Inception is one of the best Christopher Nolan movies and one of the greatest sci-fi film concepts of the century so far. Many fans of Nolan’s work believe that, despite his other critically acclaimed films and recent Oscar for Oppenheimer, Inception is quite possibly his masterpiece. With a stellar cast and an air-tight, intellectual plot, the indelible visual effects are just the cherry on top for this gem of a film. As with most Nolan films, there are many plot twists and turns throughout this one-of-a-kind cinematic experience, which is what fans are likely searching for more of in this list.
As fans continuously debate the true meaning of that final scene, we’re highlighting some other movies like Inception that will keep you guessing no matter how many times you watch.
Shutter Island (2010)
The closest selection to horror on the list, Shutter Island is a psychological thriller from Martin Scorcese that will surprise most viewers. Summoned to a remote island that houses an insane asylum, U.S. Marshall Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) must investigate the disappearance of a patient while attempting to fight off the demons that threaten to trap him in his insanity. Full of impressive performances and a nightmarish script from writer Laeta Kalogridis, Shutter Island is guaranteed to thrill.
Read our review of Shutter Island.
Memento (2000)
Nolan’s Memento is the debut film that sparked his successful film career. Suffering from a rare, untreatable short-term memory loss condition, Leonard (Guy Pearce) attempts to track down his wife's murderer using limited clues and tattoos on his own body. Full of red herrings and a confusingly out-of-order plot, the viewer is placed directly in the shoes of our frustratingly confused protagonist.
Read our review of Memento or check out our list of the best thriller movies of all time.
Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele’s breakout directorial debut, Get Out is a genre-blending masterpiece built around mind-melding social commentary on race. Invited to a weekend getaway at his girlfriend's family's house, Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) grows suspicious of their overly welcoming nature. By maintaining an air of mystery and subversion throughout its skillfully crafted narrative, Peele’s Get Out has been compared to the works of master filmmakers such as Hitchcock, Carpenter, and Kubrick.
Read our review of Get Out.
Source Code (2011)
Successfully blending elements of sci-fi, thriller, action, and romance, Source Code comes out of left field to deliver an unexpectedly sensational film. Using state-of-the-art military technology in a top-secret operation to find the source of an explosion, helicopter pilot Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) is pushed into the mind of the recently deceased Sean Fentress, who died in a terrorist-attacked commuter train. Highlighted by Gyllenhaal’s charm and some fine directing from Duncan Jones, there are a whole lot of great mind-bending moments to experience in this film with great acting to bring them home.
Read our review of Source Code.
The Matrix (1999)
One of the most culturally impactful and mind-blowing sci-fi movies of all time, The Matrix introduced a scarily convincing concept that has stuck around ever since. After receiving clues and fish hooks from an unidentified source promising a “truth,” Neo (Keanu Reeves) discovers he is living in a nightmare simulation crafted by artificial intelligence. Intertwining incredible kung-fu fighting scenes with gunfights, car chases, and stellar performances, it’s hard not to think of this sci-fi classic whenever one’s in the mood for something equal parts thought-provoking and entertaining.
See our guide to every Matrix movie ever made.
The Prestige (2006)
Based on the novel by Christopher Priest, The Prestige is a gritty period piece that brings a new edge to magicians in the Edwardian Era. Two rival magicians, set at odds by a previous partnership gone awry, compete to achieve the greatest illusion of all: teleportation. Brilliantly acted by Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman (and directed by Christopher Nolan), both characters fight for their careers as they obsessively construct their illusions, sacrificing humanity and decency in the name of showmanship.
Read our review of The Prestige.
Donnie Darko (2001)
Another psychological thriller edging on horror that sent fans on an all-out debate for meaning, Donnie Darko is an original, visceral experience that is meant to pique interest and instill discomfort. After narrowly avoiding a freak accident at his family home, Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal) continues having night terrors and hallucinating a man in a rabbit suit telling him to cause havoc in his Stepford Wives suburbia. Featuring some incredibly effective sound mixing, an awesome soundtrack, a stellar performance from Gyllenhaal, and an intelligently crafted narrative, Donnie Darko fits all the pieces together for a timeless sci-fi drama.
Read our review of Donnie Darko.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a conceptual twister and cinematic masterpiece in which genre, narrative, and the very concept of memory are challenged. Joel (Jim Carrey) is on a train for his usual commute when he meets Clementine (Kate Winslet), a quirky, overtly forward individual, who makes outrageous statements that smite our protagonist’s heart. When their relationship gets nasty, they individually seek out the help of an experimental memory-removal clinic that reminds them exactly why they belong together.
Read our review of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
Fight Club (1999)
Based on Chuck Palahniuk’s novel of the same name, Fight Club centers around young and dejected men who decide the best way to solve their problems is to fight in basements and reject society's standards. The movie has some great writing and an awesome twist that recontextualizes all that came before it. Wit unforgetable performances from Edward Norton and Brad Pitt, it's a must see for any fan of psychological thrillers.
The Butterfly Effect (2004)
Led valiantly by its intriguing concept, The Butterfly Effect is a thriller that successfully goes for shock value. After Evan Treborn (Ashton Kutcher) is affected by his first blackout in years, he discovers he can consciously travel to his past blackouts as a child and change the future. Beyond the compelling idea, The Butterfly Event features disturbing, unpredictable events that make this film unforgettable.
Read our review of The Butterfly Effect.
Connor Sheppard is an Oregon-grown culture writer for IGN with previous work on The Manual. Intrigued from a young age by pop culture and movies, he has developed into an experienced critic and consumer of all things media. From his time earning a bachelor's degree in digital communications at Oregon State University, he found a love for writing and appreciating specific actors and directors in the many films he watches.
