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The 23 Weirdest Movies... And What They Really Mean

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The 23 Weirdest Movies... And What They Really Mean

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The latest movie news, reviews and features from the team at Total Film Magazine. Subscribe here today.

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					10 Greatest Murder-Mystery Films That Fooled Us All 
									

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					10 Greatest Murder-Mystery Films That Fooled Us All 
									

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7. Se7en

New Line

It's hard to say if there is a movie more disturbing and haunting than Se7en. Over the span of seven days, a killer, John Doe, targets people who exhibit one of the seven deadly sins from the Bible. Each murder is gruesome, traumatizing, and psychologically destructive to the characters and the audience.

But there's more: Se7en goes down as the one of only films to fool the viewer twice. First, the writers never reveal who plays the killer in the film, as they leave him out of the credits, and when we see him, we can't help but even be more scared by the actor that plays him - the man has a way of playing a dedicated psychopath that gives us shudders.

Second is the climatic scene between Mills and Doe, and having the audience wonder what's in the box (WHAT'S IN THE BOX? WHAT'S IN THE BOX?!). We were fooled. John Doe had turned himself into the police and agreed to lead the detectives to the last two bodies. We couldn't be that gullible, could we? We knew he had something up his sleeve, right? We may have, but no one expected THAT.

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10 Greatest Murder-Mystery Films That Fooled Us All

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It's hard to say if there is a movie more disturbing and haunting than Se7en. Over the span of seven days, a killer, John Doe, targets people who exhibit one of the seven deadly sins from the Bible. Each murder is gruesome, traumatizing, and psychologically destructive to the characters and the audience.

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Best Mystery Movies to Watch - Good Movies List

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Explore best mystery movies of all time. Follow direct links to watch top films online on Netflix, Amazon and iTunes.

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Best-Scariest Contemporary Ghost Films 

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Best-Scariest Contemporary Ghost Films 

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1. 1408 - Watched 2/5

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Ghosts, spirits, haunted houses and possession ... TOO SCARY 2 WATCH now presents a list (arranged by year) of what we believe are some of the creepiest ghost movies of the past decade or so, perfect for the person obsessed with the supernatural, and also suitable for the person with an appetite for things that go bump in the night!

T he list will continue to be updated and expanded upon as we continue to find more movies that we believe are worthy of adding. We also plan to do more "Ghost Movies Lists" in the near future, seeing as, there are obviously many other good ghost movies that weren't able to be crammed into one list.

Since there are a ton of great ghost movies on the market spanning decades (both classic and contemporary) we've decided to create this list with the emphasis on the contemporary (meaning newer), beginning with Ringu (1998) and continuing through 2012 ... I thought it would be fitting to start with Ringu because "The Ring-2002 (one of my all-time favorites) ended up being the inspiration for this blog.

It can be argued whether some of the movies on the list are ghost movies (depending on how one defines a ghost movies) ... nevertheless, we've provided some movies that contain ghosts, some that contain ghost-like spirits, some that contain haunted houses, some that are psychological thrillers that are like ghost movies but actually aren't ghost movies, along with others that may be open for interpretation.

I deliberately left out Religious Supernatural Thrillers (the ones centered around demonic possession, Christian exorcisms and strange religious phenomenon) because I plan to do a separate list for those types of movies in the future. There are of course, a few exceptions, which is why I have included a few of these types of movies on this list.

Some of the movies on the list, in our opinion, aren't necessarily good movies, but were chosen to be included for a variety of different reasons.

In director Jan de Bont's remake of the original spine-tingling haunted house adventure, Dr. David Marrow (Liam Neeson) invites Nell Vance (Lili Taylor) and Theo (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and Luke Sanderson (Owen Wilson) to the eerie and isolated Hill House to be subjects for a sleep disorder study. The unfortunate guests discover that Marrow is far more interested in the sinister mansion itself -- and, soon, they see the true nature of its horror.

When young Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment) inexplicably starts seeing dead people, he lands in the care of child psychologist Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis), who is determined to uncover the truth behind Cole's remarkable paranormal abilities. M. Night Shyamalan writes and directs this plot twist-filled chiller, which was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Olivia Williams and Toni Collette co-star.

When the authorities find a drowned woman's body, a small-town psychic starts having visions of who committed the murder, which means she's the only one who can testify to what truly happened and that she could be the killer's next target.

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Best-Scariest Contemporary Ghost Films - Part I

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Ghosts, spirits, haunted houses and possession ... TOO SCARY 2 WATCH now presents a list (arranged by year) of what we believe are some of the creepiest ghost movies of the past decade or so, perfect for the person obsessed with the supernatural, and also suitable for the person with an appetite for things that go bump in the night!

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Top 10 Best Ghosts And Haunted House Movies Ever Made

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Top 10 Best Ghosts And Haunted House Movies Ever Made

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1. The Devils Backbone - 3/5

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I write about films, especially superhero films, & Hollywood. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

Yesterday, I started my annual posting of Halloween movies lists, kicking things off with the top ten best slasher movies of all time. Today, dear readers, I bring you my list of the ten greatest horror movies about ghosts and/or haunted houses!

Let me explain up front, this list has movies about haunted house, about haunted places, and generally about ghosts and spirits. So it's a mixture, and I excluded certain well-known films (like the romantic crime thriller Ghost) that are not really scary or horror-type stories and thus don't fit the theme of my lists.

I also left comedies of this list, so a certain very famous ghost-hunters movie for example isn't on this list. However, I've got an entire list of comedy-horror films that I'll be posting later in the month, so don't fret if you didn't see some of your favorites here.

Now, on with the show! For your Halloween viewing pleasure -- and terror -- I give you the best ghost and haunted house movies ever made! Trust me, these films will scare you like a good ghost story should!

10. The Amityville Horror

9. The Others

8. The House on Haunted Hill

7. The Innocents

6. The Sixth Sense

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Top 10 Best Ghosts And Haunted House Movies Ever Made

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VideoYesterday, I started my annual posting of Halloween movies lists, kicking things off with the top ten best slasher movies of all time. Today, dear readers, I bring you my list of the ten greatest horror movies about ghosts and/or haunted houses! Let me explain up front, this list has movies [...]

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5/5 - Watched this movie more than once, maybe more than 10 times. Personal favorites.

4/5 - Worth watching at the cinema or replaying and rewatching.
3/5 - Good, worth spending some time watching it. Or watch at cinema or spend some cash on it.
2/5 - Worth watching only once. Or just skip it.
1/5 - Don't bother.
0/5 - This film is soooo bad.

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1. The Ring - Watched 3/5
2. Poltergeist - Watched 2/5
3. The Haunting
4. The Sixth Sense - Watched 3/5
5. What Lies Beneath - Watched 2/5
6. The Orphanage - Watched 3/5
7. Lake Mungo - Watched 1/5
8. The Innocents
9. The Shining - Watched 3/5

10. The Others - watched
11. Candyman
12. Amityville Horror
13. House on Haunted Hill
14. The Grudge & Ju-on - Watched 3/5 & 5/5
15. Insidious - Watched 3/5

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With two spooky ghost movies in theaters this weekend, The Innkeepers and Daniel Radcliffe's The Woman in Black, it's only right to pay homage to the great ghost movies from the past. So here is our list of the very best spooks and hauntings to ever grace the silver screen.

Most people cover their eyes during horror movies, which is why The Innkeepers may be one of the...
Read more Read

Daniel Radcliffe could have done pretty much anything, coming off the mega-successful Harry Potter...
Read more Read

The Others (2001)
This twisty take on a traditional haunting gives the audience a ghost-eye's view. Plenty of smoke and mirrors and frightening momento mori photographs culminate in one odd supernatural tale.

Candyman (1992)
A doomed romance and bloody murder haunts the people of Chicago's Cabrini Green. Should you call his name three times in the mirror, the Candyman will appear and gut you with his bloody bee-hook.

Amityville Horror (2005)
The remake of the 1979 hoax was actually pretty chilling in some places, especially when you allow your Native American-hating ghosts to posses the chiseled body of Ryan Reynolds.

House on Haunted Hill (1999)
Laughably stupid in many parts, this remake got it right by having all the ghosts of the mental ward move at lightning pace.

The Grudge & Ju-on (2004/2003)
Both films are equally terrifying. As they should be, as the 2004 horror flick was a remake of Takashi Shimizu's horror flick. But as I could not find an embeddable clip from the original, they are both getting a shout out.

Insidious (2011)
The never-ending parade of jump scares turned this family's astral projection problem into an all-night ghost hotel.

The Ring (2002)
Watch this mysterious horse suicide tape and the ghost of the evil child Samara will appear from the well she was condemned to die in. As for you, you'll transform into a dehydrated, dead yogi.

Poltergeist (1982)
"You sonofabitch, you left the bodies! You only moved the headstones. You only moved the headstones!"

The Haunting (1963)
Using very little camera trickery and just good old-fashioned thumping, the residents of this mansion got an unexpected visit from the previous owner looking to hide his murderous past...and possibly take a new wife.

The Sixth Sense (1999)
Both heartwarming and chilling, the undead beings that haunted a wee Haley Joel Osment kept you on the edge of your seat, especially when they were pissed off. They often were.

What Lies Beneath (2000)
Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer are plagued by a lady ghost with an axe to grind.

The Orphanage (2007)
There are few things scarier than listening to the ghostly pleas from spirit children in J.A. Bayona's supernatural flick.

Lake Mungo (2008)
When a family's 16-year-old daughter drowns, their grief is eclipsed by the presumed haunting of their dead family member. After hiring a psychic and parapsychologist, the family discovers their daughter lead a double life.

The The Innocents (1961)
If you liked the The Others, you'll love The Innocents. Also inspired by the novella The Turn of the Screw director Jack Clayton used light and freaky ghost dances to push the viewer over the edge.

The Shining (1980)
Almost didn't make the list after many "Does it really have ghosts?" arguments. Stanley Kubrick drives Jack Nicholson insane when he unleashes horny furries on the writer's poor psyche.

Consolation Prize

While they're not the scariest ghost movies of all time, we wanted to add these two hilarious, iconic, and sometimes spooky movies, simply because they're just that great.

High Spirits (1988)
Possibly the most underrated ghost movie of all time. Peter O`Toole, Daryl Hannah, Liam Nesson, and Steve Guttenberg join together to make a hilarious and often quite frightening tale about a down-and-out ancient hotel that tries to drum up business by faking a haunting. Naturally, the real ghosts of the manor are none too pleased with this.

Ghostbusters (1986)
Equal parts horror and comedy, this gang of spiritual exterminators used their proton packs to rid the world of horrifically frightening librarians.

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With two spooky ghost movies in theaters this weekend, The Innkeepers and Daniel Radcliffe's The Woman in Black, it's only right to pay homage to the great ghost movies from the past. So here is our list of the very best spooks and hauntings to ever grace the silver screen.

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The TONY top 50 movies of the decade            

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The TONY top 50 movies of the decade            

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Who knows what to call them: the Aughts, the Naughts, the "Double-Os." Actually, we prefer the Uh-Ohs, given the movies these ten years have produced. Looking back, we found mastery and mirth-but mainly a lot of pain. This makes perfect sense. Cinema reflects the age it's made in. We asked 14 of our contributors to provide a ranked ballot of their ten favorites. After tabulating the results (and engaging in some decidedly unscientific back-and-forth), Team Film arrived at a vivid picture of a troubled time. Did we miss anything? Let us know. You can click on any writer's byline to see their personal list.

Participants: David Fear, Joshua Rothkopf, Keith Uhlich, Stephen Garrett, Andrew Grant, Aaron Hillis, Kevin B. Lee, Karina Longworth, Maitland McDonagh, Troy Patterson, Nicolas Rapold, Lisa Rosman, Nick Schager, S. James Snyder.

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Who knows what to call them: the Aughts, the Naughts, the "Double-Os." Actually, we prefer the Uh-Ohs, given the movies these ten years have produced. Looking back, we found mastery and mirth-but mainly a lot of pain. This makes perfect sense. Cinema reflects the age it's made in.

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There's no need to fear subtitles when so much of what Hollywood has come to love (pop-cultural patter, action movies, special effects, sex scenes, etc.) has its original source in a distant land. But where to begin in choosing the absolute best foreign films? Let us be your (extremely opinionated) guides. Our only ground rules for this foreign-language list: no silent films (sorry, Metropolis), and no movies from Britain, Australia or other English-speaking countries. We're bound to have forgotten a raft of classics-how could we not, with a whole globe to choose from? Please chime in on our 50 best foreign films of all time.
RECOMMENDED: Our list of the 100 best movies of all time

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There's no need to fear subtitles when so much of what Hollywood has come to love (pop-cultural patter, action movies, special effects, sex scenes, etc.) has its original source in a distant land. But where to begin in choosing the absolute best foreign films? Let us be your (extremely opinionated) guides.

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1. The Quite Ones - Watched 2/5

2. Now You See Me - Watched 3/5
3. Cloverfield
4. The Innskeeper - Watched 1/5
5. Ju On - 5/5
6. Mama - Watched 3/5
7. Perks of being a wallflower - Watched 3/5
8. Good Will Hunting - Watched 4/5
9. Kill Your Darlings - Watched 2/5
10. American Psycho - Watched 3/5

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List :

1. Memories

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The 15 Movies You Should Never Watch On A First Date (Or Any Date For That Matter)

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The 15 Movies You Should Never Watch On A First Date (Or Any Date For That Matter)

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1. A Serbian Film - Watched 2/5

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The 15 Movies You Should Never Watch On A First Date (Or Any Date For That Matter)

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Maybe just wait til you can check out these films solo.

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44 Movies You Probably Missed In 2013, But Definitely Need To See

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44 Movies You Probably Missed In 2013, But Definitely Need To See

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44 Movies You Probably Missed In 2013, But Definitely Need To See

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Sure, you saw Catching Fire and Iron Man 3, and Oscar contenders are important. But there were many great flicks that didn't get attention this year.

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1. Sunshine - Watched 3/5
2. The Machinist - Watched 3/5
3. Splice - Watched 2/5
4. Pan's Labyrinth - Watched 3/5
5. Gone Baby Gone - Watched 3/5
6. Hanna - Watched 3/5
7. 13th Warrior - Watched 3/5
8. Chronicle - Watched 2/5
9. The Fountain - Watched 3/5
10. Knockaround guys - Watched 2/5
12. Insomnia - Watched 2/5
13. A Perfect Getaway - 1/5
14. Would You Rather
15. Michael Clayton
16. End of Watch
17. Triangle
18. Zathura
19. About A Boy

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There's nothing worse than going to the theater, spending way too much money on tickets, popcorn, candy, and drinks, and then watching a movie that ends up being completely terrible. Over the last decade, however, there have been numerous movies that were the complete opposite of the over-hyped box office duds. Some of the more fun and brilliant movies tend to slip through the cracks and go fairly unnoticed. No matter what your taste is, there is something in this list for everyone, so enjoy the 50 Best Modern Movies You Might Have Missed.

50. A Perfect Getaway
The Premise: A couple goes on their honeymoon to Hawaii and become involved in a series of grisly murders.

Why You Should See It: Although it starts out slow, there are some really great twists and one of the most elaborate reveals you will ever see.
49. Would You Rather
The Premise: A group of strangers are brought together for a game that promises the winner will have all of their financial problems erased.

Why You Should See It: Wait until you see what insane things this game consists of. It's seriously like "Saw" around a dinner table. Also, Sasha Grey is there for some reason.
48. Michael Clayton
The Premise: After one of their top attorneys breaks down while representing a massive company that may be involved in illegal activity, a law firm brings in George Clooney's character to fix things.

Why You Should See It: There aren't a ton of explosions and it doesn't insult the audience by spoon feeding us the story. It's smart and perfectly executed by director and writer Tony Gilroy.

47. End of Watch
The Premise: Two LA cops document their daily activity, which eventually leads to them going up against a group of criminals that are bigger than anything they've ever imagined.

Why You Should See It: While the concept isn't anything you haven't seen before, the performances by Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena are nothing short of fantastic. You'll quickly become emotionally involved in their journey.
46. Triangle
The Premise: Melissa George stars as a passenger of a yacht that hits bizarre weather conditions, which forces her to jump to another ship. Once aboard things only get more dangerous as someone or something is trying to kill her.

Why You Should See It: It's impossible to really explain or categorize without giving a substantial amount of story away but that is kind of the appeal. These days it's rare to go into a movie without knowing almost the entire plot due to over-explained trailers. Just know that it does not disappoint.

45. Zathura
The Premise: Two brothers find an old board game that ends up transporting them to another galaxy and the only way to get back is to finish the game.

Why You Should See It: Imagine "Jumanji," BUT IN SPACE! Plus, the kids are extremely likable and you'll want to hug someone after it's over.
44. About A Boy
The Premise: Hugh Grant is a self-centered playboy who befriends a teenage outcast and realizes maybe he wants more out of life than just taking care of himself.

Why You Should See It: Toni Collette is simply brilliant as a depressed single mom and Hugh Grant is the least Hugh Grant-y he's ever been. You know what I mean.

43. Payback
The Premise: After being shot and left for dead by his best friend and his wife, an ex-marine seeks revenge and the $70,000 that was taken from him.

Why You Should See It: Yes, it's Mel Gibson, but this is one of the coolest revenge movies. The soundtrack is fantastic and it just feels cool.

42. Jeff Who Lives At Home
The Premise: An unemployed 30 year-old living in his mom's basement tries to figure out if there's something bigger intended for his life while he spends the day with his brother who suspects his wife is cheating on him.

Why You Should See It: The Duplass brothers wrote and directed this delightful movie about finding your place in the world. Jason Segel is so likeable you can't help but cheer for him.

41. The Ex
The Premise: Zach Braff & Amanda Peet are a couple expecting their first child which results in Braff having to work for her father and dealing with Jason Bateman, his wheelchair-bound
nemesis.

Why You Should See It: Jason Bateman in one of his most underrated comedy roles ever, plus the rest of the cast (Mia Farrow, Amy Poehler, Fred Armisen, Charles Grodin) is amazing.
40. Knockaround Guys
The Premise: The not-so-mobster sons of a group of crime lords try to prove themselves by running an errand for the boss. Unfortunately, things aren't as simple as they had anticipated.

Why You Should See It: This is the most badass role Vine Diesel has ever or will ever have. The speech he gives before pummeling a local tough guy is the best thing he's ever done.
39. Solaris
The Premise: George Clooney is a psychologist who is sent to a space station to help treat a group of astronauts in this slow burn, written and directed by Steven Soderbergh.

Why You Should See It: It may not be for everyone, but it's so sophisticated you'll be shocked that a large Hollywood studio would take a chance on such a non-popcorn film.
38. Sunshine
The Premise: The sun is dying, so a group of scientists and astronauts are sent on a mission to re-ignite it after a failed attempt by another group seven years earlier.

Why You Should See It: Danny Boyle's criminally under-appreciated project, made between "28 Days Later" and "Slumdog Millionaire," can hold its own against any sci-fi movie in recent memory.
37. Compliance
The Premise: It's based on a true story of a man who prank called a fast food restaurant, posed as a cop, and claimed one of the employees was stealing. You will not believe what the manager is willing to comply with simply by being told that she is speaking with a cop without any sort of proof.

Why You Should See It: While it's difficult to watch, you honestly would think it was an absurd, ridiculous plot if it wasn't taken directly from newspaper headlines. Few movies truly shock viewers. This one will.
36. Changing Lanes
The Premise: Ben Affleck and Samuel L. Jackson get in a minor car accident, but tempers build and it turns into a nightmare of a day that neither would have ever expected.

Why You Should See It: It's intense and suspenseful while providing an interesting commentary on ethical choices.
35. Open Water
The Premise: The true story of a couple that go on a scuba trip only to be left behind by their tour boat in the middle of ocean. Also, there are sharks all around them.

Why You Should See It: Director Chris Kentis, who also did 2011's "Silent House," has a way to make even the most open areas feel extremely claustrophobic.
34. Daybreakers
The Premise: In the future, vampires are the predominant species and the nearly extinct humans are harvested for blood. But what happens when the blood runs out?

Why You Should See It: While it has its flaws, there are plenty of twists and it's a vampire movie that isn't for tweens! Wow!
33. Chronicle
The Premise: Three teenage friends come in contact with an alien artifact that gives them superpowers which quickly go from a blessing to completely destroying their lives.

Why You Should See It: The handheld camera aspect works incredibly well and the cast of relatively unknowns give tremendous performances.
32. Resurrecting the Champ
The Premise: Samuel L. Jackson and Josh Hartnett star in this film about a young sports reporter who discovers that a homeless man may actually be a legendary boxer that everyone believed died years before.

Why You Should See It: Samuel L. Jackson is simply fantastic as the homeless boxing legend and, believe it or not, Josh Hartnett gives what was probably the best performance of his career.
31. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
The Premise: This French film is the true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, the editor at Elle, as he learned to live his life after having a stroke that left him completely paralyzed except for the use of his left eye.

Why You Should See It: You won't find a more powerful and encouraging biography than this. It's also shot beautifully with some of the best cinematography you'll ever see.
30. Moon
The Premise: An astronaut spends three years on the moon in a research project to help restore resources for a dying earth.

Why You Should See It: Sam Rockwell is one of the most underrated actors of our time and he proves it here more than anywhere else. It's unlike any other sci-fi movie you've ever seen.
29. Be Kind, Rewind
The Premise: After accidentally erasing all of the tapes in a small video store, two store employees decide that in order to keep the business going, they will re-shoot every film with their camera themselves.

Why You Should See It: This came out at the peak of Jack Black's slapstick popularity, so fans were disappointed that he wasn't as over the top. Nonetheless, it's a very sweet movie that you can't help but feel good after watching.
28. Brothers
The Premise: After the government declares her husband a casualty of war, a woman begins to have feelings for his brother. Problems ensue when, it turns out, her husband survived and comes home to rejoin his family.

Why You Should See It: The story is good, but the performances from Jake Gyllenhaal, Tobey Maguire, and Natalie Portman are absolutely top notch. The tension created by this trio is astounding.
27. Elizabethtown
The Premise: Orlando Bloom returns to his hometown after the death of his father and ends up falling in love with a flight attendant.

Why You Should See It: The setting is so beautiful, you'll want to book your next vacation in Elizabethtown, KY. You probably shouldn't though.
26. The Switch
The Premise: J ennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman star in this romantic comedy about a man who, seven years later, realizes he was the sperm donor for his best friend's baby.

Why You Should See It: It's hard not to love Jason Bateman, even in a very predictable storyline. Jeff Goldblum and Patrick Wilson are also great.
25. 25th Hour
The Premise: Edward Norton stars in this Spike Lee joint about a drug dealer who reevaluates everything in his life as he prepares to serve seven years in jail.

Why You Should See It: A lot of people aren't fans of Spike Lee's movies, which I get. This one, however, should be your exception, as it is brilliantly acted and surprisingly fun considering the subject matter.
24. Shoot Em Up
The Premise: After delivering a woman's baby, a homeless assassin must protect the baby from hordes of gunmen led by Paul Giamatti.

Why You Should See It: It's completely over the top in a mix of James Bond and grunge rock. It's smart, sexy, and funny. Any fan of action movies needs to see it.
23. Death to Smoochy
The Premise: Robin Williams stars as kids show hosts that will do anything to eliminate his replacement, played by Edward Norton.

Why You Should See It: "Death to Smoochy" is definitely the darkest comedy you'll see about children's television. It's not as great as it probably should be, but you'll find yourself filled with a dark pleasure from it.
22. Lars and the Real Girl
The Premise: After a traumatic experience, a quiet guy starts a relationship with a sex doll he bought online.

Why You Should See It: As gross as that description sounds, it's a very emotional and sweet movie about family and loss in the most unconventional way possible.
21. Martian Child
The Premise: A young boy who claims to be from Mars is temporarily adopted by a recently widowed writer, played by John Cusack.

Why You Should See It: I know it's probably designed to play on my emotions, but you'll find yourself caring so much mainly because of a great performance from John Cusack.
20. Inland Empire
The Premise: In a surreal, trippy story that only David Lynch could create, an actress realizes she is becoming the character she portrays.

Why You Should See It: If you like other David Lynch movies, you will love Inland Empire. If more traditional movies are your thing, there's probably a reason you haven't seen this one.

19. 13th Warrior
The Premise: In the year 922, a group of warriors battle an ancient evil with the help of a foreigner who has been exiled from his homeland.

Why You Should See It: An action movie from the director of "Die Hard" and "Predator" that you haven't seen should be reason enough, right?
18. Melancholia
The Premise: Writer and director Lars von Trier creates an end of the world tale that focuses more on the relationships of the characters than the explosions and special effects.

Why You Should See It: It's beautiful and haunting, but more importantly highlights the best acting performance by Kirsten Dunst to date.
17. Manic
The Premise: Joseph Gordon-Levitt portrays a young man who is committed to a mental institution where he comes in contact with patients and psychologists who may be nothing more than products of their society.

Why You Should See It: Before JGL became a full blown movie star, he had a series of powerful roles like this that deserve to be highlighted.
16. Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang
The Premise: Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer are a private investigator and a thief that are investigating a murder together in the most unlikely combination.

Why You Should See It: The coolness Robert Downey Jr. brought to "Iron Man" is in full force here, as he is sly and quick witted which compliments the fantastic script by Shane Black.
15. Splice
The Premise: Two scientists try to save their struggling department by splicing together the DNA of different animals and, eventually, using human DNA.

Why You Should See It: You think you know what's going to happen in this movie? No, you do not. I will go as far as to guarantee that you will be completely shocked.
14. The Lookout
The Premise: A young man with a promising athletic career gets in a horrible accident and ends up becoming a janitor at a bank. He gets involved with the wrong crowd and quickly becomes entangled in a heist to rob the bank.

Why You Should See It: The cast, led by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, is fantastic in this thriller with depth and a feel of realism that's rare for movies like this.
13. Hanna
The Premise: A young girl is trained by her father to be an assassin and seek revenge on an intelligence agent in this change of pace film from the director of "Atonement" and "Pride & Prejudice."

Why You Should See It: The action is slick and cool and the story is completely original. It's like if Jason Bourne were a tween girl.

12. Buried
The Premise: A man wakes up in a wooden coffin in Iraq with nothing but his lighter and his cell phone.

Why You Should See It: It's incredibly claustrophobic with insane amounts of drama for such a simple premise. The entire movie takes place within the coffin without cutting to other settings. You'll want to sleep with the lights on after this.
11. Warrior
The Premise: Two brothers, one with a troubled past and the other a hard working family man, compete in a mixed martial arts tournament while dealing with their alcoholic, former boxing champion father.

Why You Should See It: You really wouldn't expect a movie about mixed martial arts to make you cry, but this one does exactly that. It's full of heart and characters you actually care about.
10. 500 Days of Summer
The Premise: A young man falls in love with a girl who says she doesn't believe in love. The story is told out of chronological order, with a style that resembles a music video.

Why You Should See It: One of the most stylized romantic comedy you'll ever see, "500 Days of Summer" is something that everyone will enjoy on a date night.
9. Mulholland Drive
The Premise: Naomi Watts is an actress who, after a violent car accident, gets amnesia and joins a young actress to try and discover who she really is.

Why You Should See It: It's hard to describe what exactly happens in this movie, but David Lynch has a way of taking the absurd and making it to where you simply can't look away.
8. Gone Baby Gone
The Premise: A Boston private investigator is hired to search for a missing girl that has captivated the hearts of the entire city. What he uncovers is something more shocking than anything he had ever anticipated.

Why You Should See It: Ben Affleck, who we now know is an incredible director, made his directorial debut with this film from a screenplay he wrote. This is a movie you will immediately want to discuss with your friends as soon as the credits begin to roll.
7. Pan's Labyrinth
The Premise: Set in 1944, this Spanish tale follows a young girl who tries to get away from her military stepfather by traveling into a bizarre fantasy world.

Why You Should See It: Described by some as Alice in Wonderland for adults, Pan's Labyrinth is full of fascinating creatures, and some of the best storytelling Guillermo del Toro has ever done.
6. Children of Men
The Premise: The year is 2027 and mankind has lost the ability to procreate until a glimmer of hope is found in a young woman who is pregnant and may be the salvation of the world.

Why You Should See It: It's an emotional, action packed, futuristic tale that exceeds any preconceived expectations. The camerawork is brilliant and you will find it hard not to be engulfed in this futuristic, cautionary tale.
5. The Fountain
The Premise: Three parallel stories, past, present, and future, tell an intertwined story of love and loss in one of the most visually daring movies since "The Matrix."

Why You Should See It: It's not like any other love story you've ever seen. The sci-fi and spiritual elements, along with the stunning visuals, may be off-putting to some, but it's ambitious enough to be appreciated nonetheless.
4. The Machinist
The Premise: Christian Bale got his weight down to a staggering 110lbs in order to play an industrial worker who hasn't slept in over a year. He slowly starts to lose touch with what is real and what is in his head.

Why You Should See It: No movie has felt more like a Hitchcock film since he himself was making movies. It's dark and perplexing with tons of surprises and notable performances.
3. Insomnia
The Premise: One of two Christopher Nolan-directed movies on the list, "Insomnia" follows a pair of homicide detectives to Alaska to investigate a murder.

Why You Should See It: Did I mention that the sun doesn't set during that time of year in this Alaskan town? Add that to a particularly creepy Robin Williams performance and you've got a brilliant crime thriller.
2. In Bruges
The Premise: After an assassination gone wrong, two hitmen are sent to Bruges by their boss to hide out until the attention dies down.

Why You Should See It: This is probably the darkest movie that you won't be able to stop laughing during. The cast is brilliant and script is one of the most underrated of the last decade.

1. The Prestige
The Premise: Two rival magicians spend their lives trying to outdo one another, putting their lives and loved ones in danger throughout the process.

Why You Should See It: Christopher Nolan, who you should probably know from his movies like "Inception" and "The Dark Knight" Trilogy, put together this ridiculously good movie that you should be legally obligated to watch. It's that good. Go watch it now.

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The 50 Best Modern Movies You Might Have Missed

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There's nothing worse than going to the theater, spending way too much money on tickets, popcorn, candy, and drinks, and then watching a movie that ends up being completely terrible. Over the last decade, however, there have been numerous movies that were the complete opposite of the over-hyped box office duds.

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Top Films of 2013 That You Might Not Have Seen

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Top Films of 2013 That You Might Not Have Seen

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Today is finally the last day of 2013! So many great moments, memories, and films have been made in independent cinema this year -- some of which you might have missed. To celebrate, the NFS staff has shared their top picks for the best 2013 indie films that you might not have seen -- or even heard about. Continue on to check them out!

In Stories We Tell, the story of writer/director/actor Sarah Polley's complex family history, her brother observes of relationships that love is rarely traded evenly. He explains that one person is always more in love with the other than the other is in return, and the dynamics are always changing. That's how I feel about my ongoing love affair with documentary and fiction films -- sometimes I think I love one more than the other, and then a great film comes along and changes my mind. The great thing about movies, of course, is that we get to be polyamorous, and we don't have to choose. And sometimes one film satisfies the yearning for both documentaries and narratives; Stories We Tell is one such brilliant hybrid.

Mud, dir. Jeff Nichols

On the surface, Mud may seem like a plot-driven piece, following two boys who make an unlikely partnership with a fugitive to help him elude bounty hunters and reunite with the love of his life. Scratch slightly beneath the surface, and Mud may seem like a film about a charismatic ne'er-do-well who captivates a young boy with his intriguing philosophies and tall tales. Dig deeper, though, and you will discover Mud is an engrossing study of masculinity and romantic love told from various flawed male points of view and experienced through the eyes and mind of a resourceful yet misguided 14-year-old boy.

-- Christopher Boone

This movie perfectly captures the foibles of being young and in a rock band. The film follows Alex, the 16 year-old guitar player for his garage band Mari Pepa, to which he explains: 'Mari' meaning Marijuana and 'Pepa' for the female genitalia. It's a love letter to that stage in life when you just wanna fuck around with your friends, talk about girls, play bad music and live unyieldingly -- only shadowed by the backdrop of a nebulous, approaching adulthood. It exposes the fine lines between ambition and lofty jokes, forging creative relationships with your friends and finding your voice. Somos Mari Pepa is disarmingly honest, hilarious and expertly blurs the line between narrative and documentary. A must see for anyone interested in youth culture and the all-too real struggles of being a teenager.

-- Micah Van Hove

A story about a clandestine group of underage pregnant girls in 1978 Belgium who find solidarity in the empty top floor of a convent. Katja is our touchstone, a 16 year-old whose optimism is threatened as she comes to terms with her own fate amongst the sisterhood of nuns who protect her from the outside world. Sensitively made with mind-blowing performances, director Patrice Toye lends her vulnerability to render this delicate yet full-of-life story of assimilation and friendship.

-- Micah Van Hove

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD0Gg3FWuks

It's a buddy movie about loyalty, love, ambition and co-dependence. Alex Karpovsky gives a career performance as Nick, a driven film editor (who wants to be a director) who is often called upon to transform turds into gold. Like his character says in the film, "I'm like a surgeon, I'm here to remove the malignant growth." Directed by Daniel Schechter, it strongly harkens a Woody Allen New York; apartments, mornings, park benches, jobs, fears and desires.The banter is among the best I've seen and should feel really close to home for any filmmaker, but also anyone who has gone through a trying creative or business relationship. Supporting Characters had me reeling with laughter and cringing with empathy, and for a film made for under $50,000, it's a masterful blend of writing and performance. There's never a dull moment and Schechter too, like a surgeon imbues his characters with an irresistible likeableness, and deftly lasers in on the small moments that explain who we are to each other.

-- Micah Van Hove

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzDYHJerN1s

Directors Andrew Cohn and Davy Rothbart have come up big with Medora, a documentary about a winless high school basketball team from a small town in Indiana. The filmmakers moved to the town for 9 months to document the lives of 6 teenagers, and the result is the most quintessentially American film I've seen this year.

-- Micah Van Hove

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4vE5Kpvf5c

This film was a festival favorite that scored big with an unknown cast, a first-time director, and a budget of $65k -- and it's a lot of fun. Most of the amusement comes from the two young leads, Tashiana Washington and Ty Hickson, as less-than-respected teenage graffiti artists from the Bronx trying to awkwardly finagle funds to tag the Mets' home-run Apple. Telephoto shots of the two actors mic'ed inconspicuously as they walk past real bystanders in between the Bronx and Greenwich Village give a sense of authenticity and guerilla playfullness to the whole piece. Sure, it underscores grittiness and class inequality, but in a simple, charming comedy about young friends that's well worth a watch.

-- Oakley Anderson-Moore

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyBGkojSUvE

In this sequel to 2006's documentary, The Pervert's Guide to Cinema, director Sophie Fiennes again teams up with the most entertaining Slovenian philosopher ever (probably), Slavoj Žižek, to give an entertaining and enlightening introduction to critical theory by way of pop culture and movies. Using examples from a wide-range of films such as John Carpenter's 1988 cult-classic They Live, as well as Jaws, The Searchers, Taxi Driver, Titanic and even The Dark Knight, Žižek introduces complex ideas in a lively and hilarious way (I, personally, would listen to this man read the phone book.) For anyone interested in philosophy, culture, and cinema, The Pervert's Guide to Ideology is a sure bet.

-- Justin Morrow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUKbhKV7Ia8

There's definite truth to the narrative power of relatable characters who an audience can empathize with no matter what extraordinary journey you take them on. But for me, if you can create a unlikeable character who on one hand makes you want to rip your hair out in exasperation, yet is impossible to tear your eyes away from then you've totally nailed it. Drew Tobia's directorial debut (and rude play on words) See You Next Tuesday features a brilliant Eleanore Pienta as the heavily pregnant heroine Mona who goes out of her way to abuse and alienate everyone who attempts to lend a hand. Yet Tobia packs the film with so many guilty laughs and awkward situations that I defy you to not be won over by its abrasive charm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QwtuU_SK80

Two things -- one: I've never cried so much at a trailer before. Two: I hate almost every film about love and romance and relationships, because I'm a cynical ice queen, but this film changed all of that. Blue is the Warmest Color is a coming of age love story about high school student Adèle (Adele Exarchopoulos), who falls for Emma (Léa Seydoux), an artist, and chronicles their turbulent, though passionate, relationship through several years. Raw and brilliantly acted, Blue's intensity, authenticity, and painful honesty is second only to ones own first experience of first love and loss. I can't recommend this film enough.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2OLRrocn3s

Political dramas are typically not my kind of thing, but No is a fascinating (and funny) story about a Chilean ad executive (Gael García Bernal) who spearheads a campaign to defeat Augusto Pinochet during the country's 1988 plebiscite. One of the main reasons I loved this movie is its cinematography -- the filmmakers decided to shoot on U-matic 3:4, an analog format used in the 80s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApJUk_6hN-s

All of us here at No Film School would like to wish you all a Happy New Year!

What are your favorite unknown films of 2013? Let us know in the comments.

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NFS Staff Picks: Our Top Films of 2013 That You Might Not Have Seen

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Today is finally the last day of 2013! So many great moments, memories, and films have been made in independent cinema this year -- some of which you might have missed. To celebrate, the NFS staff has shared their top picks for the best 2013 indie films that you might not have seen -- or even heard about.

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17 great films you might not have seen... (+1 bonus)

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