10 Movies & Shows Similar to Hypnotic (2023)

Description: 'Fight Club' and 'Hypnotic' both explore themes of identity, mental instability, and the manipulation of perception. The films feature unreliable narrators and twist endings that redefine the entire story. The gritty, visceral visuals and intense psychological drama in 'Fight Club' mirror the tone of 'Hypnotic'.

Fact: Brad Pitt and Edward Norton trained in boxing, taekwondo, and grappling for their roles. The film was initially a box office disappointment but became a cult classic. Chuck Palahniuk, the author of the novel, was inspired by a real-life fight he witnessed.

Description: 'The Sixth Sense' and 'Hypnotic' both deal with protagonists who have a unique ability to perceive things others cannot. The films build tension through psychological suspense and a slow reveal of the truth. The emotional weight and twist endings in both movies leave a lasting impact on the audience.

Fact: Bruce Willis was not told the film's twist until the day of shooting the final scene. The iconic line 'I see dead people' was improvised by Haley Joel Osment. M. Night Shyamalan wrote the script with Bruce Willis in mind for the lead role.

Description: 'Memento' and 'Hypnotic' both feature protagonists with fragmented memories, leading to a non-linear narrative that keeps the audience guessing. The themes of identity, revenge, and the unreliability of memory are prominent in both films. The visual storytelling in 'Memento' is innovative, much like the stylistic choices in 'Hypnotic'.

Fact: The film's reverse chronology was inspired by a short story written by Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan's brother. Guy Pearce was not the first choice for the lead role; Brad Pitt was initially considered. The tattoos on Leonard's body were real and applied daily during filming.

Description: Both 'Donnie Darko' and 'Hypnotic' feature protagonists who experience surreal, mind-bending events that challenge their understanding of reality. The films blend psychological drama with elements of science fiction, creating a unique and unsettling atmosphere. The themes of time, fate, and mental illness are central to both stories.

Fact: The film was shot in 28 days. Jake Gyllenhaal was only 20 years old during filming. The director's cut includes more explanations about the time travel elements.

Description: Both 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' and 'Hypnotic' explore the manipulation of memory and the emotional consequences of such actions. The films blend science fiction with deep emotional storytelling, creating a unique tone that is both thought-provoking and heart-wrenching. The visual effects in both movies are used to represent the fluidity and fragility of memory.

Fact: The film's title is taken from a line in Alexander Pope's poem 'Eloisa to Abelard'. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet improvised many of their scenes. Michel Gondry used practical effects to create the memory-erasing sequences.

Description: Both 'The Machinist' and 'Hypnotic' explore the psychological unraveling of their protagonists, with a focus on guilt, paranoia, and unreliable narration. The dark, gritty visual style of 'The Machinist' complements its intense, psychological themes, much like 'Hypnotic'. Both films keep the audience questioning the protagonist's sanity.

Fact: Christian Bale lost 63 pounds for his role, reducing his weight to 120 lbs. The film's budget was only $5 million. The movie was shot in Barcelona, Spain, but set in Los Angeles.

Description: 'The Prestige' and 'Hypnotic' both revolve around themes of deception, obsession, and the blurring of reality. The films feature intricate plots with twists that challenge the viewer's perception. The dark, atmospheric visuals and period settings in 'The Prestige' add to its mysterious tone, much like 'Hypnotic'.

Fact: Christopher Nolan directed 'The Prestige' right after 'Batman Begins'. David Bowie played Nikola Tesla in the film. The rivalry between the magicians mirrors the real-life feud between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla.

Description: 'Shutter Island' shares with 'Hypnotic' a gripping psychological thriller narrative where the protagonist's grasp on reality is constantly in question. Both films employ a noir-ish visual style and a haunting score to enhance the eerie, unsettling atmosphere. The themes of memory, identity, and deception are central to both stories.

Fact: Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio collaborated for the fourth time on this film. The film is based on Dennis Lehane's 2003 novel of the same name. The lighthouse scene was shot in a real, decommissioned mental institution.

Description: Like 'Hypnotic', 'Inception' delves into the manipulation of the mind, exploring themes of reality vs. illusion. Both films feature protagonists who navigate complex psychological landscapes, questioning what is real. The visual aesthetics in both movies are striking, with surreal and dreamlike sequences that challenge the viewer's perception.

Fact: Christopher Nolan wrote the script for 'Inception' over the course of 10 years. The spinning top at the end was not CGI; it was a practical effect. The film's concept was inspired by lucid dreaming.

Description: 'Black Mirror' shares with 'Hypnotic' a fascination with the darker aspects of technology and the human mind. Both explore themes of control, perception, and the consequences of manipulating reality. The anthology format of 'Black Mirror' allows for a variety of psychological and sci-fi narratives, similar to the mind-bending nature of 'Hypnotic'.

Fact: The show's title refers to the reflective screens of devices like phones and TVs. Charlie Brooker created the series as a modern take on 'The Twilight Zone'. The episode 'San Junipero' won two Emmy Awards.