If you loved 'The Universal Theory (2023)' and are craving more mind-bending sci-fi thrillers, you're in the right place! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that delve into parallel universes, time loops, and existential mysteries. Whether you're a fan of cerebral storytelling or high-concept sci-fi, these picks will keep you hooked.

Primer (2004)
Description: A complex and cerebral take on time travel, focusing on the unintended consequences and ethical dilemmas that arise from manipulating time.
Fact: Made on a budget of just $7,000, it is renowned for its intricate plot, which many viewers find difficult to follow without multiple viewings.


Timecrimes (2007)
Description: A tightly plotted time-travel thriller that examines causality and the inevitability of fate through a series of increasingly tense events.
Fact: The film was remade in Hollywood as 'Los Cronocrímenes,' but the original Spanish version remains highly praised for its clever script.


The Man from Earth (2007)
Description: A thought-provoking sci-fi film that explores deep philosophical and existential questions through dialogue-driven storytelling, focusing on a man who claims to have lived for thousands of years.
Fact: The entire film was shot in just one location, and the script was written in a single weekend. It has since gained a cult following for its intellectual depth despite its low budget.


Another Earth (2011)
Description: A melancholic sci-fi drama that juxtaposes personal redemption with the discovery of a parallel Earth, blending emotional depth with existential wonder.
Fact: The co-writer and lead actress, Brit Marling, also co-wrote and starred in several other indie sci-fi films, contributing to her reputation as a genre innovator.


Predestination (2014)
Description: A time-travel paradox story that weaves a tightly knit narrative around themes of identity, fate, and self-discovery.
Fact: The film is based on the short story 'All You Zombies' by Robert A. Heinlein, which is famous for its intricate time-loop structure.


The Infinite Man (2014)
Description: A quirky and inventive time-travel romance that explores love and obsession through a looping narrative filled with humor and heart.
Fact: The film was shot in just 19 days, and its intricate plot required meticulous planning to ensure continuity across multiple timelines.


The One I Love (2014)
Description: A surreal romantic drama with sci-fi undertones, examining relationships and identity through a mysterious and unsettling premise.
Fact: The film's twist was kept secret from audiences during its marketing campaign, leading to many surprised reactions from viewers.


Coherence (2013)
Description: A mind-bending sci-fi thriller that delves into alternate realities and the nature of identity, using a minimalist approach to create tension and intrigue.
Fact: The film was largely improvised, with actors given only basic outlines of their characters and scenarios each day to enhance realism.


I Origins (2014)
Description: A sci-fi drama that merges scientific inquiry with spiritual themes, focusing on the search for evidence of reincarnation through the study of human eyes.
Fact: The film's premise was inspired by real scientific research into the uniqueness of human irises and their potential connections to past lives.


The Endless (2017)
Description: A sci-fi horror film that blends cosmic mystery with psychological tension, exploring themes of time loops and cult-like communities.
Fact: The directors also star in the film, and it serves as a quasi-sequel to their earlier movie 'Resolution,' though it stands on its own.
