More so now than ever before, audiences know what to expect from a film. And so Hollywood and global cinema must work harder than ever to offer something that holds their attention, and if they're lucky, leaves them with some questions.
Typically a story will heavily telegraph what's happening and why. Who's good and bad, and where the story's going. But not all films. Some captivate audiences and fill their minds with questions and speculation.
Updated on September 8th, 2020 by Derek Draven: We've added 5 more movies to our list that require multiple viewings to really understand. Some are loaded with symbolism, while others have so many complex subplots and characters that it's almost impossible to soak it all up in one go. If you've never seen these films before, now's the time.
Akira
Many Japanese anime films are heavy on symbolism, and there are several that require repeated viewings in order to fully appreciate. The most notorious of the bunch is undoubtedly the uber-popular Akira, which has influenced everyone from James Cameron to the Wachowskis. Based on the manga of the same name, Akira tells the story of a young motorcycle gang member living in a dystopian future Tokyo who suddenly develops frightening psychic and telekinetic powers.
A first viewing of Akira will leave most viewers dumbfounded. Only through repeat viewings do the layers begin to unravel enough for audiences to fully grasp what's going on. The ultimate goal is to fully understand the very final shot, and the words "I am Tetsuo," which has been the subject of debate for decades.
Ghost In The Shell
Another Japanese anime film running a close second to Akira in this vein is Ghost In The Shell. In contrast to the lighthearted, action-oriented manga series, the animated film adaptation is an absolute mind-blender of a movie that questions the very nature of what it means to be human in a cybernetic age.
While there's certainly a ton of action and breathtaking visuals to behold, Ghost In The Shell prefers to go deeply inward, focusing on the cyborg Motoko Kusanagi and her internal conflict to understand who and what she really is. Don't bother with the live-action 2017 Hollywood adaptation which stripped away all of the depth. The original is where it's at, especially with the upcoming 4K release of the film from Lionsgate.
The Quiet Earth
This underground New Zealand cult classic film has risen to prominence in recent years with the mass adoption of the DVD format. Based on the 1981 Craig Harrison novel, The Quiet Earth tells the story of a man who believes he is the only remaining human left on Earth. After finding two other survivors who, like him, were all in a state of mortal distress at the time of humanity's disappearance, they set out to prevent a government experiment from activating, which may have been the original cause.
The movie itself is loaded with symbolism, and perhaps the strongest and most realistic depiction of a human being facing the prospect that humanity has vanished. The end shot, however, is notorious for its mind-blowing visuals, and the meaning behind them. Religious conjecture? Interdimensional travel? Repeated viewings may help make sense of it all.
Blade Runner
Geekdom takes Blade Runner's heavy-handed symbolism and the extravagant, complex storyline for granted since they've had decades to process it. For first-time viewers who are ready to see what all the fuss is about, it could mean an intellectual headache is on the way.
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Blade Runner was one of the original head-scratchers — a movie that required multiple viewings to truly soak in everything it had to offer. Its influence on sci-fi is doubtless, but its many interweaving plot threads, mysterious characters, and "is he, or isn't he" theme continue to make it a staple of multi-view cinema gems.
Glengarry Glen Ross
The Hero movie for boiler room salesmen the world over, Glengarry Glen Ross is known mostly for its eclectic cast of Hollywood A-listers, incredibly fascinating performances, and a load of foul language. It tells the story of several real estate salesmen who find themselves under scrutiny by the authorities after a series of coveted sales leads is stolen from the office.
That's just the tip of the iceberg. Glengarry Glen Ross shines an unflattering and filthy portrait of the sales game, and the morally bankrupt players involved. It has to be watched several times simply to get inside the heads of the multiple characters who make up the story. For those who aren't invested in the world of high-pressure cold call sales, some of the lingo can also be confusing. Still, it's worth it just to see Alec Baldwin's knockout "ABC" performance. Hero, or villain? It's hard to say.
Inception
Christopher Nolan's 2011 mind-bending mega-hit, Inception enthralled audiences with its unique take on the heist genre. Going into dreams within dreams within dreams, Inception is a film that requires all of your attention to keep track of what is happening.
Every level of the subconscious presents new dangers to the gang. Top all that off with an ambiguous ending that leaves you with questions, Inception not only requires another watch, but demands it.
Moon
Since it's release in 2009, Moon has gained a large followed and universal praise. Made on a tiny budget of only five million dollars, it brought to life a moon base, robot, and a host of other stunning effects.
While the film is linear in structure and relatively easy to follow, it's the film's big midpoint twist that throws everything you thought you knew out of the window. Upon second viewing the film is an entirely different experience, and all the better for it.
Interstellar
Interstellar differentiates itself from most Hollywood science fiction epics, in that this film isn't interested in fantasy, but rather reality and real science. The film does not hold the viewer's hand and not only expects everyone to keep up with the complex scientific concepts it presents, but requires the audience to.
The grounded nature of the science presented throughout the film is captivating but a second viewing allows viewers to focus on the story presented.
Vertigo
Hitchcock's classic Vertigo is undoubtedly one of his greatest thrillers. For those unfamiliar, the premise is simple: Detective Scottie is hired to follow the wife of an old college friend. From there the story twists and turns, as the best thrillers do.
But in classic Hitchcock style, the film is ahead of its time in terms of its unusual structure and manipulation of not only the audience but the characters. Although the film may be over 50 years old, it still holds up today and captivates modern audiences.
The Machinist
Christian Bale delivers one of the greatest performances of his career. Losing a ton of weight for the role, he is unrecognizable as Trevor Reznik. The film presents many surreal and unearthly concepts that are seemingly contradictory.
Trevor explains his shocking weight loss as the result of not having slept in many months. Combine that with other strange happenings, and the film becomes a real puzzle. The climax reveals all and re-contextualizes the entire movie, making subsequent viewings a whole new experience.
Pulp Fiction
Quentin Tarantino's groundbreaking, career-defining hit Pulp Fiction was a breath of fresh air when it was released in 1994. The film features multiple protagonists and a nonlinear structure. This isn't apparent from the get-go, but all is revealed throughout the film, leading to a satisfying and unexpected climax.
The film experienced both critical and commercial success, and while it's more than likely you've already seen this classic, it still deserves a place on this list.
Shutter Island
Shutter Island is one of the darkest and most intriguing modern thrillers. Things begin innocently enough, with two detectives sent to an insane alum on the titular Shutter Island to conduct an investigation, only to find themselves stuck there the case spiraling out of control.
The film delivers one of the biggest twists upon its conclusion, which completely alters the story that has been told prior to it. This is another film where a second viewing is like watching a whole new movie.
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is as jumbled as the minds of Joel and Clem. That's kind of the point, and one of the film's biggest strengths. However, the film's non-linear structure doesn't become apparent right off the bat.
Spectacularly, the climax of the film assembles all the pieces perfectly, like a dining room table-dominating jigsaw puzzle. Giving the film another watch is a rewarding experience and offers a deeper understanding of the characters.
Memento
Memento bends the mind as few films can, beginning at the film's climax and then going back to the previous scene until we reach the start. This groundbreaking structure makes the film impossible to understand until all has been revealed, and makes multiple viewings even more enjoyable.
The many secrets the film holds cannot be understood and uncovered until the events of the film are examined with all the information. Basically, if you've only watch Memento once, you haven't watched Memento.
Synecdoche, New York
Synecdoche, New York laughs at the idea of it's viewer only watching it twice. In reality, upon a second viewing, everyone will most likely be left with even more questions than they had before. The film packs in so many characters, subplots, life events, and idiosyncratic details, it requires total, rapt attention and more.
It's a movie that really needs to be digested over multiple sittings. Though the film's unconventional nature may discourage some, there's no doubt that what they learn will stay with them and keep them coming back.