Films about believing in conspiracies often explore the idea of hidden truths, government cover-ups, and the lengths individuals will go to uncover the real story. These films typically involve characters who become obsessed with unraveling a conspiracy, often putting themselves in danger in the process. Here are some existing films that delve into the theme of believing in conspiracies:
“Enemy of the State”, 1998
Director: Tony Scott
A lawyer becomes the target of a government conspiracy after receiving evidence of a political assassination.
Starring: Will Smith, Gene Hackman, Jon Voight, Regina King, Loren Dean, Jake Busey, Barry Pepper, Jason Lee, Gabriel Byrne, Lisa Bonet;
Production year: 1998;
Genre: action, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 132 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Enemy of the State” on the website imdb.com
“Conspiracy Theory”, 1997
Director: Richard Donner
A paranoid cab driver believes in various government conspiracies and becomes entangled in a real one.
Starring: Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts, Patrick Stewart, Cylk Cozart, Steve Kahan, Terry Alexander, Alex McArthur, Rod McLachlan, Michael Potts, Jim Sterling;
Production year: 1997;
Genre: action, thriller, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 135 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Conspiracy Theory” on the website imdb.com
“The Manchurian Candidate”, 2004
Director: Jonathan Demme
A political thriller about a conspiracy to manipulate a war hero into becoming an unwitting assassin.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, Liev Schreiber, Jeffrey Wright, Jon Voight, Kimberly Elise, Bruno Ganz, Simon McBurney, Pablo Schreiber, Anthony Mackie;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: thriller, drama, detective, science fiction;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 129 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “The Manchurian Candidate” on the website imdb.com
“All the President's Men”, 1976
Director: Alan J. Pakula
Based on the true story of journalists investigating the Watergate scandal, uncovering a major political conspiracy.
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford, Jack Warden, Martin Balsam, Hal Holbrook, Jason Robards, Jane Alexander, Meredith Baxter, Ned Beatty, Stephen Collins;
Production year: 1976;
Genre: thriller, drama, history;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 138 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “All the President's Men” on the website imdb.com
“JFK”, 1991
Director: Oliver Stone
Director Oliver Stone's exploration of the conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Starring: Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Tommy Lee Jones, Kevin Bacon, Sissy Spacek, Joe Pesci, Jack Lemmon, Laurie Metcalf, Donald Sutherland, Michael Rooker;
Production year: 1991;
Genre: thriller, drama, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 181 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “JFK” on the website imdb.com
“The Parallax View”, 1974
Director: Alan J. Pakula
A journalist investigates a secretive organization believed to be behind a series of political assassinations.
Starring: Warren Beatty, Paula Prentiss, William Daniels, Walter McGinn, Hume Cronyn, Kelly Thordsen, Chuck Waters, Earl Hindman, William Joyce, Betty Murray;
Production year: 1974;
Genre: thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “The Parallax View” on the website imdb.com
“The Conversation”, 1974
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
A surveillance expert becomes paranoid that he is being targeted in a larger conspiracy.
Starring: Gene Hackman, Cindy Williams, Frederic Forrest, John Cazale, Harrison Ford, Allen Garfield, Michael Higgins, Elizabeth MacRae, Teri Garr, Robert Duvall;
Production year: 1974;
Genre: thriller, drama, detective;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “The Conversation” on the website imdb.com
“The Pelican Brief”, 1993
Director: Alan J. Pakula
A law student uncovers a conspiracy involving the assassination of two Supreme Court justices.
Starring: Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Sam Shepard, John Heard, Tony Goldwyn, James Sikking, William Atherton, Robert Culp, Stanley Tucci, Hume Cronyn;
Production year: 1993;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, detective;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 141 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “The Pelican Brief” on the website imdb.com
“Snowden”, 2016
Director: Oliver Stone
The true story of whistleblower Edward Snowden, who exposed government surveillance programs and conspiracy theories.
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley, Melissa Leo, Zachary Quinto, Tom Wilkinson, Scott Eastwood, Rhys Ifans, Nicolas Cage, Timothy Olyphant, Jaymes Butler;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 134 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
“Films about believing in conspiracies offer audiences a thrilling and thought-provoking journey into the realm of hidden truths and shadowy plots. These movies entertain and challenge viewers to question the information presented to them, urging them to look beyond the surface and consider the possibility of unseen forces at play. Whether exploring government cover-ups, extraterrestrial encounters, or clandestine organizations, these films tap into our innate curiosity and skepticism, reminding us that sometimes the most unbelievable stories may contain a kernel of truth. With their blend of suspense, intrigue, and speculation, these films invite us to ponder the unknown, contemplate the implications of secrecy, and ultimately, decide for ourselves what we choose to believe.”
