Who doesn’t like a really twisted time-travel film that needs many days to figure out after you’ve watched it? Okay fine, most people. But there are those film-watchers that love the journey of understanding a film over multiple viewings and conversations. And there is nothing more fun to mull over than time-travel movies. This article doesn’t cover the fun classics like Back to the Future, Bill & Ted or Hot Tub Time Machine. Here are the more complex cult films that you shouldn’t miss out on.

For a larger list, check this out — Most Complex Time Travel Movies

5. Twelve Monkeys (1995)

Terry Gilliam directed this film back in 1995. Till date, viewers miss certain nuances and exit confused from the movie. It stars Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe and Brad Pitt in the lead roles. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world which is raved by a virus and scientists trying to find the source of it to find a cure. The only catch is that the source of the unmutated virus needs to be fetched from 40 years in the past. This article, Twelve Monkeys Explained, gives you a detailed walkthrough and explanation in case your mind is still filled with questions.

4. Looper (2012)

Another Bruce Willis starter which also sees Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Emily Blunt in leading roles. This is a plot talks about top criminal organizations that perform assassinations by using time travel to send the target to the past for their kill. The movie jumps from one timeline to another and is an entertaining action-adventure. You will, however, be left asking half questions like “But how ..?”, “Didn’t he ..?”, “But doesn’t that mean ..?”, etc. When you do, the article Looper Explained should sort out the answers to those questions.

3. Donnie Darko (2001)

Jake Gyllenhaal always has a nack of picking up films that seriously mess with your head, right from when he was young. The film was directed by Richard Kelly and has a pretty huge cast and I’m not going to fill the page with names. An odd kid avoids a huge falling propeller, meets a psychic dude in an evil rabbit costume, and goes around solving a cyclic mystery of time, maybe. Can’t say more without spoiling it. The film guarantees to put your mind in a twist, and when it does, go over to the article Donnie Darko Explained to get your clarification on the film.

2. Primer (2004)

This film needs a special mention even though it’s not in the top spot. Shane Carruth is the genius behind this fantastic piece of art. He’s produced, written, composed, edited and starred in this movie. The film was completed within a grand total of $7,000. It’s a product of pure creativity and requires many hours with a group of friends to figure the plot. Once you’re exhausted, go over to the article Primer Explained which gives you a timeline-wise walkthrough, and should give you the closure you are looking for.

1. Predestination (2014)

This is as crazy as a time travel film can get. The plot takes your mind and puts it in a knot, and that knot in another knot, and keep going. The film is directed by the Spierig brothers and stars Ethan Hawke and Sarah Snook in the lead roles. It is a brilliant adaptation and extension of the short story “All You Zombies” by Robert A. Heinlein. Clear some mind space before you watch this film, you’re going to need it. And when you are fully confused about what you just witnessed, navigate to this article Predestination Explained so you can unknot your mind and get some sleep.