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Exploring movies titled midnight

Midnight is a time often associated with mystery, change, or pivotal moments. It's no wonder filmmakers frequently feature this intriguing hour in their titles. From intense dramas to action-comedies, discover unforgettable films united by the word 'midnight'.

Midnight in Paris
Midnight Run
Midnight Special

The word "midnight" in a movie title immediately sets a certain tone, often hinting at a time of transition, secrecy, or something just outside the ordinary. It's the point where one day ends and another begins, a liminal space perfect for storytelling across countless genres.

Our list showcases just how diverse these stories can be. You have hard-hitting dramas like Midnight Express, based on a controversial true story that sparked significant international debate upon its release. Then there are iconic buddy action-comedies like Midnight Run, featuring the brilliant chemistry between Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin in a classic cat-and-mouse chase.

The theme of midnight also lends itself to more atmospheric or character-driven pieces. Consider Midnight Cowboy, a landmark film for its time, notable not only for its gritty portrayal of New York but also for being the only X-rated film ever to win the Academy Award for Best Picture (though it was later re-rated R). Or Woody Allen's charming Midnight in Paris, which uses the midnight hour as a portal to magical realism and artistic nostalgia.

Whether it signifies danger, romance, crime, or a journey into the unknown, films titled 'Midnight' consistently offer compelling narratives that capture the imagination, proving the enduring power of this specific moment in time.

14. Midnight Diner (2014)

Based on the popular Japanese manga series, this film expands on the charming world of a small, late-night diner in Shinjuku run by a mysterious chef known only as 'Master'. Open from midnight to 7 AM, the diner serves simple comfort food and becomes a gathering place for various customers, each with their own unique stories. It's a heartwarming and gentle anthology film about human connection and the solace found in food and community. The film beautifully captures the quiet, episodic nature of the original manga and TV series.

Midnight Diner

13. Midnight Clear (2006)

This is a lesser-known but touching drama set during World War II. It tells the story of five American soldiers who get separated from their unit in the snowy Ardennes forest just before Christmas. They stumble upon a cabin occupied by German soldiers, leading to a tense but ultimately human encounter. It's a quiet, reflective film about finding common ground amidst conflict. The film is based on a short story, and it focuses on the personal cost of war rather than large-scale battles.

Midnight Clear

12. Midnight Son (2011)

An indie horror film that offers a unique take on the vampire mythos. Jacob suffers from a rare photosensitivity disorder, forcing him to live as a recluse and avoid sunlight. When his condition worsens, he discovers he needs blood to survive, leading him down a dark path. It's a character-driven story that explores themes of isolation and desperation. The film won multiple awards at independent film festivals, praised for its atmospheric tension and lead actor Zak Kilberg's performance.

Midnight Son

11. Midnight's Children (2012)

Deepa Mehta directed this ambitious adaptation of Salman Rushdie's Booker Prize-winning novel, a magical realist epic about India's transition from British colonialism to independence. The story follows children born at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, who possess telepathic powers and are linked by destiny. It's a sweeping historical saga filled with complex characters and allegorical depth. Salman Rushdie himself co-wrote the screenplay for the film, ensuring its faithfulness to the source material.

Midnight's Children

10. Midnight Madness (1980)

A cult comedy classic from the 1980s! This movie follows several teams of college students competing in an elaborate all-night scavenger hunt across Los Angeles orchestrated by a mysterious game master. It's a chaotic, silly, and energetic film that captures the spirit of youthful adventure and rivalry. It's notable for being the feature film debut of Michael J. Fox, who plays one of the team leaders before his rise to superstardom with 'Family Ties' and 'Back to the Future'.

Midnight Madness

9. Midnight Sun (2018)

This romantic drama tells the story of Katie, a teenager with a rare condition called xeroderma pigmentosum, which makes sunlight exposure deadly. She lives a sheltered life, only venturing out at night, until she meets Charlie, a boy she's admired from afar for years. The film explores their unique relationship as they navigate love under challenging circumstances. Bella Thorne learned to play the guitar for her role as Katie, who is a talented musician in the film, adding a personal touch to her performance.

Midnight Sun

8. The Midnight Meat Train (2008)

Based on a short story by horror master Clive Barker, this film is not for the faint of heart! A photographer (Bradley Cooper) obsessed with capturing the underbelly of the city starts tracking a suspected serial killer operating on late-night subway trains. What he discovers is far more gruesome and ancient than he could have imagined. Directed by Ryuhei Kitamura, it's a visually striking and gore-filled ride. Clive Barker himself was reportedly very pleased with this adaptation, which is high praise coming from the creator.

The Midnight Meat Train

7. Midnight Lace (1960)

A stylish psychological thriller from 1960 starring the always elegant Doris Day in a rare dramatic role. She plays an American heiress living in London who is terrorized by a series of threatening phone calls and mysterious accidents, but no one, not even her husband (Rex Harrison), believes her. This film is a classic example of the 'gaslighting' subgenre, keeping you on the edge of your seat as Day's character slowly unravels. Doris Day received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance, proving her capabilities beyond musical comedies.

Midnight Lace

6. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997)

Clint Eastwood directed this atmospheric adaptation of John Berendt's bestselling non-fiction novel, set in the eccentric world of Savannah, Georgia. A journalist (John Cusack) arrives to cover a Christmas party but gets drawn into a murder investigation involving a wealthy antique dealer (Kevin Spacey) and his lover (Jude Law in his first major American role). The film captures the unique charm and quirky characters of Savannah. Many of the real-life residents featured in the book appeared in the film as themselves, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the already captivating setting.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

5. Midnight Special (2016)

Jeff Nichols brings us a compelling and mysterious sci-fi thriller about a father on the run with his son, who possesses extraordinary powers. This film feels like a throwback to classic Spielbergian science fiction, focusing on character and wonder rather than excessive special effects. Michael Shannon delivers a powerful performance as the protective father, supported by a strong cast including Joel Edgerton, Kirsten Dunst, and Adam Driver. Nichols drew inspiration from films like 'Starman' and 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' to create this grounded yet fantastical story.

Midnight Special

4. Midnight Run (1988)

Get ready for a cross-country chase filled with laughs and genuine heart! Robert De Niro stars as a bounty hunter tasked with bringing in Charles Grodin, a former Mafia accountant who jumped bail. What follows is a hilarious and often thrilling road trip as they dodge the FBI, the Mafia, and a rival bounty hunter. The chemistry between De Niro and Grodin is absolutely fantastic, driving the film's perfect blend of action and comedy. Director Martin Brest actually encouraged improvisation between the leads, which contributed significantly to their dynamic and the film's natural humor.

Midnight Run

3. Midnight in Paris (2011)

Step into a whimsical dream with Woody Allen's enchanting romantic comedy! Gil Pender, a nostalgic screenwriter on vacation in Paris with his fiancée's family, finds himself transported back to the 1920s each night at midnight. This film is a love letter to Paris and the Lost Generation, featuring delightful portrayals of figures like Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Picasso, and Dalí. Owen Wilson is perfectly cast as the wide-eyed protagonist. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, a testament to Allen's clever concept and witty dialogue. It's a charming escape that makes you believe in a little bit of magic.

Midnight in Paris

2. Midnight Cowboy (1969)

A true cinematic landmark! This is the only X-rated film ever to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, though it was later re-rated R. It tells the poignant story of Joe Buck, a naive Texan who comes to New York City expecting to make a living as a hustler, and his unlikely friendship with Ratso Rizzo, a sickly con man. Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight deliver performances that are nothing short of legendary, capturing the loneliness and desperation of urban life with incredible depth. Fun fact: Bob Dylan's 'Everybody's Talkin'' became the film's unofficial theme song, topping the charts after its release, even though it wasn't written for the movie!

Midnight Cowboy

1. Midnight Express (1978)

This film is an absolute must-see, a harrowing and intense journey based on the true story of Billy Hayes, an American student caught trying to smuggle hashish out of Turkey. Directed by Alan Parker with a screenplay by Oliver Stone, it's a visceral experience that plunges you into the nightmarish reality of a foreign prison system. The film's raw energy and Brad Davis's committed performance as Hayes are electrifying. Did you know that the iconic score by Giorgio Moroder won an Academy Award? It perfectly amplifies the tension and despair felt throughout the movie. While controversial for its portrayal of Turkish characters, its impact as a powerful prison drama is undeniable and it certainly lives up to its legendary status.

Midnight Express

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