There are so many Movies You Need to Watch Twice in order to understand them completely. Whether it’s Christopher Nolan’s science fiction epic Inception or the Tom Cruise romance-drama Vanilla Sky, the real pleasure of these movies lies in the repeated viewings. Therefore, in this listicle, we will take a look at such complex yet unique films.
Check Out 7 Movies You Need To Watch Twice to Understand
1. Inception (2010)
If there was ever a ranking for Movies You Need to Watch Twice in order to understand completely, then Christopher Nolan’s magnum opus science fiction will easily top it, every time. This generation-defining lucid dreaming saga is one for the ages, that just gets better with each viewing. Centred around a highly meticulous heist that takes place within multiple dream sequences, this Leonardo DiCaprio mind-bending thriller will literally make you scratch for answers (right after its sensationally debated ending). Morever, there are so many layers in the film, that you can only surpass through a thin point of understanding, without a proper second-time approach. Currently, Inception is streaming on Netflix.
2. Primer (2004)
To be very frank, even I haven’t understood this movie completely to this date. Regarded as a cult favourite now, this masterclass in theoretical physics is one of the best examples of movies, that you just need to watch twice, thrice (or maybe even a fourth attempt with rapt attention) in order to gain a basic understanding. Moreover, there is something special about Primer that makes you find answers through long YouTube videos, immediately after a viewing attempt. Perhaps, it’s a miracle that Shane Carruth’s masterpiece not only exits but gets the amount of love (which it wholeheartedly deserves) to this day. Do yourself a favour and hop on to this meta-ride on Amazon Prime Video.
3. Upstream Color (2013)
If Primer was Shane Carruth’s masterpiece then Upstream Color has to be his tour de force. To put it this way, it’s a criminally underrated film with some of the best performances from the leading character duo in a long-long time. The entire film feels like a single continuation (thanks to the incredible editing of the picture), which makes it a one-of-a-kind experience. There is a definite chance that you’ll need a mature second time viewing to grasp the metaphorical concept of the film, or even to get closer to Carruth’s genius vision. You can stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
4. Vanilla Sky (2001)
There is a reason why Cameron Crowe is one of my favourite filmmakers of all time, and Vanilla Sky is definitely a large part of it. It’s one of those films, where you cannot (and literally in no way whatsoever) predict the direction of the film. At first, it feels like a romantic drama gone completely sideways until it finally reaches the science fiction-infused second half (a mild spoiler). It’s such a beautifully curated movie, that you not only will you watch it again for better understanding, but also for a rich movie experience in general. As of now, you can stream it on Netflix.
5. The Prestige (2006)
It’s a no-brainer that we have two Christopher Nolan flicks on the list. Especially, this magic-themed rivalry The Prestige, which demands a second-time viewing experience. Perhaps Hugh Jackman’s best performance to date, this movie meticulously explores the themes of jealousy and competition, among two “best in the business” magicians. Moreover, the final act of the movie is still debated profoundly, with different opinions regarding the fate of Christian Bale’s character. You can check it out for yourself on Amazon Prime Video.
6. The Conversation (1974)
Francis Ford Coppola’s detailed study on the theme of obsession is a must-watch suspense thriller, that makes it compulsion in itself to watch it twice. Moreover, the film manages to showcase Gene Hackman’s acting prowess in its supreme form and leaves you with a horrifying ending. If you are out of some great suspense-based movies to watch, make sure to catch up with this gem of a film on Amazon Prime Video.
7. I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020)
The best way to describe this Charlie Kaufman rollercoaster will be like explaining the meaning of a lucid dream. It’s simply one of a kind film that breaks every law there is, in the screenwriting book, and still manages to be a gripping and wholesome experience. The film will make you doubt your understanding of movies and cinema in general, and might even shake you to the core, with its open-ended climax. Currently, it’s streaming on Netflix.
Let us know your favourite Movies You Need to Watch Twice to understand completely, in the comment section below.