10 Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Movies That Will Melt Your Brain

Of all the genres, perhaps, sci-fi is the one that has the precedent - and the responsibility - to bend minds. Sci-fi has long been the genre of the future, after all, and thinking about the future - and the possibilities that it holds for the development of the human race and the entire planet - is something that continues to blows minds on a daily basis.

So whilst sci-fi is the genre of utopias and dystopias, speculative technologies, space exploration and that age old question (one that audiences never seem to grow tired of): "What does it mean to be human?", there are certain subjects that this unbeatable genre frequently broaches which bring new definition to the term "mind-bending."

These are the sci-fi movies which deal with the pitfalls and possibilities of time travel, alternate dimensions and parallel universes (and everything in between).

10. Coherence (2013)

This little seen sci-fi gem clings to an inherently interesting premise: during a dinner party, a group of middle-aged friends - consisting of four couples - suddenly begin to experience a series of bizarre, unexplained events as a mysterious comet passes over the earth.

Whilst the first act is reserved for setting up awkward relationship sub-plots and building tension, the second act - which throws in an unexpected sci-fi twist - is relentlessly thrilling and weird in equal measure, as the near incomprehensible plot spins outwards.

To say what, exactly, happens across the span of Coherence would be to be spoil the surprise, but this is a film that takes a well-worn sci-fi trope - that is, parallel universes - and offers up a new, interesting take. The characters - which includes Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Nicolas Brendan as a failed TV actor (the irony!) - embrace a mumblecore vibe, which adds a dose of realism to the proceedings, whilst the film's ending will stun you into silence.