Best time travel movies to watch right now
Time travel has long been a fascinating subject for filmmakers, offering endless possibilities for adventure, romance, and mind-bending paradoxes. Here's a list of movies that showcase the allure of time travel, with stories that range from lighthearted escapades to thought-provoking explorations of fate and consequence.



Movies about time travel often blend science fiction with philosophical questions, challenging our understanding of causality and free will. From the iconic adventures of Marty McFly in Back to the Future to the complex narratives of films like Interstellar and Predestination, these stories captivate us with their intricate plots and imaginative concepts.
Time travel films can be broadly categorized into those that focus on altering the past to change the future, and those that explore the personal and emotional impact of time manipulation. Movies such as Looper and Edge of Tomorrow delve into action-packed scenarios where characters battle to prevent catastrophic events, while others like The Time Traveler's Wife and About Time explore the romantic and sentimental aspects of being able to revisit and change moments in one's life.
Some films, such as Timecrimes and Primer, offer a more cerebral approach, challenging viewers to piece together intricate timelines and understand the consequences of temporal paradoxes. Then you have those that offer social commentary on the world and history itself such as Time Bandits or Twelve Monkeys. Whether it's the dark consequences of changing the past as seen in The Butterfly Effect or the existential dilemmas presented in Donnie Darko, time travel movies continue to push the boundaries of storytelling and spark our imaginations.
14. Time Bandits (1981)
Time Bandits is a whimsical and imaginative adventure film from Terry Gilliam. A young boy joins a group of time-traveling dwarves as they journey through history, encountering various historical figures and fantastical creatures. The film's quirky humor and surreal visuals make it a unique and memorable experience. Sean Connery plays King Agamemnon. Time Bandits is a cult classic that will appeal to fans of fantasy and adventure.

13. The Time Traveler's Wife (2009)
The Time Traveler's Wife is a romantic drama that follows the relationship between a woman and a man who involuntarily travels through time. The film explores the challenges and heartbreak of loving someone who is constantly disappearing and reappearing. Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana star. Based on the novel, the story is a poignant exploration of love and loss, although it doesn't delve deeply into the science fiction aspects of time travel. The movie adaptation received mixed reviews, with some criticizing its handling of the source material.

12. The Butterfly Effect (2004)
The Butterfly Effect explores the chaos theory concept in a dramatic way. Ashton Kutcher plays a young man who discovers he can travel back in time to alter events, but each change has unforeseen and often disastrous consequences. While the scientific accuracy is debatable, the film raises interesting questions about fate and free will. The film has multiple alternate endings. The Butterfly Effect is a flawed but fascinating film that explores the dangers of tampering with the past.

11. Primer (2004)
Primer is a notoriously complex and low-budget time travel film that challenges viewers to unravel its intricate plot. Two engineers accidentally invent a time machine, leading to unforeseen consequences. The film's realistic dialogue and scientific jargon add to its sense of authenticity. Shane Carruth, the director, also wrote, directed, produced, edited, and starred in the film. Made for only $7,000, Primer is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking. Be prepared to watch it multiple times to fully understand its intricacies!

10. Donnie Darko (2001)
Donnie Darko is a cult classic that blends teen drama, sci-fi, and psychological thriller elements. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as a troubled teenager who is visited by a mysterious figure in a rabbit costume and told that the world will end in 28 days. The film's ambiguous plot and dreamlike atmosphere have made it a subject of much debate and interpretation. Richard Kelly, the director, was only 26 years old when he made the film. Donnie Darko is a unique and thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after you've seen it.

9. Timecrimes (2007)
Timecrimes is a clever and suspenseful Spanish time travel thriller. A man accidentally enters a time machine and becomes trapped in a loop, encountering multiple versions of himself. The film's low budget and small cast create a sense of claustrophobia and tension. Director Nacho Vigalondo also stars in the film. Timecrimes is a mind-bending and entertaining film that will keep you guessing until the very end.

8. About Time (2013)
About Time is a charming and heartwarming romantic comedy with a time-travel twist. Domhnall Gleeson stars as a young man who discovers he can travel in time and uses his ability to improve his life and relationships. The film is a sweet and sentimental story about love, family, and appreciating the present moment. Rachel McAdams is charming. About Time is a feel-good movie that will leave you smiling.
7. Source Code (2011)
Source Code is a gripping and inventive sci-fi thriller that puts a fresh spin on the time loop concept. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as a soldier who repeatedly relives the final eight minutes of a train bombing in order to prevent a future attack. The film's fast-paced plot and intriguing mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat. Duncan Jones, the director, is the son of David Bowie. Source Code is a smart and suspenseful film that explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and redemption.

6. Looper (2012)
Rian Johnson's Looper is a stylish and intelligent sci-fi thriller that blends time travel with crime drama. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis play the same character at different ages, as a looper whose job is to assassinate targets sent back in time. The film's unique premise and well-developed characters make it a standout in the time travel genre. The makeup team spent hours transforming Joseph Gordon-Levitt to resemble Bruce Willis. Looper is a thrilling and thought-provoking film that explores themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of violence.

5. Predestination (2014)
Predestination is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller that explores the paradoxes of time travel. Ethan Hawke stars as a temporal agent tasked with preventing a future crime. The film's intricate plot is full of twists and turns, challenging viewers to piece together the puzzle. Based on Robert A. Heinlein's short story "All You Zombies," Predestination is a clever and thought-provoking film that will keep you guessing until the very end. Sarah Snook delivers a standout performance. The low budget constraints forced the filmmakers to be creative with their storytelling.

4. Twelve Monkeys (1995)
Terry Gilliam's Twelve Monkeys is a dark and visually arresting sci-fi thriller. Bruce Willis gives a compelling performance as a convict sent back in time to prevent a deadly virus from wiping out humanity. The film's intricate plot and unsettling atmosphere create a sense of paranoia and unease. Loosely based on Chris Marker's 1962 short film La Jetée, Twelve Monkeys expands on the themes of memory, time, and madness. Brad Pitt's portrayal of Jeffrey Goines earned him a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination. This is a film that will challenge your perceptions and stay with you long after you've seen it.

3. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Edge of Tomorrow is a thrilling and inventive action film that puts a unique spin on the time loop concept. Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt are fantastic as soldiers caught in a time loop during an alien invasion. The film's clever use of time travel creates a constantly escalating sense of urgency and excitement. The battle sequences are intense and visually impressive. Initially, the project was titled 'All You Need Is Kill', based on the Japanese novel. The decision to change the title was made to better reflect the film's tone and appeal to a wider audience. This movie is a perfect blend of action, sci-fi, and humor.

2. Interstellar (2014)
Christopher Nolan's Interstellar is a mind-bending epic that explores time, space, and the power of human connection. The film tackles complex scientific concepts with stunning visuals and a deeply emotional core. Matthew McConaughey delivers a powerful performance as a father desperate to save humanity. The film's depiction of black holes and wormholes is based on scientific theories developed by theoretical physicist Kip Thorne, who served as an executive producer and scientific consultant. The score by Hans Zimmer is hauntingly beautiful and adds to the film's emotional impact. Be prepared for a thought-provoking and visually stunning experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

1. Back to the Future (1985)
An absolute classic! Back to the Future isn't just a time travel movie; it's a cultural touchstone. Robert Zemeckis masterfully blends sci-fi, comedy, and adventure, creating a film that's endlessly rewatchable. Michael J. Fox's charismatic performance as Marty McFly is iconic, and the DeLorean has become synonymous with time travel itself. The script is tight, the pacing is perfect, and the score by Alan Silvestri is instantly recognizable. Did you know that Eric Stoltz was originally cast as Marty McFly? After several weeks of filming, the filmmakers realized he wasn't the right fit, leading to the casting of Michael J. Fox. This decision was crucial to the film's success. A must-see for anyone who loves movies!
