19 movies that are hard to understand on the first watch

There are movies that often do not require our full attention and can be understood. However, there are some movies that can be so complicated that even after watching for a few times it feels like we have not fully grasped the meaning. These kinds of movies require our utmost attention and watching them only once is not enough to understand. So in this list, we are going to talk about 19 movies that are hard to understand on the first watch.

1) Inception

Inception is a movie that is often said to be too complicated to understand on the first watch. To grasp the full intricate plot which has several layers of dreams is challenging to keep track of. The transition between the dreams can be disorienting while watching for the first time. The movie has to be watched with close attention to understand the clues that are helpful to understand the plot.

2) Donnie Darko

Donnie Darko is a complex movie that has a nonlinear narrative which can be often difficult to understand on the first watch according to the viewers. The concept of a ‘tangent universe’ and Donnie’s capability to manipulate time along with the dreamlike sequences are often filled with metaphors and symbolism that can be cryptic.

3) The Shining

This psychological horror movie is known for its complicated storyline and can be puzzling to understand on the first watch. The dream logic which has been used throughout the movie can be difficult to discern. The symbolism in The Shining adds layers to its meaning tying with themes of isolation and madness which are complex.

4) Eyes Wide Shut

Viewers have often pointed out the complicated exploration of marriage and fantasy that is portrayed in the movie Eyes Wide Shut. The various images that occur in the movie are rich in symbolism and deal with dark themes. The ending of the movie is ambiguous and first-time watchers have pointed out the difficulty in understanding the movie but have also appreciated the exploration of the human psyche.

5) The Time Machine

The time travel paradox in the movie which delves into the concept of ‘fixed point time can be difficult to keep track of for first-time watchers. The constant jump through different time periods and the distinct societies of the Morlocks and the Eloi be easily mixed up.

6) Premonition

The viewers can get easily disoriented on watching the movie Premonition for the first time. The nonlinear storyline is one of the most complicated features of this movie. The movie blends reality with premonitionadding ambiguity. The movie explores the complicated themes of fate and the nature of time.

7) Cypher

The movie Cypher is a complex thriller that has a unique narrative. The movie’s use of allegory which can be interpreted in multiple ways can be difficult to understand when watched for the first time according to the viewers. The movie though complicated feels rewarding when it is fully understood.

8) Mystic River

Mystic River is a resonating movie that focuses on three childhood friends Sean Dave and Jimmy and their traumatic youth. The movie evokes a subtle emotional narrative that is filled with evocative visuals which can be difficult to understand when watched for the first time according to the viewers. The movie does not answer all the questions and leaves a somewhat open ending.

9) Oldboy

Oldboy, written and directed by Park Chan-wook, is a mind-bending thriller with the storyline jumping back and forth. It is filled with flashbacks which can be disorienting at times. The viewers are left to question the perception of the narrator and discern the truth. The unexpected twists in the movie along with the symbolism and allegory that it uses to carry a deeper meaning in it can be difficult to understand when watched for the first time according to the viewers.

10) Prometheus

Many viewers have said that understanding the movie Prometheus on the first watch can be difficult. The engineers, their motivations, and the Xenomorphs can be confusing and puzzling. The philosophical and existential themes of the movie need the viewers to understand it through visuals and symbolism. The movie relies heavily on exposition through visuals instead of narration which is complicated.

11) Arbitrage

Arbitrage is a movie that can be difficult to understand if one is not accustomed to the financial jargon. If the viewers are unfamiliar with the concepts of finance that are shown it can be complicated for first-time watchers according to the viewers. The movie is known for its subtle clues which keep the viewers guessing.

12) The Host

The Host is a fascinating movie that delves into the themes of love, sacrifice, and choice. The concept of sharing the same body and consciousness requires close attention to understand according to the viewers. The movie does not provide a detailed explanation of the concept of souls taking over human bodies which can be ambiguous to first-time watchers.

13) Prisoners

Prisoners is said to be an emotionally taxing movie according to the viewers. The dark themes of fear, trauma, and desperation can be overwhelming for first-time watchers. The movie intricately weaves multiple plotlines and keeping track of that can be challenging. The ambiguous ending of the movie requires reflecting on the storyline.

14) Insomnia

Directed by Christopher Nolan, Insomnia delves into the psychological state of the protagonist, Dormer, who is sleep-deprived and is in a constant state of bewilderment. The viewers are often disoriented in understanding what is real and what is a product of the paranoia of the protagonist. The tense atmosphere in the movie can often difficult for first-time watchers to comprehend the meanings that are underlying. The movie focuses on the themes of morality in the morally gray areas, deception, and paranoia.

15) The Island

The Island is a complex narrative. The viewers are deceived into believing the movie to be a straightforward survival story however the slow unfolding can be difficult to understand for the first-time watchers according to the viewers. The movie deals with complex ethical issues through stunning visuals which can be confusing.

16) The Village

The Village is a complicated movie directed by M. Night Shyamalan who is known for his intrinsic and thought-provoking films. The movie has a way of keeping the threat ambiguous which creates a sense of unease and can be challenging for first-time watchers according to the viewers. The limited perspective with which the narration is made can be disorienting.

17) Paycheck

Paycheck is a sci-fi movie that revolves around Michael Jennings who is a reverse engineer who undergoes voluntary memory wipings which is the central plot of the movie. The movie is full of twists which can be challenging while watching for the first time and is filled with ambiguity.

18) Pi

Pi is known for its unconventional style and complicated themes which can be disorienting when watching for the first time according to the viewers. The movie is rich with symbolism delving into complex mathematical ideas that can be difficult for people who are not actively engaged while watching the movie.

19) Moon

The movie Moon can be tough to grasp for the subtle hints that are strewn throughout. The movie explores the complex themes of isolation, loneliness, and individuality where Sam, the protagonist’s loneliness has distorted his perception and blurred the lines of reality and hallucination. This can be difficult to differentiate when watching for the first time according to the viewers.