What Dreams May Come

What Dreams May Come

Year: 1998

Runtime: 113 min

Language: English

Director: Vincent Ward

DramaFantasyRomance

Following a devastating car accident, Chris Nielsen finds himself in a vibrant and imaginative afterlife. Determined to reunite with his wife Annie, he sets out on a perilous quest to find her. When Annie tragically takes her own life and descends into a nightmarish realm, Chris bravely defies the laws of the afterlife to rescue her, confronting dangerous landscapes and inner demons along the way.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen What Dreams May Come yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – What Dreams May Come (1998)

Trace every key event in What Dreams May Come (1998) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Meeting in the Swiss Countryside

Dr. Chris Nielsen meets the vibrant artist Annie Collins in the picturesque Swiss countryside. Their initial encounter sparks a deep romantic connection that blossoms against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes.

Swiss countryside
2

Building a Family

Chris and Annie's love flourishes as they create a beautiful life together. They welcome their two children, Ian and Marie, bringing joy and fulfillment to their lives.

3

Tragic Loss

The family's happiness is abruptly shattered when a devastating car accident claims the lives of both children. This tragic event plunges Chris and Annie into profound sorrow, altering the course of their lives forever.

4

Chris's Fatal Accident

Years later, Chris himself meets a tragic fate in another car crash. Unbeknownst to him, he has died and remains on Earth, where he watches Annie struggle with her unbearable grief from the afterlife.

5

Desperate Attempts

Annie attempts to connect with Chris, driven by her longing and sorrow, despite cryptic warnings from a mysterious presence. Chris realizes that his attempts only deepen her misery, causing him to face a difficult decision.

6

Awakening in Heaven

Chris awakens in a stunning vision of Heaven, shaped by his imagination and reflective of Annie’s artistry. He reunites with his mentor Albert Lewis and a stewardess named Leona, who reveals herself to be his daughter Marie.

Heaven
7

Annie's Despair

Overwhelmed by grief, Annie's emotional turmoil escalates, culminating in a tragic decision to take her own life. Chris feels a fleeting relief from her suffering, but this is swiftly replaced by rage upon learning of the consequences for suicides.

8

Mission to Rescue Annie

Driven by love, Chris embarks on a daring mission to rescue Annie from Hell, despite warnings from Albert that no one has ever succeeded. His determination reinforces his commitment to save her from eternal suffering.

Hell
9

Navigating the Underworld

Using a mysterious tracker, Chris teams up with Albert as they navigate the harrowing landscapes and fierce demons of the underworld. During their journey, Chris discovers that Albert is actually his son Ian.

Underworld
10

Confronting Their Past

Chris reaches a warped replica of their home, where he encounters a twisted form of Albert. He receives a warning about the dire consequences of lingering with Annie, highlighting the urgency of his mission.

Their past home
11

Annie's Amnesia

Upon finding Annie in the underworld, Chris discovers that she is lost in an amnesiac fog, struggling to regain her memories. This challenge complicates his efforts to rekindle their connection.

Hell
12

Sacrificing Heaven

Faced with mounting challenges, Chris ultimately chooses to abandon his heavenly existence to share in Annie's suffering. This selfless act shows his unwavering love and commitment to her.

13

Restoration of Memories

As Chris declares his dedication to Annie, her memories begin to surge back. This moment ignites a transformative journey, leading Annie to ascend to Heaven, where they are joyfully reunited with their children.

Heaven
14

A Proposal of Reincarnation

In a heartfelt moment, Chris suggests the possibility of reincarnation to experience their love anew. This proposal implies a hopeful future as they contemplate their next chapter together.

15

Rebirth and New Beginnings

Chris and Annie find themselves reincarnated as innocent children, marking the start of another chapter in their timeless romance. Their paths once again intersect, hinting at a destined reunion.

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 20:18

Unlock the Full Story of What Dreams May Come

Don't stop at just watching — explore What Dreams May Come 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 What Dreams May Come is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

What Dreams May Come Summary

Read a complete plot summary of What Dreams May Come, 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.

What Dreams May Come Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in What Dreams May Come

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in What Dreams May Come

More About What Dreams May Come

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about What Dreams May Come: 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 What Dreams May Come

Similar Movies to What Dreams May Come

Discover movies like What Dreams May Come 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.