Our team compiled the movies that make you think and here is what they came up with
When it comes to clever movies that make you think, there are some that stand out from the rest. These films often challenge viewers to think more deeply about the implications of the story and its characters, often pushing the boundaries of genre and traditional filmmaking. From science fiction to social dramas, here are 35 of the most clever movies that make you think.
Here are the 35 movies that make you think to check out on the streaming service.
1. The Matrix (1999)
The Matrix (1999), starring Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne, was an instant classic that introduced viewers to the groundbreaking cyberpunk world of the Matrix. This sci-fi epic follows Neo, a hacker-turned-hero, who discovers that the world is actually a simulated reality created by powerful machines. The Matrix was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $463 million adjusted for inflation, and was praised for its innovative visual effects and revolutionary action sequences.
2. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
The Shawshank Redemption (1994), starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, is a classic drama about the unlikely friendship that forms between two prisoners in a maximum-security prison. Despite its initially poor box office performance, The Shawshank Redemption has since become one of the most beloved films of all time and earned seven Academy Award nominations. This timeless classic has earned over $288 million adjusted for inflation, and is highly praised for its powerful performances and masterful storytelling.
3. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
The Silence of the Lambs (1991), starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins, is an iconic psychological thriller that follows an FBI trainee as she seeks the help of a notorious serial killer in order to apprehend another serial killer. This gripping film was a huge success, earning over $273 million adjusted for inflation, and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The Silence of the Lambs is widely praised for its powerful performances and suspenseful story.
4. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, is a unique romantic sci-fi drama that follows a young couple as they attempt to erase each other from their memories. This unconventional and thought-provoking film earned over $70 million adjusted for inflation and won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was praised for its original concept and emotionally powerful performances.
5. The Usual Suspects (1995)
The Usual Suspects (1995), starring Kevin Spacey and Gabriel Byrne, is an intense neo-noir thriller that follows a group of criminals as they attempt to unravel the mystery of a mysterious figure known as Keyser Söze. This crime drama was a commercial success, earning over $97 million adjusted for inflation, and was highly praised for its complex narrative and twist ending.
6. Inception (2010)
Inception (2010), starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, is a groundbreaking sci-fi action film that follows a team of dream thieves as they attempt to implant an idea into the mind of a target. This visually stunning film earned over $829 million adjusted for inflation and was praised for its innovative narrative and stunning visuals.
7. The Social Network (2010)
The Social Network (2010), starring Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield, is an acclaimed drama that tells the story of the rise of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. This gripping drama earned over $224 million adjusted for inflation and won three Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay. The Social Network was praised for its smart script and captivating performances.
8. 12 Monkeys (1995)
12 Monkeys (1995), starring Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt, is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller that follows a time traveler as he attempts to prevent a devastating virus from destroying humanity. This thought-provoking film earned over $168 million adjusted for inflation and won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. 12 Monkeys was praised for its imaginative visuals and complex story.
9. Blade Runner (1982)
Blade Runner (1982), starring Harrison Ford and Rutger Hauer, is a classic sci-fi noir that follows a blade runner as he tracks down a group of rogue androids. This visually stunning film earned over $266 million adjusted for inflation and was highly praised for its innovative visuals and compelling story.
10. The Big Lebowski (1998)
The Big Lebowski (1998), starring Jeff Bridges and John Goodman, is a classic comedy-drama that follows an aimless slacker as he becomes embroiled in a bizarre kidnapping plot. Despite its initially poor box office performance, The Big Lebowski has since become a cult classic and earned over $49 million adjusted for inflation. This offbeat comedy was praised for its witty dialogue and unique characters.
11. Good Will Hunting (1997)
Good Will Hunting (1997), starring Matt Damon and Robin Williams, is an inspiring drama that follows a troubled genius as he attempts to find his place in the world. This uplifting film earned over $225 million adjusted for inflation and won two Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay. Good Will Hunting was praised for its heartfelt story and performances.
12. Ex Machina (2014)
Ex Machina (2014), starring Domhnall Gleeson and Oscar Isaac, is a thought-provoking sci-fi drama that follows a programmer as he tries to determine whether a robot has developed true artificial intelligence. This low-budget film earned over $56 million adjusted for inflation and won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. Ex Machina was praised for its smart script and captivating performances.
13. Memento (2000)
Memento (2000), starring Guy Pearce and Carrie-Anne Moss, is a unique thriller that follows a man with short-term memory loss as he attempts to avenge his wife’s murder. This original film earned over $39 million adjusted for inflation and was highly praised for its unique narrative and suspenseful story.
14. Her (2013)
Her (2013), starring Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson, is an unconventional sci-fi romance that follows a lonely man as he falls in love with a computer operating system. This innovative film earned over $47 million adjusted for inflation and won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Her was praised for its thought-provoking story and emotional performances.
15. The Departed (2006)
The Departed (2006), starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon, is an intense crime drama that follows two men on opposite sides of the law as they attempt to outwit each other. This gripping film earned over $289 million adjusted for inflation and won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The Departed was praised for its smart script and powerhouse performances.
16. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006), starring Ivana Baquero and Sergi Lopez, is a dark fantasy drama that follows a young girl as she navigates a dangerous and mysterious labyrinth. This visually stunning film earned over $83 million adjusted for inflation and won three Academy Awards. Pan’s Labyrinth was praised for its imaginative visuals and emotional depth.
17. Gone Girl (2014)
Gone Girl (2014), starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike, is a gripping thriller that follows a man as he attempts to prove his innocence in the disappearance of his wife. This suspenseful film earned over $368 million adjusted for inflation and was highly praised for its smart script and powerful performances.
18. No Country for Old Men (2007)
No Country for Old Men (2007), starring Tommy Lee Jones and Javier Bardem, is an intense crime drama that follows a man as he attempts to outwit a relentless hitman. This critically acclaimed film earned over $117 million adjusted for inflation and won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. No Country for Old Men was praised for its compelling story and intense performances.
19. The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight (2008), starring Christian Bale and Heath Ledger, is an iconic superhero film that follows Batman as he attempts to protect Gotham from the Joker’s chaotic reign. This blockbuster film earned over $1.1 billion adjusted for inflation and won two Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor. The Dark Knight was praised for its ambitious narrative and groundbreaking action sequences.
20. American Psycho (2000)
American Psycho (2000), starring Christian Bale and Willem Dafoe, is a dark satire that follows a wealthy investment banker as he descends into madness. This controversial film earned over $54 million adjusted for inflation and was praised for its smart script and captivating performances.
21. In the Mood for Love (2000)
In the Mood for Love (2000), starring Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung, is a beautiful romantic drama that follows two married strangers as they explore their feelings for each other. This critically acclaimed film earned over $19 million adjusted for inflation and was praised for its beautiful cinematography and emotional performances.
22. Lost in Translation (2003)
Lost in Translation (2003), starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, is a unique comedy-drama that follows two strangers as they explore the city of Tokyo. This charming film earned over $119 million adjusted for inflation and won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Lost in Translation was praised for its original concept and heartfelt performances.
23. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), starring Ralph Fiennes and Tony Revolori, is a charming comedy-drama that follows a concierge and his protégé as they attempt to prove their innocence in a murder case. This visually stunning film earned over $174 million adjusted for inflation and won four Academy Awards. The Grand Budapest Hotel was praised for its witty dialogue and imaginative visuals.
24. Mulholland Drive (2001)
Mulholland Drive (2001), starring Naomi Watts and Laura Harring, is a surreal thriller that follows a young actress as she attempts to unravel the mystery behind a bizarre dream. This mesmerizing film earned over $41 million adjusted for inflation and was highly praised for its original concept and dream-like atmosphere.
25. The King’s Speech (2010)
The King’s Speech (2010), starring Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush, is an inspiring drama that tells the true story of King George VI as he struggles to overcome his stammer. This historical drama earned over $242 million adjusted for inflation and won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The King’s Speech was praised for its powerful performances and emotional story.
26. The Lives of Others (2006)
The Lives of Others (2006), starring Ulrich Mühe and Martina Gedeck, is an acclaimed drama that follows an East German secret police agent as he attempts to uncover the truth about a playwright and his lover. This powerful film earned over $25 million adjusted for inflation and won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The Lives of Others was praised for its gripping story and powerful performances.
27. Spotlight (2015)
Spotlight (2015), starring Mark Ruffalo and Michael Keaton, is an intense drama that follows a team of journalists as they uncover a scandal involving the Catholic Church. This gripping film earned over $89 million adjusted for inflation and won two Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Spotlight was praised for its smart script and captivating performances.
28. The Truman Show (1998)
The Truman Show (1998), starring Jim Carrey and Laura Linney, is an iconic comedy-drama that follows an unsuspecting man as he discovers that his entire life is actually a television show. This thought-provoking film earned over $264 million adjusted for inflation and was highly praised for its original concept and emotional story.
29. Gravity (2013)
Gravity (2013), starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, is an intense sci-fi thriller that follows two astronauts as they attempt to survive in the hostile environment of outer space. This visually stunning film earned over $723 million adjusted for inflation and won seven Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects. Gravity was praised for its innovative visuals and suspenseful story.
30. 12 Years a Slave (2013)
12 Years a Slave (2013), starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Michael Fassbender, is an intense historical drama that tells the true story of a free man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery. This powerful film earned over $187 million adjusted for inflation and won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. 12 Years a Slave was praised for its emotionally powerful story and performances.
31. The Prestige (2006)
The Prestige (2006), starring Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale, is an intense thriller that follows two magicians as they attempt to outwit each other in a deadly battle of wits. This captivating film earned over $109 million adjusted for inflation and was highly praised for its complex narrative and twist ending.
32. The Imitation Game (2014)
The Imitation Game (2014), starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley, is an inspiring biopic that tells the true story of Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician who helped to crack the Nazi Enigma code. This gripping drama earned over $233 million adjusted for inflation and won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. The Imitation Game was praised for its emotional story and captivating performances.
33. Birdman (2014)
Birdman (2014), starring Michael Keaton and Edward Norton, is a unique comedy-drama that follows a former superhero actor as he attempts to mount a Broadway play. This visually stunning film earned over $103 million adjusted for inflation and won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Birdman was praised for its ambitious concept and captivating performances.
34. There Will Be Blood (2007)
There Will Be Blood (2007), starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Paul Dano, is an intense drama that follows an oil prospector as he attempts to build an empire in a small town. This captivating film earned over $111 million adjusted for inflation and won two Academy Awards, including Best Actor. There Will Be Blood was praised for its masterful storytelling and powerhouse performances.
35. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012), starring Logan Lerman and Emma Watson, is an inspiring coming-of-age drama that follows a shy teenager as he navigates his freshman year of high school. This charming film earned over $33 million adjusted for inflation and was praised for its smart script and heartfelt performances.
These 32 films are some of the most clever movies that make you think. They are all unique and challenging in different ways, and each one is a must-see for any thoughtful film fan.