Harsh Vardhan
Explore the limitless realms of cinematic imagination with our curated list of the best mind-bending movies on Amazon Prime. Immerse yourself in a surreal journey through the intricate landscapes of these thought-provoking films that challenge the boundaries of reality. From mind-twisting plots to mesmerizing visual effects, this selection guarantees an exhilarating experience for cinephiles seeking a departure from the ordinary. Delve into the enigmatic narratives that weave intricate puzzles around consciousness, time, and perception. Whether you are a fan of psychological thrillers, science fiction, or mind-bending dramas, this compilation promises a captivating escape into the extraordinary. Join us as we navigate the surreal and perplexing, exploring the best offerings that Amazon Prime has to offer for those who crave intellectual stimulation and cinematic brilliance.
23. Aniara (2018)
Winner of the Asteroid Prize for Best International Film at the 2019 Trieste Science+Fiction Festival, ‘Aniara’ is a Swedish-Danish sci-fi drama based on Harry Martinson’s 1956 epic poem of the same name. When Earth is no longer habitable and on the verge of turning into a wasteland, humans set off to Mars. However, the ship, Aniara, goes off-course after hitting space debris, costing it navigational control. With no direction to head and a potential chance to reroute not in view before 2 years, the passengers are pretty much incarcerated in a mobile facility floating into oblivion. How the people cope with the situation is what we see in this brilliantly depicted and visually stunning drama that offers a mind-bending take on human existence and its relationship with a place to call home. The film offers effective performances by Emelie Garbers, Bianca Cruzeiro, and Anneli Martini. You can watch it here.
22. Three Thousand Years of Longing (2022)
A fantasy that is more mind-bending visually, ‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’ is directed by George Miller. It is based on the 1994 short story ‘The Djinn in the Nightingale’s Eye’ by A. S. Byatt. The film follows British scholar Alithea Binnie, who comes across a djinn after unleashing it from an antique bottle she bought in Istanbul. As surprised as she is, she takes the djinn to be a trickster and reveals her desire to him. The djinn thus reveals to her three stories spanning three thousand years that reveal how he ended up in the antique bottle, taking Alithea, and the viewers, on a surreal journey of time travel, revealing characters flawed by their schemes and desires. Can these stories bring about a change in Alithea? ‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’ stars Tilda Swinton as Alithea Binnie and Idris Elba as the djinn. You can watch the movie here.
21. Looper (2012)
Directed by Rian Johnson, ‘Looper’ is a true-to-form mind-bending film that explores the concept of time travel from a unique angle. Set in 2044, the film follows Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), an assassin, AKA a looper, working for a crime syndicate existing in 2074, which sends its targets back in time to be killed by its loopers. Everything has been going well for Joe until the syndicate decides to close his loop and sends back his own future self (Bruce Willis) to get killed.
Smartly incorporating action and sci-fi elements, the film is a captivating thriller that is rare and attention-seeking. For sci-fi lovers, ‘Looper’ is a treat that makes you simultaneously apply your eyes and brains to figure out what’s happening. You can watch it here.
20. All The Old Knives (2022)
In ‘All the Old Knives,’ the narrative unfolds around a botched CIA mission and the quest to uncover the betrayer within the team. Chris Pine assumes the role of Harry, a CIA operative tasked with investigating whether Thandiwe Newton’s character, Celia, played a role as the mole. Complicating matters, Harry and Celia share a history as former lovers, injecting a new layer of complexity into the investigation. The film’s intensity heightens during their reunion, and the concluding moments of ‘All the Old Knives’ resonate with a poignant sting. What adds a thrilling dimension to this suspenseful movie is its incorporation of multiple unreliable narrators, leaving audiences in suspense as either protagonist could potentially switch allegiances before the final credits roll. You can watch it here.
19. Anna (2013)
While a memory detective who can take people to their memories and solve cases, confronting a troubled 16-year-old teenager sounds intriguing enough, ‘Anna’ ups the ante of this scenario by intertwining the lives of the two characters. When Detective John Washington (Mark Strong) is asked to break Anna’s (Taissa Farmiga) hunger strike, it sounds like an easy job. But soon, it is revealed that Anna has a lot more to offer, including depression, bipolar disorder, and narcissism, and seems to have tried to kill three girls at school. It doesn’t take much time for the tables to turn. To find out if John can help Anna or not, you can watch this Jorge Dorado directorial right here.
18. Nocturne (2020)
From dance, we shift to music. The ‘Nocturne’ narrative is set at the Lindberg Academy for performing arts. It centers on twin sisters Juliet (Sydney Sweeney) and Vivian Lowe (Madison Iseman), who are pianists. However, Vivian overshadows Juliet, and this affects their relationship. Meanwhile, Juliet finds a notebook belonging to a girl who killed herself. As she goes through it, she realizes that whatever is happening with her resembles the drawings in the notebook. As the plot moves forward, Juliet’s relationship with Vivian worsens and it seems that the notebook has much more to it than meets the eye. To find out what’s that, you can watch this Zu Quirke directorial right here.
17. Goodnight Mommy (2022)
This psychological horror movie has been directed by Matt Sobel (‘Take Me to the River’ (2015)). It follows twin brothers Elias (Cameron Crovetti) and Lukas (Nicholas Crovetti), who come to live with their estranged mother (Naomi Watts) after a long time. Peculiarly, their mother has a bandage wrapped around her face, almost like a balaclava. She also tells them they aren’t allowed to enter her room or the barn outside. With time, it seems that the woman isn’t their mother. Eventually, there comes a point when the brothers manage to tie her to a bed and question her. Why is she hiding her face? Or is she hiding something else? Something more dark? ‘Goodnight Mommy’ offers an unexpected ending and is an intriguing watch. You can do so right here.
16. Bones And All (2022)
Adapted from Camille DeAngelis’s novel, ‘Bones and All‘ unfolds as a disquieting psychological thriller featuring Taylor Russell and Timothée Chalamet as two young lovers with a disturbing secret. The film follows their unconventional road trip across America in a world where cannibalism is portrayed as a somewhat normalized condition. As a unique love story, it delves into the challenges faced by the couple as they grapple with societal norms. ‘Bones and All’ presents a gripping and unsettling exploration of a relationship deemed monstrous in a world that refuses to accept their peculiar reality. You can stream it here.
15. Suspiria (2018)
A supernatural horror inspired by Dario Argento’s 1977 Italian film, ‘Suspiria’ is set at a dance academy, the Helena Markos Dance Co. It follows Susie Bannion, whose admission to the academy is followed by bizarre occurrences within the academy that seem to prove one of the students’ claims that the place is run by a coven. As Josef Klemperer, a psychotherapist at the academy, looks into the matter, Susie too follows suit, inadvertently getting involved in supernatural events. It almost seems as if she, too, has her own dark powers. When two more students disappear, things get more complicated and seem to be the result of dark forces that are at play. A true-to-form mind-bending drama in which nothing is what it seems, ‘Suspiria’s visual storytelling style and compelling performances make it a must-watch. The film stars Dakota Johnson, Tilda Swinton, Mia Goth, Ingrid Caven, and Chloë Grace Moretz. You can watch it here.
14. Coherence (2013)
‘Coherence’ unfolds as a gripping sci-fi thriller directed by James Ward Byrkit. The film centers on a dinner party disrupted by a comet passing close to Earth, causing bizarre phenomena. As reality warps, characters grapple with alternate versions of themselves and parallel universes. The tightly woven narrative and improvised dialogue contribute to the mind-twisting experience, leaving viewers questioning the boundaries of identity and existence. With its clever exploration of quantum theory and the butterfly effect, ‘Coherence’ stands out for its intelligent storytelling, creating a suspenseful and thought-provoking cinematic journey that challenges conventional notions of time and reality. The film stars Emily Baldoni, Alex Manugian, Lauren Maher, and Maury Sterling. You may watch it here.
13. You Were Never Really Here (2018)
Directed by Lynne Ramsay, ‘You Were Never Really Here’ is a mind-bending psychological thriller starring Joaquin Phoenix. The film follows Joe, a traumatized hitman hired to rescue a senator’s daughter from a sex trafficking ring. As Joe navigates a dark and brutal underworld, Ramsay employs fragmented storytelling and subjective perspectives, creating a disorienting and immersive experience. Phoenix’s visceral performance, coupled with Ramsay’s unconventional narrative choices, transforms the film into a haunting exploration of trauma, memory, and existential despair. You can watch it here.
12. Blow the Man Down (2020)
In the coastal town of Easter Cove, ‘Blow the Man Down’ unfolds as a mysterious and baffling tale following the accidental killing of a dangerous man by two sisters (played by Morgan Saylor and Sophie Lowe). As they attempt to conceal the crime, they unravel a network of dark secrets involving the town’s enigmatic women. The narrative’s non-linear structure, coupled with an ensemble cast delivering layered performances, creates a web of complexities. The film’s elusive storytelling, marked by unexpected twists and hidden motives, adds to its enigma. You can watch it here.
11. Nanny (2022)
In Nikyatu Jusu’s chilling directorial debut, ‘Nanny’ unfolds as a psychological horror film, showing the harrowing journey of Aisha (Anna Diop), an undocumented Senegalese immigrant in New York. Entrusted with the care of Rose, the daughter of the affluent Hav family, Aisha grapples with unsettling visions and dreams of her son Lamine. As Aisha’s connection with the Hav family unravels, a disturbing truth surfaces – Lamine’s spectral presence is causing the eerie phenomena. Jusu intricately weaves themes of immigration, maternal sacrifice, and supernatural perception, delivering a haunting tale that navigates the blurred boundaries of reality. The movie is streaming here.
10. The Neon Demon (2016)
‘The Neon Demon,’ directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, stands as a mind-bending exploration of the dark underbelly of the fashion industry. The film follows aspiring model Jesse, played by Elle Fanning, whose rapid rise in the industry exposes the cutthroat world of beauty and envy. With Refn’s visually striking and surreal style, the narrative descends into a hallucinatory and psychologically unsettling journey. Themes of narcissism, obsession, and the surreal intertwine, challenging perceptions and blurring the line between beauty and monstrosity. You can watch it here.
9. C U Soon (2020)
‘C U Soon,’ an Indian film directed by Mahesh Narayanan, is a perplexing techno-thriller shot entirely on smartphones and computer screens. The narrative follows a young woman who becomes entangled in a web of online deception, prompting her boyfriend and his friend to investigate. The film’s unique storytelling unfolds through video calls, messages, and screen recordings, contributing to its confounding nature. As the characters (played by Fahadh Faasil, Naveen Nazim, Darshana Rajendran, and Roshan Mathew) navigate virtual spaces, the line between reality and the digital realm blurs, leaving viewers questioning the authenticity of the unfolding events. Feel free to stream it here.
8. Enter Nowhere (2011)
Directed by Jack Heller, this low-budget independent film is testimony to the fact that a good film doesn’t require millions of dollars for production. An immensely gripping and truly mind-bending film, ‘Enter Nowhere’ follows three people, Tom, Sam, and Jody, who find themselves in a cabin in the woods without any way out as no matter what direction they head to, they end up near the cabin. Soon, it is revealed that all three are from different time periods. Moreover, they are also related to each other. There is also a fourth guy, a WWII German soldier named Hans Neumann (Shaun Sipos), who is also connected to them. But how? And where are all these people exactly? ‘Enter Nowhere’ shows a temporal paradox that is as intriguing as scary. It stars Scott Eastwood, Katherine Waterston, Sara Paxton, and Shaun Sipos. You can watch it here.
7. Nefarious (2023)
Directed by Cary Solomon and Chuck Konzelman, ‘Nefarious’ pins psychiatrist Dr. James Martin (Jordan Belfi) against serial killer/death-row inmate Edward Wayne Brady (Sean Patrick Flanery), who is a tough nut to crack. If he can determine that that Brady is sane, he shall be executed; otherwise, he shall live. The previous psychiatrist committed suicide after talking to Brady, which is why Martin is warned by the warden. Brady believes he has a demon inhabiting his body and addresses the demon as “Nefariamus” (or Nefarious). While at first, it seems that Brady is making it up and that he might be subjected to a different kind of belief system, soon it gets clear that he knows things about Martin that he isn’t supposed to, including things that are happening in real time. Does Brady really have a demon inside him? Or is he well-sourced? This independent film offers a thrilling watch that is underscored by the effective acting of Sean Patrick Flanery. You can watch the film here.
6. We Need To Talk About Kevin (2011)
In Lynne Ramsay’s ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin,’ the psychological thriller becomes a gripping exploration of the chilling dynamics between a mother and her troubled son. Tilda Swinton delivers a powerhouse performance as Eva, unraveling the complexities of her relationship with the titular Kevin (Ezra Miller). The film’s genius lies in its fragmented storytelling, jumping back and forth in time, creating an engaging puzzle that keeps audiences on edge. As Kevin’s unsettling behavior unfolds, Ramsay masterfully blurs the lines between nature and nurture, delivering a mind-bending narrative that digs deep into the psyche. Feel free to stream it here.
5. Run Sweetheart Run (2020)
‘Run Sweetheart Run‘ isn’t just a horror movie; it’s a mind-bending rollercoaster that will redefine your expectations of the genre. What begins as a client meeting for Cherie (Ella Balinska), who serves as secretary at a sexist law firm, turns into a bloody game of cat and mouse after Cheri’s charismatic client Ethan (Pilou Asbæk) reveals his bloodthirsty side. If she can survive till sunrise, Ethan will let her go. The catch? Ethan can smell her blood. ‘Run Sweetheart Run’ is not just a horror film; it’s a psychological maze that will leave you questioning reality itself. You can check out the film here.
4. Charade (1963)
‘Charade,’ directed by Stanley Donen, is a classic mind-twisting mystery that engrosses with its clever blend of romance and suspense. Starring Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant, the film follows a woman named Regina Lampert entangled in a web of deceit and espionage after she seeks assistance from a handsome stranger, Peter Joshua, in the aftermath of her husband Charles’ murder. Regina and Peter are also being chased by three of Charles’ former peers. But why? What does the trio want from them, provided Charles is dead?
The narrative is marked by unexpected plot twists, shifting alliances, and identity revelations that keep the audience guessing until the very end. Hepburn’s charm and Grant’s charisma add layers to the intricate storyline, making ‘Charade’ a timeless cinematic puzzle where loyalties and motives are in constant flux, ensuring that viewers remain on the edge of their seats throughout the film, and you can stream it here.
3. Saint Maud (2019)
This psychological horror film is an A24 production (‘Hereditary,’ ‘Midsommar’) and is directed by Rose Glass. It follows Maud (Morfydd Clark), a reclusive young, staunchly religious nurse who bathes in the love of Jesus Christ and offers Him the devotion she believes he deserves in every way possible. So, when she becomes the caregiver of Amanda (Jennifer Ehle), a former dancer diagnosed with cancer, she finds a strong way to prove herself worthy of His blessings. But when Amanda makes it seem that God doesn’t exist, Maud takes it upon herself to ensure that Amanda finds her faith, going to dangerous extents to make sure of it. Dark, psychological, thrilling, and engrossing, ‘Saint Maud’ expertly pins faith against truth. To find out which of these wins, you can watch the film here.
2. Asteroid City (2023)
Wes Anderson’s ‘Asteroid City’ garnered attention for distinct storytelling and stylized visuals that seamlessly blend multiple genres and are meta. This sci-fi comedy takes place in a retro-futuristic American desert town in 1955. The town is holding its annual Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention wherein each kid participant introduces his/her own invention and drama underscored by connected characters, eccentric in their own right. The film has a huge acting ensemble that includes Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Jeffrey Wright, Tilda Swinton, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, and Adrien Brody. You can watch ‘Asteroid City’ here.
1. Saltburn (2023)
How wild can wild be? ‘Saltburn’ takes up the challenge to answer this very question and puts forth a visually stunning and psychologically thrilling explanation. Directed by Emerald Fennell, the film is set in England and follows Oliver Quick, a student of the University of Oxford, who is invited by his new friend Felix Catton, belonging to an affluent family, to spend the summer at his mansion, Saltburn. Oliver thus meets Felix’s eccentric family, and it is soon made clear that Oliver is attracted to Felix. But there’s something unusual with the Catton family, and Oliver seems to be applying his own method to understand them fully. Subjected to all the wealth, attraction turns to desire that, in turn, takes the shape of something dark. Saltburn thus finds itself in the middle of a chilling summer. With a stellar cast that includes Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike, Alison Oliver, Archie Madekwe, Carey Mulligan, and Richard E. Grant, ‘Saltburn’ is a must-watch. You can see it right here.
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