Movies About Time Travel

From James Cameron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick
Rated R

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a science fiction action film directed by James Cameron and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, and Robert Patrick. The story follows the continued battle between the human race and a computer-controlled artificial intelligence system known as Skynet. After the events of the first film, a new and improved Terminator, the T-1000, is sent back in time to kill the young John Connor, the future leader of the human Resistance. The original Terminator, now reprogrammed to protect John, is sent to stop the T-1000. With the help of John's mother, Sarah Connor, the Terminator must defeat the T-1000 and save the future of mankind. As the battle escalates to a new level of destruction, the question remains: will the humans be able to survive Skynet's onslaught?

From Christopher Nolan, starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Mackenzie Foy
Rated PG-13

Interstellar is a 2014 science fiction epic directed by Christopher Nolan. The film follows a group of explorers who travel through a wormhole in search of a new home for humanity. Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), a former NASA pilot, leads the expedition, which also includes his scientist daughter Murphy (Mackenzie Foy) and two other astronauts. The team's mission is to find a planet suitable for human life, as Earth has become too inhospitable due to climate change. Along their journey, they experience the effects of relativity, and discover a mysterious force that threatens the lives of the crew. With the fate of humanity in their hands, they must rely on their courage and ingenuity to survive and find a new home.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover
Rated PG

Back to the Future is a 1985 science fiction comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Zemeckis and Bob Gale. It stars Michael J. Fox as teenager Marty McFly, who accidentally travels back in time from 1985 to 1955, where he meets his future parents and becomes his own mother's romantic interest. With the help of eccentric scientist Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown, played by Christopher Lloyd, Marty must find a way to get back to 1985 to save his own future. Along the way, Marty and Doc must contrive to keep Marty's parents-to-be together so that the future timeline remains unaltered. With the help of a few quirky characters, the duo try their best to save the day.

From James Cameron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn, Paul Winfield
Rated R

The Terminator is a classic sci-fi action film directed by James Cameron. It stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as a cyborg assassin sent back in time from 2029 to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) before she gives birth to her son, John Connor (Edward Furlong). Along the way, Sarah is aided by a soldier from the future (Michael Biehn) and they discover that the Terminator was sent back by an artificial intelligence network called Skynet, which is determined to exterminate the human race. In the end, Sarah and the soldier are able to destroy the Terminator, and Sarah begins to prepare her son for his destiny as the leader of the human resistance against Skynet.

From Harold Ramis, starring Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky
Rated PG

Groundhog Day is a 1993 American fantasy comedy film directed by Harold Ramis and written by Ramis and Danny Rubin. It stars Bill Murray as Phil Connors, a cynical television weatherman who, during an assignment covering the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, finds himself in a time loop, repeating the same day again and again. With each cycle, Phil becomes increasingly despondent, until he begins to re-examine his life and priorities. The film also stars Andie MacDowell as Phil's colleague and love interest Rita, as well as Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky, and Brian Doyle-Murray. The film was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $72 million against a budget of $14 million, and receiving positive reviews from critics. It was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Original Screenplay and Best Original Score. It was also chosen by the Library of Congress to be preserved in the National Film Registry in 2006.

From Richard Kelly, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell, Holmes Osborne
Rated R

Donnie Darko is a psychological thriller and science fiction film directed by Richard Kelly. The story focuses on the title character, Donnie Darko, a troubled teenager living in a suburban town who is visited by a mysterious figure in a rabbit costume named Frank. Donnie soon learns that Frank is a manifestation of his own unconscious, and is warned of an impending global disaster which he must prevent. Donnie embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting his own dark nature as he struggles to save the world from destruction. Along the way, he faces obstacles and learns valuable lessons about himself and the world around him.

From Franklin J. Schaffner, starring Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans
Rated G

Planet of the Apes (1968) is a sci-fi classic that follows a group of astronauts on a journey to a strange planet. On their arrival, the group discovers the planet is ruled by intelligent apes and humans are their slaves. The astronauts soon realize that the apes are trying to take over the planet and they must fight to survive. This iconic film stars Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowell, Kim Hunter, and Maurice Evans and is directed by Franklin J. Schaffner. It is one of the most influential films of its time, winning an Academy Award for Best Makeup and inspiring many films, TV shows and books.

From Terry Gilliam, starring Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, Brad Pitt, Joseph Melito
Rated R

12 Monkeys is a 1995 American science fiction film directed by Terry Gilliam, starring Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, and Brad Pitt. The film is set in a post-apocalyptic future where a deadly virus has wiped out almost all of humanity. James Cole (Willis), a convict from the year 2035, is sent back in time to 1996 by a secret organization known as the Army of the Twelve Monkeys in order to locate the virus and prevent it from wiping out the remainder of humanity. Cole's journey leads him to the psychiatrist Kathryn Railly (Stowe) and Jeffrey Goines (Pitt), a mental patient who may or may not be connected to the virus outbreak. As Cole pieces together clues to the virus, he uncovers a deadly conspiracy that could change the course of human history forever.

From Denis Villeneuve, starring Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg
Rated PG-13

Arrival is a 2016 science fiction film directed by Denis Villeneuve. It stars Amy Adams as Louise Banks, a linguist hired by the US government to decipher an alien language and learn why twelve alien spacecraft have suddenly appeared around Earth. Louise works with a physicist, Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner), to uncover the mysteries of the alien language. As they struggle to make sense of it, Louise discovers that the aliens have come to impart a message for humanity. Louise and Ian eventually realize the language is a visual representation of time, allowing them to see possible future events. With this knowledge, they are able to help the US government avert a possible world war. Ultimately, the film reveals that the aliens have come not to harm humanity, but to share a gift that will allow people to see the future and make better decisions.

From Bryan Singer, starring Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy
Rated PG-13

X-Men: Days of Future Past is a 2014 superhero film directed by Bryan Singer and based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name. The film is the seventh installment in the X-Men film series and acts as a sequel to both 2006's X-Men: The Last Stand and 2011's X-Men: First Class. The film stars an ensemble cast, including Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Halle Berry, Anna Paquin, Ellen Page, Peter Dinklage, Ian McKellen, and Patrick Stewart. The plot centers on the mutant superhero team known as the X-Men. In the future of an alternate timeline, Sentinels, mutant-hunting robots, have taken over the world and are exterminating mutants and humans alike. In an attempt to prevent the destruction of the future, the X-Men send Wolverine (Jackman) back in time to 1973 to prevent the creation of the Sentinels. However, Wolverine must convince the younger versions of the X-Men, including Professor Charles Xavier (McAvoy) and Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto (Fassbender), to join forces and stop their future destruction. The

From Doug Liman, starring Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton, Brendan Gleeson
Rated PG-13

Edge of Tomorrow is a science fiction action film about a soldier named Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) who is forced to fight in a war against an alien race known as the Mimics. After a day of combat, Cage finds himself stuck in a time loop, where he is forced to continually live and fight the same day, over and over again. With the help of a Special Forces warrior named Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt), Cage must find a way to end the time loop and defeat the Mimics once and for all. Along the way, Cage learns how to become a better soldier, and discovers the importance of self-sacrifice to save humanity.

From Richard Curtis, starring Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Lydia Wilson
Rated R

About Time is a 2013 British romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Richard Curtis. The film tells the story of Tim Lake, a young man from Cornwall who discovers he can time travel. He uses his new-found ability to try to improve his relationships with his family and friends, as well as win the heart of the woman he loves. Throughout the film, Tim learns to appreciate life and the people in it, despite his desire to change it. The film stars Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy and Margot Robbie.

From Tom Tykwer, starring Franka Potente, Moritz Bleibtreu, Herbert Knaup, Nina Petri
Rated R

Run Lola Run is a German film directed by Tom Tykwer. It follows the story of Lola, a desperate young woman living in Berlin who must race against the clock to save her boyfriend, Manni’s, life. When Manni loses a bag of money he was supposed to deliver to a gangster, his life is in danger. Lola has 20 minutes to find the money and save him. She runs through the streets of Berlin in a desperate attempt to find the money. Along the way, she experiences dangerous encounters, thrilling moments, and surreal events. Even though she fails to save Manni in the end, the film portrays an inspiring story of love, fate, and perseverance.

From Woody Allen, starring Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, Kurt Fuller
Rated PG-13

Midnight in Paris is a 2011 romantic comedy-fantasy film written and directed by Woody Allen. The film follows Gil Pender (Owen Wilson), a screenwriter and aspiring novelist vacationing in Paris with his fiancee and her family. While walking the streets of the city at night, he is magically transported back to the 1920s, where he meets and interacts with some of his literary idols, such as Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. He also meets a beautiful French woman, Adriana (Marion Cotillard), with whom he falls in love. While his adventures in the past are a source of joy and inspiration, Gil soon discovers that a home in the past is not necessarily a better one. He must decide whether to stay in the past and follow his dreams, or return to the present and embrace reality.

From Directors: Eric Bress, J. Mackye Gruber, starring Ashton Kutcher, Amy Smart, Melora Walters, Elden Henson
Rated R

The Butterfly Effect is a 2004 American science fiction psychological thriller film starring Ashton Kutcher, Amy Smart, and Eric Stoltz. The film follows the story of 20-year-old Evan Treborn (Kutcher) who, as a child, suffers from severe memory blackouts. As an adult, he discovers that, by reading his childhood journals, he can travel back in time and alter the course of events in his past. However, each time he goes back, it has drastic consequences on his present life. Evan soon finds himself in a desperate struggle to keep his family and friends safe, while trying to understand the power of time travel and the Butterfly Effect.

From George Pal, starring Rod Taylor, Alan Young, Yvette Mimieux, Sebastian Cabot
Rated G

The Time Machine is a 1960 science fiction film based on the H. G. Wells novel of the same name. It follows a Victorian-era scientist who invents a time machine that transports him to the future. In the year 802,701, he discovers a society divided into two distinct classes: the Eloi, a peaceful upper class, and the savage Morlocks, who live underground and feed off the Eloi. After rescuing a beautiful Eloi woman, the scientist must battle the Morlocks to save her, and eventually is able to return to his own time. Along the way, he learns lessons about the consequences of the class divide, and the importance of understanding and respecting others.

From Scott Derrickson, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong
Rated PG-13

Doctor Strange is a 2016 American superhero film starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular character. It is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name and is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film follows the story of Stephen Strange, a talented but arrogant neurosurgeon, who after a devastating car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions. Through the tutelage of the Ancient One, a powerful sorcerer, Stephen learns to control and harness his newly found magical abilities to protect the world from mystical threats. Along the way, he must face his own inner demons as well as a powerful adversary who plans to destroy the world. Doctor Strange is a thrilling, action-packed adventure that pushes the boundaries of the Marvel Universe.

From Gary Ross, starring Tobey Maguire, Jeff Daniels, Joan Allen, William H. Macy
Rated PG-13

"Pleasantville" is a 1998 fantasy comedy-drama directed by Gary Ross. The film tells the story of two 1990s teenagers, David and Jennifer, who are transported into a 1990s television sitcom called "Pleasantville". In the sitcom, the siblings find themselves living in a seemingly perfect suburban town in the 1950s, where everything is in black and white. As they discover the town's secrets, they attempt to bring color, emotion and expression to the people and places of Pleasantville, challenging the town's strict rules, disrupting the town's rigid conformity, and ultimately leading to a social revolution. Along the way, the siblings learn valuable lessons about acceptance, personal growth, and the power of the individual.

From Duncan Jones, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright
Rated PG-13

Source Code is a sci-fi thriller directed by Duncan Jones. It stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Captain Colter Stevens, a military helicopter pilot who wakes up to find himself in the body of a stranger on a commuter train heading towards Chicago. He soon discovers he is part of a government experiment called the "Source Code," which allows him to relive the last eight minutes of another man's life who was killed in a terrorist attack on the train. With the help of a resourceful passenger (Michelle Monaghan), Colter must identify the bomber in order to prevent a much deadlier attack. With only eight minutes to save the hundreds of lives on the train, Colter must quickly figure out a way to change the past and save the future.

From Gregory Hoblit, starring Dennis Quaid, Jim Caviezel, Shawn Doyle, Elizabeth Mitchell
Rated PG-13

From Rian Johnson, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt, Paul Dano
Rated R

From Directors: Michael Spierig, Peter Spierig, starring Ethan Hawke, Sarah Snook, Noah Taylor, Madeleine West
Rated R

From Sam Raimi, starring Bruce Campbell, Embeth Davidtz, Marcus Gilbert, Ian Abercrombie
Rated R

From Jeannot Szwarc, starring Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, Christopher Plummer, Teresa Wright
Rated PG

From Brad Anderson, starring Marisa Tomei, Vincent D'Onofrio, Holland Taylor, Mick Weber
Rated R