Are you a fan of surrealist cinema like The Holy Mountain? If so, you’re in for a treat. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 19 movies that share a similar avant-garde spirit. Dive into these films and let your imagination run wild. For more on The Holy Mountain, click here.
1. El Topo
El Topo (1970) is another masterpiece by Alejandro Jodorowsky. This film, starring Jodorowsky himself, blends Western and surrealist elements into a unique narrative that challenges conventional storytelling.
2. Eraserhead
David Lynch’s Eraserhead (1977) is an iconic surrealist horror film. Starring Jack Nance, this movie delves into the nightmarish and bizarre life of Henry Spencer, leaving viewers questioning reality.
3. The Color of Pomegranates
The Color of Pomegranates (1969) by Sergei Parajanov is a visually stunning biographical film about the Armenian poet Sayat-Nova. With its poetic imagery and non-linear narrative, it stars Sofiko Chiaureli in multiple roles.
4. 8½
Federico Fellini’s 8½ (1963) is a pinnacle of surrealist cinema. Starring Marcello Mastroianni, this film explores the creative block of a famous director, blending dreams and reality in a mesmerizing way.
5. The Holy Mountain
Directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky, The Holy Mountain (1973) is a surreal journey of transformation and enlightenment. Starring Horacio Salinas, this film is known for its vivid imagery and symbolic depth.
6. The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie
Luis Buñuel’s The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972) is a satirical surrealist film. Starring Fernando Rey, it humorously critiques the upper class through a series of bizarre and dreamlike dinner parties.
7. Mulholland Drive
David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive (2001) is a neo-noir mystery that blurs the lines between dreams and reality. Starring Naomi Watts and Laura Harring, the film takes viewers on a twisted journey through Hollywood.
8. Un Chien Andalou
Un Chien Andalou (1929) is a groundbreaking short film by Luis Buñuel and Salvador Dalí. Known for its shocking and surreal imagery, this film stars Pierre Batcheff and Simone Mareuil.
9. Persona
Ingmar Bergman’s Persona (1966) is a psychological drama that delves into identity and duality. Starring Bibi Andersson and Liv Ullmann, the film is renowned for its avant-garde narrative and visual style.
10. The Double Life of Véronique
Krzysztof Kieślowski’s The Double Life of Véronique (1991) explores themes of parallel lives and existentialism. Starring Irène Jacob, the film is praised for its haunting beauty and emotional depth.
11. Enter the Void
Enter the Void (2009) by Gaspar Noé is a psychedelic journey through life and death. Starring Nathaniel Brown and Paz de la Huerta, this film is known for its innovative cinematography and mind-bending narrative.
12. The Fall
Tarsem Singh’s The Fall (2006) is a visually stunning fantasy film. Starring Lee Pace and Catinca Untaru, it tells the story of a stuntman and a young girl who embark on a fantastical adventure.
13. The Fountain
Darren Aronofsky’s The Fountain (2006) is a visually rich exploration of love and mortality. Starring Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz, the film spans three different timelines, blending reality and fantasy.
14. Stalker
Andrei Tarkovsky’s Stalker (1979) is a philosophical science fiction film. Starring Alexander Kaidanovsky, it follows a guide who leads two men into a mysterious and forbidden zone.
15. The Man Who Fell to Earth
Nicolas Roeg’s The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976) stars David Bowie as an alien seeking water for his dying planet. The film blends science fiction with surrealist elements to create a unique narrative experience.
16. The Cremator
Juraj Herz’s The Cremator (1969) is a darkly surreal horror film. Starring Rudolf Hrušínský, it tells the story of a crematorium worker who becomes increasingly unhinged amidst the backdrop of World War II.
17. Valerie and Her Week of Wonders
Valerie and Her Week of Wonders (1970) by Jaromil Jireš is a surreal fantasy horror film. Starring Jaroslava Schallerová, it portrays a young girl’s journey through a dreamlike world filled with vampires and other fantastical creatures.
18. Holy Motors
Leos Carax’s Holy Motors (2012) is a surreal drama that follows a man through various bizarre and transformative experiences. Starring Denis Lavant and Édith Scob, the film is a tribute to the art of cinema itself.
19. The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover
Peter Greenaway’s The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989) is a visually arresting drama. Starring Richard Bohringer, Michael Gambon, and Helen Mirren, the film is a dark tale of lust, betrayal, and revenge set against a backdrop of opulent decadence.
