Movies About Going Back in Time (List)

Despite time travel being considered more of a science fiction trope, there is something positively enchanting about the idea of being able to go back to another time or forward into the future, even if just for a moment. This list deals with a mix of films that feature time travel as a central theme. These movies explore different genres and portray time travel in various ways, from conventional time machines to magical circumstances and missions to save the past and the future simultaneously. Below are 23 of the best time travel movies of all time, ranging from classics to modern favorites.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the best time travel movies from classics to modern favorites.
• Explore different genres and storytelling techniques used in time travel films.
• Experience the captivating narratives that delve into the complexities of altering the past or future.
• Be amazed by mind-bending time travel concepts and their impact on popular culture.
• Witness the creativity and imagination of filmmakers in portraying time travel on the silver screen.

La Jetée (1962)

La Jetée is a French Left Bank short film from 1962. Set in a post-nuclear apocalypse future, the film tells its story through narration and photographs.

It follows a young prisoner who is forced to undergo torturous experiments to induce time travel using impactful memories. The film’s impact on later time-travel movies, such as 1995’s 12 Monkeys, cannot be overstated.

La Jetée’s unique technical and visual elements make it a revolutionary and stylish example of time travel storytelling.

Time After Time (1979)

Time After Time, released in 1979, is a romantic thriller written and directed by Nicholas Meyer. The film follows two 19th-century former friends, H.G. Wells and Jack the Ripper, as they chase each other through 1979 San Francisco using Wells’ time machine. The film focuses more on the romantic and thriller elements than the science of time travel, making it a compelling and unique addition to the genre.

Back to the Future Trilogy (1985-1990)

The Back to the Future trilogy, consisting of three films released in 1985, 1989, and 1990, is a classic example of time travel movies. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, these films follow the adventures of teenager Marty McFly as he travels back in time using a DeLorean time machine created by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown. Combining humor, adventure, and heart, the Back to the Future trilogy has become a beloved staple in the world of time travel movies.

The first film, released in 1985, sets the stage for the iconic time-traveling journey. Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox, accidentally transports himself from 1985 to 1955, threatening his own existence and altering the course of his parents’ relationship. With the help of Doc Brown, played by Christopher Lloyd, Marty must find a way to return to the present without disrupting the space-time continuum.

“Wait a minute, Doc. Are you telling me that you built a time machine…out of a DeLorean?” – Marty McFly

The success of the first film led to two equally entertaining sequels. In Back to the Future Part II (1989), Marty and Doc Brown travel to the future, specifically 2015, to prevent a disastrous event involving Marty’s future children. Along the way, they encounter futuristic technologies, hoverboards, and an alternate version of 1985 that must be corrected.

In the final installment, Back to the Future Part III (1990), Marty travels back to the Wild West of 1885 to save Doc Brown, who has become stranded in the past. The film combines elements of Westerns and time travel, creating a captivating blend of genres that brings the trilogy to a satisfying conclusion.

The Back to the Future trilogy stands the test of time with its engaging characters, thrilling adventures, and memorable quotes. It has become a pop culture phenomenon and a beloved favorite for fans of time travel movies.

Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)

Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, released in 1989, is a hilarious time travel comedy that has become a cult classic. The film follows two lackadaisical teenagers, Bill and Ted, as they journey through time to gather historical figures for their history class presentation. With its fun-loving and stoner humor, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure invites viewers to kick back and have a good time while exploring the possibilities of time travel.

Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure takes audiences on a wild and unconventional adventure through time. The film stars Keanu Reeves as Ted “Theodore” Logan and Alex Winter as Bill S. Preston, Esq. These two charismatic young actors bring their signature comedic timing and chemistry to the roles, making Bill and Ted a lovable and memorable duo.

“Be excellent to each other.” – Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure

12 Monkeys (1995)

Directed by Terry Gilliam and released in 1995, 12 Monkeys is a dystopian time travel film that explores the post-apocalyptic world. The story follows a convict sent back in time from a future ravaged by a deadly virus, tasked with gathering information about its origins. With its complex narrative and stellar performances from Brad Pitt and Bruce Willis, 12 Monkeys is a thought-provoking and visually striking exploration of time travel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLeh6q5GU1k

“Time, Dr. Railly, is only a human construct.”

Plot Summary

The film follows James Cole, portrayed by Bruce Willis, a prisoner living in a post-apocalyptic future. The world has been devastated by a deadly virus, forcing survivors to live underground. In order to prevent the outbreak, scientists send Cole back in time to gather information about the virus’ origins. However, due to a malfunction in the time machine, Cole is sent to the wrong time period multiple times, causing him to question reality and his own sanity.

Main Characters

• James Cole – Played by Bruce Willis, Cole is a time-traveling convict who is determined to save humanity.
• Dr. Kathryn Railly – Portrayed by Madeleine Stowe, Dr. Railly is a psychiatrist who becomes involved in Cole’s mission.
• Jeffrey Goines – Played by Brad Pitt, Goines is an eccentric and unpredictable character who holds the key to the virus’ origins.

Themes and Symbolism

12 Monkeys explores themes of fate, sanity, and the consequences of human actions. The film delves into the moral implications of time travel and the blurred line between perception and reality. The recurring image of the “12 Monkeys” graffiti symbolizes the chaotic nature of the world and the inability to escape the inevitable.

Reception and Legacy

Upon its release, 12 Monkeys received critical acclaim for its unique storytelling and performances. It garnered numerous awards and nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Brad Pitt. The film has since become a cult classic and is considered one of Terry Gilliam’s finest works.

Run Lola Run (1998)

Run Lola Run, a German experimental thriller released in 1998, tells the story of Lola, a young woman who is forced to relive a scenario involving saving her boyfriend from certain death. The film’s fast-paced narrative and intense adrenaline make it a captivating entry in the time loop subgenre. Directed by Tom Tykwer, Run Lola Run is a masterful pop piece that hums with raw romance, youth, and energy.

Source Code (2011)

Source Code, directed by Duncan Jones and released in 2011, is a thrilling sci-fi film that takes audiences on a mind-bending journey through time and alternate realities. The movie stars Jake Gyllenhaal as a U.S. Army pilot who becomes part of a top-secret program called “Source Code.”

The protagonist is repeatedly sent back in time to relive the last eight minutes of a train bombing in order to uncover the identity of the bomber and prevent future attacks. As the pilot delves deeper into the mission, he begins to question the ethics and consequences of altering the past. The film explores themes of identity, destiny, and the complexities of time travel.

With its gripping storyline and fast-paced narrative, Source Code keeps audiences on the edge of their seats until its thrilling conclusion. Duncan Jones skillfully directs the film, creating a visually stunning and suspenseful experience. Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a stellar performance, capturing the emotional turmoil and determination of his character.

Source Code offers a unique blend of thriller and sci-fi elements, combining action, suspense, and thought-provoking concepts of alternate realities. It is a must-watch for fans of time travel movies and lovers of intense, mind-bending narratives.

Looper (2012)

In 2012, director Rian Johnson brought us the gritty and complex time travel film Looper. Set in a dystopian future, this thought-provoking movie explores the dark consequences of altering the past. The story follows a contract killer, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who is tasked with assassinating his future self, portrayed by Bruce Willis. With its intense action, deep moral dilemmas, and mind-bending twists, Looper is a must-watch for fans of time travel movies.

The Dystopian Future

Looper takes place in the year 2044, where society has descended into a bleak and violent state. The world is controlled by powerful criminal organizations, and poverty and crime are rampant. This unsettling future adds an extra layer of tension and desperation to the film’s narrative.

A Contract Killer’s Moral Dilemma

Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s character, Joe, leads a dangerous life as a contract killer. However, his world is turned upside down when he discovers that one of his targets is actually his future self. This revelation forces Joe to confront complex moral dilemmas and grapple with the consequences of his actions.

“Looper is a tense and gripping film that combines action, time travel, and ethical questions in a unique and captivating way. Rian Johnson’s direction, along with the stellar performances of Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, make this a must-see for fans of the genre.” – Film Critic

Looper showcases Rian Johnson’s talent for storytelling and his ability to create a visually stunning and thought-provoking film. With its blend of action, drama, and science fiction, this movie pushes the boundaries of what a time travel film can achieve.

Interstellar (2014)

Interstellar, directed by Christopher Nolan and released in 2014, combines elements of space exploration and time travel. The film follows a group of astronauts who journey through a wormhole in search of a habitable planet for humanity’s survival. Interstellar weaves a complex narrative that involves time dilation and the exploration of multiple dimensions. With its stunning visuals and thought-provoking themes, Interstellar is a must-watch for fans of time travel and science fiction.

Conclusion

Time travel movies have been fascinating audiences for decades, offering imaginative and thought-provoking stories that explore the possibilities and consequences of altering the past or future. From classics like Back to the Future to modern hits like Interstellar, these films continue to captivate viewers with their unique perspectives and captivating storytelling.

Whether it’s through conventional time machines, time loops, or alternate realities, time travel movies provide a fascinating lens through which to examine the human experience and the intricacies of cause and effect. These films invite us to ponder the nature of time itself and contemplate our place within the fabric of the universe.

This list of the best time travel movies showcases the diversity and creativity within the genre, offering something for every fan of mind-bending cinema. Whether you enjoy the nostalgia and adventure of classics or prefer the thought-provoking narratives of more recent releases, there are countless time travel movies waiting to be explored.

So grab some popcorn, suspend your disbelief, and embark on a journey through time with these incredible films. Allow yourself to be transported to different eras and dimensions, and let your imagination soar as you ponder the mysteries of time travel.