This thriller centers on Evan Treborn, who discovers he can travel back in time to inhabit his younger self. He attempts to fix traumatic events from his past, but each change has unintended and disastrous consequences in the present. The movie explores the chaos theory concept - the butterfly effect - where small actions can lead to massive and unpredictable outcomes. Alternate endings: 'The Butterfly Effect' has multiple endings, each presenting a different outcome for Evan and his friends. The theatrical release featured one ending, while the director's cut included a darker and more controversial conclusion.

Based on a Philip K. Dick short story, 'The Adjustment Bureau' presents a world where a mysterious organization controls people's destinies. Matt Damon plays a politician who falls for a ballerina (Emily Blunt), but the bureau intervenes to keep them apart, as their relationship wasn't part of the 'plan'. The film explores themes of free will versus destiny, and whether it's possible to fight for love against seemingly insurmountable forces. Literary roots: Philip K. Dick is known for his science fiction stories that explore themes of reality, identity, and paranoia. Many of his works, including 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' (adapted as 'Blade Runner') and 'Minority Report,' have been adapted into successful films.

Terry Gilliam's fantastical film follows Dr. Parnassus, the leader of a travelling theatre troupe who can take audience members into a magical world through a mirror. When Dr. Parnassus makes a deal with the Devil, his daughter's life is put in danger. Starring Heath Ledger in his final role, along with Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell who helped complete Ledger's unfinished scenes, 'The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus' is a visually stunning and imaginative film that explores themes of good and evil, choice and consequence. Tragic detail: Heath Ledger's death during the production of the film cast a shadow over the project. Gilliam was determined to complete the film as a tribute to Ledger, and he enlisted Depp, Law, and Farrell to fill in the remaining scenes.

Peter Weir's thought-provoking film follows Truman Burbank, a man who unknowingly lives his entire life as the star of a reality television show. As Truman begins to suspect that something is amiss, he sets out to uncover the truth about his existence. Starring Jim Carrey in a surprisingly dramatic role, 'The Truman Show' is a satire of media culture and a celebration of the human spirit. Foreshadowing: The film was released in 1998, years before the rise of reality television as a dominant form of entertainment. 'The Truman Show' accurately predicted the public's fascination with watching ordinary people live their lives on screen.

David Fincher's visually stunning film tells the story of Benjamin Button, a man who is born old and ages backward. As Benjamin journeys through life, he experiences love, loss, and the joys and sorrows of human existence. Starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' is a sweeping epic that explores themes of time, fate, and the search for meaning. Technical achievement: The film's visual effects were groundbreaking, as they allowed Pitt to portray Benjamin Button at various stages of his life, from an elderly infant to a young man. The filmmakers used a combination of motion capture, CGI, and makeup to create the illusion of reverse aging.

Directed by Michel Gondry, this surreal and whimsical film follows a young man named Stéphane who has trouble distinguishing between his dreams and reality. As Stéphane falls in love with his neighbor Stéphanie, he becomes increasingly lost in his own imagination, creating a world where anything is possible. With its quirky humor and inventive visuals, 'The Science of Sleep' is a charming and imaginative film that explores the power of dreams. Director's touch: Gondry is known for his use of handmade special effects and lo-fi aesthetics, which give his films a unique and personal touch. In 'The Science of Sleep,' he used cardboard sets, stop-motion animation, and other creative techniques to bring Stéphane's dreams to life.

Cameron Crowe's 'Vanilla Sky' follows a wealthy and handsome man whose life takes a turn after a car accident. As he struggles to come to terms with his new reality, he begins to question the nature of his own existence. Starring Tom Cruise, Penélope Cruz, and Cameron Diaz, this psychological thriller explores themes of love, loss, and identity. Behind the scenes: 'Vanilla Sky' is a remake of the 1997 Spanish film 'Abre los Ojos,' also starring Penélope Cruz. Crowe was drawn to the original film's exploration of dreams and reality, and he wanted to create his own interpretation of the story for American audiences.

Christopher Nolan's mind-bending thriller follows a skilled thief who enters people's dreams to steal their secrets. Dom Cobb, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, is offered a chance to have his criminal history erased in exchange for performing 'inception' – planting an idea into the mind of a powerful business man. With its complex plot, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking themes, 'Inception' is a cinematic masterpiece that explores the power of the human mind. Production detail: Nolan went to great lengths to minimize the use of CGI, instead relying on practical effects to create the film's dreamlike world. The famous rotating hotel hallway scene was achieved by building a giant set that could spin 360 degrees.

Richard Kelly's cult classic follows a troubled teenager who is plagued by visions of a mysterious figure in a rabbit suit who tells him the world will end in 28 days. As Donnie struggles to understand the meaning of these visions, he uncovers a dark secret about his town and his own destiny. With its blend of science fiction, psychological thriller, and dark humor, 'Donnie Darko' is a thought-provoking and unforgettable film. Soundtrack fact: The film's soundtrack features a mix of 1980s new wave and alternative rock, including Tears for Fears' iconic song 'Mad World,' which perfectly captures the film's mood of alienation and despair.

Visually spectacular, 'The Fall' tells the story of a injured stuntman in a 1920s hospital who befriends a young girl and captivates her with an elaborate fantasy story. As the story unfolds, the line between reality and imagination blurs, creating a whimsical and dreamlike experience for the viewer. Like 'Mr. Nobody', the film explores themes of identity, storytelling, and the power of imagination to overcome adversity. Making of: Director Tarsem Singh shot 'The Fall' over a period of four years in 20 different countries, using only natural light and real locations. No CGI was used to create the film's stunning visuals, adding to its sense of authenticity and wonder.

Darren Aronofsky's visually stunning film explores themes of love, death, and immortality through three interconnected stories spanning different time periods. Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz play different versions of the same characters, each grappling with the challenges of mortality and the search for eternal life. With its breathtaking visuals and philosophical themes, 'The Fountain' is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that lingers long after the credits roll. It shares 'Mr. Nobody's' scope, and its boldness. Curious fact: Aronofsky originally envisioned 'The Fountain' as a much larger-scale production with a budget of over $70 million, but the film was ultimately made for a fraction of that amount after production was halted due to Brad Pitt's departure.

Charlie Kaufman's directorial debut is a deeply introspective and surreal exploration of life, death, and the search for meaning. Philip Seymour Hoffman plays Caden Cotard, a theater director who receives a MacArthur Fellowship and uses the money to create a life-sized replica of New York City inside a warehouse. As Caden becomes increasingly consumed by his project, the lines between reality and fiction blur, mirroring the protagonist's struggle to understand his own existence. The film is a complex and challenging work that rewards multiple viewings. Behind the scenes: The title 'Synecdoche, New York' is a play on words, as 'synecdoche' is a figure of speech in which a part is used to represent the whole, reflecting the film's themes of representation and reality.

This ambitious film, directed by the Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer, weaves together six interconnected stories spanning different eras and continents. Like 'Mr. Nobody', it explores themes of reincarnation, destiny, and the interconnectedness of all things. With a star-studded cast playing multiple roles, 'Cloud Atlas' presents a complex and thought-provoking narrative that challenges viewers to consider the impact of their actions on the past, present, and future. Interesting detail: The filmmakers used elaborate makeup and prosthetics to transform the actors into different characters across the various timelines, highlighting the idea that souls can be reborn in different forms.

Directed by Michel Gondry, this film is a mind-bending journey through love, memory, and the pain of loss, much like 'Mr. Nobody'. Jim Carrey delivers a surprisingly poignant performance as Joel Barish, a man who undergoes a procedure to erase his memories of his ex-girlfriend Clementine, played by Kate Winslet. The film delves into the complexities of relationships and the question of whether it's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. The non-linear narrative and surreal visuals create a dreamlike atmosphere, mirroring the fragmented nature of memory. Fun fact: the color of Clementine's hair was used to signal the timeline of the story, a clever visual cue to help the audience navigate the complex plot.