Do you enjoy movies that make you question your intelligence and purpose in society, sometimes even interfering with your everyday thoughts because all you can think about is how amazing they were? Then these movies are for you! This list consists of very unique movies, some dealing with murder, some with magicians and others with the pressure of being a musician. Despite the wide range of subjects, they all have one major thing in common, the shock factor. 

Se7en (1995)

Se7en is a crime/mystery thriller starring Oscar winners Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Spacey. The film follows a retiring police officer: Detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) takes a final case with a new transfer, Detective David Mills (Brad Pitt). They realize the case they are following is traced back to a serial killer (Kevin Spacey) committing elaborate murders and justifying them with the seven deadly sins. This film is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats for the full 2 hours and 7 minutes it runs. The movie’s ability to make watchers feel as though they are a part of the case is one of its best traits; to viewers, it feels as though they are figuring it out along with the detectives, causing them to feel the same emotions that the characters themselves feel. From its likable characters to its creative murder setup, Se7en is definitely worth the watch. It must be noted for those who are easily squeamish that the film is rather gory and violent.

The Prestige (2006)

In Edwardian London, two magicians who were once partners become rivals. After an assistant dies during a show, they start a bitter feud when one of them performs the ultimate trick of teleportation. One rival reaches the brink of insanity trying to uncover the secret of his past partner’s trick. He endangers his sanity and jeopardizes the lives of everyone around him. Rival magicians, Robert Angier and Alfred Borden, are played by Hollywood stars Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. This movie may seem pretty tame compared to the rest, but do not be fooled: this film runs on intensity and its stacked cast. It highlights interesting topics on magicians but also tells a narrative about self-obsession with a sci-fi twist. The movie’s unique ability to fool viewers entirely until the very end, constantly having their minds flip makes it not only entertaining but a whole new experience. 

Us (2019)

Us is a horror/thriller film directed by comedian Jordan Peele. The film follows Adelaide Wilson who had a traumatic experience as a child. Along with her husband and kids, she returns to the location of the event. Her anxiety in the place continues to grow as her gut tells her something is going to go wrong and that her family is unsafe. This fear becomes reality when four masked strangers attempt to murder the Wilson family. The family is even more horrified when they realize each of the masked strangers are doppelganger of themselves. This film may come off as just any other scary movie, but it is filled with metaphorical meaning and symbolism. Viewers tend to grasp onto the main idea near the end, but there much more to the movie than what is noticed in just the first watch. The easter eggs, fabulous acting and the film being a metaphor for classism and injustice in the United States make this film a must-watch for anyone wanting to be left dumbfounded. Be warned that this movie is definitely more on the scary side; if horror is not your favourite genre, this might not be for you, but if you love a good scare this is right down your alley! 

Donnie Darko (2001)

During the 1988 presidential election, a teen named Donnie Darko (played by Jake Gyllenhall) sleepwalks out of his home at night. He sees a demonic rabbit named Frank who informs him that the world is going to end in 28 days. When Donnie returns home he finds that a jet engine crashed into his bedroom. With the guidance of Frank, Donnie wonders if he is struggling with mental illness or if the world really will end in 28 days. This film radiates a very strange aura; it feels as though viewers are observing someone’s dream play out due to the strange and otherworldly events that take place. While at surface level the movie may seem like a melting pot of wackiness, all of the movie’s events have some deeper meaning. This movie will make you google for hours on end to understand exactly what happened at the end. Not only that but it will also make you press the rewind button to catch all of the missed important background moments as well. The eerie atmosphere and the incredible performance from Jake Gyllenhaal make Donnie Darko a movie worthy of being on every movie-watcher’s list. 

Whiplash (2014)

Whiplash is a 2014 drama film that follows Andrew Nieman (played by Miles Teller), an ambitious jazz drummer who attempts to rise to the top of an elite music conservatory. Instructor Terrance Fletcher (played by J.K. Simmons), known for his petrifying teaching, transfers Andrew to the advanced jazz ensemble, completely changing Andrew’s life. His passion for perfection quickly turns into obsession as Fletcher pushes him beyond his abilities. This Oscar-winning film is an amazing example of the perfection-to-obsession trope. The way this trope was used in the film feels very haunting, bringing viewers that same anxiety one would feel watching a thriller or horror movie. The intense music sequences and cinematic choices make this film such an exhilarating experience for the audience.