10 Best Movies Like Donnie Darko (Ranked & Where to Watch)

Marc Forster's Stay is perhaps the closest spiritual sibling to Donnie Darko on this list, a deeply unsettling psychological thriller that expertly blurs the line between reality and illusion. Ewan McGregor plays a psychiatrist whose new patient, Ryan Gosling's Henry, claims he will die in three days. As the psychiatrist delves deeper, reality begins to unravel in a series of surreal, dreamlike sequences and impossible coincidences, mirroring Donnie's own fragmented perception of his world. Its non-linear structure, intense atmosphere, and philosophical undertones about fate, identity, and the fragility of the mind make it an absolute must-watch for fans craving that signature Darko existential dread.

Charlie Kaufman's I'm Thinking of Ending Things is a masterclass in psychological disorientation, making it an ideal watch for those who revel in Donnie Darko's ambiguities. Based on Iain Reid's novel, it follows a young woman on a road trip to meet her new boyfriend's parents, but nothing is as it seems. The narrative twists and shifts, delving into themes of memory, identity, regret, and existential philosophy with a chilling, dreamlike logic. Its unsettling atmosphere, intellectual depth, and deliberate obfuscation of reality will resonate deeply with anyone who appreciates Donnie Darko's commitment to challenging conventional storytelling and leaving audiences to piece together profound, often uncomfortable, truths.

The Sixth Sense remains a powerhouse of psychological suspense, offering a profound exploration of a child's unique, terrifying perception of the world—a core element shared with Donnie Darko. Cole Sear, a young boy who 'sees dead people,' is isolated and misunderstood, much like Donnie's own struggle with his visions. M. Night Shyamalan crafts a narrative rich in emotional depth and an unsettling atmosphere, leading to one of cinema's most iconic twists. While less sci-fi and more supernatural drama, its thematic resonance with hidden truths, profound personal burdens, and the devastating impact of the unseen makes it a compelling companion piece.

Nine Days offers a profound, philosophical experience that resonates with Donnie Darko's existential questioning, albeit in a more serene, introspective manner. It centers on Will, a reclusive arbiter who interviews prospective souls for the privilege of being born on Earth. The film beautifully explores themes of purpose, existence, and the value of human experience, challenging both its characters and the audience to consider the meaning of life. Its quiet sci-fi premise and deep psychological insights into memory, desire, and regret offer a contemplative counterpart to Donnie's chaotic quest for meaning, making it a powerful film for those who appreciate cerebral narratives.

Terry Gilliam's The Zero Theorem is a kaleidoscopic, dystopian sci-fi film that plunges viewers into a world of existential angst and corporate control, echoing Donnie Darko's blend of sci-fi and philosophical inquiry. Christoph Waltz plays Qohen Leth, a reclusive, eccentric computer genius tasked with solving a mysterious formula that may uncover the meaning of life, or its complete lack thereof. Gilliam's signature surreal visual style and a protagonist's desperate search for truth in a seemingly meaningless universe directly connect to Donnie's own tumultuous journey. It's a cerebral, visually striking descent into a fragmented reality, perfect for those who crave intellectual challenge.

Another Terry Gilliam entry, Tideland dives headfirst into psychological surrealism, presenting a world seen through the eyes of a child, much like Donnie Darko delves into Donnie's unique perspective. After her drug-addicted parents die, young Jeliza-Rose retreats into a fantasy world on a desolate farm, populated by dismembered doll heads and morbid imagination. The film is deeply unsettling, dark, and visually distinct, exploring themes of innocence corrupted and the mind's capacity to create its own reality to cope with trauma. Its deliberate discomfort and commitment to a bizarre, internal logic make it a challenging yet rewarding watch for fans of Darko's audacious style.

Closet Monster is a striking coming-of-age drama that uses surrealism and psychological depth to explore trauma and identity, resonating with Donnie Darko's adolescent angst and unique visual language. Oscar, a creative teenager, grapples with haunting childhood memories and a turbulent home life, manifested through vivid, dreamlike sequences and a talking hamster. The film powerfully uses metaphor to depict internal struggles and the desire for escape. Its blend of raw emotional honesty with striking, almost hallucinatory imagery creates an atmosphere of psychological introspection that fans of Donnie's introspective and often distorted reality will undoubtedly appreciate.

The Invisible offers a compelling narrative of a teenager caught in a liminal state between life and death, much like Donnie Darko often feels disconnected from the mundane world. Nick, after a brutal assault, finds himself an unseen and unheard 'ghost,' forced to observe his own life and the mystery surrounding his predicament. This unique perspective, coupled with a sense of urgency and isolation, mirrors Donnie's singular burden of knowledge and his desperate fight against an unseen force. It's a supernatural thriller with a strong emotional core, capturing the feeling of being an outsider with profound, terrifying insights.

Donovan's Echo delves into themes of déjà vu, fate, and the re-examination of a tragic past, aligning with the time-bending and premonitory aspects of Donnie Darko. The film follows a man tormented by recurring visions and a sense of déjà vu, compelling him to revisit a devastating event from his past. As he tries to unravel whether these are mere psychological phenomena or literal echoes from a distorted timeline, the narrative explores the weight of memory and the possibility of altering destiny. It's a thoughtful, atmospheric thriller that will appeal to those intrigued by Darko's manipulation of time and its implications for free will.

From Time to Time is a haunting ghost story with a touch of time travel, featuring a young protagonist who finds himself mysteriously connected to events from the past, echoing Donnie Darko's blend of childhood experience with supernatural intervention. Set during World War II, a boy is sent to live in an old family estate and soon discovers he can travel between his time and events two centuries prior. The film beautifully weaves together mystery, history, and the supernatural, exploring themes of loss, connection, and the weight of forgotten stories. It offers a melancholic, atmospheric journey for those who appreciate Darko's blend of youthful introspection and otherworldly phenomena.