Coherence is a 2013 independent science fiction film directed by James Ward Byrkit. The movie follows a group of eight friends who gather for a dinner party on the night of an astronomical anomaly, which causes strange things to happen to their reality, leading to a mind-bending exploration of the nature of reality, identity and causality.
Coherence is known for its unique plot and style, which combines elements of science fiction and psychological thriller, creating a thought-provoking and mind-bending experience for the audience.
While Coherence is an excellent movie, other movies like it are also worth watching, offering a similar plot and style experience. This blog post will list 12 movies like Coherence that are worth watching.
12. The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009)
Henry DeTamble is a librarian who can travel through time due to a genetic anomaly but cannot control the timing or destination of those trips. After meeting Clare Abshire in a Chicago library, they fall madly in love and get married. However, that will be challenging due to his unexpected travels. “The Time Traveler’s Wife” is a heartbreaking movie reflecting on life and love’s meaning. It’s a fantastic adaptation of the book of the same name and has a tremendous cast. Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams give incredible performances due to their great chemistry.
11. About Time (2013)
Tim, 21, discovers he can travel through time and change what happens and has happened in his own life. His decision to make his world better by getting a girlfriend has unexpected consequences. Directed and written by Richard Curtis, “About Time” is a witty, intelligent, charming film with surprising depth and heart. In addition to focusing on the time travel storyline, it also focuses on the father-son relationship between Tim and his father and the romantic relationship between Tim and Mary. It stars Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson.
10. Mr. Nobody (2009)
A boy, Nemo, is on the station platform as a train is about to leave. Should he go with his mother or stay with his father? Endless possibilities arise from this momentous decision. In “Mr. Nobody,” we see all these possibilities and how the boy’s life changes from the decision. While sometimes confusing, “Mr. Nobody” is a fascinating, experimental, mind-bending film. It has a fantastic cast, most notably Jared Leto, who is particularly fascinating playing the older adult version of Nemo. With an incredible love story, its originality will surely win your heart.
9. Donnie Darko (2001)
Donnie Darko is a 2001 science fiction psychological thriller directed by Richard Kelly. The movie is set in October 1988 and follows the story of Donnie Darko, a troubled high school student who suffers from hallucinations and sleepwalking episodes. One night, Donnie is awoken by a man in a rabbit costume named Frank, who tells him the world will end in 28 days.
As Donnie starts to believe Frank’s prophecy, he begins to experience strange and terrifying events, including a jet engine crashing into his bedroom. He also starts to see visions of a parallel universe and becomes increasingly convinced that Frank is real.
“Donnie Darko” is not a movie for everyone as it promotes hard thinking. Once the movie is over, it’s almost impossible not to think of all the possible ways to interpret everything. In addition, it has an incredible soundtrack, a fascinating plot, and brilliant performances by teenage actors.
8. The One I Love (2014)
Starring Mark Duplass and Elizabeth Moss, “The One I Love” revolves around a couple, Ethan and Sophie, who go on a weekend retreat to reconnect. However, what was supposed to be a beautiful getaway soon turned into a bizarre and complicated weekend. This film has a unique and extremely original script. You will never see a movie like this. Charlie McDowell and Justin Lader have created a remarkable drama that “Coherence” fans will enjoy.
7. Predestination (2014)
“Predestination” is one of those movies that the less you know, the better. This dark sci-fi film can be very complex by chronicling the life of a Temporal Agent sent on intricate journeys of time travel. However, its clean direction, immaculate cinematography, and impressive special effects are created to amaze you and give you a better understanding of the plot. The Spierig brothers deserve a lot of praise for making a movie so creative and intricate that it can still be largely enjoyed.
6. Primer (2004)
If you love mind-bending movies and haven’t seen “Primer,” stop everything you’re doing and go watch it! This independent drama tells how a group of engineers accidentally created a time machine. However, as they begin to use it to change their lives, they realize it can have unforeseen consequences. “Primer” is one of those movies you’ll want to watch again immediately after you finish. Though it’s messy, it’s heady and fascinating science fiction. In addition to a great plot and good execution, the acting is also good.
5. Looper (2012)
In 2074, crime syndicates devised a new way to dispose of someone’s body. They travel back in time to send men from the future to be killed in the past, where the body is properly disposed of. Men who do this type of work are called “loopers.” Joe is a 25-year-old who works as a roper and must deal with the consequences of being one. Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, and Emily Blunt, “Looper” is a clever script full of emotion and action. Also, the acting is excellent, as is the cinematography.
4. Inception (2010)
In 2010, Christopher Nolan surprised everyone with his new film. Nolan created a multi-layered masterpiece with the help of Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tom Hardy, and many other talented actors. The story is fresh and original: we follow a thief specializing in dream-sharing technology as he goes to great lengths to plant an idea in the mind of a CEO. Although the plot may seem simple, ‘Inception’ is highly complex, delving into the subconscious mind. Furthermore, Nolan has created a heartbreaking and electrifying movie where emotional depth and explosive action complement each other.
3. The Butterfly Effect (2004)
Evan Treborn is a 20-year-old college student who frequently suffers from memory blackouts. During significant events in his life, Evan suddenly finds himself elsewhere. Then, he discovers that he can travel through time and inhabit his former self. Therefore, he uses this to change his present life by altering his past behaviors. “The Butterfly Effect” is a brilliant sci-fi thriller starring Ashton Kutcher. Its title is a reference that illustrates how minor initial changes can lead to enormous, unforeseen consequences over time.
2. Timecrimes (2007)
This Spanish sci-fi movie follows Hector, a simple man who accidentally gets into a time machine. He becomes part of a time loop and needs to prevent his other beings from continuing to exist. Written and directed by Nacho Vigalondo, “Timecrimes” (or “Los cronocrímenes”) is a captivating thriller that is easy to follow despite its complex plot. It is a must-see for fans of “Coherence” and “Primer.”
1. The Invitation (2015)
“The Invitation” will be more appreciated if you go blindly. When Will is invited to a dinner hosted by his ex-wife and her new husband, he is taken aback and doesn’t know what to expect. During the party, he can’t get rid of the feeling that something is wrong, but is he losing his senses, or is he correct? Don’t watch the trailer or read more than this simple synopsis. All you need to know is that you will be blown away by the plot and ending. In addition, there is an extraordinary performance by Logan Marshall-Green, who portrays pain and paranoia brilliantly.
Coherence is a thought-provoking and mind-bending movie that explores the nature of reality and causality. Our list of movies like Coherence is a great way to explore time travel and parallel universes if that is what you like.
Donnie Darko, in particular, is a complex and mind-bending movie that explores themes of time travel, mental illness, and the nature of reality, with a dark and surreal atmosphere that keeps the audience guessing.
If you’ve enjoyed this list, be sure to check out our list of movies like Donnie Darko for even more mind-bending options.