Immortality plays a key role in the world of movies, appealing to the darkest wish of all men, “living forever”. Whether through a freak accident, science, or some divine force, immortals fascinate filmmakers and audiences alike. It is always interesting to see how time can alter a person’s perception, whether for better or worse. We’ll take a look at some of the best movies with immortality as the central theme:
The Old Guard
Andromache the Scythian (Andy) and her band of immortals made their first appearance on the big screen in 2020. The success of the first movie has already birthed a sequel, setting up a third entry that is already rumoured to be on the way.
The movie follows a six-thousand-year-old Andy as she welcomes a new immortal while coming to terms with losing her own. Join Andy, Joe, Nicky, Booker and Nile as they battle an immortal’s worst fear, lifetime imprisonment, in a world that no longer permits anonymity.
Highlighder
Highlander set the tone for immortality in movies and has remained one of the most iconic fantasy movies to date. Despite getting a successful series and several other movies, none are as iconic as the first foray into the world of “The Highlander”.
The movie follows the exploits of Connor MacLeod as he prepares for “the Quickening”, the ultimate showdown between immortals. It pits immortal against immortal, with the last one standing aiming to claim “The prize” and either destroy or save humanity.
In Time
In Time gives a literal meaning to the concept of time being the only real currency in the world. You spend time getting what you want, and get paid in time, creating a pretty uneven society where the rich can theoretically live forever.
The movie follows Will Salas, an everyday man whose life is turned upside down when a stranger gifts him over a hundred years. After the death of his mother, Will sets out to do something about the system that sees innocent people struggle daily, and still comes up short.
The Fountain
The Fountain may not have lit up the box office when it first debuted, but it remains an iconic movie about the pursuit of immortality. In a blend of romance, spirituality, desperation, and devotion, we cut across different people from different timelines, all seeking the fountain of youth.
The movie primarily focuses on three distinct individuals across a thousand years, looking for immortality as a cure for a loved one. From the Spanish Inquisition to the 26th century, the quest for immortality seems to remain tethered to the “tree of life”.
The Age Of Adaline
The Age of Adaline showcases the power of love and the struggle of living with a dangerous secret. While immortality is often seen as a gift, we see how it can be a curse and why someone would wish to be free of it.
A freak accident leaves Adaline Bowman immortal, and she has successfully kept her secret for over eight decades. After avoiding any long-term romantic entanglements. She meets and falls in love with Ellis Jones, but her secret is suddenly threatened.
Tuck Everlasting
Twilight meets Jane Eyre meets Sophie’s Choice, in this tale of forbidden love, desire and dealing with immortality. It follows the Tuck family, who inadvertently come across the fountain of youth and become immortals.
After falling in love with a young man named Jesse Tuck, Winnie Foster learns that his entire family is immortal. Winnie must make the difficult choice of living as an immortal with the Tucks and being hunted by greedy men, or live a normal life.
The Man From Earth
Despite its low budget, “The Man From Earth” remains one of the most impressive movies on time travel. Unlike classic tales of good Vs bad, we simply learn about the life of a man who claims to have lived for thousands of years.
The movie follows John Oldman, a retiring professor who reveals to his colleagues that he is an immortal. Throughout the night, each colleague asks questions tied to their disciplines as they try to find out if he is telling the truth.
