We’ve all had one of these moments at some point in our lives. You see a movie, whether in the theatre or at home, and it’s life-changing. We searched online for fan answers to that very question: “What are the most mind-blowing movies of all time?”
Here’s what we found!
Great Directors
Something I find interesting about this list is the repeated directors. Appearing more than once, it’s pretty clear that George Lucas, Stephen Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, and James Cameron really lead the charge when it comes to mind-blowing movies.
If this list were longer than twelve, we’d probably see even more movies by these directors and probably a few more options from Hayao Miyazaki and Quentin Tarantino too. So many great directors out there!
Anyway, here are the most popular movies that blew fans’ minds when they first came out.
Raiders of the Lost Ark
I love Indiana Jones. I’m too young to have seen it in the theatre, but man, Raiders of the Lost Ark is one of those movies that really sticks with you.
“I was about 9 and walked out of the theater like “wow…wow,” one fan said.
Aliens
Game over, man! Game over! Interesting that fans championed “Aliens” (the sequel) and not Alien, but I actually agree with this one too. Alien is creepy in its own way, but when you first get a look at that alien queen in Aliens, you get this feeling of grandiosity that wasn’t in the first film.
Fans agreed. “What an incredible moviegoing experience! I was really engrossed the entire time.”
Spirited Away
Another incredible movie, Spirited Away, was one of the first anime movies that really hit the mainstream. Honestly, it is stunning. I find something new in it every time I watch it – so I’m not surprised people listed it as the movie that blew their minds when they first saw it.
“The feeling it left me with was like I’d had an intense, vivid dream. I’d never seen such soulfully executed animation.” fans commented.
Terminator 2
So many people agreed with this one on Reddit. While it’s another one that I didn’t get a mind-blowing theatrical experience with, Terminator 2 is definitely one of my favorite movies. Like most people, I agree this sequel seriously upped the ante from the first – which is why it’s often considered the better in the series.
“I was obsessed with this movie as a kid and watched it like every day for three years.” someone said. Another reply added, “I still can’t watch any scene from it without immediately getting sucked in. I’m the type of person who only watches movie once, but I’ve seen T2 like 10 times.”
Jurassic Park
The only reason this wasn’t a mind-blowing experience for me is because I was too young when I first saw it. That being said, Jurassic Park is definitely one of my all-time most loved films! Naturally, I was thrilled to see over 14,000 upvotes on this reply.
“I couldn’t believe something like that was possible.” someone said of the movie’s presentation and special effects.
The Matrix
You, me, and about 25k Redditors agree this one was a real mind explosion. I can still remember what it felt like to experience the big reveal in The Matrix for the first time.
“The whole movie start to finish was mind blowing in 1999.” one person commented. On the subject of the bullet time, another Redditor reminded us: “You know it was a groundbreaking scene when it got parodied in every other movie or tv show from that time.”
The Prestige
This is an interesting choice, but I’m glad it was popular enough with people to come highly recommended. I actually love this movie and was honestly surprised other people feel the same way. Especially because The Prestige didn’t get nearly as much attention as Christopher Nolan’s other movies.
“You think you know what genre movie you’re watching until you get to the end.” a fan explained.
Yep, exactly.
Star Wars (1977)
My first mind-blowing movie was Star Wars Episode One so it’s fun to hear people gush about seeing the original. Even though I had the chance to go back and watch the original trilogy after I got into Star Wars, it’s just not the same as it experiencing it when it’s new.
“I was 9 years old. Never saw anything like it before!” the first person who suggested Star Wars said. Another person gushed about the music, eventually concluding with the line, “Basically Star Wars is why I’m a musician today.”
Movies really can change our lives!
Fight Club
This one isn’t surprising at all. The way Fight Club appears on the surface leads most viewers to expect a completely different ending than what you get – in a good way.
“It was such a weird movie with such crazy characters. Beautifully shot and a great story with themes that are still of interest today.” they said.
I completely agree with that assessment: it’s exactly how I felt about Fight Club when I first saw it too!
Saving Private Ryan
I have vivid memories of the first time I watched Saving Private Ryan, alone, 10 years old, on our new DVD player. It was the movie that got me into war movies, a genre I’m still a fan of even now.
“My heart rate was sky high for the whole of the beach landing scene and I felt like I was there with them.” someone commented.
Interstellar
I feel this one. I loved everything about Interstellar, especially the score. It’s absolutely breathtaking – but even better, it’s scientifically accurate science fiction.
I found this glowing review in the comments section: “My all time favourite. One of those movies that you want to forget so you can watch for the first time all over again!”
Pulp Fiction
Why am I Mr. Pink? Another movie choice I wholeheartedly agree with! Pulp Fiction did something special when it comes to unconventional storytelling. Despite its popularity, I don’t think there’s anything that can really compare to it in terms of uniqueness – that includes Quentin Tarantino’s other films.
“I had no idea you could tell a story non linearly. Blew my mind.” a fan shared.
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Everett
Everett has been writing about media, technology, and parenting since 2014. His work has been featured on MIT Technology Review, HuffPost, and various blogs. When not writing or binge watching TV shows, you'll find him playing video games or spending with with his kids.