If you were captivated by the mind-bending narrative and psychological depth of 'Open Your Eyes' (1997), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that delve into themes of reality, identity, and perception, offering the same thrilling and thought-provoking experience. Whether you're a fan of surreal storytelling or existential mysteries, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Dark City (1998)
Description: A visually striking noir-inspired tale of memory manipulation and identity, set in a perpetually dark, shifting city.
Fact: The film was heavily edited by the studio against the director's wishes. The city was built on the largest soundstage in the Southern Hemisphere.


The Truman Show (1998)
Description: Explores themes of reality versus illusion, questioning the nature of existence and perception through a protagonist unaware of his fabricated world.
Fact: The film's concept was inspired by an episode of The Twilight Zone. Jim Carrey's performance was initially met with skepticism due to his comedic background.


The Matrix (1999)
Description: Revolutionary in its depiction of a simulated reality, it questions the nature of existence and human perception through groundbreaking visuals.
Fact: The iconic bullet-dodging scene was inspired by a comic book. The film's code raining down the screen is actual sushi recipes.


The Thirteenth Floor (1999)
Description: A neo-noir science fiction film that explores virtual reality and the blurring lines between simulated and real worlds.
Fact: The film is based on the novel Simulacron-It was overshadowed by The Matrix, released the same year.


Donnie Darko (2001)
Description: A psychological thriller blending science fiction and existential themes, featuring a protagonist grappling with alternate realities and time travel.
Fact: The film was initially a box office failure but gained a cult following. The rabbit costume was inspired by Watership Down.


Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Description: Delves into the manipulation of memory and identity, blending surreal visuals with a deeply emotional narrative about love and loss.
Fact: The film's nonlinear narrative was partly inspired by the structure of a Möbius strip. Kate Winslet dyed her hair pink for her role.


The Prestige (2006)
Description: A gripping narrative about obsession and deception, with twists that challenge the viewer's perception of reality and illusion.
Fact: The film features real magic tricks performed by the actors. David Bowie plays Nikola Tesla in a memorable supporting role.


Shutter Island (2010)
Description: A psychological thriller that plays with the protagonist's (and audience's) sense of reality, filled with eerie atmosphere and mind-bending twists.
Fact: The film was shot in an actual former mental hospital. The script was kept so secret that even the actors didn't know the ending.


Inception (2010)
Description: A mind-bending exploration of dreams within dreams, challenging the boundaries between reality and imagination with intricate storytelling.
Fact: The spinning top at the end was not CGI but a practical effect. The hallway fight scene was achieved by building a rotating set.


Black Mirror (2011)
Description: An anthology series that examines the dark side of technology and its impact on human perception, identity, and reality.
Fact: The show's title refers to the black screens of devices when they're turned off. Each episode is a standalone story with different characters and settings.
