Time travel is a subject that fascinates the majority. Making a great time-travel movie, as it turns out, is extremely difficult. Quite a few films have tried and failed for a variety of reasons. However, there are some truly phenomenal movies involving time travel that seize upon the premise and craft unforgettable and inventive stories, many of which have long stood the test of time. Regardless of whether you’re in the mindset for a lovable lighthearted comedy, or a nail-gnawing activity film, or a haunting sci-fi film – these time-traveling motion pictures cross each class.
Well, once you exhaust everything on your Netflix list, these are the best time travel movies to watch. Below are some of the best films about time travel. Each film on this list was chosen for its captivating nature and fascinating time travel themes.
5. Doctor Strange (2016)
This is a 2016 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, produced and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The film was directed by Scott Derrickson.
Time travel is all the rage in both Marvel Comics and the MCU, and Doctor Strange has revealed his method of time travel is more dangerous than anything seen in Avengers: Endgame. Time travel is a standard sci-fi trope, and superhero comics have exploited it for decades.
Those who like movies and TV series of the medical genre are in for a treat. As the title suggests, the story involves a doctor. Dr. Strange is a neurosurgeon, and it shows him doing surgery once. The surgery is mostly an x-ray, but bloody parts are shown. You should also know that Strange loses the use of his hands in a car accident.
The cast is amazing! The villain was good and a memorable one. They embody their characters instead of trying to act like the character. Benedict as Dr. Strange – a portrayal right out of the comics.
This movie had a solid story, and you will believe what, how, and why things were going on! This film spends a lot of time talking about how to find oneself again after a major tragedy, both psychologically and physically. However, Doctor Strange is one of the best Marvel movies and an FX masterpiece.
4. Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)
This is a 1989 American science fiction comedy directed by Stephen Herek and written by Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon. The first part of the Bill & Ted franchise stars Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, and George Carlin. It follows Bill (Winter) and Ted (Reeves), who travel through time to assemble historical figures for their high school history presentation.
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure was one of the best buddy comedies of all time; a wholesome and hilarious romp through time. The story was great and was one of the best depictions of high schools idiots in the history of Hollywood. The plot is far from anything serious. However, deep down, there are some good morals and such things to take from this film.
Keanu Reeves is already known for his acting, and in this film also, he does his job stunningly. Alex Winter and the rest of the cast also play their roles amazingly. Not only are the comedy and the acting great, but also there are some out-of-box science fiction ideas in this film.
3. The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009)
This is a 2009 American romantic science-fiction drama film based on Audrey Niffenegger’s 2003 novel of the same name. Directed by Robert Schwentke, the film stars Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams, and Ron Livingston. The story follows Henry DeTamble (Bana), a Chicago librarian with a paranormal genetic disorder that causes him to randomly time travel as he tries to build a romantic relationship with Clare Abshire (McAdams), who would become his wife.
It is a heart-warming love story with a refreshing science-fiction twist that will keep you entertained until the final credits appear. The performances are superb, and the pacing is fantastic.
The basic plot is Henry, afflicted with involuntarily sending through time. He has no control over the time or places where he is sent. At some point, he meets with Clare, drops in and out of her life, they fall in love and marry.
At the heart of this film is a love story and the complexities that people bring to their relationships. The movie worked on several different levels based on the screenplay, direction, beautiful cinematography, and acting. What I liked most was how the important people in our lives stay with us even after they are gone.
2. Predestination (2014)
A 2014 Australian science fiction action thriller film written and directed by Michael and Peter Spierig. The film stars Ethan Hawke, Sara Snook, and Noah Taylor. It’s based on the 1959 short story All You Zombies by Robert A. Heinlein.
It is an incredibly original and creative film. Predestination is about an impossible situation created by time travel, the impossible bootstrap paradox. Consider two friends Bonnie and Clyde. Clyde gives Bonny a pen on Sept 1st and tells her to give it to him on Sept 6th. She does. On the 7th, Clyde travels back in time to the 1st. Clyde gives Bonny a pen on Sept 1st and tells her to give it to him on Sept 6th. This is a Predestined loop. Notice how the pen exists only between the dates of Sept 1st to Sept 7th, not before, not after. The pen bootstrapped without going through a manufacturing process.
Ethan Hawke gave a great performance, but the real standout is Sarah Snook, who is breathtaking in her role. The direction was clean and solid; the cinematography was immaculate; moreover, the special and visual effects were outstanding. Time travel is handled quite well in this Australian film, focusing less on the effects of traveling back in time than other science fiction films.
1. About Time (2013)
A 2013 British romantic comedy-drama film, written and directed by Richard Curtis and starring Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, and Bill Nighy. The film is about a young man with the ability to time travel who tries to change his past in hopes of improving his future. Although it shares some similarities with The Time Traveler’s Wife (the same female lead actress, Rachel McAdams).
About Time is a witty, intelligent, charming, sweet film with surprising depth and heart. It features an amalgamation of love and philosophy. The film did a fine job in balancing the comedic and dramatic elements of the story, providing enough laughter.
Despite the time-traveling plot device, the story focuses on the father-son relationship of Tim and his dad and the lovely romantic relationship between Tim and Mary. The script was well written, the direction was great, and the casts made a decent performance in their respective roles.
The selection of songs for the film was appropriate. The on-screen chemistry between Rachel and Domhnall is convincing enough for the audience to watch them going through life together. On the other hand, Domhnall and Bill, as father and son, their connection is felt throughout the film and certainly evokes some poignant memories when watching them together.
