50 Films Featuring Unreliable Narrators
50 titles
- 1
GoodFellasMovie · 1990 · 145m · Drama, CrimeSet in Brooklyn, this true story follows Henry Hill, a young man of Irish and Sicilian heritage, as he gets involved with a local gang. He earns the trust of Jimmy Conway and climbs the ranks of the Mafia, experiencing both triumphs and dangers. This intense film explores organized crime, examining loyalty, betrayal, and the difficult choices between friendship and business in a dangerous world.Stream onIMDb 8.7TMDB 8.5
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Silver Linings PlaybookMovie · 2012 · 122m · Drama, Comedy, RomanceFollowing a job loss, divorce, and a period of institutionalization, a former teacher returns home to live with his parents. He's determined to rebuild his life and win back his wife, but his father's enthusiasm for the Philadelphia Eagles presents a challenge. His plans become complicated when he meets Tiffany Maxwell, who offers assistance in reconnecting with his wife – for a significant favor.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 7.1
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WonderlandMovie · 2003 · 104m · Crime, Mystery, DramaOn July 1, 1981, Los Angeles police responded to a distress call on Wonderland Avenue and found four people murdered. The subsequent police investigation revealed two conflicting accounts of what happened before the brutal killings, both implicating the famous porn actor, John Holmes.Stream onIMDb 6.5TMDB 6.1
- 4
Wuthering HeightsMovie · 1939 · 104m · Drama, RomanceIn early 19th-century Yorkshire, the Earnshaws are a family shaped by the hardships and joys of farm life. Mr. Earnshaw returns from the city with Heathcliff, a mysterious, poor boy who immediately clashes with his son Hindley, who resents the newcomer.
Heathcliff and Catherine, Hindley's sister, develop a powerful connection while exploring the moors, their friendship blossoming into passionate love despite societal differences. Their lives are further altered by the deaths of both parents, leaving them vulnerable.
Catherine then becomes involved with Edgar Linton, a kind and wealthy neighbor. This draws tension between Catherine, Heathcliff, and Edgar, highlighting the complexities of their feelings and the impact of their decisions. The story explores love, ambition, social standing, and the lasting strength of human bonds in a changing world.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2
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Forrest GumpMovie · 1994 · 142m · Comedy, Drama, RomanceThis inspiring film tells the story of someone with a cognitive disability who consistently overcomes expectations and limitations. Facing many challenges, this resilient person makes a lasting impact on history by participating in major events. Yet, despite these successes, they are unable to win the love of their life. The movie is a moving reminder that perseverance and overcoming hardship are key to achieving one's dreams.Stream onIMDb 8.8TMDB 8.5
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DetourMovie · 1945 · 68m · Drama, ThrillerAl Roberts, a talented pianist in New York City's vibrant nightlife, decides to travel across the country to Los Angeles to see his girlfriend. His trip takes a dangerous turn, turning a hopeful journey into a frightening ordeal.
The film examines relationships and how simple choices can lead to unexpected and frightening consequences. Al encounters different people on his journey, revealing difficult truths and hidden darkness.
The story explores loneliness, desperation, and the lengths people will go to protect those they care about. As Al searches for love in Los Angeles, he discovers a world of danger, lies, and betrayal that forces him to confront his fears.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2
- 7
Monster a Go-Go!Movie · 1965 · 69mA spacecraft crashes on Earth, and the astronaut inside vanishes. Could the disappearance of the astronaut be linked to the creature now terrorizing the region?Stream onIMDb 1.8TMDB 2.2
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Gone GirlMovie · 2014 · 149m · Mystery, Thriller, DramaWhen his wife vanishes and the media swarms to the story, a man finds himself under suspicion. The intense public scrutiny suggests he may be involved in her disappearance.Stream onIMDb 8.1TMDB 7.9
- 9
The Tin DrumMovie · 1979 · 162m · Drama, History, War"The Tin Drum," adapted from Günter Grass's novel, tells the story of Oskar Matzerath, a boy who refuses to be born until he gets a tin drum. Gifted and cynical about adults, Oskar promises himself he won't grow up by his third birthday, and remarkably, his wish comes true. Trapped in a child's body as Nazi Germany gains power in Danzig, he beats his tin drum in protest against the hypocrisy and injustice around him. The film explores themes of innocence lost, disillusionment, and resistance, offering a unique look at how World War II affects those who are most vulnerable.Stream onIMDb 7.4TMDB 6.9
- 10
At Close RangeMovie · 1986 · 111m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerIn a small Pennsylvania town, an ordinary life takes a dangerous turn in this crime drama. Brad Whitewood Jr., looking for a different future, sets out to find his father, whom he hasn’t seen in years. He discovers his father is leading a gang of thieves in a nearby town. As Brad Jr. becomes involved in this criminal world, he finds support from a new girlfriend. But she soon realizes his father, despite his charm, is a deeply troubled and unpredictable man. Inspired by the true story of the 1970s Johnston Gang, the film examines family, ambition, and the impact of life’s choices.Stream onIMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8
- 11
Life of PiMovie · 2012 · 127m · Adventure, DramaA zookeeper's son named Pi, from India, is shipwrecked and finds himself adrift in the Pacific Ocean with an unlikely group of animal companions: a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Bengal tiger.Stream onIMDb 7.9TMDB 7.4
- 12
InterstellarMovie · 2014 · 169m · Adventure, Drama, Science FictionA team of explorers utilizes a newly discovered wormhole to overcome the limitations of human space travel and journey across interstellar distances.Stream onIMDb 8.7TMDB 8.5
- 13
The LocketMovie · 1946 · 85m · Drama, Crime, ThrillerThis film tells the story of a troubled young woman who uses manipulation to survive. Burdened by a painful past, she charms and deceives the men she encounters, secretly entering their lives. The movie explores betrayal, deception, and the repercussions of living a life based on lies. As her secrets threaten to be exposed, she must face not only her own inner struggles but also the damage she's caused to others. It examines how far she'll go to protect herself and whether she can find redemption after building everything on deceit.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 6.3
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The Perks of Being a WallflowerMovie · 2012 · 103m · DramaIn Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1991, shy freshman Charlie observes life from a distance. His world changes when two seniors, Sam and her stepbrother Patrick, take him under their wing. They guide him toward friendship, music, and the experience of first love.Stream onIMDb 7.9TMDB 7.8
- 15
LolitaMovie · 1962 · 154m · Drama, ComedyThis drama follows Humbert Humbert, a middle-aged British novelist, as he becomes entangled in American life. While staying at a boarding house run by Charlotte Haze, Humbert becomes fixated on Charlotte's teenage daughter, Lolita. The story explores the conflict between Humbert's disapproval of commonness and his increasing obsession with the girl, revealing difficult aspects of human connection.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3
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The Adventures of Huck FinnMovie · 1993 · 108m · Adventure, Drama, FamilyYoung Huck Finn finds himself in danger when his estranged father returns, seeking to steal his late mother's inheritance. To escape his father and stay safe, Huck fakes his death.
While enjoying his newfound freedom, Huck unexpectedly meets Jim, a runaway slave searching for freedom from his owner. Together, driven by adventure and a desire for independence, they embark on a perilous raft journey down the Mississippi River. Facing numerous obstacles, Huck and Jim must rely on each other to evade those who relentlessly pursue them for a crime they didn't commit.
This story of growing up explores friendship, betrayal, and the fight for freedom. With memorable characters and an exciting story, the film examines human nature and celebrates the spirit of adventure along the river.Stream onIMDb 6.2TMDB 6.2
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RashomonMovie · 1950 · 88m · Crime, Drama, Mystery"Rashomon" blends action and philosophical questions to examine how truth and justice are shaped by individual perspectives. Director Akira Kurosawa uses innovative camera work and flashbacks to reveal conflicting accounts of a murder and its consequences. Four people give their versions of what happened, highlighting the complexities of human nature and the subjective nature of truth. The film challenges our understanding of justice and demonstrates storytelling's power to define reality.Stream onIMDb 8.1TMDB 8.0
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Fight ClubMovie · 1999 · 139m · Drama, ThrillerThe film follows two unlikely partners: a man plagued by insomnia and a charismatic soap salesman. Exploring the complexities of human nature, they develop a unique therapy involving intense physical fights to release aggression. This sparks the growth of underground "fight clubs" across towns. Their venture takes a dangerous turn when an unusual person joins their ranks, leading to escalating and unpredictable consequences. The movie presents a raw and insightful look at masculinity, societal expectations, and the pursuit of connection through unconventional methods.Stream onIMDb 8.8TMDB 8.4
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The Killer Inside MeMovie · 2010 · 109m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerDeputy Sheriff Lou Ford is a respected and seemingly mild-mannered figure in his quiet West Texas town. While some find him a bit slow or dull, few have any real criticism. However, Lou harbors a dark secret: he suffers from what he calls a "sickness." In reality, he is a brilliant but deeply disturbed sociopath with sadistic tendencies.Stream onIMDb 6.1TMDB 5.8
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The Great GatsbyMovie · 2013 · 143m · Drama, RomanceThis film adapts F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, set on Long Island. Midwesterner Nick Carraway is drawn into the opulent life of his wealthy neighbor, Jay Gatsby. But as Nick becomes immersed in Gatsby's world, he begins to see the flaws beneath the surface—a world consumed by obsession, madness, and ultimately, tragedy.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 7.4
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Heart of DarknessMovie · 1993 · 100m · Drama, TV MovieA seasoned trading company manager journeys upstream on a dangerous mission in the African wilderness. He must find a missing outpost leader and restore order to the company. Navigating wild landscapes and encountering hostile tribes, he uncovers a disturbing truth about human nature. The journey forces him to confront difficult moral choices and the unsettling realization that even terrible acts can be rooted in humanity. This gripping story is both a personal journey and an exploration of the darker aspects of human behavior, revealing the harsh realities of survival in chaos.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.7 - 22
AmarcordMovie · 1973 · 123m · Comedy, DramaIn a sun-drenched Italian coastal town, a world of both charm and chaos unfolds as young Titta grows up with his lively friends. Exploring their surroundings, they meet a colorful cast of local characters with unusual habits, blending humor and heartfelt moments to portray post-war Italy. Titta's complex relationship with his strict father and the loving support of his mother shape his journey to adulthood. The film introduces a variety of people – from Titta’s large family and devoted Fascist supporters to captivating women who make a lasting impact. Unexpectedly, the story includes fantastical elements, adding moments of magic. This coming-of-age story offers a nostalgic yet honest look at life in a small Italian town during a time of significant change.Stream onIMDb 7.8TMDB 7.9
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Secret WindowMovie · 2004 · 96m · Mystery, ThrillerWriter Mort Rainey is recovering from a difficult divorce when a stranger begins stalking him at his secluded lake house. The stranger, a disturbed individual who wants to be a writer himself, accuses Rainey of stealing his original story idea. While Rainey tries to clear his name, he starts to doubt his own mental state.Stream onIMDb 6.5TMDB 6.6
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We Need to Talk About KevinMovie · 2011 · 113m · Drama, ThrillerFollowing her son Kevin's terrible deed, a struggling mother named Eva looks back at her difficult relationship with him. She remembers his journey from a young child to a troubled teenager.Stream onIMDb 7.4TMDB 7.5
- 25
Primal FearMovie · 1996 · 130m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerA confident lawyer takes on a complex legal case to defend a poor altar boy accused of fleeing a brutal murder. The victim is the compassionate bishop who had mentored the boy. The case becomes complicated when the accused suggests someone else might have been involved. This drama examines guilt, innocence, and human nature as the lawyer struggles with evidence, witness statements, and difficult choices to find justice for his client.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 7.7
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Stage FrightMovie · 1950 · 110m · ThrillerA young actress fights for her career while helping her friend, wrongly accused of killing a wealthy socialite. She enters the glamorous and dangerous world of high-society entertainment and discovers hidden secrets and betrayals. Loyal to her friend, she must navigate a complex web of lies to prove his innocence, confronting a powerful adversary determined to protect their position. The actress learns about friendship, strength, and the challenges of seeking justice against powerful forces.Stream onIMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8
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The Informant!Movie · 2009 · 108m · Drama, Comedy, CrimeMark Whitacre is a promising employee at Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), a major agricultural company. He unexpectedly becomes a whistleblower, revealing ADM's international price-fixing scheme to the FBI. However, Whitacre also hopes that his actions will earn him public acclaim and a career advancement within the company.Stream onIMDb 6.5TMDB 6.2
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Shutter IslandMovie · 2010 · 138m · Drama, Thriller, MysteryTeddy Daniels, a former World War II soldier now working as a U.S. Marshal, is assigned to find a missing patient from a mental institution. However, his investigation is complicated by disturbing visions and a puzzling doctor.Stream onIMDb 8.2TMDB 8.2
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FallenMovie · 1998 · 124m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerHomicide detective John Hobbes witnesses the execution of serial killer Edgar Reese, but his relief is fleeting. He's soon back on a new case: a series of murders mirroring Reese's brutal crimes. Each crime scene confirms Hobbes' growing fear – a copycat killer is deliberately recreating the past to taunt him and the police. As the body count rises and fear grips the city, John must confront his past with Reese to stop a cunning adversary who seems always ahead. This psychological thriller explores obsession, vengeance, and justice as the line between reality and illusion blurs, keeping audiences suspenseful until the very end.Stream onIMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8
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RoomMovie · 2015 · 118m · Drama, ThrillerAfter seven years imprisoned in a confined space, a woman and her young son are released and experience the outside world together for the first time.Stream onIMDb 8.1TMDB 8.0
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A Beautiful MindMovie · 2001 · 135m · Drama, RomanceJohn Forbes Nash Jr. rises to fame as a brilliant but socially awkward mathematician, poised for international recognition after a major discovery. However, accepting a classified cryptography assignment draws him into a shadowy conspiracy. His life spirals into turmoil, forcing him to confront a difficult and deeply personal path toward understanding himself.Stream onIMDb 8.2TMDB 7.9
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Big FishMovie · 2003 · 125m · Adventure, Fantasy, DramaEdward Bloom lived life to the fullest, with a big appetite for everything and a knack for storytelling. Even as an old man, he's an enigma to his son, William. Hoping to understand his father, Will starts uncovering the truth about Edward through vivid memories of his incredible past adventures.Stream onIMDb 7.9TMDB 7.8
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MementoMovie · 2000 · 113m · Mystery, ThrillerLeonard Shelby is hunting the man who murdered his wife. His search is complicated by a rare medical condition: he has severe short-term memory loss. He remembers his life before the accident, but not even moments ago – he can't recall where he is going or why he's doing it.Stream onIMDb 8.4TMDB 8.2
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Sucker PunchMovie · 2011 · 110m · Action, Fantasy, ThrillerTrapped in an institution by her abusive stepfather, a young woman escapes into elaborate daydreams where she plots her freedom. She assembles a team of fellow patients and sets out on a journey to find five magical objects, as the fantasy world and reality begin to merge.Stream onIMDb 6.1TMDB 6.2
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HeroMovie · 2002 · 99m · Drama, Adventure, ActionIn ancient China's Warring States period, a district official journeys to the court of Qin Shi Huang, asserting he eliminated the three individuals who previously tried to assassinate the king.Stream onIMDb 7.9TMDB 7.5
- 36
American PsychoMovie · 2000 · 102m · Thriller, Drama, CrimeA successful New York investment banker keeps a hidden side from his colleagues and friends: a darker, more violent personality. He increasingly indulges in disturbing, irrational fantasies.Stream onIMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4
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Dateline NBCMovie · 1982 · 118m · Science Fiction, Drama, ThrillerEvery week, Dateline NBC presents detailed investigations into real crimes and mysteries that have deeply affected people and communities. The newsmagazine series tells compelling stories exploring the complexities of human nature, using expert interviews and re-enactments to examine intricate cases. Originally NBC's main newsmagazine, Dateline now focuses primarily on true crime, captivating viewers with suspenseful storytelling and vivid detail. While sometimes covering other subjects, these stories are usually overshadowed by the gripping tales of deception, betrayal, and the search for justice that are central to Dateline's lasting popularity.Stream onIMDb 8.1TMDB 7.9
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Breaker MorantMovie · 1980 · 107m · Drama, History, WarDuring the Boer War, three young Australian lieutenants are unfairly targeted by a tribunal after executing captured Boer prisoners. They followed orders from their superiors, but are now being blamed as the military leadership tries to distance itself from controversial wartime actions. The trial becomes unexpectedly complex as the defense fiercely advocates for the accused officers in court. This gripping drama explores themes of loyalty, guilt, and the difficult choices between obedience and personal accountability.Stream onIMDb 7.8TMDB 7.1
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RepulsionMovie · 1965 · 105m · Drama, Thriller, HorrorCarole, a gifted but isolated manicurist in London, lives a lonely life because of her extreme fear of men. Her sister Helen leaves for an Italian vacation with her partner, leaving Carole to confront sudden solitude. As Carole struggles, she experiences disturbing hallucinations, and the line between what's real and imagined blurs. This unsettling story explores the depths of human emotion and how fear can distort one’s view of reality.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4
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RebeccaMovie · 1940 · 130m · Mystery, Romance, ThrillerA young woman marries the enigmatic widower Max De Winter and finds herself haunted by the memory of his deceased first wife, Rebecca. Rebecca's death was never explained, and her presence seems to linger in their imposing home. The new wife struggles to find acceptance from the household staff, especially the obsessive housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers. As she tries to build a life with Max, she uncovers his dark secrets and confronts a web of emotions, guilt, and suspicion. This story explores the complexities of love, loss, and identity, and the power dynamics within relationships.Stream onIMDb 8.0TMDB 7.9
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The Sixth SenseMovie · 1999 · 107m · Mystery, Thriller, DramaDr. Malcolm Crowe, a child psychologist, takes on a difficult case with nine-year-old Cole Sear. Following a personal tragedy, Malcolm tries to help Cole deal with the ghosts that are troubling him.
Cole believes he can see and talk to the dead. As they work together, Malcolm starts to doubt what's real and what isn't, uncovering a complicated mix of emotions and frightening visions affecting Cole. Their connection becomes a shared journey as they both face their fears, leading them toward healing.Stream onIMDb 8.2TMDB 8.0
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The Cabinet of Dr. CaligariMovie · 1920 · 77mFrancis, a young man, remembers the disturbing events he and his fiancée Jane recently endured. Francis and his friend Alan visit The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, an exhibition where the enigmatic doctor displays the somnambulist Cesare, briefly awakening him from his deathlike slumber.Stream onIMDb 8.0TMDB 7.9
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PossessedMovie · 1947 · 108m · Drama, Thriller, RomanceA woman is found lost and unresponsive in Los Angeles. She doesn't recognize anyone or speak. A doctor slowly earns her trust, and she begins to recount a complex story filled with trauma and pain. The narrative reveals a woman struggling to distinguish between reality and imagination, piecing together a fractured past to find peace in the present. The film explores human strength while examining the nature of memory and survival.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9
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The Lone RangerMovie · 2013 · 149m · Action, Adventure, WesternTexas Rangers pursue a gang of outlaws headed by Butch Cavendish. Ambushed, the Rangers are presumed dead. A lone survivor is found and nursed back to health by an American Indian named Tonto. The Ranger, now masked and riding a white stallion named Silver, joins forces with Tonto to hunt down the ruthless gang and others like them, seeking justice.Stream onIMDb 6.4TMDB 6.1
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High TensionMovie · 2003 · 91m · Horror, Thriller, MysteryMarie and Alexia, best friends, plan a relaxing weekend at Alexia's family farmhouse, tucked away in the countryside. However, their peaceful escape quickly descends into terror the moment they arrive. What begins as an idyllic getaway transforms into a horrifying ordeal that stretches into an unending night.Stream onIMDb 6.7TMDB 6.8
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The InnocentsMovie · 1961 · 100m · Horror, Mystery, DramaA young governess takes a job caring for two bright children at a remote, grand estate. She starts to suspect the peaceful household hides dark secrets. Strange things happen, and she believes malevolent spirits haunt the house, possibly tormenting the children. Fear clouds her judgment as she tries to protect them from this unseen danger, confronting the unsettling possibility that the greatest threats can come from within.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 47
The Usual SuspectsMovie · 1995 · 106m · Drama, Crime, ThrillerIn a tense interrogation in Los Angeles, Verbal Kint recounts a chilling story to federal agents. He describes how the legendary crime lord Keyser Soze manipulated him and his crew into carrying out a dangerous heist that ended in a disastrous explosion in San Pedro harbor. As Verbal mixes truth and lies, the agents become increasingly unsure of what's real. His account of Keyser Soze’s uncanny abilities captivates them, blurring the line between fiction and reality. The story creates uncertainty, leaving everyone to question Keyser Soze’s true nature and his involvement in the deadly outcome of the failed heist.Stream onIMDb 8.5TMDB 8.2
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John Dies at the EndMovie · 2013 · 99m · Horror, ComedyA revolutionary drug offers users incredible out-of-body experiences. However, those who take it return profoundly altered, and a subtle invasion from another world is taking hold.Stream onIMDb 6.3TMDB 6.3
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AtonementMovie · 2007 · 123m · Drama, RomanceA young girl's accusation against her older sister's lover sets off a chain of events that profoundly alters the lives of those involved.Stream onIMDb 7.8TMDB 7.6
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One Flew Over the Cuckoo's NestMovie · 1975 · 133m · DramaA small-time criminal schemes to get a sentence in a mental institution instead of prison. Inside, he unexpectedly becomes a mentor to the other patients, who are dealing with their own mental health issues. But the fragile peace is threatened by a cruel and powerful nurse. As tensions rise, the protagonist must navigate complex relationships and hidden motives to protect his new community and fight back against the nurse's oppressive control.Stream onIMDb 8.6TMDB 8.4