Seconds
Film

Seconds (1966)

4 critics 104 lists ★ 7.4 TMDb 107 min Science FictionThrillerHorror

An unhappy middle-aged banker agrees to a procedure that will fake his death and give him a completely new look and identity; one that comes with its own price.

Movies like Seconds ↓

Where to watchStreaming availability by region · data by JustWatch

The Generation GapWhat our critics say

John Frankenheimer's 1966 psychological thriller is a chilling, prescient examination of identity and the pursuit of reinvention. A disillusioned banker undergoes a radical surgical procedure to assume a new life, only to find the promise of freedom replaced by an existential nightmare. Rock Hudson's bold performance anchors this unsettling, visually striking film-noir-esque tale. Its themes of conformity, alienation, and the impossibility of escaping oneself resonate powerfully, a true classic of paranoid cinema.

from “10 Unsung Cinematic Masterworks You Need To Discover Now” →
The Lore Architect
The Lore ArchitectMillennial

John Frankenheimer’s 1966 psychological thriller is a chilling tale of identity and reinvention gone horribly wrong. A bored, wealthy businessman undergoes a procedure to fake his death and get a new face and life, only to find the new existence just as hollow and far more terrifying. It’s a masterclass in paranoia and existential dread, building to a truly unsettling climax. Rock Hudson delivers a surprisingly dark performance.

from “Beyond the Blockbuster Hype: 11 Cinematic Gems You Need to Stream Now” →

Okay, *Seconds* is wild. This dude literally buys a new life, new face, new everything, thinking it's his fresh start. But turns out, you can't outrun your old self or the system that owns your new one. It's a trippy, paranoid ride about identity and feeling trapped, even when you're “free.” Definitely not the glow-up he signed up for, more like a cosmic prank.

from “8 Movies Where The Characters Definitely Did *Not* Get What They Deserved (Or Did They? 👀)” →
The Skip Button
The Skip ButtonGen Alpha

John Frankenheimer's "Seconds" from 1966 is a chilling psychological thriller about a man who gets a chance to completely erase his past and start anew with a new face and identity. But, of course, it’s never that simple. The cinematography is incredible, playing with distorted perspectives that mirror the protagonist's unraveling. It's an existential nightmare that makes you question what truly defines you. Super thought-provoking, even today, and genuinely unsettling.

from “Level Up Your Movie Nights: 9 Hidden Gems That Hit Different” →

Featured in 104 lists

Beyond the Blockbuster Hype: 11 Cinematic Gems You Need to Stream Now 8 Films So Unforgettable, They'll Define Your Taste Beyond the Algorithm 10 Unsung Cinematic Masterworks You Need To Discover Now 8 Movies Where The Characters Definitely Did *Not* Get What They Deserved (Or Did They? 👀) Beyond the Algorithm: 10 Underrated Films That Will Change How You Watch 11 Cinematic Adventures You Probably Haven't Seen But Absolutely Should 8 Cinematic Revelations: Unpacking the Hidden Genius of Film History The 10 Films Streaming Algorithms Forgot, But You Shouldn't Beyond the Marquee: 6 Cinematic Explorations That Demand Your Attention 7 Cinematic Vistas: Unearthing Underrated Masterpieces and Cult Classics The 10 Hidden Cinematic Treasures Your Streaming Feed Ignored Beyond the Algorithm: 6 Films Streaming Platforms Are Hiding From You

Movies like Seconds

What most often shares a list with it, according to our critics.

Possession Possession 1981 The Vanishing The Vanishing 1988 Come and See Come and See 1985 The Cremator The Cremator 1969 Wake in Fright Wake in Fright 1971 Brazil Brazil 1985 Primer Primer 2004 After Hours After Hours 1985