Time is an interesting concept. What we have in Mr Nobody is a movie that looks to deeply explore the concept of time and age. This remains a fascinating subject for viewers, and for this reason we’re bringing you a list of movies like Mr Nobody. The movie explores these varying narratives, making use of a non-linear narrative that posits the existence of a multiverse where different versions of ourselves abide. If you wish to explore more surreal concepts such as this on your screen, be sure to read our list of 15 movies like Mr Nobody below.
Mr Nobody is a sci-fi drama written and directed by Jaco Van Dormael which features Jared Leto, Sarah Polley, Diane Kruger, among others. It tells the life story of Nemo Nobody, a 118-year-old man who is the last mortal on Earth after the human race has finally cracked the code to immortality. Nemo’s memory has begun to fade, and he relays the story of his life to his doctor and a journalist. The movie focuses on alternative life paths that he might have experienced had he chosen any of the three loves of his life, and if his parents had not divorced.
List of Movies like Mr Nobody
1. Cloud Atlas (2012)
Cloud Atlas, which notably features Tom Cruise, takes a leaf from movies like Mr Nobody, making use of multiple interwoven stories and also touching on concepts like immortality and age. It is a cinematic adaptation of the novel by David Mitchell, directed by Tom Tykwer, and the Wachowskis. The film follows six interwoven stories that span different time periods, from the 19th century to a dystopian future. Each story has the same set of actors reprising different roles.
You will be able to enjoy a wide variety of stories all rolled into one, from a sea voyage in the 1800s to a 1970s mystery. The film’s concept is quite ambitious and unique, and is one of those movies which will remain ingrained in your memory for a long time. Cloud Atlas explores similar themes to Mr Nobody like the concept of reincarnation, age, time and space, and is highly recommended for any fans of the latter
Also Read: Movies About Parallel Universes
2. Triangle (2009)
Triangle is a psychological horror that plays with the concept of time in the same way as movies like Mr Nobody. This movie is directed by Christopher Smith, and follows a group of friends who get stranded in the Bermuda Triangle. To escape, they board a seemingly abandoned ship. With time, they realize that they are not alone on this ship. Matters turn worse when they are caught in a time loop that forces them to relive the day continuously.
They try to figure out a way to escape the ship, but things only get creepier and harder to explain. Triangle explores themes of guilt and redemption, and features strong performances from its cast, which include Melissa George and Liam Hemsworth. The film is utterly unsettling, and will keep you gripped in anticipation for the resolution of this creepy mystery, which may or may not end up happening.
3. Magnolia (1999)
Magnolia is an ensemble drama directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. And similar to films like Mr Nobody, it also weaves together several interrelated storylines. These stories are all set in the San Fernando Valley over the course of a single day. The film features an impressive ensemble cast, including a dying game show host, played by Philip Baker Hall, a troubled former child prodigy, played by Jeremy Blackman, and a misogynistic self-help guru, played by Tom Cruise, among others.
Throughout the film, all of the characters grapple with loneliness and regret. The film is quite character-focused, with a lot of growth in these characters being very noticeable as the story moves along. Couple this with stunning visuals and music, and you have a movie which I have no qualms recommending to fans of movies like Mr Nobody.
4. The Butterfly Effect (2004)
The Butterfly Effect is a sci-fi thriller directed by Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber. The movie follows Evan Treborn, who is played by Ashton Kutcher), a young man who discovers that he has the ability to travel back in time and change events from his past. This concept of time is deeply examined in a way similar to films like Mr Nobody.
As he tries to improve his life and the lives of those around him, Evan realizes that even small changes to the past can have major consequences in the present. It’s these themes of fate, free will, and consequence that The Butterfly Effect looks to expand on. This is yet another brilliantly put together movie for you to try your hand… or should I say… eyes at.
5. Donnie Darko (2001)
Donnie Darko is a sci-fi psychological thriller directed by Richard Kelly. The movie features Jake Gyllenhaal who plays the role of Donnie Darko. Darko is a troubled teenager who starts having disturbing visions of a giant rabbit named Frank. Frank keeps reiterating to Darko that the world will end in 28 days. If you’ve already seen this movie, then also read Movies like Donnie Darko
Donnie is now an adult, and more than ever he is desperate to invent a means of time travel and it leads to him learning of some secrets that may tear the entire world apart. This film explores the same themes as movies like Mr Nobody, which include existentialism and the nature of time and reality.
6. The Fountain (2006)
The Fountain is a science-fiction drama film directed by Darren Aronofsky. Similar to films like Mr Nobody, the movie weaves together three interrelated storylines that take place in different time periods. Hugh Jackman plays the main character in all three timelines. The first is as a 16th-century Spanish conquistador who is searching for the Tree of Life, the second is as a modern-day scientist trying to find a cure for his wife’s brain cancer; and finally as an astronaut in a dystopian future, traveling through space to reach a dying star and bring it back to life.
The three stories increasingly become intertwined as they unfold exploring themes of mortality, love, and the search for immortality. The film uses striking visuals, breathtaking cinematography, and a haunting score to create a dreamlike atmosphere that blurs the boundaries between reality and fantasy. The Fountain is a complex and ambitious film that will keep you intrigued till the end.
7. About Time (2013)
About Time is a romantic comedy-drama film directed by Richard Curtis. In the same company with films similar to Mr Nobody and other time twisting tales, this movie follows the story of Tim Lake, played by Domhnall Gleeson, a young man who discovers that he has the ability to time travel and uses this gift to try and improve his love life and relationships.
There is great chemistry on show between Gleeson’s character and Rachel McAdams’ who plays Tim’s love interest. About Time is a cute and charming twist to the usually sci-fi oriented trope. Instead of fighting off bad guys and aliens, we have a movie that aims to remind you to appreciate the time that you have with family and friends first and foremost.
Interested in Time Travel? Also Read: Movies like Predestination
8. Vanilla Sky (2001)
Vanilla Sky features Tom Cruise once again in this psychological thriller directed by Cameron Crowe. The movie follows the story of David Aames, a wealthy and successful magazine publisher who becomes disfigured in a car accident. As David struggles to come to terms with his new appearance and the loss of his former life, he becomes increasingly lost in a surreal and confusing world that blurs the lines between dreams and reality.
This film plays with the perception of reality, in a way we see in movies similar to Mr Nobody. Vanilla Sky is thought-provoking, with some expansive writing and intricate storytelling, which will have you second guessing your own convictions and perceptions too.
9. The Man From Earth (2007)
The Man from Earth is a science-fiction drama film directed by Richard Schenkman. The movie takes place in a single location, a cabin in the woods, where a group of academics gather to say goodbye to their colleague John Oldman, played by David Lee Smith, who reveals to them that he is a 14,000-year-old Cro-Magnon man who has lived through human history.
The film uses dialogue and storytelling to create a thought-provoking and philosophical discussion about the nature of humanity and the human experience. The Man from Earth, despite being a low-budget production compared to most of the films like Mr Nobody on this list, makes up for these shortcomings through great storytelling and some fantastic pacing.
10. What Dreams May Come (1998)
What Dreams May Come is a fantasy drama film that follows the story of Chris Nielsen played by the legendary Robin Williams. Nielsen dies in a car accident and soon discovers the afterlife is nothing but a personalized experience, shaped only by his own beliefs and memories.
He searches the afterlife for his wife who committed suicide after their children died in a car accident. What Dreams May Come is poignant and emotional similar to films like Nr Nobody, and offers a unique perspective to viewers on the concept of life after death.
11. I Origins (2014)
I Origins is a science-fiction drama directed by Mike Cahill. The movie follows the story of molecular biologist Dr. Ian Gray, played by Michael Pitt, who searches for evidence to support his theory on the evolution of the human eye. As Ian conducts his research, he meets a woman named Sofi, played by Astrid Berges-Frisbey, who challenges his scientific beliefs and forces him to confront his own spirituality.
Michael Pitt delivers a powerful performance as Ian, portraying a man torn between his rational mind and his emotional heart. I Origins is a thought-provoking and ambitious film that challenges its audience to question their own beliefs about science and spirituality. This movie has since become a cult classic for fans of the sci-fi genre, making it the perfect option for films similar to Mr Nobody.
12. Another Earth (2011)
Another Earth is a science-fiction drama film directed by Mike Cahill. The movie follows the story of a young woman named Rhoda, played by Brit Marling, who is released from prison after serving time for a drunk driving accident that killed a family.
As a parallel Earth is discovered, Rhoda becomes obsessed with the idea of visiting it and seeking redemption. The film gives us glimpses of varying realities similar to films like Mr Nobody. It showcases a very interesting concept that I’m sure everyone of us would have imagined sometime.
13. Meet Joe Black (1998)
Meet Joe Black is a romantic drama film directed by Martin Brest. The movie follows the story of Death, played by Brad Pitt, who takes on the appearance of a young man and visits Earth to experience human life. Death takes the body of a man named Joe Black and falls in love with the daughter of a wealthy businessman.
As Joe Black begins to understand the complexities of human relationships and emotions, he also begins to develop feelings for Susan. The film explores themes of love, loss, and the human experience. It maintains a surreal atmosphere similar to movies like Mr Nobody.
14. The Discovery (2017)
The Discovery takes place in a world where there is scientific proof of the afterlife, leading to a surge of suicides as people seek the comfort death is told to bring. The story follows the journey of Dr. Thomas Harbor, played by Robert Redford and his son Will played by Jason Segel, as they try to make their way through a world ravaged by these mass suicides.
What we have in The Discovery is a world devoid of life, and everything in the movie contributes to this feeling of nothingness. Especially its haunting soundtrack and dreary cinematography, that creates a somber and introspective atmosphere, leaving you feeling forlorn and contemplative about your own reality, quite in the same way as movies like Mr Nobody.
15. Ex Machina (2014)
Ex Machina, similar to films like Mr Nobody, is a science-fiction psychological thriller written and directed by Alex Garland. This movie follows the story of Caleb Smith, played by Domhnall Gleeson, a young programmer who is invited by his employer, to take part in a groundbreaking experiment involving a humanoid robot named Ava, played by Alicia Vikander.
As Caleb interacts with Ava, he begins to question her consciousness and what it means to be human. The film gives its opinion on A.I and asks the question of when ethics and morality come into play when dealing with A.I, If ever.
Also Read: Movies like Memento
Honorable Mentions
Here is a list of movies like Mr Nobody that didn’t make it, which you can also check out:
- The Science of Sleep (2006)
- Upside Down (2012)
- The Adjustment Bureau (2002)
- A.I Artificial Intelligence (2001)
