8 Best Experimental Movies You Can Watch With Friends

As a film lover, I’ve always been fascinated by experimental cinema. It’s amazing how these films can really push the limits of what movies can be, even if they sometimes stir up controversy. The thing is, while I adore them, they tend to appeal to a pretty niche audience – people who are specifically looking for something different, or maybe studying film. Let’s be real, experimental films aren’t usually made to be blockbusters. They aren’t trying to grab everyone’s attention. But, every now and then, one comes along that manages to connect with a wider audience, and that’s really exciting.

While these eight movies aren’t typical, they’re engaging enough to attract a wider audience and get people curious about them.

‘The Holy Mountain’ (1973)

The film The Holy Mountain begins with the awakening of a Christ-like character called The Thief. It then follows a group of ‘pilgrims,’ guided by the Alchemist, on a spiritual quest to find purpose by climbing a sacred mountain. Each member of the group, a powerful figure in their own way, gives up their wealth and possessions, following The Thief in their search for enlightenment.

Too Bizarre To Be Ignored

Alejandro Jodorowsky’s The Holy Mountain is a truly bizarre and surreal film – it’s about as strange as movies get! It’s a psychedelic experience that’s so captivating, people are naturally drawn to it. If you know someone who loves to analyze films, this one will give them plenty to talk about. Or, if you want a seriously unusual backdrop for a party, The Holy Mountain is perfect – you might want to start it around the 15-minute mark, though, as the beginning contains some shocking images.

‘House’ (1977)

Gorgeous, a young girl, spends her summer vacation visiting her aunt in the countryside with her friends. But their peaceful trip quickly turns strange as they experience a series of unsettling events and are forced to confront supernatural forces, including a sinister cat that seems to control the house they’re staying in.

A Strange Yet Entertaining J-Horror Classic

This Japanese horror film starts with a simple, easy-to-follow story, making it a great choice for groups. However, it quickly becomes a wildly experimental and bizarre experience thanks to director Nobuhiko Obayashi’s incredibly unique visual style. He uses a strange combination of practical effects and camera tricks that often don’t make sense, creating a truly remarkable and surreal atmosphere. The film is surprisingly funny and dark, making it a perfect, delightfully weird horror movie to enjoy with friends while still appreciating its artistic ambition.

‘The Box Man’ (2024)

Box Man is a legendary figure in Japanese cities, known for living alone and gaining deep understanding by carefully watching and documenting the world around him. However, his solitary existence is dangerous, as he faces threats from both natural enemies and those who covet his unique position. He eventually encounters a doctor who, driven by obsession, conducted strange experiments and ultimately built his own cardboard shelter, becoming a rival to Box Man.

Two Cardboard Boxes Duel It Out

Gakuryū Ishii’s film, The Box Man, is a strange and captivating mix of dreamlike imagery, a story within a story, comedy, and exciting action. This unusual combination allows both those who enjoy experimental films and more mainstream audiences to find something to appreciate.

‘The Wizard of Speed and Time’ (1988)

The film The Wizard of Speed and Time is a personal story about Mike Jittlov, a creative and ambitious filmmaker who loves special effects. Mike wants to succeed in Hollywood, but feels frustrated by the limitations imposed by the studios. He uses his filmmaking skills to essentially become a superhero, allowing him to travel instantly between places and even different time periods as he pursues his dreams, blending fantasy and reality.

An Experimental Superhero Film

At its heart, The Wizard of Speed and Time is a classic underdog story with a playful sense of humor, clearly made by someone who truly loves filmmaking. It’s easy to enjoy because the movie is creatively experimental with its special effects – director Mike Jittlov spent over ten years meticulously building each one by hand, using both traditional and unique techniques. This combination of a simple story and inventive visuals makes it appealing to a wide range of moviegoers.

‘Mulholland Drive’ (2001)

After a car accident on Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles, a woman (played by Laura Harring, later known as Rita) finds herself wandering the streets with no memory of who she is. She encounters Betty Elms (Naomi Watts), an aspiring actress, who tries to help her regain her memories. Meanwhile, the film also follows director Adam Kesher (Justin Theroux), who is threatened to cast a relatively unknown actress, Camilla Rhodes (Melissa George), in his latest movie, or else face serious repercussions.

A Drive Into the Darkest Avenues of Hollywood

While perhaps not David Lynch’s most famous film, Mulholland Drive brilliantly combines his unique, non-linear storytelling with dark humor and genuinely creepy moments. It’s a film that will spark endless discussions about its meaning and how it represents the shattered illusions of Hollywood. If you enjoy puzzling out complex stories, you’ll find a lot to talk about. Lost Highway offers a similar vibe, but Mulholland Drive takes the surreal and unsettling atmosphere even further.

‘The Catechism Cataclysm’ (2011)

Father Billy Smoortser (Steve Little) doesn’t quite fit in at his church. He’s a clumsy and socially awkward man who often causes embarrassment. After being told to take some time off, Billy contacts Rob Cutili (Robert Longstreet)—a man he admired as a child and who once dated his sister—and asks him to join him on a canoe trip. Rob, who barely remembers Billy and has little going on in his own life, reluctantly agrees, figuring he has nothing to lose.

A Surreal Buddy Comedy

Initially, The Catechism Cataclysm seems like a quirky and funny buddy comedy, which could appeal to many viewers. However, as the movie unfolds, its wandering plot and strange, illogical scenes hint at a more experimental take on the genre. The film culminates in a truly unforgettable ending. Director Todd Rohal is known for his unusual filmmaking style and has gained a dedicated following, though his latest adaptation of a comic book was so shocking it caused people to leave the premiere.

‘Borgman’ (2013)

Camiel Borgman, played by Jan Bijvoet, is a man forced to leave his woodland home and search for a new place to live. He arrives at the house of Richard (Jeroen Perceval) and Marina (Hadewych Minis), first asking for a simple courtesy – a bath – but gradually inserts himself into their lives, leading to devastating consequences.

Welcome the Devil Into Your Home

Alex van Warmerdam’s film skillfully hints at a deeper, more disturbing story behind the mysterious character of Borgman, drawing viewers into the unfolding events. The film gradually shifts into the surreal, becoming increasingly strange as Borgman becomes more involved with the family he’s fixated on. It’s unconventional and may be confusing for those who prefer straightforward narratives, but it’s a darkly captivating and unsettling story that will appeal to viewers who are open to its complexities.

‘Rubber’ (2010)

In the California desert, a man gathers a group of strangers to witness a bizarre event: the story of a tire that comes to life and starts attacking people. As they watch this unfold, we learn more about both the viewers and the tire itself, all told with a unique blend of dry humor and absurdity.

The Story of a Telekinetic Killer Tire

Okay, so I’m a big Quentin Dupieux fan – the guy’s comedies are wonderfully weird, usually pretty surreal, but not always pushing boundaries, you know? But Rubber? That one’s different. It still has his signature quirky humor, but he layers it into this really clever, self-aware story. It’s experimental, definitely, but in a way that doesn’t alienate you. I mean, it’s about a tire with telekinetic powers going on a rampage – pure cinematic silliness! And honestly, that’s the kind of thing almost anyone can enjoy, even if they don’t usually go for ‘experimental’ films.

2025-10-26 23:54