LIVING IN OBLIVION, TOM DICILLO, 1995. Steve Buscemi, master of supporting roles, takes on the lead as a director constantly dreaming about making the perfect film. When it doesn’t happen, his dream turns into a nightmare. Endure the first 10 minutes, and you’ll be handsomely rewarded.

PAPRIKA, SATOSHI KON, 2006. A group of detectives enter into a dream world similar in configuration to the Internet. A web of possibilities, leaving can be terrifying. It’s Japanese anime for adults with an emotional and philosophical charge.

THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP, MICHEL GONDRY, 2006. Maybe the most well-known recommendation on the list, the main character sleepwalks through reality, all the while trying to build a future with his ladylove. An amusing movie-watching experience, thanks to Gondry’s seducing, signature youthfulness.

WAKING LIFE, RICHARD LINKLATER, 2001. The protagonist goes dream hopping and listens to different characters talk about the meaning of life—not in a cheap, self-help book kind of way. The best part is the use of rotoscoping, filming scenes and then layering animation on top of the takes.