Donnie Darko (2001) - Best Time Travel Movies | Filmiway
Temporal Complexity Analysis
A surreal cult classic blending teen angst with metaphysical philosophy. It explores tangent universes and the burden of knowing one's destiny.
Donnie Darko
The Experience
Donnie Darko is a troubled teenager who narrowly escapes death when a jet engine crashes into his bedroom. He begins seeing a demonic rabbit named Frank, who tells him the world will end in 28 days. As Donnie is manipulated into committing crimes by this figure, he discovers he may be living in a Tangent Universe that is collapsing in on itself. A haunting, surreal cult classic about destiny, sacrifice, and time travel.
Cast & Crew
Director: Richard Kelly
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell
Production Details
Budget: $4.5 million
Box Office: $7.6 million
TIME TRAVEL COMPLEXITY SCORE
A transcendent masterpiece redefining narrative complexity.
Content Advisory
Contains: Mature Content
📊INTENSITY GRAPHIntensity GraphShows plot intensity
throughout the movie. Higher peaks
indicate more intense moments.
throughout the movie. Higher peaks
indicate more intense moments.
🧬CINEMATIC DNAGenre DNA BreakdownVisual representation of the movie's
genre composition. Larger segments
indicate dominant genre elements.
genre composition. Larger segments
indicate dominant genre elements.
Genre DNA Distribution
- Drama: 45%
- SciFi: 35%
- Mystery: 20%
Movie Intensity Arc
- Minute 8: Frank Appears (38/100 Intensity)
- Minute 35: Philosophy Class (58/100 Intensity)
- Minute 68: Cellar Door (72/100 Intensity)
- Minute 92: Halloween Party (84/100 Intensity)
- Minute 108: Sacrifice (91/100 Intensity)
Community Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions About Donnie DarkoFAQ About Donnie Darko
Explore the time-bending mechanics, paradoxes, and storytelling genius behind Donnie Darko.
What is Donnie Darko about?
A troubled teenager receives visions from a mysterious rabbit figure, leading him through parallel universes, time loops, and existential choices about sacrifice.
Who directed Donnie Darko?
Richard Kelly's debut film became a cult phenomenon despite initial box office failure, celebrated for its ambitious, enigmatic storytelling.
What is Frank the Rabbit?
Frank is a figure from a tangent timeline who guides Donnie to prevent a catastrophic dimensional collapse through ultimate self-sacrifice.
Is it a time loop movie?
Yes—involving parallel timelines and tangent universes that must be corrected, with Donnie caught between multiple realities.
Why is it so beloved?
Its blend of teen angst, cosmic horror, '80s nostalgia, philosophical depth, and haunting atmosphere created an enduring cult classic.
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Curated by Filmiway Editorial Team
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