When it gets cold and dreary out, light hearted romances and comedies seem like best movies to watch to get out of a funk. These films, however, will wake you up from your sleepy state and make you think, instead of making you feel lonely. To me, there is nothing better than watching a movie and not expecting the outcome. If you haven’t seen or heard about these movies before, you will be shocked at how well they keep you engaged and curious.
1. Inception (2010)
The ultimate “mind-blowing” film was directed by one of the most innovative filmmakers of the 21st century. Inception explores the concept of lucid dreaming, and toys with our perceptions of reality. If you want to watch a movie that leaves you stunned for hours (or weeks) afterwards, Inception is the way to go. And, bonus, you get to look at Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Leonardo DiCaprio for two and a half hours.
2. Limitless (2011)
Limitless stars an unmotivated and unremarkable Bradley Cooper, who takes a drug that allows him to utilize more of his brain power. His character becomes incredibly successful and smart, but when his supply of the drug runs out, he has to race against time – and a handful of scary men bent on stealing his supply – to restock the pill.
3. Momento (2000)
Christopher Nolan’s first major motion picture still has me speechless. Leonard (Guy Pearce) is hunting the man who raped and murdered his wife, but finds complications when he forgets everything that has happened since the accident that caused this rare form of memory loss. This movie is the ultimate mystery, and it’s unpredictability will force you to pay attention to every twist and turn.
4. Shutter Island (2010)
Leonardo DiCaprio stars as U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels, who is sent to an insane asylum on a remote island when one of the patients escapes. The creepy island, suspicious staff, and Teddy Daniels’ unsettling behavior lends to the mysterious and shocking plot twist.
5. Premonition (2007)
When comfortable housewife Linda Hanson (Sandra Bullock) learns that her husband has been killed in a car accident, her entire life seems to fall to shambles. But when she wakes up the morning after to find her husband sleeping safely beside her, she is caught in a chaotic mess of time and possible insanity. When you watch this movie, be prepared to rewind multiple times, because you’ll want to solve this thriller before Linda does.