7 Influental Movies on Dreaming

I found myself very drawn to movies based on lucid dreaming or alternate states of reality. I still have a few on my bucket list. One movie that did not mention in the list below (because it isn't really a movie) was Anamnesis, a new fictional mini series you can find on youtube based on lucid dreaming. I highly recommenced checking it out. The story line is simple and open for interpretation and it was shot beautifully. Here are a list of some of my favorite movies relating to the dream world:


1. Inception (2010)

Directed by Christoper Nolan: Lionardo DiCaprio plays a thief who steals secrets from powerful corporations by dream sharing technology. In exchange for redemption, he gathers a team of dream manipulators to embark on a mission. They must implant another's idea into someone else's subconscious.

2. Waking Life (2001)

 An animated film where the main character shuffles through dreams encountering various people discussing the meanings of the universe. Topic explored include the purpose of dreams, reality, and consciousness.
3. The Matrix

Perceived reality for most is actually a simulated reality called "The Matrix" created by machines to control the human population. Neo, a computer hacker, is set free from The Matrix and joins others seeking a revolution from the machines' control.

4. What Dreams May Come

In arguably Robin William's most outstanding film, William plays a man who suffered the tragedy of his children dying in a car accident. He in turn is confronted by death and is guided to his personal afterlife influenced by the paintings of his wife. He must go on a quest to find his wife in the afterlife.

5. Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

The first movie of the franchise series: a slasher horror written by by Wes Craven. A group of teenagers in Springwood, Ohio are hunted and killed in their dreams by Freddy Krueger which in turn kills them in reality. Tell me you never had nightmares of Krueger as a child...

6. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

The film uses element of science fiction, romance, comedy, and drama with a couple who have each other erased from their memories on impulse. Joel, played by Jim Carey, attempts to hold onto the memory of his girlfriend by hiding her in remote parts of his subconscious. 

7. Alice in Wonderland (1951)

Originating from a novel by Lewis Caroll: A curious girl, Alice, dreams of a world of her own. After falling asleep she begins her adventure by chasing a white rabbit "down the rabbit hole". Ultimately, she is asked to identify herself by several odd characters along her journey but never knows how to respond.