Time Loop Films have become an increasingly popular microgenre of Time Travel Films (which is subgenre of Science Fiction). Time Loop films typically deal with a scenario where a person is stuck in a ‘time loop’ where they repeat the same day or events over and over again. Aspects of the Multiverse are sometimes included in Time Loop films where different universes and timelines collide. These films are typically much more intricate than Time Travel films which feature someone going forward or back in time.
The Time Loop film microgenre is relatively recent and kicked off with probably the most well-known Time Loop film of all time, Groundhog Day (1993). Following that film, you had other popular films including Donnie Darko (2001), 12 Dates of Christmas (2011), Source Code (2011), Looper (2012), and Edge of Tomorrow (2014).
In more recent years, the Time Loop film microgenre has only increased in popularity with 2:22 (2017), Naked (2017), The Endless (2018), Boss Level (2020), Lucky (2020), Flashback (2021) and Christmas…Again?! (2021). In addition, the Romantic Comedy subgenre has increasingly used Time Loop themes in films such as Palm Springs (2020), The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (2021) and Meet Cute (2022).
Our list of Time Loop Films includes over 40+ films and you can also check out our list of Time Travel Films which has over 165+ films. For our Top Time Loop Films You Haven’t Seen list, we chose to focus on some obscure films that represent the best of this microgenre. Not making our list (but are still overall great films) includes Christmas Do-Over (2006), ARQ (2016), Before I Fall (2017), Happy Death Day 2U (2019) and Flashback (2021). If you’re a fan of Time Travel in general, we recommend checking out every film in both collections.
We have embedded a compilation video of our Top Time Loop Films You Haven’t Seen and more details on these films can be found in the list below. Note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
#10
Predestination
Plot: Time Travel agent must stop a criminal who is planning a devastating attack.
KBZ’s Take: Based on the Robert A. Heinlein Sci-Fi short story, All You Zombies, Predestination is one wild ride. This is a film you must pay attention to and will likely still have questions about once you get to the shocking final. It’s best to go into this film blind to not ruin anything. Sarah Snook (Succession) gives a career defining performance in this one.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3uhnC7T
#9
Boss Level
Plot: A retired special forces officer is trapped in a never-ending time loop on the day of his death.
KBZ’s Take: Remember that video game you played over and over again to finally beat the Boss? Well that’s this film and it’s NUTS! Enough cannot be said as to how fun this movie is with its tongue-in-cheek humor and exhilarating action. The non-stop action pieces are similar in style to Director Joe Carnahan’s Smokin’ Aces (2006) so you’ll know what you’re in for if you’ve seen his previous effort. Though it’s a very recent release, it’s already cemented itself as a Time Loop film classic.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://www.hulu.com/movie/boss-level
#8
Timecrimes
Plot: A man accidentally travels back in time finding he has to stop a previous version of himself.
KBZ’s Take: This Spanish film is a perfect example of when the Time Loop microgenre integrates into a Time Travel film. Without saying too much about that (as it would ruin the film), Timecrimes is an amazing film done on the cheap and without big budget special effects.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3XIPBLj
#7
Palm Springs
Plot: Two wedding guests get caught in a time loop.
KBZ’s Take: Though a Time Loop is central to the film, Palm Springs is more of a romantic comedy. Similar to Groundhog Day (1993), it shows the comedic aspects of what people would do if trapped in a loop reliving the same day repeatedly.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://www.hulu.com/movie/palm-springs
#6
The Endless
Plot: Two brothers return to the cult they escaped from years ago.
KBZ’s Take: Directors’ Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson are becoming the leading Time Loop and Time Travel filmmakers with The Endless and the more recent Synchronic (2020). While Synchronic deals with more straightforward Time Travel convention, The Endless explores the dynamics of cults and the ‘what if’ aspect of a cults’ beliefs actually being correct. Unlike other Time Loop films, this film portrays others stuck in Time Loop as experienced by the main characters.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3isjRd6
#5
Run Lola Run
Plot: Woman experienced different realities while racing to help her boyfriend.
KBZ’s Take: Adrenaline rush of a film (with an equally pulse pounding soundtrack), this German film by Tom Twyker in a non-stop assault on your senses. Thought it explores the Multiverse theory more than an actual Time Loop, it does loop back to decisions Lola makes that affect the outcome of her journey. One highlight of the film is how her decisions also affect other people she encounters which are shown in a quick edit, frenzied photograph style. Very unique film and highly recommended.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3gSvHwF
#4
Primer
Plot: 2 friends discover time travel in their garage.
KBZ’s Take: Primer is a cerebral challenge with intricate details of physics as it relates to Time Travel and the unwavering attention to keep track of the plot (and multiple versions of each person). Like Timecrimes, this film is about Time Travel (with Time Loop elements within) and is not only one of the best Time Travel films there is, but also one of the best Hard Sci-Fi films as well. Shot for only $7,000 USD, it’s another example of how smart Time Travel films don’t need excessive budget and special effects to be effective.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3H2ZPQw
Plot: College student dies at the hands of a masked killer…only to wake up that same day to be killed again.
KBZ’s Take: Happy Death Day follows in the footsteps of Time After Time (1979) and Back to the Future (1985) as one of the best written Time Travel films foreshadowing events throughout the film. Part Teen & College Comedy Film and part Slasher Film, Happy Death Day brings refreshing nuance to the Time Loop microgenre (which has already established overused and tried tropes). Highly recommended film along with its sequel, Happy Death Day 2U (2019), which explores Multiverse Theory within Time Loops.
Additional Lists: Top Slasher Films You Haven’t Seen #2, Top Teen & College Comedies You Haven’t Seen 2014 – 2017 #1
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3ivYZl3
#2
Coherence
Plot: Eight friends experience disturbing events during an astronomical anomaly.
KBZ’s Take: Another film that explores the Multiverse Theory with Time Loop aspects to it. Though a low budget film, it’s excellent direction and script create a thrilling and suspenseful experience. It also explores the question – what would you do if you came upon an alternate reality version of yourself?
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3XS3Bm3
#1
Triangle
Plot: Woman seeking safety from a storm on an ocean liner, feels like she’s been here before.
KBZ’s Take: One of the best Time Loop films out there, this film features multiple loops that will keep your head spinning. The film excels as not only showing the initial loop, but the cause and effect of the additional loops on each other. It’s some pretty heady stuff, but once you start figuring out what is going on, it’s a wild ride to the finish.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3gSYz8a
