If you enjoyed the thought-provoking and surreal journey of 'I Am (Not) a Monster' (2019), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that delve into themes of identity, existentialism, and psychological depth. Whether you're a fan of mind-bending narratives or philosophical storytelling, these recommendations will captivate your imagination.

The Truman Show (1998)
Description: A satirical yet poignant take on reality, surveillance, and the illusion of free will. The film's blend of humor and existential dread resonates with themes of control and self-discovery.
Fact: The town of Seahaven was built as a complete set, making it one of the largest ever constructed at the time. The film's concept was inspired by a Twilight Zone episode.


Being John Malkovich (1999)
Description: A surreal and existential exploration of identity and consciousness, blending dark humor with philosophical questions about self and reality. The narrative's bizarre premise and psychological depth make it a standout.
Fact: The film was initially rejected by several studios before being picked up by a smaller production company. The iconic 'Malkovich Malkovich' scene was improvised on set.


Donnie Darko (2001)
Description: A mind-bending mix of psychological thriller and sci-fi, exploring themes of time, destiny, and mental illness. The film's ambiguous narrative and eerie atmosphere create a lasting impact.
Fact: The film was initially a box office flop but gained a cult following after its DVD release. The director's cut includes additional scenes that clarify some of the movie's more obscure elements.


Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Description: A poignant meditation on memory, love, and loss, wrapped in a sci-fi premise. The nonlinear storytelling and emotional depth resonate with themes of human connection and impermanence.
Fact: The film's title is taken from a line in Alexander Pope's poem 'Eloisa to Abelard.' The script was written in a non-linear fashion to mirror the protagonist's fragmented memories.


The Science of Sleep (2006)
Description: A whimsical yet melancholic exploration of dreams, reality, and unrequited love. The film's blend of surreal visuals and heartfelt storytelling captures the blurry line between imagination and actuality.
Fact: Many of the dream sequences were created using practical effects and handmade props. The film's protagonist also designed the quirky inventions seen in the movie.


Synecdoche, New York (2008)
Description: A meta-narrative about life, art, and the passage of time, filled with existential musings and surreal imagery. The film's layered storytelling and introspective themes make it a profound experience.
Fact: The film's title is a play on words, combining 'synecdoche' (a figure of speech) with 'Schenectady,' a city in New York. It was the directorial debut of its writer, who is better known for his screenplays.


Her (2013)
Description: A deeply introspective look at loneliness, love, and technology's role in human relationships. The film's melancholic yet hopeful tone and futuristic yet relatable setting create a unique emotional experience.
Fact: The film was shot in Shanghai and Los Angeles to create a futuristic yet familiar urban landscape. The voice of the AI, Samantha, was recorded before filming began to help the actors react naturally.


Black Mirror (2011)
Description: An anthology series that examines the dark side of technology and human nature, often with a dystopian twist. Its thought-provoking narratives and unsettling realism make it a compelling watch.
Fact: The show's title refers to the reflective screens of devices like phones and TVs. Each episode is a standalone story, allowing for diverse themes and settings.


Anomalisa (2015)
Description: A stop-motion animated film that delves into themes of isolation, identity, and the human condition. Its minimalist style and emotional rawness create a deeply personal and unsettling experience.
Fact: The film was initially conceived as a sound play before being adapted into a movie. All the characters, except the protagonist, are voiced by the same actor to emphasize his perception of sameness in others.


The Lobster (2015)
Description: This film explores themes of societal expectations and the absurdity of human relationships, presented through a surreal and darkly comedic lens. Its unique blend of existential dread and deadpan humor creates a thought-provoking experience.
Fact: The film was shot in Ireland, and the cast had to learn to speak with a specific accent to maintain the movie's ambiguous setting. It won the Jury Prize at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.
