Leave the World Behind is a 2023 thriller film directed by Sam Esmail. The story centers around a family vacationing in a remote home when they are interrupted by a mysterious couple seeking refuge. As unsettling events unfold, communication with the outside world is lost, and tensions rise among the group. The film explores themes of trust, survival, and the collapse of societal systems in the face of an unknown global crisis. Starring Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, and Ethan Hawke, the movie delivers a suspenseful narrative filled with psychological intrigue and gripping atmosphere.

If you enjoyed Leave the World Behind, here are some similar movies that explore psychological tension, societal collapse, or disaster scenarios:

Inception (2010), directed by Christopher Nolan, is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller that follows Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), a skilled thief who specializes in extracting secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state. Cobb is offered a chance to have his criminal history erased as payment for a task considered to be impossible: planting an idea into someone's mind, a process known as "inception." As Cobb and his team delve through multiple layers of dreams, they face increasing dangers and complications that blur the lines between reality and illusion, leading to a gripping and thought-provoking climax.

If you enjoyed Inception, you might like these films that similarly blend complex narratives, psychological themes, and mind-bending twists:

"Prisoners" (2013) is a gripping psychological thriller directed by Denis Villeneuve. The film follows Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman), a father whose young daughter and her friend are abducted. Desperate and distraught, Keller takes matters into his own hands when the police, led by Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal), struggle to find the girls. As the investigation unfolds, moral lines are blurred, and the tension escalates, revealing dark secrets and testing the limits of how far a parent will go to protect their child. The film is praised for its intense atmosphere, powerful performances, and complex exploration of justice and vengeance.

If you enjoyed Prisoners and are looking for similar intense and thought-provoking films, here are some recommendations:

"Coraline" is a dark fantasy stop-motion animated film based on Neil Gaiman's novel. The story follows a young girl named Coraline Jones who discovers a hidden door in her new home that leads to a parallel world. Initially, this alternate reality seems perfect, with attentive parents and a magical environment.

However, Coraline soon realizes that this world harbors sinister secrets, and she must use her wits and courage to escape its clutches. The film is known for its eerie atmosphere, imaginative visuals, and themes of bravery and self-discovery.

Here are some movies similar to "Coraline" that share themes of fantasy, dark undertones, and imaginative storytelling:

"Ex Machina" (2014) is a science fiction thriller directed by Alex Garland. The film follows a young programmer named Caleb who is invited to the secluded home of Nathan, a reclusive tech CEO, to administer a Turing test on an advanced AI named Ava.

As Caleb interacts with Ava, he becomes entangled in a complex web of manipulation and deception, questioning the boundaries between human and machine. The film explores themes of artificial intelligence, consciousness, and the ethical implications of technological advancement.

Here are 12 movies similar to "Ex Machina" that explore themes of artificial intelligence, technology, and the nature of consciousness:

"Avatar" directed by James Cameron, is a groundbreaking science fiction film set in the mid-22nd century on the lush alien world of Pandora. The story follows Jake Sully, a paraplegic former Marine who is recruited to join the Avatar Program, which allows humans to remotely control bio-engineered bodies called avatars to interact with the native Na'vi people.

As Jake immerses himself in Na'vi culture, he finds himself torn between his loyalty to the human colonizers, who are intent on mining Pandora's valuable resources, and his growing connection to the Na'vi and their way of life. The film is renowned for its stunning visual effects, immersive 3D experience, and its exploration of themes like environmentalism, imperialism, and the interconnectedness of life.

Here are some movies similar to "Avatar" in terms of their themes, visual effects, and immersive world-building:

"21 Jump Street" is a 2012 action-comedy film directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. The movie stars Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum as Morton Schmidt and Greg Jenko, two underachieving police officers who are sent back to high school on an undercover mission. Posing as students, they aim to dismantle a synthetic drug ring.

As they navigate the challenges of high school life and their own friendship, they discover that their new teenage roles are more complicated than they expected. The film is known for its witty humor, action-packed sequences, and the dynamic chemistry between the lead actors.

Here are some movies similar to "21 Jump Street" that combine elements of comedy, action, and buddy-cop dynamics:

"Taken" (2008) is an action thriller film about Bryan Mills, a former CIA operative, who embarks on a relentless quest to rescue his daughter Kim after she is kidnapped by human traffickers in Paris. Starring Liam Neeson, the movie is renowned for its intense action sequences and Neeson's iconic performance as a determined and skilled father.

If you enjoyed "Taken" here are some similar action-packed movies featuring themes of abduction, rescue missions, and relentless protagonists:

"Divergent" (2014) is a dystopian science fiction film set in a future society divided into five factions, each representing a different virtue. The story follows Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley), a young woman who discovers she is a "Divergent" someone who doesn't fit into any single faction.

As she uncovers a conspiracy to destroy all Divergents, Tris must navigate a dangerous world, discover her true identity, and find out why being different makes her a target. The film, directed by Neil Burger and based on the novel by Veronica Roth, explores themes of identity, choice, and societal control.

If you enjoyed "Divergent" here are some movies with similar themes of dystopian societies, young protagonists, and the fight for freedom and identity:

"Saltburn" is a 2023 psychological thriller directed by Emerald Fennell. The film follows the story of a young man named Oliver Quick, played by Barry Keoghan, who becomes entangled in the lives of a wealthy aristocratic family while attending university.

As he is drawn deeper into their lavish and decadent world, dark secrets and hidden desires begin to unravel, leading to a gripping and suspenseful narrative. With a stellar cast including Jacob Elordi and Rosamund Pike, "Saltburn" explores themes of obsession, class disparity, and the complexities of human relationships, all set against a visually striking and atmospheric backdrop.

If you enjoyed "Saltburn" you might appreciate other films that feature similar themes of psychological intrigue, dark humor, complex character dynamics, and social commentary. Here are some movies that share some of these elements:

Shutter Island is a captivating psychological thriller that takes viewers on a suspenseful journey. This film, directed by Martin Scorsese, tells the story of two U.S. Marshals who are sent to investigate the disappearance of a patient from a mental institution located on a remote island.

As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a web of secrets and deception that challenges their own sanity. With its atmospheric setting, brilliant performances, and intricate plot twists, Shutter Island keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

If you enjoyed "Shutter Island" and are looking for similar movies that blend psychological thriller elements with mystery and suspense, here are some recommendations:

The film "Midsommar" takes viewers on a captivating journey into the heart of a Swedish summer festival. With its unique blend of horror and folk traditions, the movie immerses audiences in a world filled with stunning visuals and unsettling rituals. From the picturesque landscapes to the intricately designed costumes, every detail in the film is meticulously crafted to create an eerie and atmospheric experience.

As the story unfolds, the audience is drawn into the psychological unraveling of the characters, making "Midsommar" a thought-provoking exploration of grief, relationships, and the darkness that can lurk beneath seemingly idyllic settings.

If you enjoyed "Midsommar" and its unique blend of horror, folk elements, and psychological tension, you might appreciate these films that share similar themes, tones, or atmospheres: