Altered States

Altered States

Year: 1980

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Sci-FiThrillerHorror

Haunted by a mysterious past, George Gallagher finds his life spiraling out of control when he involuntarily begins to teleport to different locations while sleeping. As a fugitive desperately trying to evade capture, he struggles to understand the cause of these erratic disappearances, battling both his pursuers and the disintegration of his sanity. He must uncover the truth behind his condition before it completely overwhelms him.

Altered States (1980) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Altered States (1980) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a relentless urban landscape where shadows stretch as far as memories, George Gallagher moves like a ghost burdened by a past he cannot fully recall. The city pulses with a cold, almost clinical rhythm, its neon‑lit streets echoing the frantic heartbeat of a man who is both hunter and hunted. As a fugitive, he navigates a world of bureaucratic eyes and relentless pursuers, each step feeling like a negotiation with the very concrete that seems intent on swallowing his secrets.

The core of his nightmare is a phenomenon that strikes only in the silence of night: while he sleeps, his body involuntarily vanishes, reappearing miles away without warning. These unexplained displacements turn ordinary darkness into a minefield of uncertainty, forcing him to awaken in unfamiliar places and question the limits of his own perception. The unsettling blend of sci‑fi speculation and stark realism creates a mood that hovers between dread and awe, as the audience wonders whether the cause lies in physics, psychology, or something far more elusive.

Against this backdrop, George must wrestle with the erosion of his sanity while staying one step ahead of the relentless chase. Every new location offers both a potential clue and a fresh threat, compelling him to piece together fragments of a truth that may lie hidden in his own mind. Relationships flicker on the edge of trust, hinting at alliances that could either ground him or pull him deeper into the void.

The film sways between claustrophobic tension and moments of disorienting wonder, inviting viewers to share in the unsettling thrill of a man whose reality unravels while he sleeps. It is a haunting meditation on identity, control, and the thin line between scientific curiosity and personal catastrophe, leaving the audience eager to discover what lies at the heart of his fractured existence.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:12

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about dangerous experiments in consciousness like Altered States

Stories where the quest for ultimate knowledge risks destroying the seeker.For viewers who liked the mind-bending scientific horror of Altered States, this list features similar movies where characters explore the limits of the mind through risky experiments. These films often blend sci-fi and psychological thriller elements, creating unsettling stories about the high cost of forbidden knowledge.

mind-bendingunsettlingpsychedelicanxiousprimaltranscendentclaustrophobic

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread typically follow a 'hubris to horror' arc. A protagonist, driven by an obsession to understand a fundamental truth about reality or the self, employs an extreme method that initially yields profound insights. However, the experiment soon spirals out of control, leading to physical and psychological disintegration, forcing a desperate struggle for survival and a return to stability.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here based on their shared focus on the theme of transgressive science, particularly experiments on the mind. They share a dark, intense tone, complex philosophical underpinnings, and a visceral sense of horror that arises from the violation of natural limits rather than external monsters.

Movies about psychological descent into primal terror like Altered States

A journey inward where the civilized mind confronts its monstrous, primitive origins.If you liked the visceral horror of genetic regression and primal fear in Altered States, this collection features similar movies about characters unraveling psychologically. These stories explore the terrifying idea of losing one's humanity and reverting to a baser, more animalistic state, blending psychological thriller and body horror elements.

primalanxiousunsettlingpsychedelicclaustrophobicbody horrorpsychological unraveling

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist who, through trauma, experimentation, or supernatural means, begins to shed their civilized identity. This descent is often nonlinear and hallucinatory, marked by visions of primal scenes and the loss of control over one's body and actions. The central conflict is the struggle to maintain a grip on reality while being pulled into an abyss of instinct and chaos.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their core theme of regression and the exploration of the 'beast within.' They create a specific, claustrophobic vibe where the enemy is the self, and the setting is often the character's own deteriorating mind. The experience is defined by high anxiety, unsettling visuals, and a heavy emotional weight.

Unlock the Full Story of Altered States

Don't stop at just watching — explore Altered States in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Altered States is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Altered States Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Altered States, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Altered States Summary

Altered States Timeline

Track the full timeline of Altered States with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Altered States Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Altered States

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Altered States. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Altered States

More About Altered States

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Altered States: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Altered States

Similar Movies to Altered States

Discover movies like Altered States that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.