Jake Gyllenhaal reflects on 'Donnie Darko' 20th anniversary: The film 'changed my life'

"Donnie Darko" celebrated its 20th anniversary Tuesday, and star Jake Gyllenhaal voiced his appreciation for the cult hit that launched his career.

Taking to Instagram to celebrate the movie's milestone, the 40-year-old actor reflected, "Pulled out my script and some artifacts from Donnie Darko... It was released 20 years ago today."

"It’s a film that changed my life and my career, and it’s been unreal to watch this story find afterlives with new audiences and new generations, and yet, what Donnie said to Roberta Sparrow is still true: 'There is so much to look forward to,'" Gyllenhaal said, adding the movie still brings him joy.

"Thank you to all the fans who’ve come up to me over the years with that confused look on their faces and asked me: 'What the f*** is Donnie Darko about??'" he added.

His post featured a snap of the movie's original script that showed some of his notes scribbled across the title page.

"Donnie Darko," released Jan. 19, 2001 at the Sundance Film Festival, was not a box office hit. It earned $7.5 million in the global box office despite touting an impressive cast, including Patrick Swayze and Drew Barrymore. It also starred Gyllenhaal's sister Maggie Gyllenhaal.

The film went on to achieve critical acclaim and has since developed a major cult following. Empire film magazine also lists the movie as one of the greatest American independent films of all time.