Inception isn’t your typical blockbuster. It’s a movie that unfolds like a puzzle, and as you watch, you start piecing together the elements. Each moment keeps you on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next unexpected turn. The movie has exceptional cast Leonardo DiCaprio, Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy and Elliot Page and all of them has given incredible performances. If you haven’t experienced this mind-bending thriller yet, I’m puzzled as to why you’re reading this list. I strongly recommend watching it, maybe even twice, as these types of movies often reveal more upon a second viewing. But if you’re already familiar with Christopher Nolan‘s masterpiece, you might be interested in discovering other films that share its mind-boggling qualities. Here’s a collection of movies like Inception!
You can also check out our top-picks for best mob movies like Godfellas, thrilling movies like The Menu and romantic movies like The Notebook.
Shutter Island (2010)
 | Shutter Island (2010) | |
| Genre Mystery, Thriller, Psychological | Runtime 2 hours 18 minutes | |
| Directed by Martin Scorsese | 8.2/10 | |
| Cast Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams | ||
Once again, DiCaprio leads us through a labyrinthine plot. Shutter Island follows two U.S. marshals tasked with investigating the mysterious disappearance of a murderer from a secluded mental institution. But Teddy has a personal agenda – to confront an inmate he believes is responsible for his wife’s death.
As the plot unfolds, Teddy discovers unsettling experiments and questions his own sanity. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with twists and turns, much like Inception, this one is a must-watch. You can stream it on Netflix.
Source Code (2011)
 | Source Code (2011) | |
| Genre Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller | Runtime 1 hour 34 minutes | |
| Directed by Duncan Jones | 7.9/10 | |
| Cast Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga | ||
A soldier finds himself in a classified Army lab, involved in a program that inserts his consciousness into the final 8 minutes of another man’s life. On a day when a train explodes outside Chicago, he awakens in the body of a teacher on the train, tasked with uncovering the bomber’s identity. The catch? He has only 8 minutes for each attempt, and changing the past is forbidden.
Source Code serves up layers of mystery and mind-bending questions, offering an excellent science fiction thriller experience similar to Inception.
Interstellar (2014)
 | Interstellar (2014) | |
| Genre Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi | Runtime 2 hours 49 minutes | |
| Directed by Christopher Nolan | 8.6/10 | |
| Cast Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Bill Irwin | ||
With Earth on the brink of collapse, a team of explorers embarks on a journey beyond our galaxy to locate a new habitable planet. Interstellar presents a visually stunning and thought-provoking story that explores our existence and the universe’s mysteries, leaving you pondering long after the credits roll. For those seeking a visually mesmerizing, thought-provoking film, Interstellar is a top choice. You can stream the movie on Prime Video and Paramount+.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
 | The Sixth Sense (1999) | |
| Genre Drama, Mystery, Supernatural | Runtime 1 hour 47 minutes | |
| Directed by M. Night Shyamalan | 8.1/10 | |
| Cast Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette, Olivia Williams | ||
An 8-year-old boy haunted by apparitions of violently deceased individuals seeks help from child psychologist Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis). The Sixth Sense delivers suspense and an ingenious twist ending that lingers in your thoughts for hours. Just like Inception, The Sixth Sense keeps you guessing like a confused cat chasing a laser pointer, with mind-bending twists that make you question reality more than a philosophical goldfish.
Fight Club (1999)
 | Fight Club (1999) | |
| Genre Drama, Thriller | Runtime 139 minutes | |
| Directed by David Fincher | 8.8/10 | |
| Cast Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Helena Bonham Carter, Meat Loaf, Zach Grenier | ||
Fight Club delves into the hollowness of contemporary life and consumer culture. The tale follows a disenchanted office worker who finds new purpose through an underground fight club. This adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk’s novel is fast-paced and packed with meaning, inviting discussions and multiple viewings. Fight Club is one of the movies like Inception, in both you’ll find some seriously mind-bending battles – one’s a fight against reality, the other’s a fight against dreams. Just remember, the first rule of Inception is… oh wait, wrong movie!
Memento (2000)
 | Memento (2000) | |
| Genre Mystery, Thriller | Runtime 1 hour 53 minutes | |
| Directed by Christopher Nolan | 8.4/10 | |
| Cast Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Jorja Fox, Stephen Tobolowsky | ||
Memento introduces a man driven by revenge, despite grappling with short-term memory loss. He relies on photographs to navigate his daily life and uncover the truth. For those who enjoy engaging with intricate details, this movie is a must-see. Memento, is similar to Inception or more like it’s two peas in a mind-bending pod! They both love to mess with your head and make you question reality, just with different levels of totem-tally twisted storytelling.
The Matrix (1999)
 | The Matrix (1999) | |
| Genre Action, Sci-Fi | Runtime 2 hours 16 minutes | |
| Directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski | 8.7/10 | |
| Cast Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving | ||
Matrix introduces Thomas Anderson, a computer programmer who leads a double life as the hacker Neo. Unveiling a world controlled by machines, Neo becomes the key to humanity’s liberation. Starring John Wick’s star Keanu Reeves, this movie boasts a captivating storyline and impressive special effects that withstand the test of time.
Black Swan (2010)
 | Black Swan (2010) | |
| Genre Drama, Horror, Mystery | Runtime 108 minutes | |
| Directed by Darren Aronofsky | 8/10 | |
| Cast Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel | ||
Black Swan revolves around a devoted ballerina who faces a crisis when a new dancer threatens her role in a production. As she grapples with rivalry, her darker side emerges. With mesmerizing performances and stunning visuals, this psychological thriller delves deep into a disturbed psyche, leaving a lasting impact.
Wrapping it up!
In a world where movies serve as portals to thrilling dimensions of thought and emotion, these selection stand as companions to the enigma that is Inception. Just as a puzzle’s final piece completes the picture, each of these films adds a unique twist to the journey of unraveling intricate stories. From psychological mazes to existential quests, the cinematic landscape is rich with mind-bending adventures waiting to captivate your imagination.
So, whether you’re seeking answers, more questions, or simply an escape from the ordinary, these movies are your passport to a realm where reality bends and perceptions shift. Prepare to be mesmerized, puzzled, and ultimately entranced as you explore the limitless horizons of movies like Inception.
