Creating a fantastic time travel movie is not that simple. Many movies have attempted and failed for different reasons. Naturally, there is logic, which might become problematic, but stories may frequently rely too much on the plot device and lack compelling or memorable characters. However, a few amazing time-traveling films masterfully exploit the concept to create enduring and creative tales, many of which have withstood the test of time.
The Best Time-Travelling Movies ever made are
Back To The Future (1985)
Though its two sequels fail in comparison to the original Back to the Future film, which is undoubtedly one of the best time-travel films ever made, all three are essential in understanding Michael J. Fox’s character, Marty McFly. A bildungsroman set in the 1980s about an adolescent who must come to terms with the fact that life is about much more than just being a teenager may be found in the Back to the Future trilogy. Robert Zemeckis’s first film, which he directed with confidence, is filled with so much heart and humor that it’s too easy to get drawn into a plot that should be complicated but is executed so brilliantly.
Total Runtime: 1 h 56 mins
Release date: July 3, 1985
Budget: $19 million
Box Office: $388.8 million
Memorable moments
- The iconic DeLorean.
- Marty’s rock ‘n’ roll performance at the high school dance.
- The nail-biting clock tower scene.
The Terminator (1984)
Even after all these years, The Terminator still stands out. The influence of The Terminator is widespread due to its incredibly creative premise, Linda Hamilton‘s captivating performance, and evidence that Arnold Schwarzenegger was a talented actor. The very first two Terminator movies are much more than just “scary robots take over the world, everybody dies”, they’re violent, action-packed thrillers with shocking storylines, groundbreaking special effects, and, of course, time travel as the driving force.
Total Runtime: 1 h 46 mins
Release date: October 26, 1984
Budget: $6.4 million
Box Office: $78.3 million
Memorable moments
- Intense action sequences.
- Groundbreaking visual effects.
- Deep philosophical questions about destiny and humanity.
Groundhog Day (1993)
It’s incredibly sad as well as humorous, including some of Bill Murray’s funniest moments. The idea of being imprisoned on the same day over and over again is inherently lonely, and the movie acknowledges this. Though it travels to some rather dark areas, Murray’s humanity always comes through, and Andie MacDowell plays his counterpart with some incredibly nuanced acting. It is unquestionably a classic.
Total Runtime: 1 h 41 mins
Release date: February 12, 1993
Budget: $14.6 million
Box Office: $105 million
Memorable moments
- Murray’s comedic genius.
- The evolving dynamics as he relives the same day.
- The ultimate feel-good ending.
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Interstellar (2014)
There’s no reason this movie can’t be both a space opera and a time-travel drama, even though it might be categorized more as a space opera. Christopher Nolan’s film Interstellar is a stunning depiction of space travel as well as the love that transcends time and space between a father and daughter. Though praise must go to Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway for being two of Christopher Nolan’s best female characters to date, Matthew McConaughey, as the astronaut father, has never been more serious.
Total Runtime: 2 h 49 mins
Release date: October 26, 2014
Budget: $165 million
Box Office: $733 million
Memorable moments
- Stunning visual effects and cinematography.
- Hans Zimmer’s unforgettable score.
- Thought-provoking take on love transcending time and space.
Looper (2012)
With Looper, Rian Johnson went boldly into the sci-fi genre for the first time, presenting a compelling time-travel narrative that prioritizes character development. The movie turns the question “What would you do if you went back in time and met your younger self?” on its head and packs it with intense action scenes and difficult moral dilemmas.
Total Runtime: 1 h 59 mins
Release date: October 12, 2012
Budget: $30 million
Box Office: $176.5 million
Memorable moments
- Complex and engaging plot.
- Strong performances by Gordon-Levitt and Willis.
- Unique and gritty visual style.
12 Monkeys (1995)
A realistic and grounded time-travel combined with Terry Gilliam’s more unusual sensibilities creates a rough and evocative sci-fi drama. Bruce Willis portrays a prisoner from the future who is taken back in time to find the source of a fatal virus that destroyed the planet, while Brad Pitt gives an amazing performance as a maybe insane patient of a mental facility. Never one to follow the rules, Gilliam maintains a deliciously bizarre tone throughout.
Total Runtime: 2 h 9 mins
Release date: January 5, 1996
Budget: $29 million
Box Office: $168.8 million
Memorable moments
- Dark atmosphere.
- Complex narrative that challenges the mind.
- Brad Pitt’s scene-stealing performance.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
All eyes are on Emily Blunt aka Rita Vrataski, who rules this film as one of the few heroes this futuristic, post-alien invasion Earth genuinely has left, even if Tom Cruise plays the lead role of a cowardly lion turned nearly super soldier. The picture is so brilliantly cut, retaining the pace even as we see the same things over and over again, that even though the mission that Cruise and Blunt embark on may be a little complicated, it is still extremely enjoyable.
Total Runtime: 1 h 53 mins
Release date: May 28, 2014
Budget: $170 million
Box Office: $370 million
Memorable moments
- Intense action sequences.
- Clever and engaging storyline.
- Strong chemistry between Cruise and Blunt.
I’m Jason Gill, founder of propeoplemag.com. I’ve graduated in Aviation Management and Avionics Engineering from Superior University, Lahore. I’m certified in WordPress Website Creation and Content Management. I’m a passionate blogger and have seven years of experience in content writing and web development. With a dynamic blend of expertise in web development, blogging, and content creation, I have expertise in dispatch and customer services where I’ve worked with top-tier USA, UK and Canadian based companies located in Pakistan. I’ve also worked as a Student Brand Ambassador for the Cultural Exchange Program at Superior Univeristy and have visited twice for 6 months in Istanbul, Turkey, and Doha, Qatar.