12 Best Thought Provoking Movies That You Will Enjoy Watching Update 04/2024

Best Thought Provoking Movies

Using cinema as a medium, artists can convey thought-provoking ideas and elicit emotional responses from their audiences. There are several advantages to this type of language over other forms, such as literature, music or painting; it incorporates them all. Movies that are more than just popular entertainment are on the scene from time to time. It’s not uncommon for these movies to leave a lasting impression on the viewer’s mind even after they’ve viewed them. Movies that make you think are included in this list. Some of the most thought-provoking films are available on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.

12. The Man From Earth (2007)

The Man From Earth (2007)

“The Man from Earth” is a science-fiction film that doesn’t rely on computer graphics or special effects to be intriguing. the entire film takes place in a single room, as several professors gather to say their goodbyes to John Oldman, one of their own. The plot thickens and thickens from this simple idea until it thoroughly captivates and amazes us. Cro-Magnons, or “cavemen,” have existed for about 14,000 years and evolved with the times. John Oldman is one of them.

A fascinating and thought-provoking film, “The Man from Earth” demands our whole attention and enthralls us with its concepts. What is possible and what isn’t will be questioned in the film. Because of its tension and drama, the film’s story is especially thought-provoking. Many feel driven to watch it multiple times in order to fully absorb what it has to offer.

11. Schindler’s List (1993)

Steven Spielberg’s ‘Schindler’s List’ is the only film to depict the Holocaust in Nazi Germany in such a powerful way. A businessman in occupied Poland, Oskar Schindler, protects his Jewish employees from the atrocities of the Nazis in this film. This black-and-white film, starring Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes, leaves you feeling utterly drained and depressed. For those who didn’t grow up in the shadow of World War II, this film can only serve as a brief reminder of how terrible those years were.

‘Schindler’s List’ is a roller-coaster ride of tremendous emotions that you’ll never forget. The film depicts the brutal treatment of Jews by the Nazis, culminating in the horrors of the concentration camps. It has a lasting impact on the minds of those who see it and makes them think. The fact that Oskar Schindler and the countless lives he saved are not made up enhances the impact of this picture.

10. Toni Erdmann (2016)

Toni Erdmann (2016)

The German comedy ‘Toni Erdmann’ is one of the year’s greatest pictures. This is a must-see for cinephiles who lament the decline of the art form. The story revolves around Ines, a corporate executive who is always on the go, and her amusing father Winfried, who attempts to liven things up a bit by pulling practical jokes on her. You can’t help but think about the parallels between the story and your own life as you read this great satire.

As we see Winfried pretend to be Ines’ CEO’s life coach and infiltrate her corporate world, we’re left gasping and shaking our heads in astonishment. Putting on a fake smile, he takes her from one uncomfortable scenario to the next while she tries to keep up the façade of a boring office job. There are some scenes in the movie that will stick with you for a long time because they are so masterfully produced. Of all recent movies, “Toni Erdmann” has to be one of the most adventurous and introspective.

9. Lost in Translation (2003)

As one of the best films of the decade, “Lost in Translation,” directed by Sofia Coppola, is frequently cited as one of the best. For the most part, it is a heartwarming and poignant tale of two people who find each other in the midst of their own personal crises. There is a crisis of identity for both of them as a result of their unhappy marriages. As a result of their shared position, they begin to socialize and do fun things together. We may learn a lot from the movie by observing how the crisis affects both a youthful Scarlett Johansson and an older Bill Murray.

Being philosophical without being preachy or emotional without being melodramatic is what makes “Lost in Translation” so exceptional. It’s a film that needs multiple viewings because of its subtle comedy, mind-blowing acting, and stunning photography. Bill Murray is departing for the airport, probably never seeing Scarlett again, just as they catch up teary-eyed and Bill whispers something in her ear that we aren’t allowed to hear, which is a really moving finish to the movie.

8. Into the Wild (2007)

Into the Wild (2007)

After seeing this movie about Christopher McCandless, who left his college life behind to live in the Alaskan wilderness, your city life will feel like a tight prison cell. A voyage into an untamed and unpredictable life is followed by Emile Hirsch, who portrays Christopher in the film. A fascinating look at the old human situations he seeks to recreate.

Despite the widespread desire to experience new places and go on adventures, very few people actually do so. ‘Into the Wild’ is a more thought-provoking film for them since it encourages people to live their lives on their own terms and in their own way. This film, which also stars Kristen Stewart, is well worth seeing for its inspiring depiction of McCandless’ life and ideas.

7. Before Sunset (2004)

‘Before Sunset,’ the second film in director Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy, continues Jesse and Celine’s unusual connection of quick encounters and extensive chats in Paris. Our thoughts are forever changed by this film’s clever speech, which is woven throughout the story. Even though they appear to be spontaneous, the exchanges are so profound, insightful, and engrossing that we are convinced they are not. ‘Before Sunset’ stands out as a unique realistic film because to Linklater’s outstanding direction and clever long takes.

In spite of an excessive sense of affection that produces periodic outbursts, the characters spend their time together with excruciating patience. As they try to find solutions to the many questions that are filling their minds, they weave their discourse. This is a refreshing diversion from the usual fare of corny, overdramatic romantic comedies. Even after the credits have rolled, the intriguing encounter between Jesse and Celine in Paris will linger in your mind.

6. The Thin Red Line (1998)

The Thin Red Line (1998)

“The Thin Red Line,” while being one of Terrence Malick’s best films, takes the top spot on my list because of its harrowing and sarcastic setting. To be sure, this is not your typical war film, as it takes place during World War II’s Guadalcanal battle and follows the American effort to liberate the island from the Japanese. The film’s star-studded ensemble includes Sean Penn, John Travolta, and George Clooney, who immerse you in a harrowing setting and allow you to discover the beauty in it.

There is so lot to take in when you simply see “The Thin Red Line” once, even if its fundamental message is simple: fighting is pointless. In many ways, the film’s depiction of conflict is implausible. Mallick’s stunning cinematography is enough to merit a viewing of this film. If you’re looking for an experience that’s more than the sum of its parts, then this is it.

5. Boyhood (2014)

Boyhood is one of the most innovative and complex films ever made. Re-imagining reality in filmmaking, it was shot over 12 years with the same cast. Richard Linklater’s film chronicles Mason’s life from his earliest years up until his entry into college. We see him come of age as he grows up in terrible surroundings owing to his parents’ divorce during this journey. The film’s calm and non-judgmental approach to the subject matter enhances the emotional impact of the idea. ‘Boyhood’ leaves us with a lasting impression that compels us to reflect deeply.

In this short, you’ll see practically every possible circumstance that a typical kid might encounter as they grow up. The movie begins as a story about Mason, but as it goes, it becomes more broad. There are a few moments that will be all too familiar to the audience. ‘Boyhood’ is one of the few films that may elicit strong emotions and thoughts from you.

4. Wings of Desire (1987)

Wings of Desire (1987)

As a film-maker, Wim Wenders has a distinct style and has produced numerous excellent works, like Paris, Texas. In spite of this, ‘Wings of Desire’ may be his most powerful and moving piece. To win her heart, an angel who has been watching Berliners go about their lives decides to transform into a human so that he can be with her. This film touches on so many various facets of contemporary life that each person who sees it will take something away from it that is unique to them. Watching this film is a memorable experience, made even more so by the stunning photography and cinematography.

‘Wings of Desire’ suggests that we are always protected by a swarm of angels. Human youngsters are the only ones who can see them. In contrast to the hard-boiled seriousness of an adult, the picture often conjures the innocence of a child. It’s both inspirational and melancholic, practical and imaginative at the same time. After witnessing ‘Wings of Desire,’ it’s hard not to ponder about the film’s profundity for a long time. It’s a must-see film even if you don’t care about the philosophical underpinnings.

3. Inherit the Wind (1960)

Watch ‘Inherit the Wind’ if you only see one film from this list. Courtroom drama at its finest, this film is tight, dramatic and hard-hitting in ways that traditional movies can’t even come close to matching. Schoolteacher accused of ‘crime’ for teaching Darwinian theory of evolution since it contradicts the Biblical belief in creation by God is the focus of the narrative. When you see this movie, you’ll undoubtedly reconsider your own opinions about the age-old conflict between science and religion.

A high-profile legal battle is fought by two outstanding attorneys, including one played by Spencer Tracy, and the case is widely publicized. Tens of thousands of people take part in enormous anti-science protests in cities across America. Even so, the picture isn’t as one-dimensional as it first appears, which adds to the film’s power to arouse debate. Because the film is shown in black and white, we are able to focus solely on the eloquent points being made. When you see ‘Inherit the Wind,’ you can’t help but wonder why you haven’t seen it sooner.

2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

This all-star cast of Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Mark Ruffalo, Kirsten Dunst, and Elijah Wood is extremely rare. For a fantasy or sci-fi film to touch on heartfelt subjects and produce tremendous drama is also extremely rare in the genres. This is not the case with Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, though. In this film, Joel and Clementine, a couple who broke up, decide to undertake operations to erase each other from their minds. But throughout the mind-bending treatment, Joel discovers that he still loves Clementine and tries to keep some of her recollection in his mind. The film’s fundamental appeal is a mesmerizing plot that is bolstered by some of the best acting I’ve ever seen.

This film has the potential to be thought-provoking and memorable. This is a great film that has a lot of memorable moments. There are several well-developed characters, each with their own distinct peculiarities, which all come together to form a cohesive whole. The film’s uplifting conclusion provides some optimism for the future of human relationships in the modern world. ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ is a film you won’t soon forget, whether you like it or not.

1. Gates of Heaven (1978)

“Gates of Heaven” is Errol Morris’s best-known film, and he’s one of the most prominent documentary filmmakers in the business. As a pet cemetery in California goes bankrupt, the bodies of deceased animals are dug up and transported to a new location. It’s about more than just pet cemetery,” noted Roger Ebert, one of the world’s most known film critics. To say that the picture is heavy on sadness and other human emotions would be an understatement. Having a documentary and actual people in it makes it considerably more powerful and thought-provoking than if it were a fiction film. It will leave you with a strong sense of wonder and admiration for humanity’s many idiosyncrasies. Errol Morris gets credit for weaving the stories of people in the pet industry with those of pet owners into a powerful narrative.

Interviews with the folks who came up with the concept to build a pet cemetery, their competitor rendering industry, their families, and those who owned dogs who are now deceased feature in the film. There are some moments of such emotive character in this film that it is nearly bone-chilling to see the honest emotions of all these people articulated articulately in their own words. Towards the end of “Gates of Heaven,” a woman who has lost her pet dog exclaims, “There’s your dog; your dog’s dead. But what about the force that propelled it forward? Wasn’t there a reason for this? This film’s humour, enjoyment, and introspection seem out of place given the film’s somber subject matter. It’s a must-see for any film buff, especially on a lazy Sunday afternoon when you have plenty of time to take it all in.