If you were captivated by the surreal, deadpan humor and existential musings of 'A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence' (2014), this list is for you. We’ve curated 10 similarly offbeat films and shows that blend absurdity with profound reflection, perfect for fans of Roy Andersson’s unique style. Dive into these unconventional narratives that challenge reality while making you laugh—or at least ponder life’s oddities.

Being John Malkovich (1999)
Description: Offers a whimsical yet philosophical take on identity and existence, using surreal and inventive storytelling techniques.
Fact: The film was originally conceived as a puppet show, but the idea evolved into a full-length feature film.


Amélie (2001)
Description: Captures a whimsical and visually rich storytelling style, focusing on the small, magical moments in everyday life.
Fact: The film was shot in over 80 locations in Paris, many of which were carefully chosen to enhance the fairy-tale-like atmosphere.


Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Description: Explores the complexities of memory and relationships through a nonlinear, dreamlike narrative that blends romance with existential questions.
Fact: The film's title is taken from a line in Alexander Pope's poem 'Eloisa to Abelard,' which reflects the themes of memory and loss.


Synecdoche, New York (2008)
Description: Presents a deeply introspective and surreal narrative, blurring the lines between reality and fiction in a melancholic exploration of life and art.
Fact: The film's title is a play on words, combining 'synecdoche' (a figure of speech) with 'Schenectady,' a city in New York.


Dogtooth (2009)
Description: Features a bizarre and unsettling narrative style, delving into the absurdity of human behavior and control within a confined environment.
Fact: The film was banned in several countries due to its controversial content, including scenes of violence and taboo subjects.


Under the Skin (2013)
Description: Uses minimal dialogue and a haunting visual style to create an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere, exploring themes of alienation and identity.
Fact: Many of the scenes featuring non-actors were filmed with hidden cameras, adding to the film's unsettling realism.


The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Description: Features a highly stylized visual aesthetic and a quirky, whimsical tone, with a narrative that weaves together humor and melancholy.
Fact: The film's distinctive pink color palette was inspired by the work of Austrian writer Stefan Zweig, who influenced the story.


The Lobster (2015)
Description: Shares a surreal and darkly comedic tone, exploring themes of human relationships and societal norms through absurdist scenarios.
Fact: The film was shot in Ireland, and the cast had to learn how to dance for a specific scene, which was choreographed to perfection.


The Favourite (2018)
Description: Combines historical drama with dark humor and absurdity, focusing on power dynamics and human folly in a stylized setting.
Fact: The film used real candles for lighting in many scenes to maintain historical accuracy, creating a unique visual aesthetic.


The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Description: Utilizes a slow, deliberate pace and unsettling atmosphere to explore themes of fate, morality, and the supernatural.
Fact: The title is a reference to the Greek myth of Iphigenia, which plays a significant role in the film's plot.
