Christopher Nolan’s psychological thriller Memento has become a cult classic amongst movie lovers over the years due to its unique storytelling style and mind-bending plot. If you’re also a fan of this film, we have made a list of thrilling movies like Memento that are truly worth watching. In Memento, the use of black and white scenes and the vivid, bright colours of the flashbacks helped to create a visual contrast to understand Leonard’s condition.
This creates a unique visual style that is both memorable and aesthetically pleasing. Top-notch performances by actors like Guy Pearce, combined with the unique storyline, make Memento a truly unforgettable movie. The uniqueness of the movie lies in its non-linear storytelling style. The film is told in a series of flashbacks, which are shown in reverse chronological order, creating an experience that is both disorienting and captivating for the audience. Memento is truly a one-of-a-kind film that has cemented its place in cinematic history.
List of Movies Like Memento
1. Shutter Island (2010)
Shutter Island follows U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels as he investigates the disappearance of a missing patient on a remote island. He becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of psychological mind games and conspiracy theories that challenge his own sanity. The film explores themes of mental illness, guilt, and the blurring of reality.
Both films use non-linear storytelling to create suspense and leave viewers wondering what is real and what is not. Shutter Island also creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and unease and is ultimately about the deconstruction of the protagonist’s sense of self which makes it the perfect option for movies like Memento.
2. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind follows the journey of a couple who, after a painful breakup, have their memories of each other erased. However, as the procedure is taking place, the protagonist begins to realize the value of their memories and fights to keep them intact.
The film explores the power of memory and love and asks the question of whether forgetting the past can lead to true happiness. The film’s unique and imaginative storytelling, combined with captivating performances from Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, make it a standout in the romantic comedy genre. For exceptional films like Memento, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a must-watch.
Also Read: Movies like Taxi Driver
3. Inception (2010)
Inception is a science fiction action film directed by Christopher Nolan. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Cobb, a professional thief who is tasked with planting an idea into the subconscious of a business magnate. The film is set within the mind of the target and explores the layers of dreams within dreams.
The visuals are stunning, and the score by Hans Zimmer only adds to the intensity of the film. The twist ending leaves audiences with much to ponder, making Inception a thought-provoking and mind-bending experience. The film’s unique blend of action and philosophy makes it stand out in the sci-fi genre, and it has since become a cult classic. As a Christopher Nolan fan, Inception is a great movie similar to Memento for you to watch.
4. The Prestige (2006)
The Prestige is a mystery thriller movie directed by Christopher Nolan. The movie follows two rival magicians, Robert Angier, and Alfred Borden, who engage in a deadly competition to become the greatest magician in the world. The film explores the depths to which the two men will go to create the ultimate illusion and keep their secret from the public.
The twists and turns in the plot keep the audience on the edge of their seat as the story unravels to reveal the truth about the magicians’ rivalry. With a talented cast including Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, and Michael Caine, The Prestige is a must-watch for fans of mystery movies like Memento.
5. The Butterfly Effect (2004)
The Butterfly Effect is a science fiction film that explores the concept of time travel. The movie follows a young man named Evan Treborn (played by Ashton Kutcher) who discovers that his ability to time travel can have severe consequences on the lives of others. Throughout the film, Evan tries to change his past to save his friends and loved ones, but each time his actions have unexpected and devastating consequences.
The Butterfly Effect is a well-made film that keeps you on the edge of your seat and leaves you wondering what would happen if you could change the past. With twists and turns, The Butterfly Effect is another great sci-fi film similar to Memento. Check it out!
6. Source Code (2011)
The action sci-fi film Source Code stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Captain Colter Stevens, a soldier who wakes up in the body of a commuter on a train and must relive the last 8 minutes of the train’s journey repeatedly to find out who bombed the train and stop them. Source Code is one of the few movies similar to Memento that explores the psyche of the protagonist well.
As he continues to relive the same 8 minutes, he learns more about the train bombing, the people on the train, and his own identity. The movie is a thrilling ride that explores themes of identity, time, and reality, and features a unique and thought-provoking story. With strong performances from its cast, including Vera Farmiga and Michelle Monaghan, I’d highly recommend you watch Source Code.
7. Mr Nobody (2009)
Mr Nobody explores the concept of parallel universes and the power of choice. The film follows the life of 118-year-old Nemo Nobody as he recounts his life and the many different paths it could have taken based on the choices he made.
The film explores themes of regret, love, and mortality as Nemo recalls the many different lives he could have lived. With its captivating visuals and thought-provoking storyline, Mr Nobody is a must-watch for fans of science fiction and existentialist films. The film’s blend of science fiction, romance, and philosophical musings makes for an unforgettable experience similar to films like Memento. Mr Nobody will leave viewers questioning the nature of reality and is one of the best movies like Memento.
8. Predestination (2014)
Predestination is a science fiction film that explores the concept of time travel and the paradoxes that come with it. The movie follows a temporal agent on a mission to prevent a catastrophic event from happening by travelling through time. However, things get complicated when the agent discovers that the event is a result of their own actions. If you’ve already seen this mind-bending film, check out our list of movies like Predestination.
Predestination is a complex and thought-provoking film that delves into the consequences of altering the past and the relationship between cause and effect. The film is well-crafted, with impressive visuals and a captivating storyline that keeps the audience engaged throughout. Overall, Predestination is a great watch, similar to films like Memento.
9. Primer (2004)
Primer is a low-budget, independent science fiction film with a complex, mind-bending time-travel thriller that follows the lives of two engineers who create a machine that allows them to time-travel. The movie is similar to Memento in that both films challenge the viewer’s perception of time and memory.
In Primer, the time-travellers must navigate the consequences of their actions, as their choices have far-reaching implications on their lives and the lives of those around them. Similar to movies like Memento, Primer is a puzzle that requires careful attention and a willingness to question everything. The film shares a sense of mystery and an intellectual challenge, making it stand out in the world of independent cinema.
10. The Usual Suspects (1995)
The Usual Suspects and Memento are both suspenseful and mind-bending movies that keep the audience guessing until the very end, playing with the idea of memory and perception and challenging the viewer’s understanding of what is real and what is not. The Usual Suspects follows a group of criminals who are brought together for a heist, and the story unravels in a non-linear fashion, leaving the audience wondering about the true motivations of the characters.
On the other hand, Memento follows a man with short-term memory loss as he tries to track down his wife’s killer. The Usual Suspects movie is told backwards, and the audience must piece together the events of the story as the protagonist learns more. But the movie uses great unconventional storytelling methods to keep the audience on their toes and keep them engaged until the very end. If you’re looking for movies like Memento, this one is a great choice.
Honourable Mentions
Here are a few thrilling movies like Memento that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless:
- The Adjustment Bureau
- The Matrix
- Fight Club
