature of the entire film adds both a sense of wonder and intensity. Watching the characters move through their target’s psyche is perplexing, and suggests that anyone’s mind can be infiltrated with the correct technology. The subject of its ending, and whether Cobb successfully escaped the dream world or not, is purposefully left ambiguous as well. It’s arguably one of the most iconic sci-fi films of the early 2010s, later going on to be parodied and referenced in countless works since. Buy or Rent Inception on Apple TV.
9 The Truman Show (1998)
The Truman Show is a haunting tale about supervision and the invasion of privacy. Here, we follow the titular Truman (Jim Carrey) as he comes to realize that his reality is completely made up. In fact, Truman’s entire life has been broadcast to viewers around the world, all without his knowledge or consent. Truman is kept in a small bubble that is designed to look like the real world, but is closely monitored by TV executives and actors posing as his friends and family. Upon discovering this, Truman undergoes an existential crisis.
Good Afternoon, Good Evening, and Good Night
Though it was released in 1998, the central messages of the film still ring true today. Like Truman, people in the age of technology are concerned about their privacy, especially with the rise of the internet and social media. Truman’s life is manufactured by those around him, fit to be toyed with by those who want to see him succeed or fail. It is more important now than ever before to protect yourself from exploitation, something that Truman must come to terms with throughout the film as well. Stream The Truman Show on Paramount+.
8 Vanilla Sky (2001)
Vanilla Sky intertwines romance and science fiction. Here, we follow David (Tom Cruise), a business executive who falls in love with a woman named Sofia (Penélope Cruz). When his current love interest, Julie (Cameron Diaz), finds out about his indiscretions, she purposely commits suicide via a deadly car crash, disfiguring David in the process. After the tragic event, David begins to heal with the help of a prosthetic mask, but he soon starts to question his current reality.
Plays With Your Perception
Being a remake of Open Your Eyes, a 1997 movie by Alejandro Amenábar, you can expect a polarizing yet unsettling twist. What viewers later realize is that David had been willingly put into a dreamlike state for years, awaiting the discovery of a medical cure that would reconstruct his face. His entire reality, including the life he created with the woman he loved, was a hallucination. In the end, David must make the choice between leaving the elaborate dreamscape or returning to reality. It’s a terrifying decision to make, leaving you to wonder if reality is nothing more than just a perceptive fabrication. Stream Vanilla Sky on Paramount+.
7 Black Swan (2010)
Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis shine as professional ballerinas in the 2010 film Black Swan. The story follows Nina (Portman), a dancer and perfectionist, as she prepares for the lead role in the famous ballet called Swan Lake. The lead ballerina must master the styles of both the white and black swan to excel in this role, but Nina ultimately struggles to channel her inner dark side. Nina is eventually overcome with anxiety, cracking under the intense pressure of the lead role as another ballerina, Lily (Kunis), aims to take her place.
Stress Affecting Reality
Viewers watch as her psyche begins to deteriorate, with each scene getting stranger and scarier. The film is dark and twisted, leaving many viewers scratching their heads wondering what parts are real or just a figment of Nina’s warped imagination. It’s just as interesting as a character study as well as a psychological horror film, with Nina’s intense stress and paranoia slowly warping her perception of what’s really going on. Natalie Portman would later go on to win Best Actress at the Academy Awards for her performance. Stream Black Swan on Max.
6 Persona (1966)
Persona may be the oldest entry on this list, but it’s also one of the most jarring. In this 1966 flick by acclaimed filmmaker Ingmar Bergman, a woman named Elisabet (Liv Ullmann) appears to have a mental breakdown, opting to go completely mute and motionless. She is sent to recover in peace at a cottage by the water, accompanied only by a nurse named Alma (Bibi Andersson).
An Oldie But a Goodie
As the two grow closer, the lines between the two begin to blur. Alma feels connected to Elisabet, so much so that the two are suggested to be the same person. Likewise, you could also draw the conclusion that either character isn’t really tangibly there. While there’s no clear conclusion to be drawn, the film was nothing short of engaging, drawing universal praise and a plethora of varied interpretations. It’s shocking, experimental, and sure to have viewers on the edge of their seats throughout its entire run. Stream Persona on Max.
5 The Matrix (1999)
The Matrix is one of the most iconic science fiction movies of all time. Starring Keanu Reeves as Neo, The Matrix suggests that reality as we know it is nothing more than an elaborate simulation. Every day, people interact with their world blind to the fact that every single thing is a figment of the imagination. Only a select few know the truth, and knowing the truth comes at a price. Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Hugo Weaving co-star in this incredibly original sci-fi story.
Red Pill or Blue Pill
One of the defining aspects of the film is the red pill and blue pill debate. Those who take the red pill will learn a disturbing truth that will damage their worldview forever. However, you can take the blue pill, which would ensure that they continue living ignorant of the truth in the reality they are comfortable with. The choice poses an unsettling challenge to both the main character and viewers alike, opening the door to a prolific sci-fi franchise that’s still ongoing to this day. Buy or Rent The Matrix on Prime Video.
4 Predestination (2014)
The 2014 film Predestination explores the complexities of time travel and the nature of fate. When a time-traveling special agent (Ethan Hawke) is sent on his final mission, traveling back to the year 1970, he has a chance encounter with a man named John. He learns about John’s path and comes to understand how the two are connected by both circumstance and fate.
Time Travel Always Twists Our Expectations
As the story continues, viewers come to understand that many of the key characters are actually the same person, creating what is known as a predestination paradox. The movie shows that the future truly is inevitable and cannot be changed, even with the development of time travel. It’s an unconventional examination of time travel for sure, but it’s one that still lingers in our minds more than a decade later. Stream Predestination on Prime Video.
3 Donnie Darko (2001)
Since its release in 2001, Donnie Darko has become a cult classic for many lovers of film. The story follows the titular Donnie Darko, played by a young Jake Gyllenhaal, as he comes to terms with what seems like the end of the world. During a bout of sleepwalking, Donnie encounters a demonic-looking bunny. The encounter sets off a series of unfortunate events that even suggest the existence of time travel, all while Donnie experiences bizarre visions and uncomfortable revelations.
An Ambiguous Cult Classic
With its dark aesthetic and disturbing imagery, Donnie Darko tells the story of an emotionally tormented teen. The film is notoriously hard to follow, with twists and turns in every scene. Its conclusion has a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty, leaving many viewers to develop fan theories and explanations to make sense of the film’s meaning. It’s easily one of the most iconic cult films of the 2000s, as well as a fascinating example of reality-defying storytelling. Stream Donnie Darko on Prime Video.
2 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is as romantic as it is futuristic. The story follows two lovers, Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet), as their love blossoms after a chance encounter. As the story unfolds, we discover the true nature of their relationship and learn that the two have known each other before, despite having no memory of it. Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood, Tom Wilkinson, and David Cross co-star in this incredible movie by Michel Gondry.
Love Trumps Brainwashing
The movie explores topics like mind control as well as the inescapable nature of falling in love. Both Joel and Clementine willingly have their memories erased in a bid to forget one another and the heartbreak of their breakup. But in the end, no amount of mind control can erase the passion and love the two naturally feel for one another. It’s a movie that’s as intelligent as it is heartfelt, melding sci-fi and romance in a way that’ll appeal to fans of either genre. Buy or Rent Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind on Apple TV.
1 Interstellar (2014)
Interstellar is the intense, apocalyptic story of an Earth that is in grave danger; overtaken by harsh weather conditions, the Earth has limited time before farming and thus, sustaining human life, becomes impossible. The only way to overcome this grim fate is for a select group of voyagers to travel to far-off planets and scout out a potential new home for all of humanity. This includes Coop (Matthew McConaughey), a widowed NASA pilot whose love for his daughter, Murph (Jessica Chastain), compels him to embark on this incredibly dangerous mission.
Space, Time, and Everything In Between
In the climax of the film, Coop is thrust into a black hole, one of the strongest known forces in the entire universe. What he discovers is that time is bendable; he is able to communicate with his daughter in the past by interacting with what looks like a vortex that showcases every moment of his life to that point. This scene is where all reality is brought into question, leaving viewers to reflect on the nature of time itself as well as the incomprehensibly complex forces of the universe. Along with other true-to-life examinations of scientific concepts, Interstellar is one of the most impressive reality-defying films ever made. Stream Interstellar on Prime Video.
