The Fascinating World of Movies Filmed Backwards: A Countdown of the Top 10 Reverse-Chronology Films

Reader discretion is advised as this article references graphic and sexual violence.

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Movies have always played with time, using various techniques like flashbacks, flash-forwards, or non-linear structures. However, some films take it a step further and dive into reverse-chronology, presenting scenes that unfold backward in time. This unique storytelling tool can be jarring but offers an ambitious perspective, leading to some extraordinary cinematic experiences. In this countdown, we’ll explore the top 10 movies filmed backwards, unraveling narratives in reverse order.

**10. Shimmer Lake (2017)**

Directed by Oren Uziel

Taking inspiration from Fargo and Pulp Fiction, Shimmer Lake is a neo-noir that navigates through the aftermath of a poorly-executed bank robbery. The cast, including John Michael Higgins, Rainn Wilson, Benjamin Walker, and Stephanie Sigman, finds themselves entangled in the consequences. While the movie received mixed reviews, it employs a curious structure that keeps viewers engaged until the end, emphasizing the importance of the twist over a cohesive storyline.

Release Date: June 9, 2017
Director: Oren Uziel
Runtime: 83 minutes
Main Genre: Crime

**9. 5×2 (2004)**

Directed by François Ozon

Cinq fois Deux explores the relationship of a couple through five separate sections, beginning with their divorce and concluding with a hint of a new romantic connection. François Ozon directs this French film, starring Valeria Bruni Tedeschi and Stéphane Freis. While the reverse-chronology might not feel entirely necessary, the film offers compelling performances, though its explicit depiction of sexual assault may be a deterrent for some viewers.

Release Date: Not specified
Director: François Ozon
Runtime: Not specified
Main Genre: Not specified

**8. Irréversible (2002)**

Directed by Gaspar Noé

Gaspar Noé’s provocative experiment, Irréversible, starts with the aftermath of a revenge-fueled pursuit. The film’s reverse-chronology unfolds with disturbingly graphic portrayals of violence and sexual violence. Despite its controversial nature, the structure serves a purpose, gradually shifting from intense violence to a profound meditation on its consequences. The wild camera work adds an element of warning and mirrors the blind rage propelling the narrative backward.

Release Date: May 22, 2002
Director: Gaspar Noé
Rating: NC-17
Runtime: 97 minutes
Main Genre: Crime

**7. Happy End (1967)**

Directed by Oldrich Lipsky

This dark yet silly Czechoslovakian comedy takes reverse-chronology to the extreme. Happy End not only presents scenes in reverse order but also showcases characters’ movements and conversations in reverse. Directed by Oldrich Lipsky, this eccentric work explores conflict and heartbreak in a unique way. Despite the potential difficulty for audiences, the film’s brief runtime of 71 minutes makes it an intriguing exploration of storytelling.

Watch on Internet Archive
Director: Oldrich Lipsky
Runtime: 71 minutes
Main Genre: Not specified

**6. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)**

Directed by Michel Gondry

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, directed by Michel Gondry, employs reverse-chronology to depict the repercussions of a medical procedure that erases memories of a past relationship. Starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, the film explores the complexities of love and loss. Gondry’s visually stunning work, coupled with Charlie Kaufman’s screenplay, delves into the idea that learning from loss is more valuable than attempting to forget.

Release Date: March 19, 2004
Rating: R
Runtime: 108 minutes
Main Genre: Drama

**5. Betrayal (1983)**

Directed by David Jones

Based on Harold Pinter’s play, Betrayal ambitiously unfolds an extramarital affair in reverse-chronology. The collaboration between Pinter’s screenplay and David Jones’ direction garnered positive reviews. The film presents a complex love triangle involving a married woman (Patricia Hodge), her cuckolded husband (Ben Kingsley), and his best friend (Jeremy Irons). The nuanced performances elevate this reverse-structured romance, leaving viewers in a space of empathy, pity, and judgment.

Director: David Jones
Runtime: Not specified
Main Genre: Not specified

**4. Memento (2002)**

Directed by Christopher Nolan

Christopher Nolan’s Memento is a mystery-thriller that follows Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), a man with short-term memory loss, seeking revenge for his wife’s murder. The film uses reverse-chronology to offer a fresh take on neo-noir. While the plot doesn’t entirely move backward, the narrative complexity challenges the audience to focus, resulting in an examination of revenge, exploitation, and denial. Guy Pearce’s compelling performance contributes to making Memento one of Nolan’s best works.

Release Date: May 25, 2001
Rating: R
Runtime: 113 minutes
Main Genre: Not specified

**3. Two Friends (1986)**

Directed by Jane Campion

Two Friends, directed by Jane Campion, marks the appearance of a brilliant filmmaker who would later win two Academy Awards. The Australian debut explores the dissolution of a friendship through reverse-chronology. The emotional structure, similar to Betrayal, adds depth, with the melancholy of the beginning lingering over the cheerier days displayed later. In just 78 minutes, the film delivers a powerful depiction of complicated emotions within a concise narrative.

Director: Jane Campion
Runtime: 78 minutes
Main Genre: Not specified

**2. Peppermint Candy (1999)**

Directed by Lee Chang Dong

Peppermint Candy, directed by Lee Chang Dong, masterfully reveals the events of the previous twenty years that lead to a dramatic suicide. The film’s poetic structure, divided by the sight of a train chugging in reverse, provides a unique perspective on the protagonist’s troubled journey. The Korean masterpiece pieces together the significance of peppermint candy as a symbol, offering a devastating exploration of personal desperation and transition from young adulthood to middle age.

Director: Lee Chang Dong
Runtime: Not specified
Main Genre: Not specified

**1. Logistics (2012)**

Directed by Daniel Andersson and Erika Magnusson

Topping the list is the experimental Swedish documentary, Logistics, boasting an unprecedented runtime of 857 hours. Directed by Daniel Andersson and Erika Magnusson, the film represents the epitome of reverse-chronology by showcasing the disintegration of time itself. As pedometers are transported in real-time over land and sea, the movie prompts contemplation on the global magnitude of modern-day consumption. With its unparalleled length, Logistics serves as a unique exploration of the consequences of time, making it an extraordinary cinematic experiment.

Release Date: 2012-00-00
Directors: Daniel Andersson, Erika Magnusson
Rating: TV-PG
Runtime: 51,420 minutes
Main Genre: Documentary

In conclusion, these movies filmed backward offer a captivating journey through time, presenting narratives in reverse-chronological order. Each film on this list contributes to the exploration of this unique storytelling technique, providing audiences with thought-provoking experiences. From crime dramas to romantic sci-fi, these films showcase the versatility of reverse-chronology, proving that storytelling can be just as impactful when experienced in reverse.