19 movies that are hard to understand on the first watch

Modified Jan 30, 2025 16:27 ET

On the set of The Shining - Source: Getty

2) Donnie Darko

15th Anniversary Theatrical Re-Release Of "Donnie Darko" - Source: Getty

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.