17 Movies Like Donnie Darko That Will Blow Your Mind

Mulholland Drive is reminiscent of Donnie Darko in its ability to captivate and mesmerize viewers with its deep and thought-provoking narrative. Both movies explore themes of identity, reality, and the blurred lines between dreams and waking life. However, while Donnie Darko focuses on a troubled teenager's journey through a parallel universe, Mulholland Drive delves into the psyche of an amnesiac woman and her search for clues and answers in a twisting venture beyond dreams and reality. The genius of Mulholland Drive lies in David Lynch's artistic sleight of hand, where he presents fantasy scenes in a realistic manner, only to upend the viewer's expectations with shocking and fantastic elements. Naomi Watts delivers an outstanding performance, showcasing her considerable acting skills and surpassing many Oscar-winning performances of the past two decades.

Zodiac, released in 2007, is a movie that will remind you of Donnie Darko. Both films delve into the realm of darkness and mystery, captivating audiences with their unique storytelling. While Donnie Darko explores the theme of parallel universes and mental illness, Zodiac focuses on the real-life enigma of the Zodiac Killer, an unidentified murderer terrorizing Northern California. The films share an element of obsession, as the characters in both movies become fixated on unraveling the truth behind these mysteries. Donnie Darko showcases a troubled teenager plagued by visions of a man in a rabbit suit, while Zodiac follows a San Francisco cartoonist turned amateur detective consumed by the pursuit of the Zodiac Killer. Despite their differences in plot, the films share a sense of unease and unpredictability, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. If you were intrigued by the thought-provoking and captivating nature of Donnie Darko, Zodiac will surely satisfy your appetite for suspense and mystery.

Pi is reminiscent of Donnie Darko in its exploration of complex and elusive themes. Both movies delve into the depths of the human mind and challenge our perception of reality. While Donnie Darko investigates the concept of parallel universes and mental illness, Pi takes us on a journey through the mind of a paranoid mathematician searching for universal patterns in nature. Both films create a sense of unease and confusion, leaving the audience questioning what is real and what is merely a product of the protagonist's imagination. However, Pi offers a more intense and claustrophobic experience, with its pulsating music and relentless exploration of obsession. The lead actors, Jake Gyllenhaal in Donnie Darko and Sean Gullette in Pi, deliver captivating performances that immerse us in their characters' tormented minds. If you enjoyed the enigmatic and thought-provoking nature of Donnie Darko, Pi is a must-watch for its unique blend of mathematics, paranoia, and psychological exploration.

Fire in the Sky is reminiscent of Donnie Darko because both movies explore surreal and thought-provoking themes. While Donnie Darko delves into mental illness and parallel universes, Fire in the Sky takes a different approach by examining the phenomenon of alien abduction. The plot centers around an Arizona logger who mysteriously disappears for five days after an encounter with a flying saucer, leading to his co-workers being wrongly accused of murder. The film raises intriguing questions about humanity and our treatment of other beings, drawing parallels between us and extraterrestrial life. Just like Donnie Darko, Fire in the Sky leaves viewers with a sense of unease and a desire to question the nature of our existence. While Donnie Darko is a cult classic that captivates with its complex narrative, Fire in the Sky offers a chilling and plausible story that prompts us to consider the possibility of otherworldly encounters.

Moon is a captivating and thought-provoking movie that takes a refreshing approach to science fiction. While it may not have the same visual stimulation as Kubrick's Space Odyssey, it more than compensates with its deep exploration of philosophical questions surrounding science and technology. Unlike Tarkovsky's Solaris, Moon manages to maintain a fluid and entertaining pace without delving into extensive philosophical debates. One of the standout aspects of the film is its portrayal of isolation and the protagonist's attachment to memories of life on Earth. It effectively conveys the idea that in isolation, nothing truly holds meaning. Additionally, Moon touches on unethical corporate practices and evasive HR responses, similar to the film Michael Clayton. However, it manages to avoid taking explicit stances on contemporary controversies. Despite its dark undertones, Moon's portrayal of the human experience transcends the realism of its existence. It is a movie that will leave you contemplating long after the credits roll.

The Twilight Zone, reminiscent of Donnie Darko, is a series that presents tales of suspense, fantasy, science fiction, and horror. While Donnie Darko delves into the depths of a troubled teenager's mind and explores themes of mental illness and parallel universes, The Twilight Zone takes a similar approach in delivering mind-bending stories with unexpected twists. Both movies are known for their surrealism and ability to captivate and mesmerize viewers. However, The Twilight Zone differs in its episodic format, allowing for a variety of stories to be told within its runtime, while Donnie Darko tells a single, complex narrative. The Twilight Zone also features guest appearances by popular actors and actresses, adding an extra layer of excitement for viewers. If you enjoyed the thought-provoking and captivating nature of Donnie Darko, then The Twilight Zone is a series you should definitely check out.

The 4400 is like the younger sibling of Donnie Darko. While Donnie Darko dives deep into the mind-bending world of parallel universes and mental illness, The 4400 takes a more grounded approach with its story about the reappearance of 4,400 missing persons who have all been mysteriously changed. Both movies belong to the genres of Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, and Thriller, and they share the common thread of surrealism. However, while Donnie Darko is a cult classic that leaves you questioning your own existence, The 4400 is a sci-fi series that keeps you hooked with its fascinating characters and unpredictable plot twists. So, if you enjoyed the mind-bending journey of Donnie Darko but want something a bit more digestible, The 4400 is the perfect choice.

Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo is reminiscent of Donnie Darko in its exploration of surrealism and alternate realities. While Donnie Darko delves into the complexities of mental illness and parallel universes, Gankutsuou takes us on a journey through a 51st-century alternate reality. Both films captivate the audience with their thought-provoking narratives and mesmerizing plots. However, while Donnie Darko keeps us on the edge of our seats with its thrilling blend of drama, mystery, and sci-fi, Gankutsuou adds a touch of animation to the mix, infusing the story with a visually stunning and captivating style. So, if you enjoyed the mind-bending nature of Donnie Darko and crave another immersive experience, Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo is a must-watch.

Ashes to Ashes takes us on a wild journey through time, just like Donnie Darko. While the latter explores parallel universes and mental illness, the former delves into time travel and the 80s cop show genre. Ashes to Ashes is a sequel to Life on Mars, set in the 1980s with all the fashion and glamour of the era. DI Alex Drake wakes up in 1981 after being shot while investigating DCI Sam Tyler. The central mystery of the series revolves around why Alex is stuck in 1981 and if she will ever make it back to 2008. Just like Donnie Darko, Ashes to Ashes keeps us hooked with its unexpectedness and unanswered questions. And of course, we can't forget the fabulous Gene Hunt, played by Philip Glenister, whose charisma is impossible to resist.

Black Night is reminiscent of Donnie Darko in its surrealism and dark atmosphere. Both movies explore themes of mental illness and the blurred lines between reality and imagination. While Donnie Darko follows a troubled teenager who is manipulated by a man in a rabbit suit, Black Night tells the story of an entomologist who abandons his phantoms to embrace the unknown in a world overtaken by eternal darkness. Both films challenge the audience's perception of reality and take them on a thought-provoking journey. However, Black Night has a slower pace and a more avant-garde and surrealistic style, reminiscent of directors like David Lynch and Alejandro Jodorowsky. It combines elements of horror, neo-noir, and surrealism to create a deeply atmospheric and nightmarish experience. If you enjoyed Donnie Darko's mind-bending narrative and are looking for a unique and unconventional cinematic experience, Black Night is a must-watch.

Wax, or the Discovery of Television Among the Bees is a mind-bending documentary that takes you on a journey through the deserts of the American West. Similar to Donnie Darko, this film dives into surrealism and explores the depths of the human psyche. While Donnie Darko presents a troubled teenager manipulated by a rabbit in a large suit, Wax showcases a man who loses all perception of space, time, and self after his bees implant a bee television in him. Both films challenge traditional storytelling and offer a captivating and thought-provoking experience. However, while Donnie Darko blends drama, mystery, sci-fi, and thriller genres, Wax combines documentary, drama, sci-fi, and war genres. So, if you're looking for a unique and mind-bending cinematic experience that pushes the boundaries of reality, Wax, or the Discovery of Television Among the Bees is a must-watch.

The Room, directed by Sion Sono, is reminiscent of Donnie Darko in its cult film status and mysterious atmosphere. Both movies explore unconventional narratives and delve into the depths of the human mind. However, while Donnie Darko is a mind-bending journey through parallel universes and mental illness, The Room takes a more silent and subdued approach. It follows an impassive hitman as he searches for an apartment, accompanied by a shy and expressionless real estate agent. The film relies heavily on silence and patience, which can be both captivating and infuriating for the audience. While Donnie Darko keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its complex plot and thought-provoking themes, The Room focuses more on its stunning black and white cinematography and stylish atmosphere. Although it lacks the substance and characterization found in Donnie Darko or the works of Jean Pierre Melville, The Room offers a unique and visually appealing experience for those who appreciate artful filmmaking.

Broken Saints is reminiscent of Donnie Darko in its surreal and captivating nature, but it takes a different approach. While Donnie Darko explores the concept of parallel universes and mental illness through the eyes of a troubled teenager, Broken Saints follows four strangers from around the world who experience apocalyptic visions and try to uncover their origin. Both movies delve into themes of spirituality and mystery, but Broken Saints takes it a step further with its neo-noir elements. The original version of Broken Saints, created as a motion comic on Flash software, was groundbreaking and visually stunning, reminiscent of the illustrations in the original Watership Down. Although the movie remake falls more in line with its contemporaries in terms of illustration, it still remains interesting to watch. Unlike Donnie Darko, Broken Saints features voiceovers, which surprisingly enhance the acting. With its surreal and unique story, Broken Saints offers a satisfyingly long runtime that keeps you engaged throughout.

That Little Monster, released in 1994, is reminiscent of Donnie Darko. While Donnie Darko delves into the depths of mental illness, parallel universes, and a man in a giant rabbit suit, That Little Monster takes a lighter approach with a black comedy twist. In Donnie Darko, the protagonist is manipulated to commit a series of crimes, while in That Little Monster, a young teenage girl is hired to babysit a strange couple's baby without knowing the couple's true nature. Both movies explore surrealism and incorporate elements of the unexpected, but with different tones. Donnie Darko is a cult classic known for its thought-provoking and captivating storyline, while That Little Monster pays homage to the spooky humor of The Twilight Zone. Despite their differences, both movies offer an intriguing and unconventional viewing experience that will leave you captivated.

Possible Worlds is a movie that will transport you to different dimensions, just like Donnie Darko. While Donnie Darko takes you on a journey through parallel universes and explores mental illness, Possible Worlds delves into the concept of multiverse and dream worlds. In both films, the audience is captivated by surrealism and the blurring of reality and fiction. However, while Donnie Darko focuses on the personal journey of its troubled protagonist, Possible Worlds intertwines the lives of multiple characters. Additionally, Donnie Darko is a cult classic with a complex and thought-provoking plot, while Possible Worlds offers a more philosophical and poetic approach. If you enjoyed the mind-bending nature of Donnie Darko, Possible Worlds is a movie that will continue to challenge your perception of reality.

I'm Staying is reminiscent of Donnie Darko as both films explore surrealism and delve into the complexities of life. While Donnie Darko presents a troubled teenager plagued by visions of a man in a rabbit suit, I'm Staying takes us on a journey with a skeptic doctor stuck between two worlds. Both movies challenge our perception of reality and make us question the meaning of life. However, the two films differ in their genres, with Donnie Darko being a drama, mystery, sci-fi, and thriller, while I'm Staying falls into comedy, drama, fantasy, mystery, and sci-fi. Donnie Darko's plot revolves around a series of crimes manipulated by a rabbit, while I'm Staying is a light dramedy that prompts us to rethink our own lives. Despite their differences, if you enjoyed the mind-bending and thought-provoking nature of Donnie Darko, you should definitely give I'm Staying a watch.

Tales from the Gimli Hospital is a captivating film that takes you on a surreal journey to a small town in Manitoba. While it might not have a man in a rabbit suit or parallel universes like Donnie Darko, it shares the same sense of mystery and intrigue. The film explores the lives of two young children as their Icelandic grandmother tells them a tale about Einar the Lonely, his friend Gunnar, and the angelic Snjofridur in the Gimli of old. The black comedy and absurdism found in Tales from the Gimli Hospital are reminiscent of Donnie Darko's cult classic status, making it a movie that will leave you with more questions than answers. So, if you enjoyed the mind-bending and thought-provoking nature of Donnie Darko, Tales from the Gimli Hospital is a must-watch that will transport you to a world of fantasy and horror set in a charming Canadian town.