Movies We Couldn’t Crack
Have you ever watched a movie that left you so baffled by the ending that you had to go online for explanations, or even rewatch it to grasp its full meaning? You’re not alone. The films on this list are so intricately crafted that most viewers miss their deeper message on the first watch.
The Matrix (1999)
If you watched the original Matrix movie in 1999 and found yourself scratching your head—exactly. This groundbreaking sci-fi film redefined special effects, layered storytelling, and mind-bending plots. Many viewers needed a second, third, or even fourth viewing to fully grasp its complex themes and narrative twists.
Warner Bros., The Matrix (1999)
The Prestige (2006)
A thought-provoking tale about two magicians who explore themes of sacrifice, competition, and the pursuit of greatness. Christopher Nolan’s directorial magic kept viewers on the edge of their seats with a sophisticated and thought-provoking plot.
Warner Bros., The Prestige (2006)
The Last Action Hero (1993)
A movie within a movie is what you’ll get when watching The Last Action Hero. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s performance was top-notch in this clever tale about how action movies are made in Hollywood. It’s a nuanced commentary on the genre was ahead of its time, so you’ll want to watch carefully so you don’t miss any Easter eggs.
Columbia, The Last Action Hero (1993)
Fight Club (1999)
The famous rules of Fight Club are superimposed on the backdrop of blurring realities, shifting narratives, and rules that make sense but don’t at the same time. Directed by David Fincher, the movie follows Edward Norton and Brad Pitt and explores themes of identity, consumerism, and revolting against societal norms.
Twentieth Century, Fight Club (1999)
Mulholland Drive (2001)
When an amnesiac woman teams up with an aspiring actress to search for answers across Los Angeles, David Lynch expertly subverts traditional storytelling. With a dreamlike narrative, Naomi Watts’s character embarks on a surreal journey filled with mystery and complex puzzles.
For fans of intricate and abstract films, this is a cinematic experience not to be missed.
Les Films Alain Sarde, Mulholland Drive (2001)
Blade Runner (1982)
This sci-fi classic directed by the visionary Ridley Scott probes themes of artificial intelligence in a dystopian setting. Action-packed with an outstanding performance by Harrison Ford, who portrays a replicant hunter, this film touches on philosophical nuances that add to the film’s overall appeal and mystique.
For another titillating science fiction film, the next movie is bound to tickle your intellect.
Warner Bros., Blade Runner (1982)
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Watching Stanley Kubrick’s Space Odyssey will take you on a mind-bending exploration, defying the confines of storytelling and stretching the imagination. This movie masterfully tackles themes of the unknown, human evolution, and artificial intelligence in a perceptive and futuristic way.
MGM, 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Cast Away (2000)
Often underestimated for its minimalist setting, Cast Away features Tom Hanks in a powerful role as a man stranded on a deserted island, exploring themes of resilience, isolation, and survival. The film invites viewers to form a deep connection with its solitary protagonist and the reflective, introspective tone that permeates his journey.
Twentieth Century, Cast Away (2000)
Falling Down (1993)
An ordinary man pushed to his limits by societal pressures unravels in this powerful portrayal of a personal breakdown. Michael Douglas delivers an outstanding performance, bringing both disturbing intensity and complex curiosity to the role. The film challenges viewers’ perceptions of the consequences of individual actions through its portrayal of this deeply divisive character.
Alcor Films, Falling Down (1993)
The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013)
Martin Scorsese brings down the house in this rambunctious, witty, and excess-filled movie about money, gluttony, and power. With a powerful performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, this swift-moving narrative tackles moral ambiguity, greed, and dishonesty. The overarching commentary on power and desire is captured in this stunning portrayal about human vices.
Paramount, The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Memento (2000)
A man with short-term memory loss brilliantly played by Guy Pearce, in this riveting non-linear story directed by Christopher Nolan. This innovative thriller is complex and explores themes of identity, memory, and a hard-to-scratch itch that weaves in and out of consciousness throughout the film. For those who love cerebral and eccentric films, save this to your watch list.
I Remember Productions, Memento (2000)
Zodiac (2007)
Portrayed from real-life events of the unsolved Zodiac attacks, this movie takes the viewer on a deep dive, as meticulously directed by David Fincher. The performances of Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr, and Mark Ruffalo elevate the movie to a gripping and terrifying crescendo that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Due to the intricacies of the plot, the viewer must pay close attention to piece together the missing clues of the story. So, if you are looking for a casual movie to play in the background as you come and go, skip this title.
The Place Beyond The Pines (2012)
For an authentic portrayal of familial bonds, director Derek Cianfrance seamlessly weaves three stories into a moving narrative about transgressions and forgiveness. Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper's roles represent the source of generational burdens passed down to their children.
Electric City Entertainment, The Place Beyond The Pines (2012)
Under The Skin (2013)
This unconventional sci-fi film takes a unique, unorthodox approach to storytelling. Often described as an "arthouse" film, director Jonathan Glazer crafts a slow-paced narrative that focuses more on subtle body language than on heavy dialogue, with Scarlett Johansson’s nuanced performance adding depth to the film’s haunting atmosphere.
The film follows Johansson’s character as she drives through the open Scottish landscape, luring strangers into her car, where they are secretly filmed. The movie’s sparse dialogue is aided by a haunting score and an unsettling sense of mystery, making it a perfect choice for viewers who appreciate a slow-burn experience.
L’Intrus (2004)
In L’Intrus, French writer and director Claire Denis creates a philosophical and ambiguous narrative. Instead of focusing on a straightforward plot, the film prioritizes the emotional journey of the viewer, offering a slower, more contemplative pace than typical narratives.
Based on an autobiographical of Jean-Luc Nancy, L’Intrus is set around a dying old man who leaves his home in search of a heart transplant and reconnects with his estranged son.
Shutter Island (2010)
Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio reunite in this gripping mystery, where DiCaprio’s character investigates the disappearance of a patient at a remote insane asylum. While some view the film as falling short of Scorsese's usual brilliance, it still delivers a stunning twist at the end—one that often goes unnoticed until viewers rewatch the film.
Paramount, Shutter Island (2010)
Enemy (2013)
People debate this film's ending constantly, arguing whether it's brilliant or unsatisfactory. This film about doppelgangers, with little explanation throughout the film about how Gyllenhaal’s two characters are connected, is a metaphorical thriller to watch.
Cloud Atlas (2012)
Cited as a box office flop, Cloud Atlas was an attempt by the famous Wachowski siblings (who created The Matrix) to create another epic film. The movie follows six isolated plotlines played by the same actors portraying different characters.
A major issue with the film was that around 40 cuts were made, which made the narrative difficult to follow when it was released nationwide.
X-Filme Creative Pool, Cloud Atlas (2012)
AI: Artificial Intelligence (2001)
This Oscar-nominated movie explores themes of artificial intelligence, humanity, and sibling rivalry. A state-of-the-art robotic boy will do anything to feel the love and attention of his human mother. Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Haley Joel Osment, the topics addressed in this movie are as primal as they are morally debatable.
Warner Bros., AI: Artificial Intelligence (2001)
American History X (1998)
Edward Norton, playing a man named Derek, hangs with a vicious crew and is incarcerated after committing heinous acts against two Black youths. Directed by Tony Kaye, American History X follows Derek’s release from lockup and his attempts at rehabilitation. Emotionally jarring and visually upsetting, this movie portrays themes of discrimination, betrayal, forgiveness, and belonging.
New Line Cinema, American History X (1998)
Show Girls (1995)
In the bright and flashing lights of Las Vegas, a young drifter played by Elizabeth Berkley shows the hunger, determination, and boundaries one will cross to achieve fame and power. Paul Verhoeven directs, giving you a glimpse into the underworld of Las Vegas.
United Artists, Show Girls (1995)
Midsummer (2019)
For those who enjoy dark, psychological horrors, Midsummer offers a blend of bizarre rituals run by a crazed sect that tests the viewer's nerves and stomach. Ari Aster directs this award-winning film.
Nope (2022)
Get ready for this supernatural horror, action-packed film by Jordan Peele. The cinematic value this film offers requires viewers to pay attention to the subtle clues and warrants a second screening just to get every detail missed the first time.
RoboCop (1987)
Another science fiction classic to add to your list. This movie is set in dystopian Detroit where a street cop played by Peter Weller gets dragged into a sinister plot. Another Paul Verhoeven classic that's an overt satire of American culture.
Parasite (2019)
Poverty, class discrimination, and the pursuit of status drive this poignant film about the Kim family's ambition to infiltrate the wealthy Park household. Directed by Bong Joon Ho, this comedic thriller masterfully captures the Kim family's resourcefulness in a devious and hilarious plot.
CJ Entertainment, Parasite (2019)
The Whale (2022)
Oscar-winner Brendan Fraser portrays a secluded, obese man who is emotionally tormented and tries to establish a relationship with his estranged daughter. This heart-wrenching drama is perfectly captured by Darren Aronofsky’s emotional tug-of-war between Fraser’s own character and his relationships.
American Psycho (2000)
Appearances can be deceiving, and Christian Bale’s character Patrick Bateman cloaks his psychopathic behaviors under his wealthy veneer as an investment banker. Mary Harron dazzles with this intelligent film that captures the themes of greed, prejudice, and savage misconduct.
Lionsgate, American Psycho (2000)
Scarface (1983)
This iconic film follows Al Pacino’s character Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who is looking for a better life in Miami in the 1980s. Motivated by the underbelly of the Cuban mob scene, Montana’s journey to the top mobster portrays themes of power, betrayal, suspicion, and addiction.
A must-watch for those who like a rags-to-riches story riddled with foul play and vices.
The Power Of The Dog (2021)
Jane Campion directs a stellar film about the Burbank brothers who are successful ranchers in Montana in 1925. Following the film's protagonist, Phil Burbank played by Benedict Cumberbatch, you’ll find themes of intense family dynamics, bravado, and plots of revenge.
NZFC, The Power Of The Dog (2021)
Inception (2010)
Christopher Nolan rounds off this list with Inception, a visually captivating masterpiece that combines artfully constructed storytelling with intricate layers of symbolic meaning. In the film, Leonardo DiCaprio portrays a thief who steals confidential corporate secrets through immersive dream-sharing.
The depth and complexity of its narrative make this film a cerebral classic to watch several times over.
Warner Bros., Inception (2010)
