Not many genres have made movies as successful as time travel. Since the 1980’s, the genre has produced unforgettable movies. Whether its alien invasion disasters, interstellar space travellers or romantic lovers, the genre has created many strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about time travel that deserve to be celebrated.
1. Arrival
Alien invasions are frightening disasters that always fascinated by teacher. At an early age, I developed bonds with a teacher that had often feared alien invasions causing damage. I remember my teacher was always fascinated with invasions causing disaster. He would yearn to use time travel to prevent arrival of aliens which were painful. Through his lifelong interest in time travel, my teacher inspired me to believe my film criticism dreams were possible. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured process of time travel causing disaster as powerfully as “Arrival”. Ever since its release in 2016, Denis Villeneuve’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest movie ever made about time travel. With the most thought-provoking film of his career, Denis Villeneuve used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the process of time travel causing despair. Villeneuve has always had aptitude for tackling thoughtful science-fiction themes in his movies, and his strengths as a filmmaker are clearly evident in “Arrival”. Villeneuve used stunning visuals to recreate an alien invasion which is frightening. For instance, the scene in which Dr. Louise Banks meets the aliens for the first time attempting to communicate with the species causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance from Amy Adams, who portrayed a scientist seeking to prevent an alien invasion. Ultimately, what makes “Arrival” my favourite film about time travel of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies about time travel targeted to a small audience, it tackles strong themes that everyone can relate to. The film delivers a bold message about time which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 10 years following the release of a great science-fiction blockbuster about scientists seeking to talk with aliens in a frightening invasion, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated movies which are worthy of appreciation.
2. About Time
Childhood crushes are lovers that rarely last forever. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl with dreams of marriage. However, immigration caused bonds to deteriorate. If I could go back in time, I would have expressed feelings towards my crush. As someone treasuring memories of a childhood crush that I lost over time, I adored “About Time”. Released in 2013, Richard Curtis’ movie offered beautiful portraits of romantic relationships impacted by time travel. Curtis uses sharp humour to capture the lives of lovers impacted by time travel causing disaster. For instance, the scene in which Tim is first informed about his family’s abilities to time travel by his father causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Domnhall Gleeson, who portrayed a man embarking on a dangerous time travel mission. Ultimately, what makes “About Time” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about how romantic relationships change over time which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrayal of time travel causing romantic relationships to crumble, it’s a bold reminder about a great genre that has produced memorable movies audiences consider to be special.
3. Edge of Tomorrow
Repetition has shaped my identity. Being an Autistic person, I have often liked to follow a rigid routine everyday. While this routine has given my life structure, it has left little room for any surprises. I have often felt as if I am reliving the same day over and over again without any real meaning. As someone affected by a repetitive routine that I regularly follow, I loved “Edge of Tomorrow”. Released in 2014, Doug Liman’s science-fiction blockbuster offered a unique repetitive take on time travel. Liman used a captivating repetitive structure to capture the lives of army generals reliving the same day causing disaster. For instance, the scene in which Major Cage awakens realizing that he is stuck in a repetitive time loop causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Tom Cruise, who embodied a general facing time travel issues. Ultimately, what makes “Edge of Tomorrow” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about repetition that would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of pain faced by army generals reliving the same day again, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies which entertain.
4. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter is a magical series of books that shaped my identity. I grew up reading J.K. Rowling’s beloved series about misunderstood wizards that shaped my childhood. I immediately fell in love with stories of wizards casting a magical spell. Time travel has always been a central theme in the series, and it is most evident in the third film “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”. Released in 2003, Alfonso Cauron’s movie offered a terrific adaptation of a book about magical time travel. Cauron used stunning special effects to capture wizards travelling back in time to prevent disasters from occurring. For instance, the scene in which Harry and Hermione travel back in time to save Buckbeak from execution causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Daniel Radcliffe, who embodied a time-travelling wizard. Ultimately, what makes “The Prisoner of Azkaban” a great time travel movie is its broad appeal. Unlike most Harry Potter movies, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. A marvellous adaptation of a book about wizards casting a spell, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced memorable movies which always excel.
5. Interstellar
Fathers are inspiring figures that shape children’s futures. As far as I remember, I’ve admired my father. However, career has affected our relationship forever. Focused on his career, my father hasn’t been available when I need him the most. As someone treasuring memories of my father, I adored “Interstellar”. Released in 2014, Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster captured the impact of time travel on astronauts. Nolan has always excelled evoking emotion through practical effects, and “Interstellar” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the scene in which Cooper has emotional reunions with his daughter following years of separation causing a dilemma is one of the most memorable moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Matthew McConaughey, who embodied an astronaut in space. Ultimately, what makes “Interstellar” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about fatherhood which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of hardships fathers face in space, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made classic movies audiences embrace.
6. Avengers: Endgame
It isn’t easy to bring a beloved franchise to a satisfying conclusion. Most film franchises start off on a high note. However, franchises rarely come to a satisfying closure. That being said, “Avengers: Endgame” is an exception. Released in 2019, the Russo Brothers’ blockbuster brought the Avengers’ journey to a satisfying closure. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Avengers: Endgame” stand out is its emotional impact. The Russo Brothers staged emotional time travel action capturing a superhero team on its final mission. Assisted by Robert Downey Jr. who is remarkable in the lead role, the Russo Brothers created a unique time travel comic-book movie. A fantastic farewell to a superhero team reaching an endgame, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies achieving fame.
7. Back to the Future
Few films ever made about time travel causing disaster are as beloved as “Back to the Future”. Since its release in 1985, Robert Zemeckis’ movie has become a celebrated sci-fi classic. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Back to the Future” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. It was one of the first ever films in Cinema to introduce the concept of time travel. Zemeckis has always had an aptitude for making movies about time travel, and “Back to the Future” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Zemeckis used sharp humour to capture a scientist embarking on a mission. Assisted by Michael J. Fox who is amazing in the lead role, Zemeckis created an innovative time-travel movie. As strong as Marty McFly’s desire to travel back to the future, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre filled with movies that audiences treasure.
8. Looper
Originality is a rare quality that’s seldom seen in time travel movies. The genre has often relied on existing source material to make movies. This has left little room for original stories to be told. In a genre that has lost its originality, it’s worth praising “Looper”. Released in 2012, Rian Johnson’s movie offered a unique take on the time travel genre. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Looper” stand out is its innovative storytelling. Rian Johnson uses clever non-linear storytelling to capture the lives of loopers facing time travel that’s frightening. Assisted by Joseph Gordon-Levitt who is amazing in the lead role, Johnson created an original time travel movie. As precious as time travel missions loopers seek to fulfill, it’s a spectacular reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies which always thrill.
9. X-Men: Days of Future Past
When it comes to the greatest comic-book heroes in history, it’s worth discussing the X-Men. Ever since their creation in the 1970’s, the X-Men have gained a huge fan following. In 2014, Bryan Singer honoured the team from the past in his movie “X-Men: Days of Future Past”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Days of Future Past” stand out is its stunning special effects. Singer used captivating special effects to capture a superhero team embarking on time-travelling missions that are frightening. Assisted by Hugh Jackman who is extraordinary in the lead role, Singer created an excellent time travel comic-book blockbuster. An excellent tribute towards a superhero team with strong commitment, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies offering undeniable entertainment.
10. Tenet
Time travel is a tricky concept that isn’t always easy to execute in movies. While most filmmakers have succeeded, a few have fallen short. In 2019, Christopher Nolan tackled time travel with mixed results in his film “Tenet”. Nolan used special effects to capture time travel. Assisted by John David Washington who is amazing in the lead role, Nolan created an innovative blockbuster. However, the film’s focus on style left little room for storytelling. We’re barely given reasons to care for the characters which lack depth of Nolan’s best movies. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as the Protagonist’s desire to be an agent, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced poignant movies about the commitment it takes to pull off time travel which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of entertainment.
The Film Buff 