latest time travel movies 2022

Best new Time Travel movies in 2024 & 2023 (Netflix, Prime, Hulu & Cinema List)

New time travel movies in 2024 in Cinema & on VOD

Alienoid: The Return to the Future

Best time travel movies on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+ or DVD in 2024

Kung fury: the movie.

The Tomorrow Job

The Adam Project

Everything Everywhere All at Once

Needle in a Timestack

See You Yesterday

Lazarro Felice

The Tomorrow War

Terminator: Dark Fate

Edge Of Tomorrow

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Who wouldn't love a time machine right about now?

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Meet Cute (2022)

Kaley Cuoco and Pete Davidson co-star in Peacock's Meet Cute , a delightful and often dark rom-com based around time travel. Feeling suicidal, Sheila (Cuoco) finds a time machine in a nail salon and decides to go back in time 24 hours. While re-living her first date with Gary (Davidson) again and again, Sheila loses touch with reality and might have destroyed any chance she had with him.

A Wrinkle in Time (2018)

High schooler Meg Murry travels through time and space in search of her missing astrophysicist father (Chris Pine). On her journey, Meg meets Mrs. Which (Oprah Winfrey), Mrs. Whatsit (Reese Witherspoon), and Mrs. Who (Mindy Kaling), as well as a whole host of dangerous beings.

The Time Traveler's Wife (2009)

Based on Audrey Niffenegger's 2003 novel of the same name, The Time Traveler's Wife tells the story of Henry (Eric Bana), a librarian who is able to randomly travel through time. After meeting Clare (Rachel McAdams) as a child, Henry later develops a romantic relationship with her. HBO's recent adaptation starring Theo James and Rose Leslie has reignited the debate regarding whether or not the story promotes grooming , or if it's a timeless romance.

Back to the Future (1985)

'80s classic Back to the Future has stood the test of time, and spawned two equally entertaining sequels. In the first film, Marty McFly is sent to the 1950s in his friend Doc Brown's time machine, a super cool DeLorean. Marty meets his parents as teenagers, and his presence risks changing history forever.

See You Yesterday (2019)

Netflix's See You Yesterday follows science prodigy C.J. (Eden Duncan-Smith), who invents time traveling backpacks. Along with her best friend Sebastian, C.J. uses her invention to go back in time to stop her brother from being murdered by a racist police officer. However, she's also forced to face up to the limitations and consequences of time travel.

About Time (2013)

Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) inherits the ability to time travel from his father, and decides to use the gift to find love. After a failed attempt at romance, Tim meets Mary (Rachel McAdams), but due to several time travel-related mishaps, romance isn't instantaneous for the pair. Written and directed by rom-com aficionado Richard Curtis.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

James Cameron's follow-up to 1984's The Terminator was a smash-hit that cemented the franchise's popularity. In the sequel, a killer T-1000 Terminator is sent back in time by Skynet to kill the future leader of the resistance, the son of Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), John (Edward Furlong). At the same time, the resistance sends a reprogrammed T-800 Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) back to protect Connor.

Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)

Four miserable friends reunite after one of them nearly dies. To cheer themselves up, they decide to spend some time together at a ski resort. Unfortunately, the resort's hot tub isn't what it seems, and they accidentally end up traveling back to 1986. The four friends scramble to find a way back to present day. Starring John Cusack and Craig Robinson.

12 Monkeys (1995)

After a deadly virus destroys humanity in 1996, survivors are forced underground. Decades later, prisoner James (Bruce Willis) agrees to go back in time to find the original virus, so that scientists can work on a cure. However, he arrives too early in 1990, and is promptly institutionalized, where he meets Jeffrey (Brad Pitt), an anti-corporate environmentalist. From there, the mystery only gets more intriguing.

Looper (2012)

In the future, time travel is used by the mob to assassinate people, who are sent back in time and killed by assassins known as "loopers." Joe's (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) older self (Bruce Willis) is sent back to be eliminated, but manages to escape before he is killed. Thus begins a twisty time travel epic, that also stars Emily Blunt.

Tenet (2020)

The Protagonist ( John David Washington ), a former CIA agent, is tasked with stopping World War III. Learning to bend time, he attempts to prevent the destruction of the world. Robert Pattinson and Elizabeth Debicki co-star.

Last Night in Soho (2021)

Aspiring fashion designer Eloise (Thomasin McKenzie) manages to travel back to the 1960s, where she meets singer "Sandie" ( Anya Taylor-Joy ). What starts as a glamorous encounter with the past soon becomings a horrifying nightmare. Co-starring Matt Smith.

Déjà Vu (2006)

A top secret organization has developed the ability to see four days into the past, in order to catch criminals. While hunting a terrorist, ATF agent Doug (Denzel Washington) realizes that this new technology might allow him to stop crimes from happening altogether.

Source Code (2011)

An unusual riff on the time travel movie, Source Code stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Army Captain Colter, who is trying to identify the person responsible for bombing a commuter train. Re-living an eight minute re-creation of the moments leading up to the explosion, Colter is stuck in a terrifying loop, until he can solve the mystery.

Mirai (2018)

A young boy called Kun runs away from home, as he feels neglected by his family after the arrival of his little sister, Mirai. Kun accidentally discovers a time travel portal in a magic garden, and is transported into the past, where he meets his mother as a child. Later, he travels to the future, where he finds his sister as an adult, and completely changes his outlook in the process.

Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)

Aubrey Plaza stars as an aspiring journalist whose latest assignment involves a mysterious classified ad about time travel. "You'll get paid after we get back. Must bring your own weapons. I have only done this once before. SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED," the ad reads. Mark Duplass co-stars.

Groundhog Day (1993)

Although Groundhog Day is technically a "time loop" movie, it wouldn't feel right to leave it off the list. Phil (Bill Murray) is a disgruntled weatherman sent to cover the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. When he wakes up the next day, he realizes that he's re-living February 2, which happens again and again, until he figures out how to stop it.

Needle in a Timestack (2021)

The wonderful Cynthia Erivo stars alongside Orlando Bloom, Leslie Odom Jr., and Freida Pinto in this romantic sci-fi flick. In the future, the wealthy are able to partake in "time jaunting," but the ripples from these changes often cause timelines to warp and change. Needle in a Timestack focuses on a happily married couple whose relationship is jeopardized by an ex intent on changing history.

The Lake House (2006)

Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves star in this completely cheesy but endlessly loveable rom-com that defies time. Architect Alex (Reeves) and doctor Kate (Bullock) write letters to one another via a mailbox at a lake house where they both live at separate times. Despite the time difference, they're able to communicate with one another and forge a relationship via this magical postal system that transcends time.

Predestination (2015)

Ethan Hawke stars as an agent tasked with stopping a deadly attack before it happens, via time travel. Traveling back to 1975, he attempts to find and stop a bomber in New York, but his mission is far from simple. When he returns to the future, his life only gets more complicated.

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The Adam Project

After accidentally crash-landing in 2022, time-traveling fighter pilot Adam Reed teams up with his 12-year-old self for a mission to save the future. After accidentally crash-landing in 2022, time-traveling fighter pilot Adam Reed teams up with his 12-year-old self for a mission to save the future. After accidentally crash-landing in 2022, time-traveling fighter pilot Adam Reed teams up with his 12-year-old self for a mission to save the future.

• Jonathan Tropper
• T.S. Nowlin
• Jennifer Flackett
• Ryan Reynolds
• Walker Scobell
• Mark Ruffalo
• 1.2K User reviews
• 221 Critic reviews
• 55 Metascore
• 1 win & 13 nominations

• (as Zoe Saldaña)

• Maya Sorian

• Young Sorian Body Double

• Paul the Bartender

• 8-year-old Adam

• (uncredited)

• University Student

• Time Soldier
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• Trivia When Louis Reed ( Mark Ruffalo ) says that he 'gets' a student's T-shirt during a lecture, the shirt has a picture of Nicolas Cage , but the name John Travolta under it. This is a reference to the John Woo film Face/Off (1997) in which the two actors played each other's characters. Cage and Ruffalo also had collaborated on Woo's Windtalkers (2002) .
• Goofs At 1:27:09 Louis mentions the gun fires rounds that contain a magnetic steel core; so, the weapon itself should have been pulled towards the reactor at the start of the breach, considering it pulls all things magnetic towards it. This would include its contents.

Big Adam : Laura, this is... me.

Young Adam : Hi.

Laura : Parallel contact, babe?

Big Adam : Well, you know, you've always said that you wished you'd met me earlier. Here I am.

• Connections Featured in MsMojo: Top 10 Memorable Kisses in Netflix Original Movies (2022)
• Soundtracks Gimme Some Lovin Written by Spencer Davis , Muff Winwood (as Mervyn Winwood), Steve Winwood (as Stephen Lawrence Winwood) Performed by The Spencer Davis Group Courtesy of Island Records Ltd./Capitol Records under license from Universal Music Enterprises

User reviews 1.2K

• Mar 12, 2022
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• March 11, 2022 (United States)
• United States
• Official Netflix
• Our Name Is Adam
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• $116,000,000 (estimated)

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• Runtime 1 hour 46 minutes
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The best time travel movies & tv shows of 2022 (so far).

2022 is seemingly the year of time travel when it comes to movies and TV shows, but which has been the best so far?

Stories that surround time travel and time loops are a popular convention in media, and seemingly even more so in 2022, as seen with the just-released Paper Girls on Amazon Prime and also The Adam Project on Netflix .

Unlike the (un)lucky protagonists of these stories, viewers have only so many available hours in the day, and it can feel like a waste of time to sit through a story that doesn't work towards something interesting. Whether it analyses the angles in time travel mechanics or uses it as a moment for existential ideas, 2022 contains a lot of great movies and TV shows that deserve to be watched, so those looking for something specific can jump straight into what they are looking for.

Paper Girls (2022 - )

Paper Girls is Stand By Me on a time travel road trip and with the tiniest dose of Pacific Rim . Directed by Stephany Folsom and based on the comic book by Brian K. Vaughan, the Amazon Prime series follows four young girls — Erin Tieng (Riley Lai Nelet), Tiffany Quilkin (Camryn Jones), Mac Coyle (Sofia Rosinsky), and KJ Brandman (Fina Strazza) — delivering newspapers in 1988 before they are suddenly involved in a time-traveling conflict in 2019.

Related: The Best Ali Wong Movies & TV Shows According To IMDb

Time is a method in which the characters face existentialism in the meaning of their future, and rectify the damage held by past selves. In one of the best subplots early in the series, Mac meets the older version of her brother and slowly comes to terms with not only her future but the fact that she hasn't matured enough to realize the abuse she's going through. The time-twisting adventure is a vehicle for action to occur too of course, but it's those elements of Stand By Me — the relationship between four growing girls sharing their conflicts together — that are the true core of the show.

The Adam Project (2022)

Directed by Shawn Levy, it follows an Adam from 2050 (Ryan Reynolds) with his younger self (Walker Scobell) on an adventure to save the future from the disaster it already is.

The Adam Project is to time-traveling sci-fi what Real Steel is for boxing movies  -- it has some fun ideas, a decent execution, a wise-cracking child and doesn't try to wow with anything new. It's a fun action flick pretending to be sci-fi, with Reynolds doing his Deadpool act without the fourth-wall humor. There's sincerity to the bond between the two Adams and their father (Mark Ruffalo), with whom they haven't had enough time to bond, but little else. It has no concerns with doing anything more than having fun and will please anyone trying to fill 90 minutes.

Karmalink (2021)

Karmalink is a uniquely Buddhist take on the metaphysical concepts surrounding time for a spiritual spectacle directed by Jake Watchel and co-written with Christopher Larsen. The directorial debut gained its limited theatre release this year after being loved at 2021 film festivals and focuses on a 13-year-old orphan from a near-futuristic version of Phom Penh, Cambodia, searching for a golden Buddha statue.

It shows the beautiful lives of its poor citizens, as well as the divide between it and the rich population, exploring gentrification, technological alienation, neo-colonialism, and its terrible effects on a warm little community. Its story is grounded, with a touch of The Goonies , and surrounded by colorful cinematography that compliments Cambodian culture and beauty. It greatly deals with typically associated sci-fi themes, but it's the celebration of its environment and the seemingly uncontrollable forces changing it that truly makes it a great addition to its genre.

Undone: Season 2 (2019 - )

Made by the minds of BoJack Horseman, the Amazon Prime series continues its psychedelic time trip from the first season with Alma (Rosa Salazar), Becca (Angelique Cabral), and Jacob (Bob Odenkirk).

Related: The Main Characters Of Amazon's Undone Ranked By Likeability

Fan theories speculate on the legitimacy of its time travel, but regardless, the method is used to examine the damage dealt by war, racism, mental health, and inherited pain after trauma. Season two goes further than season one in examining the histories of Alma's parents and grandparents, and what eventually leads to the negative characteristics of the protagonists. It's less so a time travel mystery, as much as it is using it as a method to brilliantly dissect the problems that can occur while immigrating and the ripple effects it causes.

The Lazarus Project (2022 - )

The Sky-exclusive British action drama was directed by Marco Kreuzpaintner, Laura Scrivano, and Akaash Meeda, and stars Paapa Essiedu as George, who's awakened his ability to see time loops and is invited into an organization formed to use the loops to prevent world-ending disasters. It's nowhere close to the comedy of Groundhog Day or Palm Springs , instead looking closer into the damage it inflicts more than those films do.

It explores the ethics and emotional damage within its specific systems and grounds them in the stories of each of its cast members, posing scenarios that prompt audiences to consider which is the more moral choice. Watching characters deal with the erasing existence of a child, the stress and pain of reliving childbirth over and over and over again, or watching characters make sacrifices for the most saved lives possible — it's a level of empathy felt from the other side of the screen. It's an underrated little gem that demands the attention of any sci-fi fan.

Archive 81 (2022)

Based on a podcast by Daniel Powell and Marc Sollinger, the found-footage horror show switches perspectives between film archivist Dan Turner (Momoudou Athie) and documentarian Melody Pendras (Dina Shihabi) as they both discover the bizarre cult within the Visser building in Lower Manhattan.

Related: The Archive 81 Main Characters Ranked By Likability

Creator Rebecca Sonnenshine weaves a uniquely unsettling version of time travel. The perspectives between Dan and Melody initially seem separate from each other, but the mystery of its time travel through found footage latches onto the viewer as its steadily revealed. It's a slow binge that's more 'creepy' than outright shocking, but it's a great watch for anyone interested in a series happy to pace itself, and separates itself from other found-footage horrors by the time-distorting connection between Melody and Dan.

The Umbrella Academy: Season 3 (2019 - )

The superhero show, created by Steve Blackman and based on the comic book by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá, gained some good faith for its great LGBTQ+ arc with Viktor Hargreeves (Elliot Page) and continues the story from its well-received second season of a dysfunctional family trying to get their lives back.

This season hardly delves into time travel compared to its previous seasons, but still uses it in a way to delve into the reparation and breaking of familial connections. Klaus (Robert Sheehan) has been great at every step of the series but is particularly strong here for using this alternate timeline as a second chance to grow closer with their father Reginald (Colm Feore). It's a story as heartbreaking as it is heartwarming, setting up for another season of reality-bending adventures to come.

Russian Doll: Season 2 (2019 - )

The humorous original season didn't seem like it was prime material for a second series, but regardless it abandons its time-looping narrative in favor of changing family history in the past. It stars the Orange Is The New Black favorite Natasha Lyonne, who co-created the show along with Leslye Headland and Amy Poehler of Parks And Recreation fame.

Just as with the first season, Lyonne can carry the entire show by herself through her great acting and character work, but it follows a great story as she dives into her family history. But unlike Undone , Lyonne's character of Nadia lives directly in the shoes of her Jewish Hungarian ancestors and faces the reality of the impossibility to change time and how she needs to live with it. It's a story of acceptance, but with the same humor, it carried its first season. And even if it won't be as charming a surprise as the original, it's still worth a watch.

NEXT: 1 0 Best Movies Of 2022 (So Far) According To Letterboxd

The Best Time Travel Movies for a Brief Escape from 2023

We don't have time machines yet, so these films are the next best thing.

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Add these titles to your watch list to awaken the time traveler within you. From Japanese animations to over-the-top comedies to dramas saturated with social commentary, these films all have one thing in common: They'll boggle your mind and make you think, while keeping you entertained. But remember, no matter how cool it looks to fly in a time-traveling spaceship, the present moment is and always will be the most important time there is.

13 Going on 30 (2004)

Before anyone tries to suggest that 13 Going on 30 isn't a time travel movie, I'd like to point out that Jenna Rink seamlessly moves between the present and the future, navigating alternate timelines with ease. In this female-led riff on the Big story, Jenna Rink wishes to escape high school and become “thirty, flirty, and thriving.” With the help of a little magic wishing dust, Jenna gets her dream, waking up in the future as a successful magazine writer who looks just like Jennifer Garner. However, she's lost touch with her childhood bestie Matty (Mark Ruffalo), and she can't help but wonder what could have been.

Tenet (2020)

Christopher Nolan's epic sci-fi flick stars Denzel Washington's son, John David Washington, as The Protagonist, a former CIA agent enlisted with stopping World War III, which is no mean feat. In order to prevent the world's total destruction, The Protagonist learns to bend time, leading to some pretty trippy storylines. Robert Pattinson and The Crown 's Elizabeth Debicki co-star.

Watch Now on Prime Video

Meet Cute (2022)

Kaley Cuoco and Pete Davidson make a delightful couple in Peacock's deliciously dark romantic comedy Meet Cute . Cuoco plays Sheila, a woman having suicidal thoughts until she discovers a time machine in the back of a nail salon. Chronically unlucky in love, Sheila decides to go back in time 24 hours so that she can re-live her first date with Gary (Davidson), trying to create the perfect evening each time. However, the ability to time travel comes with some drawbacks, and the temptation to mess with history is pretty overbearing, especially in the search for true love.

Watch Now on Peacock

About Time (2013)

Richard Curtis' About Time employs time travel in an extremely inventive way to tell a (probably sweet) love story; though there's been much discourse around the story's portrayal of consent, or lack thereof. The movie follows Tim (Domhnall Gleeson), a man looking for love, who inherits the ability to travel through time from his father. Using his newfound gift, Tim courts Mary (Rachel McAdams), attempting to build a relationship in spite of any obstacles in the way.

Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)

Aubrey Plaza and Mark Duplass star in this intriguing indie film about the possibility of time travel. Plaza plays an aspiring journalist who takes on a very strange assignment involving a bizarre personal ad. “You'll get paid after we get back,” it reads. “Must bring your own weapons. I have only done this once before. SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED.” What starts as an unlikely hoax soon challenges everyone's beliefs about the ability to travel through time.

Watch Now on Amazon

Happy Death Day 2U (2019)

2017's Happy Death Day delighted fans with its innovative twist on the time loop comedy. 2019's Happy Death Day 2U takes the concept to another level, and will have time travel aficionados screaming. Having escaped from her original time loop, Tree (Jessica Rothe) finds herself being hunted by the Babyface killer once more. After one of Tree's classmates develops an experimental quantum reactor, Tree finds herself caught in a brand new loop, and she's forced to find even more inventive ways to escape.

Needle in a Timestack (2021)

Needle in a Timestack is a romantic drama presenting an alternate future in which the rich are able to time travel for fun. However, these “time jaunts” have very real consequences, and often send ripples through the lives of the less wealthy. The film focuses on a happily married couple whose relationship is threatened when a wealthy ex decides to tamper with the timeline. The all-star cast includes Cynthia Erivo, Orlando Bloom, Leslie Odom Jr., and Freida Pinto.

Watch Now on Apple TV

Kate & Leopold (2001)

Kate & Leopold stars Hugh Jackman as a 19th century duke who is accidentally transported to 21st century New York by one of his ancestors. Amateur physicist Stuart discovers that he can use gravitational time portals, bringing Leopold to the present day without meaning to. Stuart's ex-girlfriend Kate (Meg Ryan) hilariously hits it off with Leopold, despite the fact that he's set to travel back to his own time period the following week.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Before dedicating his life to the Avatar franchise , James Cameron was responsible for a plethora of fun blockbusters, including Terminator 2: Judgment Day . Expanding upon the first film, Sarah Connor, played by Linda Hamilton, finds herself targeted by Skynet once again. This time, a killer T-1000 Terminator is sent back in time to assassinate Sarah's teenage son, John (Edward Furlong), the future leader of the resistance. Meanwhile, a reprogrammed, and much funnier, T-800 Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is sent back to protect Connor. Easily the best installment in the franchise.

Watch Now on HBO Max

Mirai (2018)

The Japanese animated film Mirai is a dreamy adventure fantasy about a four-year-old boy named Kun, who starts feeling neglected when his little sister is born. Fleeing to the garden of his new house, Kun accidentally discovers a time travel portal. Throughout his wondrous journey, Kun encounters his mother as a child, and his little sister as an adult, learning so much about his family in the process.

Watch Now on Netflix

When We First Met (2018)

Noah (Adam DeVine) regrets missing his chance with Avery (Alexandra Daddario), especially when she meets her future fiancé, Ethan, the very next day. At Avery and Ethan's engagement party, an incredibly drunk Noah ends up in a photo booth, which transports him back in time. Hoping for a second chance, Noah uses the photo booth on multiple occasions, but he ends up altering the course of everyone's lives in the process, for better and worse.

Last Night in Soho (2021)

Edgar Wright's dazzling psychological thriller follows aspiring fashion designer Ellie (Thomasin McKenzie), who manages to time travel back to the 1960s. There, she meets Sandie, a striking woman trying to get her start as a singer. Ellie's fashion designs become infused with the glamour she witnesses in the '60s, as well as the darkness she finds there. Anya Taylor-Joy and Matt Smith co-star.

The Lake House (2006)

After demonstrating some intense chemistry in Speed , Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves reunited for 2006's The Lake House , a romantic drama with a time travel twist. Architect Alex (Reeves) and doctor Kate (Bullock) find themselves living in the same house, but years apart. By some magical turn of events, they're able to communicate by writing letters to one another via the Lake House's mailbox. Despite the distance between them, Alex and Kate strike up a romance thanks to their time traveling letters.

Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)

A list of the best time travel movies wouldn't be complete with at least one of the Bill & Ted movies on it. 1989's Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure is responsible for launching Keanu Reeves's career, and it remains one of the most enjoyable films from the era. In the first movie, Bill (Alex Winter) and Ted (Keanu Reeves) are failing history, until they magically discover a phone booth that just so happens to be a time machine. The academically-challenged pair meet some of history's most important figures, who they enlist to help with their dreaded school assignment.

Groundhog Day (1993)

Groundhog Day may belong in the "time loop" sub-genre of time travel movies, but it most definitely deserves a place on this list. Bill Murray's performance as disgruntled weatherman Phil is literally iconic, and the fun begins when he's set to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania for the annual Groundhog Day event. Unfortunately for Phil, his worst nightmare is realized when he wakes up the next morning to find that he must relive February 2 again. The hilarious time loop is made even better by Murray's co-star, Andie MacDowell.

Watch Now on AMC +

Back To The Future (1985)

This classic sets the scene for all time-travel movies that came after it. When 17-year-old high school student Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) hops into in a time-traveling car invented by his scientist friend Doc (Christopher Lloyd), he is accidentally sent 30 years into the past. From the moment he lands in 1955, Marty just wants to get back to the future. So, he embarks on a hysterical adventure to ensure his teenage parents-to-be meet and fall in love so that he can get back to life as he knows it. There are two sequels to the film, Back to the Future Part II and Back to the Future Part III , all of which deserve their own plaque in the time travel movie hall of fame too.

Watch Now on Prime Video with AMC +

Avengers: End Game (2019)

The dramatic finale to The Infinity Saga (comprised of 23 movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe), Avengers: Endgame pulls out all the stops. This epic showdown between the Avengers and Thanos uses newly discovered time travel technology to give the Earth's Mightiest Heroes a chance to win another battle. When Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) devises a time-bending strategy to gather all the Infinity stones, he enlists the help of Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) to build a special device to time-jump. But with his new priorities as a family man, Tony is wary of altering history in any major way. So, instead of going back in time, they decide to bring back their fallen friends into their current timeline, five years later. Once reunited, the Avengers assemble to restore balance to the universe.

Watch Now on Disney+

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

This surreal A24 sci-fi flick is a brilliant take on the multiverse. Teeming with enchanting visuals, the action film features a Chinese-American woman named Evelyn (Michelle Yeoh) who co-owns a little laundromat with her husband Waymond (Ke Huy Quan). She feels trapped in an unfulfilling marriage and is struggling to make ends meet. However, when she accidentally discovers the multiverse, she is granted an opportunity to reach her full potential. While a tale of time travel, EEAAO is ultimately a story of self discovery. Directors Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan (collectively nicknamed “The Daniels”) are the minds behind this epic inter-dimensional adventure, which brings to light the powers hidden within every individual. You may want to consider the advice of one viewer who said, “Don’t do drugs, watch this instead.”

See You Yesterday (2019)

An amalgamation of time travel fantasy, political critique, and powerful family ties, See You Yesterday is a movie you don't want to miss. Produced by Spike Lee and directed by Stefon Bristol, who was taken under Professor Lee's wing while attending NYU's graduate film program, the story features two prestigious teenagers who spend all their spare time working on scientific inventions that eventually lead them to develop time travel technology. When her brother is caught in a fatal encounter with the police, Claudette “CJ” Walker (Eden Duncan-Smith) builds two time machines that can help her and her friend Sebastian (Danté Crichlow) change the series of events that lead to CJ’s brother getting killed. But their experience leads them to time travel's greatest truth: All actions have a ripple effect that can change the present moment in unseen ways. The film critically engages with police brutality and was made by a team of creators of predominantly African descent to bring you this time-travel adventure that will leave you entertained, engaged, and inspired.

Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)

Hot tubs have a good reputation for their steamy bubbles and even steamier memories. But what if they also doubled as time travel devices? This hilarious guilty-pleasure comedy features three pals who are caught in a rut in their adulthood, from being freshly dumped by a girlfriend, to being stuck in a dead-end job, to drinking away the sorrows of having accomplished absolutely nothing by the age of 40. Needless to say, these friends could all use a life upgrade. Luckily, when they venture into a magic hot tub at a winter resort, they accidentally travel back to 1986 and are given a second chance at life. Their tumultuous journey through the past leads them to be more conscious about the future. Plus, they have the opportunity to do a few things differently. When the hot tub teleports them back into the present day, each of them is better than they left off. Most hot tubs leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, but this one took it to a whole other level.

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Best Time Travel Movies 2022

Time travel movies have always been a popular genre in the film industry, as they allow audiences to escape reality and explore the possibilities of traveling through time. From classics like “Back to the Future” to modern hits like “Looper,” time travel movies continue to captivate audiences with their intriguing plots and mind-bending concepts.

In 2022, there are several exciting time travel movies set to release, each offering a unique take on the concept of time travel. From action-packed thrillers to heartwarming dramas, there is something for everyone in the world of time travel movies. In this article, we will explore the best time travel movies of 2022, along with 13 song examples that perfectly capture the essence of each film.

1. “The Adam Project” (2022)

Starring Ryan Reynolds, “The Adam Project” follows a man who travels back in time to seek help from his 13-year-old self. The film is a blend of action, comedy, and heartwarming moments, making it a must-watch for fans of time travel movies. The song “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper perfectly captures the emotional journey of the characters in the film.

2. “The Flash” (2022)

Based on the popular DC Comics character, “The Flash” follows Barry Allen as he travels back in time to prevent a tragedy from occurring. The film is filled with action-packed sequences and jaw-dropping visual effects, making it a thrilling watch for fans of superhero movies. The song “Back in Time” by Pitbull is a perfect match for the fast-paced nature of the film.

3. “Blink of an Eye” (2022)

“Blink of an Eye” follows a group of friends who discover a time machine and decide to travel back in time to fix their past mistakes. The film is a mix of comedy and drama, with a touch of romance thrown in for good measure. The song “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey perfectly captures the hopeful spirit of the characters as they embark on their time-traveling adventure.

4. “Infinite Storm” (2022)

Starring Naomi Watts, “Infinite Storm” tells the story of a woman who finds herself trapped in a time loop during a deadly storm. As she relives the same day over and over again, she must unravel the mystery of the storm in order to break free. The song “Time in a Bottle” by Jim Croce perfectly captures the sense of urgency and repetition in the film.

5. “The Blue Butterfly” (2022)

“The Blue Butterfly” follows a young boy who discovers a magical butterfly that grants him the power to travel through time. As he embarks on a journey to save his dying mother, he must confront his past and make difficult choices that will shape his future. The song “Butterfly” by Crazy Town adds a whimsical touch to the film’s fantastical elements.

6. “The Time Traveler’s Wife” (2022)

Based on the best-selling novel, “The Time Traveler’s Wife” follows a man who uncontrollably travels through time and the woman who loves him unconditionally. The film explores themes of love, loss, and destiny, making it a poignant and emotional watch. The song “Time After Time” by Eva Cassidy perfectly captures the bittersweet romance at the heart of the film.

7. “Time Loop” (2022)

“Time Loop” follows a group of strangers who find themselves trapped in a time loop, forced to relive the same day over and over again. As they band together to unravel the mystery of their predicament, they discover the true power of friendship and perseverance. The song “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor adds a touch of empowerment to the film’s message of resilience.

8. “Timeless” (2022)

“Timeless” follows a scientist who invents a time machine and must race against time to prevent a catastrophic event from occurring. As he navigates the complexities of time travel, he must confront his own past and make difficult choices that will shape the future of humanity. The song “Time” by Pink Floyd perfectly captures the grandeur and mystery of the film’s premise.

9. “Parallel” (2022)

“Parallel” follows a group of friends who stumble upon a parallel universe where time moves differently. As they explore this new world, they must confront their own inner demons and make choices that will forever alter their lives. The song “Parallel Universe” by Red Hot Chili Peppers adds a touch of rock and roll to the film’s sci-fi elements.

10. “Time Capsule” (2022)

“Time Capsule” follows a group of students who discover a time capsule buried in their school’s backyard, containing clues to a mysterious disappearance that occurred decades ago. As they unravel the secrets of the past, they must confront their own fears and insecurities in order to move forward. The song “Time Is on My Side” by The Rolling Stones perfectly captures the nostalgia and mystery of the film.

11. “The Time Machine” (2022)

Based on the classic novel by H.G. Wells, “The Time Machine” follows a scientist who invents a machine that allows him to travel through time. As he explores different eras of history, he must confront the consequences of his actions and make difficult choices that will forever alter the course of time. The song “Time Warp” from The Rocky Horror Picture Show adds a touch of campy fun to the film’s serious themes.

12. “Timeless Love” (2022)

“Timeless Love” follows a couple who are torn apart by a tragic accident, only to be reunited through the power of time travel. As they navigate the complexities of love and loss, they must confront their own past mistakes and make choices that will shape their future together. The song “Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes perfectly captures the emotional journey of the characters in the film.

13. “Time Heist” (2022)

“Time Heist” follows a group of thieves who use a time machine to pull off the ultimate heist, stealing priceless artifacts from different eras of history. As they navigate the dangers of time travel, they must confront their own moral dilemmas and make choices that will forever alter the course of their lives. The song “Time Is Running Out” by Muse adds a touch of urgency to the film’s high-stakes plot.

Common Questions:

1. What is the best time travel movie of all time?

– This is subjective and can vary depending on personal preferences. Some popular choices include “Back to the Future,” “Groundhog Day,” and “The Terminator.”

2. Are there any time travel movies for kids?

– Yes, there are several time travel movies that are suitable for children, such as “Meet the Robinsons,” “Mr. Peabody & Sherman,” and “The Magic School Bus.”

3. What are some common themes in time travel movies?

– Common themes in time travel movies include the consequences of altering the past, the power of love and redemption, and the exploration of destiny and fate.

4. Are there any time travel movies based on true stories?

– While most time travel movies are works of fiction, there are some that are based on true events or inspired by real-life phenomena, such as “The Philadelphia Experiment” and “Project Almanac.”

5. What are some famous quotes from time travel movies?

– Some famous quotes from time travel movies include “Great Scott!” from “Back to the Future” and “I’ll be back” from “The Terminator.”

6. Can time travel movies be scientifically accurate?

– While the concept of time travel is purely theoretical, some movies strive to incorporate scientific concepts and theories into their narratives, such as “Interstellar” and “Primer.”

7. Are there any time travel movies with a female protagonist?

– Yes, there are several time travel movies that feature strong female protagonists, such as “About Time,” “Predestination,” and “Safety Not Guaranteed.”

8. What are some time travel movies that explore alternate timelines?

– Movies like “Looper,” “The Butterfly Effect,” and “Donnie Darko” explore the concept of alternate timelines and the butterfly effect of changing the past.

9. Are there any time travel movies that focus on the future?

– Yes, there are several time travel movies that take place in the future, such as “12 Monkeys,” “Timecop,” and “The Time Machine.”

10. What are some time travel movies that blend genres?

– Movies like “Hot Tub Time Machine,” “Midnight in Paris,” and “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” blend comedy, romance, and sci-fi elements to create a unique time travel experience.

11. Are there any time travel movies that explore the concept of parallel universes?

– Movies like “The One,” “Coherence,” and “Another Earth” explore the concept of parallel universes and the multiverse theory.

12. What are some time travel movies that feature time loops?

– Movies like “Groundhog Day,” “Edge of Tomorrow,” and “Happy Death Day” feature characters trapped in time loops, forced to relive the same day over and over again.

13. Are there any time travel movies that focus on the philosophical implications of time travel?

– Movies like “Primer,” “Timecrimes,” and “Triangle” delve into the ethical and philosophical implications of time travel, exploring questions of free will and determinism.

14. What are some underrated time travel movies that are worth watching?

– Some underrated time travel movies worth watching include “Time Lapse,” “Predestination,” and “Safety Not Guaranteed,” which offer unique twists on the genre.

In conclusion, time travel movies continue to captivate audiences with their intriguing plots, complex characters, and mind-bending concepts. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed thrillers or heartwarming dramas, there is something for everyone in the world of time travel movies. From classic favorites like “Back to the Future” to modern hits like “The Flash,” there is no shortage of time travel adventures to explore in 2022. So grab your popcorn, sit back, and prepare to embark on a journey through time like never before.

Final Thoughts:

Time travel movies come in a variety of genres, from action-packed thrillers to heartwarming romances. Each film offers a unique take on the concept of time travel, exploring themes of love, loss, and destiny in creative and thought-provoking ways. Whether you’re a fan of science fiction, fantasy, or drama, there is a time travel movie out there for you. So sit back, relax, and let these cinematic journeys through time transport you to new and exciting worlds.

Related Posts:

The Best Movies that Got Time Travel Right

Making time travel work in a film is no easy task. Here are some movies that got it right.

Let’s just lay it all out on the table: time travel is terribly hard to get right in movies. Done poorly, time travel can be a one-way ticket to a confused and unhappy audience. Paradoxes pile on paradoxes, and nobody feels quite sure whether any of it makes sense . But at the same time, it’s one of the most intriguing subjects tackled by science fiction films.

Update August 21, 2023: This article has been updated by Callum Jones with even more mind-bending yet realistic time travel movies.

Done right, time travel is a source of wonder, a wellspring of mind-bending possibilities and inventiveness. Some films have done justice to the theme and dealt with Father Time in new and awe-inspiring ways. Let’s talk about them; here are movies that got time travel right.

Lightyear (2022)

Though Lightyear may not have been as well received as other titles in the Pixar canon , it still managed to get lots of things right. Chief among them is the film's handling of time travel. Framed as a film that the characters of the Toy Story universe have seen, the story centers on space ranger Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Chris Evans), who has been marooned on a hostile planet for a number of years, and who stumbles across a threat to the entire universe. A key component of the narrative is the concept of time dilation - a phenomenon that has been explored in other films, such as Planet of the Apes and Interstellar , and that here means Buzz's four-minute test flights result in four years passing.

Related: How Lightyear Draws Inspiration From Popular Sci-Fi Films

Consequently, every time Buzz takes a test flight, the people around him age by four years until a full 66 years have passed. This is particularly heartbreaking as he watches the death of his best friend, Alisha (Uzo Abuba). Though it may have its flaws, Lightyear is a beautifully animated film that uses time travel to tell an emotionally heavy story.

The Adam Project (2022)

Netflix's sci-fi movie The Adam Project is another example of a 2022 film that, although it may have had its flaws, knew how to have fun with time travel. Starring Ryan Reynolds as an adult version of the titular character, the film follows a 12-year-old boy living in present-day America who teams up with his future self in order to save the future.

Taking inspiration from time travel movies that came before it, such as the Back to the Future films, The Adam Project is a great example of how much fun can be had when characters come into contact with past/future versions of themselves. Its approach to time travel isn't as tight as some of the very best films in the genre, but it's still pretty solid and stays just the right side of far-fetched to keep things entertaining rather than silly.

X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

The X-Men films took a big risk in 2014 when, after six relatively grounded superhero stories, they decided to tackle the concept of time travel. Inspired by the comic book storyline of the same name, X:Men: Days of Future Past sees the casts of the original trilogy and the prequel films onscreen together for the first time. In an attempt to save both humans and mutants from a world-destroying threat, the X-Men, led by Professor X (Patrick Stewart), send Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) back in time to 1973 on a mission to change the course of history for the better.

Though it could be dismissed as just another superhero sequel, X-Men: Days of Future Past takes its approach to time travel seriously. Director, Bryan Singer, devised a set of rules to ensure that the time travel depicted in the film was credible and grounded. The result is a fun and mature film with an interesting story that doesn't shatter the viewer's ability to suspend their disbelief. With no dangling plot holes and a satisfying conclusion, this is a smart superhero film.

James vs. His Future Self (2019)

Quirky sci-fi comedy James vs. His Future Self , like The Adam Project, finds a lot of fun in having two versions of the same character interact. In this case, the character is James (Jonas Chernick), a scientist with an interest in time travel, who gets a visit from his future self (Daniel Stern), who has traveled back in time to stop his past self from inventing time travel, which he claims will ruin his life. What follows is a lively and hilarious 90 minutes of the older James (known as "Jimmy") doing everything he can to stop his younger self from giving in to the urge to develop time travel.

Sure, James vs. His Future Self is a comedy, but the concept of time travel presented here is logical and plausible. The makers were clearly fans of the genre, which is a huge benefit to the film. Without the clear and thought-out approach to its main theme, the jokes wouldn't land as well, and the audience would have a hard time caring about anything that happens on screen.

Looper (2012)

Futuristic and intriguing, Looper immerses viewers in a society where time travel is outlawed and monopolized by criminal organizations. The story revolves around Joe, a young hitman proficient in eradicating targets after being sent back in time by the mob. Complications arise when his older self becomes the target. Looper breaks convention by introducing "loopers," assassins responsible for eliminating future targets, and eventually themselves to close their "loop," erasing any trace of past misdeeds.

This inventive twist on time travel mechanics sets the film apart. Throughout the movie, consistency in the established rules exemplifies the ramifications of meddling with history and the necessity of preserving the time loop. Rian Johnson, the movie's director, expertly unravels the complexities of time manipulation while maintaining a captivating and thought-provoking storyline.

About Time (2013)

This is not your usual "save the world" time travel movie. About Time presents a unique blend of romantic comedy-drama from the creative mind of director Richard Curtis. The narrative follows Tim, a young man who learns he can travel through time and opts to enhance his life by seeking love and happiness. The film portrays time travel as a hereditary talent passed down through generations within Tim's family.

This distinctive angle deemphasizes the scientific aspect, emphasizing the protagonist's emotional odyssey as he navigates interpersonal relationships and self-improvement. Effectively employing time travel, About Time delves into themes of love, family, and the value of life's fleeting moments. By concentrating on character development and emotional bonds, the movie offers a refreshing take on the consequences of manipulating time.

Source Code (2011)

Thrilling yet innately thought-provoking, Source Code unravels a high-stakes race against time as a soldier repeatedly journeys back to avert a disastrous train bombing. Directed by Duncan Jones, each attempt unveils new clues, drawing the protagonist closer to dismantling the terrorist scheme.

The movie unveils an inventive time travel concept encompassing parallel realities . The soldier's consciousness is transferred back in time to inhabit a train passenger's body, experiencing alternate timelines while retaining knowledge from previous endeavors. Provoking questions about reality, personal identity, and the ethical ramifications of altering the past, Source Code challenges viewers to contemplate the implications of meddling with timelines and the moral quandaries surrounding time travel.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

As one might expect from this franchise, Harry Potter and t he Prisoner of Azkaban takes a more magical approach to time travel rather than a scientific one. Nevertheless, the third film in the series still manages to get it right. An adaptation of J.K. Rowling's novel of the same name, the story sees the boy wizard return to Hogwarts, despite an escaped prisoner being on the run. With the help of a magical time travel device known as a time-turner, given to them by Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon), Harry (Danial Radcliffe), and Hermione (Emma Watson), must travel back to the past to save two innocent beings from execution.

Related: 20 Most Confusing Time Travel Movies Ever Made

Directed by Alfonso Curón, The Prisoner of Azkaban marked a change in tone for the series, with a more mature approach to storytelling and more grown-up themes. It also received a better critical response than previous outings and is widely regarded as one of, if not the best of the franchise . A big reason for this is the time-travel nature of the story, which allows the film to have a lot of depth while still being highly entertaining.

Timecrimes (2007)

Tense and suspenseful is one way to describe this film. Timecrimes is a Spanish thriller directed by Nacho Vigalondo that centers on a man inadvertently sent back in time, encountering multiple versions of himself and initiating a series of events with severe repercussions. The film ingeniously employs time loops, as the protagonist's past actions directly impact the future.

As the plot progresses, viewers witness the outcomes of his choices and the difficulties of navigating time loops. Delving into the ethical conundrums tied to time travel, Timecrimes examines the extremes one might go to rectify errors and the unforeseen consequences of their efforts. The film poses a thought-provoking investigation of temporal manipulation and its influence on personal accountability .

12 Monkeys (1995)

12 Monkeys is a criminally underrated sci-fi epic directed by Terry Gilliam of Monty Python fame. Inspired by Chris Marker's La Jetée (see below), the film is set in a dystopian future in which the bulk of humanity has been wiped out by a deadly virus, and the survivors live underground. The plot centers around James Cole (played by Bruce Willis), a prisoner who is sent back in time to gather information about the origins of the virus in order to prevent its spread.

Despite its complex structure, 12 Monkeys manages to avoid the confusing timeline trickery of so many other films like it. It's funny, too, as you might expect from a project helmed by Terry Gilliam.

Donnie Darko (2001)

Donnie Darko deals with time in very peculiar ways. It may not even seem like a time travel movie, properly speaking. And in a sense, it’s not one, but it shows what happens when people communicate with earlier versions of themselves and others. It gets weird, too: there are portals, a stray jet engine, and tangent universes at play. According to CinemaBlend , the director's cut has more information on how time travel functions in Donnie Darko , while the theatrical cut presents a simplified version.

Whichever you choose, the key to understanding the film's treatment of time is an in-universe book called "The Philosophy of Time Travel," which lays out pretty clear rules for how it all works.

Interstellar (2014)

Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar made everyone feel like they needed a degree in theoretical physics to understand its story. Confusing? Maybe — but close inspection reveals a film grounded in some pretty hardcore science . Once you wrap your head around its trickier concepts, Interstellar offers a fresh vision of time travel that doesn’t rely on fantastical time machines or magic. In a particularly excellent sequence, we see what happens when you spend time on a planet where one hour equals seven years on Earth.

Primer (2004)

Enigmatic director Shane Carruth is known for his puzzling concept films, and Primer was his debut feature. Hailed as one of the most realistic movies about time travel , Primer aimed at scientific accuracy, and Carruth made use of his background in engineering and mathematics when developing the film's time travel technology.

Related: The Strangest Explanations of Time Travel in Movies, Ranked

It may not be entirely realistic, but it is far more believable than your average science fiction movie. If you can avoid getting lost in its lengthy technical dialogues, you'll find that this low-budget brainteaser of a film is very much worth your time.

La Jetée (1962)

La Jetée is a classic example of French New Wave cinema from the singular mind of Chris Marker. Clocking in at just 28 minutes and made up entirely of static photographs, this no-budget gem was the primary inspiration for Terry Gilliam's 12 Monkeys .

With its apocalyptic vision of a post-World War III future and its strikingly inventive editing, La Jetée has long been considered one of the greatest movies about time travel ever made. The fact that Chris Marker accomplished all this with still images just boggles the mind.

The Terminator (1984)

What makes The Terminator 's approach to time travel so effective are the wildly high stakes of its premise. It sounds strange on paper: an AI-driven force of machines known as Skynet sends a cyber-assassin back in time to target and kill one unassuming young waitress named Sarah Connor, while the human-led resistance sends an operative of their own to stop this from happening.

Well, it turns out that the entire future of the human race rests on Sarah Connor's (again, unassuming) shoulders. Master director James Cameron makes this setup work and tells a new kind of time travel story in the process.

Tenet (2020)

Tenet is infamous for its convoluted portrayal of a process known as time inversion. A quick online search reveals dozens of articles offering explanations to confused viewers ( see GQ for a particularly lucid example ). But the concept of inversion does make a kind of weird sense — reverse entropy, and you essentially reverse time. Once you see what Christopher Nolan is going for, Tenet becomes one of the few movies to imagine a completely new version of time travel, one in which people and objects can literally move backward through time.

Back to the Future (1985)

Including Back to the Future on this list feels a little bit like cheating, as it set the gold standard for every time travel movie to follow. It's more comical than the films listed above, but this doesn't make its approach to time travel any less successful. It does an excellent job of establishing the rules of its world and following them consistently throughout the story. Also, the idea of a time machine built into a car (the iconic DeLorean) was innovative in the best possible way.

Intricately depicting time travel on screen remains an arduous task. Filmmakers need to achieve an equilibrium between maintaining internal consistency and captivating audiences with enthralling stories. The films mentioned in this list have masterfully overcome this obstacle, each presenting a distinct interpretation of the time travel concept while adhering to their established rules.

Delve into these cinematic masterpieces and savor the inventiveness and resourcefulness behind their time travel mechanisms. Venturing into these film odysseys through time allows viewers to grasp the intricacies and potential repercussions of altering the past, present, and future. Make yourself comfortable, and brace for an exhilarating journey into the realm of time travel, conjured by some of the most visionary filmmakers in the industry.

Best Time Travel Movies (Find Rare Gems Here)

If you’re looking to ensure that you’ve watched all of the best time travel movies ever made, you’re in the right place. Contrary to the usual “best time travel lists” all over the internet, this one is a continually evolving one, and films keep getting added. So do drop a comment with your favourite flick if you don’t see it here. So for time travel films, this is your one-stop-shop. I know some of the classics may not be in the list yet, but it’s just a matter of time. All the titles are ranked based on the BaTTR Score ( Barry’s Time Travel Review Score ), a rating mechanism created to particularly rate movies based on time travel. Let’s go through the best time travel movies ranked in reverse order by the BaTTR Score.

If you’re looking specifically for time-loop films where a character lives the same day over and over again, check this – Every Time Loop Movie .

• – Movies Ranked 83 to 81
• – Movies Ranked 80 to 71
• – Movies Ranked 70 to 61
• – Movies Ranked 60 to 51
• – Movies Ranked 50 to 41
• – Movies Ranked 40 to 31
• – Top 30 Movies
• – Top 20 Movies
• – Top 10 Movies

Best Time Travel Movies: 83 to 81

83. terminator 5: genisys (2015).

With a brand new Sarah Connor and Terminator model, this film tried it’s best to recover the series from the wreck that Terminator 4 was. Sadly, one does not simply mess around with timelines in a way that undoes T1 and T2 and get away with it. After over a decade, it was good to see Arnold reprising his role. I suspect this film might always stay at the bottom of this evolving best time travel films list. You can find a quick discussion about the film here – Terminator Genisys Explained .

BaTTR Score: 1.20 ⏱ Terminator 5 – Why this score?

82. Before I Fall (2017)

A high-school girl begins reliving one day of her life after dying in a car accident. Going through the many time-loops, she understands the impact she can make on the people in her life.

BaTTR Score: 1.30 ⏱ Before I Fall – Why this score?

81. Terminator 6: Dark Fate (2019)

Dark Fate saw both Sarah Conor and T-101 coming back to settle an old score. The movie felt like an alternate-reality version of T2: Judgement Day. Though it was rinse-dry-repeat of the same concept, it still manages to keep you guessing. Some impressive CGI does transport you back to 1991 as you see some very familiar faces in events that never occurred before this film – I know this is cryptic, but I can’t say more without spoiling it. If you’re looking for a quick summary of the entire franchise – every Terminator movie summarized .

BaTTR Score: 1.30 ⏱ Terminator 6 – Why this score?

Best Time Travel Movies: 80 to 71

80. ritânâ / returner (2002).

Returner is a Japanese film that sees a girl travelling back in time, from a dystopian future, to try and stop an alien race from invading the planet. She arrives in the present time and forces a talented assassin to help her with her quest.

BaTTR Score: 1.35 ⏱ Returner – Why this rating?

79. See You Yesterday (2019)

See You Yesterday follows two wiz-kids who invent a time machine and go back in time by one day to save a sibling who was killed due to a mistaken police shooting. They soon realize it’s never easy to change the past without consequences.

BaTTR Score: 1.35 ⏱ See You Yesterday – Why this rating?

78. Synchronic (2019)

This film is about a synthetic drug that hits the legal market, making consumers travel through time. One man goes on a hunt for his friend’s daughter, who might be lost in time. Here’s a detailed breakdown –  Synchronic movie explained .

BaTTR Score: 1.40 ⏱ Synchronic –  Why this score?

77. Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines  (2003)

The third instalment came a decade after the superhit sequel – Judgement Day. The terminators are back from the future, and the filmmakers tried to put a new spin on the film by shifting the attention from Sarah and John Connor to another person by the name Katherine Brewster. It was good to see Arnold reprise his role after a long break. Honestly, this film even ended well, and part 4 should have taken it to the point leading up to Kyle and the very first Terminator. But clearly, an end was never intended for the Terminator Series .

BaTTR Score: 1.40 ⏱ Terminator 3 – Why this rating?

76. The Final Countdown (1980)

This 80s film sees a modern super-aircraft carrier that gets hit by an electric storm that transports the vessel to 1941- a day before the attack on Pearl Harbor. The crew are left the choice to alter history or not. The Final Countdown is an alternate-history film which delivers very well on this engaging tale.

BaTTR Score: 1.50 ⏱ Final Countdown –  Why this rating?

75. Time Bandits (1981)

Time Bandits is a fun fantasy film that sees a young boy joining a bunch of dwarfs on a journey through time as they run into epic fictional and real characters from history. It’s a pretty loaded cast and is a very entertaining movie.

BaTTR Score: 1.50 ⏱ Time Bandits –  Why this rating?

74. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2010: Live Action)

This live-action film is based on a novel by the same name. The storyline has no commonalities with the 2006 Anime other than the fact that they are both on this top time travel movies list. In fact, this film is a sequel to the 1983 flick also by the same name. The movie follows a girl who travels back in time to fulfill her seemingly dying mother’s wish.

BaTTR Score: 1.50 ⏱ The Girl Who Leapt Through Time – Why this score?

73. The Lift / El Ascensor (2021)

The Lift is a Spanish film centred on a couple arguing inside an elevator on their way out of the building. Soon as they hit the lowest floor, one of them ends up returning to the moment they entered the lift. The rest of the film takes us through the couple’s time in the elevator and their attempts to break free.

BaTTR Score: 1.55 ⏱ The Lift – Why this rating?

72. Repeaters (2010)

Three people in rehab suddenly find themselves waking up on the same day repeatedly. While one of them sees this as a blessing, the other two want to stop the phenomenon leading to a cat and mouse chase.

BaTTR Score: 1.55 ⏱ Repeaters – Why this rating?

71. Happy Death Day 2U (2019)

This is the second instalment of the film series. While the first movie was an unexpected surprise, the sequel as in most cases, doesn’t deliver as well. That said Happy Death Day 2U is a fun film with all the characters coming back to reprise their roles with a lovely little twist.

BaTTR Score: 1.55 ⏱ Happy Death Day 2 – Why this rating?

Best Time Travel Movies: 70 to 61

70. naked (2017) / naken (2000).

Naked is a funny time-loop film that sees Marlon Wayans’ character living a one hour loop endlessly, which begins with him waking up naked inside an elevator. It is a remake of the Swedish film, Naken.

BaTTR Score: 1.55 ⏱ Naked / Naken – Why this score?

69. Project Almanac (2015)

Project Almanac follows a bunch of teenagers who stumble upon a time machine in one of their home’s basement. While initially, they use the time machine carefully with many defined ethical rules, as expected, they break those rules. For all the details about this film, you can check this out –  Project Almanac Explained .

BaTTR Score: 1.65 ⏱ Project Almanac – Why this rating?

68. Men In Black 3 (2012)

In this third instalment of the film series, Agent J finds himself slipping into an alternate timeline where Agent K does not exist. J goes back in time to hunt down the alien Boris, who is responsible for the altered history. It was good to have Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones reprise their roles with the addition of Josh Brolin in the mix.

BaTTR Score: 1.65 ⏱ Men In Black 3 – Why this rating?

67. Midnight In Paris (2011)

This is a super-light romantic comedy where Owen Wilson’s character gets picked up by a bunch of people at midnight each night, taking him to the 20s. The film smartly weaves in a variety of characters from history and has a brilliant cast.

BaTTR Score: 1.75 ⏱ Midnight In Paris – Why this score?

66. Time Trap (2017)

This film is a pleasant surprise. The plot synopsis makes it appear like it’s going to be a big blunder but Time Trap manages to turn thing around. The plot is centred on a group of students looking for their professor who goes missing after entering a mysterious cave. They follow him in to realize the true nature of the cave. You can read all the details about the plot here – Time Trap Explained . 

BaTTR Score: 1.75 ⏱ Time Trap – Why this rating?

65. The Time Machine (2002)

The Time Machine is based on H.G Wells book and is the second feature film adaptation of the novel. This movie attempted to create a variation to the original story to make it more fantastical. The Time Machine is the story of a man who goes far into the future. While visually, the movie did well, it didn’t create too much of a stir amongst movie viewers. The 1960 movie is much further below in this best time travel movies list.

BaTTR Score: 1.80 ⏱ The Time Machine – Why this rating?

64. Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)

A couple of magazine writers go over to investigate an ad in their magazine that requests someone interested in travelling back in time. On meeting the advertiser, it appears he might be a looney. Safety Not Guaranteed is a favourite of everyone who loves the time travel sub-genre and no time travel list is complete without it.

BaTTR Score: 1.80 ⏱ Safety Not  Guaranteed – Why this rating?

63. Mine Games (2012)

This one is an impressive looper film. A group of friends land up at an isolated cabin in the woods to celebrate their end of college. They find a mine nearby and enter it and unleash evil. It’s not a mindless slasher, so do give it a watch. For all details on the film check out – Mine Games explained .

BaTTR Score: 1.80 ⏱ Mine Games – Why this rating?

62. The Map Of Tiny Perfect Things (2021)

This one is a romantic film set inside infinite timeloops. I know you’re thinking Palm Springs (which is also there in this list of top time travel films), but The Map Of Tiny Perfect Things has an entirely different take on the subject. Here’s a detailed article – The Map Of Tiny Perfect Things explained .

BaTTR Score: 1.80 ⏱ The Map Of Tiny Perfect Things – Why this rating?

61. The Tomorrow War (2021)

In 2048, an alien species attacks Earth, and the future humans are unable to contain the battle. They travel back in time to the present, seeking help to fight in the tomorrow war. If you’d like to understand more here’s an article that goes into the timelines of The Tomorrow War .

BaTTR Score: 1.90 ⏱ The Tomorrow War – Why this score?

Best Time Travel Movies: 60 to 51

60. il mare (2000) / lake house (2006).

Lake House is a romantic film that narrates the story of two people who grow close and fall in love over a series of letters they exchange only to slowly realize that they may not be living in the same time. It’s a remake of a Korean film by the name Il Mare.

BaTTR Score: 1.95 ⏱ Il Mare / Lake House – Why this rating?

59. Time After Time (1979)

Time After Time is a hypothetical fantasy story of H.G. Wells (the Time Machine author), who creates a Time Machine, just like in the book. Soon enough, the plot takes a turn towards the pursuit of Jack The Ripper through time.

BaTTR Score: 2.00 ⏱ Time After Time – Why this rating?

58. The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009)

As the title of the movie suggests, the film revolves around a woman’s husband who has an abnormal condition where he uncontrollably travels to random points in time. Time Traveler’s Wife is not science fiction but more a romantic drama with Rachael McAdams and Eric Bana.

BaTTR Score: 2.00 ⏱ The Time Traveler’s Wife –  Why this rating?

57. The Adam Project (2022)

The Adam Project’s plot sees a man travel back in time to team up with his younger self to save the world. As corny as that sounds, that’s pretty much what the film is about. You can read all about it here –  The Adam Project explained .

BaTTR Score: 2.05 ⏱ The Adam Project – Why this rating?

56. Haunter (2013)

Haunter is a horror film that presents a story within loops of time. A girl wakes up repeatedly on the same day, the day before her birthday. As she begins finding out why, she is haunted by other spirits and a creepy old man. Here’s everything you need to know about the film –  Haunter explained .

BaTTR Score: 2.05 ⏱ Haunter – Why this rating?

55. Mega Time Squad (2018)

Mega Time Squad is a hilarious film that follows a small-time crook who picks up an ancient Chinese bracelet that allows him to travel back in time by a few minutes. Things get out of hands when he travels back too many times trying to escape death at the hands of a gangster.

BaTTR Score: 2.15 ⏱ Mega Time Squad – Why this score?

54. In The Shadow Of The Moon (2019)

In The Shadow Of The Moon is centred on a cop on the hunt for a serial killer who resurfaces mysteriously unaged every decade. He obsesses and waits for her to track her down and uncover her identity and origin. If you want to read about this film in detail, go here –  In The Shadow Of The Moon Explained  (it’s got a timeline diagram too).

BaTTR Score: 2.20 ⏱ In The Shadow Of The Moon – Why this rating?

53. About Time (2013)

About Time is a feel-good romantic-comedy film about a family whose male members can travel in time once they turn 21 years old. The lead character tries to utilize it to find love, but over the course of the film, we see him embracing life to the full and learns the true meaning of his gift. This is Rachael McAdams’ second film playing the wife of a time traveller.

BaTTR Score: 2.20 ⏱ About Time – Why this rating?

52. Boss Level (2021)

Boss Level is a timeloop film that combines insane amounts of action and comedy. The film has a great cast – Frank Grillo, Naomi Watts, Mel Gibson and Michelle Yeoh, to name a few. This one is really high on adrenaline.

BaTTR Score: 2.25 ⏱ Boss Level – Why this rating?

51. The Door Into Summer (2021)

The Door Into Summer is a Japanese adaptation of Robert A. Heinlein’s novel by the same name. The film is centred on a young robotics engineer tricked by his two partners and forced into cryosleep for 30 years. Check out the complete film details here – The Door Into Summer explained .

BaTTR Score: 2.25 ⏱ The Door Into Summer –  Why this score?

Best Time Travel Movies: 50 to 41

50. somewhere in time (1980).

Somewhere In Time is a beautiful love story starring Christopher Reeve, a play writer who obsesses on a photo of a beautiful yesteryear actress and ends up going back in time by 70 years to meet her.

BaTTR Score: 2.25 ⏱ Somewhere In Time – Why this rating?

49. 12:01 (1993)

This is a TV movie based on a book by the same name. The word is that Groundhog Day plagiarized the story. Though there was a court case, it was withdrawn. The story sees a man trapped in a timeloop repeatedly witnessing the death of a woman he has a crush on.

BaTTR Score: 2.25 ⏱ 12:01 – Why this rating?

48. Happy Death Day (2017)

This is a looper slasher film that finds a college girl reliving the day she gets killed by a mysterious masked murderer over and over again. Happy Death Day is a hilarious take on the classic time-loop film with an intriguing plot. For a loop by loop breakdown of this film, check this out – Happy Death Day Explained .

BaTTR Score: 2.25 ⏱ Happy Death Day – Why this rating?

47. Groundhog Day (1993)

Groundhog Day is among the first few films that saw massive success in the space of a person being caught in an endless time-loop. Bill Murray shines in this role, and the film’s commercial success set the pathway for many such films after, most of which are on this list of best time travel movies.

BaTTR Score: 2.25 ⏱ Groundhog Day – Why this score?

46. My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday / Boku Wa Asu, Kinō No Kimi To Dēto Suru (2016)

This is an adorable Japanese romantic film that follows the lives of two people over a month as they fall in love and begin a relationship. The catch is that both of them are experiencing the flow of time in opposite directions. This film would easily be one of the best romantic time travel movies.

BaTTR Score: 2.25 ⏱ My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday – Why this rating?

45. Time Lapse (2014)

Time Lapse is a film about three friends who discover a camera in their dead neighbour’s house that takes photographs of the next day. What initially starts off as fear slowly turns into crazy ideas for each one to fulfill their desires. Take a look at this article which takes you through the plot one picture at a time – Time Lapse Explained .

BaTTR Score: 2.25 ⏱ Time Lapse –  Why this rating?

44. Meet The Robinsons (2007)

This film is plain hilarious. A kid steals his father’s time machine to travel to the past but has it stolen. He teams up with a young scientist to help him trace a mysterious Bowler Hat Guy who has big plans for the time device.

BaTTR Score: 2.30 ⏱ Meet The Robinsons –  Why this rating?

43. X-Men: Days Of Future Past (2014)

The X-Men series saw two different casts, the young and old counterparts. Days Of Future Past brought all of them together in one massive movie that saw Wolverine’s consciousness going back in time to stop the creation of sentinels that eventually hunt and kill every mutant on the planet. While the rest of the XCU had no time travel, DOFP secures its place on this best time travel movies list. Here’s a short explanation of the film and a timeline diagram – X-Men Days Of Future Past Explained .

BaTTR Score: 2.35 ⏱ X-Men DOFP –  Why this rating?

42. Palm Springs (2020)

Palm Springs is an endless time-loop film that starts off bang in the middle of one of many loops the lead character has been stuck in. Furthermore, he gets a companion who happens to get trapped too. The film delves into romance in the context of an endless time trap. Here’s everything you need to know about the movie and its dinosaurs – Palm Springs Explained .

BaTTR Score: 2.40 ⏱ Palm Springs – Why this score?

41. Synchronicity (2015)

Synchronicity is centred on a man trying to prove to his investor that his time machine works. When he realizes that he has been played and will lose his life’s work, he takes a leap of faith through time. For a detailed explanation, go here –  Synchronicity movie explained .

BaTTR Score: 2.40 ⏱ Synchronicity – Why this rating?

Best Time Travel Movies: 40 to 31

40. the jacket (2005).

The Jacket is a psychological thriller in which a war veteran is wrongfully accused of murder and committed to a mental asylum. One of the doctors employs illegal treatment methods on him that has an unexpected side effect. For the detailed analysis, check out – The Jacket explained .

BaTTR Score: 2.45 ⏱ The Jacket – Why this rating?

39. Retroactive (1997)

Retroactive is a classic 90s action-packed thriller that sports time-loops. The film follows a hostage negotiator who gets a lift from a couple. At once, you know the guy is toxic, and things are going to get crazy… and they do.

BaTTR Score: 2.45 ⏱ Retroactive – Why this rating?

38. The Call (2020)

This is an excellent Korean film that sees two women talking to each other 20 years apart. The information exchange causes cascading effects altering the future in unpredictable ways. The Call is gripping because an ally in one timeline may not remain an ally in another. The film’s plot is why it finds a solid spot in this best time travel movies list. Here’s a detailed explanation for the movie – The Call Explained .

BaTTR Score: 2.45 ⏱ The Call – Why this score?

37. Looper (2012)

Looper is a science-fiction action movie that deals with gangs in the future, sending people back to the past to have them executed. Each executor eventually retires when he kills his future self. The film follows the lead character (Gordon-Levitt) who fails to kill his older self (Bruce Willis) and the many consequences that follow. This article, with a detailed timeline diagram, will answer all the questions you have about the film – Looper Explained .

BaTTR Score: 2.45 ⏱ Looper – Why this rating?

36. Bill And Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)

Honestly, we all know that Bill and Ted’s is more a comedy than a time travel flick. That said, the movie has not ignored the causal loop at any point throughout the storyline. A man from the future shows up to help two teenagers pass their history exam by providing them with a time machine. The characters are silly, funny, iconic and bodacious… all at the same time, dude. Some find them too corny, but that was by design and the film sits comfortably in the middle of this time travel list.

BaTTR Score: 2.50 ⏱ Bill And Ted – Why this rating?

35. The Terminator (1984) & 34. Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)

How on earth do iconic blockbusters like T1 and T2 be positioned as low as this, right? Before you judge this list, let’s just ask this question – Were the first two Terminator films primarily time travel movies or where they futuristic action films with a little bit of time travel concepts sprinkled in? Time Travel is not the primary focus of the movies. Both films take place in one time with humans and machines appearing mysteriously from the future, after that it’s full-blown action all the way. Personally, T2 is one of my all-time favourite films that gave Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton a cult status, but comparing with the others on this list, it’s barely a time travel movie. However, a list featuring the best time travel movies would be incomplete without mentioning these two films. Here is the summary of all Terminator films .

BaTTR Score: 2.50 ⏱ Terminator 1 And 2 – Why this rating?

33. ARQ (2016)

ARQ is an infinite time-loop film that has a couple waking up in their house to realize that they have a break-in. The assailants are revealed to be from a corporation from whom the lead character has stolen data. The lead soon realizes that he resets back to the point he woke up each time he dies. Over the various loops that follow, the plot unfolds, and we understand the complex nature of the time cycles. Here is a loop-wise explanation of this film – ARQ Explained .

BaTTR Score: 2.60 ⏱ ARQ – Why this score?

32. Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel (2009)

Yeah, Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel is the actual name of the film. And no, it’s not a documentary. The movie is about three socially awkward dudes who go out to grab a drink at the local bar. Unfortunately, the restroom ends up being a coordinate for a time leak sending the guys unexpectedly through erratic points in time.

BaTTR Score: 2.60 ⏱ Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel – Why this rating?

31. 41 (2012)

41 is a hidden gem. It’s an independent film made on a shoestring budget. The plot follows a student who stumbles upon a motel room with a hole in the floor that takes a person back in time by 12 hours. You can watch the full film and read the explanation here – Watch 41 with a detailed analysis . 

BaTTR Score: 2.60 ⏱ 41 – Why this rating?

Best Time Travel Movies: 30 to 21

30. arrival (2016).

People who went to the halls expecting an alien invasion film were most disappointed. Arrival is a science-fiction drama which delves deep into languages and how it affects our thought processes. The story sees a linguist who tries to decode the language used by heptapods who have mysteriously appeared and positioned 12 ships over the world’s major cities. This article analyses the plot in a simplified manner – Arrival Explained .

BaTTR Score: 2.65 ⏱ Arrival – Why this rating?

29. The House At The End Of Time (2013) / House Of The Disappeared (2017)

The original is the Venezuelan film  La casa del fin de los tiempos  that released in 2017. It was beautifully remade in Korean in 2017 as  Si-gan-wi-ui jib . These are the original titles, and you can look up the films by their English titles too. The plot revolves around a woman who’s jailed for the murder of her husband and child. She returns after many years to uncover what actually happened. They’re both fantastic films, and you can read the detailed analysis here –  House Of The Disappeared explained .

BaTTR Score: 2.70 ⏱ House Of The Disappeared – Why this rating?

28. La Jetée (1962)

La Jetée is a French science fiction film that presents a convoluted story via a narration over still images. This film inspired the movie 12 Monkeys which took the concept and really did magic with the plot. La Jetée is unique and deserves to be on this list of best time travel movies even though it is a short film.

BaTTR Score: 2.75 ⏱ La Jetée – Why this score?

27. Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban (2004)

This is the third film in the Harry Potter series and the only one to feature a little time travel. The story is based around Sirius Black who is the escaped prisoner from Azkaban on his way to the school to kill Harry. While all the other parts of this film-series are completely in the fantasy genre, part 3 played it differently mixing it up with some science fiction and hence finds its way to this best time travel movies list.

BaTTR Score: 2.75 ⏱ Harry Potter – Why this rating?

26. Maanaadu (2021)

Maanaadu is a  time-loop film  that sees a man heading for a wedding getting caught in a political terror attack. The film is predominantly a thriller with some outstanding elements of comedy in the mix.

BaTTR Score: 2.75 ⏱ Maanaadu – Why this rating?

25. A Day / Ha-roo (2017)

A Day is a Korean time-loop film that has a renowned surgeon getting trapped in a loop where he struggles to save his daughter from a repeating accident. As the story progresses, we are introduced more characters and complexity, and finally, the reason for the looping. This Asian film outdoes many of the western productions on this list of best time travel movies. You can read all the details about this film here – A Day Explained .

BaTTR Score: 2.75 ⏱ A Day – Why this rating?

24. The Time Machine (1960)

The Time Machine was the first mainstream film adaptation of the book by the same name by the amazing H.G. Wells. The story is about a scientist who narrates his experience of time travel to the future; to the year 802,701. The movie is an excellent adaptation of the book and also adds a good reason to why he lands up in a year so far into the future.

BaTTR Score: 2.75 ⏱ The Time Machine (1960) – Why this score?

23. Edge Of Tomorrow (2014)

Edge Of Tomorrow is a multiple-loop movie based on the Japanese book All You Need Is Kill . The film is centred on a soldier (Tom Cruise) fighting an alien race who resets to a day prior every time he is killed. He eventually runs into a Sergeant (Emily Blunt) who states that she too used to loop. Together they take the fight to the alien species. I must say this film is one of the coolest sci-fi flicks on this list of amazing time travel movies. This article here explains the film and its ending while comparing it to the book – Edge Of Tomorrow Explained .

BaTTR Score: 2.85 ⏱ Edge Of Tomorrow – Why this rating?

22. Frequency (2000)

Frequency sees a man fiddling around with an old radio, and thanks to the strange occurrence of an aurora borealis, he ends up connecting with his father 30 years in the past. 

BaTTR Score: 2.90 ⏱ Frequency – Why this rating?

21. Back To The Future: Part 3 (1990)

This is the third and final instalment of the trilogy by Robert Zemekis. Unlike the first two parts, the film takes place mostly in 1885 and has limited connection to the events back in good ol’ 1985. The story follows the lead characters trying to fight it out in the wild west and travelling back to the future one last time. In case you are wondering why is this iconic film scores so low on this best time travel moves list, don’t worry, this is part 3 we’re talking about.

BaTTR Score: 2.90 ⏱ Back To The Future 3 – Why this score?

Best Time Travel Movies: 20 to 11

20. blink (doctor who 2007 episode).

Blink is an exception, it’s not a film but one episode of the series Dr Who. It’s a standalone episode, and you can watch it even if you haven’t seen any part of the show, which is why it’s on this list of best time travel  movies.  It all begins with one person mysteriously disappearing from a house that has these strange statues called the Weeping Angels.

BaTTR Score: 3.00 ⏱ Blink –  Why this score?

19. Blood Punch (2015)

This is a splendid thriller which involves time-loops. Blood Punch is centred on three people who head to a lonely hunter’s villa in the woods to cook a ton of meth and get caught in perpetuity. It’s an excellent thriller garnished with just the right amount of humour. The filmmakers have really taken the effort to think the concept in the film through. The whole point about a giant time travel films list is to dig up movies like these. Here’s a detailed analysis of the plot and ending – Blood Punch Explained .

BaTTR Score: 3.00 ⏱ Blood Punch – Why this score?

18. Donnie Darko (2001)

Donnie Darko follows a troubled young boy who narrowly escapes an aircraft propeller that comes crashing on to his bed. He’s soon met by a man in a bunny suit who claims to be from the future and says the world is soon going to end. For a detailed breakdown of this film and its timeline diagram, go here –  Donnie Darko Explained . Jake Gyllenhaal is so young in this one!

BaTTR Score: 3.00 ⏱ Donnie Darko – Why this score?

17. Source Code (2011)

Source code is a multiple time-loop film where Jake Gyllenhaal’s character is trying to catch the bomber responsible for killing hundreds on a train. Before the terrorist strikes again, the government is trying to identify who he is through a cutting edge technology that allows a person to live multiple iterations of the 8 minutes leading up to the explosion on the train. If you would like to read a loopwise explanation and plot analysis, check this out – Source Code Explained .

BaTTR Score: 3.00 ⏱ Source Code – Why this score?

16. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006 Anime)

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a 2006 anime is a lovely romantic science-fiction that follows the life of a girl who suddenly gains the ability to jump back in time. While initially, she uses her newfound powers for some frivolous personal reasons, she later learns how she has affected the people around her.

BaTTR Score: 3.10 ⏱ The Girl Who Leapt Through Time – Why this score?

15. Deja Vu (2006)

Déjà Vu is a film centred on a cop who’s trying to locate a terrorist responsible for the bombing of a ferry. With the help of a sophisticated surveillance system that can reconstruct events from 4 days prior, the team follows the life of a woman who was onboard the ferry. The film combines the time travel sub-genre well with a crime thriller and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

BaTTR Score: 3.20 ⏱ Deja Vu – Why this score?

14. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

I’m pretty sure you’re thinking what a comic book movie is doing a list of the best time travel movies at a spot this high. Well, I can’t say this enough but Avengers: Endgame decided to execute a film based on time travel but had to keep in mind there were 20+ movies prior to it that couldn’t in any way be ruined. So not only did the film have to execute a great story based on time travel, it needed to preserve the prequels. Endgame follows the remaining Avengers trying to bring back all the lives that were lost through an elaborate time heist. For a simplified video of the timelines and the plot analysis, read this – Avengers: Endgame Time Travel Explained .  

BaTTR Score: 3.25 ⏱ Avengers: Endgame –  Why this score?

13. Interstellar (2014)

If you’re a Nolan fan [like me], you’re probably wondering why this film doesn’t feature in the top 5 of this top time travel films list. Well, think about it, would you really call Interstellar a time travel movie? Or is it more a grand space-travel science-fiction with elements of time travel? I’d say the latter. Interstellar is a brilliant film set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans are trying to save themselves by leaving Earth. You can read about the details of the plot and the possible plot-holes here – Interstellar Explained .

BaTTR Score: 3.25 ⏱ Interstellar – Why this score?

12. Butterfly Effect (2004)

Butterfly Effect is a concept which talks about how a small insignificant event, like the flap of a butterfly’s wings, can cascade and escalate into a giant storm as a result of causality. The film The Butterfly Effect deals specifically with this idea. The lead character experiences blackouts through his younger life and is somehow able to revisit those very moments and make a change to alter the course of reality.

BaTTR Score: 3.30 ⏱ Butterfly Effect – Why the score?

11. Mirage / Durante la tormenta (2018)

Mirage is a Spanish film which combines the sub-genres of a murder mystery and time travel most elegantly. A mysterious storm connects two people 25 years apart in time, and this leads to the unravelling of a murder. For a detailed explanation of the film and its timeline, you can check this out – Mirage Movie Explained .

BaTTR Score: 3.35 ⏱ Mirage – Why this score?

Best Time Travel Movies: Top 10

10. twelve monkeys (1995).

A lot of the mainstream time travel movies with big actors tend to focus on elements other than the timeline and eventually make a mess of the plot, but not 12 Monkeys. This Bruce Willis starrer is based on a dystopian future where a strain of a powerful mutating virus kills most of humanity. A small team of scientists figure that the only way to fight it is to send someone back in time to locate the original source and strain of the virus. You can read all about it here in good detail – 12 Monkeys Explained . This popular film also spawned a TV Series by the same name with events running parallel to the film.

BaTTR Score: 3.50 ⏱ 12 Monkeys –  Why this score?

9. The Infinite Man (2014)

Infinite Man is a hidden gem which is centred on a couple celebrating their anniversary and getting caught in a series of time jumps that takes them back by one year. Most lists talking about the awesome time travel movies tend to leave this film out. The tiny-budgeted movie has just three characters and packs quite the punch with both time complexities and humour. Here’s a detailed explanation with a timeline diagram – Infinite Man Explained .

BaTTR Score: 3.50 ⏱ The Infinite Man – Why this score?

8. Triangle (2008)

Triangle is a film based on multiple time-loops. A woman and her friends go on a sailing trip and get hit by a storm. Before they drown, they find a cruise ship passing by and get onboard and soon wish they never did. Unlike other time-loop films, Triangle’s loops have an extra dimension of complexity, and this makes it more exciting. Here’s everything you need to know about the movie – Triangle Movie Explained .

BaTTR Score: 3.50 ⏱ Triange – Why this score?

7. Tenet (2020)

Christopher Nolan is the father of Nolan-Time. Many of his films portray time in a non-linear format, either as a narrative ( Memento ) or a plot-element ( Inception ). Tenet is Nolan sitting down and thinking, “what can I do in the space of time travel which has never been done before” and delivering just that. In a nutshell, the film is about a group that is trying to protect the world from extremists of the far future, but you know that is an oversimplification. So, here’s a simplified explanation of the film with timeline diagrams – Tenet Explained .

BaTTR Score: 3.75 ⏱ Tenet – Why this score?

6. Timecrimes / Los Cronocrímenes (2007)

Timecrimes is a Spanish film that follows one man who accidentally stumbles upon a time machine and travels back in time by merely an hour. In this short time window, he makes life quite miserable for himself. It’s a hilarious flick that needs your focus and attention as the consequences of the time travel are quite messy despite the humour. Here’s is a detailed explanation of the film – Timecrimes Explained .

BaTTR Score: 3.75 ⏱ Timecrimes – Why this score?

5. Primer (2004)

Made within a shoestring budget of just $7000, Primer gives many mainstream time travel productions a run for their money. Shane Carruth wore multiple hats in this film like actor, producer, director, and music producer. Not only is the film super-complicated, but it also sports one of the most believable time travel mechanics in the sub-genre. Check out the detailed timeline-wise analysis of the film- Primer Movie Explained .

BaTTR Score: 3.80 ⏱ Primer – Why this score?

4. Predestination (2014)

Anyone who has just finished watching Predestination has the same look as that of a pigeon with massive digestion issues. Based on the short story All You Zombies by Robert A. Heinlein, Predestination presents a plot focused on packing as many impossible scenarios as a human mind can take within one film. Here’s the timeline diagram and detailed explanation – Predestination Movie Explained . This film is easily the most bizarre film on this list of the great time travel films.

BaTTR Score: 4.00 ⏱ Predestination – Why this score?

3. Back To The Future – Part 1 (1985)

This film really raised the bar for all time travel movies. Everything from the characters to the concept of a time machine in a DeLorean makes this film unique to date. The film is a giant bundle of awesomeness and has put a smile on my face each time I’ve watched it since 1985 (yeah, you have to read that in Doc’s voice). We love you Marty McFly, we love you Michael J Fox.

BaTTR Score: 4.30 ⏱ Back To The Future 1 – Why this score?

2. Back To The Future – Part 2 (1989)

Not only did the film create a fresh storyline, but it also beautifully layered itself on top of the complexities of the first part. Marty McFly and Doc Brown are forced to go back to the same date in the past (as they did in the first movie) to undo something terrible. For me, this film really took it to the next level for a sequel. Even Avengers: Endgame mentions this film because of how they revisit some of the older MCU movies. It’s iconic and soars up high in this list of the best time travel movies.

BaTTR Score: 4.50 ⏱ Back To The Future 2 – Why this score?

1. Kimi No Na Wa / Your Name (2016)

Okay, if you haven’t already watched this film, stop reading now. Knowing even the slightest details about this film can potentially spoil it for you. Please return once you’ve watched this phenomenal film.

Kimi No Na Wa is a Japanese anime directed by Makoto Shinkai. It has one of the most captivating visuals and characters. This film takes creativity in the sub-genre of time travel to the next level. It all begins with some mysterious yet harmless body-switching between two people but a while into the film, it all becomes crazy. If you’re looking for the full explanation with a timeline diagram, go here – Your Name Explained .

BaTTR Score: 4.75 ⏱ Your Name – Why this score?

Barry is a technologist who helps start-ups build successful products. His love for movies and production has led him to write his well-received film explanation and analysis articles to help everyone appreciate the films better. He’s regularly available for a chat conversation on his website and consults on storyboarding from time to time. Click to browse all his film articles

The 20 best time-travel movies – ranked!

As Adam Driver accidentally winds up 65m years ago , facing not just dinosaurs but an asteroid, we count down the best films about going backwards, or forwards, through the ages

20. Timecop (1994)

Regardless of what anyone says, I believe in my heart that Timecop was greenlit because someone showed a studio executive a picture of Jean-Claude Van Damme and said the word “Timecop” out loud, at which point they had to throw a script together as quickly as possible. Nothing about Timecop makes sense. It is the most 90s film ever made.

19. Tenet (2020)

I have to be careful here, because Tenet might not be a time-travel movie. Certainly time passes in it and some of the people are going backwards in time in it. But I’ve seen this movie twice now, and it mainly just seems to be about people mumbling everything, except for Kenneth Branagh, who gets to shout very loudly three times. Anyway, here it is.

18. Cavegirl (1985)

Finally, a film that uses time-travel for the correct reason; to allow a horny 1980s high school student to go back to prehistory so that he can convince a smoking hot, bikini-wearing cavegirl to have it off with him. You will note I’ve ranked this above Tenet .

17. Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)

Weird to think that Austin Powers was originally a fish-out-of-water comedy, in which the promiscuous titular character had to navigate the (then) uptight world of the 1990s. That all fell apart for the sequel, where Powers was sent back to the 60s to shout his catchphrases at people who actually appreciated them. That makes it a time-travel movie, right?

16. The Butterfly Effect (2004)

God, this film. In summary: Ashton Kutcher plays a man who experiences blackouts, only to learn some years later that he can travel back in time and inhabit his younger self’s mind during the blackouts. But in doing so, he unleashes a world of unintended consequences. He becomes a murderer and loses limbs. Seek out the director’s cut if you can, because it ends with Kutcher’s character deliberately strangling himself in the womb with his umbilical cord. No, really.

15. The Tomorrow War (2021)

Wherein Chris Pratt is drafted into a war that takes place 26 years later, because the invading aliens have already killed all the soldiers who were alive at the time. It’s a great premise for a film – we all pay the price for the actions of other generations – let down by a truly confusing ending. Admit it, you forgot this film even existed, even though it cost $200m to make and only came out 18 months ago.

14. The Time Travelers (1964)

A 1964 movie made on the cheap with genuinely terrible effects, The Time Travelers is about a group of scientists who travel to the future, fight some mutants and then return. What sets it apart, though, is its crazed ending. The film ends with the scientists venturing into the distant future, whereupon the film plays through again, faster and faster and faster until it cuts away to a still of the galaxy. Are they trapped in a loop? Is free will an illusion? Did the producers just run out of money? We may never know.

13. The Adam Project (2022)

In which a young boy’s life is turned upside down when he is visited by an older version of himself from the future. The good news? He grows up to be a fighter pilot. The bad news? He also grows up to have all the cadences and surface-level snarky patter of Ryan Reynolds. What follows is a buddy movie where the two buddies are the same person.

12. Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)

So seminal that it was namechecked in Avengers: Endgame . A flat-out comedy that primarily exists to allow a bunch of middle-aged men to act like teenagers, Hot Tub Time Machine is a film about an enchanted Jacuzzi that sends people back to the mid-1980s. Possibly a bit too bawdy for its own good, there’s a hint of a message about the unreliability of nostalgia here.

11. Flight of the Navigator (1986)

This family film involves a young boy who goes missing in a Fort Lauderdale ravine, only to show up eight years later having not aged. There are UFOs and rubbery little creatures and whatnot, but there’s a real emotional wallop to the moment when the boy realises that the world has moved on without him, right down to the scene (that plays out like a horror movie) where the boy realises that his parents have become unrecognisably ancient, even though they are probably only in their early 40s.

10. Primer (2004)

Some see Shane Carruth’s Primer as the gold standard of what a time-travel film should be. It’s the sort of movie that seems unnervingly realistic, from the down-at-heel engineers to the unshowy nature of time travel itself, where people in effect just get in and out of some boxes. Almost entirely unwilling to explain itself, for years Primer fans have come to rely on a series of graphs and charts to figure out what the film actually is.

9. Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)

A time-travel movie that may or may not have any actual time-travel in it, Colin Trevorrow’s Safety Not Guaranteed is a delicate wonder of a thing. A man places an ad in a magazine asking for a time-travel companion – “Must bring your own weapons. I have only done this once before” – and the respondents slowly come to realise that all is not quite as it seems.

8. Planet of the Apes (1968)

If you haven’t seen Planet of the Apes, then the fact that I’ve put it on a list of time-travel movies is probably quite a heavy spoiler, and for that I’m sorry. But what a reveal this is – what seems at first like a silly movie about Charlton Heston being persecuted by some monkeys quickly becomes something darker and much more sinister. That new Adam Driver movie probably could have achieved something similar, if it hadn’t blabbed its big secret in the trailer.

7. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Endgame is a lot, so much so that it is effectively a time-travel movie bookended by two entirely separate movies. And, yes, it takes a lot of liberties with time-travel, from Tony Stark’s “Huh, I did it” invention to the lazy referencing of other time-travel movies as a shorthand for what the characters can do. Nevertheless, when they get to it, the film nails it. The Battle of New York is the obvious highlight, with Captain America fighting Captain America and the Hulk embarrassed by his unreconstructed former self, but the heart of the film really comes when Tony meets his father as a man and learns to let go of the past.

6. Interstellar (2014)

Interstellar is also a lot. But at its core is a simple ethical quandary: would you try to save the world if it meant missing your children’s entire lives? Matthew McConaughey has to touch down on a planet during a space trip. The problem is that every hour he spends there is equal to seven years on Earth. Is the trip important enough for him to miss seeing the wonder of his children grow into adults? Technically, if you want to be fussy about this, Interstellar is a time dilation movie rather than a time-travel movie. But it gets a pass, largely because McConaughey sells the agony of the moment so beautifully.

5. Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)

There are times when Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure feels like it was written by a toddler off his face on pop. But that’s a deliberate ploy, a way to camouflage all the careful rigour that underpins the script. The lead characters are initially reluctant to embark on their time-travel adventure, until they’re visited by versions of themselves from the near future who compel them to do it; a beautiful and hilarious example of predestination in action. Extra points are awarded thanks to the film’s total lack of interest in consequences. Swiping Abraham Lincoln and Napoleon from their respective eras has no bearing on world history whatsoever, which is probably quite lucky.

4. Looper (2012)

One problem with time-travel movies is that the rules always need to be explained upfront. In lesser hands, this can lead to all manner of clunky, stilted exposition. But when Rian Johnson dabbled in the genre with Looper , he gave us a masterclass in “show, don’t tell”. The sequence where poor Paul Dano’s character is tortured at two different points in time simultaneously, with the older version following instructions carved into the younger version’s arm, is arguably one of the most inventive uses of time-travel in the entire history of cinema. All that plus this is Bruce Willis’s last truly great performance.

3. The Terminator (1984)/Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

The lure of the first two Terminator movies were the killer robots running around murdering everyone. But they were very smartly built around a framework of pure time-travel. We only see the future in brief flashes, but what’s important is the present. It is very, very important that Kyle Reese (a guy from the future) has sex with Sarah Connor (a woman from the present), because only that will save humanity as we know it. It’s a hell of a pickup line, but the device also elevates what could have simply been a shonky B-movie into the realm of the classics.

2. Idiocracy (2006)

The smartest time-travel movies use the device as a mirror, telling us more about the times we live in now than the times the characters visit. Enter Idiocracy, Mike Judge’s stinging satire about modern times. An average person is cryogenically frozen and wakes up in the future, shocked to discover that the global IQ has fallen off a cliff in the intervening years. Surrounded by aggressive stupidity, he single-handedly saves the US from famine by suggesting that they use water – and not an electrolyte drink – to grow crops. We are conservatively 15 years from this happening in real life.

1. Back to the Future (1985)/Back to the Future Part II (1989)

The only conceivable first choice. The first two Back to the Future films (the third, which is basically just a western, is far less imaginative) have come to define time-travel as a genre. They deliver a complex set of hard sci-fi rules about what can and cannot happen during time-travel and – miraculously – manage to do it in a way that kids can understand. Good music, cool clothes, a million catchphrases and, in the case of the second film, an unnervingly prescient prediction of how Donald Trump would turn out. Just perfect.

• Science fiction and fantasy films
• Back To The Future
• Avengers: Endgame
• Interstellar

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The 58 Most Anticipated Movies of 2022

T he list of the most anticipated movies of 2022 is here, so mark your calendars—though you might want to do so in pencil.

If cinephiles have learned anything over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s that release dates are but a mere suggestion amid a worldwide health crisis. For example, Death on the Nile , Kenneth Branagh’s latest installment in the ACU (that’s the Agatha Christie Universe ) was originally scheduled for release in October 2020. After multiple delays, the murder mystery starring Gal Gadot is now set to come out in February 2022. Fingers crossed, of course.

The onslaught of backlogged films is why you might notice a few repeats from last year’s most anticipated list included here. The movies that we were excited to see in 2021 still feel worth our time in 2022, including the Tom Cruise double-whammy of Top Gun: Maverick and Mission: Impossible 7 .

Ongoing pandemic-induced production delays may also explain the abundance of 2022 films whose release dates are still to be determined, including Martin Scorsese’s latest collaboration with Leonardo DiCaprio , Ari Aster’s Midsommar follow-up and most of Netflix’s upcoming slate including Rian Johnson’s Knives Out sequel. While these films are coming, the question of when they will arrive is as much of a mystery to the filmmakers as it is to the viewer.

Beyond the aforementioned anomalies, the upcoming year’s catalog of intended releases feels as close to normal as it’s been since COVID-19 closed movie theaters , torpedoing Hollywood’s bottom line nearly two years ago. You should be able to see your big blockbusters in the sweltering summer ( Jurassic World: Dominion , Black Adam ) and Academy Award fare when the leaves change in the fall ( Till , She Said ). All is almost right in the world of cinema, which is why it’s an exciting time to be a movie fan.

In 2022, you can look forward to a George Clooney-Julia Roberts rom-com, a Whitney Houston biopic, Jordan Peele’s third horror film and more than one appearance by the Batman . (Be prepared to choose your fighter in the new school vs. old school Caped Crusader debate.)

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The MCU is expected to release its much-delayed Black Panther sequel, sans the film’s star Chadwick Boseman , who died in 2020 at the age of 43 following a secret battle with colon cancer. Mads Mikkelsen will make his debut as Gellert Grindelwald in the third Fantastic Beasts film after replacing his predecessor Johnny Depp in 2020. And James Cameron’s long-awaited promise of an Avatar sequel finally comes to fruition—13 years after the original broke box office records.

CGI-heavy spectaculars tend to dominate conversations about the state of the movie business, but there are a whole slew of indies and art house fare on the horizon that are worth seeking out when available. Keep an eye out for 2021 critical darling The Worst Person in the World when it hits theaters in February.

Whether you’re heading back to the theater or just taking a comfortable seat on your couch, these are the 58 movies we think you’ll be excited to see in 2022:

Scream (Jan. 14)

Scary movie fans might enjoy the soft reboot of the 1996 original, which has Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) imparting her final girl wisdom to a group of teens with their own curious connections to the original Woodsboro murders.

Aline (Jan. 21)

This fictionalized and rather unhinged take on Celine Dion’s life, which made its debut at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival , has director and star Valérie Lemercier playing a stand-in for the French-Canadian singer named Aline Dieu at every stage in her life. Think The Irishman for the “My Heart Will Go On” set.

Moonfall (Feb. 4)

A NASA executive, an astronaut, and a conspiracy theorist travel to outer space. No, it’s not the beginning of a joke. It’s the premise of disaster film auteur Roland Emmerich’s new movie, in which the above-mentioned trio, played by Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson, and Game of Thrones ’ John Bradley , try to stop the moon from crashing into Earth.

The Worst Person in the World (Feb. 4)

Love her or hate her, Norwegian director Joachim Trier ’s modern romantic dramedy forces you to consider what his protagonist Julie (Renate Reinsve) wants as she embarks on a four-year-long journey towards self discovery, (possibly) at the expense of the two men she’s dating.

Marry Me (Feb. 11)

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Jennifer Lopez plays a pop star who, after being publicly humiliated by her famous fiancé (Maluma), decides to marry a stranger (Owen Wilson). It’s the kind of throwback rom-com you just may risk it all for.

Death on the Nile (Feb. 11)

Hercule Poirot is back in the long (long) awaited sequel to 2017’s Murder on the Orient Express . This time around, Agatha Christie’s fictional Belgium detective, played by the film’s director Kenneth Branagh , is tasked with solving a murder while on vacation in Egypt. Work-life balance? He doesn’t know the meaning of it.

Read more: The 10 Best Movies of 2021

The Batman (March 4)

There’s something in the way Robert Pattinson ’s Bruce Wayne flies off the handle that lets viewers know director Matt Reeves might be willing to take his Dark Knight to even darker places than his predecessors. Case in point: Paul Dano ’s The Riddler. The There Will Be Blood actor’s take on the classic Batman villain feels more Zodiac killer than Jim Carrey’s merry prankster .

Turning Red (March 11)

An overachieving 13-year-old named Meilin “Mei” Lee (Rosalie Chiang) must learn to control her anger or else she’ll turn into a red panda in director Domee Shi’s full-length debut for Pixar—and the follow-up to her Academy Award-winning short film, Bao .

Downton Abbey: A New Era (March 18)

The Crawleys and the rest of the upstairs-downstairs gang’s all here in the second film based on the beloved British drama — and they’re headed to the south of France for a little fun in the sun as the Roaring Twenties come to a close.

The Lost City (March 25)

Sandra Bullock plays a reclusive romance novelist who goes on a book tour with her Fabio-esque cover model (a perfectly cast Channing Tatum ), only to get caught up in a kidnapping attempt that leads them on a dangerous (and hilarious) jungle adventure.

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (April 15)

The third installment of the Harry Potter prequel series takes place in the years leading up to World War II as the globe-trotting Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and his Wizarding pals figure out how to take down two dark lords: Adolf Hitler and Gellert Grindelwald, now played by Mads Mikkelsen , a.k.a. Hannibal Lecter .

The Northman (April 22)

Director Robert Eggers ’ follow-up to his hallucinatory 2019 film The Lighthouse is a revenge thriller set in 10th century Iceland, which stars Alexander Skarsgård as a Viking prince. Best casting ever?

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (April 22)

Nicolas Cage plays a “stylized” version of himself in this surreal comedy in which “Nic Cage” becomes a CIA informant to take down one of his superfans, a Mexican drug lord played by The Mandalorian ’s Pedro Pascal .

Legally Blonde 3 (May 22)

Mindy Kaling attempts to revive Reese Witherspoon ’s sorority girl-turned-high powered-lawyer, Elle Woods , for the post #MeToo era. What, like, it’s hard?

Top Gun: Maverick (May 27)

Tom Cruise ’s need for speed led him back to the role of Pete “Maverick” Mitchell , 36 years after he originally took to the skies. No longer the young hotshot, he’s training the next generation of the Navy’s top pilots. Notably, the new cohort includes his dearly departed friend Goose’s son, played by Miles Teller .

John Wick: Chapter 4 (May 27)

Keanu Reeves ’ iconic hitman John Wick returns in the best action movie franchise in years thanks to director (and former stuntman) Chad Stahelski’s visceral style of Gun Fu filmmaking.

Jurassic World Dominion (June 10)

Human-made dinosaurs now roam the Earth in the third installment of the Jurassic Park spinoff , which is why OG stars Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum are back to save us from ourselves. Hold onto your butts, indeed.

Lightyear (June 17)

Chris Evans goes to infinity and beyond in this Pixar animated feature where he plays the (fictional) astronaut who inspired all those Buzz Lightyear dolls .

Elvis (June 24)

Elvis Monday⚡️ Made a little something to let you good people know we are taking care of business on June 24, 2022. #Elvis #TCB pic.twitter.com/grf8IGqfw9 — Baz Luhrmann (@bazluhrmann) November 15, 2021

Romeo Montague. Jay Gatsby. Now Elvis Presley is getting the Baz Luhrmann treatment in this musical biopic, which stars Austin Butler as the “ King of Rock and Roll ” and Tom Hanks as his manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

Thor: Love and Thunder (July 8)

Move over Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman is taking Mjölnir for a spin in Taika Waititi ’s ambitious follow-up to Thor: Ragnarok , which he promises won’t just have action, but romance too . Sure!

​​ Bullet Train (July 15)

Brad Pitt goes full-on action star in this adaptation of Kotaro Isaka’s 2021 satirical novel of the same name in which he plays an assassin who finds himself on a fast moving train with four other highly motivated hit men and women. The problem is: they’ve all been given the same mission—and only one of them will make it to their destination alive.

N ope (July 22)

Here’s what we know about Jordan Peele ’s follow-up to 2019’s Us : it’s a horror movie starring Keke Palmer , Daniel Kaluuya and Steven Yeun . Sold.

Where The Crawdads Sing (July 22)

Whether it’s despite the controversy surrounding Delia Owens’ hugely popular debut novel of the same name—or because of it, this coming-of-age film about a lonely young girl living in the 1950s North Carolina marsh feels like a movie that’s bound to spark discussions.

Black Adam (July 29)

When the biggest movie star in the world, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson , makes his superhero debut, it’s a big deal. Even bigger when it’s basically the role he was born to play .

​​ Bros (Aug.12)

Billy on the Street ’s Billy Eichner is the writer and star of this history-making queer romantic comedy about two gay men who kinda, sorta fall in love.

Beast (Aug. 19)

Summer isn’t summer without a killer animal movie and this one is about a lion who has a bone to pick with Idris Elba . Let’s just hope it’s not Elba’s bones the big cat’s picking its teeth with when the credits roll.

Don’t Worry Darling (Sept. 23)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Olivia Wilde (@oliviawilde)

Olivia Wilde ’s thrillingly kinky follow-up to her 2019 directorial debut, Booksmart , stars Florence Pugh and Harry Styles as a 1950s couple who join a commune in the California desert that seems too good to be true. Turns out, it is.

Mission: Impossible 7 (Sept. 30)

Not much is known about the follow-up to 2018’s Mission: Impossible – Fallout —but viewers should expect Tom Cruise to pull off another death defying stunt in the name of cinema.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One) (Oct. 7)

The multiverse is open and Miles Morales is ready to explore the worlds of the other Spider-men, women and one pig he met in the awe-inspiring Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse .

Till (Oct. 7)

Chinonye Chukwu’s follow-up to her 2019 debut, Clemency , focuses on Emmett Till ’s mom, Mamie Till-Mobley, and her fight for justice after the 1955 lynching of her 14-year-old son.

Halloween Ends (Oct. 14)

It’s Michael Myers vs. Jamie Lee Curtis’ Laurie Strode in the final installment of David Gordon Green’s Halloween trilogy, which the director teased will be a tribute to the 1978 slasher film’s mastermind John Carpenter.

Ticket to Paradise (Oct. 21)

An estranged couple, played by George Clooney and Julia Roberts , band together in hopes of convincing their daughter not to marry a man she just met and repeat the same mistake they made 25 years earlier. Funnily enough, it’s been just as long since Clooney last starred in a rom-com.

The Flash (Nov. 4)

Michael Keaton is Batman in this much anticipated DC superhero standalone that has Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) pinballing through space and time in order to prevent his mother’s murder.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Nov. 11)

Chadwick Boseman is gone, but his boundary-breaking performance as Black Panther will never be forgotten. His co-star Angela Bassett promises that the Ryan Coogler -directed sequel will honor its late star — fans expect nothing less.

She Said (Nov. 18)

For fans of Spotlight : Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan play New York Times journalists Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor in the drama inspired by the women’s 2019 book of the same name that looks at how their reporting led to the downfall of former Hollywood megaproducer Harvey Weinstein .

Avatar 2 (Dec. 16)

Whether you loved Avatar or thought James Cameron’s effects-heavy blockbuster was overrated, the fact that this sequel is finally coming out, 13 years after the original, is reason enough to be intrigued. Also intriguing? The choice to stick with that same font .

I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Dec. 23)

Whitney Houston gets the biopic treatment, courtesy of Harriet director Kasi Lemmons .

Babylon (Dec. 25)

Damien Chazelle ’s latest showstopper stars Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie as Hollywood legends trying to navigate the industry as it transitions from silent movies to talkies.

The Adam Project (TBD)

Mark Ruffalo reunites with his 13 Going on 30 costar Jennifer Garner for this mysterious sci-fi thriller from Free Guy director Shawn Levy and Netflix, which also stars Ryan Reynolds and Zoe Saldaña.

Adam Sandler’s Netflix Films (TBD)

The Sandman returns to the streamer with two new films: Hustle , a comedy about a down-on-his-luck basketball scout (Sandler) who tries to turn a once-in-a-lifetime overseas talent into an NBA star. And Spaceman, a sci-fi movie inspired by Jaroslav Kalfař’s 2017 novel, Spaceman in Bohemia , in which the Uncut Gems actor plays an astronaut on a desperate mission to escape his past.

Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood (TBD)

Richard Linklater ’s animated feature, which will be available on Netflix, covers the 1969 moon landing from two perspectives: the astronauts who made history and an excited kid who watched them do it.

Beauty (TBD)

This Lena Waithe -penned queer drama for Netflix looks at a gifted young Black woman (played by Gracie Marie Bradley), who, after getting a big record deal, has to fight to keep her voice.

The Bubble (TBD)

Judd Apatow heads to Netflix with a comedy about a group of actors who are stuck quarantining together as they finish filming a movie amid the pandemic. The ensemble cast includes Karen Gillan, Leslie Mann, David Duchovny, Fred Armisen, Keegan-Michael Key, Pedro Pascal and Borat Subsequent Moviefilm ’s Maria Bakalova.

Day Shift (TBD)

Jamie Foxx is a pool cleaner by day, vampire hunter by night in this Netflix sci-fi film.

Disappointment Blvd. (TBD)

Ari Aster teams up with Joaquin Phoenix for the horror-comedy follow-up to his much-memed 2019 film, Midsommar .

Escape From Spiderhead (TBD)

Chris Hemsworth tries his hand at sci-fi in Netflix’s adaptation of George Saunders ’ 2010 New Yorker article of the same name.

The Gray Man (TBD)

Ryan Gosling’s first film in three years casts him as a former CIA operative who is on the run from a former CIA agent (Chris Evans) hellbent on taking him down in the Netflix thriller directed by Avengers: Endgame directors Anthony and Joe Russo.

Killers of the Flower Moon (TBD)

Martin Scorsese and his go-to stars, Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, reunite for an adaptation of David Grann’s nonfiction book about the mysterious Osage tribe murders in the 1920s that led to the birth of the FBI.

After an agoraphobic tech worker, played by Zoë Kravitz , witnesses a violent murder, she’s forced to face her fear of leaving her home amid the COVID-19 pandemic in this Steven Soderbergh -directed thriller for HBO Max.

Knives Out 2 (TBD)

Daniel Craig and his Kentucky Fried accent are back to solve another murder in the star-studded follow-up to Rian Johnson’s 2019 murder mystery set to stream on Netflix. Honestly, it might be easier to name which Hollywood celebs aren’t in this one.

Luckiest Girl Alive (TBD)

Netflix’s adaptation of Jessica Knoll ’s 2015 thriller of the same name stars Mila Kunis as Ani FaNelli, a woman who reinvented herself following a series of teenage tragedies, which are now coming back to haunt her after a documentary filmmaker starts asking questions.

The Mother (TBD)

The Netflix thriller casts Jennifer Lopez as a deadly assassin who has come out of retirement to protect the daughter she gave up years earlier.

The Pale Blue Eye (TBD)

Hostiles director Scott Copper reteams with Christian Bale for this Netflix gothic thriller about a series of murders that took place at West Point in 1830—and may have a connection to a young cadet who would later become Edgar Allan Poe.

Persuasion (TBD)

The Jane Austen hive should get hyped for the Netflix adaptation of the author’s final completed novel starring Dakota Johnson as the melancholic Anne Elliot.

The School for Good and Evil (TBD)

Paul Feig heads to Netflix for an adaptation of Soman Chainani’ s 2013 YA fantasy novel of the same name about an enchanted school that trains its students to be heroes or villains.

Wendell and Wild (TBD)

The comedy duo of Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key play two demon brothers trying to scheme their way out of hell in the Netflix stop motion movie from Coraline director Henry Selick.

White Noise (TBD)

Noah Baumbach’s follow-up to Marriage Story has him reteaming with Netflix and that film’s star Adam Driver (as well as his real-life partner Greta Gerwig ) for an adaptation of the 1985 Don DeLillo novel of the same name.

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'The Adam Project' & 9 Best Time Travel Movies on Netflix

For more mind-bending time travel adventures.

Read update

No matter the time period, time travel movies have always been popular. Whether it is the latest Ryan Reynolds and Netflix collaboration The Adam Project or the sci-fi action masterpiece The Terminator , time travel fans are spoiled for choice. Netflix in particular has plenty of great movies in the genre worth visiting, and some of the best time travel movies on Netflix will have you watching them over and over again.

In Netflix time travel movie The Adam Project , Ryan Reynolds plays a fighter pilot from the future, who crash lands in the present and meets his 12-year-old self. Together they must save the world in a journey that harkens back to Amblin classics from the 1980s while featuring some great needle drops.

Time travel stories have always been a popular narrative choice, with the highest-grossing film of all time, Avengers: Endgame , fitting in the genre. Videogames such as Mortal Kombat 11 also use time travel to great effect. But with The Adam Project being a Netflix original, there are more time travel movies on Netflix to watch after seeing Reynolds quip his way through another memorable performance.

Updated on May 28, 2023, by Ty Weinert:

10 'naked' (2017).

Rob ( Marlon Wayans ) is about to marry the girl of his dreams, Megan ( Regina Hall ). But after a night out with his best friend results in Rob waking up naked in an elevator, he must race to the altar to make it in time. Failing that, Rob wakes up again in the elevator, realizing he is trapped in a time loop and must relive the hour over and over again.

Working like a mix of The Hangover and Groundhog Day , Naked will appeal to anyone who enjoyed those screwball comedies. While it is not one of the best time loop movies , it still offers some laughs and is a good enough way to kill an afternoon on the couch.

Watch on Netflix

9 'Captain Nova' (2021)

Like The Adam Project , Captain Nova follows a fighter pilot who is sent back in time to stop a catastrophe. Nova ( Kika Van De Vijver ) finds herself transformed into her younger self due to her journey through time, however, making it hard for adults to take her seriously as she warns them of the dangers to come.

Hailing from the Netherlands, Captain Nova makes for a nice change from the American movies that dominate the time travel genre on Netflix. Due to its protagonist's youthful transformation, Captain Nova is a kid-friendly take on the formula and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

8 'See You Yesterday' (2019)

Produced by legendary director Spike Lee , See You Yesterday follows two teenage scientists, who are attempting to create a time machine. After one of their older brothers is killed in a police shooting, the pair activate their machine to travel to the past and save him.

While still following the conventions of time travel movies, See You Yesterday stands out with a plot that focuses on relevant social issues. By bringing light to matters that are still plaguing society four years after release, the film is a unique choice within the time travel Netflix catalog.

7 'In the Shadow of the Moon' (2019)

Beginning in 1988, In the Shadow of the Moon follows Thomas Lockhart ( Boyd Holbrook ), a police officer determined to become a detective. When his city is plagued by a serial killer, Lockhart begins investigating, eventually discovering the killer comes back every nine years. As the case deepens, time travel eventually becomes a factor.

In the Shadow of the Moon feels like a callback to the detective thrillers of the '90s, like Se7en . While it does tend to lose focus as more outrageous plot points are introduced, In the Shadow of the Moon remains a solid choice for anyone looking to discover their next crime obsession.

6 'Synchronic' (2019)

Another quality entry in acclaimed duo Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson 's trippy shared universe , Synchronic stars Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan as paramedics and lifelong friends. After a new drug sweeps their city, resulting in the deaths of its users, the pair investigates after Dornan's daughter goes missing.

The film delves into time travel in ways that will not be spoiled here, but needless to say Synchronic is a trippy film with a central mystery that unravels over time. Both leads excel in their roles and share great chemistry, with Mackie, in particular, delivering a fantastic performance that shows what he can offer when given more meaty roles outside the MCU.

5 'ARQ' (2016)

Waking up to intruders breaking into his home, an engineer ( Robbie Amell ) finds himself trapped within a time loop. With each death sending him back to the start of the invasion, he works to defeat his pursuers and escape with his lover ( Rachael Taylor ).

ARQ works as a sci-fi spin on films such as Happy Death Day , with the audience learning new information alongside the protagonist with each subsequent loop and eventual death. While not as charming as Happy Death Day , ARQ still offers an enjoyable take on the genre.

4 'When We First Met' (2018)

When We First Met follows Adam DeVine , of Workaholics fame, as he repeatedly goes back in time to try and win over the girl of his dreams ( Alexandra Daddario ). Being a romantic comedy, the film stands apart from other time travel movies that focus on more serious consequences.

While We First Met does not offer much new to the genre, though DeVine gives an admirable performance to help carry the film. Fans of his stand-up or the aforementioned Workaholics should have a good time watching his numerous attempts to escape the hellish nightmare called "the friend zone."

3 'Long Story Short' (2021)

Waking up the morning after his wedding to discover that his life is jumping forward in time every few minutes, Teddy ( Rafe Spall ) is forced to use his dwindling time to stay with the woman he loves. With every jump causing them to drift further apart, time is running out for the bumbling lead.

Like When We First Met , Long Story Short uses time travel in a romantic comedy , albeit in a more urgent way. The Australian film was directed by Josh Lawson , known to audiences as Kano, the best part of the recent Mortal Kombat film.

2 'The Adam Project' (2022)

When fighter pilot Adam Reed (Ryan Reynolds) travels from 2050 to 2012, he is forced to work together with his 12-year-old self in order to get back home and save his deceased wife Laura ( Zoe Saldana ). The two Adams end up going on a journey full of heart and humor as they travel through time.

The latest in the long line of big-budget blockbusters on Netflix, The Adam Project is one of the best free movies you can access on the service. Reynolds is always a charming lead, and along with Saldana, they are supported by a winning cast that includes Mark Ruffalo , Jennifer Garner , and Catherine Keener .

1 'Mirage' (2018)

When Vera ( Adriana Ugarte ) and her family move into a new home, they discover that a boy died there thirty years ago. Finding a way to communicate with the boy in the past, Vera warns him of his death and saves his life, only to change the flow of time in the process.

As the best time travel movie Netflix has to offer, Mirage is a compelling mystery thriller from Spain. As more circumstances of the boy's death emerge, greater narrative threads are pulled into this time-bending journey, with Ugarte delivering a great performance as the central character.

NEXT: The Best Time Travel Movies Ever Made, Ranked

Biggest Upcoming Movies of 2024: Theatrical and Streaming Release Dates

Not much marvel and not much dc, but plenty to be excited about..

After 2023’s double Hollywood strike scrambled production schedules, a variety of movies (and TV shows) were delayed and/or saw their planned release dates changed. That means that in 2024 we’re only getting one new MCU movie – Deadpool 3 – though really, Marvel Studios probably needed a bit of a breather anyway. DC also will only see one new movie released in Joker: Folie à Deux, but that’s more to do with the switch to the new James Gunn Universe than because of the strikes.

Elsewhere, there’s a host of new titles to be excited about this year, including the long-awaited arrival of Dune: Part Two – the success of which has all but guaranteed a third film – Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Abigail (a modern riff on Dracula's Daughter from the guys who made Ready or Not), a new Planet of the Apes movie, the return of Furiosa (w/o Mad Max!), and much more.

Read on for the 2024 movies we’re most excited about, and don’t forget all release dates are subject to change…

The Biggest Movies Coming in 2024

Theatrical Releases

Godzilla x kong: the new empire.

US Date: March 29

There’ve been a lot of would-be shared universes that have come and gone in the wake of the MCU, but somehow it’s Legendary Pictures’ MonsterVerse that has persevered among them all, racking up at this point five movies and a TV show. (Perhaps that’s the key? Don’t glut the market with product.) In the confusingly titled Godzilla x Kong , the two monster-bros must team up to face a new giant threat, while the humans of the cast (Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens) work to not annoy us while we wait for the monster fights to happen. You're Next and The Guest's Adam Wingard directs.

US Date: April 5

Dev Patel directs, stars in, and co-writes the revenge thriller Monkey Man from Jordan Peele's Monkeypaw Productions about a young man who works in an underground fight club exacting revenge on the bad guys who are responsible for his mother's death. Sharlto Copley (District 9, The A-Team) and Bollywood star Pitobash co-star.

US Date: April 12

Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Annihilation, Dredd) writes and directs this dystopian political thriller about journalists traveling across the United States during a Second American Civil War - between the American government and the separatist "Western Forces," led by Texas and California. Kirsten Dunst and Wagner Moura star, along with Devs' Nick Offerman, Cailee Spaeny, and Stephen McKinley Henderson.

Sasquatch Sunset

Riley Keough, Jesse Eisenberg, Christophe Zajac-Denek and Nathan Zellner star in Sasquatch Sunset , which follows a family of Bigfoots. Our reviewer Clint Gage gave the film a 10 out of Sundance, saying it's "an emotional masterpiece of experimental cinema and fart jokes."

US Date: April 19

Universal has been trying to get a new take on their Classic Monsters going for a while – remember the Dark Universe franchise that lasted for one movie ? Abigail comes from the Radio Silence Productions team of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett and Chad Villella (Ready or Not, the recent Scream films) and is reportedly a riff on 1936’s Dracula’s Daughter, featuring “a group of kidnappers who abduct a band of young people, one of whom ends up being the titular character.” Radio Silence favorite Melissa Barrera, from the trio's two Scream films, stars alongside Alisha Weir, Dan Stevens, and Giancarlo Esposito.

Challengers

US Date: April 26

Judging by the Challengers trailer, director Luca Guadagnino weaves a lighter tale than his 2022 film Bones and All. But looks – and trailers – can be deceiving. Challengers is the story of a married couple of tennis pros (Zendaya and Mike Faist). When the struggling husband must compete in a low-end “Challenger” event, he finds himself playing against his ex-best friend – who also happens to be his wife’s ex-boyfriend (Josh O’Connor).

The Fall Guy

US Date: May 3

Former stuntman David Leitch (John Wick, Deadpool 2) joins with former Mouseketeer Ryan Gosling to make a movie about a stuntman which also happens to be based on the 1980s Lee Majors TV show of the same name. Judging by the trailer, The Fall Guy looks to be shooting for that fun mix of action, comedy and romance as Gosling’s character is called off-set to investigate a real-life mystery, all in service of saving his would-be girlfriend (and film director) Emily Blunt’s latest movie.

Back to Black

US Date: May 17

Taking its title, of course, from the second and final studio album by Amy Winehouse, Back to Black stars Marisa Abela as the singer/songwriter in a biopic that traces her early work as a Camden jazz musician to her success as a Grammy-winner. Sam Taylor-Johnson (Nowhere Boy) directs.

John Krasinski’s directorial follow-up to A Quiet Place and A Quiet Place Part II is IF, which stars Ryan Reynolds, Fiona Shaw, Cailey Fleming, Louis Gossett Jr., and Alan Kim, plus a host of other actors who will be providing their voices (Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Steve Carell, Matt Damon, Emily Blunt and more). The film’s title stands for Imaginary Friend, but these aren’t just teddy bears (see Imaginary, opening in March) but rather imaginary friends who have been abandoned once the children who dreamt them up grew to adulthood and moved on. The film will be a mix of live-action, CGI and melted marshmallow monstrosity.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

US Date: May 24

The last time we met up with those damned, dirty apes was in 2017’s War for the Planet of the Apes, which effectively ended the story of Andy Serkis’ Caesar. But now director Wes Ball (The Maze Runner trilogy) will continue the story of the apes generations after Caesar. The trailer for the film looks great, but will Kingdom achieve the heights of the Serkis movies? One can only hope. Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand and William H. Macy star.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

Charlize Theron’s powerhouse character from Fury Road gets a prequel in George Miller’s Furiosa , with Anya Taylor-Joy taking over the role as the young woman who is torn from her tribe and forced into servitude by Immortan Joe and his awfuls. Chris Hemsworth also appears, only ugly, as a warlord of the road called Dementus. The first trailer for the film makes it look perhaps too much like Fury Road, but if anyone has earned our goodwill it’s Miller, so let’s see where this all goes.

The Garfield Movie

Might as well make a new Garfield theatrical movie, this time a fully animated one. In which case, might as well have Chris Pratt voice the famously lazy cat from Jim Davis' comic strip. That’s who we have handed vocal duties for all our beloved characters now, right? What We Do in the Shadows’ Harvey Guillén voices Odie the dog, Samuel L. Jackson takes on Vic, Garfield's long-lost cat dad, and Hannah Waddingham, Ving Rhames, Nicholas Hoult, Cecily Strong, Harvey Guillén, Brett Goldstein and Bowen Yang also are part of the cast.

US Date: June 7

A (sacrilegious, to some) Crow reboot has been in the works for the last two decades and now it's finally arrived with IT's Bill Skarsgård in the iconic Eric Draven role (and singer FKA Twigs as the doomed Shelly). Will this version be going for a more direct adaptation, from James O'Barr's famed comic series, or will it follow the blueprint of the 1994 Alex Proyas film? Danny Huston, Isabella Wei, and Laura Birn co-star.

Inside Out 2

US Date: June 14

Amy Poehler returns as Joy for Inside Out 2, but Riley, the girl Joy and her fellow emotions live inside, is now a teenager… which means Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust have to make room for Anxiety (Maya Hawke) and maybe/almost certainly a host of new, disruptive emotions. Kelsey Mann takes over the director's chair for this sequel from Inside Out’s (and Pixar mainstay) Pete Docter.

The third film in the Bad Boys series, Bad Boys for Life, was released in 2020 (and did much better than expected), so Bad Boys 4 – which is not the final title of the film – is coming fairly quickly considering the 17-year gap between Bad Boy 2 and Bad Boys 3, and the eight-year gap between the first film and the second. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are of course back again, with Bad Boys for Life and Ms. Marvel directors Adil & Bilall also returning for more fun.

The Bikeriders

US Date: June 21

Inspired by a '60s photo-book, The Bikeriders stars Killing Eve/Free Guy's Jodie Comer along with Austin Butler, Michael Shannon, Norman Reedus, and Tom Hardy. Directed by Midnight Special's Jeff Nichols, the film follows the rise of a fictional Chicago outlaw motorcycle club as it evolves into a violent organized crime syndicate.

A Quiet Place: Day One

US Date: June 28

Director Michael Sarnoski left an impression with 2021's Nic Cage drama Pig, and he’s certainly an interesting choice for this prequel/spin-off to the John Krasinski/Emily Blunt horror series. Lupita Nyong'o, Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things' Eddie Munson!), Alex Wolff and Djimon Hounsou star in the film, which will presumably fill in some of the blanks regarding the nasty aliens from the first two installments (though Part II did already give us a flashback to the start of their invasion).

Horizon: An American Saga

US Dates: Chapter 1: June 28, Chapter 2: Aug. 16

Kevin Costner loves himself some epic Westerns (He did win Best Picture, Director and Actor Oscars for Dances With Wolves after all!) and so he’s back with “a two-part theatrical event” that he directed, stars in, produced, and reportedly also financed himself . Truly, the American way! Set both before and after the Civil War, the film is about the expansion of the American West, with Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, Michael Rooker, Danny Huston, Luke Wilson and many more familiar faces filling out the cast.

Despicable Me 4

US Date: July 3

It was February of 2022 when Illumination and Universal announced Despicable Me 4’s release date of July 3, 2024, and while not much has been heard about the film since – we don’t even have a trailer – the sixth film in the series (don’t forget the two Minions movies) seems like an inevitability. Reportedly, Steve Carell will be back as former supervillain Gru, joined by Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin, Miranda Cosgrove and Steve Coogan.

US Date: July 5

The third film in Ti West's X trilogy, after X and Pearl, once again stars Mia Goth (who is also a producer along with West) as Maxine, the sole survivor of the first film who is now living in the Los Angles of the 1980s and ready to take her porn career to the next level.

US Date: July 12

Osgood Perkins (The Blackcoat's Daughter, Gretel & Hansel, son of Psycho's Anthony Perkins) directs Nicolas Cage and It Follows/The Guest's Maika Monroe in the story of a rookie FBI agent (Monroe) assigned to an unsolved serial killings case overflowing with evidence of the occult. Longlegs also features Alicia Witt and Blair Underwood.

US Date: July 19

You wanna see cows getting sucked up by tornadoes on the big screen, right? Of course you do! (And we also all hope that the cows will be just fine afterward.) And hence, Twisters was born – the 28-years-later sequel to the memorable Bill Paxton/Helen Hunt disaster flick Twister. Normal People’s Daisy Edgar-Jones will star in the film, with Lee Isaac Chung, who was Oscar-nominated for 2020’s Minari, directing. Getting an Oscar nom is one thing, but successfully getting a cow to spin in a tornado while your leads make wisecracks? That will take true talent.

Deadpool & Wolverine

US Date: July 26

Yep, Marvel Studios has just one movie coming out in 2024, and it’s the third entry in a series that didn’t even used to be part of the MCU! That said, Deadpool doesn’t really play by regular universe rules anyway. And if the leaks from this film’s set are to be believed, that will continue to be the case as all manner of non-MCU Marvel characters could show up here. That includes Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, who teams with Ryan Reynolds’ Wade Wilson again after their unfortunate meeting in X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

Borderlands

US Date: Aug. 9

Director Eli Roth (Hostel, Thanksgiving) brings the intergalactic Mad Max-inspired game franchise to the big screen with Cate Blanchett starring as the super siren, Lilith - alongside Kevin Hart as Roland, Jamie Lee Curtis as Dr. Tannis, Barbie and Ahsoka's Ariana Greenblatt as Tiny Tina, Gina Gershon as Mad Moxxi, Florian Munteanu as Krieg, Janina Gavankar as Commander Knoxx, and Jack Black voicing Claptrap. “I didn't want to have to be too slavish [to the game],” Roth told IGN in November. “I didn't just want to film the game. We wanted to tell a great story on its own, but of course it's loaded with Easter eggs for the fans.”

Alien: Romulus

US Date: Aug. 16

How many Alien movies does this make now? Not counting the Alien vs. Predator films (why would you?), Alien: Romulus is the seventh installment. (There’s also a TV series currently in the works.) Directed by Fede Álvarez (Evil Dead 2013, Don’t Breathe), Romulus is set between the first movie and the second, which actually gives the filmmaker a wide time period to play with (since – pushes up glasses – Ripley was in cryogenic sleep for 57 years when Aliens opens). Not much else is known about the film at this point, but Cailee Spaeny (Priscilla) will star.

Kraven the Hunter

US Date: Aug. 30

The second film from Sony's Spider-Man Universe to be released in 2024, Kraven the Hunter has been a long time coming, having previously been scheduled for January 2023, and then October. But the latest attempt at turning a Spider-Man villain into an anti-hero is finally arriving this summer, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson playing the title role, a master hunter who also has superpowers. Will the film connect to Spider-Man in any meaningful way? Probably not, judging by how Morbius and the Venom films have gone, but we’ll have to wait and see.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

US Date: Sept. 6

Michael Keaton already came back as Batman, so why not as Betelgeuse? That he’s teaming with original Beetlejuice (and Batman!) director Tim Burton only makes this sequel sound more intriguing. Wednesday creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar wrote the script, and the star of that show, Jenna Ortega, will also appear in the film alongside original cast members Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara. Willem Dafoe, Monica Bellucci and Justin Theroux will also be hanging with the ghost with the most for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, which comes 36 years after the first film.

Transformers One

US Date: Sept. 13

The animated Transformers One is an origin story for everyone's favorite robots in disguise that is being directed by Josh Cooley (Toy Story 4). Chris Hemsworth voices a young Optimus Prime opposite a presumably also young Megatron (Brian Tyree Henry) in a story that depicts how the two went from allies to legendary foes destined for toy shelves everywhere. Also starring are Scarlett Johansson (Elita), Keegan-Michael Key (Bumblebee), Jon Hamm (Sentinel Prime) and Laurence Fishburne (Alpha Trion).

US Date: Sept. 27

The first Saw movie debuted in 2004 and was such a hit that a sequel came every year after through 2010. There was a seven-year break after that (Jigsaw fatigue, don't you know), but there have been three films since then, including Saw X from September 2023. That movie made about $107 million, and so we’re back on the yearly schedule (for now anyway) with Saw XI coming in September 2024. Will the long-dead Jigsaw return again ? Probably!

Joker: Folie à Deux

US Date: Oct. 4

Hey, like Marvel Studios, DC also only has one movie coming out this year! (Unlike Marvel Studios, however, this one isn’t a part of their shared universe.) Joaquin Phoenix returns as the Joker along with the previous film’s director Todd Phillips, and this time they have a not-so-secret weapon joining them in Lady Gaga, who will be playing Harley Quinn in the sequel. The original Joker came out in 2019 and was supposed to be a one-off, but it’s funny how that can change after you bring in a billion dollars worldwide and win a couple of Oscars (including Best Actor for Phoenix).

US Date: Oct. 18

2022’s Smile was an unlikely horror hit, moving from a planned streaming debut on Paramount+ to a bona fide $200 million-plus theatrical release. So you can bet your pearly whites that a sequel is coming, and that it’ll be perfectly timed to a Halloween release as well. Parker Finn, who made his feature debut with the first film, returns to direct Smile 2, though few other details are known about the project at this time.

Venom: The Last Dance

US Date: Oct 25

Here’s the third and final film of the year in the awkwardly named Sony's Spider-Man Universe line-up, and it’s also the one that has the best chance at success. Tom Hardy’s first two Venom movies were over the top but fun, and there’s no denying the appeal of this character to fans. Hardy’s back of course as the dual-personality man-monster, joined this time out by Juno Temple and Chiwetel Ejiofor, though it remains to be seen what roles they’ll play. You can bet at least one of them will be bonded with a symbiote though.

US Date: Oct. 25

Leigh Whannell nailed his Universal Monster redo The Invisible Man in 2020, and now he’s got a Wolf Man take in the works with Blumhouse producing. Christopher Abbott (Poor Things) stars, replacing Ryan Gosling in what will presumably be the hairy title role.

The Amateur

US Date: Nov. 8

Rami Malek stars in this thriller from director James Hawes, which is based on the novel of the same name by Robert Littell. The book was previously made into a 1981 film that starred John Savage and Christopher Plummer. The Amateur’s plot deals with a CIA cryptographer whose wife is killed in a terrorist attack, and the lengths he goes to for revenge, including blackmailing his employer.

Paddington in Peru

Man, you people really love Paddington. Surprisingly, though, it's been seven years since Paddington 2. The previous film's director, Paul King, was busy making Wonka with Timothée Chalamet, so new helmer Dougal Wilson steps in for his feature debut. In this installment, Paddington and the Brown family do indeed visit Peru, though Emily Mortimer takes over as Mrs. Brown, replacing Sally Hawkins. Ben Whishaw is back as the voice of Paddington, as is Hugh Bonneville as Henry Brown. Other cast members include Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas.

Gladiator 2

US Date: Nov. 22

It’s hard to believe this movie is actually happening. Sure, we’ve heard talk about it for years, but the first Gladiator was such a big deal back in 2000 – it even became a running gag on The Sopranos at one point – and the Ridley Scott film ended so definitively, and beautifully, that a sequel always seemed like it ran the risk of becoming too much of a good thing. It still does, as a matter of fact, but Scott is back to direct all the same from a script by David Scarpa, who also wrote Napoleon and All the Money in the World for the helmer. The story focuses on Lucius (Paul Mescal), Connie Nielsen’s son from the first film who is now an adult and, presumably, ready to do some gladiator-ing . Nielsen is back for the sequel and Denzel Washington also stars.

US Date: Nov. 27

Moana 2 is coming this November and it sure came as a shock when it was announced just this past February . Given how massively huge Moana has been for Disney+, the decision was made to convert and rework what was to be a Moana animated series into a solid theatrical sequel. Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson will reprise their roles as Moana and demigod Maui, respectively, for an all new roaring adventure.

With a puff of red smoke, the musical Wicked is teleporting to the big screen in this adaptation from director Jon M. Chu (In the Heights). A retelling of how Elphaba Thropp (Cynthia Erivo) became the Wicked Witch of the West of Wizard of Oz infamy unfolds here, with Ariana Grande playing Galinda Upland (destined to be the Good Witch). This first film is also known as Wicked: Part One, with Part Two currently scheduled for a November 26, 2025, release.

Untitled Karate Kid Movie

US Date: Dec. 13

For this film, Ralph Macchio, the OG KK, is teaming with Jackie Chan, who starred in the 2010 “reimagining” of The Karate Kid – which I guess is now just part of the bigger Karate Kid Cinematic Universe. The pair will play their characters from their respective films, but conspicuous by its absence in the announcement of this movie was any mention of the gang from the Cobra Kai TV show – especially William Zabka's Johnny Lawrence. Sony says a “global search” is underway to find the new Karate Kid who will presumably be trained by Chan and Macchio here. Just give us a high-school-karate-rumble or we riot… with a high-school-karate-rumble, I guess.

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim

Kenji Kamiyama (Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Blade Runner: Black Lotus) directs this animated feature, which reportedly takes place about 200 years before The Hobbit. Brian Cox will voice Helm Hammerhand, the King of Rohan, the namesake of what we all recognize as… Helm’s Deep! (Hey, I have that LEGO set.) Confusingly, this film has nothing to do with The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power TV show (that takes place in Middle-earth’s second age) other than being based on a small sliver of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work.

Mufasa: The Lion King

US Date: Dec. 20

This prequel to Disney's "live-action" The Lion King comes from Oscar-winning director Barry Jenkins (Moonlight, The Underground Railroad), and tells of the earlier lives of Mufasa and Scar (Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr.), those lion brothers who are destined for tragedy and betrayal. This is what Jenkins told IGN about the film in 2022: “I think for kids it's really important to understand that people aren't born perfect, they aren't just kings, their experiences shape them. So you can expect to go on this journey and understand how [Mufasa’s] friends, his family, his experiences shaped him and made him the person he is.”

Sonic the Hedgehog 3

The Sonic the Hedgehog world dominance continues with the third installment in the Ben Schwartz-starring live-action (with some animation, of course) series. Presumably Colleen O’Shaunnessey and Idris Elba will also be back to voice the Blue Blur’s pals Tails and Knuckles, and Shadow the Hedgehog will also make his debut in the movie. Sonic 3 is directed by Jeff Fowler, making this a Hedgehog hat trick for him.

US Date: Dec. 25

Robert Eggers, the beautiful madman behind The Witch, The Lighthouse, and most recently The Northman, is turning his attention to the horror of Nosferatu some 102 years after the original F.W. Murnau film was released. Who else but Bill Skarsgård has been cast as Count Orlok, while Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp and Aaron Taylor-Johnson are among the humans forced to deal with the vampire. Funnily enough, Willem Dafoe also appears in the film, having already played a vampiric version of actor Max Schreck (who starred as Orlok in 1922) in the fictionalized making-of Nosferatu film, Shadow of the Vampire.

Streaming Releases

Rebel moon – part two: the scargiver.

US Date: April 19, Netflix

Zack Snyder’s latest would-be franchise came from a Star Wars pitch that he had originally taken to Lucasfilm, and he has big cross-media plans for the concept. That of course includes sequels, so Part Two is already slotted for an April 2024 release. Sofia Boutella, Charlie Hunnam, Michiel Huisman, Djimon Hounsou, and Anthony Hopkins star in the story of a ruthless empire that must be defeated by a mysterious outsider.

US Date: May 21, Netflix

Jennifer Lopez, Simu Liu, Sterling K. Brown, and Mark Strong star in this Netflix sci-fi mystery about a brilliant data analyst (Lopez) with a deep distrust of artificial intelligence who joins a mission to capture a renegade robot. Brad Peyton (San Andreas, Rampage) directs.

US Date: June 7, Netflix

Richard Linklater's latest, Hit Man, tells the story of an undercover Houston cop who poses as a reliable hitman in order to arrest those trying to procure his services. Top Gun: Maverick's Glen Powell stars in, and co-writes with Linklater, this film, which is based on a 2001 Texas Monthly magazine article. Andor's Adria Arjona and Fear the Walking Dead's Austin Amelio co-star.

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

US Date: July 3, Netflix

It only took 30 years to get a fourth Beverly Hills movie off the blocks, after a lot of trying, but now Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Paul Reiser, and Bronson Pinchot are all back as Detroit police lieutenant Axel Foley returns to Beverly Hills after his estranged daughter's (Taylour Paige) life is threatened. She and Foley team up with her ex-boyfriend (Joseph Gordon-Levitt ), plus Foley's old pals, to stop the bad guys. Also starring Kevin Bacon.

A Family Affair

US Date: TBA, Netflix

Richard LaGravenese (The Fisher King, The Bridges of Madison County) helms this Netflix rom-com featuring an all-star cast, including Zac Efron, Nicole Kidman, Kathy Bates, Shirley MacLaine, Joey King, and YouTube sensation Liza Koshy. In A Family Affair, a young woman named Zara (King) works as an assistant for movie star Chris Cole (Efron) — that is until Chris falls in love with her mother (Kidman).

Back in Action

Back in Action, from Horrible Bosses' Seth Gordon, features Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, Glenn Close, Kyle Chandler, and Andrew Scott in a rollicking action-comedy about two former CIA spies, after retiring to start a family, who find themselves dragged back into the world of espionage when their cover is blown.

Jungle Cruise and Black Adam's Jaume Collet-Serra directs this thriller about a mysterious traveler (Jason Bateman) who blackmails a young TSA agent (Taron Egerton) into letting a dangerous package slip through security and onto a Christmas Day flight. Logan Marshall-Green, Dean Norris, Theo Rossi, and Descendants franchise's Sofia Carson co-star.

Already Released

US Date : Jan. 5

When I was a little kid, I was afraid to go in the pool after an ill-advised attempted viewing of Jaws. That fear lasted for a looong time (years?), so one can only imagine how folks are gonna do with the latest team-up between mega-horror-producers James Wan and Jason Blum. Night Swim stars Wyatt Russell and Kerry Condon in a tale involving a… haunted swimming pool. Sure, laugh now – and then enjoy spending the whole summer sweating in the heat at a safe distance from any refreshing, man-made watering hole.

US Date : Jan. 12

Don’t worry – it’s a musical! The trailer for the 2024 version of Mean Girls that dropped in November weirdly neglected to indicate that small fact, making it seem like an odd rehash. But indeed this film is based on the Broadway musical incarnation of the 2004 Lindsay Lohan classic. Angourie Rice (who you may recognize from the Tom Holland Spider-Man movies among other things) fills Lohan’s shoes, with Tina Fey back again as screenwriter (and as Ms. Norbury).

The Beekeeper

You know how your grandparents fell for that phishing scam that one time? Well, Jason Statham just hates that, and he’s ready to kill a lot of bad people because of it in The Beekeeper. Suicide Squad and Fury director David Ayer teams with the British badass to get revenge for the mom from The Cosby Show (Phylicia Rashad), even if that means cutting a guy's fingers off and then tying him to the back of a truck that then drives off a bridge. That’s what you get for running a call center, dude!

Soul, Turning Red, Luca

US Dates : Jan. 12, Feb. 9, March 22

These three Disney Pixar movies never got full theatrical releases in the US due to the COVID-19 pandemic, instead going straight to Disney+. But now they’ll finally make it to the big screen in the first quarter of 2024, and each will be accompanied by a short film as well (“Burrow” for Soul, “Kitbull” for Turning Red, and “For the Birds” for Luca).

US Date : Feb. 2 in theaters, Apple TV+ date TBA

How perfect is casting Henry Cavill as "Agent Argylle," a super-spy who is actually just the cartoonish creation of novelist Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard)? Matthew Vaughn certainly knows a thing or two about spy movies, and how to play with the conventions of the genre, having directed a Kingsman or three, and Argylle looks to follow suit as Conway encounters “real” spies like Sam Rockwell’s shaggy assassin. Bryan Cranston, Catherine O'Hara, John Cena, Samuel L. Jackson, Dua Lipa, and Ariana DeBose also star.

Lisa Frankenstein

US Date : Feb. 9

Diablo Cody scripted this horror comedy about a teenager (Kathryn Newton) who, you guessed it, reanimates the dead – specifically the corpse of her dreams (via a tanning machine). Directed by Zelda Williams (the late Robin Williams’ daughter), Lisa Frankenstein looks to be one part Jennifer’s Body, one part Heathers, and potentially all parts fun.

US Date : Feb. 14

2024 is going to be a light year for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with only one film being released by the studio. But don’t worry, because Sony's Spider-Man Universe, as the studio calls it, is ready to step in with three different Marvel-adjacent movies. The first of the year will be Madame Web, which stars Dakota Johnson as the psychic Cassandra Webb, Sydney Sweeney as Julia Carpenter, Celeste O'Connor as Mattie Franklin, and Isabela Merced as Anya Corazon, all of whom have assumed one Spider-persona or another in the comics. Will Madame Web break the Morbius curse and be, you know, good? Only the spider knows for now…

Drive-Away Dolls

US Date : Feb. 23

The Coen brothers are kinda making their own movies separate from one another lately, and that's OK! For his part, Ethan has this comedy up next, starring Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan as a pair of young women who hit the road in search of one of those good old “fresh starts.” Soon enough, they’re mixed up with a variety of weird and criminal types, not to mention co-stars Beanie Feldstein, Colman Domingo, Pedro Pascal, Bill Camp and Matt Damon.

Dune: Part Two

US Date : March 1

The first installment of Denis Villeneuve's Dune was a hit, and though Part Two was delayed because of the Hollywood strikes, it is now scheduled for a March release. Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya are back along with most of the first film's cast, while newcomers Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken and Léa Seydoux are all landing on planet Arrakis for the first time. We’re particularly looking forward to Butler (Elvis) as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, the role played by Sting in the 1984 film.

US Date : March 8

Imaginary friends come in all shapes and sizes, and that includes sometimes just being total assholes. Case in point: Chauncey, the teddy bear in Blumhouse’s Imaginary who, judging by the film’s trailer, has it out for the little girl who finds him in the basement of her new home. Never mind that he’s not really imaginary since he’s a corporeal, well, teddy bear and all. Suffice to say that, imaginary or not, he wants to hurt folks. DeWanda Wise and Tom Payne star in the Jeff Wadlow (Kick-Ass 2, Fantasy Island) film.

Kung Fu Panda 4

DreamWorks Animation’s fourth installment in the Kung Fu Panda series of animated films will be directed by Mike Mitchell (The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, Trolls) and Stephanie Ma Stine (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power) will serve as co-director. Jack Black returns for the film, which will be released eight years after Part 3, as his character Po faces off against a new villain named the Chameleon (Viola Davis). Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All at Once) also joins the voice cast as Han, the leader of the Den of Thieves.

US Date: March 21, Prime Video

Though Roadhouse reboot director Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity, Mr. and Mrs. Smith) pushed hard for a theatrical release (and then boycotted the SXSW premiere because of it), the latest story of zen bouncer Dalton, previously played by the late Patrick Swayze, is headed to Prime Video. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal as a former UFC fighter who ends up working at a roadhouse in the Florida Keys, Roadhouse looks to become a "regular Saturday night thing" for a whole new generation. Also starring the UFC's Conor McGregor, The Suicide Squad's Daniela Melchior, and Shrinking's Jessica Williams.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

I refuse to make a “who you gonna call” joke here, though I suppose I just did despite my best intentions. Anyway, the franchise of ghostbusting continues with a direct sequel to 2021’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife, whether or not that film’s bustin’ made you feel good, as Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, and Mckenna Grace return to action after New York City is frozen by a force from beyond. And yes, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, and even William Atherton all return from the 1984 film, though for how many minutes of actual running time remains to be seen.

What films are you most looking forward to in 2024? Let’s discuss in the comments!

Note: This story was originally posted on Dec. 31, 2023. It was updated on March 28, 2024, with the latest information available about the upcoming release slate.

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Polygon is looking ahead to the movies, shows, and books coming soon in our Spring 2024 entertainment preview package, a weeklong special issue.

Spring isn’t just a transitional time for the weather and for gardens — it’s a major transitional time for new movie releases. Studios usually devote January and some of February to wide releases of all the Oscar-bait prestige movies that got tiny awards-qualification releases in December, and to dumping the smaller movies they have no faith in. And by the beginning of May, the first round of summer blockbuster madness will hit.

But in between, there’s an anything-goes window for theatrical releases that often means some of the year’s most unpredictable films, whether it’s a horror movie about a 12-year-old vampire ballerina, a romantic sports dramedy featuring Zendaya in a three-way relationship, or a straight-faced but surreal picture about sasquatches frolicking in the Pacific Northwest. The next few months in movies are going to be strange. Here’s what Polygon is looking forward to most:

Release date: In theaters March 29

La Chimera follows a band of lovable hooligans in the hills of Italy in the 1970s, who sell statues they find in the country’s many random tombs to make their living. Beautiful, sweet, and surprisingly hilarious, La Chimera is one of the most interesting and unique movies of 2024. — Austen Goslin

The Wages of Fear

Release date: On Netflix March 29

Henri-Georges Clouzot’s original The Wages of Fear is one of the most influential thrillers of all time, winning the Palme d’Or in 1953 and spawning multiple remakes and countless homages. The movie follows a group of truckers who are hired for a dangerous mission with deadly cargo. Chaos and tension ensues. This is the third remake, but the first to come from France, with action-thriller specialist Julien Leclercq ( Braqueurs , Sentinelle ) directing and compelling action star Alban Lenoir as one of the leads. — Pete Volk

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

My man Kong has a robot power glove. My homie ’Zilla has gone Super Saiyan Rosé. The Earth? She’s hollow, and bad things are pouring out of it. When Georges Méliès was out there in France, pushing the boundaries of cinema, this was the shit he dreamed of. Why wouldn’t you be there first day? —JR

Baby Assassins 2

Release date: On digital and Blu-ray April 2

My excitement for this movie is well documented . Baby Assassins was one of my favorite movies of 2022, and I have been waiting with bated breath for the sequel. The franchise follows two teenage assassins who alternate between expressions of angst and murder. It is delightful, and contains some of the best action you’ll find in modern movies. — PV

Release date: In theaters April 5

How much of your life have you lived before? The Beast is a sci-fi movie set in a world where emotions have become dangerous, but people can search their past lives to purge them of those deadly feelings. But when Gabrielle (Léa Seydoux) undergoes the procedure, she keeps finding a connection to the same man (George MacKay) over and over again in every life. — AG

Girls State

Release date: On Apple TV Plus April 5

2020’s Boys State was one of that year’s best documentaries, following four participants in the Texas chapter of the American Legion event colloquially called Boys State: a weeklong program where high schoolers convene to build a representative government from the ground up. Girls State is directors Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine’s follow-up, moving from Texas to Missouri and following the complementary Girls State conference. (There are also co-ed Boys/Girls State versions held in some states; maybe that’ll be a third film?) Much like Boys State , Girls State promises to be a way to look at our political processes sideways, through the eyes of young people learning to participate in them. In an election year, it’s something worth looking at through fresh eyes. —Joshua Rivera

Dev Patel got tired of waiting for someone to ask him to kick ass in a movie, so he made one. Backed by producer Jordan Peele, Monkey Man sees Patel kicking ass in fight clubs, regular clubs, kitchens, and every other place one might throw hands as they look for revenge on the rich bastards bleeding their hometown dry. Here’s hoping the film hits hard and never lets up until the credits roll. —JR

The First Omen

After dubious and poorly executed revival The Exorcist: Believer , The First Omen looks like a breath of fresh air: a restrained, stylish psychological horror prequel that probably doesn’t need to exist, sure, but looks damn creepy . The premise is about as straightforward as it gets — an American woman off to Rome to become a nun (Nell Tiger Free) stumbles upon a plot to bring forth the Antichrist. Fortunately, plot isn’t really the star here, vibes are, and the vibes? They’re... well, if they were immaculate, it wouldn’t be the Antichrist, would it? —JR

Release date: In theaters April 12

By all accounts, Alex Garland’s latest provocation-as-cinema isn’t the movie you might think it is . A war film set against a backdrop that places a firm finger on American cultural pressure points, Civil War will likely inspire many arguments among those who see it, and hopefully more than a few of those will be worth having. The alternative is — well, that’s what the movie’s about. —JR

Advance reviews out of SXSW have warned Nicolas Cage fans to expect dialed-down, serious Cage from this post-apocalyptic horror movie, not manic, screaming Cage. That isn’t a bad thing, but it’s always best to set expectations before going in, since Cage’s modes are so different. In this case, he’s playing dad and protector to two teenage boys (Jaeden Martell and Maxwell Jenkins) after murderous creatures destroy most of life on Earth — or is any of that true? The initial trailer lands on an intriguing line somewhere between the breathless horror of A Quiet Place and the more psychological conundrums of Frailty . — Tasha Robinson

Sasquatch Sunset

Release date: In limited theaters April 12, released wide April 19

Riley Keough, Jesse Eisenberg, Christophe Zajac-Denek, and Nathan Zellner star as a family of sasquatches in this surreal comedy. Amid the picturesque scenery of the Pacific Northwest, there’s also some Bigfoot sex in the trailer, so prepare yourself for that . — Petrana Radulovic

Rebel Moon Part Two: The Scargiver

Release date: On Netflix April 19

What started as a Zack Snyder Star Wars movie has turned into a two-part original Netflix space opera, with a promised R-rated extended cut at some point this year. After the first part received largely negative reviews , here’s hoping the second part is an improvement. The good news: Trailers promise the climactic battle the first movie led up to. — PV

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

Release date: In theaters April 19

Guy Ritchie’s been on a bit of a heater recently. The Covenant and Wrath of Man are two of the very best projects he’s ever worked on, his TV version of The Gentlemen is way better than his movie of the same name, and I’ll even lightly defend the extremely silly Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre . Now Ritchie turns his sights to a period piece, with a World War II spy comedy featuring a star-studded cast and plenty of Nazi-killing action. What more could you want? — PV

Release date : In theaters April 19

A bloodthirsty vampire who also happens to be a 12-year-old girl and a ballerina just sounds like a good time. And she enjoys playing with (tormenting) her food! With a stacked cast including Dan Stevens, Melissa Barrera, Kathryn Newton, and Giancarlo Esposito, Abigail has a lot to play with… — PR

Challengers

Release date: In theaters April 26

Zendaya Spring continues, with something very tonally different from her starring role in Dune: Part Two : a sports comedy slash love triangle slash maybe sex comedy? Zendaya plays a former tennis superstar turned coach who’s trying to pull her husband, Art ( West Side Story ’s Mike Faist), a celebrated player on a losing streak, out of his funk by pitting him against her ex, Patrick ( The Crown ’s Josh O’Connor) — apparently both on the court and in the sack, if the trailer’s tease of a threesome offers any clues. The latest from Call Me by Your Name and Bones and All director Luca Guadagnino looks pretty spicy, at least in terms of how it mixes up sexual competition and sports competition. — TR

Another of David Cronenberg’s children has moved into solo horror directing: Photographer and music-video director Caitlin Cronenberg makes her feature directorial debut with this dark satire where a global ecological collapse leads to a plan to euthanize 20% of the population. One rich man (Peter Gallagher) decides to enroll in the plan; his adult children have other ideas. The trailer feels arch and threatening at the same time, more like The Menu than most Shudder-sponsored horror. — TR

The Idea of You

Release date: On Prime Video May 2

Is this movie actually Harry Styles fanfiction come to life? Maybe it is. Whatever the case, seeing Anne Hathaway in a romantic comedy is delightful and I simply want her to be happy. And hey, if that’s with Red, White & Royal Blue ’s Nicholas Galitzine, then so be it! — PR

The Fall Guy

Release date: In theaters May 3

Fresh off Barbie buzz, what does Ryan Gosling do next? Why, an ode to stunt craftsmanship, directed by former stuntman David Leitch, of course! The Fall Guy looks like an absolutely delightful summer blockbuster anchored by two of our most charming movie stars (Emily Blunt stars opposite Gosling). — PV

I Saw the TV Glow

Jane Schoenbrun’s first movie, the ultra-low-fi creepypasta-inspired horror movie We’re All Going to the World’s Fair , drew plenty of attention when it debuted in 2022, largely for the way it channels the queasy, dreamy feeling of being up way too late at night, finding a sense of community on the internet and not wanting to come back to the real world. Their follow-up feature feels like a more intense, action-oriented riff on the same idea, as two friends (Brigette Lundy-Paine and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves co-star Justice Smith) obsess over a defunct late-night TV show that seems to offer a window into another world. As they dig deeper into the show, they find reality blurring around them. — TR

Euphoria ’s Hunter Schafer stars in the latest Neon provocation, about a 17-year-old girl pulled into an uncomfortable and possibly untenable family situation in a remote German resort. The initial teaser is all nerve-shredding music and striking images, but the plot, which has Schafer’s character bristling over a seeming threat to her mute half-sister at their father’s mountain getaway, sounds intrigue-heavy and like it could go in any number of unpredictable directions. — TR

The official description of this horror movie centers on a group of friends that “recklessly violates the sacred rule of Tarot readings,” which is apparently “never use someone else’s deck.” As a result, the cards start showing dark fates that they struggle to avoid. Sounds like Final Destination with an occult twist, but the trailer has a much more Talk to Me vibe , with young people treating the supernatural as a party game, then facing the consequences. — TR

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Release date: In theaters May 10

In this fourth iteration in the latest version of the Planet of the Apes franchise, the monkeys have finally taken over the world, and Freya Allan ( The Witcher ) is one of the few remaining humans left on Earth. The series has always had impressive action, and this new installment being a survival movie seems like the perfect direction for the series. — AG

Back to Black

Release date: In theaters May 17

A biopic on the tragic life of Amy Winehouse, Back to Black looks like one of 2024’s most devastating movies. But if the movie manages to celebrate the throwback singer’s tremendous talent and voice as well, then it could also be something incredible, too. — AG

Earlier in March, Lionsgate released Imaginary , a “ mess of a horror movie ” about an evil imaginary friend. Here is a very different take on the burgeoning “imaginary friend” genre, directed by John Krasinski and starring Ryan Reynolds. IF follows a young girl (Cailey Fleming) who can see people’s abandoned imaginary friends, and who bonds with a man (Reynolds) who has the same ability. — PV

The Strangers: Chapter 1

Who knew a simple 2008 horror movie about a couple being menaced by masked slashers in a remote cabin had the potential to launch a cinematic universe? Brace yourself for a whole wave of Strangers content, starting with this prequel to The Strangers , helmed by Deep Blue Sea , Mindhunters , and Cutthroat Island director Renny Harlin. The simple premise sounds exactly like the first movie — isolated cabin, masked slashers, worried couple, etc. — but producer Courtney Solomon has promised that this film and Harlin’s sequels Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 , both planned for later in 2024, will “really expand that world,” and focus more on psychological character study than just slashing. — TR

Release date: In theaters May 24

Even though the modern media landscape is filled to the brim with unnecessary prequels, sequels, spinoffs, reboots, and more, Mad Max: Fury Road was a certified masterpiece. So if we’re getting more of Furiosa and more of George Miller’s take on the Mad Max world, maybe this prequel will actually shine. — PR

The Garfield Movie

Garfield is back, and this time he’s going on a heist with Odie. Chris Pratt voices the lasagna-loving cat (there are quite a few lasagna gags in the trailer ), while Harvey Guillén voices Odie. Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult, Ving Rhames, Hannah Waddingham, Cecily Strong, Brett Goldstein, Bowen Yang, and Snoop Dogg (playing Snoop Catt) round out a stacked voice cast. — PV

Release date: On Netflix May 24

Given how much horror and science fiction both reflect society’s current anxieties , expect a huge wave of fear-driven movies with AI antagonists or AI-centric plots to come rolling along in the next decade, as concerns over new uses of AI in every sector of society continue to spread. In this science fiction movie, Jennifer Lopez stars as Atlas, a data analyst who deeply distrusts AI, but may have to work with a renegade robot to survive. — TR

Robot Dreams

Release date: In theaters May 31

The mysterious fifth entry in this year’s Oscar for Best Animated Feature is only just getting a wide release. Without any dialogue, Robot Dreams tells a beautiful story of friendship between a lonely dog and his robot pal, showing how relationships change with seasons of life. It’s beautifully evocative and may just have you tearing up next time you hear “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire. — PR

Spring 2024 entertainment preview

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