Movies about psychic powers have long intrigued audiences, blending elements of horror, sci-fi, and thriller genres to explore the mysteries of the mind. These films capture supernatural abilities like telekinesis, clairvoyance, and telepathy, bringing psychic phenomena to life in thrilling and often chilling ways. From telepathic heroes to individuals who foresee future events, this list showcases 13 must-watch movies that dive into the fascinating world of psychic abilities, each offering a unique take on the extraordinary potential of the mind.
Table of Contents
1. Carrie (1976 & 2013)
Carrie, based on Stephen King’s novel, tells the story of a young girl with telekinetic powers who struggles with high school bullies and a controlling mother. Her abilities spiral out of control, leading to one of horror’s most iconic climaxes. This classic tale of telekinesis highlights how psychic powers can be a gift and a curse.
2. The Sixth Sense (1999)
Known for its twist ending, The Sixth Sense follows a young boy who communicates with spirits, saying the famous line, “I see dead people.” The boy’s psychic ability to see and hear the dead brings an emotional depth to the film, as he works with a psychologist to make sense of his visions. This film popularized clairvoyance in mainstream cinema.
3. Scanners (1981)
David Cronenberg’s Scanners dives into the world of telepathy and telekinesis, following individuals with powerful psychic abilities. This sci-fi horror is famous for its explosive “head-bursting” scenes and portrays the dangers of manipulating psychic powers. Scanners explores the darker side of psychic abilities, combining government conspiracies with thrilling psychic warfare.
4. The Dead Zone (1983)
Another adaptation of a Stephen King novel, The Dead Zone stars Christopher Walken as Johnny, a man who wakes from a coma with the ability to see a person’s future through touch. As Johnny begins to see dark visions, he faces moral dilemmas about using his precognition. This film explores the emotional and ethical challenges of foreseeing future events.
5. Push (2009)
Push follows a group of individuals with psychic abilities, from telekinesis to precognition, who are on the run from a government agency. The film introduces a variety of psychic powers, creating a thrilling world of superhuman abilities. This action-packed movie explores how those with supernatural gifts struggle to survive against control and manipulation.
6. Minority Report (2002)
Based on Philip K. Dick’s story, Minority Report explores precognition in a future where “precogs” predict crimes before they happen, allowing authorities to prevent them. Starring Tom Cruise, the film dives into the ethical dilemmas and moral complexities of a world where the future isn’t set in stone, and precognition is used as a tool for justice.
7. Unbreakable (2000)
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, Unbreakable follows David Dunn, a man with an unbreakable body and extrasensory abilities, who encounters a man obsessed with his supernatural resilience. This psychological thriller subtly integrates psychic abilities like heightened perception, creating a unique take on the superhero genre with a darker twist.
8. The Gift (2000)
The Gift stars Cate Blanchett as a small-town psychic who uses her clairvoyant abilities to assist in solving a murder case. Her psychic visions guide her investigation, though she faces skepticism and danger along the way. This thriller brings clairvoyance into the mystery genre, highlighting the challenges and consequences of psychic insights.
9. Firestarter (1984 & 2022)
Based on Stephen King’s novel, Firestarter centers around a young girl with pyrokinetic abilities, which allow her to control and create fire. As she learns about her powers, she becomes a target for government scientists. The film portrays the complexity of psychic abilities that can be both a gift and a weapon, exploring themes of control and freedom.
10. Phenomenon (1996)
Phenomenon stars John Travolta as a man who develops heightened intelligence and telekinesis after a mysterious encounter with a bright light. His newfound abilities transform his life but also lead to fear and isolation from those around him. The film highlights the emotional and social impact of psychic powers, focusing on the humanity of supernatural gifts.
11. Chronicle (2012)
Chronicle is a found-footage-style film that follows three high school friends who gain telekinetic powers after encountering a strange object. As they learn to control their abilities, their powers spiral into destructive behavior. The film explores how power affects human nature, showing the darker potential of telekinesis in the wrong hands.
12. Dreamscape (1984)
In Dreamscape, psychics use their abilities to enter people’s dreams, blending science fiction with psychic powers. The protagonist is recruited to explore the dream world, where he encounters strange and dangerous psychic phenomena. This film dives into the concept of dream telepathy, where mind and consciousness connect on a whole new level.
13. Doctor Sleep (2019)
The sequel to The Shining, Doctor Sleep follows Danny Torrance, now an adult, who struggles with his “shining” abilities. Danny encounters a young girl with similar psychic powers, and together they face a cult that feeds on those with supernatural abilities. This dark horror film dives into psychic powers and the bond between those who possess them.
Conclusion
These movies about psychic powers highlight the diversity of supernatural abilities in cinema, from telepathy and telekinesis to clairvoyance and precognition. Films like Carrie, The Sixth Sense, and Scanners explore the wonders and dangers of psychic phenomena, each presenting a unique take on the extraordinary powers of the mind. Whether through horror, thriller, or sci-fi, these movies offer fascinating insights into what psychic abilities might mean in a world just beyond our own, blending suspense with the supernatural.