One thing I’ve learned through studying Myers-Briggs® types and movie tastes is that so far everyone has a wide variety of favorites. After asking the INTJs for their top ten favorite movies, I ended up with a list of 2039 movies (I’ve ran two surveys, in 2015 and 2024). After tallying up all the responses, I’ve finally narrowed down a list of the top 44.
INTJs really enjoy movies that make them think. They are intellectuals after all and don’t merely watch films to be entertained. They want a movie that makes them do some mental gymnastics. When it came to laughs, INTJs preferred an intelligent, dark, or offbeat comedy to anything slapstick or crude. Romances were hardly ever listed as favorites. Action movies could be enjoyed, but they had to have a complex storyline with a mentally complex idea behind it for it to be listed as a favorite. Overall, after tallying up the genres, these are the categories that came out on top:
INTJ Favorite Movie Genres:
1 – Mystery/Suspense
2 – Science Fiction/Fantasy
3 – Drama
4 – Dark/Off-Beat Comedy
5 – Action Adventure
Disclaimer: I did not choose the movies for this list. I’ve gotten some negative response to this list because for every 50 INTJs who love Wes Anderson or Stanley Kubrick, there will always be a couple who don’t. If you’re an INTJ, that does not mean you are guaranteed to love every single one of these movies. All this list shows is what the majority of INTJs prefer.
#1 – Inception
Inception tells the story of Don Cobb, a ‘mind thief’ who has the ability to enter people’s dreams and steal their secrets. His skill has put him in high demand by the corporate espionage world, but it has also cost him the people he loves most. Cobb gets a chance to start over with his life if he can successfully plant an idea in someone’s mind. If he succeeds, it will change everything – but a dangerous enemy anticipates Cobb’s every move.
Why INTJs Love It:
INTJs love a complex movie that makes them think about the nature of reality and fantasy. Since INTJs are Ni-dominant, they rely very heavily on abstract thoughts, ideas, and patterns that aren’t entirely focused on the concrete, sensory world. Movies that have an element of fantasy, and ideas that are abstract, like Inception, strike a chord with these highly intuitive types. As one INTJ said, “Inception raises interesting questions about what matters in reality, or what about reality matters to people. It has an unusual villain/antagonist in that she is really just a manifestation of another’s pain/guilt (almost like “Forbidden Planet.”) It asks a slightly different question in the end than what the viewer was likely expecting.”
#2 – The Lord of the Rings Series
The Lord of the Rings follows the adventures of Hobbits, Men, Elves, and more as they try to destroy the One Ring, which had been lost for centuries, and is now being hunted by evil forces from Mordor. It’s up to Frodo Baggins and his friends to destroy the ring, fight evil and defeat the forces of the Dark Lord Sauron.
Why INTJs Love It: J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of The Lord of the Rings, created an incredible world full of beauty, magic, and intrigue. Tolkien was also an intuitive personality type, and intuitives seem to be drawn to these fantastical worlds and the element of fantasy itself. Many believe that Lord Elrond, the elvish ruler, is an INTJ figure in the story.
#3 – 2001: A Space Odyssey
2001: A Space Odyssey tells a story of evolution. When a large black monolith is discovered beneath the surface of the moon, the world believes it was left there on purpose. Later, in the year 2001, the S.S. Discovery and its crew, Captains Dave Bowman, Frank Poole, and their onboard computer, HAL 9000, must discover what alien force is watching Earth.
Why INTJs Love It: Stanley Kubrick was continually mentioned as a favorite director by INTJs. INTJCentral.com lists him as an INTJ, while CelebrityTypes.com lists him as an ISTP. Whatever the case, INTJs love his movies and seem to have a thorough enjoyment of science fiction. Possibly this has to do with the future-oriented mindset of INTJs, and how they like to imagine what the future could hold given various developments and advances in science. Of course, there are some INTJs who aren’t fond of science fiction, but the majority mentioned it as a favorite genre.
#4 – Batman: The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight is a gripping story that follows the efforts of Batman and Lieutenant Jim Gordon as they set out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizations that plague the city streets. While their partnership proves to be effective, they soon find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind known to the citizens of Gotham as The Joker.
Why INTJs Love It: Christopher Nolan’s Bruce Wayne is an INTJ, and perhaps that’s why many INTJs love the Batman movies. Batman: The Dark Knight is smarter and darker than many of today’s superhero movies, and features a complex storyline that keeps you on your toes and constantly guessing about what will happen next.
#5 – A Clockwork Orange
A Clockwork Orange tells the story of Britan in the future. A gang of “droogs” rampage the streets at night committing horrendous and violent crimes. Alex DeLarge, the leader, gets caught and has to serve 14 years in prison. There he volunteers as a test subject for a new aversion therapy proposed by the government to make room in prisons for political prisoners. “Cured” of his hooliganism and released, he is dismissed by his friends and relatives. He hates violence now, but the rest of his gang members are still after him.
Why INTJs Love It: A Clockwork Orange deals with intense, controversial subjects like moral relativism, free will versus determinism, and authoritarianism versus libertarianism. The questions raised about these ideas engage the intuitive mind and keep them thinking long after the movie is over. Again, Stanley Kubrick directed this, and since he was often mentioned as an INTJ favorite, his touch may be a big reason why INTJs often loved this movie.
#6 – The Star Wars Original Series
Star Wars is an epic masterpiece of cinema – telling the story of good versus evil in an unforgettable way only Sci-Fi can. Star Wars follows young Luke Skywalker as he joins forces with a Jedi knight, a reckless pilot, a Wookiee, and two droids on an adventure to save the universe from the Empire’s evil forces.
Why INTJs Love It: Star Wars will probably be a favorite among many personality types, but I think what each type appreciates about it is different. INTJs love the complex, fantastical world created in Star Wars and enjoy how many of the problems can be faced by mastering an unseen, spiritual defense or attack called “the force” instead of merely tactical weaponry.
#7 – Pulp Fiction
Pulp Fiction tells four stories that are interwoven into one intense, thrilling mystery. The story follows Pumpkin and Honey Bunny, two thieves who, while dining at a coffee shop, decide that the best thing to do is to rob it. Vincent and Jules, two hitmen working for mob kingpin Marcellus Wallace, are sent to retrieve a very special and very mysterious briefcase for their boss. Butch Coolidge is an aging prizefighter who is being paid to “take a dive”, but instead, accidentally kills his opponent. These four seemingly unrelated stories come together in one gripping tale.
Why INTJs Love It: Quentin Tarantino was mentioned as a favorite by many INTJs. Pulp Fiction has a non-linear storyline, and intuitives often don’t think in a linear fashion. Where sensors prefer an A to B to C approach in storytelling, intuitives are often intrigued by a storyline that goes from A to G to E to B, etc,.. This non-linear, mysterious type of story is a delight for many INTJs who like something more complex yet quirkily comedic to keep their minds engaged.
#8 – Law Abiding Citizen
A man watches his family get murdered, then watches the justice system fail to punish the killers. Instead of filing a strongly worded complaint, he spends a decade masterminding an elaborate revenge plot that systematically dismantles the entire legal system. Every move is calculated, every decision intentional, and the government has no idea how to stop him.
Why INTJs Love It:
INTJs appreciate laser-focused planning, strategic execution, and a powerful commitment to justice (or, in this case, vengeance). The protagonist is the ultimate long-game planner, operating with cold efficiency and an almost unsettling level of foresight. Even if INTJs wouldn’t personally go this far (probably), they’ll appreciate the sheer brilliance behind the execution.
#9 – Memento
Memento tells the story of Leonard, an insurance investigator who has lost his short-term memory but is determined to find the murderer of his wife. In order to maintain his search, he takes polaroids and tattoos important facts on his body. The film goes back in time to reveal each little bit of the puzzle as he tries to find out the person who killed his wife. In the process, the audience gets caught up in the same confusing puzzle – becoming just as confused as Leonard is.
Why INTJs Love It: Memento is a mystery that unfolds in a non-linear fashion, keeping you guessing and trying to piece together clues. This type of storytelling captures how the Ni-dominant mind often works – pulling bits of information from many different sources and trying to piece it all together into one complete picture. One INTJ I know said this about memento, “it’s a mind-challenging movie and I love this sort of movie. It makes you think and rethink to understand it, even when it’s finished. To conclude, I think that I love all movies that have a twist, and need some kind of intelligence to be understood.”
#10 – The Big Lebowski
There are two men named Jeffrey Lebowski. One is a multi-millionaire and one is a lazy, pot-smoking hippie named “The Dude.” Their paths cross when two thugs confront “the Dude”, thinking he’s the multi-millionaire whose wife owes their boss a debt. They try to intimidate him to get him to pay the debt owed, and end up ruining his favorite rug. The Dude, wanting payback for his now destroyed rug, seeks out the millionaire Lebowski. What follows is a tale of intrigue, kidnapping, comedy, and White Russians.
Why INTJs Love It: INTJs repeatedly mentioned how much they loved Joel and Ethan Coen’s movies, and The Big Lebowski came out on top. This movie is just the type of offbeat comedy that keeps an INTJ entertained. Many typologists even believe that Maude Lebowski is an INTJ character.
#11 – Hereditary
A slow-burning psychological horror that doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares but instead seeps into your bones and ruins your week. The film follows a grieving family as they unravel dark, terrifying secrets about their lineage, leading to a series of mind-bending revelations that make you question everything you just watched.
Why INTJs Love It:
This isn’t just a horror movie—it’s a complicated, disturbing puzzle. Everything is connected, everything has layers, and the sense of dread builds with terrifying precision. INTJs, who naturally analyze everything, will enjoy piecing together the film’s foreshadowing, hidden details, and thematic depth about fate, control, and generational trauma. This movie is deeply unsettling in the best way—INTJs don’t just want to be scared, they want a film that lingers in their mind long after the credits roll. Hereditary delivers exactly that.
#12 – The Shawshank Redemption
The Shawshank Redemption tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a banker who is wrongly convicted of a double homicide he didn’t commit. After he is sentenced to life in prison, he befriends Red, the prison “entrepreneur.” Together, they form an unlikely bond and Andy proves that no chains or cell doors can imprison the power of the mind.
Why INTJs Love It: The Shawshank Redemption is full of deep, well-developed characters that draw you into their story. While Andy and Red may be held behind bars, they fight to keep their minds free, and with that freedom, they are able to find happiness and liberation. This mental freedom, and the ingenuity of Andy DuFresne, are sure to captivate an INTJ audience.
#13 – The Prestige
The Prestige is set in London in the 1800s. It follows the lives of two rival magicians who come across each other’s diaries which contain the secrets of their magic tricks and their personal lives. We follow them back in time to when their diaries were written, and both magicians become obsessed with their rival’s best trick. The tricks, as shown to the audience, look the same, but neither magician can figure out how his opponent does it.
Why INTJs Love It: The mystery and creativity of the magicians in this story will intrigue many INTJs. Alfred Borden, Christian Bale’s character in the movie is an INTJ, and this may also make the film more enjoyable for an INTJ audience. As one INTJ stated, “I loved the themes of illusion, obsession, and secrecy within the film and loved the notion of devoting everything to your art. The lengths at which Borden and Angier went to be the best magician were incredible and made for an incredibly intense and passionate film.”
#14 – Coraline
A young girl finds a secret door in her new home that leads to a seemingly perfect parallel world—except it’s absolutely not. What starts as a whimsical escape quickly turns into a nightmarish, surreal game of psychological horror as Coraline realizes the world beyond the door isn’t what it seems.
Why INTJs Love It:
INTJs love hidden meanings, eerie symbolism, and psychological thrillers disguised as children’s films (looking at you, Neil Gaiman). Coraline isn’t just a creepy animated movie—it’s a lesson in perception, manipulation, and control. The “Other Mother” is a masterclass in psychological warfare, creating a world designed to entrap Coraline in false security—and if there’s one thing INTJs can’t stand, it’s being manipulated. Watching Coraline figure out the puzzle, outthink her opponent, and take control of her fate? Exactly the kind of story INTJs thrive on.
#15 – Fight Club
Fight Club follows the life of a depressed office worker who suffers from insomnia and a nagging feeling of emptiness in his daily life. He meets the reckless, devil-may-care Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) who takes him under his wing and together they start an underground fight club for men who are fed up with their mundane lives. However, this club evolves and becomes much more sinister than our main character ever dreamed.
Why INTJs Love It: INTJs often feel ill at ease in a world that is largely focused on obtaining more and more material possessions. While they usually do well in the corporate world, the INTJ often has more of an intellectual goal in life and feels stifled by a world that focuses highly on sensory and material aspects. Fight Club deals with the issue of men trying to find their true purpose in life…a purpose that doesn’t involve IKEA home furniture, having the perfect hairline or driving the perfect car. It’s about self-actualization through self-acceptance, and re-thinking your purpose in life.
#16 – V for Vendetta
V for Vendetta is set in the future in Britain after a World War. Tyranny and oppression are the new norms, and freedom fighter “V” plots to overthrow this tyranny with the help of a young woman named Evey.
V for Vendetta is the epic story of fighting terror with terror.
Why INTJs Love It: It’s been a while since I’ve seen this movie, and since I’m an INFJ I may have a hard time explaining why INTJs are drawn to this movie. I’ll let INTJ Justin Honse, explain: “V for Vendetta is a great film because of how it gets us to align with a terrorist, essentially – the anti-hero, V. And the audience, just like Natalie Portman’s character Evey, slowly starts to see the power of a corrupt government from his perspective and blurs the lines between what is right and wrong, until we are firmly on his side, despite his murderous rampages and terroristic plot.”
#17 – Lawrence of Arabia
A sweeping, visually stunning epic about T.E. Lawrence, a highly intelligent and deeply unconventional British officer who unites the warring Arab tribes against the Ottoman Empire. Driven by strategy, idealism, and sheer force of will, Lawrence defies expectations at every turn—both his own and those of the people around him.
Why INTJs Love It:
T.E. Lawrence is the classic INTJ strategist, operating with a mix of calculated logic and ambitious vision. He sees what others can’t, adapts to impossible challenges, and reshapes the world through sheer intellect and willpower. The film doesn’t just explore the power of intelligence—it delves into the psychological cost of being ahead of your time. If you’ve ever felt like the world doesn’t quite understand you but you still plan to leave your mark, this movie will hit home.
#18 – Alien
Alien follows a commercial crew aboard the deep space towing vessel, Nostromo. They are on their way home when they pick an SOS warning from a distant planet. What they don’t know is that the SOS warning is not like any other ordinary warning call. Picking up the signal, the crew realizes that they are not alone and that there is an alien stowaway hiding on the cargo ship.
Why INTJs Love It: Sci-Fi movies are great for thinking people who want to explore the possibilities of the universe or the future. Alien is a welcome treat for INTJs who often delight in exploring these kinds of possibilities. Ellen Ripley is also believed to be a great example of an INTJ heroine.
#19 – The Royal Tenenbaums
The Royal Tenenbaums tells the story of Royal Tenenbaum and his wife Etheline. They have three children who are all extraordinary geniuses. Tenenbaum and his wife separate and after two decades of betrayal, failure, and disaster all memory of the brilliance of the young Tenenbaums is forgotten. When Royal’s estranged wife becomes engaged to a new man after twenty years of separation, Royal devises a scheme to get his whole family back together again.
Why INTJs Love It: Wes Anderson’s films were a perennial favorite among INTJs who love his offbeat, dry sense of humor, and intricate storylines. All of his movies were listed as favorites, but The Royal Tenenbaums got by far the most votes.
#20 – The Theory of Everything
A biographical drama about the life of Stephen Hawking, chronicling his rise as one of the greatest scientific minds of our time while navigating the challenges of ALS. The film explores his relentless pursuit of knowledge, his evolving theories on time and space, and the personal sacrifices required to dedicate oneself to intellectual discovery.
Why INTJs Love It:
INTJs admire deep thinkers—people who push boundaries, break paradigms, and challenge conventional wisdom. Hawking’s journey is one of intellectual resilience, proving that even when the body fails, the mind can still shape the universe. The film also captures something INTJs understand all too well: when your work is your passion, it becomes your life. Bonus: you’ll walk away with a renewed appreciation for cosmology, black holes, and the nature of time—which, let’s be honest, you were already thinking about.
#21 – Donnie Darko
Donnie Darko feels out of place among his family and his peers. On top of his isolation and depression, Donnie Darko is plagued by visions of a large bunny rabbit that manipulates him into committing a series of crimes – through these visions, he learns that the world will soon be coming to an end. Seeking answers, Donnie investigates time travel in an attempt to turn back the clock and prevent the world’s seemingly impending doom… actions which cause bizarre and life-changing results.
Why INTJs Love It: Donnie Darko is another one of those movies that doesn’t follow a linear story pattern. It’s mysterious, complex, and keeps you guessing about its real meaning. As one INTJ stated, “this is one of those lovely movie experiences that forces you to let go of the notion that movie = graspable plot.” Donnie Darko is thought-provoking, subtle, and focuses on Donnie’s struggle with schizophrenia and the question “would the world be better without me?”. One INTJ said that Donnie Darko is a great example of an “INTJ comfort film.”
#22 – Blade Runner
Blade Runner tells the story of Rick Deckard, a policeman of the future who hunts down and terminates replicants – artificially created humans. Although he wants to leave the force, he’s drawn back in when 4 replicants hijack a ship back to earth. While searching for the replicants, Rick is faced with a huge, sprawling, bleak vision of the future. Blade Runner questions what it is to be human, and why every life is so significant.
Why INTJs Love It: Blade Runner is an abstract science fiction masterpiece that engages the imagination and possibility-focused mind of the INTJ. John Olsen, an INTJ, said: ” I think Blade Runner interests me because the story of Rick Deckard’s Fi vs. Ni struggle and how it develops personally resonates with me.”
#23 – A Beautiful Mind
The life story of John Nash, a brilliant but socially awkward mathematician whose groundbreaking work in game theory changed economics forever. But alongside his genius comes a deep psychological struggle—his battle with schizophrenia and the difficulty of distinguishing reality from delusion.
Why INTJs Love It:
John Nash is the ultimate INTJ intellectual—brilliant, analytical, and sometimes so deep in thought that the real world becomes secondary. This film captures both the glory and isolation of extreme intelligence, something many INTJs will find painfully relatable. And while INTJs focus on logic, the emotional weight of Nash’s story reminds us that even the most brilliant minds need human connection.
#24 – American Beauty
American Beauty follows the lives of suburban couple Lester and Carolyn Burnham. On the outside, these two have it all – a perfect house in a perfect neighborhood. But inside, Lester is slipping deeper and deeper into a hopeless depression. He finally breaks when he becomes infatuated with one of his daughter’s friends. Meanwhile, his daughter Jane is developing a deep friendship with a shy boy-next-door named Ricky, who lives with an abusive father.
Why INTJs Love It: American Beauty is full of complex people with deep-seated issues that need to be resolved. This film points a finger at American materialism, greed, and the pressure to “fit in”. Like Fight Club, American Beauty points to there being more to life than the quest to obtain wealth and to blend in with society. For the imaginative, intellectual INTJs, this type of story often resonates with them.
#25 – The Princess Bride
This fairy tale adventure tells the story of beautiful, young Buttercup and her one true love, Wesley. After a long separation, Buttercup is forcibly engaged to the evil Prince Humperdink. In Wesley’s attempts to save her, he must battle the evils of the mythical kingdom of Florin to be reunited with her. Based on the William Goldman novel “The Princess Bride” which earned its own loyal audience.
Why INTJs Love It: INTJs love the dry, offbeat sense of humor scattered throughout The Princess Bride and enjoy the verbal sparring between characters. A few INTJs also mentioned that they appreciated that the movie didn’t take itself too seriously. Many even believe that Westley, the main hero, is an INTJ.
#26 – Vertigo
A psychological thriller by Alfred Hitchcock that follows a detective suffering from crippling acrophobia as he becomes obsessed with a woman who may or may not be who she seems. What starts as a standard case spirals into a mind-bending exploration of identity, obsession, and the nature of perception itself.
Why INTJs Love It:
Vertigo is not a simple mystery—it’s a psychological puzzle that demands the viewer’s full attention. INTJs, who naturally love peeling back layers of hidden meaning, will enjoy deciphering the film’s symbolism and unreliable narrative. It’s a film that messes with your head in the best way, forcing you to question what’s real, what’s illusion, and whether knowing the truth is always worth the cost. Plus, Hitchcock’s mastery of visual storytelling means that every detail is intentional—a challenge any pattern-seeking INTJ will enjoy unraveling.
#27 – No Country for Old Men
Llewelyn Moss comes across an unexpected fortune when he finds $2 million in the desert where a drug deal has gone wrong. Thinking this is his way to a better life, he takes the money but soon finds himself on the run with a deadly killer looking for him. This killer, Anton Chigurh, has a unique murder weapon at his disposal. Throughout the story, soon to be retired Sheriff Ed Tom Bell attempts to convince Moss, mostly through his wife Carla Jean, that he should turn the money over to the authorities or everything could end in tragedy.
Why INTJs Love It: Joel and Ethan Coen are perennial favorites among INTJs, who enjoy their offbeat, complex stories. INTJ Justin Honse says: “No Country for Old Men sounds like it should be a formulaic suspense-type movie, but it’s in its own category. I went with a group of my friends for a “guy’s night”, and it actually spawned great conversation between about 8 of us in the parking lot for a good hour afterward. The Coen Brothers found evil incarnate in Javier Bardem’s character, and it keeps you wondering what the role of fate and chance are in life. Not just with the coin-flipping scene – but with virtually every scene in the film.”
#28 – Gone Girl
A seemingly perfect marriage unravels when Amy Dunne disappears, leaving behind a trail of media frenzy, suspicions, and shocking revelations. What follows is a cold, calculating game of manipulation, power, and psychological warfare, where nothing is as it seems.
Why INTJs Love It:
Gone Girl is a masterclass in strategic thinking, and INTJs will either be deeply impressed or deeply disturbed by Amy Dunne’s tactical brilliance (or both). Every move she makes is calculated, every word she speaks is intentional, and every step of her plan is executed with ruthless efficiency. While INTJs may not approve of her actions, they can’t help but admire the level of foresight and strategy required to pull it off. This movie is a chilling reminder of the power of intelligence when combined with a complete lack of morality—which is both fascinating and terrifying.
#29 – Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice tells the story of the five Bennet sisters, who have spent the entirety of their lives being told to marry rich husbands so that they can support their family. They are not from the upper class, and their house in Hertfordshire will be inherited by a distant cousin if Mr. Bennet dies. When the wealthy bachelor Mr. Bingley and his best friend Mr. Darcy arrive in town for the summer, the shy and beautiful Jane falls in love with Mr. Bingley, and Elizabeth finds Mr. Darcy a snobbish and proud man, and she swears to loathe him forever.
Why INTJs Love It: Pride and Prejudice is the ONLY romance that made the top 25 for INTJs. In fact, in the entire list of 539 mentioned favorites, there were only a few romances listed. Many INTJs are able to connect with and enjoy Mr. Darcy’s character since he is an INTJ. This may play a part in why this movie is such a popular choice. It’s also quite a bit smarter than most romances and captures beautifully the atmosphere of the early nineteenth century.
#30 – The Social Network
One fall night in 2003, Harvard undergrad Mark Zuckerberg sits down at his computer to work out a new idea that will forever change the way we communicate. In a fury of blogging and programming, what begins in his dorm room soon becomes a global social network that takes the world by storm. Six years and 500 million friends later, Mark Zuckerberg is the youngest billionaire in history… but his success leads to both personal and legal complications.
Why INTJs Love It: The Social Network captures the cunning intelligence of Mark Zuckerberg, whom many believe to be an INTJ. The film brilliantly captures how Facebook has made us a nation of narcissists, and how it’s re-shaped who we are. It’s a smart, funny, absorbing movie that will make you think about how social networking may have affected your own life.
#31 – They Live, We Sleep
A cult-classic sci-fi thriller about a drifter who stumbles upon a pair of sunglasses that reveal a horrifying truth: the world is controlled by an elite race of alien overlords who manipulate humanity through subliminal messaging. What follows is a surreal, action-packed takedown of consumerism, propaganda, and blind conformity.
Why INTJs Love It:
INTJs live for uncovering hidden truths—and this movie is all about peeling back illusions and seeing what’s really going on behind the curtain. The premise plays into INTJ instincts: question authority, challenge the system, and never take things at face value. Also, let’s be real: who wouldn’t want a pair of sunglasses that instantly expose every societal lie? If you’ve ever been called “too skeptical” or “too cynical,” this movie is proof that sometimes, you’re just the only one seeing things clearly.
#32 – The Silence of the Lambs
The Silence of the Lambs tells the gripping story of Clarice Starling, a young intelligent FBI trainee who has been sent to the Baltimore state hospital for the criminally insane to interview inmate Dr. Hannibal-the cannibal- Lecter. Once a brilliant psychiatrist, Hannibal Lecter transformed into an infamous psychopathic serial killer. She must match wits with Lecter and trust him to give her clues in the search for “Buffalo Bill”, a nickname for another killer who is murdering young women across the Midwest.
Why INTJs Love It: The blog Zombies Ruin Everything captured it perfectly when they said “It’s pretty rare to get more than one INTJ in the same room, in real life or fiction. The so-called “1%” is normally the type pulling the strings behind the scenes and is foiled by the film’s end. Here, we get an INTJ as the protagonist and supporting role.” See more here. One of the reasons that INTJs may particularly enjoy The Silence of the Lambs is that it features two INTJs. It’s also a smart, compelling, edge-of-your-seat mystery/thriller that will keep the NT mind engaged.
#33 – Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
Dr. Strangelove tells the story of U.S. Air Force General Jack Ripper, a once brilliant general who has now gone completely mad. Without warning, he sends his bomber wing to destroy the U.S.S.R. with a hydrogen bomb. He believes that the communists are conspiring to pollute “the precious bodily fluids” of the American people. The U.S. president meets with his advisors, where the Soviet ambassador tells him that if the U.S.S.R. is hit by nuclear weapons, it will trigger a “Doomsday Machine” which will destroy all plant and animal life on Earth. Will the bombers be stopped in time? Or will General Jack Ripper succeed in destroying the world?
Why INTJs Love It: Another Stanley Kubrick movie, Dr. Strangelove captures in a satirical way the fear left in the world following WWII. This movie is offbeat, dark, and cynical – with incredible performances by Peter Sellers, who played three parts in the movie.
#34 – There Will Be Blood
There Will Be Blood tells the story of oil prospector Daniel Plainview and his destructive obsession with money. When Plainview is given information about the possibility of finding oil in Little Boston, California, he travels there and immediately tries to buy all the land he can. He smooth-talks the locals into selling by promising to build roads, schools, and churches. He has no intention of doing so, of course. His only purpose is to make money. Over the course of his endeavors, men die, the locals get nothing, and Plainview gets wealthy. In his life he makes few friends and many enemies and eventually even his adopted son H.W. is alienated.
Why INTJs Love It: Having not seen this movie myself, I’m going to let INTJ Justin Honse explain what he loved about it: “I loved There Will Be Blood, not only because of Daniel Day-Lewis’s astounding performance but for how it captures his character’s descent into madness over chasing money his entire life. The last scene encapsulates where he ended up perfectly.”
#35 – Captain Fantastic
A father raises his six kids off the grid in the wilderness, teaching them philosophy, survival skills, and the fine art of dismantling capitalism before breakfast. But when they’re forced to re-enter society for a family event, their unconventional upbringing clashes with the real world, leading to a brilliant, messy exploration of idealism versus practicality.
Why INTJs Love It:
Captain Fantastic is basically what happens when an INTJ decides to optimize parenting. The main character, Ben, is fiercely independent, intellectually relentless, and allergic to mediocrity—qualities that most INTJs will recognize in themselves. His kids aren’t just surviving; they’re debating Noam Chomsky and scaling mountains before lunch. But even he has to grapple with the reality that pure logic and ideological rigor don’t always translate to human connection (ugh). This movie will validate your deep, unrelenting need for competence while also making you wonder if maybe—just maybe—other people’s emotions do matter (sometimes).
#36 – Matilda
A small, book-loving girl with an off-the-charts IQ is stuck in a family of aggressively incurious simpletons. While they’re busy watching bad TV and committing low-level fraud, Matilda is literally teaching herself telekinesis. Eventually, she finds allies in a kind teacher and a library full of knowledge, and she does what any rational person in her position would do: overthrows a dictatorship (a.k.a. Miss Trunchbull).
Why INTJs Love It:
Matilda is an INTJ in kid form—brilliant, independent, unimpressed by authority, and deeply committed to justice. If you ever felt like you were surrounded by incompetent buffoons as a child (or, let’s be real, even now), this movie will hit home. Matilda doesn’t just dream of a better world—she strategizes her way into one, using knowledge, patience, and just the right amount of cold, calculated revenge. Honestly, if you didn’t root for her while secretly wishing you had telekinetic powers to deal with life’s nonsense, are you even an INTJ?
#37 – Pleasantville
Two modern-day teens get sucked into a black-and-white 1950s sitcom, where everything is quaint, predictable, and free of messy things like emotions and independent thought. As they introduce color (both literally and figuratively) to the town, its citizens start waking up to new ideas—art, passion, rebellion, and, yes, imperfection.
Why INTJs Love It:
Pleasantville is what happens when an INTJ shows up in a world that runs on rigid tradition and blind obedience. Watching the characters awaken to critical thinking and personal agency is basically an INTJ’s version of a feel-good movie. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing an entire society question the rules they’ve been following just because “that’s the way it’s always been.” It’s also a great reminder that sometimes, shaking things up isn’t just necessary—it’s inevitable. And yes, the symbolism is about as subtle as a brick to the face, but let’s be honest, you love it.
#38 – Interstellar
Earth is dying, time is running out, and Matthew McConaughey is here to save the day. This sci-fi epic follows a group of astronauts searching for a new home for humanity, with mind-bending concepts like time dilation, black holes, and love as a quantifiable force of the universe. Yes, it’s technically about space travel, but it’s also about ambition, sacrifice, and what it means to push beyond the limits of human understanding.
Why INTJs Love It:
First of all, it’s Christopher Nolan. Of course INTJs love it. Second, Interstellar is packed with big ideas, high-stakes problem-solving, and cold, hard logic—all things that make an INTJ’s brain light up like a supernova. The film asks huge existential questions and refuses to spoon-feed easy answers, which INTJs will appreciate because they hate being talked down to. Plus, there’s an undeniable satisfaction in watching people navigate impossible challenges through sheer intelligence and willpower. If you’ve ever been accused of caring more about ideas than feelings, congratulations—you and this movie are soulmates.
#39 – Shutter Island
U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels arrives at a remote psychiatric hospital to investigate the disappearance of a patient, but things quickly spiral into psychological chaos. Secrets unravel, reality bends, and every answer leads to more questions. By the time it’s over, you’ll probably be questioning your own grip on reality (which, let’s be honest, you kind of enjoy).
Why INTJs Love It:
Shutter Island is an INTJ’s dream/nightmare—a complicated puzzle wrapped in psychological warfare. It’s the kind of movie that demands full attention, rewards close observation, and leaves room for endless analysis (which you will absolutely engage in for days afterward). The film plays with perception, deception, and the unsettling power of the human mind—three things INTJs find endlessly fascinating. Plus, let’s face it, you love a protagonist who’s as intense and calculating as you are, even when he’s unraveling at the seams.
#40 – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
A journalist and a genius hacker team up to solve a decades-old mystery involving corruption, murder, and deeply dysfunctional families. Lisbeth Salander, the hacker in question, is a walking embodiment of icy intelligence, unflinching logic, and zero tolerance for nonsense. She’s also definitely an INTJ, which is why you’re about to become mildly obsessed with her.
Why INTJs Love It:
This movie has everything an INTJ loves: a dark, twisting mystery, ruthless efficiency, and a protagonist who doesn’t waste a single word or movement. Lisbeth isn’t here to make friends—she’s here to get the job done better and faster than anyone else, and she does it with brutal precision. Watching her dismantle powerful men with sheer intellect and technical skill? Chef’s kiss. INTJs will also appreciate the film’s refusal to spoon-feed answers, leaving plenty of room for interpretation, analysis, and, of course, smugly pointing out the deeper themes to anyone who will listen.
#41 – The Matrix
Neo is a regular computer nerd until he learns that reality is an illusion, society is a lie, and the world is actually controlled by artificial intelligence farming humans for energy. (Which, if you’re an INTJ, is probably only mildly more dystopian than what you already suspected.) As he unplugs from the system, he faces a choice: stay blind or wake up—and let’s just say INTJs are never ones to stay blind.
Why INTJs Love It:
The Matrix is the ultimate INTJ awakening—a movie about questioning everything, seeing past illusion, and mastering one’s own mind to outmaneuver the system. It’s philosophical, strategic, and packed with symbolism, all of which tickles the INTJ brain in just the right way. Plus, let’s be real, the idea of learning kung fu in 10 seconds via brain upload? Peak INTJ wish fulfillment.
#42 – The Departed
A tense, brutal game of cat and mouse unfolds between an undercover cop embedded in the Boston mob and a criminal mole inside the police force. Lies pile up, trust is a distant memory, and every character is one wrong move away from total collapse. It’s a masterclass in deception, power struggles, and strategic maneuvering—and yes, INTJs will be mentally predicting every twist in real time.
Why INTJs Love It:
This movie is pure calculated survival. It’s about thinking five steps ahead, reading people with cold precision, and winning through sheer intelligence rather than brute force—all things that make INTJs quietly nod in approval. Every interaction is a chess move, every decision has weight, and the entire story is built on layers of betrayal and hidden motives (a.k.a. an INTJ’s version of an engaging Friday night). Bonus: INTJs will particularly enjoy watching characters attempt to out-strategize each other, even when it inevitably goes horribly wrong.
#43 – Mulholland Drive
What starts as a seemingly straightforward mystery—a woman with amnesia and an aspiring actress searching for answers—quickly dissolves into a surreal, nightmarish maze of shifting realities, psychological distortions, and deeply unsettling undercurrents. This is not a movie that explains itself. This is a movie that dares you to figure it out.
Why INTJs Love It:
Mulholland Drive isn’t just a film—it’s a mental puzzle wrapped in dream logic and existential dread. It expects you to pay attention, read between the lines, and piece together its fragmented, nonlinear narrative (which, of course, you will, and then smugly explain to everyone else). INTJs love a challenge, and this movie is nothing but challenge. It doesn’t hold your hand, it doesn’t give easy answers, and by the end, you’ll either be completely lost or completely obsessed. There is no in-between.
#44 – The Big Short
A handful of sharp-witted investors realize before anyone else that the 2008 financial system is a house of cards about to collapse. Instead of panicking, they do what any rational, calculating mind would do: they bet against it and make an absurd amount of money. What follows is a fascinating breakdown of corruption, incompetence, and the few people smart enough to see the disaster coming.
Why INTJs Love It:
If there’s anything an INTJ can appreciate, it’s seeing through the illusion before everyone else does—and then strategizing accordingly. The Big Short is basically an INTJ case study in high-level pattern recognition, systems thinking, and the cold, brutal logic of how power and greed operate. The film assumes you’re intelligent enough to keep up with its rapid-fire explanations, and honestly, that’s refreshing. Also, watching smart people outmaneuver an entire corrupt industry? Deeply satisfying.
What Are Your Thoughts?
Do you agree with this list? What are your favorite movies? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
Find out more about your personality type in our eBooks, Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of Personality Type, The INFJ – Understanding the Mystic, The INFP – Understanding the Dreamer, and The INTJ – Understanding the Strategist. You can also connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!
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