Time Loops: TV & Films: Top 18, Ranked (plus extras)
Time Loops only: where the day (or week or longer) repeats.
Time Travel alone - which is considerably different to Time Looping - is not included on this list.
Section 1: The Top 18 Time Loop Films/TV shows of All-Time.
Ranked in order: All are recommended viewing. These Films and TV Shows define the Time Loop Genre.
Section 2: Watched. Not Ranked - Suggestions are:
(1) Recommended, (2) Partial Recommend, (3) Not Recommended.
Section 3: Watchlisted items: In the queue to see at a later time.
Time Travel alone - which is considerably different to Time Looping - is not included on this list.
Section 1: The Top 18 Time Loop Films/TV shows of All-Time.
Ranked in order: All are recommended viewing. These Films and TV Shows define the Time Loop Genre.
Section 2: Watched. Not Ranked - Suggestions are:
(1) Recommended, (2) Partial Recommend, (3) Not Recommended.
Section 3: Watchlisted items: In the queue to see at a later time.
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- DirectorDoug LimanStarsTom CruiseEmily BluntBill PaxtonA soldier fighting aliens gets to relive the same day over and over again, the day restarting every time he dies.I'm certain this is my favorite of all time loop efforts. Go big or go home... this is big screen, big time entertainment.
Drama, action, Sci-fi, Aliens, specialty Sci-fi (Time Loop), top notch performances and a great plot.
Not only is this an excellent Sci-fi action film but it's also the Greatest Time Loop Film (or TV show) ever made. - DirectorJoe CarnahanStarsFrank GrilloMel GibsonNaomi WattsTrapped in a time loop that constantly repeats the day of his murder, a former special forces agent must unlock the mystery behind his untimely demise.This film came out of nowhere. I was wowed by the script, the acting, the comedy, the characters.
It's a great & fun movie experience that merges many different genres into a single masterpiece of entertainment.
The film manages to appeal to most demographics (I think) and falls under the category of social videos. That is, videos that are great watching together as a group, after the theater run is over.
By the time the film is over, it establishes itself as the second best Time Loop Film (or TV show) ever made. - CreatorBaran bo OdarJantje FrieseStarsLouis HofmannKaroline EichhornLisa VicariA family saga with a supernatural twist, set in a German town where the disappearance of two young children exposes the relationships among four families.3 seasons / 26 episodes: Series Complete
This is a TV series with a lot of depth and many cogs operating in both time and space... among the large number of interpersonal relationships. Unlike most of the items on this list, time is looped over a much longer time period.
Dark has the distinction of being the greatest Time Loop TV series of all-time (according to me:-)
It's also a series that is better watching a second time. I missed too much the first time and am looking forward to a second viewing. - StarsPaapa EssieduAnjli MohindraRudi DharmalingamIs a top secret organization dedicated to preventing mass extinction events and with the ability to make time go backwards.2 seasons / 16 episodes: Series Complete
Watched the first 2 seasons during the last week of Dec/2023. It was binge-worthy good. I have never seen a film (or series) that did Time Loops in such a controlled & focused way.
There is a science to looping (off-camera), a confidence in the process.
The first season gives us lots of character development and drama.
The second season adds Time Travel to Time Looping. They actually make these (arguably) incompatible core Sci-fi concepts work so well together!
Season 2 had good closure with many loose ends tied up (happy about this).
If the series didn't portray some of the core characters as non-professional - along with some other plot issues - it might have competed with 'Dark' for the number 3 spot.
Despite some failings... 'The Lazarus Project' easily places as the 4th best on this list - so much of it on the sheer strength of entertainment value. - DirectorHarold RamisStarsBill MurrayAndie MacDowellChris ElliottA narcissistic, self-centered weatherman finds himself in a time loop on Groundhog Day.For a very long time, I did not even have this film ranked. It was always a good film but the core concept didn't appeal to me that much.
I reevaluated my thinking today (06aug2023) and finally accepted the light drama for what it was... a fun look at time looping told through a non-SciFi genre.
Groundhog Day is also the film that put Time Looping on the map. It wasn't the first time-loop film or story - not by a long shot. There were many others before Groundhog Day.
It did help open up a new genre of Science Fiction to the masses.
To this day, whenever a Time Loop film is produced, Groundhog Day is quickly brought into the discussion. It is a film that not only (arguably) started it all but showed that the Time-looping concept could be commercially successful.
So coming in at number 5... it's 'Groundhog Day'. - CreatorLeslye HeadlandNatasha LyonneAmy PoehlerStarsNatasha LyonneCharlie BarnettGreta LeeA cynical young woman in New York City keeps dying and returning to the party that's being thrown in her honor on that same evening. She tries to find a way out of this strange time loop.2 season / 15 episodes: Series Pending
Season 1: A Time Loop Storyline
Season 2: Terrible Quantum Leap Style Time Travel
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Season 1 was smart, engaging and built around an excellent time loop/mystery. It's also the only season that meets the criteria for making this list.
Its ranking on this list is based solely on this season.
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Season 2: Not only did I not like the Quantum Leap Style direction this series turned into (dismissing the Time Loop premise) but the plot was uninteresting, self-serving and awfully written.
I'm convinced this production company sat on their hands during the long break and rushed a money-grubbing script out the door.
Writing a Time Loop story is complicated and takes some effort. It's apparent that it required more effort than they were willing to give (after cashing their checks). - DirectorLee TamahoriStarsNicolas CageJulianne MooreJessica BielA Las Vegas magician who can see into the future is pursued by FBI agents seeking to use his abilities to prevent a nuclear terrorist attack.It occurred to me a few minutes ago (20jan2024) that Nic Cage's character is a human time loop machine. Having watched this film twice over the years, I had not considered this before.
Instead of being stuck in an inescapable loop, he creates (and fully experiences) his own self-enclosed loops until he can guarantee the results he's looking for (if possible).
There are advantages and disadvantages to this kind of time loop scenario.
This film itself does a fantastic job of blending 'psychic foresight' with 'time looping'. It does so with a strong cast, led by another memorable Nic Cage performance.
It's a solid drama with good character development and the kind of realistic action we (sadly) see so little of these days. - DirectorPeter DeLuiseStarsRichard Dean AndersonMichael ShanksAmanda TappingCol. O'Neill and Teal'c realize they and their friends are trapped in a time loop.season 4, episode 6: Stargate SG-1
This is a single Stargate SG-1 episode. I think it's a 10 (rating) but you really have to be a fan (or knowledgeable) of the characters to get the most out of it.
Funny, well-written and one of my favorite episodes in this remarkable series. I am certain that it is still viewable as a standalone without ever having seen the series.
For a first time viewer, not only are they presented with timelooping but they are immersed in pure Sci-fi (wormholes, distant worlds, advanced sci-fi tech, underground secret military bases, alien lifeforms, Egyptian archeology, real-world story-telling).
I envy that first time viewer... - DirectorD.C. HamiltonStarsGino Anthony PesiBrinna KellyJason StuartA taxi driver finds himself trapped in a time loop. He picks up a pretty woman in a rural area at night. Later she disappears. The loop starts over, when he switches the meter back to vacant.Not so well known. Endearing, hopeful... It's different than most other time loops because of the extra layer of mystery hanging over this personal drama.
The fantasy elements that are ever present, add the final touches. In the end, it's a film that surprises you with a slow reveal while it touches your heart.
This is how you do a very low-budget film. Great script, great acting, interesting. It's the hidden gem you hope to find when you invest the time. - DirectorJonathan HeapStarsJane AldenDon AmendoliaJohn BachelderPoor Myron Castleman is stuck reliving the same 59 minutes of his lunch break.This is the original adaptation of Richard Lupoff's short story "12:01 PM," (1973).
I enjoyed it fully when I saw it for the first time in 2021. I found myself immersed in its history. That is, how this film adapted the 1973 short story. How this short, in particular, may have influenced all the other films that came afterwards.
This entry currently remains the oldest film I've seen on the topic of Time Loops. (There are many older time loop stories that I haven't read/seen yet.)
It's also the shortest time span of any time loop - only 59 minutes! I had never considered a time loop could be so short until I watched this video.
It is a particular kind of hellish experience. '12:01 PM' is probably the most hardcore of all the rated films/TV shows on this list.
It's this shorter time limit that finally explains (to me) why so many characters in other films become so desperate trying to get out of a time loop. - DirectorMax BarbakowStarsAndy SambergCristin MiliotiJ.K. SimmonsStuck in a time loop, two wedding guests develop a budding romance while living the same day over and over again.This movie was so much fun to watch. Both fun & relaxing.
I liked that during most of the film, there was a certain acceptance and that special peace of mind that comes from 'the knowing'.
Few timeloop films deal with a general acceptance of this situation. Characters usually try and force themselves out of a loop.
This film does a good job of giving us a character that is enjoying living within the timeloop lifestyle (for a good portion of the film, at least). - DirectorJack SholderStarsHelen SlaterJonathan SilvermanNicolas SurovyA man likes a woman at work. He sees her get murdered. He gets drunk and zapped at 12:01AM. Next morning she's back and everything is exactly like the day before. The time loops gives him chances to save her.I always liked the general plot, the characters and the way the entire loop was presented in this film. I found it an overall pleasant film to kick back to... while still getting a good, sci-fi driven story.
While I haven't seen the film in ages, I believe it's still plenty viewable in modern times. - DirectorTravis BibleStarsChris O'SheaRichard KohnkeDarnell TrotterA man in a time loop must work with his brother to prevent a catastrophic fire.** [New Entry] **
A 15 minute short film (DUST).
Watched it today (20feb2024) and it was excellent. The synopsis does not do this short film justice. It's far more than just about a fire.
There is time looping as a science (similar to The Lazarus Project), there is the question of fate, there is family and finally... there's a powerful ending that puts it all together.
In fact, it is the conclusion that propels this short film into the rankings. - DirectorIan SamuelsStarsKathryn NewtonKyle AllenJermaine HarrisTwo teens live the same day repeatedly, enabling them to create a map of things to remember.This film plays it safe, not taking many chances. Though it feels a bit uninspired in some areas, it holds strong entertainment value based on:
1. the ongoing mysteries sprinkled throughout the story itself and...
2. the relationship between the two main characters.
Overall, I found it both engaging and relaxing to watch.
Recommending this for all types of viewers. You don't need to be a sci-fi or time loop fan to enjoy this. I also think that many will find it appealing enough to view more than once. - CreatorPaul ZbyszewskiStarsTaye DiggsMoon BloodgoodVictoria PrattToday Detective Brett Hopper will be accused of shooting state attorney Alberto Garza. He will offer his rock solid alibi. He will realize he's been framed. And he will run. Then he will wake up and start the day over again.1 season / 13 episodes: Series Complete
This series did a great job of pulling the story together in an easy to digest way when so much was going on.
I remember watching this when it first aired and during the first episode wondering... "how are they going to make time-looping work over an entire season?"
Not only did they make it work - they managed to immerse you into a story with many layers and engage you with a great cast. Bingeable series with a satisfying ending. - DirectorRy Russo-YoungStarsZoey DeutchHalston SageCynthy WuFebruary 12 is just another day in Sam's charmed life, until it turns out to be her last. Stuck reliving her last day over and over, Sam untangles the mystery around her death and discovers everything she's losing.Originally I did not like the core concept. The Universe is essentially saying: "We don't like the person you are. Be better".
I think we can all be terrible people. Sometimes, we can be terrible for a day. Often, it is much longer than that. This film takes an honest look at a character's shortcomings.
Shortcomings we all have and that when faced with them... we reject the truth of it. We simply do not see that the behavior we engaged in was terrible at the time. Even worse... we may even justify that behavior.
The film was not afraid to expose its main character to the many negative flaws a person must sometimes work their way through. It continued to display these flaws through most of the film making the character very difficult to like.
This was done to drive home a singular point. That she (and by extension the viewing audience) deserves an opportunity to really see the ill we have caused others in life. In so doing, we see our true selves; all of the pieces - the good and the bad.
Perhaps then, we can repent. Given enough time (loops)... we might even be able to forgive ourselves. - DirectorCarl BessaiStarsDustin MilliganAmanda CrewRichard de KlerkThree twenty-somethings find themselves in an impossible time loop, where each day they awaken to the same terrifying day as the preceding one.** [New Entry] **
Watched this film on 24feb2024. I thought it was a nicely done film that looks at the darker side of living in a world without consequences.
Not too many time-loop films look at this dark side of human nature.
While it makes my rankings, it might have ranked higher if the characters were everyday people, being tested in this kind of moral limbo.
I believe that there are very many people living on a moral fence. Consequences help keep people in line. But how many would "break bad" if there were no consequences? How many givers would turn into takers? How many takers would cross moral boundaries?
It was almost too easy to say... well, of course, these "repeaters" would opt to take advantage of the world in the worst ways. Look at how they've led their lives up until this point.
Still, this film tackled this subject in a way that I think the general public might be more receptive to.
I am certain this film has a low rating (5.7 by 7,028, 24feb) because too many couldn't get past the darker world represented in this film, the darker characters, the darker choices. This film rates a 7 minimum. - DirectorTim BurtonStarsEva GreenAsa ButterfieldSamuel L. JacksonWhen Jacob (Asa Butterfield) discovers clues to a mystery that stretches across time, he finds Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. But the danger deepens after he gets to know the residents and learns about their special powers.This listing wraps up my top 18 timeloop films/shows
Entertaining fantasy tale with super-powered characters.
Yes - it does time loops (geographically localized) and they're important to the story but only how a small town might be important in a western. As a result, it's not a classic-style time loop film.
I do like the attempt at establishing new time loop rules/physics. They differ from most others and its uniqueness makes for good Sci-fi. - DirectorMichael E. SatrazemisStarsParker PoseyJillian BellKevin L. JohnsonA fast-paced, reality-twisting buddy-action heist, where a disgruntled receptionist and her overbearing boss are trapped together as Atlanta collapses under the Walker Apocalypse, forcing them to work together to escape the city.Watched: Not ranked. Recommended
A fun time loop (I gave this away anyway by including this episode on this list) set in 'The Walking Dead' Universe.
I really enjoyed the performances of both Parker Posey (as Blair) and Jillian Bell (as Gina). Their relationship and interactions made this episode work.
In a universe where there is so much drama, so much tension... this story makes light of the entire apocalypse - giving viewers a chance to sit back and "enjoy" the zombie reckoning.
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This is a single episode from the anthology series Tales of the Walking Dead (2022). Each episode in the series is completely standalone, none are related to each other.
As such, 'Blair/Gina' can be watched without having to make a commitment to the entire series. - DirectorJustin BensonAaron MoorheadStarsAaron MoorheadJustin BensonCallie HernandezAs kids, they escaped a UFO death cult. Now, two adult brothers seek answers after an old videotape surfaces and brings them back to where they began.Watched: Not ranked. Partial recommendation:
For Time Loop fans only.
Above average and a general 7 rating.
The time loop(s) established here are more localized and remind of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (2016) and earlier stuff I'v seen on Star Trek (floating bubbles of time displacement).
The overall plot is average but confusing because of some plot holes (one does not simply walk into a time looping bubble and walk out again).
The acting is just passable. The production values are below average. This is a B-movie.
Recommended for a single viewing for time loops fans only. Can not recommended to non-fans of this genre. - DirectorTom TykwerStarsFranka PotenteMoritz BleibtreuHerbert KnaupAfter a botched money delivery, Lola has 20 minutes to come up with 100,000 Deutschmarks.Watched: Not Ranked. Partial recommendation.
aka: Run Lola Run (English).
German. English DUB available.
I watched the first 30 minutes on 29feb2024. There wasn't enough to the plot to draw me in. I skipped ahead to see how the movie evolved.
Even with the look ahead, I couldn't get into the plot or characters. Despite this, it felt like the kind of film many others might enjoy.
Because of this, I'll continue to list it here as a partial recommendation. - DirectorTony ElliottStarsRobbie AmellRachael TaylorShaun BensonTrapped in a lab and stuck in a time loop, a disoriented couple fends off masked raiders while harboring a new energy source that could save humanity.Watched: Not ranked. Can not recommend
So disappointed in the final product. Robbie Amell and Rachael Taylor star. I was so looking forward to this but... bottom line: bad script. Starts off meh and continues a downward spiral - crashing and burning into time loop hell. - DirectorVincenzo NataliStarsAbigail BreslinPeter OuterbridgeMichelle NoldenA teenager is stuck in a time loop that is not quite the same each time. She must uncover the truth, but her actions have consequences for herself and others.On Watchlist
I think this has potential. The trailer shows good production values but I especially like the IMDB premise:
"A teenager is stuck in a time loop that is not quite the same each time."
Not the same each time? Time loops should always be the same. It's this synopsis that has piqued my interest.
Too bad about the 5.9 rating though (by 17,730 thru 20nov2022). Lowers my expectations a bit. Hoping to find some time to watch this. - DirectorIsti MadarászStarsDénes SzárazDorina MartinovicsZsolt AngerA drug dealer and his girlfriend betray their boss on their last mission, and the lead gets stuck in a timeloop.On Watchlist
Will not watch this unless I can find an English dubbed version. Just saying.
While I find the Sci-fi elements interesting, the crime genre itself doesn't usually pull me in. My current expectations are tempered. While the rating is meh-average (6.5; by 2,443; on 10nov2022), the reviews are coming across a bit better. - DirectorEiichirô HasumiStarsKanna HashimotoGordon MaedaMaika YamamotoA high school student and her friends are trapped in a time loop by a ghost and the only way to escape is to find the corpse of the ghost's previous victim.On Watchlist
English DUB version available.
Usually I love watching *dubbed* Foreign films within my genres of interest. If it falls under the time loop heading, it really draws me in.
The plot description, however... seems a bit weak. Is this just basic horror?
From the trailer, my impressions are (1) good production values and (2) good acting. But... even on the trailer I can clearly see (3) redundant, overused, low-effort horror elements.
It feels like I know what the movie will be about before I even watch it because of point number 3 above.
I don't expect much (it's rated very low) but it's on my watchlist. I hope to watch this at some point (but it could be a long while).
14feb2023: 5.7 rating by 92
07jul2023: 5.1 rating by 2,801
27feb2024: 5.2 rating by 3,676