If you loved the mind-bending thrills of 'Dreamscape' (1984), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that blend sci-fi, psychological intrigue, and dream manipulation. Whether you're a fan of surreal storytelling or action-packed adventures, these picks will keep you hooked.

The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)
Description: A surreal and visually poetic film about an alien navigating human society, filled with dreamlike imagery and existential themes.
Fact: David Bowie's first major acting role. The film was heavily edited for its initial U.S. release, losing much of its surreal tone.


Altered States (1980)
Description: A psychedelic journey into the depths of the human mind, featuring hallucinatory sequences that blur the line between science and mysticism.
Fact: The film's special effects were achieved using a mix of practical effects and early CGI. The lead actor underwent drastic physical transformations for the role.


Videodrome (1983)
Description: A body horror film that explores the merging of technology and human consciousness, with grotesque and hallucinatory visuals.
Fact: The film's special effects were created by Rick Baker, who won an Oscar for 'An American Werewolf in London.' It was initially banned in several countries.


Total Recall (1990)
Description: A high-octane action film that questions the nature of memory and reality, featuring bizarre and imaginative sci-fi landscapes.
Fact: The film's special effects were groundbreaking for the time, including the iconic three-breasted woman. It was loosely based on a Philip K. Dick story.


Dark City (1998)
Description: A noir-inspired sci-fi film that plays with memory and identity, set in a constantly shifting cityscape that feels like a collective dream.
Fact: The entire film was shot on sets with no natural sunlight. The director's cut removes the opening narration to enhance the mystery.


The Matrix (1999)
Description: Revolutionary in its depiction of a simulated reality, questioning the nature of existence with groundbreaking visual effects and a dystopian narrative.
Fact: The bullet time effect was created using a ring of still cameras. The film's philosophy draws heavily from Jean Baudrillard's 'Simulacra and Simulation.'


The Thirteenth Floor (1999)
Description: A cerebral thriller that examines simulated realities and the existential questions they raise, with a twisty narrative that keeps viewers guessing.
Fact: The film is based on the novel 'Simulacron-3' by Daniel F. Galouye. It was released the same year as 'The Matrix' but received less attention.


The Cell (2000)
Description: Delves into the surreal and visually arresting world of a comatose patient's mind, featuring dreamlike sequences that challenge perception.
Fact: The film's costume designer won an award for the intricate and otherworldly outfits. Many scenes were inspired by the works of artist Damien Hirst.


Paprika (2006)
Description: A mind-bending animated film that explores the merging of dreams and reality, with vibrant and surreal visuals that depict the fluidity of the subconscious.
Fact: The film heavily influenced Christopher Nolan's 'Inception.' The parade scene is one of the most iconic and visually striking sequences in anime.


Inception (2010)
Description: Explores the concept of entering and manipulating dreams, blurring the lines between reality and the subconscious mind with visually stunning dreamscapes.
Fact: The spinning top at the end was not CGI; it was a practical effect. The hallway fight scene was achieved by rotating an entire set.
