Donnie Darko (Franchise)

Donnie Darko is a 2001 science-fiction psychological thriller written and directed by Richard Kelly, starring Jake Gyllenhaal as a troubled teenager who encounters a mysterious figure in a rabbit costume and learns the world will end in 28 days. Made for $4.5 million and released shortly after 9/11, the film initially struggled at the box office but eventually became a major cult classic, aided by its acclaimed soundtrack featuring Gary Jules and Michael Andrews’ cover of “Mad World.” Despite a poorly received 2009 sequel made without Kelly, the filmmaker later announced plans for an official continuation, building on the enduring legacy of the original.