Starring Hugh Jackman, Rebecca Ferguson, and Thandiwe Newton, Reminiscence takes place in a dystopian world where a private investigator uses specialized technology to help people relive the past. He soon becomes obsessed with his memories when he tries to solve the disappearance of someone he loved. The film integrates the best aspects of sci-fi complexities and the mystery of neo-noir thrillers to make a captivating love story.

Viewers who watch Lisa Joy’s Reminiscence may instantly recall other films that follow similar themes and plotlines. Many of these movies even include a similar femme fatale archetype. Luckily, there are no shortages of these kinds of movies for fans of the sci-fi thriller genre.

10 Memento (2000) – Available On The Roku Channel & Tubi

A young man with anterograde amnesia investigates the murder of his wife. The only clues are the black-and-white polaroid photos and tattooed messages on his body that point to finding his wife’s killer.

Memento shares some of the plot devices from Reminiscence. Both films follow a private investigation of a beloved and the topic of memory. Furthermore, the film progresses in a nonlinear narrative to uncover the mysteries and revelations. There is also a femme fatale character that acts as a distraction for the character. Viewers are in for a thrill ride in Memento and it will leave them guessing until the end.

9 Blade Runner (1982) – Available On AppleTV & Google Play

Blade Runner follows a “Replicant hunter” in the futuristic world of Los Angeles, where he is ordered to locate and eliminate four “Replicants.” Things turn complicated when he falls in love with a female Replicant, Rachael.

Like Reminiscence, Blade Runner takes place in a dystopian society and follows the relationship between Deckard and Rachael. Although the film was a box-office bomb and the critic’s reviews were polarizing at its time, it has since become a cult classic due to the neo-noir themes and sci-fi twist. People who love Reminiscence will likely be wowed by the complex story and visuals in Blade Runner.

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8 Vanilla Sky (2001) – Available On AppleTV, Amazon, & Google Play

Vanilla Sky follows a wealthy tycoon whose life turns upside down when he meets a beautiful woman. As he slowly falls in love with her, a falling out with an ex leads to a catastrophic car accident.

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Cameron Crowe’s romantic thriller echos the heartfelt love story and sci-fi elements of Reminiscence. Cruise’s character follows a similar emotional journey to Jackman’s by both searching for their loved ones, uncovering the truth, and dealing with betrayal. Vanilla Sky is not a perfect movie, but it is sure to be entertaining and captivating for those who enjoy Reminiscence‘s love story with a hint of sci-fi complexities.

7 Chinatown (1974) – Available On Netflix, Prime Video, & Paramount+

After a private investigator shows proof of Mr. Mulwray’s extramarital affair, he soon realizes it was all just a setup when he meets the real Mrs. Mulwray. When a murder is involved, he takes every step to solve the case and learn the real motivations.

Chinatown follows the themes of deception, loss, and betrayal that take neo-noir to a different level. It has the dark tone and mysterious crime story of Reminiscence. Furthermore, Mrs. Mulwary has aspects of the femme fatale archetype that acts as a red herring, just like Mae in Reminiscence. The neo-noir elements in Chinatown will fascinate people who love Reminiscence, and the viewers are in for an engaging story and shocking revelations. It is also one of the best neo-noir films out there.

6 Minority Report (2002) – Available On Prime Video, Paramount+, & FuboTV

A police department known as PreCrime can stop future crimes by using advanced technology and psychic individuals to warn the potential victims. Shockingly, the department head is accused of committing one of these future crimes. He goes on the run to learn about the circumstances of his wrongdoing.

As one of the best tech noir movies, Minority Report shares some similarities when it comes to the sci-fi tech in Reminiscence, including the memory devices with the water tank and headpiece. However, rather than looking into the past, the technology in Minority Report acts as clairvoyance to prevent future crimes from happening.

5 Strange Days (1995) – Not Available For Streaming At This Time

Strange Days takes place in a futuristic world where people can live in a virtual reality using recordings of other people’s lives. One former police officer possesses a copy that involves a murder. With help from a bodyguard, they try to solve the murder case, and the investigation leads to a shocking revelation.

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Kathryn Bigelow’s film shares some of the sci-fi elements of Reminiscence. It focuses on solving a case using hints and details of recorded memory. However, it also has some cyberpunk influences, which is different from Reminiscence‘s dark and offbeat tone. Nevertheless, Strange Days is just as captivating and intriguing.

4 L.A. Confidential (1997) – Available On Tubi & Pluto TV

L.A. Confidential follows three police officers who have different styles of solving their cases. When a series of murders occur in 1950s Los Angeles, they must figure out who is behind them.

L.A. Confidential has the classic elements of a brilliant neo-noir, with themes of corruption and mystery. It features a femme fatale character, who serves as a red herring, similar to Mae in Reminiscence. Given its brilliant writing and superb performances, L.A. Confidential is one of the best neo-noir masterpieces, and fans of Reminiscence should find it an engaging crime movie.

3 Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004) – Available On FuboTV

When a couple finds their relationship irreconcilable, they take the extreme measure of undergoing a procedure to erase each other from their memories to forget their past together.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind showcases the feelings of loss and the consequence many couples face. The film is a heartbreaking romantic love story that incorporates the sci-fi elements of memory manipulation. It showcases the plot with a nonlinear narrative to recollect the best memories of the beloved couple. Many people who enjoy Reminiscence will feel emotional watching Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind for its beautiful and essential breakup story.

2 Total Recall (1990) – Available On Netflix & AMC+

In 2084, a construction worker wishes to travel to Mars and visits a company that can implant the false memories of any wished-for experience. When the procedure malfunctions, he realizes that his life was altered by people who want him dead.

Like Reminiscence, Total Recall has sci-fi elements with a story focused on memory. The major difference is that Total Recall is about false memory while Reminiscence is about memory retention. Nevertheless, both films use the subject to uncover the bigger picture and make revelations. Total Recall has exciting and compelling moments like Reminiscence, and yet people will enjoy the added humor for a bit of comedic relief and charm.

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1 Inception (2010) – Available On Netflix & HBO Max

Perhaps, the first movie that comes to many people’s minds when watching Reminiscence is another Nolan masterpiece, Inception. It follows a thief who specializes in dreams as a way to steal sensitive information from people’s subconscious, but his livelihood comes with a price.

While the story is very different, the psychological and sci-fi elements eerily resemble Reminiscence. Furthermore, Cobb is like Nick Bannister in their expertise in their given field and how they both hold memories of their beloved partners. Everything in Inception, including the small details, complexity, score, and performances, make it one of Nolan’s finest creations. Inception has almost everything from Reminiscence, but it takes all these aspects to a different level for a complex and beautiful cinematic experience.

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About The Author


Fariba Rezwan
(165 Articles Published)

Based in South Florida, Fariba Rezwan is a list writer for CBR and Screen Rant. Though working on her graduate degree at the University of Florida, her science education does not take away her love of movies and TV shows. She is a huge geek and considers herself a huge fan of many fandoms, including Star Wars, Marvel, Game of Thrones, Supernatural, and many more. Expect to see her watch movies on the first day they come out. While she will watch any film, she especially likes superheroes, mysteries, sci-fi, and thrillers. However, since she is in her early 20s, she also takes the time to educate herself about cinema by watching classics and well-received films. While she aspires to become a physician one day, she also hopes to try out screenwriting during her spare time.

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