Reelixa Logo

Reelixa

Your source of reviews and news about movies

What happens after: movies exploring the great beyond

From heartwarming tales of reunion to chilling encounters with the unknown, these films explore the mysteries of what lies beyond life. Prepare to question everything you thought you knew about the great beyond.

What Dreams May Come
The Sixth Sense
Beetlejuice

The concept of the afterlife has fascinated humanity for centuries, providing fertile ground for filmmakers to explore themes of loss, hope, and the unknown. Movies dealing with this subject often delve into profound philosophical questions, offering unique perspectives on what might happen after we shuffle off this mortal coil.

Take "What Dreams May Come", for example, a visually stunning film that paints a breathtaking, if sometimes heartbreaking, picture of the spiritual realm. Its artistic depiction of heaven and hell, influenced by classical art, is truly unforgettable. Similarly, "Coco" beautifully explores the Mexican tradition of the Day of the Dead, celebrating the enduring power of family and memory across the veil. It's a testament to how different cultures envision the afterlife, not as an end, but as a continuation of connection.

Then there are films like "The Sixth Sense", which redefined the supernatural thriller genre and became a cultural phenomenon, proving that the afterlife doesn't always involve pearly gates or fiery pits, but can be a more subtle, intertwined existence with the living. And who could forget "Ghost", a romantic and emotional journey that uses the afterlife as a backdrop for a powerful love story, showcasing that even death cannot sever true bonds. These films, whether through drama, comedy, or horror, offer a diverse tapestry of what might await us, making us ponder the ultimate journey with both wonder and a touch of trepidation.

14. Enter the Void (2010)

Enter the Void is a visually audacious and incredibly intense cinematic experience that takes viewers on a disorienting journey through the afterlife from a first-person perspective. Directed by Gaspar Noé, the film follows a drug dealer in Tokyo who is killed and then floats above the city, observing the consequences of his life and the lives of those he left behind. It's a hallucinatory, neon-soaked trip that explores themes of life, death, and reincarnation with a relentless and often unsettling style. Be warned, this film is not for the faint of heart, but it's an unforgettable and truly experimental dive into the unknown.

Enter the Void

13. The Lazarus Effect (2015)

The Lazarus Effect delves into the terrifying consequences of bringing the dead back to life, as a team of medical researchers develops a serum that can reanimate deceased organisms. This sci-fi horror film quickly turns into a chilling psychological thriller when their experiment goes awry, and the resurrected subject returns with disturbing, supernatural abilities. It's a fast-paced and intense movie that taps into primal fears about death and what might lie beyond, exploring the ethical boundaries of science and the unforeseen horrors of playing God. If you're looking for a suspenseful and dark take on reanimation, this one delivers some genuine scares.

The Lazarus Effect

12. Wristcutters: A Love Story (2007)

Wristcutters: A Love Story offers a uniquely quirky and darkly comedic take on the afterlife, set in a purgatorial world exclusively for those who have committed suicide. This indie gem is a road trip film with a philosophical twist, following a young man who finds unexpected connections and a glimmer of hope in this desolate landscape. The film's charm lies in its offbeat humor, its melancholic yet hopeful tone, and the endearing performances of its cast. It's a surprisingly uplifting and thought-provoking exploration of finding meaning and connection even in the most unlikely of places, proving that even in the afterlife, love can blossom.

Wristcutters: A Love Story

11. Hereafter (2010)

Clint Eastwood's Hereafter weaves together three disparate storylines across the globe, all connected by themes of death, grief, and the possibility of an afterlife. Matt Damon plays a reluctant psychic who can communicate with the deceased, while a French journalist has a near-death experience, and a young London boy loses his twin brother. The film is a quiet, contemplative drama that avoids easy answers, instead focusing on the human need for connection and understanding in the face of loss. It's a more subdued and reflective take on the afterlife, prompting viewers to consider their own beliefs about what comes next.

Hereafter

10. Flatliners (1990)

Flatliners plunges into the dark side of near-death experiences, as a group of ambitious medical students intentionally stop their hearts to glimpse the afterlife. This sci-fi thriller from the 90s boasts a fantastic young cast, including Julia Roberts, Kiefer Sutherland, and Kevin Bacon, who bring intensity to their roles. The film's premise is inherently fascinating, exploring the consequences of tampering with life and death, and whether there are things humanity simply isn't meant to know. It's a stylish and suspenseful ride that delves into personal regrets and the psychological torment that can follow a brief encounter with the beyond.

Flatliners

9. The Lovely Bones (2009)

The Lovely Bones is a visually striking and emotionally heavy film that explores the aftermath of a tragic event from the perspective of its young victim, Susie Salmon, who observes her family and killer from a personalized 'in-between' afterlife. Directed by Peter Jackson, the film is visually ambitious, creating a fantastical, often surreal, depiction of Susie's spiritual realm. While it tackles incredibly dark subject matter, it does so with a focus on healing, hope, and the enduring connection of family. Saoirse Ronan delivers a poignant performance, grounding the fantastical elements with raw emotion.

The Lovely Bones

8. Defending Your Life (1991)

Defending Your Life offers a charming and thoughtful comedic take on the afterlife, where recently deceased souls must justify their lives to a panel of judges to determine their next destination. Albert Brooks, who also wrote and directed, brings his signature wit and neuroses to the lead role, while Meryl Streep adds a delightful warmth as his love interest. The film cleverly explores themes of fear, courage, and self-worth in a bureaucratic, yet surprisingly cozy, version of the great beyond. It’s a smart, understated comedy that encourages introspection and reminds us to live life to the fullest, without being preachy.

Defending Your Life

7. The Frighteners (1996)

Before 'Lord of the Rings,' Peter Jackson brought us The Frighteners, a supernatural comedy-horror that showcases his early mastery of special effects and storytelling. Michael J. Fox stars as a con artist who can see and communicate with ghosts, using them to stage fake hauntings. The film is a fantastic blend of laugh-out-loud moments and genuinely creepy sequences, with groundbreaking CGI for its time that still holds up remarkably well. It's a fast-paced, inventive romp that doesn't shy away from dark themes but always maintains a sense of fun. If you're looking for a unique take on the afterlife with plenty of ghostly antics, this is a must-see.

The Frighteners

6. The Others (2001)

The Others is a masterclass in atmospheric horror, proving that true scares don't need gore or jump scares, but rather a slow burn of psychological tension. Nicole Kidman delivers a captivating performance as a mother protecting her photosensitive children in a secluded, fog-enshrouded mansion. The film expertly uses sound design and shadowy cinematography to create a pervasive sense of unease, making you question what's real and what's supernatural. Its chilling narrative unravels with a meticulous pace, leading to a truly unexpected and haunting revelation that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll. A genuinely unsettling and intelligent ghost story.

The Others

5. Beetlejuice (1988)

Get ready for a ghoulishly good time with Tim Burton's Beetlejuice! This darkly comedic fantasy is a wild ride into the world of the recently deceased trying to reclaim their home from an insufferable living family. Michael Keaton's titular performance as the 'bio-exorcist' is an absolute riot, full of manic energy and improvisational genius. The film's unique visual style, quirky practical effects, and Danny Elfman's iconic score create a truly distinct and unforgettable atmosphere. It's a quirky, imaginative, and endlessly rewatchable film that solidified Burton's signature aesthetic and remains a cult favorite for its irreverent take on the afterlife.

Beetlejuice

4. The Sixth Sense (1999)

M. Night Shyamalan's The Sixth Sense redefined the supernatural thriller genre with its chilling atmosphere and a twist ending that famously shocked audiences worldwide. Bruce Willis delivers a nuanced performance as a child psychologist trying to help a young boy who claims to see ghosts. The film masterfully builds suspense and dread, focusing on the emotional impact of these spectral encounters rather than cheap jump scares. Haley Joel Osment's portrayal of Cole Sear is incredibly haunting and mature for his age. It's a film that demands a rewatch to appreciate all the subtle clues you missed the first time around, solidifying its place as a modern horror classic.

The Sixth Sense

3. What Dreams May Come (1998)

Dive into the breathtaking visual spectacle of What Dreams May Come. This film is a stunning exploration of the afterlife, depicted with such artistry and imagination that it feels like a living painting. Robin Williams delivers a deeply moving performance as a man navigating heaven and hell to reunite with his soulmate. The special effects, which won an Academy Award, were groundbreaking for their time and still hold up, creating fantastical landscapes that are both beautiful and harrowing. It’s a profound and heartbreaking meditation on grief, love, and the lengths one will go to for family, challenging our perceptions of what lies beyond. A truly unique and visually arresting experience.

What Dreams May Come

2. Ghost (1990)

Ghost is an absolute classic that blends romance, supernatural thrills, and a dash of comedy into a truly captivating experience. Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore's chemistry is palpable, making their love story incredibly resonant. But it's Whoopi Goldberg's Oscar-winning performance as Oda Mae Brown that truly steals the show, providing much-needed comedic relief and a grounded perspective in a fantastical premise. The iconic pottery scene is forever etched in cinematic history, but beyond that, the film explores themes of loss, justice, and the enduring power of love across dimensions. It’s a film that proves even in the afterlife, some bonds can never be broken.

Ghost

1. Coco (2017)

Prepare to have your heart stolen by Coco! This Pixar masterpiece is a dazzling, emotional journey into the afterlife, inspired by Mexican Day of the Dead traditions. What truly sets it apart is its breathtaking animation, especially the Land of the Dead, which is a kaleidoscope of color and imagination. The music is absolutely infectious, with 'Remember Me' becoming an instant classic that will have you reaching for the tissues. It's a powerful story about family, legacy, and following your dreams, all wrapped up in a visually stunning package. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for your own heritage. A true cinematic treasure!

Coco

More related articles about recommended movies and TV shows