The Alternate History Film subgenre deals with films about String Theory and the Multiverse, films about Parallel Worlds and films that deal with Time Travel and how it creates alternate timelines or situations. Most Alternate History Films reside within the Sci-Fi genre but there have been many recent Romantic Comedies and Romantic Dramas that have been based in parallel worlds or alternate timelines.
One of the first major films that utilized an alternate history framework was Planet of the Apes (1968). In the 1970’s, Planets of the Apes became one of the most popular franchises that deal with Alternate History and Time Travel with Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970), Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) and Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973). Other notable films during this decade included The People That Time Forgot (1977) and Time After Time (1979).
In the 1980’s, the Alternate History subgenre became more popular as it was often tied to Time Travel Films. Red Dawn (1984), Back to the Future (1985), Peggy Sue Got Married (1986) and Back to the Future II (1989) were the most popular films of this subgenre (and some of the most popular films of the decade).
The 1990’s saw a continuation of the Alternate History subgenre trend with notable films including Fatherland (1994), White Man’s Burden (1995), Richard III (1995) and Run Lola Run (1998). While most films up to this point dealt specifically with Alternate Timelines or Histories, Sliding Doors (1998) was one of the first major films that merged with the Romantic Comedy subgenre and dealt with the multiverse as a significant function of its plot.
In the 2000’s, the Alternate History subgenre became of one of the more popular Sci-fi subgenres – especially with Hollywood films. Two classic Time Travel and Alternate History films were remade during this decade with Planet of the Apes (2001) and The Time Machine (2002). The decade also includes notable standouts with The Family Man (2000), The One (2001), The Butterfly Effect (2004), Click (2006), Watchmen (2009) and Mr. Nobody (2009). While not based within the Sci-fi subgenre, Inglourious Basterds (2009) was one of the first Quentin Tarantino films that utilized Alternate History as a major part of its plot (with Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) being the other).
As String Theory and Multiverse concepts became more popular in the 2010’s, so too did the films that utilized many of these theories. Parallel Worlds were central themes and plot devices in films such as Parallels (2015), Mirage (2018), Love at Second Sight (2019) and Parallel (2019). Other notable films during this decade that also featured Alternate Histories included Iron Sky (2012), X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), Terminator Genisys (2015), Transit (2018), Yesterday (2018) and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019).
While our lists are comprised of films only (at this time), we did want to make note of two of the most recent and best Alternate History series. The Man in the High Castle (2015) is one of the best series that not only deals with an Alternate History where Germany and Japan have won World War II, but it also eventually delves into the multiverse and parallel worlds as the story progresses. Counterpart (2017) is the other series that deals with a parallel world where everybody has a duplicate and can interact with them. This series uses the backdrop of the Cold War to show how one parallel world develops completely different than the other. Both series should not be missed by any fans of the Alternate History subgenre!
Our list of Alternate History Films includes films from 1968 – 2021. Our list of films mainly features films where history has been altered or is an alternate version of history but also includes Films about Parallel Worlds and Films about the Multiverse. We couldn’t fit in the following films in our Top Alternate History Films You Haven’t Seen but they shouldn’t be missed: Sliding Doors (1998), The Family Man (2000), Kung Fury (2015), Parallels (2015) and Love at Second Sight (2019).
We have embedded a compilation video of our Top Alternate History 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.
Plot: British documentary looks at history of America where the South won the Civil War.
KBZ’s Take: Part Satire, part Mockumentary and part Alternate History film, this film plays as a serious documentary that reviews the subsequent events that happen after the Confederacy wins the U.S. Civil War. It’s a bit long but there was a lot of research that went into this “What If?” scenario showing frightening prospects for an America we wouldn’t recognize today. Only worth watching for fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3EX5RQ2
Plot: In an alternative America, blacks are members of the social elite and whites are inhabitants of inner-city ghettos.
KBZ’s Take: An example of a high concept film that is somewhat let down by its story and execution. John Travolta and Harry Belafonte give passable performances, but the film is only worth watching for the concept (and if you’re a fan of the subgenre).
Where to Stream / Buy: N/A
Plot: An alternate history where Nazi Germany has seized London.
KBZ’s Take: If you have seen or are a fan of Team America: World Police (2004), then you will probably like this film. While not as funny as Team America, it has a lot of the same crude and slapstick humor. It’s also a satire of the English, Americans, Scottish and just about every other participant in World War II. For fans of the subgenre or similar animation style and humor as Team America.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3XOBSm7
#7
Richard III
Plot: An alternate 1930’s England where the houses of York and Lancaster are at war.
KBZ’s Take: It should be noted that this is a Shakespeare adaption that uses an updated setting of an English civil war in 1930. Your mileage will vary if you can enjoy Shakespearian dialogue throughout a film. With that said, it’s a great Alternate History film showing how fascism can thrive almost 400 years after Richard III was first written. It also has many great performances by Ian McKellen, Annette Bening, Kristin Scott Thomas and Robert Downey Jr.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3EUqTif
#6
Parallel
Plot: A group of friends stumble upon a portal to a multiverse.
KBZ’s Take: This is one of the better films about the Multiverse theory and parallel worlds. While it’s a low budget effort, the concept is solid and the story very engaging. It doesn’t have any high-profile actors, but you’ll recognize almost everybody in this film from some popular television series. It’s a film you have to pay attention to, but if you get lost or have questions at the end, This Is Barry has a great explanation of the film.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3gQQkcL
#5
Fatherland
Plot: In 1960’s alternate universe where Hitler won the war, an American journalist and German homicide cop find evidence of Germany’s war crimes.
KBZ’s Take: This film is more of a Whodunnit and Detective film, but it’s also a fascinating look into a world where Germany won the war. Germany is still fighting the Soviet Union and Germany is trying to court the United States as an ally – all while trying to hide evidence of the holocaust. Rutger Hauer is excellent as always and the film is a must-see film for fans of the subgenre. Produced by HBO, it can be hard to find but occasionally shows up on streaming services.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqyxNCFfhfY
#4
Run Lola Run
Plot: Woman experiences 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/3VLww9u
Plot: 1980’s aircraft carrier is transported back in time to 1941 – just before the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor.
KBZ’s Take: This one of the best “What If?” films out there. What if a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier could prevent the bombing of Pearl Harbor? How would that change the current timeline for the individuals involved? It’s a great film with aviation war action balanced with philosophical questions on interfering with historical events. One of the best films of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3ViwGFr
#2
Yesterday
Plot: Struggling singer-songwriter wakes up one day where the world has never heard of The Beatles..
KBZ’s Take: One of the best films of the Alternate History / Romantic Comedy hybrids that started in the 2010’s. Another great film by Danny Boyle, this film hits all the right notes – an alternate world that can be taken advantage of by the protagonist, a romance that must stand the test of newfound fame and more. Another great compromise film for a date night…
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3BqI4Y7
#1
Mr. Nobody
Plot: The last mortal human alive reflects on three different lives he might have led.
KBZ’s Take: Not only is this the best film of the Alternate History subgenre, but it’s also one of the best films of all time. The film is based on string theory and the butterfly effect and how different branches of life’s paths can occur (often by chance). It’s a film rooted in family and the “What If’s?” that happens based on the decisions you make. It has a non-linear narrative that can be confusing on the first watch, but once you digest your first viewing and watch it again, you’ll appreciate the greatness of this film. It’s not an action-packed film by any means, but rather a slow meditation and narrative on the choices we make throughout life (and the subsequent worlds that would be created based on those choices). Amazing film and highly recommended.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3Fii5UY
