The Best Time Travel Movies Ever Made

Ranker Film
Updated June 30, 2023 60.1K votes 5.3K voters 236.8K views
Over 5.3K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Time Travel Movies Ever Made
Voting Rules
Vote for your personal favorite Time travel films, regardless of how popular or successful they were at the box office.
Latest additions: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, The Flash, 65
Most divisive: Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines

Over 5,000 movie fans have voted to shape these rankings of the best time travel movies of all time. Time travel films are always a fascinating concept, allowing us to explore new worlds and different eras within our lifetime. From classics like Back To The Future and Groundhog Day, to modern-day takes on the genre like Source Code and Primer, there's something for everyone here in this list.

Timecrimes is a Spanish thriller from 2007 about a man who unknowingly travels back into his past after stumbling upon an experimental machine in a nearby forest. Looper, which sees Joseph Gordon-Levitt playing as one of two versions of himself - one sent through time from 2044 so that he can be killed by his future self in 2074. And don't forget about Simon Well’s 2002 adaptation of H.G Wells's classic novel The Time Machine; it has remained popular since its release over the years thanks to its compelling story and impressive special effects.

These are just some standout examples from the 100+ entries included on this list - make sure you vote up your favorites so they stay at the top With enough fan votes, we might even uncover some hidden gems along the way too.

Ranked by
  • Back to the Future
    1

    Back to the Future

    Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Crispin Glover
    2,473 votes
    • Released: 1985
    • Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
    In the 1985 adventure-comedy Back to the Future, high school student Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is catapulted back to the 1950's in a time-traveling DeLorean car invented by his eccentric scientist friend, Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd). Stranded in the past, Marty inadvertently interferes with his parents' meeting, jeopardizing his own existence. Now, he must ensure they fall in love again to secure his future. This Robert Zemeckis-directed film won an Academy Award for Best Sound Effects Editing and is known for its unique blend of science fiction and humor.

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  • The Terminator
    2

    The Terminator

    Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn
    1,831 votes
    • Released: 1984
    • Directed by: James Cameron
    In the heart of the sci-fi action thriller The Terminator, a cyborg assassin known as The Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is sent back in time from 2029 to 1984. His mission? To execute Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), whose unborn son is destined to lead humanity in a war against machines. Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), a soldier from the same post-apocalyptic future, is also hurled back in time with an assignment to protect Sarah. It's a race against time, technology, and destiny itself. This James Cameron-directed film won several awards for its groundbreaking special effects and gripping narrative.

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  • Terminator 2: Judgment Day
    3

    Terminator 2: Judgment Day

    Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong
    1,929 votes
    • Released: 1991
    • Directed by: James Cameron
    Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a gripping sci-fi action thriller. The plot centers on Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) and her son, John (Edward Furlong), who find themselves pursued by an advanced, relentless killing machine, the T-1000 (Robert Patrick). Unexpectedly, their only hope lies with another Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger), reprogrammed to protect them. Directed by James Cameron, this film won multiple awards for its groundbreaking visual effects and sound design. It expertly explores themes of fate, humanity, and technology's potentially destructive power. This sequel surpasses the original in terms of both spectacle and depth, solidifying its place in cinematic history.

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  • Back to the Future Part II
    4

    Back to the Future Part II

    Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson
    2,062 votes
    • Released: 1989
    • Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
    In Back to the Future Part II, Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) and Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) embark on a thrilling journey through time in their iconic DeLorean. Following events from the original film, they leap forward to 2015, only to discover a future warped by their past actions. Their quest takes a dramatic turn as they scramble to fix the timeline, venturing into an alternate 1985 and back to 1955. This sci-fi adventure-comedy won an Academy Award for Visual Effects, showcasing groundbreaking techniques that highlighted its inventive narrative. The film seamlessly blends humor, high-stakes drama, and innovative storytelling with beloved characters at its core.

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  • Groundhog Day
    5

    Groundhog Day

    Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott
    1,904 votes
    • Released: 1993
    • Directed by: Harold Ramis
    In the iconic comedy Groundhog Day, Phil Connors (Bill Murray), a cynical weatherman, finds himself in a time loop, living the same day over and over. Trapped in Punxsutawney for Groundhog Day festivities, Phil's initial disdain turns to desperation as he tries to break free from this endless cycle. Directed by Harold Ramis, the film cleverly explores themes of self-improvement and redemption. Co-starring Andie MacDowell as Rita Hanson, Phil's producer and eventual love interest, Groundhog Day deftly blends humor with a thought-provoking narrative. This film is a staple of American cinema and a testament to Bill Murray's comedic prowess.

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  • Edge of Tomorrow
    6

    Edge of Tomorrow

    Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton
    1,205 votes
    • Released: 2014
    • Directed by: Doug Liman
    Legend of a Rabbit is a 2011 animation, action, family, comedy and adventure film written by Zou Jing Zi and directed by Sun Lijun.