Some movies exceed at making us think, questioning our presumptions and ideas, and forcing us to defy uncomfortable problems.
Movies have the capability to transport us to different worlds while also introducing us to new ideas and perspectives. Some films, on the other hand, go beyond bare entertainment and have the power to make us suppose and reflect on the World around us.
We’ve gathered a list of the top 20 Best Movies That Make You Think. These films cover a wide range of stripes and issues, but they all have one thing in common they’re thought-provoking and will make an impression on the audience.
21. The Double (2013)
“The Double” is a 2013 psychological thriller film directed by Richard Ayoade and grounded on the tale of the same name by Fyodor Dostoevsky.
Cast Includes Jesse Eisenberg as Simon James, a skittish and overlooked office worker who’s overshadowed by his charismatic doppelganger, James Simon, played by Eisenberg as well.
James begins to steal Simon’s life, Simon becomes increasingly isolated and paranoid, and the film raises thought-provoking questions about identity, society, and the consequences of living in the murk.
It is a dark and study-provoking film that will have you considering the places we play in society and the power of identity.
20. Mindscape (2013)
“Mindscape” is a 2013 Spanish British psychological thriller film directed by Jorge Dorado and starring Taissa Farmiga, Mark Strong, and Brian Cox.
In the Film, a young woman named Anna has the capability to enter people’s memories and alter their perception of reality.
When Anna is hired by an operative to help break a series of murders, she finds herself drawn into a web of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy her.
It is a Mind-Bending Film that will have you considering the part of memory in shaping our comprehension of the world and the consequences of manipulating the truth.
19. Narc (2002)
“Narc” is a 2002 crime drama film directed by Joe Carnahan and starring Jason Patric and Ray Liotta.
The story of Nick Tellis, a former undercover cop who is brought back to the force to help solve the murder of a fellow officer.
Nick and his partner, Henry Oak, investigate the case, and they become drawn into a dangerous and complex web of corruption and betrayal that forces them to confront their own demons.
It is a gritty and thought-provoking film that will have you considering the dark side of the criminal justice system and the consequences of living a life on the edge.
18. Trance (2013)
“Trance” is a 2013 psychological thriller film directed by Danny Boyle and starring James McAvoy, Vincent Cassel, and Rosario Dawson.
The story of Simon, an art auctioneer who suffers from amnesia after being involved in a heist gone wrong.
As Simon works with a hypnotherapist to recover his memories, he becomes embroiled in a web of deceit and betrayal that threatens to destroy him.
It is a Mind-Bending and thought-provoking film that will have you considering the role of memory and identity in shaping our perceptions of the world.
The film received mixed reviews upon its release but has since gained a cult following for its twisty plot and engaging performances.
17. Cloud Atlas (2012)
“Cloud Atlas” is a 2012 epic science fiction film directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski and Tom Tykwer, and based on the novel of the same name by David Mitchell.
There Are Six interconnected stories set in different time periods, from the 19th century to a distant post-apocalyptic future.
As the stories unfold, the film explores themes of identity, fate, and the interconnectedness of all things.
It is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that will have you considering the cyclical nature of history and the power of the human spirit to transcend time and space.
16. Time Lapse (2014)
“Time Lapse” is a 2014 science fiction thriller film directed by Bradley King and starring Danielle Panabaker, Matt O’Leary, and George Finn.
The story of three friends who discover a mysterious machine that takes photos of the future and begins to use it to their advantage.
They start to manipulate the future for their own gain, they become caught up in a web of consequences that they can’t control.
It is a thought-provoking film that will have you considering the ethical and moral implications of tampering with the future and the power of free will.
15. Taking Lives (2004)
“Taking Lives” is a 2004 psychological thriller film directed by D. J. Caruso and starring Angelina Jolie, Ethan Hawke, and Kiefer Sutherland.
The story of Illeana Scott, an FBI profiler who is called in to help catch a serial killer who assumes the identities of his victims.
As Illeana gets closer to the killer, she becomes drawn into a dangerous and complex web of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy her.
The Film is a thrilling and thought-provoking film that explores themes of identity and the manipulation of the truth.
14. Freaks (2018)
“Freaks” is a 2018 science fiction thriller film directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, starring Emile Hirsch, Bruce Dern, and Grace Park.
The story of a young girl named Chloe, who has been confined to her house by her overprotective father and told that the outside world is too dangerous.
When Chloe meets a group of people with special powers, she begins to question everything she has been told and embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about the world and her own identity.
It is a thought-provoking and suspenseful film that will have you considering the role of fear and the power of belief.
13. Synchronic (2019)
“Synchronic” is a 2019 science fiction thriller film directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, and starring Jamie Dornan, Anthony Mackie, and Katie Aselton.
The story of two paramedics who are called to a series of bizarre and gruesome accidents and discover that a new designer drug called “Synchronic” may be the cause.
Investigating the drug’s effects, they become drawn into a mysterious and dangerous world that threatens to destroy them.
12. I Am Mother (2019)
“I Am Mother” is a 2019 science fiction thriller film directed by Grant Sputore and starring Clara Rugaard, Hilary Swank, and Rose Byrne.
The story of a young girl named Daughter who is raised by a robotic maternal figure known as Mother in an underground bunker after a global disaster.
When a stranger arrives at the bunker, the Daughter begins to question everything she has been told about the outside world and her own identity.
It is a thought-provoking and suspenseful film that will have you considering the role of technology in our lives and the power of self-discovery.
11. Forgotten (2017)
“Forgotten” is a 2017 South Korean psychological thriller film directed by Jang Hang-jun and starring Kang Ha-Seul, Kim Mu-yeol, and Yoo Yeon-Seok.
Story of Jin-Seok, a young man who is struggling to come to terms with the mysterious disappearance of his older brother.
As Jin-Seok investigates his brother’s disappearance, he becomes drawn into a web of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy him.
The film is a thought-provoking and suspenseful movie that examines the role of memory and the influence of the past.
10. Memento (2000)
“Memento” is a mind-bending thriller that will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about the film’s protagonist, Leonard.
Suffering from short-term memory loss, Leonard is on a quest to avenge the murder of his wife, but as the film unfolds, we realize that Leonard’s memories may not be as reliable as we initially thought.
It is a film that will have you considering the role of memory in shaping our perceptions of the world and ourselves.
9. Primer (2004)
“Primer” is a 2004 science fiction film directed by Shane Carruth and starring Carruth, David Sullivan, and Casey Gooden.
The film follows the story of two engineers who accidentally create a time machine in their garage and become entangled in a web of consequences as they attempt to use their newfound technology for personal gain.
“Primer” is a thought-provoking and complex film that will have you considering the ethical and moral implications of time travel and the power of free will.
The film received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and has gained a cult following for its unique premise and Mind-bending plot.
8. Revolver (2005)
“Revolver” is a 2005 crime thriller film directed by Guy Ritchie and starring Jason Statham, Ray Liotta, and Vincent Pastore.
The story of Jake Green, a con artist who is released from prison and becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a powerful crime boss.
As Jake tries to outsmart his enemies and claim his share of a mysterious game called “Revolver,” he is forced to confront his own demons and confront the truth about his past.
7. Interstellar (2014)
“Interstellar” is a 2014 science fiction film directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, and Michael Caine.
Story of a group of astronauts who embark on a mission through a mysterious wormhole in search of a new home for humanity.
As they journey through the vast expanse of space, they are forced to confront the limits of their own knowledge and the power of the human spirit to overcome obstacles.
“Interstellar” is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that will have you considering the role of science and the power of the human spirit to transcend boundaries.
It is widely regarded as one of the greatest science fiction films of all time.
6. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
“2001: A Space Odyssey” is a 1968 science fiction film directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on the novel of the same name by Arthur C. Clarke.
Story of a voyage to Jupiter with the sentient computer HAL after the discovery of a mysterious black monolith affecting human evolution.
The film explores themes of artificial intelligence, human evolution, and the nature of existence, and is renowned for its realistic depiction of space travel and pioneering special effects.
It is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that has had a lasting influence on the science fiction genre and popular culture.
5. Inception (2010)
One film that consistently appears on lists of intellectually stimulating movies is “Inception.”
This mind-bending thriller follows a team of thieves who specialize in infiltrating people’s dreams in order to steal their secrets.
The complex plot and elaborate dreamscapes of “Inception” are sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, but it’s the film’s exploration of the nature of reality that truly sets it apart.
With thought-provoking themes about the power of the mind and the blurred lines between dream and waking life, “Inception” is a film that will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about the world.
4. The Tree of Life (2011)
“The Tree of Life” is a 2011 drama film directed by Terrence Malick and starring Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, and Jessica Chastain.
The film explores themes of family, loss, and the mysteries of the universe, and is notable for its ambitious storytelling and stunning visuals.
The story of Jack, a young man who reflects on his childhood and relationship with his parents as he grapples with the meaning of life.
3. Tenet (2020)
“Tenet” is a 2020 science fiction action film directed by Christopher Nolan and starring John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, and Elizabeth Debicki.
The story of a secret agent who is recruited by a mysterious organization known as Tenet to prevent the start of World War III.
As the agent travels through time to stop the impending disaster, he becomes embroiled in a complex web of intrigue and must confront the consequences of his actions.
“Tenet” is a thought-provoking and action-packed film that will have you considering the role of time and the power of free will.
The film received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and has gained a cult following for its unique premise and stunning action sequences.
2. Arrival (2016)
“Arrival” is a 2016 science fiction film directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, and Forest Whitaker.
As Louise works to understand the aliens’ language and their purpose for visiting Earth, she uncovers a deeper mystery that forces her to confront the limits of human understanding and the power of language to shape reality.
Story of a linguist named Louise who is recruited by the military to communicate with a race of extraterrestrial beings who have arrived on Earth.
It is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that will have you considering the role of communication and the power of the human spirit to overcome barriers.
1. The Prestige (2006)
“The Prestige” is a 2006 mystery thriller film directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, and Michael Caine.
The story of two rival magicians, Robert Angier and Alfred Borden, who become obsessed with one-upping each other and creating the ultimate magic trick.
As their rivalry escalates, they become caught up in a web of deceit and betrayal that threatens to destroy them.
It is a thought-provoking and suspenseful film that will have you considering the role of identity and the power of deception.
Best Provoking Movies
- The Matrix is a science fiction film that explores the nature of reality and the part of humanity in the world.
- Inception is a science fiction film that deals with the idea of manipulating dreams and the consequences of similar manipulation.
- Memento is a secret film that tells the story of a man suffering from anterograde amnesia, and his hunt for vengeance.
Best Movies make you think Deeply
- “12 Monkeys” deals with time travel and the consequences of altering the past.
- “Her” explores the relationship between a man and an advanced artificial intelligence system.
- “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” deals with the concept of erasing memories.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best movies that make you think to offer a wealth of thought-provoking material that can inspire and challenge cults.
From science fiction suspensers to psychological dramas, these movies offer a different range of perspectives and ideas that can stimulate our minds and inspire our curiosity.
Whether you are addicted to science fiction, mystification, or drama, there’s a film on this list that will engage your mind and make you suppose about the world in a new way.
What type of movies make you think?
Movies that make me think are often ones that have complex themes or thought-provoking storylines. Examples might include dramas that explore social or political issues, science fiction stories that speculate about the future or the nature of reality, or historical films that shed light on significant events or figures from the past.
What is a thought-provoking movie?
Movies that are thought-provoking have the ability to touch our hearts and motivate us to improve ourselves. Similar to reading an insightful book or listening to a motivating podcast, these types of films can broaden our perspective and present us with new ideas and opportunities.
Can I watch these mind-bending movies with my family?
Some of these movies may not be suitable for children, but many of them can be enjoyed by a family audience. It is always a good idea to check the content and rating of a movie before watching it with your family.
