10 Confusing Horror Movies You Need To Watch Twice To Understand

Although the 1990s were ripe with other extraordinary psychological terrors – including our next entry – virtually none matched the poignant truths of Jacob’s Ladder.

The film follows the titular Vietnam vet as he succumbs to mystifying hallucinations and increased paranoia related to his prior tour of duty. Despite being almost relentlessly nightmarish and surreal (which is why it helped influence many subsequent pop culture IPs, such as the Silent Hill franchise), it’s also a grounded and biting commentary on the deceptions and lingering aftereffects of war.

It’s a stellar implementation of the unreliable narrator template, too, since spectators can’t help but get lost in Jacob’s puzzlement as he searches to discover what’s real, who’s trustworthy, and why it’s all happening. Led by stellar performances from Tim Robbins, Elizabeth Peña, and Danny Aiello, it’s as emotional and compelling as it is unnerving and fantastical.

Of course, the ultimate revelation – which, let’s be honest, owes a debt to Ambrose Bierce’s 1890 short fictional tale, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge – recontextualizes and enhances everything we’ve just witnessed. Thus, a return trip is a definite requirement (once your heart is ready for it, that is).

Just be sure to avoid the insulting 2019 remake.