I'd consider myself a movie lover, but then again, who wouldn't? Movies give us a way to escape and explore the world around us and give us insightful looks into society and ourselves when done right. Here, I've compiled a list of movies that I've seen over the years that have stuck out in my mind as thought-provoking and possibly weird. From children's shows to milk-drinking dystopian gangsters, I hope you find something on this list that makes you think as much as it made me.
1. "The Lobster" (2016)
We’re starting pretty strange here. "The Lobster" is a love story--but one set in a possibly-future dystopia where people turn into animals if they end up single. This masterfully poignant yet subtly disturbing film questions why we love, how we love, and what society says about it. The film stars Colin Farrell and a slew of other notable actors like Rachel Weisz.
2. "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" (2004)
One of Wes Anderson’s firsts, this charming film explores the relationships and life of the eccentric oceanographer, Steve Zissou. As with most of Anderson’s films, the cinematography and star-studded cast are enough to make any film lover want to sit down and take in all 118 minutes. But, what makes this film truly weird is its structure, use of effects, and plot. Confusing at times, the film could honestly read as a Bond thriller if given a different dialogue and mood. The special effects include that of animated and stop-motion fish, providing surreal but charming moments. The film stars many well-versed actors, including Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett, Willem Dafoe, and Jeff Goldblum.
3. "Her" (2013)
My favorite weird actor, Joaquin Phoenix, takes the cake with this one. Set in near-distant future where we can date our AI (aka Siri…), Phoenix’s introverted and depressed Theodore Twombly begins to fall in love with his personal assistant named Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson) who exists solely within an operating system. She learns, sounds real, has a personality…just like any woman. This film is yet another strange story about love, showing how technology may attempt to take place of those real experiences that make us human.
4. "A Clockwork Orange" (1971)
If this doesn’t disturb you, IDK what will. This is probably the most hardcore weird of all the movies on this list, but it deserves its place. Stanley Kubrick directs this cult favorite (he also directed "The Shining," FYI), and successfully brings to life the world the novel of the same name once introduced. Yet another dystopian society, this time run amuck with bandits and gangs, "A Clockwork Orange" explores themes like violence, rape, robbery, and even brainwashing. If you’re into dystopian literature, you shouldn’t overlook this one.
5. "The One I Love" (2014)
Starring just three people, two of which take up 95% of its screen time, "The One I Love" is a suspenseful gem. Ethan and Sophie embark on a couple’s retreat that goes entirely wrong and gets disturbing pretty fast. Without giving away too much, the film beautifully explores how relationships, what we want from others, and our desires can change and manifest themselves in strange ways. The film stars Mark Duplass, Elisabeth Moss, and briefly Ted Danson.
6. "Brigsby Bear" (2017)
Written by and starring SNL member and master of weird, Kyle Mooney, alongside Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker himself), this comedy-drama brings offbeat comedy to the big screen. James Pope is a young man obsessed with the show "Brigsby Bear," and when the show ends, his life is completely changed. Through a desire to finish the show, James uses creativity as a tool of healing and as a way to learn about his new and unfamiliar world.
