Hit By Existentialism Crisis? Watch These Movies

Feeling lost in the big questions about life’s meaning can hit hard, leaving you searching for clarity or comfort. Movies can be a surprising way to wrestle with those heavy thoughts, offering stories that explore purpose, identity, and our place in the universe.

I’ve found that certain films help me reflect on existence without feeling overwhelmed, blending deep ideas with engaging narratives. Here are five movies that might help you navigate an existential crisis with their thought-provoking themes.

The Truman Show (1998)

Jim Carrey stars as Truman Burbank, a man unaware his entire life is a staged TV show. The film dives into questions of free will and reality as Truman starts to suspect the truth.

I love how Carrey balances humor and heartbreak, making Truman’s journey feel real and relatable. The story’s exploration of control versus freedom offers a hopeful push to find your own path.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Michelle Yeoh plays Evelyn Wang, a laundromat owner jumping through multiverses to save reality. The film tackles meaning, choice, and connection across chaotic, absurd worlds.

I was blown away by its mix of wild action and raw emotion, especially Yeoh’s grounded performance. It suggests that even in a vast universe, small human moments can anchor us.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet star as a couple erasing memories of their failed relationship. The film explores love, identity, and whether we can escape our past.

I found the nonlinear storytelling and raw performances deeply moving, showing how memories shape who we are. It’s a reminder that even painful experiences hold value in defining us.

Waking Life (2001)

This animated film follows a young man, played by Wiley Wiggins, drifting through dreamlike conversations about existence. Its rotoscoped visuals and philosophical chats dive into life’s biggest questions.

I was captivated by its free-flowing ideas, from free will to the nature of dreams, presented in a hypnotic style. It encourages embracing life’s mysteries without needing all the answers.

The Tree of Life (2011)

Directed by Terrence Malick, this film follows a family, led by Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain, while weaving in cosmic visuals of life’s origins. It grapples with suffering, love, and the universe’s vastness.

I was struck by its stunning imagery and quiet reflections, which made my own worries feel both small and meaningful. It’s a meditative journey that invites you to find peace in life’s chaos.

Which of these films resonates with you, or is there another movie that helped you through tough questions? Share your thoughts in the comments!