Movies About Astral Travel
Certainly, here are some movies related to astral travel or out-of-body experiences:
Doctor Strange (2016)
Doctor Strange, released in 2016, is a Marvel superhero film. The film tells the story of Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch). Stephen Strange is a successful neurosurgeon at the peak of his career. However, a car accident results in serious damage to his hands, leaving him unable to work as a surgeon. Desperate, Strange travels to Kamar-Taj, a secretive monastery in Tibet. There, he begins to learn about mystic powers and magic from a sorcerer and teacher known as The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). Stephen Strange learns these new powers and acquires the ability of astral projection. He experiences an astral journey that takes him beyond his own reality.
However, at the same time, a malevolent sorcerer named Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen) is trying to harness dark magic powers in Kamar-Taj and poses a threat to the world. Stephen Strange, using the training he received at Kamar-Taj, takes on the mission to stop Kaecilius and his followers. In the process, he assumes the identity of Doctor Strange, a new superhero, and becomes part of a multidimensional battle. The film offers a story rich in mystery, magic, visual effects, and astral travel themes, presenting an action-adventure story. It introduces the character of Doctor Strange to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and establishes his role within the Marvel Universe.
Inception (2010)
Inception, released in 2010, is a science fiction and action film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. The story revolves around the concept of “extraction,” which involves implanting stolen information into a person’s mind.
The plot of the film is as follows:
Dominic Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a thief and a specialist in the manipulation of dreams and subconsciousness. Cobb and his team engage in the theft of valuable secrets by entering the minds of their clients. Cobb, who has experienced a personal tragedy, carries the hope of returning to his former life. Cobb is offered a job: instead of implanting an idea in someone’s mind, he is tasked with performing an “inception,” which involves stealing an idea. This is a highly complex task, and Cobb and his team plan to enter a series of dream worlds at different layers to steal the target idea. A significant portion of the film takes place within these dream worlds, each with its own level of reality and rules. The characters attempt to execute a complex heist operation in these dream levels, where time passes at varying speeds. Inception delves into the themes of dreams, reality, and consciousness, offering a complex narrative structure and visually stunning effects. The film is known for its complexity and its examination of the characters’ inner workings, particularly Cobb’s personal traumas and inner journey. A blend of suspense, science fiction, and psychological intricacy, this film draws the audience into the world of dreams and questions the nature of thought experiences.
Lucy (2014)
Lucy, released in 2014, is a science fiction and action film written and directed by Luc Besson. The story centers around a woman who gains advanced abilities and transcends the limits of humanity.
The plot of the film is as follows:
Lucy (Scarlett Johansson) is a young woman living in Taipei. A friend asks her to deliver a briefcase to a man involved in illicit activities. However, the briefcase contains a blue crystalline substance, and when Lucy comes into contact with it, it has an extraordinary impact on her brain. This crystalline substance begins to enhance Lucy’s brain capacity. Over time, Lucy’s abilities become superhuman; she can control her thoughts, manipulate time, exceed physical limitations, and extend communication beyond conventional boundaries. Her body and mind begin to transcend the limits of humanity. With these developments, Lucy’s newfound powers and expanded consciousness drive her to confront dark forces and threats. Simultaneously, Professor Norman (Morgan Freeman), a scientist, begins to study Lucy’s condition and aims to unlock the potential of the human brain. Lucy is a film that combines science fiction, action, and philosophical themes. The film explores the boundaries and potential of human consciousness while delivering a story adorned with action and visual effects. The film revolves around Lucy’s evolving powers and consciousness, examining her impact on the future of humanity.
The Fountain (2006)
The Fountain, released in 2006, is a science fiction drama film written and directed by Darren Aronofsky. The film tells the story of a scientist’s quest for immortality across a series of different time periods and narratives.
The plot of the film is as follows:
The story unfolds in three different time periods. The first time period is set in the Spanish Inquisition, where a conquistador and scholar named Tomas (Hugh Jackman) is on a mission to find the Tree of Life, which is believed to grant immortality. He is motivated by his love for Queen Isabella (Rachel Weisz), who seeks to escape death. The second time period takes place in modern times and centers on a scientist, Dr. Tom Creo (Hugh Jackman), and his terminally ill wife, Izzi (Rachel Weisz). Dr. Creo is working to find a cure for Izzi’s illness and is conducting experiments in the hopes of achieving immortality. Meanwhile, Izzi is writing a novel that tells the story of a quest for immortality. The third time period is set in a distant future and follows a space traveler named Tom (Hugh Jackman) who is on a journey to the stars. Tom is searching for the key to immortality and believes that a mystical tree holds the answer. The film weaves these three narratives together, exploring themes of immortality, love, and death. Each time period is connected in some way, and the characters’ quests for immortality and their personal transformations are examined throughout the film. “The Fountain” is known for its philosophical and emotional depth, offering a unique and thought-provoking approach to science fiction storytelling.
Flatliners (1990 and 2017)
Certainly, here are the plots of the 1990 and 2017 versions of “Flatliners”:
1990 “Flatliners”:
- Five medical students, who are also friends, decide to explore near-death experiences and the afterlife. They intentionally induce clinical death by temporarily stopping their heartbeats to get a glimpse of the afterlife. During these experiences, each of them begins to uncover elements of their past and confront their own guilt and sins. However, their near-death experiences lead to terrifying consequences, as they must face their own past and the consequences of their actions.
2017 “Flatliners”:
- The remake shares a similar concept with the original film. A group of medical students decides to temporarily stop their own heartbeats to investigate near-death experiences. As they do so, they start experiencing eerie and unsettling phenomena. They realize that their near-death experiences are connected to their past sins and fears. These experiences lead them to confront the consequences of their actions and the haunting secrets of the afterlife.
Both films explore the themes of near-death experiences, the afterlife, and confronting one’s past. The 1990 version is directed by Joel Schumacher, while the 2017 remake is directed by Niels Arden Oplev. Viewers interested in exploring the darker aspects of near-death experiences can watch both films.
Insidious: Chapter 2
Insidious: Chapter 2, released in 2013, is a horror and supernatural thriller film. Directed by James Wan, the film is a sequel to the 2010 movie “Insidious,” and it continues the story. Like its predecessor, this film delves into supernatural events, paranormal activities, and haunted house themes.
The plot of the film is as follows:
The story picks up immediately after the events of the previous film. The Lambert family is shaken by the supernatural occurrences in their home, and they are dealing with the aftermath of their encounter with paranormal investigator Elise Rainier, who has tragically passed away. However, the supernatural events persist. Josh Lambert (Patrick Wilson) decides to use his hidden abilities to protect his family and put an end to the supernatural entities haunting their home. Soon, he discovers that there are dark secrets and connections from their past that lead to even more questions. The family must unravel their history and confront the most terrifying entity they have ever encountered. The film is the second installment in the “Insidious” series, further exploring the characters introduced in the previous film and delving into the chilling entities they face. It also focuses on the family’s history and delves into more details about the paranormal occurrences. “Insidious: Chapter 2” might be of interest to fans of the horror and thriller genres. These films may touch on the themes of astral travel or similar concepts, but each takes a unique approach and may belong to different genres. Depending on your preferences, you might consider watching these movies.
