Time travel is a genre that has always held a lot of fascination for me since I always feel it holds magic, intrigue, and mystique beyond all proportions. Yes, the universe is infinite, and the multitude of its proportions is so diverse that time is barely a quantum, which is one small perspective that gives it dimension. So, here I am presenting the 10 best time-travel Hollywood films of all time.
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Science fiction is something I always feel has the scope of transporting one to another world altogether especially since it is something which harbours a lot of mysterious, magical and wondrous elements. And films, in fact, are one platform where science fiction can be depicted in a better manner since a movie has the advantage of being a visual description, a modicum which can depict multiple hues, all at once.
Time travel, by far has always been an object of the best possible intrigue for me since it is one thing which always gives me a portal of sorts to a parallel world where there are mesmerizing and also which holds mysteries. It also happens to be the one way I feel, anyone can travel without leaving their seats altogether. Hollywood has, in fact, had a slew of films which have taken us to places and back again. So, today being the wanderer that I am, I thought of taking you guys down some uncanny portals as well, giving you all the 10 Best time travel Hollywood films of all time:
Time Bandits
1981
A fantasy adventure movie, this one is a Terry Gilliam production about a little kid who joins a troop of time travelling dwarfs on a journey through history. An unconventional comedy with some unique black comedy moments this one is sure to put you on a quest that will boggle your mind for sure. Creepy, and funny enjoy this one with some great moments from Sean Connery.
The Terminator
1984
Arnold Schwarzenegger starrer, where plays an assassin who is sent back in time to assassinate Sarah Connor, whose yet unborn son will pose a threat and lead a future resistance against machine overlords. A breakthrough science fiction blockbuster, this one is a bit gory and yet action-packed and intense, overall -an exciting package which BTW also has this indie kinda feel to it. Streaming for free on Youtube.
Back to the Future
1985
A legendary film, this one directed by Robert Zemeckis, starring Michael J Fox as a teenager Marty who mistakenly travels back in time to the 1950s. What’s more, he has to, now, in retrospection also ensure that his own parents meet and fall in love in order to save his own life. Sounds complex and fun too at the same time, right? A clever, well-written plot this one has comedy, romance and a whole lot of amazing stuff in it, enough to keep you hooked big time. Streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure
1989
Starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, they play two high school slackers who use a time travelling phone booth to gather historical characters for a class representation (now that sounds super fun!). Might come across as witty but nevertheless a hilarious and engaging comedy and an absolute delight to watch right from the beginning till the end. Available on Netflix.
12 Monkeys
1995
When James Cole a convict decides to volunteer for a mission, wherein he has to travel back in time to learn about the main reason behind the outbreak of a virulent holocaust, it is the perfect reason for you to sit back and watch the best possible time travel you have actually caught upon in your lives. I strongly feel this one is a highly underrated movie since it is not only the perfect binge-watch but also one of Terry Gilliam’s best films. Available on Amazon Prime video.
Donnie Darko
2001
So, it’s Donnie an awkward teenager who befriends Frank, a figure in a bunny costume which only he can see and who informs him that the world will end in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes and 12 seconds. Ok, one alert here guys, there is a lot to take in before, during and after watching this movie for sure. There are multiple details, events and plot pointers that can confuse the viewers, but hey it is one of the ultimate best of all time peeps! Available on Amazon Prime video.
Primer
2004
A low-budget independent sci-fiction thriller by Shane Carruth, this one follows the story of 2 engineers who mistakenly create a time machine and must deal with the repercussions of their discovery. A well-made and executed movie, this one gains its seductive power by leaving the solution tantalizingly out of reach. A superb movie, this one is available on Amazon Prime video.
Timecrimes
2007
This one is a thriller depicting a guy who accidentally travels back in time and becomes entangled in a sequence of progressively perilous occurrences. Feels kinda inspired by Christopher Nolan’s 2000 thriller Memento. The non-linear style of storytelling is rarely used for which Nolan is more recognized. A Spanish movie this one nevertheless, had an effervescent kind of quality to make you change how you perceive and look at the entire setting and the characters. A tip though, better if you know a bit of Spanish before you peruse this one though! Catch in on Amazon Prime Video.
Looper
2012
A future thriller, here a hitman is entrusted with killing his older self-played by Bruce Willis. So, check out how Joe who is one such looper finds himself to be the victim of his own actions. A super fresh take on the assassin action genre with a futuristic twist, this one is a complex and thought-provoking exploration of time travel, free will and teaching us the consequences of our own actions. With stunning visuals and futuristic technology, this one creates a unique and immersive world. Available on Mx player.
Predestination
2014
Based on Robert. Heinlein’s short tale, this mind-bending thriller Ethan Hawke as a time travelling agent who is striving to avert future crimes. Twisty and mind-boggling, you have to watch it more than once to understand the debates, discussions, and recommendations that you may experience whilst watching it. Based on “All you zombies” a short story by Robert, this one is borderline genius. Rarely anything which has ever come before, this Australian flick uses decidedly odd pacing, beginning with a bang and following it up with almost an hour of the subdued plot. Catch this time travel film on Amazon Prime Video.
Related: 5 Books We Want to See Get Adapted Into Movies Right Now
So, these were the 10 Best time travel Hollywood films of all time. Let me know which ones you have seen and which ones you are yet to catch up on.
Adios Amigos!
This post is part of the #BlogchatterA2Z challenge
Content Writer, Poet, Fiction Writer and a bundle of mystique, Rekha Bhagtani is a person who believes that writing is a true escapade one can get from this ruthless, mortal world. Not only is writing and reading therapeutic but also a complete life-altering experience for her, one she longs to revel and dive in every day, far from the clandestine of today, into the unknown, unexplored realms of something new every time.
Coming soon with her second book, a fiction where time travel meets romance in a fun manner, thanks to mythology. Confused? Keep watching this space…
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