10 Best Sci-Fi Horror Movies From The '80s

In Ken Russell's Altered States, a psychopathologist called Edward Jessup dedicates his career to performing experiments by using sensory deprivation chambers. By consuming hallucinogenic drugs while in residing in one of these tanks, Jessup believes he can tap into the memories of his ancestors and use this information to understand God.

Altered States interweaves a lot of complex issues including psychology, the meaning of the universe, unexplored recesses of the human mind, and primitive human history. On top of that, the film is layered with deep religious themes from Abrahamic Christianity, Buddhism, and Native American folklore. Coupled with the fact that the story revolves around hallucinations and dreams, it's no surprise that the film is packed with insane but unforgettable visuals.

At no point, does Altered States feel like it wants to be understood, which may frustrate some viewers. But whether you love it or hate it, Altered States won't leave you bored since the concepts it deals with are so intriguing and provocative. After watching it, you can't help trying to understand what you just experienced, much like a dream itself.