If you loved the surreal and haunting atmosphere of 'In Dreams (2023),' you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 movies and shows that share its dreamlike storytelling, psychological depth, and eerie visuals. Whether you're a fan of mind-bending narratives or simply looking for your next binge-worthy obsession, these recommendations will keep you captivated.

What Dreams May Come (1998)
Description: A visually rich and emotional journey through the afterlife, with dreamlike landscapes that reflect the protagonist's inner state.
Fact: The film won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. The afterlife scenes were inspired by the paintings of various artists, including Salvador Dalí.


The Cell (2000)
Description: Delves into the surreal and visually stunning landscapes of the human mind, blending horror and psychological thriller elements.
Fact: The film's dream sequences were inspired by the works of artists like Damien Hirst and Odd Nerdrum. It was one of the first films to use extensive digital effects for its dreamscapes.


Waking Life (2001)
Description: A philosophical and visually unique exploration of lucid dreaming and the nature of reality, using rotoscope animation.
Fact: The film was shot on digital video and then animated using a technique called rotoscoping. It features cameos from several philosophers and academics.


Vanilla Sky (2001)
Description: A psychological thriller that plays with the boundaries between dreams and reality, featuring a disorienting narrative and surreal visuals.
Fact: The film is a remake of the Spanish movie 'Abre los Ojos.' The iconic empty Times Square scene was achieved by closing off the area to the public for a brief period.


Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Description: A poignant exploration of memory and dreams, with a nonlinear narrative that mirrors the fluidity of thought.
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 reflect the fragmented nature of memory.


The Science of Sleep (2006)
Description: A whimsical and visually inventive portrayal of dreams, blending stop-motion animation with live-action to create a dreamlike atmosphere.
Fact: The film's dream sequences were inspired by director Michel Gondry's own dreams. Many of the props and sets were handmade to enhance the film's DIY aesthetic.


The Fountain (2006)
Description: A visually stunning and emotionally resonant exploration of love, death, and the passage of time, with dreamlike sequences that blur reality.
Fact: The film was originally planned with a much larger budget and Brad Pitt in the lead role. The final version was made for a fraction of the original budget and shot in just 30 days.


The Fall (2006)
Description: A visually breathtaking tale that intertwines reality and fantasy, with elaborate dream sequences that mirror the protagonist's imagination.
Fact: The film was shot in over 20 countries over a period of four years. The director, Tarsem Singh, funded the film himself to maintain creative control.


Paprika (2006)
Description: A vibrant and chaotic journey through dreams and the subconscious, with a focus on the merging of reality and fantasy.
Fact: The film heavily influenced Christopher Nolan's 'Inception.' It was Satoshi Kon's final completed film before his untimely death.


Inception (2010)
Description: Explores the blurred lines between dreams and reality, featuring intricate dreamscapes and psychological depth.
Fact: The spinning top at the end was not CGI; it was a practical effect. The hallway fight scene was achieved by building a rotating set.
