7 Comedic Time Travel Flicks To Get You Out Of The Boredom Loop
Let's see if you're a true fan of the time travel genre.
The idea of a trip through time has fascinated mankind for centuries. But these stories are usually hard to make scientifically sound and believable.
Another case is when filmmakers do not even try to explain how their characters get into time shenanigans, and instead use it as a compelling background for horrific, comedic, or mysterious situations. Even better when all of this is combined.
Mixing sci-fi with humor and the occasional thriller, mystery or romance, these seven movies are perfect for a fun night of binge-watching with friends, family or just a glass of lemonade.
Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)
IMDb rating: 6.4/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV, Peacock, Disney+, YouTube, Google Play Movies
Not every viewer was sold on the story of four buddies traveling back to 1986 in their hot tub. But its silly humor and immensely likable cast easily make up for most of its flaws. Watching how desperately the characters want to change their fate, and how they are not allowed to do so, is hysterical at times. The movie has a 2015 sequel, Hot Tub Time Machine 2.
Totally Killer (2023)
IMDb rating: 6.5/10
Where to stream: Prime Video
When a serial killer who terrorized the town 35 years ago returns, Jamie accidentally goes back to 1987, when the first murders occurred. Now it is in her power to stop the killer and find out who it was all along. The most enjoyable part of the movie is the vivid contrast between the 21st century teenager and her 1980s counterparts.
The Final Girls (2015)
IMDb rating: 6.5/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV, YouTube, Google Play Movies
This meta-ironic movie takes things a step further and transports its characters into a slasher movie they're watching. The film was made in the 1980s, so it technically counts as time travel. Who will manage to escape the machete-wielding villain who has suddenly become so real?
Happy Death Day (2017)
IMDb rating: 6.6/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV, YouTube, Google Play Movies
In this black comedy slasher, a college student's birthday becomes her worst nightmare when she gets killed. She wakes up at the beginning of that day again to find herself trapped in a time loop (and a perpetual hangover) until she catches her killer. As a bonus, there's a sequel, Happy Death Day 2U (2019).
Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)
IMDb rating: 6.9/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV
Aubrey Plaza plays a young journalist who sees a peculiar ad in a magazine written by a man looking for a time-travel partner. Together with her colleagues, the protagonist goes to interview the man and finds out that he is completely serious about the mission, even though he can't guarantee the safety of whoever joins him.
FAQ About Time Travel (2009)
IMDb rating: 7.0/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Max, Vudu, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, BBC iPlayer
Three British sci-fi nerds meet a girl from the future in their favorite pub. This encounter sets in motion a chain of unexpected twists and time paradoxes that make this a must-see for any time travel enthusiast.
Palm Springs (2020)
IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV
The film offers a fresh take on a Groundhog Day-like story. Two wedding guests are trapped in a time loop consisting of one day, the day of the wedding. For the other guests, it is all fresh and exciting, but for them, it is an endless chain of events that will only happen differently if they choose to intervene.