16. 28 Days, 6 Hours, 42 Minutes, 12 Seconds
What is it with the number 28 and the number 42? Danny Boyle and Alex Garland feared 28 with their zombie epic and well everyone knows 42 is the meaning of life. Any who, this number is highly significant in the movie as Donnie scribes the digits into his arm whilst sleep walking, to remember thats how long he has to live. Its an iconic part and has led even to fans getting tattoos of the segment; a friend of mine has the art on her arm also, and Richard Kelly himself retweeted this image!
17. Hey Theres Even A Stage Adaptation
The film may have led to an atrocious sequel, but more successful adaptations have been attempted. Students across the land have tried to bring that dark, 80s world to life through film and theatre. In 2007 a theatre in Massachusetts ran the play for 2 months. I myself predict a remaking at some stage and/or a comic book adaptation, but Im just cynical like that. But it shows the magic of the film that admirers worldwide feel the need/honor of attempting to recreate the film.
18. The Critics & The Fans Cant Be Wrong
Topping polls and always found to be critically loved Donnie Darko soars high on both
IMDB and
Rotten Tomatoes. Empire polls always contain this little indie project and top 10s are plagued with the cult hit. I mean, the critics cant be wrong, its an instant classic. The award winning movie like other greats (Fight Club and Shawshank spring to mind) wasnt appreciated at first and took time to reach the heights it so dearly deserved... but good art always sustains and grows in people's conscious.
19. Holmes Osborne 
He has become a Kelly regular, character actor
Holmes Osborne turns in the most human of performances for his role as Donnies Dad. The film is very family orientated, Harry playing such a realistic father figure who you just buy from the first moment he's on screen. The advice he gives and the way he handles situations is down to earth and quaint. Its another understated performance. Kelly mastering direction helps to get the best from his cast, truly inspiring stuff.
20. Head Over Heels Number
The camera twists 180 degrees as
Tears For Fears single Head Over Heels kicks in. We follow Donnie through his school, quickly establishing new characters, a future love interest, friends, foes and teachers. Its a clever and fast paced scene that says so much in such a short space of time. We catch a glimpse of Sparkle Motions future dance number and a moody Drew Barrymore storms to her first class. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1zgSBUvWGk