10 Best Movies Like Christopher Nolan’s Inception

Summary

Movies like
Inception
explore dreams and the mind, challenging audiences with psychological and surreal themes.
Christopher Nolan’s films, such as
Tenet
, offer sleek visuals and twisty plots that captivate viewers seeking mind-bending narratives.
From
Memento
to
Paprika
, these movies push the boundaries of reality, inviting audiences to question what is real and what is not.

In 2010, Christopher Nolan released one of his most mind-bending movies yet with Inception, and for those seeking another experience like that, there are a number of similar sci-fi thrillers still left to see. Christopher Nolan’s movies have astounded audiences over the years with their dark and twisty plots. Inception is one of his most popular. The movie follows Dom Cobb, a thief who can enter people’s dreams. After losing everything, Cobb goes on one final mission, hoping to redeem himself. Yet, he must do the impossible. Cobb and his team must place a thought into someone’s head.

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Despite Inception’s unique premise, there are various other movies that delve into the concept of dreams and the mind. On top of that, there are also countless movies that replicate the slick, gray atmosphere that Inception perfects. Some of these films are Christopher Nolan flicks, while others are situated in completely separate genres. Regardless, each of the following movies is a great follow-ups to Inception. They are psychological, strange, and make audiences question what is real and what is not.

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Inception is a complex bundle of reality and dreaming, but Christopher Nolan used a brilliant method to help the characters discern their realities.

10 The Truman Show (1998)

A Man’s Life Is Actually A Reality TV Show

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The Truman Show is a 1998 comedy-drama directed by Peter Weir. It follows the life of Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey), a man who discovers that his entire life has been a reality TV show with an audience in the millions. Laura Linney plays Truman’s wife Hannah Gill, Noah Emmerich plays his best friend Marlon, and Ed Harris portrays the series’ director, Christof.

Director Peter Weir , peter Release Date June 5, 1998 Writers Andrew Niccol Cast Ed Harris , Natascha McElhone , Laura Linney , Jim Carrey , Noah Emmerich Distributor(s) Paramount Pictures Runtime 103 minutes Expand

One of the first movies viewers may think of when they consider reality-bending movies is 1998’s The Truman Show. Starring Jim Carrey, The Truman Show tells the story of Truman, a man who starts to question his reality and ultimately finds that his entire life has been lived on a soundstage. His whole existence has been telecast to the world as a reality television show, and everyone in his life is a paid actor. Truman must find a way to break free.

For a more uplifting version of
Inception, The Truman Show
is the way to go.

The Truman Show doesn’t have the stoic aesthetic of Inception. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. The movie is colorful, comedic, and often heartwarming. Yet, The Truman Show is inextricably linked to Inception because of its major themes about questioning reality and one’s role in the world. Like Cobb, Truman is forced into a position that isn’t exactly freeing. However, using his wits, he is able to escape the pressures of society and lead the life he truly wants. For a more uplifting version of Inception, The Truman Show is the way to go.

9 Being John Malkovich (1999)

A Man Discovers A Wormhole Into An Actor’s Brain

Being John Malkovich R

Being John Malkovich is a 1999 surreal comedy that tells the story of puppeteer Craig Schwartz (John Cusack), who discovers a portal that leads directly into the mind of real-life actor John Malkovich. Directed by Spike Jonze and featuring an all-star cast that includes Cameron Diaz and Catherine Keener, the film explores themes of identity, obsession, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction.

Director Spike Jonze Release Date October 29, 1999 Cast John Cusack , John Malkovich , Cameron Diaz , Catherine Keener Runtime 113 Mins

Another trippy and quirky mind-bender is Being John Malkovich. This strange comedy film sees John Cusack as Craig, a directionless puppeteer who takes up a temp job at a dull office. While there, he discovers a portal that allows him to be in the mind of actor, John Malkovich. However, the miracle goes awry when his attractive co-worker takes their discovery in a totally different and immoral direction.

Being John Malkovich is a watch that is a great combination of meta and outlandish. The movie not only introduces the concept of portals into others’ brains, but it also uses John Malkovich as a unique tether between the world of the movie and reality. Better than that, the film questions the morality of such a scenario. Overall, Being John Malkovich is a messy and odd story that will certainly have audiences scratching their heads as often as they did watching Inception.

8 Tenet (2020)

A Secret Agent Travels Through Time To Stop World War III

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Armed with only one word—Tenet—and fighting for the survival of the entire world, a nameless Protagonist journeys through a twilight world of international espionage on a mission that will unfold in something beyond real time.

Director Christopher Nolan Release Date September 3, 2020 Writers Christopher Nolan Cast Kenneth Branagh , John David Washington , Michael Caine , Robert Pattinson , Elizabeth Debicki , Dimple Kapadia , Aaron Taylor-Johnson , Clemence Poesy Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Runtime 150 minutes Expand

Inception may be unique, but a number of other Christopher Nolan movies have similar themes that make them perfect follow-ups. Tenet is one of these. Released in 2020, Tenet tells the story of a former CIA agent who is pulled into a strange time conspiracy. The agent must trace objects as they go back in time and connect them to an attack from the future that will destroy the present. With a star-studded cast and Nolan’s typical cinematic flair, this movie is complex and smart.

Tenet
has the worst Rotten Tomatoes score of any film Christopher Nolan as directed with a 69%.

Tenet certainly has similarities to Inception in terms of story, but what really connects the two are their aesthetics. Like Inception, Tenet provides sleek visuals that are intended to stun audiences. It isn’t just the twisty plot that captivates Nolan’s audiences; it is also the way in which Nolan showcases these twists visually. In this way, audiences who loved the utilitarian urban setting of Inception should definitely give Tenet a try.

7 Mr. Nobody (2009)

The Last Mortal Human Reflects On His Life

A particularly underrated movie that is reminiscent of Inception is 2009’s Mr. Nobody. This sci-fi drama follows Nemo, the last mortal human, in a future where everyone has achieved immortality. As Nemo approaches death, he reflects on his life, including his romantic relationships and his difficulties. At the same time, Nemo contemplates the ways in which his life could have been different if he had made different decisions. Notably, the film has a nonlinear plot.

It may seem like Mr. Nobody has a fairly straight-forward plot, but it really is quite a web of complicated plots and ideas. It is similar to Inception in that it makes viewers question what scenes are real and what are just possibilities. Furthermore, the end of the film doesn’t quite give a solid answer either. Like Inception, audiences simply have to trust that the character is happy, no matter which direction they go in. Though this movie can be confusing, it is definitely worth figuring out.

6 Donnie Darko (2001)

A Teenager Learns That The World Is About To End

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After troubled teen Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal) wakes on a local golf course after a night of sleepwalking, he has a vision of a man in a rabbit suit telling him that the world will end in 28 days. Returning home, Donnie sees that a jet engine has fallen on his bedroom in the night, and begins to feel increasingly detached from reality. Scrambling to make sense of the bizarre and unexplainable events that have altered his life, Donnie finds himself unravelling a tangled web of disaster and fate.

Director Richard Kelly Release Date October 26, 2001 Writers Richard Kelly Cast Jake Gyllenhaal , Holmes Osborne , Maggie Gyllenhaal , Daveigh Chase , Mary McDonnell , James Duval Distributor(s) Newmarket Films Runtime 113 minutes Expand

Where the ending of Inception tricks audiences by being ambiguous, movies like Donnie Darko are shocking because of their incredible twists. The 2001 psychological thriller follows the eponymous Donnie, a troubled teenager who begins seeing a man in a bunny suit who tells him the world is going to end in a month. Over time, Donnie must deal with his hallucinations while also coming to terms with the fact that some of his visions may actually be true.

Donnie Darko’s
cast includes stars like Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Drew Barrymore, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Patrick Swayze, and Seth Rogen.

Donnie Darko is a unique mix of quirky, funny, and terrifying. The movie’s autumn 1980s setting gives it a very particular feeling that makes it a perfect seasonal watch. Furthermore, it will leave viewers desperately trying to figure out what they just watched. In the same vein as Inception, Donnie Darko does not hand audiences the answers, but instead pushes them to make connections themselves. Plus, Donnie Darko also has an amazing ensemble cast, just like Inception.

5 Last Night In Soho (2021)

A Young Girl Becomes Entangled In The Past

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In the acclaimed director Edgar Wright’s psychological thriller, Last Night in Soho, Eloise, an aspiring fashion designer, is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s, where she encounters a dazzling wannabe singer, Sandie. However, the glamour is not all it appears to be, and the dreams of the past start to crack and splinter into something far darker.

Director Edgar Wright Release Date October 29, 2021 Writers Edgar Wright , Krysty Wilson-Cairns Cast Anya Taylor-Joy , Lisa McGrillis , Michael Ajao , Matt Smith , Margaret Nolan , Synnove Karlsen , Diana Rigg , Oliver Phelps , Thomasin McKenzie , Jessie Mei Li , Terence Stamp , Rita Tushingham , James Phelps Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Runtime 116 minutes Expand

Another movie that may not get the appreciation it deserves is Last Night in Soho. The Edgar Wright film follows Eloise, a young woman who moves to London to attend fashion school and becomes haunted by dreams of a beautiful woman from the 1960s. However, the fantasies quickly turn dark as Eloise watches the woman’s incredible life turn into an absolute nightmare. From there, Eloise must figure out what is real and what is just a figment of her imagination.

Last Night in Soho has all the same ingredients as Inception, but mixed just a bit differently. Where Inception leans into sci-fi, Last Night in Soho leans into horror. Inception’s atmosphere is dark and clean, while Last Night in Soho’s is covered in grime. Despite these differences, the movies have plenty in common. Eloise’s desires intermingle with her fantasies, putting her in a situation that is similar to Cobb’s. Both characters have to use their talents to get to the bottom of their issues.

4 Memento (2000)

An Amnesiac Tries To Find His Wife’s Killer

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Christopher Nolan’s Memento is a psychological thriller that tells the story of Leonard, a former insurance investigator who suffers from a disease that prevents his brain from storing short-term memories. The one thing he can remember is murder of his wife, for which he wishes to exact revenge. Starring Guy Pearce and Carrie-Anne Moss, the movie was released in 2000 to widespread acclaim, launching the director’s successful Hollywood career.

Director Christopher Nolan Release Date May 25, 2001 Writers Christopher Nolan Cast Joe Pantoliano , Guy Pearce , Carrie-Anne Moss , Stephen Tobolowsky , Mark Boone Junior Distributor(s) Newmarket Films Runtime 113 minutes Expand

The movie that boosted Christopher Nolan to fame is another that has ties to Inception. Memento tells the story of Leonard, a man who is attempting to find the man who assaulted and killed his wife. However, Leonard’s search is hindered by the fact that he has short-term memory loss. Though he remembers his past, he can’t figure out what happened mere minutes before. To solve the mystery, Leonard goes to great lengths to keep his memories in order.

Once again, Memento bends reality in a way that forces the main character to question everything he knows. More than that, Christopher Nolan completely flips the movie on its head by including Memento’s non-linear timeline. In this way, audiences have to work hard to figure out how exactly everything occurred. In some ways, Memento is like a forerunner to Inception. Though the films have different plots and ambiances, they both show Nolan’s love of ambiguity and mystery.

3 The Matrix (1999)

A Man Discovers That Humans Are Trapped In A Simulation

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The Matrix, directed by the Wachowskis, stars Keanu Reeves as Neo, a hacker who discovers that reality is a simulated construct controlled by intelligent machines. Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne Moss co-star as Morpheus and Trinity, who help Neo navigate and ultimately challenge the artificial world. The film blends action, philosophy, and groundbreaking visual effects, establishing itself as a pivotal entry in the science fiction genre.

Director Lana Wachowski , Lilly Wachowski Release Date March 31, 1999 Writers Lilly Wachowski , Lana Wachowski Cast Keanu Reeves , Laurence Fishburne , Carrie-Anne Moss , Hugo Weaving , Gloria Foster , Joe Pantoliano Runtime 136 minutes Main Genre Action Expand

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For those seeking more than just one mind-bending movie, The Matrix franchise is the way to go. The iconic 90s film series stars Keanu Reeves as Neo, a man who discovers that all of humanity is stuck in a simulated reality where their energy is being harvested by intelligent machines. Neo joins up with a secret group of rebels to fight back against the machines and free humanity from their simulation. Where Inception focuses on dreams, The Matrix explores simulations.

Every The Matrix Movie	Year of Release
The Matrix	1999
The Matrix Reloaded	2003
The Matrix Revolutions	2003
The Matrix Resurrections	2021

The Matrix is a classic when it comes to questions of reality. However, what it has that many of these other movies do not is awesome action sequences. As much as Inception is about Cobb’s story, it is also bursting with interesting visuals. With its 1990s cyberpunk setting, The Matrix can offer as much stunning scenery as the Christopher Nolan movie can. Plus, The Matrix is a franchise, which means the excitement doesn’t have to end after just one movie.

2 Shutter Island (2010)

A Detective Investigates A Disappearance From An Asylum

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Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island is based on the novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, and Ben Kingsley. Set in 1959, Shutter Island follows two U.S. Marshalls – Teddy Daniels (DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule (Ruffalo) as they are sent to investigate the disappearance of a patient from a hospital specializing in psychiatric care.

Director Martin Scorsese Release Date February 19, 2010 Writers Laeta Kalogridis , Dennis Lehane Cast Leonardo DiCaprio , Emily Mortimer , Mark Ruffalo , Ben Kingsley , Max Von Sydow , Michelle Williams , Patricia Clarkson , Jackie Earle Haley Distributor(s) Paramount Pictures Runtime 138 minutes Main Genre Drama Expand

Shutter Island not only has the twists and turns of Inception: it also has the same lead actor. Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island sees Leonardo DiCaprio as U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels. Daniels travels to Shutter Island, an infamous insane asylum where a murderess has gone missing from inside her locked cell. With the help of his partner, Daniels must discover what happened to the woman. Yet, at the same time, Daniels is also forced to come to terms with the traumas in his own past.

Leonardo DiCaprio starred in
Inception
and
Shutter Island
in the same year, 2010.

Shutter Island is famous for its third act-twist, and that is reason enough to give the movie a watch. Beyond that, the film definitely has notable similarities to Inception. Both films see DiCaprio in a role where he must quite literally rip through his own memories to figure out what the truth is. Additionally, Shutter Island has a truly captivating atmosphere that is dark, stormy, and heart-pounding. With yet another great cast, it’s definitely worth watching.

1 Paprika (2006)

A Dream Detective Has To Find Her Stolen Device

Paprika RAnimeDrama Fantasy

Paprika (2007) is a Japanese animated science-fiction film directed by Satoshi Kon. The story follows Dr. Atsuko Chiba, a research psychologist who uses a device called the DC Mini to enter patients’ dreams and treat their psychological disorders. When the device is stolen, it poses a threat to both the dream world and reality, prompting Dr. Chiba to transform into her dream alter-ego, Paprika, to retrieve it.

Director Satoshi Kon Release Date June 22, 2007 Writers Yasutaka Tsutsui , Seishi Minakami , Satoshi Kon Cast Megumi Hayashibara , Tōru Emori , Katsunosuke Hori , Tôru Furuya , Koichi Yamadera , Akio Otsuka , Hideyuki Tanaka , Satomi Kôrogi Runtime 90 Minutes Main Genre Anime Expand

In terms of plot, the 2006 animated film Paprika is the best movie like Inception. The film follows Dr. Atsuko Chiba, also known as Paprika. During the day, she is a scientist, but at night, she is a detective who enters people’s dreams and solves mysteries within them. Paprika comes up with a device that could help psychiatric patients via dreams, but when it is stolen, she must track down her invention before it is used to destroy minds.

In many ways, Paprika and Cobb inhabit the same role. They both have the unique ability to enter people’s dreams, then must use that ability to complete an important mission. In this way, Paprika is the perfect watch after Inception. However, Paprika also provides a different perspective on a very similar story. The movie offers a colorful and trippy look at dreams that evokes the real nature of them. Regardless, Paprika will likely bring up the same questions and ideas as Inception does.

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Christopher Nolan’s 2010 Sci-fi action film Inception follows a thief who enters the dreams of others to steal information and, after being caught, is given a chance to clean his slate by performing an untested concept – implanting an idea within another mind. An ensemble cast is brought together by former target Saito, who seeks to implant the idea of destroying his own company into his father’s mind. In a complex labyrinth of dreams and untested theories at the forefront, survival is not guaranteed in this psychological heist where the stakes are high, and nothing is what it seems.

Director Christopher Nolan Release Date July 16, 2010 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Christopher Nolan Cast Tom Hardy , Elliot Page , Joseph Gordon-Levitt , Cillian Murphy , Ken Watanabe , Marion Cotillard , Leonardo DiCaprio Runtime 148 minutes Main Genre Action Expand

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