The 10 Best Non-Sci-Fi Time Travel Movies
Time travel isn’t just a sci-fi element. Movies from other genres have also used the tricky concept to add some drama to their characters’ lives. From romantic comedies to family films, time plays a crucial role in bringing the film’s plot together.
Whether it’s charming your college sweetheart, capitalizing on a missed opportunity, or even reliving an exam on a loop, time travel can give our beloved characters a chance to right their mistakes. If you’re not a sci-fi fan but love movies that play with the abstract notion of time, these movies are a must-see.
10 ‘Premature’ (2014)
Premature is a coming-of-age romantic comedy that was released in 2014. The film follows the story of a high school student named Rob (John Karna), who wakes up on the morning of his college entrance exam with a big problem – he’s stuck in a time warp that forces him to relive the same day over and over again.
As he navigates his day, he attempts to correct his mistakes and win the girl of his dreams while also grappling with the various social and personal challenges of being a teenager. The film was directed Dan beer.
9 ’17 Again’ (2009)
Directed by Burr oxen, again 17 follows the story of Mike O’Donnell, played by Matthew Perry, a man in his late 30s who feels he has lost everything in life including his wife and children, his job and his purpose. One day he gets a chance to relive his high school years, to be 17 again (as Zac Efron) and try to change the course of his life.
With the help of his best friend, Mike tries to navigate the complexities of teenage life again while trying to win back the love of his life, played by Leslie Mann.
8th “When We First Met” (2018)
The romantic comedy film At our first meeting follows the story of Noah (Adam DeVine), who turns into his best friend Avery (Alexandra Daddario), for years. After Avery becomes engaged to another man, Noah discovers a magical photo booth that allows him to go back in time and relive the night he first met Avery.
As he tries to change the course of their relationship, he discovers that changing the past has unintended consequences for the present. The film was directed Ari Sandel and features supporting appearances from Robbie Amell And Shelley Henning.
7 “The Child” (2000)
This film directed by Jon Turtletaubfollows the story of Russ Duritz (Bruce Willis), a successful image consultant who turned his 8-year-old self (Spencer Breslin) visits. As he tries to figure out why his younger self came back to see him, Russ begins to reflect on his life and the choices he made that got him to where he is today.
With the help of a friendly neighbor, Russ tries to come to terms with his past and change his future. The film was a small box office success and even received praise Roger Ebertwhich give the film three out of four stars.
6 “Somewhere in Time” (1980)
The romantic film drama Sometime follows the story of Richard Collier, a playwright who becomes obsessed with a photograph of a woman he sees in a hotel. Through self-hypnosis, Richard travels back to 1912 where he meets the woman in the photograph, Elise McKenna.
As the two fall in love, Richard realizes he is running out of time and must find a way to stay in the past with Elise. The film was directed Jeannot Swarc and is based on the novel bid time back from Richard Matheson. It features a classical score by John Barri and has gained a cult following over the years for its romantic themes and time travel plots.
5 “Happy Accidents” (2000)
Happy Accidents is a romantic comedy-drama that follows the story of Ruby Weaver, a woman who has had a series of failed relationships and ends up meeting a charming man. As they fall in love, Sam reveals a shocking secret – he claims to be a time traveler from the year 2470.
Despite her initial skepticism, Ruby begins to believe Sam’s story and is convinced that they are made for each other. As they navigate the challenges of their relationship and Sam’s supposed time travel abilities, they must confront the possibility that their love may not be enough to overcome the obstacles they face. The film was written and directed by Brad Anderson.
4 ’13 Next 30′ (2004)
Directed by gary winick, This romantic comedy follows the story of Jenna Rink (Christa B Allen), a 13-year-old girl who is desperate to fit in with the cool kids at her school. After a disastrous birthday party, Jenna wishes she was “30, flirty, and successful” and magically wakes up as a 30-year-old woman (Jennifer Garner) in 2004.
Confused by her new life, Jenna seeks out her childhood best friend and tries to reconcile while navigating the complexities of adulthood in New York City. As she begins to recall the events leading up to her transformation, Jenna realizes that the life she wanted might not be as perfect as she imagined.
3 “Midnight in Paris” (2011)
The film was written and directed by Woody Allen and features a star-studded cast including Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard, Kathy Bates And Adrian Brody. The film follows the story of Gil Pender, played by Owen Wilson, a successful Hollywood screenwriter, is vacationing in Paris with his fiancée and her family. Striving to write his first novel, Gil longs for 1920s Paris, which he sees as the golden age of creativity and intellectualism.
One night while wandering the streets of Paris, Gil is transported back to the 1920’s where he meets some of his literary idols including Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein. As he spends more time in the past, Gil begins to question his own life and relationships, wondering if he should stay in the past or return to his own time.
2 ‘About Time’ (2013)
about time is a romantic comedy-drama film that tells the story of Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson), a young man who discovers that he can travel through time. Tim sets out to improve his life and use his newfound powers to find true love. He falls in love with Mary (Rachel McAdams) and uses his time travel skills to court her and correct mistakes he makes in the process.
However, as Tim learns more about the consequences of his actions, he realizes that he must use his powers responsibly and cherish the moments he has with the people he loves.
1 “Groundhog Day” (1993)
Directed by Harold Ramis, Groundhog Day follows the story by Phil Connors (Bill Murray), a cynical and self-absorbed weatherman who is sent to cover the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. However, after being caught in a time warp, Phil wakes up again and again on the same day, experiencing the same events and interactions with the people of town.
As he grows increasingly frustrated and desperate to break the cycle, Phil reevaluates his life and how he treats those around him. Eventually, he learns to appreciate the small moments and make positive changes in himself, ultimately leading to his escape from the time warp.
