comedy about time travel

10 Funniest Time Travel Comedy Movies

The concept of fictional characters traveling to the past or the future has been explored many times, sometimes in a very humorous manner.

Time travel is one of the most commonly used concepts in sci-fi movies and while plots revolving around it are interesting on their own, sprinkling comedy into the proceedings is guaranteed to boost the quality. Movie lovers have thus gotten used to being treated to time travel comedies every single year

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Among the numerous options in the category, a few are more recommendable because they have a higher laugh-per-minute quotient than the others. This is because they have talented casts full of comedic actors as well as decent jokes and gags that stick to the mind long after the events come to a conclusion.

10 Historical Figures Pour Into The Present In Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure

Keanu Reeves might have earned his seat on the table of the coolest action stars but he has been in a number of amazing comedies too. One of those is Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure where two teenagers struggling to pass their history assignment go back in time to actually interact with the figures they are researching on.

For history buffs, the movie is a blast as it features comical depictions of Napoleon Bonaparte, Joan of Arc, Abraham Lincoln, Socrates, and Ludwig van Beethoven. As respected as these figures are, the movie treats them as caricatures by thrusting them into all sorts of awkward situations once they are transported to modern times.

9 Fortunes Change For A Group Of Friends In Hot Tub Time Machine

There have been many creative ways to travel back in time and in Hot Tub Time Machine , it all happens via a hot tub at a resort. The comedy begins with the cliché plot of friends going on a vacation on an island but soon find themselves in 1986 after deciding to relax in a tub.

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Throughout the film, the likable cast that includes naturally funny actors like Rob Corddry and Craig Robinson gives audiences every reason to smile. However, it's the numerous interesting scenarios that pop up in the new time period that make the movie exciting. One of those involves one of the friends failing to transform back into his younger self because he was born after 1986.

8 There Is A Major Culture Clash In Black Knight

Among the numerous underrated comedies of the 2000s is Black Knight , where Jamal, a theme park employee accidentally gets transported back in time to 1328 England. There, the citizens hold him in high regard until they realize he isn’t who he says he is.

Starring Martin Lawrence at his peak, the movie is packed with endless visual gags, mostly stemming from Jamal trying to incorporate modern practices into medieval society. The verbal exchanges are hilarious too and so are the costume differences since he insists on wearing his jeans and shirt at all times.

7 Back To The Future Has One Of The Greatest Movie Characters

A movie where a teenager threatens his own existence by preventing his parents from falling in love is definitely one that’s guaranteed to delight and Back To The Future doesn’t disappoint. Much of the credit goes to Emmett "Doc" Brown who has gone on to be considered one of the greatest ever movie characters .

Doc's physical appearance and actions are main the reservoirs of humor. There's always the threat of something going wrong too, even when a problem has been solved, hence creating endless anxiety. Additionally, the movie proves itself superior to other sci-fi and comedy offerings by focusing more on storytelling rather than visual spectacle.

6 A Teenager's Wish Comes True In 13 Going On 30

The limitations that come with being young can be frustrating, that’s why 13-year-old Jenna keeps wishing she was an adult in 13 Going On 30. Interestingly, his wishes come true when she wakes up to find out that she is not only 30 years old but has also been transported from 1987 to 2004.

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13 Over 30 is hoisted by strong performances by Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, and Andy Serkis, but it’s the former who shines the most as her character tries to make sense of what's happening. As expected, most things go wrong for the adult Jenna and while her experiences are funny, they also serve as cautionary moments for those dreaming of better lives than the ones they have.

5 In Click, An Architect Can Remote-Control His Life

Life would be interesting if one could fast-forward or rewind their lives and that’s the idea Click explores to humorous effect. In it, an architect named Michael can skip or go back to events he desires the most.

While this seems like a good option to have, the movie goes the classic things-go-wrong route when the remote start operating by itself after learning he only desires success. It thus fast forwards him to a promotion and then a decade later when he has become boss, making him miss out on important family events. The quest to discard the remote and reverse time then starts.

4 The Adam Project Blends Action & Laughs

To many fans, The Adam Project is one of the most satisfying movies of 2022 because of the healthy friendship between the younger and older versions of Ryan Reynolds; character, Adam. In it, a dystopian fighter pilot from 2050 meets a child version of himself after he crash-lands in 2022.

As is the case with most Ryan Reynolds movies, there are plenty of goofy moments that make every single scene enjoyable. These are blended with incredible action sequences as well as aerial dogfights. The villain is more laughable than threatening too, hence the quest to defeat him becomes more of a fiesta than a dark journey.

3 Everyone Is Dumb In Idiocracy

A high IQ is highly beneficial in the real world but not so much in the society depicted in Idiocracy . Events in the comedy revolve around a U.S. Army librarian named Joe who finds himself in the year 2505 after participating in a hibernation experiment. Since technology has advanced so much, people don't need to be smart to survive.

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As weird as the society is, Joe's value increases because he is literally the one-eyed man in a village of blind people. The President thus gives him the task of solving most of society's problems, resulting in a fun-filled tale that also covers themes such as commercialism, overpopulation, dysgenics, and corporatocracy.

2 A Woman Rewinds The Same Date Night In Meet Cute

Among the more recent offerings in the genre is Meet Cute , where a solution is given to a boring life. Since Sheila's life has become meaningless, she decides to relive the same night multiple times using a time machine.

The movie has its plot weakness, but luckily it has strong witty leads in Kaley Cuoco and Pete Davidson, who easily cover up any cracks. Numerous strong jokes are exchanged too but what audiences will find more intriguing is how the time travel device plays on social media by enabling the lovebirds to delete and edit sections of their lives.

1 When We First Met Emphasizes On Perfection

Similar to Meet Cute, the Netflix film, When We First Met also focuses on the same date night. However, while the night in the previous film is perfect enough to be revisited again and again, this one is so blemished that the and keeps trying to correct it.

The movie thus provides commentary on modern-day dating and the desperation to impress. Watching the man mess up is funny but watching him go back in time multiple times is inspiring as it highlights the importance of resilience and dedication in everyday life.

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Screen Rant

5 best (& 5 worst) time travel comedies.

From Groundhog Day to Hot Tub Time Machine, Hollywood loves using time travel for comedy film fodder. Which of these movies succeed and which fail?

Time travel isn't just for heady science fiction features. Characters jumping back and forth through the years or stuck in loops can be prime comedic material, too — at least when done right. From oddball slapsticks to rom-coms to fantasy epics, adding a bit of time travel into the mix is guaranteed to stir up trouble.

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H.G. Wells popularized the concept of time travel in his 1897 novella  The Time Machine . Little did Wells know his technological invention would be used decades later to make audiences laugh on the big screen. The best time travel comedies veer from formulaic plots and characterizations to tell unique stories, while the worst rely too heavily upon predictable, cornball genre tropes.

Best: Groundhog Day (1993)

Technically a time loop comedy,  Groundhog Day follows Phil Connor, a cynical TV weatherman played by Bill Murray, who finds himself reliving the titular day over and over again. Murray is hilarious in the role. Andie MacDowell and Chris Elliott make for excellent co-stars in the film, which is directed by Harold Ramis.

Groundhog Day 's influence persists into the present; series like Netflix's  Russian Doll  are clearly indebted to this comedy classic.

Worst: About Time (2013)

Despite its unique premise and genuine acting from Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams,  About Time is a decidedly bland rom-com. Gleeson plays Tim, a man with the ability to time travel, who uses it to his advantage romantically.

Tim falls for McAdams' character Mary, but happenstance keeps them from forming a lasting bond. In order to fix this, Tim keeps going back to his past to improve his chances of being united with Mary once and for all in the future.

Best: Back To The Future (1985)

Back to the Future may be the most iconic time travel movie ever. Robert Zemeckis blends science fiction, comedy, and action flawlessly in this tale of a high schooler who goes back in time from 1985 to 1955 in his friend Doc Brown's time-traveling DeLorean.

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Michael J. Fox plays protagonist Marty McFly, and Christopher Lloyd co-stars as the mad scientist, Doc Brown. Without this film and its sequels, pop culture would be woefully behind in hoverboard technology and deprived of sayings like, "Great Scott!"

Worst: 13 Going On 30 (2004)

Innocent and wholesome,  13 Going on 30 is a time travel comedy about Jenna Rink, 13-year-old girl who wishes she were 30 on her birthday. Jenna Rink wakes up the next morning in a strange New York City apartment to find her wish came true.

Jennifer Garner  plays Jenna at 30, basically portraying a tween trapped in a woman's body. While feelgood vibes abound in the movie, the laughs are few and far between.

Best: Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)

Directed by  Jurassic World 's Colin Trevorrow,  Safety Not Guaranteed   is an offbeat, entertaining independent comedy. Mark Duplass plays Kenneth Calloway, a Seattle man who posts a classified ad seeking a time-traveling companion.

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Three local magazine employees played by  Aubrey Plaza , Jake Johnson, and Karan Soni decide to investigate the ad. They soon realize that contrary to their original assumption, it may not actually be a hoax after all.

Worst: Click (2006)

One of Adam Sandler's worst comedies ,  C l ick uses a magical remote control as its time-traveling device. Sandler plays an overworked architect named Michael who meets the Angel of Death (whose name is Morty) in a Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

Played by Christopher Walken, Morty gives Michael a universal remote control that allows him to flash forward through bad or boring moments in his life as they happen. Kate Beckinsale co-stars as Michael's wife Donna, whose husband takes his newfound power too far.

Best: Bill And Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)

Many time travel comedies have tried to capitalize on  Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure , a screwball story about two teenage slackers who travel back through time in order to gather historical figures for a high school presentation. Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves play the titular duo, who are guided by none other than George Carlin.

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This comedy manages to combine low-brow culture and high-brow ideas to hysterical ends. What other movie contains references to Greek philosophy and  the music of Van Halen?

Worst: Austin Powers In Goldmember (2002)

Despite being extremely popular when they were released, Jay Roach's  Austin Powers movies have not aged well.  Goldmember , the third in the spy comedies starring Mike Myers , features a time travel plot so silly not even Beyoncé can save it.

Dr. Evil, Powers's arch-nemesis who is also played by Myers, plots to go back in time to 1975 in order to bring about the end of the world. Powers follows Dr. Evil to the disco era, where a lot of inane jokes and situational comedy ensues.

Best: Time Bandits (1981)

Part of Terry Gilliam's genre-defying "Trilogy of Imagination,"  Time Bandits joins 1985's  Brazil and 1988's  The Adventures of Baron Munchausen to form an epic fantasy narrative. In  Time Bandits , a young boy named Kevin joins a group of dwarves using a special map that helps them track down holes in the fabric of time.

Kevin's six dwarves use the map to steal treasure from different historical eras. Along the way, they encounter Napoleon, Robin Hood and King Agamemnon – the latter of whom is played by Sean Connery.

Worst: Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)

John Cusack, Rob Corddry, and Craig Robinson co-star as three vacationing friends who are sent back in time after a night of heavy drinking in a hot tub. The friends suddenly find themselves in 1986, where disaster meets them around every corner as they try to figure out how to get back to the present.

While  Hot Tub Time Machine is definitely a step above much of the toxic comedies of the time, the film still revels in homophobia and misogyny for cheap laughs. Even with its time travel narrative and talented cast, Hot Tub Time Machine  lacks sustainability.

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20 Best Time-Travel Shows Ranked

If you could travel back and forth through time, where would you go? What would you do? Who would you talk to? Even better, if you were writing a book, making a movie, or working on a television show about time travel, what would you include? The best TV shows about time travel all feature characters who visit other eras for various compelling (or even life-threatening) reasons. Maybe it's to prevent a coming apocalypse, maybe it's just to save one person's life — but as many of these shows teach, small changes can have big effects, and many of these characters learn that their time-traveling can change the world.  

Now, there are some great time travel-adjacent shows that don't quite fit this list. A fun romp like "Early Edition," for example, utilizes a time-traveling newspaper and potentially a time-traveling cat, but doesn't in and of itself feature a lot of time travel. Likewise, something like "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" is rooted in a time travel premise, but stays mostly in one time. With all that said, here's a look at our choices for the 20 best time travel shows on TV.

Save the cheerleader, save the world. That's what future Hiro Nakamura (Masi Oka) tells present-day Hiro when he appears to him from the future, and that's what establishes "Heroes" as way more than just a superhero show.

The NBC series follows a group of regular people who develop special powers, not unlike mutants in the "X-Men" series, after a mysterious worldwide eclipse. Each character gains their own individual abilities. Claire Bennet (Hayden Panettiere) develops the ability to heal from any injury. Senator Nathan Petrelli (Adrian Pasdar) gains the ability to fly, while his brother Peter (Milo Ventimiglia) can temporarily absorb others' powers. Still, few of these characters have cooler abilities than Hiro, who can influence the space-time continuum. This means he can teleport, slow down time — and, of course, time travel.   

Understandably, Hiro's power set becomes a serious asset throughout the series, and his path to perfect his abilities is one of "Heroes'" strongest story arcs. The first few times he travels through time don't go as planned, and throughout the series, things can get in the way of him ending up where he wants to go or when he wants to be. While Hiro's time-traveling is just one part of the larger story, it's definitely one of the show's highlights – especially since Oka is so darn charming as the character.

19. 11.22.63

One of the best Stephen King TV series out there, the eight-episode "11.22.63" follows a man named Jake Epping (James Franco). He's a relatively normal guy who receives a chance to change history when his friend Al (Chris Cooper) tells him he's found a way to travel back in time. Al tells Jake that the portal he's discovered goes back to the year 1960 and that he's been working on a plan to stop the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Al's age and advancing cancer diagnosis prevent him from following through on the plan, however, and he asks Jake to take over for him. Jake agrees, but soon his quest is met with pushback from a mysterious source. As it turns out, the past doesn't want to be changed, and every step Jake takes toward preventing JFK's assassination leads to more cracks in the timeline. 

A charming and exciting time travel drama, "11.22.63" is a well-executed, twisty tale that only ranks so low on this list because it's in such great company. If you're looking for a quick, self-contained time travel miniseries that revolves around one of modern America's most notable events, this show is well worth a watch. 

When Oceanic Airlines Flight 815 crash lands on a deserted island, wacky and scary things start happening to the survivors. ABC's "Lost" deals with flashbacks, flash-forwards, mysterious groups that already have a presence on the island, a black smoke monster — and, as it turns out, an ancient battle between good and evil. One of the great appointment television shows before streaming broke through, "Lost" had fans talking about it and theorizing about its mysteries on a weekly basis.

The sci-fi drama captivated viewers for six seasons, and though time travel is referenced throughout the entire series run, it plays the biggest role in Season 4. As the island itself leaps from place to place and from time to time, the main group of characters jumps with it, encountering previous versions of themselves and island events that occurred in the past, and suffering from the effects of temporal displacement. The most beloved episode dealing with time travel is undoubtedly "The Constant," in which fan-favorite Desmond Hume (Henry Ian Cusick) figures out a way to stop his consciousness from jumping through time by finding his constant — his true love, Penny (Sonya Walger).

Of course, "Lost" is not just a time travel show, and famously covers such a wide variety of mysteries and sci-fi concepts that viewers might find it hard to keep up. As such, it ends up with this relatively low ranking. 

Like "Lost", "Fringe" is considered one of the most binge-worthy sci-fi shows of all time  but the fact that it isn't exclusively about time travel means it lands near the tail end of this particular list. The ABC show revolves around a science-fiction conglomerate that dabbles with interdimensional travel, wormholes, and alternate realities. Anna Torv stars as FBI Agent Olivia Dunham, who heads up the bureau's Fringe Division. With the help of "mad scientist" Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble), his estranged son Peter (Joshua Jackson), and their lab assistant Astrid Farnsworth (Jakisa Nicole), Dunham explores cases involving fringe science — be they about time travel, mind control, experiments gone wrong or any other strange and obscure criminal activity.

Time travel is more of a looming presence early in "Fringe," particularly present in the character of the Observer (Michael Cerveris), a bald, pale, genetically advanced human from the future. While Season 1 and Season 2 deal with the battle between two dimensions and realities, time travel really becomes an element in Season 3. Seasons 4 and 5 then deal with alternate timelines and the Observers that infiltrate the world from the future, intent on wiping out humanity. As you might expect, things can get a bit confusing, but the show sure is fun.

16. The Umbrella Academy

You have to respect a show that's so high-concept that time travel doesn't even get top billing. "The Umbrella Academy" boasts mysterious events, family drama, dance numbers, a talking chimpanzee, some of the cleverest superpowers in superhero shows, and a robot mom — and that's just scratching the surface. Based on "The Umbrella Academy" comics created by Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance fame, the Netflix show is a saga that exploits everything from the butterfly effect to the grandfather paradox for emotional and comedic impact.

The central Hargreeves family consists of a group of kids all born on the same day, adopted by the same eccentric billionaire (Colm Feore). He has trained them to protect the world with their various superpowers, but they aren't particularly great at it, and their strict upbringing has left them with a wide array of issues and deep rifts between them. The dysfunctional bunch starts out fairly estranged, but slowly bonds to save humanity from an apocalyptic event ... only to cause another potential apocalyptic event by sprinkling themselves across time.

In between the tears in the space-time continuum, "The Umbrella Academy" is ultimately an ensemble story about found (and re-found) family, as well as a truly unique superhero show where personal failure and the side-effects of costumed crimefighter life play a huge role. However, since Season 1 largely approaches time travel through Number Five (Aidan Gallagher) and the Temps Aeternalis agency, and much of Season 3 focuses on a present-day alternate reality, only the 1960s-themed Season 2 goes truly all in on the concept of sending all main characters to a different era. 

15. Sliders

"Sliders" is a 1990s sci-fi adventure series that features Jerry O'Connell and friends getting lost across the multiverse. O'Connell ("Stand By Me") plays boy genius Quinn Mallory, inventor of the Timer — a device that lets him and his friends "slide" through a wormhole vortex into different versions of Earth. The thing about wormhole vortexes, though, is that they like to misbehave, meaning Quinn and his buds never know where they're headed next on their adventures. This makes their quest to get back home to their own Earth a tricky one.

"Sliders" starts off fun and strong, and is at its best when having bonkers fun — like when Rembrandt (Cleavant Derricks) discovers a world where he could have been Elvis-level famous — and when it's exploring real-world issues in a high-concept dimension, like when the crew visits an Earth that treats men worse than women. Even if you've seen it before, it's definitely worth a re-watch, because "Sliders" is one  TV show that's better than you remember.

14. Continuum

On "Continuum," Kiera Cameron (Rachel Nichols) is a Protector – think futuristic government agent from even more futuristic equipment — from the year 2077. She gets transported to the year 2012 along with a group of murderous terrorists, forcing Kiera to remain in the past as she chases them down. Fortunately, her gadgets and knowledge of the past soon come in handy and she finds loyal allies. Unfortunately, her enemies also know their history and plan on altering it for their own gain. 

"Continuum" milks the premise for all it's worth, while avoiding the pitfall of becoming a run-in-the-mill procedural with an unchanging status quo. While Kiera does handle her share of case-of-the-week story arcs, they're often connected to the group she pursues, and she never lets go of her primary target of stopping the terrorists. In order to avoid disrupting the timeline, she also has to go to great lengths to avoid revealing that either she or her targets are time travelers — and when their actions inevitably end up changing the future, she has to deal with the consequences. 

13. Timeless

If ever there was a time travel show that was canceled too soon, it's Eric Kripke and Shawn Ryan's "Timeless." The NBC sci-fi series stars Abigail Spencer as the historian Lucy, Matt Lanter as the soldier Wyatt, and Malcolm Barrett as Rufus, a scientist who makes up a team trying to prevent a mysterious organization from altering the courses of history through time travel. They're up againsts Garcia Flynn (Goran Višnjić), who travels throughout history intending to influence major events like the Hindenburg disaster. However, the team soon realizes that the villain they thought they were fighting is much larger and infiltrates the historical timeline in ways they never imagined. 

Instead of focusing on the usual historical suspects, "Timeless" often highlights forgotten people of color, women, and lesser-known historical figures, giving them their due and celebrating their contributions to society. This element of the show can be seen in the way Rufus, for instance, is reluctant to join the team because he knows how Black people are treated in the eras they visit. 

Despite its intriguing concept, the show was canceled after Season 1, but fans caused such an uproar that NBC reversed the decision of canceling "Timeless"  and renewed it for another season. After Season 2, NBC pulled the plug once more, and again, the fans cried foul. In a kind of compromise, NBC greenlit a special two-hour series finale that ties up loose ends and gives much-needed closure to the story. 

12. 12 Monkeys

The "12 Monkeys" SyFy series is based on the 1995 film of the same name that stars Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt — though the series makes a fair few changes to stretch the plot into a four-season sci-fi drama. The series stars Aaron Sanford as James Cole, a scavenger from the year 2024 who's tasked with traveling to 2015 in order to stop the release of a biological weapon. In the movie, James is helped by a psychologist named Kathryn Railly played by Madeleine Stowe, but here, he befriends a virologist named Dr. Cassandra "Cassie" Railly (Amanda Schull). Pitt's character, Jeffrey Goines, is also gender-swapped here, with Emily Hampshire playing Jennifer Goines.

Like the movie, the series deals with the Cassandra Complex, the idea that we have a hard time believing concerns about the future, no matter how likely and provable they are. It also deals with circular time and the idea that past events can be affected by future ones. If those aspects of the film lift your time travel antennae, the four-season show dives even deeper.

11. Paper Girls

"Paper Girls" is a brilliant time travel show that was canceled way ahead of its time. Based on the comics by Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang, this Amazon series tells the story of a group of 1990s tween girls who get attacked by futuristic invaders. They manage to escape into the future, where one of the girls, Erin (Riley Lai Nelet ), meets her adult self (Ali Wong).

The show dispenses with grandfather paradox hand-wringing and instead uses the concept of the girls confronting their past and future selves, to brutally honest and hilarious effect. Young Erin is horrified to find out how much of herself she's abandoned by the time she turns into Old Erin, and refuses to let life work out that way. It motivates Erin to want to return to her home time even more — this kid has a clock to beat. However, there are two sides to the coin, and Old Erin is also able to care for her young self in ways she never felt able to when she was younger. It's a beautiful and potent visual metaphor that other characters also make good on. 

All in all, "Paper Girls" is a feast for the eyes as much as its ensemble cast is a feast for the soul. Plus, Jason Mantzoukas playfully chewing scenery as the ominous Grand Father? This show could have lasted until the end of time — or at least until Season 2.

10. Timewasters

"Timewasters" is a time travel comedy about a Black British jazz band that accidentally time-slips back to 1920s London, among other timelines. The quartet stumbles into an earlier time perod via a disgusting elevator that, yes, doubles as a time machine. Once the crew shows up in the past, they're treated like freaks, but they gain some measure of success as musicians. While the crew eventually tries to return to the present, they also have a "Back to the Future" moment when they seemingly get stuck in the 1950s.

"Timewasters" is full of funny jokes and great music, and it's a groundbreaking show in a number of ways. "People like us never get to time travel — it's what white people do, like skiing or brunch," creator Daniel Lawrence Taylor told the Royal Television Society . "For me, race is so important." Taylor also stars in "Timewasters," along with Kadiff Kirwan ("Slow Horses"), Adelayo Adedayo ("Some Girls"), and Samson Kayo ("Our Flag Means Death"). The show is also an excellent destination if you're into spotting a variety of British actors and comedians ... including Joseph Quinn, who went on to rise to fame as Eddie Munson on "Stranger Things."

9. Outlander

Based on the series of novels by Diana Gabaldon, Starz's "Outlander" follows the story of a World War II nurse named Claire (Caitriona Balfe) who finds herself thrown back in time after visiting a circle of mysterious Druid stones. She arrives in 18th Century Scotland and, after being taken in by a band of gruff Scots, she marries the dashing young Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) in order to avoid being taken prisoner by her real husband's (Tobias Menzies) apparent evil ancestor, Black Jack Randall (Menzies). Claire lives through a time of great upheaval in Scotland when tensions with British control are rising and history-making battles loom in the near future. Despite being initially reluctant to stay, she and Jamie fall deeply in love, and their romance remains the backbone of the series.

The entire "Outlander" timeline  takes some time to explain, what with several 20th-century characters taking the trip to the 18th century and the show covering versions of notable real-world historical events. Without further spoilers, all there is to say is that if you enjoy time travel shows that lean heavily toward historical drama, "Outlander" is where it's at. Also, if you view Tobias Menzies as an incorrigible dweeb due to his performance as Edmure Tully on "Game of Thrones," his monstrous "Outlander" villain is guaranteed to erase that image.

8. Quantum Leap

"Quantum Leap" stars Scott Bakula as Dr. Sam Beckett, a physicist who invents a way to travel through time. When the corporation funding his project threatens to shut it down, Sam uses himself as a guinea pig to test out the method. He finds himself thrown back in time, but in another person's body. The only other entity aware of his 'leap" is a hologram of his colleague and best friend, Admiral Al Calavicci (Dean Stockwell). Al tells Sam that he must correct things that went wrong in the past before being allowed to leap back to his own time and body, and can only use the resources of the project's supercomputer, Ziggy.

With Sam leaping back and forth into different bodies at different times, the show uses a variant of the traditional procedural set up. New characters turn up to guest star and Sam gets to save the day, have a fling, and learn something new before leaping to the next destination, which just might be home one of these days.  

The series ran on NBC from 1989 to 1993, but its combination of time travel and case-of-the-week antics has proved enduring enough that "Quantum Leap" even gets a shout-out in "Avengers: Endgame." Despite being over three decades old, it remains a cool time travel series worth checking out.

7. The 4400

In the opening scenes of "The 4400," an enormous ball of light drops 4,400 people at the foot of Mount Rainier in Washington. They soon realize that they were all taken from some other point in time and deposited into the year 2004, unaged and without any memories of where they'd been. At first, everyone assumes that these people have been abducted by aliens. However, it soon turns out that the truth is far more time travel-related.

The returned people soon start developing "Heroes"-style powers that range from telekinesis to telepathy and super-strength, which people from the future have entrusted with to prevent various catastrophic events that they want to avoid in their timeline. Unfortunately, the 2004 government considers the powered folks a threat, and inhibits their powers with a neurological drug. 

The stories that unfold from this setup are exactly as complex and entertaining as you'd imagine, with various members of the titular group treating their powers in different ways and society having a hard time dealing with them. Unfortunately, "The 4400" ended abruptly after four seasons on a somewhat ambiguous note, but even so, it's a fun show to revisit.

6. Travelers

In Netflix's "Travelers," time-traveling operatives from a post-apocalyptic future are tasked with preventing certain events that have led to the downfall of society in their own present day of 2018. The travelers' consciousness takes over a person in the desired time who's just about to die, and the operative then lives out the rest of that person's days though with the mission in mind ... and a strict set of rules they must follow. Apart from a list of ways they're not allowed to interact with the past, they're also strictly forbidden from communicating with other known travelers outside their team, save for special circumstances dictated by the Director, who communicates by temporarily taking over children. 

It's a unique and complex premise, and the way the travelers scope out potential targets for takeover and learn to live as them is as timely as it comes — they use social media, GPS locations, and other readily available online information for their time-travel tricks. This adds a layer of present-day dread to the show's fascinating take on time travel. 

Loki Laufeyson (Tom Hiddleston) meets his match when he comes up against the Time Variance Authority in one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's most ambitious Disney+ shows, "Loki." The TVA is so dedicated to maintaining a particular sacred timeline that they purge all alternate realities where someone made a choice they deem wrong, which might not always make sense, but precision isn't the point here. It's the idea of playfulness versus control. 

The Loki we see here is an alternate-timeline variant of the one the audiences are familiar with, and thus starts the show in full "The Avengers" villain mode before life — and time — starts grinding him down. Working with TVA agent Mobius M. Mobius (Owen Wilson), he starts redeeming himself by tracking down an apparently evil version of himself, Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino) ... and ultimately tackling the biggest challenges time can offer.  

The God of Mischief's surprisingly human path of reckoning is the heart of a show that's deliciously stylish, silly, and sometimes scary. "Loki" takes a cops-and-robbers crime caper into time travel territory and explores hefty themes with a light touch, from mindless compliance to self-serving overseers to criminalizing anyone deemed different. "Loki" isn't just a time travel show — it's a show about everything time can offer and more, with characters dancing between eras as you might step from room to room. Also, it has Alligator Loki, who's objectively the best Loki of all. 

If "Loki" is too light-hearted for you, Netflix's "Dark" might be your jam ... provided you can make sense of its incredibly convoluted time travel storyline. Four families weave a tangled web of time travel in this German-language psychological thriller about missing kids, a rotten town, and how almost all of our secrets come out in time. In other words, it's a good time travel show, but it's definitely not a feel-good time travel show. 

"Dark" follows its many characters over the course of their lifetimes and, at one point, has three timelines going at once. Part of the intrigue and challenge of watching the show is trying to understand how (and when) each timeline threads into the other. If you decide to watch it, it's best to have an evidence board and plenty of red yarn ready to chart the relationships and betrayals the town of Winden sees over the years.

While "Dark" is as much a show about human connection and how frayed it can become as it is about time travel, it's also the MVP of using as many time travel paradoxes as possible during its three-season run. "Dark" is also an innovator in the field of wormhole placement. Wormholes are already not to be trusted, but a wormhole underneath a nuclear power plant? No, thank you.

3. Beforeigners

What happens when a bunch of Viking-era warriors, 19th-century figures, and Stone Age people pop up in modern-day Oslo? "Beforeigners" attempts to answer that question while navigating twisty murder mysteries with such efficiency that the Norwegian series may be best described as "crime travel." Adding to the intrigue is the way it focuses more on the present-day relationship between the time refugees and their modern counterparts than on how they showed up in the first place.

"Beforeigners" centers around the odd-couple partnership between hardened police detective Lars Haaland (Nicolai Cleve Broch) and eager new Viking police recruit Alfhildr Enginnsdóttir (Krista Kosonen), who investigate things like the murder of a Stone Age victim and even look into crimes with possible ties to Jack the Ripper.

The metaphor of time migration is an apt one for immigration, and this sci-fi show explores tricky real-life issues with plenty of scope. Creators Anne Bjørnstad and Eilif Skodvin got their start in comedy writing, and their commitment to the bit is evident in the show, including the language used. "Early on, I contacted researchers, professors who helped us. We also constructed the language that Stone Age people spoke, and even with the language from the 19th century: We worked on it to make it sound right," Bjørnstad told Variety . "Why not invest in language, which is such a big part of a person's identity?"

2. Russian Doll

"Russian Doll" could be pitched as "Natasha Lyonne's 'Groundhog Day,'" but that still wouldn't hint at half of the show's charm and emotion. This Netflix offering is a mind-bending time loop dramedy that's a stylish and surreal exploration of life, death, and all the trauma in between. Season 1 of "Russian Doll" features Nadia (Lyonne) stuck reliving her 36th birthday until she inevitably dies and resets back to her friend's bathroom. Later in the season, she discovers a fellow time traveler (Charlie Barnett). They quickly realize that the way out of their dead ends and into a new life is through helping each other.

Season 2 takes some departures from the recursive reality set up in the first season, bending viewers' minds even more thoroughly. "Russian Doll" goes deep, but keeps a sense of humor even as it twists the knife in its characters' hearts — and their timelines. The show keeps audiences just oriented enough by linking its time loops to recognizable spaces and sound cues. You will never look at the subway the same way again, and you will probably never get Harry Nilsson's "Gotta Get Up" out of your head.

1. Doctor Who

Really, could any other show top a list like this?  The untold history of "Doctor Who"  goes all the way back to 1963, when the show premiered on the BBC. The series follows the adventures of a Time Lord who calls themselves the Doctor — an alien being from the planet Gallifrey who travels through space and time on a craft called the TARDIS, which is charmingly disguised as an old-fashioned British police call box and is famously bigger on the inside.  Every Doctor has their own companions  – humans who follow the Doctor throughout space and time, helping people, battling new and recurring villains, and dealing with the assorted wibbly-wobbly stuff on the Doctor's timeline .

The original series ran from 1963 through 1989 and established the neat trick of recasting the Doctor every few years or so, thanks to the premise that the character has multiple lives and can reincarnate himself into different physical bodies. The modern series was revived in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston as the Doctor, and talented actors like David Tennant (twice), Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, Jodie Whitaker, and Ncuti Gatwa have followed in his footsteps. Even without the fact that no other show has time travel quite as integrated into its very premise as "Doctor Who," the show's sheer longevity and cultural impact are more than enough to make it the king of the time travel hill. 

The 32 Best TV Shows About Time Travel

Time traveling is a popular topic when it comes to all types of entertainment from books to films. But in recent years time travel has also become a popular theme in TV.

So let’s take a look at this list of the best time traveling TV shows and find out how each of them handles time travel and all the history that comes with it.

Doctor Who, BBC One (1963 – 1989, 2005 – present)

When it comes to time traveling and TV, probably the most notable name in this niche is Doctor Who  because this time travel series has been around for 39 seasons and is still going strong.

Hailing from British television channel BBC One, Doctor Who tells the tale of the Time Lord aka The Doctor, and his companions as they travel to different times and try to prevent evil forces from changing history and hurting innocent lives.

Once the Time Lord gets hurt beyond healing, he can transform into a new body and continue saving the world. Hence why at this point 13 (soon to be 14) different actors have played The Doctor.

Doctor Who is not only a huge part of the fabric of British popular culture but by now this time travel show has found its way into the hearts of many people all over the world.

It has inspired many spin-offs in the form of TV shows, comic books, movies, novels, you name it. But more than that, by now it has become an industry standard both when it comes to science-fiction television series and shows about time travel.

No wonder that Doctor Who continues to be successful after countless actor changes and plot twists.

Where to watch Doctor Who:

Timeless, nbc (2016 – 2018).

Another time travel TV series that has already become a cult classic and is adored by fans all over the world is NBC’s Timeless . And despite the turmoil that this show has gone through, it still is time traveling at its best.

Starring Malcolm Barrett, Matt Lanter, and Abigail Spencer as Rufus, Wyatt, and Lucy, Timeless  details the trio traveling to different times in an effort to stop their adversaries from rewriting history.

But as it later turns out, the conspiracy goes deeper than them just changing history. Since the people who our trio is chasing are traveling through time to take down a dangerous and all-powerful organization. The same one that helped build the time machine that Rufus, Wyatt, and Lucy are using.

And although Timeless went on for just two seasons (and a two-hour wrap-up movie), you should still check out the show because it’s not only entertaining but will make you think and want to know more about the events that each episode is exploring.

Where to watch Timeless:

Dc’s legends of tomorrow, the cw (2016 – present).

If you are a fan of superhero TV shows, then you will probably have heard about DC’s Legends of Tomorrow . It is a show that is a huge part of The CW’s Arrowverse. And has crossed over with shows like Arrow , The Flash , and Supergirl multiple times now.

And even if you don’t like the rest of the superhero series but do enjoy a good old time travel TV show, then I suggest you still give Legends of Tomorrow a watch.

The plot of this show is based around a team of superheroes that are traveling through time in their time machine christened the Waverider to prevent different catastrophes from happening. Both ones made by others and those created by the team’s previous adventures.

At the forefront, there are well-known DC heroes like Rip Hunter, Firestorm, The Atom, Kid Flash, Steel, and Vixen. Joined by some original characters like Caity Lotz’s White Canary among others.

One of the defining characteristics of Legends of Tomorrow is how fun it is. Because adjectives like unapologetic, witty, and entertaining are frequently used to describe this time travel series.

However, more than that, it adds an interesting layer to the whole Arrowverse universe. And above all, it is just a hoot to watch.

Where to watch Legends of Tomorrow:

12 monkeys, syfy (2015 – 2018).

Then there also is SyFy’s 12 Monkeys , which is a little darker take on time traveling. One that comes with mystery, drama, and apocalyptic stakes. But that doesn’t lessen how good this time travel TV series is.

Split between two timelines, 12 Monkeys centers on Aaron Stanford’s James Cole, who is tasked to travel back in time and stop the distribution of a virus that has the ability to end the human race as we know it.

In Cole’s real timeline, the year is 2043 and people are struggling to survive because of the terrible mutations caused by the virus. So Cole travels back to 2015 to find virologist Cassie Railly, played by Amanda Schull, that can help him stop the release of the virus and the organization that is behind it called The Army of the 12 Monkeys.

If you think about it, the post-apocalyptic setting and time travel really do go hand in hand. Because if you can go back in time to stop history from being changed, why not go back to change it if it prevents something terrible from happening?

And that is what this show explores. Beautifully combining elements of mystery, drama, and science fiction, to form a great TV show.

Where to watch 12 Monkeys:

Outlander, starz (2014 – present).

Want another show that mixes time travel with historical events and does it flawlessly? Then you should put Outlander on your must-watch TV show list!

The show starts in the 1940s when a combat nurse Claire Randall visits Inverness, Scotland as part of her second honeymoon with her husband Frank. Claire accidentally happens upon the standing stones at Craigh na Dun which transport her back in time to 1743.

To return to her own time she first has to survive 18th-century Scotland. And she does so by joining a group of rebel Highlanders from Clan MacKenzie and marrying one of the Highlanders, Jamie Fraser. But eventually, she falls in love with her new husband and aids the clan in evading British redcoats that are pursuing them.

Over the five seasons of Outlander that are currently out (with the sixth coming soon), we see Claire jump back and forth between the 20th and 18th centuries and her two families as she faces two pregnancies, wars, and much more. But eventually, Claire finds her way back to Jamie.

Where to watch Outlander:

Travelers, showcase (2016 – 2018).

Then we have Travelers , a joint venture between Netflix and Canada’s Showcase that will tick all of your time travel TV show boxes.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world , this show depicts the adventures of travelers – operatives who go back in time to prevent the collapse of society.

These travelers are transferred into the bodies of our current-day humans, who otherwise would die, to blend in with twenty-first-century people. And with the help of their artificial intelligence boss from the future, travelers carry out missions in order to stop many catastrophic events from happening.

Travelers is a great mix of sci-fi and drama, featuring a great cast and spine-tingling storylines. So if you love all that and love a good time-travel series, then look no further than Travelers .

Where to watch Travelers:

Dark, netflix (2017 – 2020).

Netflix’s first German original series was the science fiction series Dark , which mixes in some mystery drama with sci-fi: time travel, the apocalypse, wormholes, and parallel worlds.

Dark takes place in Winden, a fictional German town, and begins in 2019 after children begin to disappear from the town. As the show progresses, however, timelines jump drastically between as early as 1921 to as late as 2053.

As four families in Winden investigate the disappearances to reunite with their lost loved ones, they discover a wormhole beneath the local powerplant that allows them to travel between timelines, thus uncovering a generations-long conspiracy involving the town and their families.

Where to watch Dark:

The umbrella academy, netflix (2019 – present).

Netflix brings another to the list with The Umbrella Academy .

On October 1, 1989, 43 infants were suddenly born from unsuspecting women despite them not even being pregnant the day before.

7 of them were raised together as the Hargreeve siblings and trained in their respective abilities until their relationship became strained as teenagers and they drifted apart.

Now, as adults, they’re brought back together by the death of their adoptive father – and the threat of the end of the world, of course.

They’re forced to travel back in time but end up in different times and places, and must find each other again to stop the nuclear apocalypse.

Where to watch The Umbrella Academy:

Seven days, upn (1998 – 2001).

We know that the National Security Agency has its share of secrets, but what if one of those secrets was a time-traveling machine?

In UPN’s Seven Days , the plot centers on one such device made from alien technology found at Roswell.

The Chronosphere, as it’s called, can only be used in times when national security is at risk – the limited capacity of the device allows for just one human to go back in time by seven days in order to avert disasters.

Thus, when the White House is attacked, the NSA employs former Navy SEAL and CIA operative Frank Parker to go back and prevent it from happening.

Where to watch Seven Days:

Loki, disney+ (2021 – present).

Yes, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is one of the greatest gifts to the cinema of our time. Now, the MCU has expanded even further into the television medium and we’ve got a few series to accompany it!

One of those is Loki , which of course, centers on the God of Thunder’s mischievous adopted brother.

After the events in Avengers: Endgame , particularly his stealing of the Tesseract, Loki inadvertently creates another timeline that began in 2012, making him a “time variant” version of himself.

When confronted by the authorities, Loki is given two choices: face punishment and cease to exist, or travel through time to fix his own mess and the threat that has emerged.

Where to watch Loki:

Making history, fox (2017).

The thing about traveling back in time is, you have to be very careful that your actions in the past won’t affect the future (which is essentially your actual present).

Most of the time, that’s something you wouldn’t know until you go back to your time. In Making History , however, Dan Chambers travels back in time to right before the American Revolution and sets off a series of events that seriously mess up the future.

Being able to constantly travel between time periods, Dan recruits the help of history professor Chis Parrish to travel with him and ensure that the American Revolution still takes place.

Where to watch Making History:

Quantum leap, nbc (1989 – 1993).

The title of NBC’s sci-fi comedy-drama Quantum Leap is also the name of the time travel machine that accidentally sends its creator, physicist Dr. Sam Beckett, back into the past.

Now, he’s stuck – and not as himself, either!

Sam discovers that he jumped into the body of a stranger and because he’s still himself, doesn’t know all the details of his current identity.

With the help of his friend Al, who appears as a hologram only he can see, he must fix something that went wrong so he can jump in time again and eventually get back to his own body.

Where to watch Quantum Leap:

Quantum leap, nbc (2022 – present).

Speaking of Quantum Leap , in 2022 NBC revived the 1989 series into a more modern take on the cult classic.

In this new Quantum Leap , thirty years have passed since Dr. Sam Beckett vanished into the Quantum Leap accelerator, and the Quantum Leap project was put to rest.

Now the project is restarted with a new team, who tries to puzzle together the mysteries behind Beckett and his time-traveling machine.

So, we follow Ben Song, the lead physicist of the Quantum Leap time travel project, who gets lost in the past after leaping back in time.

As he tries to return to the present he is helped by his fiancée Addison Augustine, who appears to him as a hologram during each leap, and the team back in the present time.

Where to watch Quantum Leap reboot:

The way home, hallmark channel (2023 – present).

Among the newest time travel shows on this list is Hallmark’s The Way Home which has already been renewed for a second season.

The Way Home follows three generations of Landry women who learn that they can time travel after discovering a magic pond on their family’s farm in Port Haven.

When Kat and her daughter Alice return to Port Haven and are forced to move in with Alice’s estranged mother Del, the three women use time travel to uncover their family history, including what really happened to Kat’s little brother Jacob and whether they can prevent his disappearance.

Where to watch The Way Home:

Russian doll, netflix (2019 – 2022).

Netflix’s Russian Doll deviates from the traditional time travel theme of a willing traveler in one specific timeline because Russian Doll’s protagonist Nadia Vulvokov not only has absolutely no choice or control over her so-called time traveling, but hers is also a time loop.

She wakes up every day having to relive the day of her 36th birthday party in New York City; every time, she dies and comes back to the exact same moment.

Every time, Nadia scrambles to figure out what happens to her and tries to prevent her death, leading her to find Alan, a man who is experiencing the same time loop.

Where to watch Russian Doll:

Undone, prime video (2019 – present).

Undone may be an animated series, but it certainly isn’t geared toward younger audiences; though there is a touch of comedy, the series leans more towards the psychological drama genre and “explores the elastic nature of reality”.

The series follows Alma Winograd-Diaz right after she gets into a near-fatal car accident.

Right before the crash, she has a strange vision of her dead father, and right after it, she finds that she now has the ability to manipulate and move through time.

Using this newfound power, she travels between time periods to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding her father’s death.

Where to watch Undone:

Voyagers, nbc (1982 – 1983).

Premiering back in the early 1980s, NBC’s Voyagers! Is set in a world where time travel already exists.

In fact, there’s already a secret society in place that trains its members, called Voyagers, to go back in time and make sure that historical events happen exactly the way they’re supposed to – otherwise it could affect the present in unexpected ways.

One such Voyager is Phineas Bogg, although he isn’t exactly the best at the job.

During an accidental trip to 1982, he meets the young Jeffrey Jones and ends up bringing him along on one of his missions.

Having lost his Guidebook, Phineas now needs to rely on the extremely smart Jeffrey to get history right.

Where to watch Voyagers!:

Fringe, fox (2008 – 2013).

Fox’s Fringe is a series that was well into the science fiction genre, with parallel universes, supernatural abilities, biotechnology, doomsday predictions, and of course, time travel.

The title is taken from fringe science, which is a branch that deals with scientific theories riddled with skepticism or even having been disproven already.

In Fringe , Special Agent Olivia Dunham is assigned to oversee the FBI ’s Fringe Division, which is run by Peter Bishop and his father Walter.

Together, the team uses both fringe science and Olivia’s knowledge in investigative techniques to explore the unexplained.

In the process, they discover a larger mystery involving parallel universes and alternate timelines .

Where to watch Fringe:

Time after time, abc (2017).

ABC’s Time After Time is based on the novel of the same name written by Kevin Williamson in 1979.

In addition to that, each episode takes its title from a line in Cyndi Lauper’s song, which was inspired by the film (and subsequently, the same book!).

In Time After Time , we are taken to H.G. Wells’ home in 1893.

During a dinner party, he reveals his time machine – right before his guest John Stevenson is arrested for actually being Jack the Ripper .

John escapes through the time machine and Wells follows him straight into the present: 2017. Thus begins a cat-and-mouse game as John attempts to gain control of the machine.

Where to watch Time After Time:

11.22.63, hulu (2016).

When you have anything with Stephen King involved, you know it’s going to be great.

Hulu’s eight-episode miniseries 11.22.63 is based on King’s novel 11/22/63 and is a science fiction thriller like no other.

Starring James Franco in the lead role, 11.22.63 follows Jake Epping, an English teacher from Maine .

His best friend Al reveals a time travel machine and asks him to take over the mission he’s been working on: to travel to the 60s and prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Will Jake be successful in changing a past that simply refuses to be changed?

Where to watch 11.22.63:

The 4400, usa network/sky one (2004 – 2007).

The 4400 is yet another slightly different take on the idea of time travel, in that there has been just one (fairly significant) shift forward in time, to the present.

Beginning in 1946, individuals who were easily overlooked or marginalized by society slowly began disappearing through beams of green light.

Now, all 4400 of them (hence the title) have been returned to the present day – without having aged a day and in some cases, even manifesting supernatural abilities like telekinesis, healing, and telepathy.

Tom Baldwin and Diana Skouris are assigned to investigate the phenomenon and find out why the 4400 have returned.

NOTE: For a fresher take on the show, you can also check out the reboot of the original series which is currently airing on The CW.

Where to watch The 4400:

Somewhere between, abc (2017).

When tragedy strikes our lives, we always wish there was something we could’ve done to prevent it.

In ABC’s Somewhere Between we meet Laura Price, a successful news producer with a great career, a loving husband who’s a district attorney, and a beautiful daughter named Serena.

However, her life changes when the serial killer she is helping the cops to catch kills Serena.

Distraught with grief , Laura attempts to complete suicide but is unsuccessful, instead waking up having time-traveled to a week before Serena’s death.

She teams up with Nico, a former SFPD detective who experienced the same reset and wants to find the real killer to change his brother’s fate as well.

Where to watch Somewhere Between:

Terra nova, fox (2011).

Terra Nova takes its viewers to both extremes of the time-traveling timeline.

The present-day is 2149, where overpopulation has threatened to deplete the Earth’s resources.

In an attempt to save Earth and mankind, scientists have found a way to travel back in time, sending groups of humans back to the Cretaceous Period to set up colonies.

Terra Nova focuses primarily on Elisabeth and Jim Shannon, and their three children, who have joined the 10th pilgrimage to Terra Nova.

They offer their expertise as a trauma surgeon and former narcotics detective and help those in charge with stopping those whose intentions go against the greater good.

Where to watch Terra Nova:

Frequency, the cw (2016 – 2017).

One concept in time travel is known as “the butterfly effect”, wherein one small change in time may have great effects elsewhere.

Frequency demonstrates this concept perfectly.

Raimy Sullivan is an NYPD detective who, after a strange weather phenomenon, discovers that she can communicate with her dead father through his old ham radio.

Believing he was a corrupt cop, she learns the truth and warns him of his murder, thus saving his life.

However, this has profound effects on the future – Raimy’s present.

Now, they must work together across time to save her father and preserve the present.

Where to watch Frequency:

Life on mars, bbc one (2006).

In many of the shows on the list so far, the protagonists experience a time loop that’s triggered at the point of their death.

It’s no different for Sam Tyler, the main character in the British series Life on Mars .

Sam is a Detective Chief Inspector with the Greater Manchester Police, but one day he accidentally gets hit by a car.

When he awakens, he’s in 1973 and working at one rank lower than he was: Detective Inspector.

The selling point of Life on Mars , however, is that we’re left unsure if Sam’s predicament is due to his actual death, a comatose, or time travel.

Where to watch Life on Mars:

Always a witch, netflix (2019 – 2020).

Always A Witch (or Siempre Bruja in its original Spanish title) is a Colombian series that is set in both present-day Colombia and the 17th century .

The series follows Carmen Eguiliuz, a young 19-year-old witch who, after committing the crime of falling in love with a white man in 1646 colonial Colombia, is scheduled to be burned at the stake.

She gets a chance to escape to a new life when the mysterious wizard Aldemar makes a deal with her: he will save the man she loves if she travels into the future to find the woman who can break his curse.

Where to watch Always a Witch:

Beforeigners, hbo (2019 – present).

HBO’s Beforeigners is a Norwegian sci-fi crime drama series and the first Norwegian original from HBO Europe.

The title is a clever play on words centered on the general plot: a group of “foreigners” has suddenly shown up at a neighborhood in Oslo, and they are all from “before” times, or several different time periods in history.

Whether from the Viking period , the Stone Age, or the more recent 19th century , each of these ‘Beforeigners’ tries to integrate in modern-day Norwegian society.

One of them even partners with a detective to investigate first a murdered Stone Age woman, then a series of murderers tied to Jack the Ripper.

Where to watch Beforeigners:

Alice, sbs tv (2020).

Alice was a South Korean sci-fi series that aired in late 2020.

In the lead-up to the main plot, the show’s background is explained to its viewers.

Set in 2050, time travel is monitored by an agency called Alice, which sends its clients to the past to help find closure with deceased loved ones.

Alice one day sends two agents to 1992 in order to find the Book of Prophecy, but one of them disappears with the book and her unborn child.

In 2020, the child becomes a detective and in his investigation into his mother’s death in 2010, discovers the existence of Alice and time travel.

Where to watch Alice:

Live up to your name, tvn (2017).

Yet another South Korean time travel series , Live Up to Your Name initially takes its viewers some 400 years into the past, right in the middle of the Joseon dynasty.

There we meet Heo Im, a doctor of traditional Korean medicine who also specializes in acupuncture.

On one of his treatments of the king’s migraines, he made a mistake and was charged with treason.

Chased by the king’s soldiers, he’s shot with an arrow and presumed dead when he falls into the river – except he ends up waking up in present-day Seoul instead, where he meets cardiothoracic surgeon Choi Yeon-kyung.

Where to watch Live Up to Your Name:

My only love song, netflix (2017).

Our third South Korean series is Netflix’s My Only Love Song , which aired in 2017.

We start off in modern-day Korea where we meet Soo-jung, a talented and top-level actress.

However, it seems that the fame may have gotten to her head as she’s arrogant, and believes fame and money make the world go round.

When things don’t go her way on her new show, she winds up in a time-traveling van that takes her to the 6th century.

There, she meets a man much like herself in terms of arrogance, but his hidden soft spot and generosity towards the poor changes her perspective on her own life and self.

Where to watch My Only Love Song:

Signal, tvn (2016).

Signal is based on the 2000 American film Frequency , but another thing that sets this South Korean series apart from others is that the cases investigated in the series are also based on real-life crimes in the country.

Signal follows a cold case profiler from 2015 and a detective from 1989 simultaneously; they discover they’re able to communicate with each other through an old walkie-talkie.

Using this unique ability to provide much-needed foresight in investigations, they team up to both solve and in some cases, even prevent these horrific crimes.

Where to watch Signal:

Rooftop prince, sbs (2012).

Last but not least, South Korea brings its last time-traveling series to the table with Rooftop Prince , a comedy-drama filled with intrigue, mixed identities, and possible reincarnations.

Crown Prince Lee Gak from the Joseon dynasty accidentally time travels to 2012 with three others from his entourage, and their lives are thrown into a whirlwind.

He crosses paths with Se-na, who looks exactly like his recently deceased wife.

In the hopes of getting answers about his wife’s mysterious drowning, he assumes the identity of another man who he also looks exactly like and attempts to marry Se-na in this timeline as well.

Where to watch Rooftop Prince:

11 comments.

Tomorrow people cw

You forgot The Time Tunnel, an Irwin Allen sci-fi show (Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Lost In Space, Land of The Giants), all classic 60s sci-fi

Journeyman should also be on this list. It was only half a season on NBC but it wraps up to a satisfying conclusion.

Fantastic acting and interesting characters.

Glad someone else watched Journeyman. I thought I’d was a great spiritual successor to Quantum Leap.

Journeyman is one of the good shows u can watch but qunatum leap i watched and didnt like

Where is The Time Tunnel?????

Another show for your list is “Being Erica” (CBC, 2009-2011). Excellent writing, and very unique.

i was looking for this comment. such an underrated show

I concur. This was definitely a great one. It certainly provides a lot of food for thought.

Some of the information in the Doctor Who one is wrong. It started in 1963, it was only revived in 2005 (you put 2006), and it’s been going for 39 seasons, as of June 2022

Thanks for letting me know! I updated the article accordingly.

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The 50+ Best Time Travel TV Shows, Ranked, Ranked

Are you ready to unravel the threads of time? This remarkable selection of the best time travel shows is filled with gripping narratives, memorable characters, and intriguing explorations of humanity's most complex enigma. These phenomenal series have not only captivated audiences but have also left an indelible mark on television history. Prepare to be taken on a thrilling ride through past, present, and future as these amazing tales challenge the limits of human imagination. 

The best time travel shows mesmerize viewers with their unique, thought-provoking explorations of temporal themes. With their gripping, groundbreaking, and original stories, these series immerse viewers in worlds where the rules of time are bent and broken. These exceptional shows have impacted the television industry at large, earning both pop culture prominence and critical acclaim for their unique takes on time-hopping adventures. 

Each offering in the best time travel TV shows selection offers a unique insight into the fascinating realm of temporal navigation. Embark on a mind-bending journey through different eras with Dark , where intricate storytelling keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Delve into the heart-pounding mission to save humanity in 12 Monkeys , a show that blends compelling character arcs with stunning visuals and complex narrative. Experience the race against time in Timeless , a thrilling adventure filled with historical intrigue, unexpected twists, and powerful emotions. These remarkable shows are just a few of the outstanding lineup waiting to transport you through the ages. 

Time travel shows are popular and have had a profound impact on television culture because of the engaging narratives, dynamic characters, and thought-provoking themes. By providing riveting stories, unforgettable characters, and thought-provoking insights into the nature of time, these phenomenal series have solidified their places in the pantheon of the greatest time travel TV shows. So, sit back and prepare to lose track of time as audacious heroes take you on unforgettable voyages through the ages. 

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  For those who appreciate intricate storytelling, Dark is the perfect fit as it masterfully explores themes of time travel, human relationships, and existentialism. This German-language Netflix original gained immense popularity globally for its complexity and mind-bending narrative structure. Don't miss out on this modern sci-fi masterpiece that has been compared to Stranger Things  with a darker twist.

Is Dark Worth Your Time?

• # 149 of 280 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
• # 165 of 302 on The Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
• # 1 of 24 on The Best New Conspiracy TV Shows of the Last Few Years

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  Inspired by Terry Gilliam's cult classic film, Syfy's 12 Monkeys raises the stakes in science fiction television by expertly weaving together elements of time travel, suspense, and character-driven drama. The show boasts an incredibly talented cast led by Aaron Stanford and Amanda Schull, whose performances earned rave reviews from critics. Be prepared to be hooked on this intense yet thoughtfully crafted series that redefines the boundaries of traditional sci-fi storytelling.

Is 12 Monkeys Worth Your Time?

• # 91 of 280 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
• # 9 of 20 on The Most Underrated Sci-Fi TV Shows Of The 2010s
• # 8 of 18 on 18 Great Shows That Have Been Overlooked In The Era Of Peak TV

Quantum Leap

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  Quantum Leap is a beloved sci-fi classic well known for its unique premise and episodic adventures filled with heart and humor. Scott Bakula stars as Dr. Sam Beckett, who leaps through time to inhabit various lives while solving problems and altering history for the better. An essential watch for any fan of vintage television or science fiction, don't miss out on this entertaining journey through time.

Is Quantum Leap Worth Your Time?

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• # 21 of 280 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
• # 77 of 449 on The 440+ Best Binge Worthy Shows Of All Time

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  Drama meets adventure in Timeless as viewers follow a team of unlikely heroes tasked with chasing a dangerous fugitive through time. Tackling important historical events and figures, the show offers an enjoyable, educational, and thoughtfully presented fictional journey into America's past. Watch Timeless for its engaging pace, well-developed characters, and clever mix of history and science fiction.

Is Timeless Worth Your Time?

• # 69 of 280 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
• # 74 of 356 on TV Shows Canceled Before Their Time
• # 267 of 645 on The 500+ Best Drama Shows

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  Based on Diana Gabaldon's best-selling novels, Outlander captivates viewers with its lush historical backdrop combined with elements of fantasy and romance. Set primarily in 18th century Scotland, the show seamlessly melds genres to create a visually stunning and emotionally poignant experience for fans of both history and fantasy alike. Tune in for the passionate love story between Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe) and Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan), but stay for the epic tale that unfolds across centuries.

Is Outlander Worth Your Time?

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• # 16 of 144 on The Best Of Premium Cable TV Series
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Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  A refreshing take on the time travel genre, Travelers introduces viewers to a compelling story about operatives sent back in time to prevent humanity's dystopian future. With standout performances from Eric McCormack and Mackenzie Porter, this Canadian-produced series delivers thrilling suspense while exploring themes of sacrifice and responsibility. Stream Travelers for an intelligent sci-fi experience that will leave you questioning your own reality.

Is Travelers Worth Your Time?

• # 55 of 280 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
• # 341 of 645 on The 500+ Best Drama Shows
• # 4 of 20 on The Most Underrated Sci-Fi TV Shows Of The 2010s

The Twilight Zone

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  With its timeless blend of horror, fantasy, and science fiction storytelling, The Twilight Zone remains one of television's most influential series ever created. From the mind of Rod Serling, this anthology program invites viewers to explore strange new worlds filled with eerie twists and social commentary still relevant today. Step into The Twilight Zone for a classic dose of unpredictable entertainment that defies convention.

Is The Twilight Zone Worth Your Time?

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• And Deeper... Longest Running Sci-Fi TV Shows
• # 4 of 202 on The TV Shows With The Best Writing

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  Featuring an ever-changing lineup of talented actors as the titular Doctor, this long-running British TV staple has captivated generations with its fantastical adventures through time and space. Doctor Who is beloved for its imaginative storytelling, eccentrically brilliant characters, and endearing camaraderie between the Doctor and their various companions—making it a must-watch institution in science fiction television history.

Is Doctor Who Worth Your Time?

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• # 3 of 252 on The 250+ Best BBC One Shows, Ranked
• # 34 of 85 on The Best Shows About Crime-Fighting Duos

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  Adapted from Stephen King's mesmerizing novel by J.J Abrams' Bad Robot Productions, 11.22.63 stars James Franco as a high school teacher tasked with preventing JFK's assassination via time travel in this limited series event from Hulu Originals. This thrilling eight-part drama combines high-stakes intrigue with poignant character development for both fans of King's work or those new to time-travel mysteries.

Is 11.22.63 Worth Your Time?

• # 265 of 449 on The 440+ Best Binge Worthy Shows Of All Time
• # 252 of 645 on The 500+ Best Drama Shows
• # 4 of 108 on The 80+ Best Originals On Hulu, Ranked By Fans

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  This award-winning Canadian sci-fi series offers a fresh take on the time-travel genre by blending compelling crime drama with thought-provoking futuristic elements. Led by Rachel Nichols as a time-traveling cop from 2077, Continuum delves into themes of morality, power dynamics, and shifting allegiances—making it a must-watch for fans seeking intelligent science fiction grounded in human emotion.

Is Continuum Worth Your Time?

• # 70 of 144 on The Best Of Premium Cable TV Series
• # 75 of 280 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
• # 293 of 449 on The 440+ Best Binge Worthy Shows Of All Time

Paper Girls

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  Based on the acclaimed graphic novel series by Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang, Amazon Prime's Paper Girls follows a group of young girls in the 1980s who become entangled in a time-traveling war that spans across multiple eras. Fans can look forward to a thrilling adventure infused with nostalgic charm, heartfelt friendships, and thought-provoking themes about growing up amid extraordinary circumstances.

Is Paper Girls Worth Your Time?

• # 193 of 676 on The 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
• # 997 of 1,047 on The 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
• # 126 of 304 on The Best Shows Canceled After a Single Season

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  A captivating medical drama wrapped in mystery, Bodies focuses on two doctors working in different eras who find themselves linked through their patients' inexplicable illnesses. With thoughtfully constructed storylines that focus on ethics within the medical profession and a riveting look at how past actions can impact present realities, Bodies offers an intense viewing experience well worth diving into.

Is Bodies Worth Your Time?

• # 78 of 676 on The 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
• # 137 of 646 on The 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
• # 101 of 109 on The Best British Detective Series

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  From the creators of The Simpsons comes Futurama —an animated sci-fi/comedy series that has amassed a dedicated fanbase since its debut in 1999. Set in the year 3000, this hilarious show explores themes like fate versus free will while delivering biting social commentary and unpredictable storylines befitting any fan of adult animation or science fiction.

Is Futurama Worth Your Time?

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Russian Doll

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  Nominated for nine Emmy Awards including Outstanding Comedy Series, Russian Doll is an inventive blend of dark comedy and existential exploration set within a seemingly endless time loop premise. Starring Natasha Lyonne as Nadia Vulvokov, this critically acclaimed Netflix original showcases sharp writing, brilliant performances, and unexpected twists that will keep audiences guessing until the very end.

Is Russian Doll Worth Your Time?

• # 41 of 676 on The 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
• # 21 of 39 on The 25+ Best Current Sci-Fi Shows
• # 14 of 646 on The 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  Based on the 2000 film of the same name, Frequency follows NYPD detective Raimy Sullivan as she discovers an old ham radio that allows her to communicate with her deceased father in the past. This CW series digs deep into themes of family, redemption, and fate while providing viewers with a thrilling mystery and gripping emotional drama. Watch Frequency to explore the unbreakable bond between parent and child across both time and space.

Is Frequency Worth Your Time?

• # 184 of 280 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
• # 23 of 304 on The Best Shows Canceled After a Single Season
• # 132 of 149 on The 140+ Best Romantic Teenage Series

The Umbrella Academy

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  Superheroes meet family dysfunction in Netflix's adaptation of Gerard Way's comic book series The Umbrella Academy —an enthralling mix of dark humor, action-packed sequences, and heartfelt character development set against a backdrop of impending apocalypse scenarios involving time travel elements. With a stellar ensemble cast led by Ellen Page and Robert Sheehan, this series stands out as an engaging alternative to traditional superhero fare.

Is The Umbrella Academy Worth Your Time?

• Dig Deeper... Wardrobe Secrets From Behind The Scenes Of ‘The Umbrella Academy’
• And Deeper... Season 2 Fan Theories About 'Umbrella Academy'
• # 8 of 676 on The 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years

Watch This Show If You Love :  Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  Prepare for an awe-inspiring journey through time as Quantum Leap masterfully combines science fiction, drama, and adventure while addressing thought-provoking social issues. The series has been widely praised for its innovative concept, strong performances, and compelling storylines. Embrace the opportunity to watch this influential show that pushes the boundaries of television entertainment in today's era.

• # 284 of 676 on The 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
• # 32 of 39 on The 25+ Best Current Sci-Fi Shows
• # 156 of 280 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time

Legends of Tomorrow

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  For viewers craving an action-packed adventure filled with superheroes and time travel shenanigans, look no further than DC's Legends of Tomorrow . This CW spin-off showcases fan-favorite characters from Arrow and The Flash as they embark on missions throughout history while grappling with their own personal demons along the way. Watch Legends of Tomorrow for its delightful blend of comedy, drama, and high-flying heroics.

Is Legends of Tomorrow Worth Your Time?

• Dig Deeper... The Best Characters On 'Legends of Tomorrow'
• # 116 of 280 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
• # 232 of 302 on The Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  Lost remains one of the most influential television series in recent history thanks to its groundbreaking storytelling techniques, complex character development, and thrilling suspense. The show delves into themes of survival, morality, and the nature of human connection through a multi-layered narrative that keeps fans guessing from episode to episode—a must-watch for anyone seeking thoughtful entertainment with a touch of mystery.

Is Lost Worth Your Time?

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• # 96 of 202 on The TV Shows With The Best Writing

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  Undone is an Amazon Prime original set apart by its unique rotoscope animation style and compelling exploration of mental illness within the framework of time travel-based storylines. Featuring Rosa Salazar's captivating performance as Alma Winograd-Diaz alongside Bob Odenkirk (star from Breaking Bad ), fans can expect thought-provoking content grounded in raw emotion with visually stunning visuals sure to draw them in.

Is Undone Worth Your Time?

• # 329 of 409 on The Best TV Shows Returning In 2022
• # 80 of 202 on The Best New Shows That Premiered in 2019
• # 42 of 52 on The Best 2019 Original Streaming Platform Shows

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  This NBC mystery-drama explores themes such as destiny and interconnectedness when passengers aboard Montego Air Flight 828 return home after a seemingly routine flight only to find that five years have passed. Manifest's intriguing premise, coupled with strong performances from Josh Dallas and Melissa Roxburgh, will keep viewers invested in the characters' journeys of self-discovery and unraveling the truth behind their miraculous return.

Is Manifest Worth Your Time?

• # 166 of 280 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
• # 298 of 449 on The 440+ Best Binge Worthy Shows Of All Time
• # 90 of 356 on TV Shows Canceled Before Their Time

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  A sinkhole appears in Los Angeles, swallowing up numerous individuals who then find themselves transported back millions of years into a prehistoric world unknown to modern humanity. La Brea offers a thrilling mix of survival drama, action, and science fiction elements while delving into themes such as family bonds and human resilience—an ideal watch for those seeking high-stakes adventure with heart.

Is La Brea Worth Your Time?

• # 643 of 645 on The 500+ Best Drama Shows
• # 8 of 17 on The Best New Shows About Time Travel
• # 31 of 64 on The Best NBC Dramas of All Time

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  Picking up where the second film left off, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles expands upon the rich mythology established in James Cameron's iconic film franchise—offering fans a deep dive into the lives of Sarah Connor (Lena Headey) and her son John (Thomas Dekker) while introducing new characters alongside familiar faces from previous installments. Watch this gripping series for its well-executed blend of action-packed sequences and emotional character development that does justice to its cinematic predecessors.

Is Terminator: The Sarah ... Worth Your Time?

• # 198 of 302 on The Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
• # 52 of 280 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
• # 322 of 449 on The 440+ Best Binge Worthy Shows Of All Time

Being Erica

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  With a unique blend of humor, drama, and time-traveling therapy sessions, Being Erica offers an entertaining yet introspective look at the life of Erica Strange (Erin Karpluk) as she revisits her past while grappling with the challenges of her present. The series skillfully tackles themes like personal growth, regret, and self-discovery—making it a must-watch for fans seeking relatable characters and thought-provoking stories.

Is Being Erica Worth Your Time?

The Outer Limits

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  Often compared to The Twilight Zone for its anthology format and genre-defying narrative style, The Outer Limits explores themes like fear, identity, and what it means to be human through chilling tales that transcend space and time. Originally airing in 1963 before being revived in 1995, this cult classic continues to captivate fans with its unnerving storylines and unforgettable twists.

Is The Outer Limits Worth Your Time?

• Dig Deeper... Longest Running Sci-Fi TV Shows
• # 57 of 280 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
• # 179 of 449 on The 440+ Best Binge Worthy Shows Of All Time

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  Following the fan-favorite character's unexpected escape in Avengers: Endgame , Marvel's Loki delves into the God of Mischief's adventures through time and space under the watchful eye of the mysterious Time Variance Authority (TVA). Starring Tom Hiddleston and Owen Wilson alongside a strong supporting cast, this Disney+ original series does not disappoint with its clever writing, stunning visuals, and expert blend of humor and intrigue.

Is Loki Worth Your Time?

• Dig Deeper... 22 Tumblr Posts About 'Loki' That Gave Us Glorious Purpose
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• # 9 of 676 on The 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years

Time Tunnel

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  This classic 1960s sci-fi series takes viewers on a spellbinding journey through time as two scientists become trapped within their experimental time-travel device known as "The Time Tunnel." With its combination of fascinating historical settings and adventurous storylines, this show is an essential watch for fans of vintage television or those interested in exploring early explorations of time travel onscreen.

Is Time Tunnel Worth Your Time?

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  This action-packed sci-fi comedy from Hulu follows the misadventures of Josh Futturman (Josh Hutcherson), an ordinary janitor enlisted by two warriors from 2162 to save humanity from extinction. With its winning combination of slapstick humor, thrilling action sequences, and compelling character development, Future Man is a can't-miss series for fans who crave lighthearted fun with a futuristic twist.

Is Future Man Worth Your Time?

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Land of the Lost

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  A staple of Saturday morning television in the 1970s, Land of the Lost chronicles a family's journey through time to a prehistoric world inhabited by dinosaurs and other dangers unknown to modern civilization. This iconic children's show offers viewers nostalgic escapism combined with imaginative storytelling that has inspired generations since its debut over four decades ago.

Is Land of the Lost Worth Your Time?

• # 16 of 91 on The 90+ Best Cartoons from the '70s
• # 149 of 418 on The 385 Popular Children Cartoons
• # 247 of 343 on The Best TV Theme Songs of All Time

Watch This Show If You Love : Pineapple Express, Half Baked, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How High, Friday Why Should I Stream?  This short-lived sci-fi gem from the 1980s follows Phineas Bogg (Jon-Erik Hexum) as he travels through time with his young companion, Jeffrey Jones (Meeno Peluce), to ensure history unfolds as it should. Voyagers! offers viewers a charming mix of adventure, humor, and educational content that makes it well worth revisiting for fans of vintage television or those looking to discover hidden gems in the world of time-traveling entertainment.

Is Voyagers! Worth Your Time?

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As they say in well-written scripts, "You mean... like time travel?" + also a few bizarre stories about real people who have claimed, despite every law of physics, they have traveled through time.

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30 Best Time-Travel Movies to Watch If You’re Ready to Leave 2020 Behind

Does 2020 have you googling “best time-travel movies” as a last-resort attempt to try and transport yourself to a different version of reality? No, just us? Well, it's certainly understandable. Who wouldn't want to get out of this year, if only for a couple hours? The idea that you could potentially jump into a machine and change the past à la Back to the Future or stumble upon an infinite time loop like in Palm Springs is an interesting thought experiment, to say the least.

Or maybe you're just out of things to watch. Whatever the case, the best time-travel movies cover every genre. Looking for a tug-at-your-heartstrings romance? Try About Time or The Time Traveler's Wife (both of which star Rachel McAdams , who must have a thing for time travel). If a sci-fi action flick sounds more appealing, the Terminator films still hold up. For a goofy comedy, watch Hot Tub Time Machine or Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. Like we said, there's something for everyone. 

Palm Springs (2020)

So Palm Springs is not technically a time-travel movie, but it's definitely time-travel adjacent. The film follows Sarah (Cristin Milioti) and Nyles (Andy Samberg), two acquaintances who find themselves perpetually repeating Sarah's sister's wedding day. Frankly, this rom-com might remind you of your own quarantine time loop (in the best way possible, of course).  

Available to stream on Hulu

Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)

A group of buddies (John Cusack, Craig Robinson, Clark Duke, Rob Corddry) wake up after a night of partying in a ski resort hot tub to find themselves back in 1986. They even look like versions of their younger selves to the others they meet along the way. But can they actually fix the messes their lives have become? 

Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video

The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009)

The Time Traveler's Wife is a 2009 science fiction drama film based on Audrey Niffenegger's novel of the same name. The story follows Henry DeTamble (Eric Bana), a man who happens to have the ability to time-travel but has no control over when or where he goes in time. While that's complicated enough, things become even more complex for DeTamble once he starts building a romantic relationship with Clare Abshire (Rachel McAdams).

Available to stream on Netflix  

The Butterfly Effect (2004)

The Butterfly Effect is a 2004 science fiction thriller film starring Ashton Kutcher as 20-year-old Evan Treborn and Amy Smart as Kayleigh Miller, Treborn's college sweetheart. In the film, Evan finds he can travel back in time to inhabit his former self and attempts to change the present by changing his past. But, as any good time-travel fan can tell you, changing the past means there will be unintended consequences in the future. 

By Emily Tannenbaum

By Sophia Bush

Idiocracy (2006)

Joe Bowers (Luke Wilson) is a super-average dude in 2005 who agrees to take part in an experiment (alongside Maya Rudolph ) that puts him into hibernation until 2505. The thing is, when he wakes up, he discovers that humans have become so unintelligent that he's now the smartest person in the whole wide world. It's both hysterical and a cutting satire that draws some parallels to our current state of affairs. 

Available to buy on iTunes

A Wrinkle in Time (2018)

Ava DuVernay directed an all-star cast in this Disney adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's beloved 1962 novel of the same name. Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, and Mindy Kaling play three immortal beings who help a young girl (Storm Reid) search for her missing father across space and time.

Click (2006)

Adam Sandler plays a man whose wife (Kate Beckinsale) is frustrated by how much time he spends at work and away from his family. He thinks all his problems are solved when he comes into possession of a magical remote that allows him to fast-forward through the mundane parts of life. But, of course, nothing's quite that simple. 

About Time (2013)

No, you're not seeing things—Rachel McAdams has, in fact, starred in multiple films in which she has a time-traveling partner. In this case, her love is played by Domhnall Gleeson, who is actively trying to change his past in order to have a better future. Prepare to possibly shed a tear or two with this one. 

Available to stream on Netflix

Austin Powers 2: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)

Yeah, baby! In the second installment of the Mike Myers series, Austin Powers, Dr. Evil, and the whole crew find themselves back in the ’60s. Dr. Evil is trying to steal Austin’s “mojo,” and along with Heather Graham's Felicity Shagwell, the international man of mystery tries to thwart the bad guys. 

Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002)

After conquering the late ’60s in the second film, the Austin Powers trilogy is completed with a trip back to 1975. Austin teams up with Beyoncé, a.k.a. Foxxy Cleopatra, when Dr. Evil plans to bring back a notorious villain called Johan van der Smut, the titular Goldmember. It is as ridiculous and amusing as the first two films, naturally. 

Back to the Future (1985)

Great Scott! Doc Brown's (Christopher Lloyd) DeLorean time machine sends Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) back to his parents' high school days in 1955, and things get very awkward when his mom (Lea Thompson) develops a crush on him. He has to work hard to make sure his future existence isn't totally erased. 

Back to the Future Part II (1989)

In the second film of the Back to the Future franchise, Marty and Doc find themselves in yet another time-space conundrum. This time they have to travel to 2015 (a world that people in the ’80s imagined would have us all on hoverboards!) to try to make sure the evil Biff doesn’t take over the town. 

Back to the Future Part III (2000)

The third installment of the Back to the Future trilogy may not be its strongest, but if you're a completist, you're going to want to see Marty's journey through. This time around he and Doc Brown find themselves in the Wild Wild West. Actually, is this the movie that eventually led us to Westworld ?!?

Deja Vu (2006)

Technology allows a team of federal agents, including Denzel Washington, to go back in time four days to try to stop a massive ferry bombing set off by a terrorist (Jim Caviezel, who also time-traveled in Frequency ). But will Washington's character also use the tech to stop other crimes, thereby messing with the future? You'll have to watch and see. 

Happy Death Day 2U (2019)

In the sequel to Happy Death Day , Tree (Jessica Rothe) finds herself in yet another time-loop situation—and this time she seemingly moves through different dimensions. While her life is still very much in danger, this sequel adds some very emotional scenes that happen when an important figure from Tree's past makes her way into the present. 

Looper (2012)

In Looper 's version of the future, which was directed by Rian Johnson, time travel totally exists—if you can afford to pay for it on the black market. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays a time-traveling hit man who finds himself in quite the predicament when a future version of himself (Bruce Willis) is sent back to eliminate him . 

See You Yesterday (2019)

Teen science prodigies experimenting in making time-travel backpacks? Um, we're already all the way in. But everything takes a dramatic turn when one of their brothers is killed and the two try to put their work into action to change the past. Did we mention this was also produced by Spike Lee? 

The Terminator (1984)

In this James Cameron action classic from the ’80s, a cyborg assassin who is disguising himself as a human (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is sent from the future to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) because of the threat her future son will one day become—and a blockbuster franchise was born. 

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Set 11 years after the original film, this James Cameron–helmed sequel finds Arnold Schwarzenegger's Terminator in the role of protector of Linda Hamilton's son, played by Edward Furlong, because a shape-shifting T-1000 (Robert Patrick) is out to kill him, naturally. Also, Hamilton's fitness routine must have been incredible prefilming because she is a very strong badass . 

Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)

Ted “Theodore” Logan (Keanu Reeves) and Bill S. Preston, Esq. (Alex Winter), go on quite the excellent adventure indeed, dudes. The best friends use a phone booth time machine to ensure they both pass their history class—and keep Ted from being shipped off to military school. Their interactions with historical figures are very righteous, and you'll want to watch the original film in preparation for the upcoming reboot . 

Kate & Leopold (2001)

Rom-com meets fantasy in this Meg Ryan–Hugh Jackman film in which Liev Schreiber plays a physicist who opens a portal through which his great-great-grandfather Leopold travels from 19th-century New York to modern times and falls in love with his ex-girlfriend (Ryan). Talk about complicated family dynamics, right? 

Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)

Peggy Sue is an unhappy woman on the verge of divorce attending her 25-year high school reunion after leaving her cheating husband (Nicolas Cage). Magically, she finds herself reliving her senior year and she's faced with whether or not to change some of the choices she grew to regret as an adult. 

Star Trek (2009)

Directed by science fiction king J.J. Abrams, this reboot of the beloved Star Trek franchise had a unique plot for James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), Spock (Zachary Quinto), and the staff aboard the USS Enterprise: All the action takes place in an alternate reality, because of time travel, which allowed the movie to operate free from any continuity restraints from the original Star Trek series. 

Frequency (2000)

A New York police officer (Jim Caviezel) in 1999 somehow crosses radio frequencies (get it?!) with the past and soon begins to communicate with his father, a firefighter who died in the line of duty when he was a kid. But will he be able to change what transpired on that tragic day in 1969?

12 Monkeys (1995)

Maybe don't watch this one until you're ready for the too-real plot: A deadly virus has wiped out most of humanity, so a prisoner (Bruce Willis) is trained to be sent back in time to find the original virus and help establish a cure. Brad Pitt was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film. 

Available to stream on HBO.

Men in Black III (2012)

Set 15 years after the events of the original Men in Black , this third installment in the franchise was a hit with critics and at the box office for its action-packed plot in which Agent J (Will Smith) must travel back to the 1960s to save a young Agent K (Josh Brolin, in the role originated by Tommy Lee Jones) from a murderous, time-hopping alien. 

Clockstoppers (2002)

If you're feeling an early-aughts teen comedy with a side of time travel, Clockstoppers is, well, your only option. Jesse Bradford plays Zak, the son of a scientist who accidentally finds a watch that can essentially stop time. So, of course, the first thing he does is use it to impress his crush Francesca (Paula Garcés) and best friend Meeker (Garikayi Mutambirwa). 

Available to stream on HBO

Somewhere in Time (1980)

Christopher Reeve stars as a playwright who becomes obsessed with the photograph of a woman from 1912 (Jane Seymour), to the point that he magically finds himself transported back in time to find her. Fun fact: Visit Michigan's Mackinac Island, where this was filmed, and you'll feel like you're in another era yourself. The island famously has a ban on motor vehicles. 

The Lake House (2006)

Keanu Reeves plays a hot architect, Alex, who renovates a lake house in Wisconsin and sometimes writes romantic love letters to Sandra Bullock's character, Kate. How is that a time-travel movie, you ask? Turns out Alex is living in 2004, while Kate is in 2006—somehow the mailbox at the lake house is a mysterious time portal. 

Deadpool 2 (2018)

In this superhero sequel, Wade Wilson a.k.a. Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) reluctantly teams up with the X-Men—including the incredible Zazie Beetz as Domino, a mutant with the ability to manipulate luck—to fight a time-traveling soldier known as Cable (Josh Brolin). Because this is a Deadpool movie, expect a lot of R-rated language and violence. 

By Malia Griggs

By Shanna Shipin

By Jake Henry Smith

By Danielle Sinay

Time Travel Comedy Movies

In the top there are new films of 2022, a plot description and trailers for films that have already been released.

When carefree Nyles and reluctant maid of honor Sarah have a chance encounter at a Palm Springs wedding, things get complicated when they find themselves unable to escape the venue, themselves, or each other.

President Vasily Goloborodko is in power for almost half a year. The economic situation in the country had deteriorated: prices are rising and the national currency has depreciated. People's confidence in the President is rapidly falling. To stabilize the situation in the country Goloborodko needs to get financial assistance from the IMF in the amount of 15 billion euros, which can be provided, if reforms and anti-corruption laws will be introduced in Ukraine.

A timid magazine photo manager who lives life vicariously through daydreams embarks on a true-life adventure when a negative goes missing.

When Jay and Silent Bob learn that their comic-book alter egos, Bluntman and Chronic, have been sold to Hollywood as part of a big-screen movie that leaves them out of any royalties, the pair travels to Tinseltown to sabotage the production.

A World War II satire that follows a lonely German boy whose world view is turned upside down when he discovers his single mother is hiding a young Jewish girl in their attic. Aided only by his idiotic imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler, Jojo must confront his blind nationalism.

A workaholic architect finds a universal remote that allows him to fast-forward and rewind to different parts of his life. Complications arise when the remote starts to overrule his choices.

A man tries that his wife fall in love with him again, after to wake up in an alternate reality where she never knew him.

In 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, a young grifter named Estella is determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute. But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella.

Peter Highman must scramble across the US in five days to be present for the birth of his first child. He gets off to a bad start when his wallet and luggage are stolen, and put on the 'no-fly' list. Peter embarks on a terrifying journey when he accepts a ride from an actor.

A veteran pot dealer creates a fake family as part of his plan to move a huge shipment of weed into the U.S. from Mexico.

Vampire housemates try to cope with the complexities of modern life and show a newly turned hipster some of the perks of being undead.

Three high school seniors throw a party to make a name for themselves. As the night progresses, things spiral out of control as word of the party spreads.

When former comedian Mark McCarthy is faced with a rare form of cancer, he hires a young, impressionable cameraman to document his crude and comical lessons on what it means to be a man for his unborn son.

Alcoholic pilot, Ted Striker has developed a fear of flying due to wartime trauma, but nevertheless boards a passenger jet in an attempt to woo back his stewardess girlfriend. Food poisoning decimates the passengers and crew, leaving it up to Striker to land the plane with the help of a glue-sniffing air traffic controller and Striker's vengeful former Air Force captain, who must both talk him down.

Instead of flying to Florida with his folks, Kevin ends up alone in New York, where he gets a hotel room with his dad's credit card—despite problems from a clerk and meddling bellboy. But when Kevin runs into his old nemeses, the Wet Bandits, he's determined to foil their plans to rob a toy store on Christmas eve.

The army is known for churning out lean mean fighting machines intent on protecting our great nation. Martin is the inexplicable the incorrigible the invicible sgt. Ernie bilko leader of a ragtag group of the sorriest soldiers ever to enlist in the armed forces.

Popular and dashing American singer Nick Rivers travels to East Germany to perform in a music festival. When he loses his heart to the gorgeous Hillary Flammond, he finds himself caught up in an underground resistance movement. Rivers joins forces with Agent Cedric and Flammond to attempt the rescue of her father, Dr. Paul, from the Germans, who have captured the scientist in hopes of coercing him into building a new naval mine.

A snobbish investor and a wily street con-artist find their positions reversed as part of a bet by two callous millionaires.

Fired from his band and hard up for cash, guitarist and vocalist Dewey Finn finagles his way into a job as a fifth-grade substitute teacher at a private school, where he secretly begins teaching his students the finer points of rock 'n' roll. The school's hard-nosed principal is rightly suspicious of Finn's activities. But Finn's roommate remains in the dark about what he's doing.

Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski, a Los Angeles slacker who only wants to bowl and drink white Russians, is mistaken for another Jeffrey Lebowski, a wheelchair-bound millionaire, and finds himself dragged into a strange series of events involving nihilists, adult film producers, ferrets, errant toes, and large sums of money.

Before going on vacation, self-involved psychiatrist Dr. Leo Marvin has the misfortune of taking on a new patient: Bob Wiley. An exemplar of neediness and a compendium of phobias, Bob follows Marvin to his family's country house. Dr. Marvin tries to get him to leave; the trouble is, everyone loves Bob. As his oblivious patient makes himself at home, Dr. Marvin loses his professional composure and, before long, may be ready for the loony bin himself.

Ray and Ken, two hit men, are in Bruges, Belgium, waiting for their next mission. While they are there they have time to think and discuss their previous assignment. When the mission is revealed to Ken, it is not what he expected.

Carl Allen has stumbled across a way to shake free of post-divorce blues and a dead-end job: embrace life and say yes to everything.

Bumbling cop Frank Drebin is out to foil the big boys in the energy industry, who intend to suppress technology that will put them out of business.

Failed hockey player-turned-golf whiz Happy Gilmore -- whose unconventional approach and antics on the grass courts the ire of rival Shooter McGavin -- is determined to win a PGA tournament so he can save his granny's house with the prize money. Meanwhile, an attractive tour publicist tries to soften Happy's image.

In the deep south during the 1930s, three escaped convicts search for hidden treasure while a relentless lawman pursues them. On their journey they come across many comical characters and incredible situations. Based upon Homer's 'Odyssey'.

After a deadly earthquake destroys his home in Peruvian rainforest, a young bear makes his way to England in search of a new home. The bear, dubbed "Paddington" for the london train station, finds shelter with the family of Henry and Mary Brown. Although Paddington's amazement at urban living soon endears him to the Browns, someone else has her eye on him: Taxidermist Millicent Clyde has designs on the rare bear and his hide.

When Ashtray (Shawn Wayans) moves to South Central L.A. to live with his father (who appears to be the same age he is) and grandmother (who likes to talk tough and smoke reefer), he falls in with his gang-banging cousin Loc Dog (Marlon Wayans), who along with the requisite pistols and Uzi carries a thermo-nuclear warhead for self-defense. Will Ashtray be able to keep living the straight life?

The story of Ajatashatru Oghash Rathod, a fakir who tricks his local village in Rajasthan, India into believing his possesses special powers and into paying him to fly to Paris to buy a bed of nails from an Ikea store.

An aspiring actor in Hollywood meets an enigmatic stranger by the name of Tommy Wiseau, the meeting leads the actor down a path nobody could have predicted; creating the worst movie ever made.

A loser of a crook and his wife strike it rich when a botched bank job's cover business becomes a spectacular success.

The Grand Budapest Hotel tells of a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars and his friendship with a young employee who becomes his trusted protégé. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting, the battle for an enormous family fortune and the slow and then sudden upheavals that transformed Europe during the first half of the 20th century.

Down-on-their luck brothers, Lars and Ernie Smuntz, aren't happy with the crumbling old mansion they inherit... until they discover the estate is worth millions. Before they can cash in, they have to rid the house of it's single, stubborn occupant: a tiny and tenacious mouse.

It's Ted the Bellhop's first night on the job...and the hotel's very unusual guests are about to place him in some outrageous predicaments. It seems that this evening's room service is serving up one unbelievable happening after another.

With high school a distant memory, Jim and Michelle are getting married -- and in a hurry, since Jim's grandmother is sick and wants to see him walk down the aisle -- prompting Stifler to throw the ultimate bachelor party. And Jim's dad is reliable as ever, doling out advice no one wants to hear.

A struggling screenwriter inadvertently becomes entangled in the Los Angeles criminal underworld after his oddball friends kidnap a gangster's beloved Shih Tzu.

A man’s story of leaving New York in 1967 to bring beer to his childhood buddies in the Army while they are fighting in Vietnam.

An evil business executive (played by George Lazenby), is releasing dangerous toxins and the Barbarian Brothers set out to stop his evil work.

Three top U.S. government and military officials scramble to prevent World War 3 from happening amidst the chaos of a geopolitical crisis.

When three friends finally come to after a raucous night of bachelor-party revelry, they find a baby in the closet and a tiger in the bathroom. But they can't seem to locate their best friend, Doug – who's supposed to be tying the knot. Launching a frantic search for Doug, the trio perseveres through a nasty hangover to try to make it to the church on time.

When a young couple buys their dream home, they have no idea what the sweet little old lady upstairs is going to put them through!

A mobster named Jimmy the Tulip agrees to cooperate with an FBI investigation in order to stay out of prison; he's relocated by the authorities to a life of suburban anonymity as part of a witness protection program. It's not long before a couple of his new neighbors figure out his true identity and come knocking to see if he'd be up for one more hit, suburban style.

Henry is a player skilled at seducing women. But when this veterinarian meets Lucy, a girl with a quirky problem when it comes to total recall, he realizes it's possible to fall in love all over again…and again, and again. That's because the delightful Lucy has no short-term memory, so Henry must woo her day after day until he finally sweeps her off her feet.

A high school slacker pretends to be sick to skip school and have an exciting day off alongside his girlfriend and his best buddy through Chicago, while trying to outwit his obsessive school principal and his unconformited sister along the way.

Fictional documentary about the life of human chameleon Leonard Zelig, a man who becomes a celebrity in the 1920s due to his ability to look and act like whoever is around him. Clever editing places Zelig in real newsreel footage of Woodrow Wilson, Babe Ruth, and others.

Bill Dancer and his young companion Curly Sue are the classic homeless folks with hearts of gold. Their scams are aimed not at turning a profit, but at getting enough to eat. When they scam the rich and beautiful Grey Ellison into believing she backed her Mercedes into Bill, they're only hoping for a free meal. But Grey is touched, and over the objections of her snotty fiancé.

Bachelor football star Joe Kingman seems to have it all. He is wealthy and carefree, and his team is on the way to capturing a championship. Suddenly, he is tackled by some unexpected news: He has a young daughter, the result of a last fling with his ex-wife. Joe must learn to balance his personal and professional lives with the needs of his child.

Shurik Timofeev builds a working model of a time machine. By accident, Ivan Bunsha, an apartment complex manager, and George Miloslavsky, a petty burglar, are transferred to 16th century Moscow, while Tsar Ivan the Terrible goes into the year 1973.

Chaos ensues when a man tries to expose a dark secret regarding a recently deceased patriarch of a dysfunctional British family.

Countless wiseguy films are spoofed in this film that centers on the neuroses and angst of a powerful Mafia racketeer who suffers from panic attacks. When Paul Vitti needs help dealing with his role in the "family," unlucky shrink Dr. Ben Sobel is given just days to resolve Vitti's emotional crisis and turn him into a happy, well-adjusted gangster.

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Time-Travel TV Shows Ranked by Tomatometer

2022's quantum leap , the peripheral , and paper girls are the latest to join doctor who , manifest , star trek , and beyond in our list of 41 tv and streaming time-travel shows..

TAGGED AS: streaming , television , time travel , TV

(Photo by NBC)

Time travel has been on television since the The Twilight Zone ’s 1958 original pilot episode, “The Time Element,” visited Pearl Harbor in 1941 (airing under Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse ) and the Enterprise was hurled back to 1960s Earth in 1967 Star Trek episode “Tomorrow Is Yesterday.” Many shows devoted their entire premise to time travel, one of the best of which is the 1989–1993 NBC drama Quantum Leap . Every week, Sam Beckett would leap into a different year to right a cosmic wrong. Quantum Leap returned in September 2022 focusing on a new character, Dr. Ben Song (Raymond Lee). Eight season 1 episodes are now streaming on Peacock, and the show returns to NBC on January 2 to continue its weekly adventures.

The new  Quantum Leap and 2022 series The Peripheral and Paper Girls join our list of time-travel television ranked by Tomatometer. The list includes classics like Doctor Who and its time-traveling TARDIS, Lost with its time-warped island, and Outlander ’s romance epic whose characters skip through centuries. The Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles TV show brought killer robots and new freedom fighters back from the future, 1 2 Monkeys expanded its time loop on television, Back to the Future got an animated series of the adventures of Doc Brown, and even Timecop got a short-lived syndicated series.

More recently, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow was all about keeping time safe, NBC’s La Brea sent modern families to 10,000 B.C., and Russian Doll went from a Groundhog Day time loop to a subway back to 1982. Fan favorites like Timeless and Manifest and short-lived wonders like Journeyman and Day Break are also worth a look.

Read on to see the full list ranked by Tomatometer. Those without Tomatometer scores are then listed alphabetically. Tell us in the comments if we missed your favorite time-travel TV show.

Life on Mars (2006) 100%

Russian Doll (2019) 97%

Dark (2017) 95%

Loki (2021) 87%

The Outer Limits (1963) 92%

Timeless (2016) 91%

Paper Girls (2022) 87%

Future Man (2017) 91%

Doctor Who (2005) 90%

Outlander (2014) 90%

DC's Legends of Tomorrow (2016) 89%

12 Monkeys (2015) 88%

Continuum (2012) 88%

Star Trek: Discovery (2017) 85%

The Umbrella Academy (2019) 86%

Lost (2004) 86%

Star Trek: Picard (2020) 89%

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008) 85%

Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (2016) 85%

11.22.63 (2016) 83%

The Twilight Zone (1959) 92%

Star Trek (1966) 80%

The Peripheral (2022) 79%

Daybreak (2019) 70%

Doctor Who (1963) 68%

The Twilight Zone (2019) 67%

Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventures (1990) 60%

Quantum Leap (2022) 57%

The Twilight Zone (2002) 50%

Journeyman (2007) 44%

Time Trax (1993) 40%

The Time Traveler's Wife (2022) 38%

La Brea (2021) --

Timecop (1997) 0%

Back to the Future (1991) --

Dirk Gently (2010) --

Life on Mars (2008) --

Manifest (2018) 72%

The Outer Limits (1995) --

Primeval (2007) --

Quantum Leap (1989) --

The Twilight Zone (1985) --

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10 Best Time Travel Comedy Films

September 13, 2017 James Miller Sci-Film Reviews 1

Time travel and comedy films are not two genres one typically associates with one another. Time travel films usually rely on more intense, dramatic or tragic events such as in “The Butterfly Effect” or the remake of “The Time Machine. They are also filled with a plethora of mind-bending time travel paradoxes , like the Bootstrap Paradox , and other ontological paradoxes like the Predestination Paradox , and Grandfather Paradox .

Still, there’s been enough interest and investment in the wacky, comedic hijinks that ensue from screwing around with the space-time continuum, and so these are the 10 best ones that Hollywood has to offer so far.

Sleeper (1973) Director: Woody Allen IMDB: 7.3

Sleeper is about a nerdish store owner Miles Monroe (Woody Allen) who is revived out of cryostasis 200 years in the future by a rebellious group of scientists determined to fight an oppressive government from controlling this strange new world. As the protagonist has not been fitted with a biometric identity tag, he is free to assist the rebels in their plan, with the ensuing action providing great comedy moments, replete with confessional robots and Orgasmatron booths. The use of unique, odd future designs for the robots and people are timeless in their visual comedy, and despite the heavily dated references, there’s plenty of verbal AND physical comedy to go around.

A kid finds a time travel warp in his wardrobe closet and somehow joins a band of time-traveling dwarves, seeking treasure and battling beings from the Fortress of ultimate darkness. The movie’s director, Terry Gilliam (of Monty Python fame) is known for his surrealistic films, including such works as Brazil (1985) and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988), and as usual, he doesn’t disappoint in this absurdly intelligent comedy that can be weird and witty without fail. It’s a unique experience with a stellar cast that includes such actors as Sean Connery, John Cleese, David Warner and Kenny Baker.

The timeless comedy is a classic time travel flick which others should be judged upon. As well as directing the movie, Robert Zemeck also helped write this unforgettable tale about Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) and Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd) turning a DeLorean into a time traveling machine; sending Marty to the past to meet younger versions of his parents and save his own very existence. What more needs to be said? This is an iconic film with memorable performances, speechless effects, and a nostalgic spirit that still feels as impactful and engaging as it was when it first premiered in 80s. A time traveler fan’s must-see!

Star Trek has always been out there, but this film really stretched that “boldly go where no man has gone before” phrase to absurdly silly new heights. In this film, Kirk, Spock and the Enterprise crew travel back to Earth’s past to collect a high-tech device, and also communicate with whales. There’s no getting around it: this movie is flat-out weird. It’s a strange sci-fi fish out-of-water story that puts everyone’s favorite star fleet crew in hilarious situations that grow more absurd and more amusing the deeper you dive into this whale of a tale (pun totally intended).

Sam Raimi’s “Evil Dead” series has always been more horror than comedy, but that took a hefty gear shift when this film “boom-sticked” its way into theaters. Bruce Campbell’s “Ash” gets sent into medieval times, along with a shotgun and chainsaw, to take on a whole army of undead monsters, demons, as well as adjusting to a primitive new/old lifestyle. The comedy-over-horror approach works better here than it has in any past “Evil Dead” film. The monsters and makeup have vastly improved and Ash’s witty one-liners and badass-ness are too fun and too iconic to forget anytime soon. This is the REAL reason why “Evil Dead” is still so popular to date.

Before Keanue Reeves was “John Wick,” and even before he was Neo in “The Matrix,” he was Ted, and one half of a hilarious comedy duo that included Alex Winter as Bill. In this initial outing for the two rock-loving partiers, Bill and Ted find out that they are essential to a promising world future, but must first pass a final history presentation in order that Ted’s father doesn’t ship him off to a military academy. Arriving from the future, Rufus (George Carlin) then helps them with their project by providing a time-traveling phone booth that allows them to bring figures such as Socrates, Joan of Arc, Napoleon, and Abraham Lincoln to their time to ace a history report. Very dated but delightfully so, “Bill and Ted” is a fun, quirky time travel joyride that just gives you a good time as you travel THROUGH time.

Mike Judge is hit or miss when it comes to making movies, and just like another movie of his, Beavis and Butt-Head Do America (1996), “Idiocracy” is definitely what I call a hit. When Joe Bauers (Luke Wilson) winds up frozen in a cryogenic chamber, he wakes up hundreds of years in the future to find out all the intelligent people have died out and that the idiots of the world now control/ruin everything. It’s sad and funny how dangerously accurate this idea of a world run by morons could be a reality, but Judge at least makes it a worthwhile watch. “Idiocracy” is simple in its execution, but stellar in its comedy accomplishments. From electrolytes to Terry Crews as president, you’d be stupid to miss this one.

This Spanish movie isn’t a pure comedy, but instead a darkly funny sci-fi thriller containing elements of drama, comedy, and slapstick that is occasionally mildly disturbing. In Los Cronocrímenes , to give it its Spanish title, Héctor (Karra Elejalde) accidentally gets into a time machine and travels back in time nearly an hour. Finding himself will be the first of a series of disasters of unforeseeable consequences in this amusing and intelligent time-travel tale that actually holds up under closer scrutiny. Furthermore, the cast is decent, with some nudity humor thrown in for those who like it raunchy, and for this being the director’s first crack at filmmaking; it’s certainly proved to be a triumph of imagination over budget.

This is one of those “self-explanatory title” films. No deeper meaning behind the title, no surreal metaphor, just a bunch of rowdy guys (John Cusack, Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, Clark Duke) getting into a hot tub time machine that sends them back to 1986 where they try not to change anything in the past, leading to some expectedly hilariously disastrous results. This may sound daft, but it’s actually so stupid it really does work. This is a non-stop laugh-a-minute flick that just throws time caution to the wind, and just gets screwy with every passing moment. It’s a hilarious cast, script, and premise; bottom line: it’s funny as Hell and wears its ridiculousness as a badge of pride.

Woody Allen is back for more time traveling fun in this sentimental comedy set in one of Europe’s most romantic cities. The story centers on a nostalgic screenwriter called Gil (Owen Wilson), who while on a trip to Paris with his fiancée Inaez (Rachel McAdams) and her family finds himself mysteriously going back to the 1920s every day at midnight, where he has the opportunity to socialize with artists and writers from the Belle Époque, including Scott Fitzgerald (Tom Hiddleston), Salvador Dali (Adrien Brody) and Ernest Hemingway (Corey Stoll). Despite there being nothing really new here, one cannot deny the charm of the music, the beauty of the scenery, and simple romantic smiles this film brings as it successfully combines elements of comedy and romance into an old-fashioned, time traveling good time.

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“Man from the Future” (“O Homem do Futuro”) should be in this list. Well, it’s a foreign movie, but it has an imdb rating higher than half of this list.

This move is in a class of its own and is worth watching not only for the time travel aspect, but for combining superb activing, smart comedy, romance, music and excellent camera and sound work.

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The 25 Greatest Time-Travel Movies Ever Made

It must say something, surely, about humans, how often time-travel movies are about returning to the past rather than jumping to the future. As Mark Duplass’s forlorn character says in Safety Not Guaranteed , “The mission has to do with regret.” With all the potential to explore the unknown world of the future, so often when our minds conspire to bend the rules of time it’s instead to rehash the old. It’s compelling to watch a character in a movie do what we cannot — right past wrongs or uncover the reason for or meaning behind the events in their lives, whether they be emotionally catastrophic or merely geopolitically motivated.

So absent is the future from the canon, in fact, that when it is involved, typically future dwellers are leaving their own time to come back to the present. Back to the Future Part II aside, it seems as if there’s something about going forward in time that just doesn’t track for humans. (Of course, you could argue that this is because the present-day concept of bidirectional time travel would infinitely multiply or change beyond recognition any future that may occur, but that’s a knot for another article.)

In any case, the time-travel stories deemed worthy of Hollywood budgets aren’t always straightforward in their mechanics. Some films on this list barely qualify as time-travel movies at all; others could hardly qualify as anything else. There are movies about trips through time but also ones about the bending and fracturing and muddying thereof; then there are those about, as Andy Samberg aptly puts it in Palm Springs , “one of those infinite time-loop situations you might have heard about.” There’s even a movie in which we get only 13 seconds’ worth of time travel, when it functions more like a joke whose punch line hits at the film’s climax.

What these films all do have in common is a fascination with changing the way time works. That being said, the list leaves out movies in larger, more extended franchises in which time meddling is a one-off dalliance thrown into a sequel with little by way of foreshadowing: think Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , Avengers: Endgame , and Men in Black III . (It also leaves off perhaps the Ur-time-travel movie, Primer , and the quite good Midnight in Paris because their directors don’t deserve the column inches.) We’re looking at self-contained stories using time mechanics from the start, with preference given to those that involve themselves more intently with the ins and outs of time travel; that ask questions about time, aging, memory and so forth; and that try to succeed at it in new and interesting ways. So let’s get to it.

25. Galaxy Quest (1999)

Does Galaxy Quest really count as a time-travel movie? Some compelling reasons argue that it doesn’t: Time travel isn’t a major factor in the plot, and the time traveling that does occur is, yes, only a 13-second jump. But its use of time travel is meaningful insofar as the movie itself is a loving spoof of Star Trek , which makes use of time travel in three films ( one of which made this list ), not to mention dozens of episodes across its various TV iterations. Tacking on time travel as a deus ex machina for the actors in a Star Trek– like show pressed into service as an actual space crew by an endangered alien race is the exact right amount of ribbing in a movie that’s as on point as it is hilarious.

Galaxy Quest is available to rent on Amazon .

24. Happy Death Day (2017)

Pick away at the surface of a time-loop movie and you find a horror movie. Most of the entries on this list are covered in enough feel-good spin to land as comedies, but Happy Death Day stares the horror of the time-loop phenomenon right in the face. (It’s also quite funny.) Reliving the same day over and over is an unimaginably potent form of psychological torture, and adding murder to the equation does little to dull that edge. The film follows a college-age protagonist struggling to escape from a masked slasher hell-bent on killing her again and again while she tries to solve the mystery of how she got stuck in a time loop.

Happy Death Day is available to rent on Amazon .

23. Back to the Future Part II (1989)

Seriously, this may be the only good movie in which the film’s whole focus is using a time machine to travel into the future. The fact that it’s a sequel is telling — the characters already traveled into the past in the first movie , and the filmmakers decided to save “traveling even further into the past“ for the third film in the trilogy. Still, Back to the Future Part II is a fun time that makes great use of sight gags and references, recasting scenes from the first film in the distant future year of 2015 with all its hoverboards and self-lacing Nikes.

Back to the Future Part II is available to rent on Amazon .

22. See You Yesterday (2019)

It’s a dirty little secret of time-travel movies that they tend to be, well, pretty white. Tenet ’s Protagonist aside, if Hollywood’s sending someone through time, they’re almost certainly not a Black person, and for obvious reasons: Most of post-contact North American history is deeply unfriendly to people of color, and the problems a person running around out of time and place is going to encounter are deeply compounded if they’ll likely be the target of racist abuse or violence — which makes See You Yesterday all the more compelling. Produced by Spike Lee and featuring one of filmdom’s most famous time travelers in a cameo role, it follows a Black teenage science prodigy who uses a time machine to try to save her brother from being killed by a police officer.

See You Yesterday is streaming on Netflix .

21. Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)

No offense to the Back to the Future franchise, but time travel never looks more fun on film than it does in the first Bill & Ted movie. It’s a concept that feels distinctly of a different era, so pure is its zaniness, that it’s hard to imagine anyone concocting it today. The titular duo, Californian high-school students in the ’80s, travel through the past looking for historical figures in order to ace a history project, then bring them all back to the present. High jinks ensue! We get Genghis Khan in a sporting-goods store and Mozart on an electric keyboard. What more could you want?

Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure is streaming on HBO Max .

20. Source Code (2011)

Time-travel-film aficionados know this won’t be Jake Gyllenhaal’s only stop on this list, but no matter. Source Code finds him repeating the same eight minutes over and over as he struggles to find the culprit in a train bombing — with each replay ending in his own death by explosion. For some reason, a romantic subplot is shoehorned into this, along with a bunch of frankly unnecessary technical mumbo-jumbo, but the core idea is a compelling mix of the time-loop movie and the train whodunit that Gyllenhaal is a perfect fit for.

Source Code is available to rent on Amazon .

19. 12 Monkeys (1995)

Some sort of law of nature dictates that every genuinely good idea and/or piece of true art has to at some point be turned into a Hollywood movie. Thank God La Jetée was adapted into something that can stand on its own feet artistically. 12 Monkeys may not retain its source material’s black-and-white look or stripped-down, static-image presentation, but it is a rollicking good time nonetheless. That’s in no small part due to director Terry Gilliam getting the best out of Bruce Willis and a young Brad Pitt, and recasting World War III as a planet-decimating virus. Which, like at least one other movie on this list , “speaks to the present moment,” or whatever.

12 Monkeys is available to rent on Amazon .

18. Run Lola Run (1998)

Unlike almost all of the other films on this list, the terms time travel and time machine don’t show up anywhere in Run Lola Run . Rather, it’s a sort of de facto time-loop scenario in which the protagonist tries repeatedly to pay a ransom to save her boyfriend’s life. In fact, if not for a few key details, it could easily be characterized (and often has been) as an alternate-endings movie rather than a time-travel film. But the fact that Lola seems to be learning from her past attempts with each successive one suggests that she is, indeed, using knowledge gained from previous loops to bring a satisfactory end to this situation.

Run Lola Run is available to rent on Amazon .

17. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

One of the most striking things about Groundhog Day is the mutability and replicability of its core conceit. Perhaps the best case in point is Edge of Tomorrow , sometimes known as Live. Die. Repeat. after its original tagline. It’s the kind of physically grueling movie only an actor as genuinely unhinged as Tom Cruise could pull off. A noncombatant thrust into a war against invading aliens, Cruise’s character finds himself reliving day one of combat over and over, slowly but surely refining his techniques in order to survive the extraterrestrial onslaught. Like the central twosome in the much less violent Palm Springs , he winds up with a partner in (war) crime, teaming up with the similarly time-trapped Emily Blunt, and the explanation for the replay glitch here is actually pretty satisfying.

Edge of Tomorrow is streaming on Fubo TV .

16. Star Trek (2009)

If you could create some sort of an advanced stat to measure controversy generated per unit of interesting filmmaking decisions, J.J. Abrams would have to be near the top in terms of his ability to rig up movie drama from almost nothing. This is a guy whose filmography is like Godzilla rip-off, Spielberg homage, safe reboot of cherished IP, repeat. Star Trek may be his best film, though, a sure-footed reinvention of a dorky sci-fi franchise that made it, well, cool. Somehow, the beauty of Spock and Kirk’s bromance being woven through chance encounters with future selves kind of … works?

Star Trek is available to rent on Amazon .

15. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)

There’s a relative dearth of time travel in animated film, which perhaps is a function simply of the fact that it’s less impressive to stage in a world that’s already unreal. If you can Looney Tunes your way through physics, what’s so special about grabbing the flow of time and tying it into a bow? Still, the original Girl Who Leapt Through Time deserves mention here. It’s a beautiful story that interlaces the complexity of time leaping with the intensity of teenage emotion and the thorny process of growing up where the opportunity to redo things leads, over time, to growth — a less shitty Groundhog Day , in a way.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is available to rent on Amazon .

14. Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)

She may not be the most famous, decorated, or emulated actress of her generation, but Aubrey Plaza is someone whose personality spoke to the irony-soaked 2010s in a way that simply could not be denied. Her character on Parks and Recreation , April Ludgate, was, by all accounts, created specifically to channel Plaza’s real-life personality to the screen, and she plays essentially the same character in Safety Not Guaranteed . Here, she’s a sarcastic intern at a magazine working on a story about a would-be time traveler and using her feminine wiles to slowly gain his trust. The chemistry between Plaza and Mark Duplass is probably the film’s high point; the subplot about the FBI feels like it was clipped out of a bad X-Files episode.

Safety Not Guaranteed is streaming on Tubi .

13. La Jetée (1962)

At only a 28-minute run time, La Jetée is arguably too short to merit inclusion on this list. However, what it lacks in content (and in, well, moving images; it’s almost exclusively a collection of static black-and-white shots set to voice-over), it more than makes up for in inventiveness and influence, and it would be a travesty to leave it out in favor of more recent by-the-book fare. Tracing the tale of a man held prisoner in post-WWIII Paris being used in time-travel experiments as his captors seek to remedy the postapocalyptic state of the world, he’s sent into both the future and the past and ends up unraveling a lifelong personal mystery while he’s at it.

La Jetée is streaming on the Criterion Channel .

12. Planet of the Apes (1968)

Unlike the worse but more straightforwardly time-traveling Tim Burton remake, the relationship between the original Planet of the Apes and time travel is inexact — technically, the astronaut crew that lands on the titular planet does travel forward 2,000 years, but it’s not done via a time machine. The travel isn’t instantaneous: It literally does take them 2,000 years to get there; they’re just unconscious and on life support. Still, the way the film’s ending handles the iconic reveal is exactly in line with the best of the time-travel canon, the telescoping, mise en abyme feeling of the world shifting in front of your very eyes without your moving an inch.

Planet of the Apes is available to rent on Amazon .

11. Groundhog Day (1993)

The famous Bill Murray vehicle essentially invented the infinite-time-loop genre (and it’s hardly a movie that succeeds on the strength of its concept alone), but the idea at its core is so steeped in the casual misogyny of late-’80s and early-’90s cinema that it’s hard to watch today without cringing. Murray’s character employing what amounts to PUA-style techniques over and over and over in a desperate bid to fuck his hapless co-worker just doesn’t hit the way it did back then. If the story arc didn’t present a guy detoxifying himself of the worst aspects of masculinity in order to be worthy of a woman’s love as the primary way for a 20th-century white man to achieve full personhood, this would be much higher on the list.

Groundhog Day is streaming on Starz .

10. Predestination (2014)

This is probably the most complicated film on the list. Following a “temporal agent” (played by Ethan Hawke) who’s trying to prevent a bombing in 1970s New York, it’s based on a Robert A. Heinlein short story and features Shiv Roy herself, Sarah Snook, in a star-making turn as someone with a complicated backstory and a secret. Like the best sci-fi, the film’s premise raises all kinds of fascinating questions about the titular concept and throws in some interesting musings on sex, gender, and the self in the process.

Predestination is streaming on Tubi .

9. Looper (2012)

Wes Anderson gets a lot of flak for his overwrought twee visuals, but Rian Johnson has a knack for making movies that feel and function like dioramas even if they don’t look it. Narratively speaking, everything here is constructed just so — and there’s a certain beauty in that — but who ever had a profound experience of art by looking at a diorama? Looper was probably Johnson’s least precious pre– Star Wars film, which is nice because the temptation to drastically overmaneuver the mechanics of a time-travel story can lead to disaster. The tech used to Bruce Willis–ify Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s face is distracting, and the third act’s retreat from the postapocalyptic city of the future to the postapocalyptic corn farm of the future is a brave choice that the film struggles to land. Still, Johnson’s vision of a future in which organized crime runs time travel is compelling and well worth a watch.

Looper is streaming on Netflix .

8. Donnie Darko (2001)

Donnie Darko is a bit of a genre mash-up. Part high-school movie, part sci-fi flick, part bleak meditation on the soullessness of late-’80s America, it’s nevertheless a weirdly successful piece of filmmaking that makes fantastic use of a young Jake Gyllenhaal, a great supporting cast (Maggie Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, Jena Malone, and Patrick Swayze among others), and an absolutely iconic haunting cover of Tears for Fears’ “Mad World.” Watching high schoolers navigate parallel universes, wormholes, and time travel is a dicey proposition, but director Richard Kelly makes it work, somehow.

Donnie Darko is streaming on HBO Max .

7. Back to the Future (1984)

While it’s clearly superior to the sequel (and leagues ahead of the final film in the trilogy), the original Back to the Future is a bit of a mess (John Mulaney was right , to be honest). Its racial and gender politics are cringey, and the incest subplot is weird (“It’s your cousin Marvin. Marvin Pornhub . You know that new plot element you’ve been looking for?”), but there’s a clear interest in time travel beyond its shimmering surface: the very real addressing of the “grandfather problem” in time travel via the slow disappearance of Marty from his family photo, the accidental invention of rock music, and a genuine curiosity about the nuts-and-bolts mechanics of time machines. Ahh, what the hell. It’s a romp.

Back to the Future is available to rent on Amazon .

6. Palm Springs (2020)

No offense to Gen-Xers and boomers, but the best time-loop movie of all time is Palm Springs . The film isn’t without its missteps, but it’s much more curious about life than Groundhog Day was through the eyes of Murray’s misanthrope. Cristin Milioti and Andy Samberg‘s characters, stuck in the loop together, are a perfect comedic match, and their shared humanity makes for a beautiful arc. The film raises questions about what’s worth doing in life when nothing lasts and how to stay sane when every day is the same. Of course, as a sort of polar opposite of Tenet , it benefited from coming out during the pandemic by speaking, as it does, to the experience of lockdown.

Palm Springs is streaming on Hulu .

5. Tenet (2020)

Interstellar wasn’t enough for Chris Nolan, apparently. Tenet ’s legacy may end up being little more than that of the COVID action movie no one saw — a bloated thriller that Nolan fought to get into theaters and bar from home viewing reportedly to swell the size of his own pockets. It really did suffer from bad timing, though, because this is genuinely a quintessential big-screen popcorn movie whose absurdity is all the more palatable when it’s given the audiovisual bombast it deserves. Ambitious in scope as it traces a war on the past by the future (yes, you read that right), Tenet is as enamored of action tropes as it is in bucking them, and its investment in rendering visible the brain-bendingly knotty mechanics of moving through time is laudable, even when the movie itself remains opaque — as impenetrable as the future, as hazy as the past.

Tenet is streaming on HBO Max .

4. The Terminator (1984)

A partner to Blade Runner in the mid-’80s invention of sci-fi noir, The Terminator is a stunning film in many ways, despite the third act’s now-iffy visual effects. While it’s not James Cameron’s debut, and it would go on to be bested by its sequel , it functions as an incredible showcase for an emerging young director who would exclusively make big stories for the rest of his career. Arnold Schwarzenegger is perfectly cast as the relentless, unemotional killer cyborg sent back from the future to terminate the mother of the eventual resistance leader, and the film’s romantic subplot has just the perfect amount of time-travel-induced cheesiness for it to work.

The Terminator is streaming on Amazon Prime Video .

3. Interstellar (2014)

It’s not inaccurate to say Christopher Nolan is a director who’s more interested in scale and scope than in expressing the minutiae of the human experience in its purest form. But in Interstellar, a Nolan movie in its titular ambitions, there’s a core element of time travel wrought not as sci-fi fireworks but as a paean to the sheer force and will of the power of love. It both does and doesn’t work, depending on your capacity for cheese in space, but even besides that, Nolan’s use of time as story arc — the way Miller’s planet functions, in particular — is conceptually masterful in the best kind of time-travel-movie way.

Interstellar is streaming on Paramount+ .

2. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Whereas the franchise’s first movie spends more time on the question of time travel, in the second it takes a bit of a back seat to the action itself. It’s hard to fault director James Cameron for this decision; T2 remains one of the best action movies of the ’90s and — along with Jurassic Park and The Matrix — one of the decade’s best when for special effects. The groundbreaking T-1000 would honestly be enough to get this movie on the list; a tween John Connor grappling with questions of predestination and the fact that he is vicariously responsible for his own conception feel almost like icing on the time-travel cake. Much as in 12 Monkeys , time travel here is mistaken for delusion, as valiant Sarah Connor, in a Cassandra-esque nightmare, has to battle against the future only she knows is coming. Of course, Cassandra never had access to any firepower stored in underground desert arsenals.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is streaming on Netflix .

1. Arrival (2016)

It’s fair to wonder whether Arrival really is, in fact, a time-travel movie. The Ted Chiang short story it’s based on isn’t about time travel per se; rather, it’s an exploration of alternate forms of temporal understanding. The linguist protagonist, played by Amy Adams, doesn’t travel through time so much as come to experience it differently. Still, the plot ends up hinging on foreknowledge that she is granted not via visions but by actually experiencing her future simultaneously with her present and past. For our purposes, though, that’s time fuckery enough to merit inclusion, and boy howdy does the film deliver in overall quality. Partly, that’s simply a question of the source material. Chiang is arguably the most talented (and possibly the most decorated) American sci-fi writer of his generation. But the source story is not especially Hollywood friendly, and director Denis Villeneuve has adopted it lovingly, borrowing a plot device from another of Chiang’s stories, the more straightforwardly time-travel-based “The Merchant and the Alchemist’s Gate,” in order to add some third-act blockbuster flavor. The result is a beautiful meditation on love, choice, and courage that packs art-film ethos into a genuine sci-fi blockbuster.

Arrival is streaming on Hulu and Paramount+ .

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The 10 Best British TV Comedies of the 21st Century, Ranked

From iconic mockumentaries to biting political satire, these comedies have it all.

It's no secret that the UK has a penchant for genius comic storytelling , whether that be classics like Monty Python's Flying Circus or modern hits like Shameless . Often with a wry smile and dry nod to the audience, British comedies have had such an impact on our global TV landscape that they regularly turn into international spin-offs , some of which go on to become legendary in their own right.

In the 21st Century, British comedy certainly hasn't taken its foot off the pedal , with some of the most beloved exports of the genre coming in the past 24 years. By bringing names such as Ricky Gervais , Matt Berry , and Phoebe Waller-Bridge to the masses, there is certainly plenty to thank British comedy for, not least the hilarious meze of enigmatic characters and laugh-out-loud set pieces that the country's best comedic exports are famous for.

10 'Ghosts' (2019-2023)

Creators: simon farnaby, ben willbond, martha howe-douglas, laurence rickard, jim howick, matthew baynton.

Despite being a relatively new addition to the world of comedy, Ghosts ' worldwide appeal cannot be understated . Created by an enormously talented troop of Brits who have worked together on television for over 15 years, Ghosts first aired to an unsuspecting BBC audience as a light-hearted sitcom featuring some of Britain's friendliest faces. The series stars Charlotte Ritchie and Kiell Smith-Bynoe as young couple Alison and Mike, who move into an abandoned country house left to Alison by her distant Aunt Heather after she dies. Little do they know that the house is anything but abandoned and contains the spirits of some of the many people who have died between its walls. After an accident in which Alison falls out a window and only temporarily dies, she returns to the house to find that she can see and even speak to the ghosts, sparking up an unlikely and comically endearing bond with them.

Brimming with the potential to take over your vocabulary with an amalgamation of witty one-liners and clever catchphrases , the main cast of Ghosts is where the true genius lies , with the cast using their well-versed knowledge of the past thanks to their work in Horrible Histories to craft a set of characters that feel both historically accurate and brilliantly unique. In a media landscape dominated by often vulgar and certainly NSFW comedy, Ghosts offers a sigh of relief with a wholesome but no-less hilarious 5 seasons that will restore your faith in the fact that you don't have to be edgy to be funny. Nominated for a BAFTA TV Award for Scripted Comedy , Ghosts has even stretched into a successful American spin-off, such is the strength of its premise.

A group of spirits restlessly squabble in an abandoned country house. To their despair, a young couple inherits the house with hopeful plans to renovate it into a luxury hotel.

Watch on Paramount+

9 'Green Wing' (2004-2007)

Creator: victoria pile.

Featuring one of modern British comedy's best ensembles , Green Wing , created by the hilarious team behind Smack the Pony , is set in the fictional East Hampton Hospital and follows the somewhat melodramatic and always side-splitting lives of those within it . From Tamsin Greig 's always-embarrassed doctor Caroline to the lion-like mane of Julian Rhind-Tutt 's Mac Macartney, the constant ebbing and flowing of Britain's most hapless hospital makes for 18 episodes of pure comedy gold.

With a supporting cast that boasts the likes of Olivia Colman , Mark Heap , Michelle Gomez , Stephen Mangan , and Sarah Alexander , Green Wing 's choice to blend comedic genres and always stay on the side of surreal makes for an addictive viewing experience that never seems to sit still. From Sue White's (Gomez) enormous arms to Guy (Mangan) bringing his keyboard into the theatre, a plethora of iconic moments line the indulgent episodes of Green Wing , with fans of the series always finding new clever touches of comedic excellence upon any re-watch.

Watch on Prime

8 'The Mighty Boosh' (2003-2007)

Creators: julian barratt and noel fielding.

One of the most enigmatic series ever crafted , The Mighty Boosh reigns supreme as the wackiest show to come out of British comedy in the 21st Century. Created by and starring Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding as Howard Moon and Vince Noir respectively, the surreal series follows the pair as they get up to all sorts of mischief whilst struggling to maintain a smorgasbord of jobs and coming face-to-face with a plethora of oddball characters .

A winner of multiple awards , The Mighty Boosh is unapologetic in its intention to bring the offbeat thoughts of its creators to life. Daring and unique, the series would take both Barratt and Fielding and thrust them into the mainstream, with Fielding in particular having a subsequent career that, quite pertinently, features an unexpected journey to hosting the Great British Bake Off . Sculpted on stage, honed on radio, and perfected on television, there certainly wasn't anything like The Mighty Boosh before it, and most likely won't be anything like it again .

Watch on Hulu

7 'Gavin and Stacey' (2007-2024)

Creators: james corden, ruth jones.

Before he was a hotshot Late Night talk show host , James Corden was creating comedy genius alongside the equally talented Ruth Jones back in 2007. Off the back of the pair's success on Kay Mellor 's sitcom Fat Friends , the duo sat down to pen a series dedicated to telling the ups, downs, and in-betweens of two lovers who have never even met. The show follows the titular Gavin ( Matthew Horne ) and Stacey ( Joanna Page ), as they go from first connecting over the phone to finally meeting and, admittedly very quickly, getting engaged. However, it is the joining of their two families, the startlingly named Shipmans and Wests, and the coming together of their friends that creates the relatable and ever-so-quotable spine of the series.

Putting both Jones and Corden on the map , Gavin and Stacey intelligently blends both relatable and quirky comedy, with its now iconic soundtrack a perfect time capsule of mid-noughties Britain. With three BAFTAs, a British Comedy Award, and a National Television Award under its belt, Gavin and Stacey captured the hearts of a nation upon its arrival, with the unknown events of the fishing trip and its surrounding mystery still gripping fans to this day . With whispers of one final special ready to be produced by Corden, Jones, and the team, Gavin and Stacey may not be done just yet, but, if it was, its timeless legacy is already secured. Just one question - did Smithy say yes?

Watch on Disney+

6 'The IT Crowd' (2006-2013)

Creator: graham linehan.

This triple BAFTA-winning comedy began life when creator Graham Linehan was visited by a computer repair technician with a lack of social awareness. From that moment on, the idea for The IT Crowd was born, with Linehan moving swiftly into writing the script. The show stars the now iconic trio of Chris O'Dowd , Richard Ayoade , and Katherine Parkinson as Roy, Moss, and Jen respectively, three members of the IT department at the fictional Reynholm Technologies. Choosing to follow a normal sitcom structure, the series features the inevitable mishaps and surprisingly relatable personal quirks of these intelligently fleshed-out characters, with only Matt Berry's womanizer Douglas ever threatening to steal the show from the protagonists.

Linehan's incredible back catalog of adored British comedies is simply eye-watering, with many considering this to be his best. What begins life as a seemingly two-dimensional character comedy about the technology community quickly evolves into a sometimes touching and often idiosyncratic story about friends and identity, with those who love the show the most falling head over heels with the sheer depth of much of its content.

The IT Crowd

Purchase on Amazon

5 'The Inbetweeners' (2008-2010)

Creators: damon beesley, iain morris.

The quintessential comedy for a generation of British teenagers , The Inbetweeners starred the unknown foursome of Simon Bird , James Buckley , Blake Harrison , and Joe Thomas , with each quickly propelled to the top of British comedy. Socially marginalized and bullied by the terrors that come with British high school, The Inbetweeners follows the four friends as they attempt to find romance, come of age, and avoid their parents against the backdrop of a classic noughties soundtrack .

For every iconic quote in The Inbetweeners ' catalog , all of which are most definitely unrepeatable, The Inbetweeners has influenced the lexicon of an entire generation, with its staying power on television, despite only having three seasons, proof of its everlasting popularity. Not afraid to touch on some of the more controversial modern subjects , the show never does so without meaning, perfectly capturing the cringe-inducing thoughts and zeitgeist fears of young people growing up in noughties Britain. Put simply, The Inbetweeners is a comedy you may view with one hand over your eyes , but there's no chance of wanting to ever look away.

4 'Peep Show' (2003-2015)

Creators: jesse armstrong, sam bain, andrew o'connor.

This highly innovative series takes some of the best comedic dialogue of the noughties and frames it via a fresh cinematic style that places the audience in the eyes and minds of the central characters, Mark ( David Mitchell ) and Jeremy ( Robert Webb ). In their twenties and stumbling through a menial life, Mark and Jez are roommates who seemingly have absolutely nothing in common, except perhaps their desire to find their one true love, with Mark's coming in the form of Olivia Colman's Sophie .

Breaking the mold of modern British comedy , Peep Show actually ran for a staggering nine seasons, making it one of the longest-running British comedies of all time. This is simply a showcase of its genius , managing to evolve and innovate at a rate that didn't disappoint an often cutthroat British television industry, and even winning two BAFTAs along the way . Featuring an extremely flawed and always-relatable central duo, the series remarkably manages to stay both fresh and never lose its identity, with both Mitchell and Webb growing as characters and actors into adored individuals both on and off-screen.

Mark and Jez are a couple of twenty-something roommates who have nothing in common - except for the fact that their lives are anything but normal. Mayhem ensues as the pair strive to cope with day-to-day life.

Watch on Tubi

3 'The Thick of It' (2005-2012)

Creator: armando iannucci.

Doctor Who like you've never seen him before . Some four years prior to the enormous critical success of the biting comedy In the Loop , Armando Iannucci and his band of politically motivated comedians brought The Thick of It to British television. Starring Peter Capaldi as the foul-mouthed and endlessly quotable Malcolm Tucker, the series revolves around the British government, specifically the Minister for Social Affairs and his often incompetent team of morally questionable politicians.

Always with one eye on satirizing its current political climate , The Thick of It took some of the best British comics of the time and thrust them into a fast-paced cocktail of heavy insults and remarkable mishandlings . The star of the show is Capaldi's performance as spin doctor Malcolm Tucker, with his wild and unique barrage of insults so meticulously rehearsed they feel spontaneous. Sadly, the hilarious one-liners and genius put-downs are, frankly, too obscene to discuss, with the simple way to enjoy them in all their vulgar glory is by watching the show.

The Thick of It

Watch on Peacock

2 'The Office' (2001-2003)

Creators: ricky gervais, stephen merchant.

Before there was Michael Scott, there was David Brent . Written by and starring Ricky Gervais, this iconic sitcom sees the comedian play the aforementioned Brent, the boss of paper company Wernham Hogg. Mundanely mockumenting the day-to-day lives of the company and its employees, the show follows Brent's comical and often unbearable mishaps around the workplace, whilst also slowly detailing the will-they/won't-they romance of Tim ( Martin Freeman ) and Dawn ( Lucy Davis ).

Although The Office didn't revolutionize the mockumentary genre, it certainly brought it to the masses , with thousands of British homes declaring after finishing the pilot episode that they had just seen the strangest documentary ever, such is the realism of the show. From Brent's legendary dance to the quiz night embarrassment, many of The Office 's funniest moments are etched into the annals of British television history , with the final Christmas special that sees all the threads tied putting smiles on the faces of viewers that simply haven't yet left. Painfully real and intelligently hilarious , this series also birthed one of the greatest shows to ever air in the US , and, just for that alone, it deserves enormous applause.

The Office (U.K.)

1 'fleabag' (2016-2019), creator: phoebe waller-bridge.

Simply put, Fleabag is one of the greatest shows of all time . Beginning life as Phoebe Waller-Bridge's excellent one-woman show that won a Fringe First Award at Edinburgh Fringe 2013, it wasn't long before the series was making its quiet debut on BBC Three in the UK. Fleabag follows the life of an unnamed woman, known only as Fleabag, and her outrageous attempts to cope with modern life as a wannabe feminist consumed by grief . Whilst attempting to juggle romance, a failing business, the loss of her best friend, and a troubled family life, Fleabag uses us, the audience, as her therapist, regularly breaking the fourth wall to indulge us with her thoughts and feelings . However, is she telling the truth, or is there more to her story than first meets the eye?

A perfect blend of biting social commentary and genuine heartfelt drama , Fleabag seamlessly transitions from a painful one-woman show in its first season into a nuanced love story in its second with the introduction of Andrew Scott 's Priest. A winner of six Primetime Emmys , two BAFTAs, three Critics' Choice Awards, and many, many more accolades, Waller-Bridge's magnum opus will forever be her greatest addition to the world , which is saying something, seeing as she is the woman behind the likes of Crashing and Killing Eve . Poignant, intelligent, and beautifully funny, there really is no other comedy like Fleabag .

Series adapted from the award-winning play about a young woman trying to cope with life in London whilst coming to terms with a recent tragedy.

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Curious Historian

A Journey Back in Time: The Cultural Revolution of the '60s and '70s in Photos

Posted: April 29, 2024 | Last updated: April 29, 2024

Steve 'Woz' Wozniak and David Lee Roth at the US Festival in 1983.

Get ready to step back in time with a stunning collection of long-lost photos from the '60s and '70s that will take you on a journey through one of the most iconic eras in history. These remarkable images showcase a range of subjects, from beloved celebrities to everyday people, capturing the essence of a time when peace, love, and rock n' roll reigned supreme. These remarkable photos are a time capsule of a bygone era, capturing iconic figures and moments that have shaped our culture and collective memory. So sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in these long-lost images from the '60s and '70s. Trust us, it's well worth your time to continue viewing and reading.

In 1983, Steve 'Woz' Wozniak and David Lee Roth took the stage at the US Festival in San Bernardino, California. It was a momentous occasion for music lovers everywhere; it marked the first time two of the most iconic figures from the 80s had ever performed together. The crowd roared with anticipation as Wozniak began to play his classic synthesizers, and Roth sang some of Van Halen's greatest hits. As they played on, the audience was mesmerized by the combination of Wozniak's innovative musical style and Roth's legendary showmanship. Together, they created an unforgettable experience that will forever be remembered as one of the defining moments of the decade.

Dolly Parton, 1978.

In 1978, Dolly Parton was at the height of her career. She had just released her iconic album Here You Come Again and it quickly became a smash hit. Her songs were being played on the radio all over the world and she was becoming one of country music's most beloved stars. The album featured classic hits such as "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You," which have gone on to become some of the most popular songs in history. Dolly Parton was an unstoppable force in 1978, with her signature style and unmistakable voice captivating audiences everywhere.

Groovy kitchen in an ad from 1962.

In 1962, kitchens were groovy! With bold colors and modern appliances, they had a style all their own. The avocado green refrigerator was the centerpiece of the room, while the bright yellow countertops added a pop of color. Shiny chrome accents glinted in the light, giving the kitchen an unmistakable retro feel. Checkered linoleum floors completed the look, making it perfect for dancing to your favorite records. Whether you're cooking up something special or just having fun with friends, this vintage kitchen will take you back in time.

Clint Eastwood, Lee Marvin and Jean Seberg on the set of the film "Paint Your Wagon" in Oregon, 1968.

The summer of 1968 was a magical time for the cast and crew of the film Paint Your Wagon as they traveled to Oregon to shoot on location. Clint Eastwood, Lee Marvin, and Jean Seberg brought their unique talents to the set, creating an unforgettable experience that would become part of cinematic history. From the landscape's rugged beauty to the camaraderie among the actors, it was clear this movie was going to be something special. The trio embodied the spirit of the Wild West with their larger-than-life personalities and undeniable charisma, making them beloved figures in Hollywood for years to come. It's no wonder why Paint Your Wagon remains one of the most iconic films from the era.

Model-Actress Isabella Rossellini in 1975.

In 1975, Isabella Rossellini was a young model and actress on the rise. Born in Rome to two of Italy's most renowned actors, Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini, she had acting and modeling in her blood. That same year, she starred in her first feature film The Meadow, and graced the cover of Vogue magazine. Already an icon in the fashion world, Rossellini quickly became known for her unique beauty and style. Her look was both timeless and modern - combining classic Italian elegance with a hint of bohemian flair. She went on to become one of the most iconic models of the 1970s, inspiring generations of women to embrace their individual style.

A photo of the young and gorgeous actress, Michelle Pfeiffer in her twenties.

Michelle Pfeiffer was a vision of beauty and grace in her twenties. Her stunning features, captivating smile, and effortless elegance made her one of the most sought-after actresses of the time. She began her career on television before making her big screen debut in 1981's The Hollywood Knights . From there, she went on to star in iconic films such as Scarface , Dangerous Liaisons , and Batman Returns . Michelle Pfeiffer has inspired generations of young women with her timeless style and classic beauty.

A page out of the Sears Catalog showing the latest fashion in shoes, 1973.

In 1973, the Sears Catalog was a must-have for fashionistas everywhere. The latest shoe trends were featured on pages of glossy photographs and detailed descriptions. From platform sandals to wedge heels, there was something for everyone. There were espadrilles, loafers, and moccasins for those looking for a more casual look. One could choose from pumps, slingbacks, or go-go boots for dressier occasions. Whatever your style preference, the Sears Catalog had you covered with the latest fashion in shoes for 1973!

An Army photo of music legend, Jimi Hendrix , 1961.

In 1961, a young Jimi Hendrix was photographed in his Army uniform, standing tall and proud. This iconic image captures the essence of the music legend before he became a household name. At this time, Jimi had just returned from an honorable discharge from the US Army and was ready to pursue his dream of becoming a musician. His passion for music was palpable even then, as evidenced by the confident smile in the photo. The picture reminds how far Jimi came in such a short period, inspiring generations of musicians with his unique sound and style.

Ann-Margret rocking a cool pair of boots back in the 1960s!

In the 1960s, Ann-Margret was the epitome of cool. From her iconic performance in Bye Bye Birdie to her memorable roles in Viva Las Vegas and The Cincinnati Kid , she was a fashion icon for young women everywhere. Her signature style included a pair of sleek black boots that were always on trend. These boots completed every look, whether paired with an A-line skirt or bell bottoms. Their pointed toes and low heels added just enough edge to any ensemble. Even today, when you see someone rocking a similar style, you cannot help but think of Ann-Margret and how effortlessly stylish she was in the '60s!

Beastie Boys and Run DMC chilling in New York, 1987.

It was 1987, and the streets of New York were alive with the sound of rap. Beastie Boys and Run DMC had just released their iconic albums Licensed to Ill and Raising Hell respectively, and they were taking over the city. The two groups were often seen hanging out together, sharing stories and rhymes while soaking up the energy of the Big Apple. It was a time of creative collaboration that would go on to shape the future of hip-hop culture. From Brooklyn to Manhattan, there was no denying the impact these two acts had on the music scene in '87; it was an unforgettable moment in history that still resonates today.

Behind the scenes of the 1978 horror flick "Halloween" with Jamie Lee Curtis and John Carpenter.

Behind the scenes of the 1978 horror classic Halloween was a mix of excitement, terror, and nostalgia. Jamie Lee Curtis made her debut as Laurie Strode in this iconic film, directed by John Carpenter. The two worked together to create an unforgettable movie experience that still terrifies audiences today. From the opening scene with Michael Myers lurking outside the window to the intense chase scenes, it's no wonder why Halloween has become one of the most beloved horror films of all time. With its creepy soundtrack composed by Carpenter himself and its groundbreaking cinematography, there's no doubt that this classic will continue to scare viewers for generations to come.

Billy Dee Williams, Mark Hamill and Darth Vader pose for the camera in Sydney, Australia. (1980)

In 1980, the iconic trio of Billy Dee Williams, Mark Hamill, and Darth Vader posed for a photo in Sydney, Australia. The picture captures an unforgettable moment in history; one that will live on forever as a reminder of the power of Star Wars to bring people together from all over the world. From Luke Skywalker's journey to save the galaxy to Lando Calrissian's swaggering charm, it was clear this cast had something special. Little did they know at the time that their work would become part of pop culture legend, inspiring generations of fans around the globe. 

Couple listening to 45's back in the early 1960s.

It was the early 1960s, and a young couple was spending their Saturday night together spinning 45's on an old record player. The room filled with the sound of classic rock 'n' roll as they danced to songs from Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Buddy Holly. As they swayed in each other's arms, they felt like nothing could ever come between them. They laughed and sang along to the lyrics that had become part of the soundtrack of their lives. It was a magical moment in time when all that mattered was the music and the love they shared.

Debra Winger in "Urban Cowboy," a 1980 drama/romance movie.

Debra Winger's portrayal of Sissy in the 1980 drama/romance movie Urban Cowboy is an iconic performance that has stood the test of time. She brought a captivating charm to her character, which was full of heart and determination as she navigated life on the Texas oil rigs with her husband Bud (John Travolta). Her endearing southern drawl combined with her fiery spirit made for an unforgettable performance that still resonates with audiences today. Debra Winger's career had been steadily gaining momentum since her breakout role in 1978's An Officer and a Gentleman , and this role cemented her place as one of Hollywood's leading ladies.

Diana Rigg, 1967.

Diana Rigg, the iconic British actress on stage and screen, is perhaps best remembered for her role as Emma Peel in The Avengers (1967-1968). Her portrayal of the stylish secret agent was a breath of fresh air in an era dominated by male action heroes. She brought wit, intelligence, and sophistication to the character, making it one of the most memorable performances of the 1960s. With her trademark black leather catsuit and sharp tongue, she inspired generations of women to be strong, independent, and unafraid to take risks. Diana Rigg's performance in The Avengers will remain timeless and beloved for years to come.

Don Knotts plays Henry Limpet, the mild mannered bookkeeper in "The Incredible Mr. Limpet" 1964.

Don Knotts is an icon of comedy, and his portrayal of Henry Limpet in the 1964 classic The Incredible Mr. Limpet is no exception. The mild-mannered bookkeeper's transformation into a talking fish who helps the U.S. Navy during World War II is nothing short of magical. With his trademark wit and charm, Don Knotts brings life to this beloved family favorite that has been delighting audiences for generations. Not only does he provide plenty of laughs, but also a touching story about friendship and courage that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Football season has already started, so here's a flashback to NFL QBs Bernie Kosar and Dan Marino in 1984.

It was 1984, and the NFL was buzzing with excitement. Two of the most iconic quarterbacks in history were on display - Bernie Kosar and Dan Marino. With their big personalities and even bigger arms, they electrified stadiums around the country. Fans would flock to see them battle it out each Sunday, knowing that no matter who won or lost, they'd be treated to a show full of thrilling passes, daring runs, and epic comebacks. It was an unforgettable era for football fans everywhere, one that will never be forgotten!

General Motors came up with the awesome idea to save shipping costs of the Chevrolet Vega using the "Vert-A-Pac" shipping system in the 1970s.

In the 1970s, General Motors came up with a revolutionary idea to save on shipping costs for the Chevrolet Vega. Introducing the “Vert-A-Pac” system, GM was able to stack cars vertically instead of horizontally, meaning more vehicles could fit into one truck or train car. This innovative method allowed them to ship more cars in less time and at a lower cost than ever before. It revolutionized the auto industry and is still used today by many automakers. The Chevy Vega itself was an iconic vehicle of the 70s, beloved for its affordability, reliability, and stylish design. It was named Motor Trend Magazine's Car of the Year in 1971! With the help of the Vert-A-Pac system, the Vega quickly became a household name and helped make General Motors a leader in automotive innovation.

Goldie Hawn in "Bird on a Wire", a 1990 American action comedy film.

Goldie Hawn stars in the classic 90s action comedy Bird on a Wire . In this film, Goldie plays Marianne Graves, an FBI witness who is forced to go into hiding when her cover is blown. Through thrilling car chases and shootouts, she teams up with Rick Jarmin (Mel Gibson) to fight off the bad guys and protect her identity. The chemistry between Goldie and Mel brings back memories of their earlier films like Foul Play and Lethal Weapon 3 . With her signature comedic timing and charm, Goldie captures our hearts as we watch her take on the villains with wit and courage. It's no wonder why this movie has become such a beloved part of pop culture history.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Karen Allen, who was born on this day in 1951.

Today we celebrate the birthday of Karen Allen, an iconic actress, and director who has graced our screens for over four decades. Born on this day in 1951, she is best known for her roles in films such as Raiders of the Lost Ark , Starman , Scrooged , and The Perfect Storm . Her career began with a role in Animal House in 1978, which quickly propelled her to stardom. She went on to become one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses, playing strong female characters that inspired generations of young women. As she celebrates another year around the sun, let us all wish Karen Allen a very happy birthday!

Jamie Lee Curtis, 1980.

In 1980, Jamie Lee Curtis made her mark as a scream queen when she starred in the horror classic Halloween . With her signature blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, Jamie brought to life Laurie Strode – an iconic character that continues to captivate audiences decades later. But this was only the beginning of her illustrious career; from there, Jamie went on to become one of Hollywood's most beloved stars with roles in films like A Fish Called Wanda , True Lies , and Freaky Friday . Her ability to bring warmth and humor to every role has earned her both critical acclaim and a devoted fan base that spans generations.

Jerry Stiller and son Ben smile for the camera after catching a show on Broadway. (1978)

In 1978, Jerry Stiller and his son Ben were photographed smiling after catching a show on Broadway. The iconic father-son duo had been performing together since the late 1960s when they created their improvisational comedy act, Stiller & Meara . From there, they went on to appear in numerous television shows and films throughout the 1970s, including Seinfeld , where Jerry played Frank Costanza and Ben starred as George's nemesis, Art Vandelay. 

Jimmy Page in a school photo from 1957.

In 1957, a young Jimmy Page posed for his school photo wearing the traditional uniform of St. Anne's Catholic School in Heston, England. Even at this early age, it was clear that he had an eye for fashion and style, with his hair perfectly coiffed into a classic 1950s quiff. His bright eyes sparkled with the promise of future greatness as if even then he knew that one day he would become one of the most influential guitarists in rock history. At just 12 years old, Jimmy Page already had the charisma and talent to make him stand out from the crowd - no wonder he went on to be part of Led Zeppelin!

John Candy, 1974.

John Candy was a beloved comedic actor who made us laugh with his larger-than-life personality and characters. Born in Toronto, Canada in 1950, he began his career as a Second City improviser in 1974. He quickly became known for his unique brand of humor that combined physical comedy with a sharp wit. His memorable roles included the lovable Uncle Buck, the bumbling Barf in Spaceballs , and the hilarious Del Griffith in Planes, Trains & Automobiles . John Candy's influence on comedy is still felt today and will continue to be remembered for generations to come.

John Lennon looking pretty groovy while in Hyde Park, 1967.

John Lennon was looking pretty groovy in Hyde Park, London in 1967. The iconic Beatle had just released Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and was enjoying a leisurely stroll through the park with his wife Yoko Ono. His signature round glasses and mod style made him look like he stepped right out of Carnaby Street. It was during this time that John began to embrace peace activism and started to become a symbol of global unity. He would go on to use his music to bring people together, inspiring generations of fans around the world.

KISS takes a photo with fans in Central Park, 1970s.

The 1970s were a time of revolutionary music and fashion, and KISS was at the forefront. In Central Park in New York City, fans gathered to take photos with their favorite rock band. The iconic foursome – Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss – posed for photos with their admirers, dressed in their signature makeup and costumes. Fans beamed with joy as they stood side-by-side with their idols, capturing an unforgettable moment in time that would live on forever in the memories of those who attended. It was a magical day when music brought people together and dreams became reality.

Linda Ronstadt rocking in a Cub Scout uniform in 1977.

In 1977, Linda Ronstadt was at the height of her fame. She had already released a string of hit albums and singles that included "You're No Good," "When Will I Be Loved," and "Heat Wave." But it wasn't just music fans who were taken by her iconic voice - she also caught the attention of Cub Scouts in California! That year, Linda famously rocked out on stage wearing a full Cub Scout uniform, complete with neckerchief and hat, to the delight of all in attendance. 

Just Another Day In Los Angeles, 1968

When "Planet of the Apes" was released in 1968, it quickly became a sensation and a cultural phenomenon. The film was a unique combination of the early Hollywood studio system and the emerging New Hollywood style. The massive sets and impressive makeup effects were reminiscent of the grandeur and spectacle of the classic Hollywood epics, while the dark and thought-provoking storyline was a hallmark of the new wave of American cinema. The movie's ending, which revealed that the apes had taken over the planet and that the hero had been on Earth all along, was a particularly bold and daring move that left audiences shocked and unsettled. Despite its bleak tone, the film's popularity helped establish it as a classic of science fiction and cemented its place in cinematic history.

Mr. and Mrs. "C" aka Tom Bosley and Marion Ross from "Happy Days" (1976)

Mr. and Mrs. C, otherwise known as Tom Bosley and Marion Ross from the beloved 1970s sitcom Happy Days , have been an iconic couple for generations. Their chemistry was undeniable onscreen, and their characters served as a reminder of simpler times in American life. Tom Bosley was born in 1927 in Chicago, Illinois, and began his career as a Broadway actor before moving to television. He is best remembered for playing Howard Cunningham, the lovable father figure who provided guidance and support to Richie, Potsie, Ralph Malph, and Joanie. Marion Ross, born in 1928 in Minnesota, had already appeared on numerous television shows when she joined the cast of Happy Days . Her portrayal of the loving mother and wife, Marion Cunningham, was both endearing and inspiring. Together, Mr. and Mrs. C created a timeless bond that will never be forgotten.

Nutone Music-Intercom and Stereo Music Systems ad from 1970.

" In the 1970s, Nutone Music-Intercom and Stereo Music Systems were all the rage! With these systems, you could enjoy your favorite albums with crystal-clear sound quality. Whether it was rock, pop, jazz, or classical music, you could easily connect to your speakers in any room of the house. Plus, the intercom feature allowed for easy communication between family members without having to shout from one end of the house to the other. This revolutionary technology brought music into homes across the nation, allowing people to experience a new level of convenience and comfort.

On October 1, 2018, Peggy Sue Gerron, the inspiration for the song "Peggy Sue" by Buddy Holly, passed away in Lubbock, Texas. She was 78.

On October 1, 2018, the world lost an icon of a generation. Peggy Sue Gerron, the inspiration for Buddy Holly's classic hit "Peggy Sue," passed away in her hometown of Lubbock, Texas at the age of 78. She was born on April 8th, 1940, and grew up as an integral part of the West Texas music scene. In 1957, she married Buddy Holly's drummer Jerry Allison and became a muse to many of his songs, including "That'll Be The Day" and "Oh Boy!" Her influence on rock 'n' roll is undeniable, and her legacy will live on forever. Rest in peace, Peggy Sue.

On the set of "Godzilla" in 1954.

The set of Godzilla in 1954 was a sight to behold. The bustling crew, the bright lights illuminating the sets and props, and the iconic monster himself all combined to create an atmosphere that was both thrilling and nostalgic. It was here that director Ishiro Honda brought his vision for the classic film to life. He crafted a story full of suspense and adventure that has captivated audiences around the world for decades. As Godzilla roared through Tokyo, it was clear that this movie would become one of the most beloved and influential films ever made. Its legacy lives on today and will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers for years to come.

Photo of KISS from Creem Magazine in 1974.

KISS, the iconic rock band from New York City, was born in 1973 and quickly rose to fame. In 1974, they graced the cover of Creem Magazine with their unmistakable style, complete with wild costumes, makeup, and attitude. This photo captures the energy and excitement that KISS brought to the music scene at the time - a sound that would go on to influence generations of musicians and fans alike. Their unique blend of hard rock, glam metal, and theatrical showmanship has made them one of the most beloved bands of all time.

Ringo Starr, Linda Ronstadt and Paul Williams at the Grammy Awards in 1977.

At the 1977 Grammy Awards, three of music's most celebrated stars shined brightly on stage. Ringo Starr, Linda Ronstadt, and Paul Williams were all nominated for awards that night, making it a star-studded event. The audience was in awe as they watched Ringo perform his hit single "It Don't Come Easy", while Linda sang her beautiful rendition of Roy Orbison's classic "Blue Bayou". Later in the evening, Paul won two Grammys for Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Show and Song of the Year for "Evergreen" from A Star is Born. It was an unforgettable night full of nostalgia, celebration, and joy - one that will be remembered by fans for years to come!

Rodney Dangerfield in the comedy, "Back to School" (1986)

Rodney Dangerfield's iconic performance in the 1986 comedy, Back to School , is one of his most memorable roles. Playing Thornton Melon, a wealthy businessman who enrolls in college with his son, Rodney delivers an unforgettable performance full of classic one-liners and hilarious physical comedy. His character was so popular that it spawned two sequels and cemented him as a comedy legend. With his signature catchphrase “I don't get no respect” and a style of humor that blended sarcasm and self-deprecation, Rodney Dangerfield made us laugh until we cried with this classic film.

Songstress Emmylou Harris smiling for the camera in Los Angeles, 1976.

The iconic Emmylou Harris, songstress, and country music legend, is captured in this photograph taken in Los Angeles in 1976. With a warm smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye, she radiates joy and nostalgia as she looks back at the camera. Her career began in 1973 with her debut album, Pieces of the Sky , which was praised by critics for its mix of traditional and modern country elements. Since then, she has released more than 25 albums and won 14 Grammys, making her one of the most successful female singers of all time. This timeless image captures the essence of Emmylou’s spirit and talent, reminding us why we love her so much.

Stanley and Helen Roper' aka Norman Fell and Audra Lindley from "Three's Company" and their own spin-off "The Ropers" (1976-80)

Stanley and Helen Roper, the beloved couple from both "Three's Company" (1977-1984) and their own spin-off show "The Ropers" (1976-1980), will forever be remembered for their comedic chemistry. Played by Norman Fell and Audra Lindley respectively, they were a classic example of opposites attracting. Stanley was a grumpy landlord with an old-fashioned attitude, while Helen was his kindhearted wife who always saw the best in people. They made us laugh with their hilarious antics, but also touched our hearts with their genuine love for each other. Although it has been 40 years since we first met them, Stanley and Helen remain timelessly funny and endearing characters that continue to bring joy to audiences around the world.

Steve Martin in the early 1970s.

In the early 1970s, Steve Martin was a bright-eyed, fresh-faced comedian who had just begun to make his mark in the entertainment industry. He quickly became known for his unique brand of comedy that combined physical humor with witty one-liners and clever wordplay. His performances were often met with thunderous applause and uproarious laughter from audiences around the world. From his first appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1972 to his iconic stand-up specials throughout the decade, Martin's star continued to rise as he cemented himself as one of the most beloved comedians of all time.

Stevie Ray Vaughan's big break came when he played on David Bowie's hit 1983 album 'Let's Dance.'

Stevie Ray Vaughan was a blues legend, whose career skyrocketed when he played on David Bowie's hit 1983 album 'Let's Dance.' His signature sound and electrifying guitar solos made him an instant star. It was the perfect platform for Stevie to show off his unique style of playing, which combined elements of traditional blues with rock and jazz. With this big break, Stevie Ray Vaughan quickly gained recognition as one of the best blues guitarists in history. He went on to record several successful albums and tour extensively around the world, cementing his legacy as a true music icon.

The Dingaling Sisters performing on an episode of "The Dean Martin Show" in 1971.

The Dingaling Sisters were a musical sensation in the early 1970s, and their appearance on "The Dean Martin Show" in 1971 was no exception. The three sisters – Darlene, Donna, and Diane – took to the stage with their signature harmonies and high-energy choreography, performing classic hits like “Do Wah Diddy” and “He's So Fine”. Their performance was an instant hit with the audience, who sang along as the trio danced and clapped in unison. It was a moment that would become etched in history, cementing the Dingaling Sisters' place among the most beloved acts of the era.

Tom Hanks school photo taken in 1960.

Tom Hanks was always a star, even from the very beginning! This iconic school photo of him taken in 1960 shows that he was destined for greatness. His smile is infectious, and his eyes sparkle with enthusiasm; it's easy to see why he has become such an acclaimed actor over the years. He was born in 1956 in Concord, California, and began acting in high school productions at Skyline High School in Oakland. From there, he went on to have a successful career starring in some of the most beloved films of all time, including Forrest Gump, Big, The Green Mile , and Saving Private Ryan . Tom Hanks' journey to becoming one of Hollywood's biggest stars started right here with this amazing school photo taken in 1960.

Who remembers the ashtray stands back in the '70s?

Ah, the '70s! The decade of bell bottoms and disco balls. Who remembers the ashtray stands that were so popular back then? They were a must-have for any living room or den, with their sleek metal designs and fun colors like avocado green and burnt orange. These little pieces of history often had intricate details like floral patterns or geometric shapes etched into them.

Working at an analog computer, 1968.

It was 1968, and the world of computing had just begun to take shape. Working at an analog computer felt like being part of a new era in technology; it was exciting, innovative, and inspiring. Back then, computers were still large, clunky machines that took up entire rooms, with wires and tubes running everywhere. The sound they made when turned on was unique, almost like a humming or buzzing noise. It was quite different from today's sleek laptops and tablets. But despite its size and complexity, working on this machine was incredibly rewarding.

Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot, 1960s.

In the 1960s, Brigitte Bardot was a sultry icon of beauty and style. She embodied the spirit of the decade with her classic curves, tousled blonde hair, and signature bikini look that made her an international symbol. Her iconic beachwear moment in 1962 cemented her place in pop culture history as one of the most glamorous stars of all time. With her effortless sensuality and timeless appeal, Bardot's unforgettable swimsuit look inspired generations of fashionistas to come.

Elvis Presley being inducted into the Los Angeles Tribal Council by Chief Wha-Nee-Ota because of his constructive portrayal of a man of Indian blood in the film Flaming Star, 1960.

In 1960, Elvis Presley was inducted into the Los Angeles Tribal Council by Chief Wha-Nee-Ota in recognition of his constructive portrayal of a man of Indian blood in the film Flaming Star . The event marked an important moment for both Elvis and the Native American community, as it highlighted the progress made toward cultural understanding and appreciation. Elvis himself was deeply moved by this gesture of respect from the tribal council, saying that he “felt honored to be recognized by [the] people whose culture has been so influential on our own”. This special occasion also provided a rare opportunity for fans to witness Elvis being presented with a traditional headdress and a plaque commemorating his induction. It is a moment that will forever remain in history as a symbol of unity between two cultures.

Iconic television duo; Tony Randall and Jack Klugman in “The Odd Couple” (1970-1975).

Tony Randall and Jack Klugman's iconic television duo in The Odd Couple (1970-1975) was a classic sitcom that still resonates with viewers today. Their onscreen chemistry as the neat freak Felix Unger and slob Oscar Madison made them one of the most beloved duos in television history. Randall and Klugman had worked together before, appearing in Broadway plays such as “Wait Until Dark” and “The Sunshine Boys.” This familiarity enabled them to bring their characters to life in an authentic way that audiences loved. The show ran for five seasons, earning numerous Emmy nominations and cementing its place in TV lore. It is remembered fondly by fans who appreciate its timeless humor and the special bond between two friends who could not be more different.

Raquel Welch, 1960s

Raquel Welch was the epitome of 1960s glamour. Her iconic look and sultry beauty made her an international symbol, with her signature feathered hair, tight-fitting clothes, and smoldering gaze gracing magazine covers around the world. She starred in some of the decade's most beloved films, including One Million Years B.C., Bedazzled, and Bandolero !, making her a household name. With her charm and wit, she quickly became one of the most popular figures of the time, embodying the spirit of the '60s and inspiring generations to come.

The rockin' David Lee Roth, late '70s.

David Lee Roth was the epitome of rock and roll in the late '70s. His iconic look, with his long blonde hair and outrageous outfits, made him stand out from the crowd. He was a master showman who could captivate an audience with his wild antics on stage. His powerful voice and energetic performances were legendary, as he belted out classic hits like "Jump," "Panama" and "Running With The Devil." Roth's larger-than-life persona helped to define the era and make him one of the most beloved frontmen of all time. His influence can still be felt today, inspiring generations of musicians to follow in his footsteps.

Linda Darnell, the sexy American actress started out as a child model and went on to theatre and film.

Linda Darnell was an American actress who began her career as a child model and quickly rose to fame. She had a unique combination of beauty, talent, and charisma that made her stand out from the rest. Born in Dallas, Texas, she moved to Hollywood with her family at age 13 and soon after signed with 20th Century Fox. With her captivating looks and natural talent for acting, Linda starred in over 40 films throughout her career, including classics such as My Darling Clementine (1946) and A Letter to Three Wives (1949). Her sultry performances earned her critical acclaim and recognition as one of the most glamorous stars of the 1940s. Although her life tragically ended at the young age of 41, Linda will always be remembered as a beautiful, talented, and unforgettable icon of classic Hollywood cinema.

Even though rain did delay the show a bit, no one seemed to care, Woodstock 1969.

The summer of 1969 was one for the books. Woodstock, the legendary music festival that brought together some of the biggest names in rock 'n roll history, took place on August 15-18th and drew an estimated 400,000 people to Max Yasgur's farm in Bethel, New York. Although the rain did delay the show a bit, no one seemed to care - they just kept dancing! The crowd experienced three days of peace and love as they sang along with acts like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Santana, Jefferson Airplane, Joan Baez, and Crosby Stills Nash & Young. It was a time when people could express themselves freely and come together to celebrate life through music. Woodstock will forever be remembered as a defining moment in American culture, and its legacy continues to live on today.

Janis Joplin feeling happy and groovy with some Southern Comfort.

Janis Joplin was an iconic figure in the 60s music scene, her powerful and soulful voice combined with her unique style made her a star. On any given night, she could be found feeling happy and groovy with some Southern Comfort, as it was one of her favorite drinks to enjoy while performing on stage or just hanging out with friends. Janis had a special connection to this drink; it reminded her of home and all the good times that came along with it. She often said that when she felt down or homesick, a glass of Southern Comfort would bring back memories of growing up in Texas and make her feel right at home again.

The one and only, Aristotelis "Telly" Savalas from 'Kojak'.

Aristotelis "Telly" Savalas was a true one-of-a-kind, and his iconic role as the lollipop-sucking Lieutenant Kojak on the hit 70s show of the same name is something that will live in pop culture history forever. A Greek American actor, Telly was born in Garden City, New York in 1922 and began acting in films in 1950. He became an international star for his portrayal of Kojak from 1973 to 1978, where he used his unique style of streetwise charm and no-nonsense attitude to solve cases. His catchphrase “Who loves ya, baby?” has become synonymous with the character and continues to be remembered fondly by fans today.

The pretty Dawn Wells who played Mary Ann on the sitcom Gilligan's Island.

Dawn Wells, best known for her role as Mary Ann on the beloved sitcom Gilligan's Island , is a true American icon. Born in Reno, Nevada in 1938, she has been charming audiences since the 1960s with her endearing charm and wit. Her portrayal of the optimistic farm girl from Kansas was so popular that it earned her a Golden Globe nomination in 1966. With her bright smile and sunny disposition, Dawn Wells brought joy to millions of viewers around the world who watched Gilligan's Island every week. Even today, people still fondly remember her character and her timeless performance.

Steve Martin ironing his kitten...1970s.

In the 1970s, Steve Martin was a comedic genius. He had a unique style and approach to comedy that made him stand out from the crowd. One of his most memorable routines involved him ironing a kitten. It was a visual gag that audiences loved, and it's still remembered fondly by fans today. The routine was so popular that it was even featured in one of his movies, The Jerk . Although the bit has been imitated many times since then, it will always be associated with Steve Martin and his era-defining comedy.

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Our 25 must-see shows at Netflix Is a Joke

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Let’s get something straight right now — the idea that you could see all the shows you want to catch during Netflix Is a Joke Fest is, frankly, laughable. There’s too much of everything happening at once and our brains, wallets and gas tanks can only take so much. Choices will have to be made. But one thing’s for sure during the return of the streamer’s two-week explosion of dream lineups of the best comics in the world: there will be plenty to choose from. Whether you’re seeing a show at one of L.A.’s biggest venues, our beloved local comedy clubs or catching something at the fest’s new al-fresco hub Outside Is a Joke on the grounds of the Palladium, L.A. comedy fans are about to be blessed. To hopefully make things a little easier to navigate, here’s our list of the 25 shows we definitely plan to check out next month.

Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Gaffigan, Nate Bargatze, Sebastian Maniscalco Hollywood Bowl May 1-2

Stand-up has always been regarded as an individual sport, but sometimes there are dream teams. With the combined caliber of comedic genius to fill four Hollywood Bowls, Netflix Is a Joke kicks things off right by bringing in heavy hitters Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Gaffigan, Nate Bargatze, Sebastian Maniscalco to bring their spotlights together on L.A’.s most prestigious stage. If you couldn’t score a ticket to any of the shows these guys have done separately or in tandem at the Forum or the Greek in the last year, now’s your chance to get them all at once for two back-to-back Rat Pack-style shows. Whether it’s fart jokes, observational humor or masterfully dry punchlines about family and relationships, this is a level of comedy that’s worth battling the hellish parking and putting on some nice clothes for . — Nate Jackson

Ralph Barbosa The Vermont Hollywood (special taping) May 1

Few comics are hitting Netflix Is a Joke Fest as hard as Ralph Barbosa. With four shows, including two at the Vermont Hollywood to be taped for an upcoming special, the Dallas-bred comic is on the hunt to capitalize on his rocketing stardom. Before his debut special “Cowabunga” hit the streamer last year, he was in a suit telling jokes on “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon, and late last year he made his HBO comedy debut in the third installment of Latin stand-up series “Entre Nos.” Before that, his “Don’t Tell Comedy” set garnered millions of views on YouTube. We’re excited to see where his unique brand of dry, secretly wise stoner comedy will take him next. And there’s no better way to know than to show up at his special taping to see it first . — N.J.

Ali Wong Residency The Wiltern May 2-12

Ali Wong’s massive residency at the Wiltern started as a simple handful of stand-up shows from the recent “Beef” executive producer and Emmy winner for lead actress in a limited series. Sure, the run included early and late May 4 tapings for her upcoming fourth Netflix special. Then came four more “Just Added” shows — and another four — and the “sold out” notations just continued appearing on ticket pages. At last check, only a few options remained (with two “low ticket” warnings) for the Ali Wong Residency May 2 through 12 at the Wiltern theater. Sheng Wang, a former “Fresh Off the Boat” writer with Wong, opens. — Julie Seabaugh

How Leslie Liao left Netflix’s HR department to become a rising star in stand-up

Steph Tolev The Comedy Store May 2

The minute Steph Tolev takes center stage at the Comedy Store, possibly in a jumpsuit, no one will be safe. Attacking every gig with the panache of a pro wrestler, Tolev’s full-body convulsions and act-outs on stage are like watching a comedy exorcism. The Canadian comic’s shows are loud, semi-grindy, raunchy and always laugh-out-loud hysterical. Tolev’s comedy is not for your mama, unless she’s cool and in that case, be sure to bring her to this show. — Ali Lerman

Bill Burr Hollywood Bowl May 3

Bill Burr’s many accomplishments both within and beyond the scope of his work as a comedian have earned him legendary status. That includes being the first comedian to perform at the ancient Greek amphitheater the Odeon of Herodes Atticus as well as the first to perform at Fenway Park, along with his various Emmy and Grammy nods. By those standards, headlining a show at the Hollywood Bowl should simply be another feather in his cap, but we know his performance at L.A.’s most beloved outdoor venue will be one for the books as his 30-something years of dishing out his no-holds-barred brand of gritty, everyman snarkiness continue to make him a national treasure. — Scott Feinblatt

Katt Williams YouTube Theater May 4

Following Netflix’s mostly successful-ish March 2023 disruptive gamble to livestream “Chris Rock: Selective Outrage” direct from Baltimore, the streamer’s brave company brass doubles down (and then some) with May 4’s “global livestream comedy event” Katt Williams: The Dark Matter Tour. Along with a handful of special guests, Williams — arena king, Emmy winner, talkative podcast guest, viral caller-outer and famed childhood reader — gets live and amplified on Netflix from Inglewood’s YouTube Theater for a special taping promising to be as potentially unhinged as it is unforgettable. — J.S.

Roy Wood Jr. The Belasco May 4

There was a collective sigh when Roy Wood Jr. announced last year that he would leave “The Daily Show.” Wood was in the running to become the host after Trevor Noah left, but the “correspondent” walked through a magic hallway that just led back to longtime host Jon Stewart. Wood shrugged. His laid-back, irreverent humor is just as evident on his X (formerly known as Twitter) feed as anywhere else. He uses observational humor about real-world situations — racism, sexism, all the isms — as a scalpel to carve up the ills that plague us and show us their insides. Wood will perform on May 4 at the Belasco Theater, 1050 S. Hill St. Tickets start at $39. FWIW, that’s a small price to pay to do a temperature check on your emotional intelligence. — Dawn M. Burkes

Tom Brady Roast May 5 Kia Forum

Who comes out on top when football’s seven-time world champion faces the best roasters in the universe? On May 5, the G.R.O.A.T. Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady dais tackles everything from the ex- ex- ex-quarterback’s pro career records, personal lows, retirement teases, deflation, crazy diets, hydration, hair choices and chin clefts to this fall’s upcoming NFL broadcast gig with Fox Sports. The San Mateo native may have braved some bantering and even dropped an F-bomb in “80 for Brady,” but the Kia Forum playing field promises a whole new game bringing even harder hits. — J.S.

Princess Hollywood Palladium May 5

If you like funny and you love Prince (RIP), you have to check out Princess. It’s about to be a rockin’ Cinco-de-Princess on May 5 at the Hollywood Palladium, where you can sing and dance along with the comedy stylings of SNL alum Maya Rudolph and L.A. singer-songwriter Gretchen Lieberum. Singing together since 2012, the pipes on this pairing deliver a flawless tribute, and purple isn’t required — unless of course you’re a real fan. — A.L.

Netflix is a Joke 2024 announces lineup with Ali Wong, Chris Rock, David Letterman and more

Sinbad Tribute Show YouTube Theater May 6

For almost 20 years, Sinbad was inescapable: TV, movies, commercials, books, you name it. So when he retreated from public appearances after a stroke in October 2020, there was a Sinbad-sized hole that seemingly no one could fill. Who could be that affable? That funny? That warm? And all the time? It’s only right that a festival of this magnitude salute him for leaving such an indelible impression on pop culture. Hip-hop luminary Doug E. Fresh will host the Sinbad Tribute Show, with scheduled appearances by Deon Cole, D.L. Hughley, Byron Allen, Mark Curry and others. — D.M.B.

Gods of Comedy With David Letterman May 6-8 The Montalban Theatre

During the inaugural Netflix Is a Joke festival in 2022 the titular host of “That’s My Time With David Letterman” led a “conversation and comedy” evening series at the Fonda with rising names Sam Morril, Naomi Ekperigin, Rosebud Baker, Brian Simpson, Robin Tran and Phil Wang. This year, the late-night titan returns May 6 through 8 with David Letterman’s Gods of Comedy at the Montalban Theatre. Rising talent is out, classic Letterman conversation takes center stage, and an unannounced lineup of colossal names is set to delve deep and blow the minds of the audience in the process. — J.S.

Would You Bang Him? Hosted By Rich Vos & Bonnie McFarlane The Kookaburra Lounge May 7

Comedians, partners in marriage and co-hosts on the podcast “My Wife Hates Me” — Bonnie McFarlane and Rich Vos make a superb combination. They’re teaming up again on May 7 to play hosts on Would You Bang Him? This “Slut Shaming Comedy Game Show” is part stand-up, part roast and all good, harmless, sexist fun. Here’s how it works: male comedians perform stand-up for a panel of female comedians. After each set, the women decide (sometimes in graphic detail) if they would in fact “bang” him. McFarlane’s perfectly crafted hilarity, Vos’ cutting crowd work, guest judges and a stellar lineup — what more could you want? — A.L.

Seth Rogen Smokes the Bowl May 7 Hollywood Bowl

The title alone is worth the price of admission for May 7’s Seth Rogen Smokes the Bowl variety benefit show at the open-air Hollywood Bowl. Huge bonuses: The host, Houseplant cannabis co-founder and co-head of the Hilarity for Charity nonprofit with wife Lauren Miller Rogen, also promises performances from 2022 Netflix fest veteran Snoop Dogg, Lil Dicky, Ronny Chieng, Janelle James and Ramy Youssef, plus crazy-big surprise guests, some sweet fireworks and all proceeds battling Alzheimer’s disease. “And you can smoke weed inside,” Rogen has explicitly clarified on social media. “They won’t kick you out!” — J.S.

“Hannah Gadsby and Close Personal Acquaintances … Some of Whom They’ve Never Met.” United Theater May 7

With the recent debut of their latest Netflix special “Gender Agenda,” Hannah Gadsby has set themselves up to become not only one of the streamer’s top draws but also its head curator of LGBTQ+ comedy. The audience built from the cerebral banter of this Aussie stand-up has become a springboard for new queer talent of all stripes, which will no doubt continue with their spot on Netflix Is a Joke this year in a show titled “Hannah Gadsby and Close Personal Acquaintances … Some of Whom They’ve Never Met.” Taking over the United Theater for one night only, we’re sure to see Gadsby play ringmaster of a lineup of their funniest friends who we’re eager to become obsessed with. — N.J.

85 South’s “Five On It” YouTube Theater May 7

Despite its roots in Atlanta, L.A. is becoming a home away from home for “85 South Show’s” trio of diabolically funny comedians DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller and Chico Bean. The dynamic trio has garnered over 2 million organic subscribers on YouTube, more than half a billion independent views and over 150,000 live show tickets sold. Having recently slayed the crowds at Kia Forum, their next trip to Inglewood is sure to have fans at the YouTube Theater rolling in the aisles. Stepping on stage with a live band, DJ, couches and red cups full of booze, this blizzard of foolishly X-rated bits, dance moves and tipsy R&B crooning turns every show into one big house party. — N.J.

Christina P Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever May 8

Christina P is coming back to L.A. and with one show already sold out, you gotta jump fast on this newly added one. Whether it’s crushing it as the co-host of superb podcast “Your Mom’s House” with hubby Tom Segura, or delivering side-splitting specials “Mother Inferior” and “Mom Genes,” this mommy doesn’t miss. She’s doing it up at this year’s festival, goth-style, at the Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever. Her no-holds-barred style is sure to evoke laughter loud enough to wake the dead. — A.L.

Matt Rife Hollywood Bowl May 8

As (probably) the most controversial figure playing the festival this year, Matt Rife at the Hollywood Bowl is likely going to be quite the experience. On one hand, he’s undoubtedly one of the brightest and best comedians under 30. On the other, he’s almost certainly going to crack some of the misogynistic jokes that made him a headliner in the first place. He’s likely as close to a zillennial Andrew Dice Clay as will ever exist, and he’s absolutely capable of headlining arena-level shows — at least until they start to become men’s rights rallies. — J.C.

Wendy Liebman The Hotel Cafe Second Stage May 8

Wendy Liebman is a veteran of the funny business. From “The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson” to Kimmel, “America’s Got Talent” and her newest special, “It’s Wendy,” Liebman’s ability to be consistently hilarious never wavers. Self-deprecating stories said in the sweetest tone and one-liners delivered almost under her breath suck you into her world wondering what she will possibly utter next. You can get in on her comedy stylings yourself at the Hotel Cafe Second Stage. She’s only there for one night, so rally the crew and see this 42-year-old, well 43-year-old, OK 48-year-old comedy queen! — A.L.

Art Deco and dignity inspire multi-hyphenate comedian Katie Cazorla’s new club, the Kookaburra Lounge

Tom Segura Kia Forum May 9

In what will surely be one of the biggest shows of the festival, actor, writer, hit podcaster and stand-up comedian Tom Segura will perform his latest set of jokes at the Kia Forum as he embarks on his Come Together tour. Expect more of Segura’s unique jokes, perspectives and humorous takes on family life, love, sex, relationships, politics and society with a new hour of comedy. Segura is fresh off his last tour that saw him headline a whopping 300 shows. — Alex Distefano

Anthony Jeselnik The United Theater May 10

This Comedy Central roast master is coming to L.A. to destroy the Netflix Is a Joke Fest — in the driest way possible. Known for his steady delivery, Anthony Jeselnik baits audiences worldwide with a light topic turned darker than one could ever imagine, all within what seems like one breath. His sentences are weaved like hilarious mayhem that takes whatever the opposite of PC is to the next level. If you like your comedy with a side of blue, do not even think about sleeping on this Jeselnik show. — A.L.

Puddles Pity Party Outside Joke at Hollywood Palladium May 10

You may have seen Puddles Pity Party on Season 12 of “America’s Got Talent: AGT the Champions” during his Las Vegas residency, or quite possibly you’ve seen him roaming around, towering over crowds at a music festival. Once you’ve seen him though, at 7 feet tall he’s hard to forget. And once you hear him, you’ll surely fall in love, so prepare yourself. There is nothing scary about this lonely clown filling the air with melodic cover songs and treating your eardrums to crooning comparable to any Grammy winner. And his show is at 5:45 p.m. on May 10, making Puddles Pity Party the best way to kick off your weekend. — A.L.

Bert Kreischer Kia Forum May 11

Bert Kreischer is one of the top-grossing stand-up comedians in the game today, but he’s so much more than just a funny man on a stage. The co-host of the hilarious podcast “2 Bears 1 Cave” (along with friend and fellow bear, Tom Segura) has starred on the big screen (“The Machine”), curated and headlined his own festival (The Fully Loaded Tour), co-owns a vodka brand (Por Osos), and still finds time to be a family man. This year, he’ll also become part of an extremely small number of comedians who have sold out the Kia Forum for his headlining show on the second week of the festival. With a capacity of 17,500, getting into that venue for Kreischer promises not just an electrifying party filled with laughs, but you’ll also get an outstanding view of his recently slimmed-down bare chest projected on those screens. If that’s not enough to entice you, we don’t know what is. — A.L.

Jack Jr. May 11 The Belasco

Jack Assadourian, a.k.a. Jack Jr. , comes from a comedy family. Growing up watching stand-up at his parent’s comedy club, the HaHa in North Hollywood, punchlines are in his blood. Assadourian’s jokes about his upbringing — a mix of Mexican and Armenian heritage — have helped him stand out in the world of stand-up. In 2019 he was the finalist on the NBC show “Stand Up” and he’s been featured on Amazon’s “Laugh After Dark” and “The Church of What’s Happening Now Podcast With Joey Diaz.” In the last few years, Jack Jr. has also leveled up as a show promoter and the creator of the NoHo Comedy Festival. After opening slots for such comedians as Marlon Wayans and David Spade, among others, Jack Jr. will bring his witty humorous headlining act to fans at the Belasco. — A.D.

Nate Jackson Palace Theatre May 11

Though plenty of comics view crowd work as just part of the job, Nate Jackson has made it the springboard to a career. If you feel like being made into a human s’more, go ahead and make sure you’re somewhere in his line of vision when he gets on stage at the Palace Theater to roast and toast his fans who will pack the rows of this sure to be sold-out show. Mastering the art of picking off loudmouth hecklers and awkward front-row couples like a trained sniper, Jackson’s quick wit and timing on display in countless viral TikTok clips are quickly helping him become a household name. Even sitting down, he’s better than most stand-ups out there today. And no, I’m not just saying this because we share the same name. — N.J.

I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson Live! May 11 Greek Theatre

When people talk about today’s polarized society, they’re probably not talking about “I Think You Should Leave” — but they should be. If you don’t love the Emmy-winning sketch show, you probably can’t stand its “cringe comedy” or its fans quoting it incessantly. But if you’re not just here for the zip line and know that you gotta give, then it looks like Christmas came early. Grab your shirt brother, eat a sloppy steak and head to the live version of “I Think You Should Leave.” It promises to be unlike anything else at the festival, and it’s simply too good. — J.C.

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Nate Jackson is a deputy editor for Entertainment and Arts. Previously, he served as a news editor for the Wrap and the music editor for OC Weekly. He returns to The Times after being both a Metpro and a staff writer in Calendar from 2009 to 2012.

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Time travel tv shows

• Movies or TV
• IMDb Rating
• In Theaters
• Release Year

1. Timeless (2016–2018)

TV-14 | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

An unlikely trio travels through time to battle unknown criminals and protect history as we know it.

Stars: Abigail Spencer , Matt Lanter , Malcolm Barrett , Paterson Joseph

Votes: 47,111

2. DC's Legends of Tomorrow (2016–2022)

TV-14 | 42 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

Time-traveling rogue Rip Hunter must recruit a ragtag team of heroes and villains to help prevent an apocalypse that could impact not only Earth, but all of time.

Stars: Caity Lotz , Amy Louise Pemberton , Dominic Purcell , Nick Zano

Votes: 110,043

3. Doctor Who (2005–2022)

TV-PG | 45 min | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi

The further adventures in time and space of the alien adventurer known as the Doctor and his companions from planet Earth.

Stars: Jodie Whittaker , Peter Capaldi , Pearl Mackie , Matt Smith

Votes: 246,539

4. Continuum (I) (2012–2015)

TV-14 | 45 min | Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller

A detective from the year 2077 finds herself trapped in present-day Vancouver and searching for ruthless criminals from the future.

Stars: Rachel Nichols , Victor Webster , Erik Knudsen , Stephen Lobo

Votes: 63,533

5. Time After Time (2017)

TV-14 | 60 min | Drama, Sci-Fi

The adventures of young H.G. Wells and his time machine.

Stars: Freddie Stroma , Josh Bowman , Will Chase , Genesis Rodriguez

Votes: 3,980

6. Travelers (2016–2018)

TV-MA | 45 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi

Hundreds of years from now, surviving humans discover how to send consciousness back through time, into people of the 21st century, while attempting to change the path of humanity.

Stars: Eric McCormack , MacKenzie Porter , Nesta Cooper , Jared Abrahamson

Votes: 64,406

7. Tru Calling (2003–2005)

TV-14 | 43 min | Drama, Fantasy, Mystery

A university graduate working in the city morgue is able to repeat the same day over again to prevent murders or other disasters.

Stars: Eliza Dushku , Shawn Reaves , Zach Galifianakis , A.J. Cook

Votes: 17,265

8. Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008–2009)

TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Drama, Fantasy

Set after the events in Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Sarah Connor and her son, John, try to stay under-the-radar from the government, as they plot to destroy the computer network, Skynet, in hopes of preventing Armageddon.

Stars: Lena Headey , Thomas Dekker , Summer Glau , Richard T. Jones

Votes: 62,830

9. Outlander (2014– )

TV-MA | 60 min | Drama, Fantasy, Romance

Claire Beauchamp Randall, a nurse in World War II, mysteriously goes back in time to Scotland in 1743. There, she meets a dashing Highland warrior and gets drawn into an epic rebellion.

Stars: Caitríona Balfe , Sam Heughan , Sophie Skelton , Richard Rankin

Votes: 179,056

10. 12 Monkeys (2015–2018)

TV-14 | 42 min | Adventure, Drama, Mystery

Follows the journey of a time traveler from the post-apocalyptic future who appears in present day on a mission to locate and eradicate the source of a deadly plague that will nearly destroy the human race.

Stars: Aaron Stanford , Amanda Schull , Noah Bean , Barbara Sukowa

Votes: 48,715

11. 11.22.63 (2016)

TV-MA | 60 min | Drama, Mystery, Romance

Jake Epping, a teacher, gets a chance to travel back in time to avert the death of John F. Kennedy. However, history's aversion to alteration and his love for the era and a woman endanger him.

Stars: James Franco , Sarah Gadon , George MacKay , Chris Cooper

Votes: 99,303

12. Doctor Who (1963–1989)

TV-PG | 25 min | Adventure, Drama, Family

The adventures in time and space of the Doctor, a Time Lord who changes appearance and personality by regenerating when near death, and is joined by companions in battles against aliens and other megalomaniacs.

Stars: William Hartnell , Patrick Troughton , Jon Pertwee , Tom Baker

Votes: 39,522

13. Quantum Leap (1989–1993)

TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

During an experiment into time travel, a scientist finds himself trapped in the past, "leaping" into the lives of different people, sorting out their problems and changing history in hopes of getting back to his own life in the present.

Stars: Scott Bakula , Dean Stockwell , Deborah Pratt , Dennis Wolfberg

Votes: 36,471

14. Terra Nova (2011)

TV-14 | 46 min | Adventure, Drama, Mystery

Centers on the Shannons, an ordinary family from 2149 when the planet is dying, who are transported back 85 million years to prehistoric Earth where they join Terra Nova, a colony of humans with a second chance to build a civilization.

Stars: Jason O'Mara , Shelley Conn , Christine Adams , Allison Miller

Votes: 86,068

15. Frequency (2016–2017)

TV-MA | 42 min | Drama, Fantasy, Mystery

A police detective in 2016 discovers that she is able to communicate with her father via a ham radio, despite the fact that he died in 1996.

Stars: Peyton List , Riley Smith , Devin Kelley , Mekhi Phifer

Votes: 14,381

16. Primeval (2007–2011)

When strange anomalies start to appear all over England, Professor Cutter and his team must track down and capture all sorts of dangerous prehistoric creatures from Earth's distant past and near future.

Stars: Andrew Lee Potts , Hannah Spearritt , Ben Miller , Juliet Aubrey

Votes: 15,437

17. Life on Mars (2006–2007)

TV-14 | 959 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery

After a near-fatal car accident, smart, savvy, sharp-suited detective Sam is mysteriously transported back to 1973. Confused by his new surroundings, Sam tries to return to the present, but the police force of long ago needs his help.

Stars: John Simm , Philip Glenister , Liz White , Dean Andrews

Votes: 32,398

18. Flashforward (2009–2010)

TV-14 | 42 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi

A special task force in the FBI investigates after every person on Earth simultaneously blacks out and awakens with a short vision of their future.

Stars: Courtney B. Vance , Joseph Fiennes , Jack Davenport , Zachary Knighton

Votes: 62,102

19. Being Erica (2009–2011)

TV-14 | 45 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama

"Therapist" Dr. Tom - who is constantly spouting famous and not so famous historical quotes - is Erica Strange's savior and worst enemy.

Stars: Erin Karpluk , Reagan Pasternak , Michael Riley , Kathleen Laskey

Votes: 10,202

20. The Crossing (2018)

TV-PG | 42 min | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi

Refugees from a war-torn country 180 years in the future start showing up in the present to seek asylum in an American town.

Stars: Steve Zahn , Natalie Martinez , Tommy Bastow , Rob Campbell

Votes: 10,185

21. Alcatraz (2012)

TV-14 | 60 min | Action, Crime, Drama

In 1963, all the prisoners and guards mysteriously disappear from Alcatraz. In the present day, they resurface and a secret agency are tasked with re-capturing them.

Stars: Sarah Jones , Jorge Garcia , Jonny Coyne , Parminder Nagra

Votes: 40,282

22. Phil of the Future (2004–2006)

TV-G | 25 min | Adventure, Comedy, Family

A family from 2121 is stuck in 2004, trying desperately to fit in.

Stars: Raviv Ullman , Amy Bruckner , Craig Anton , Lise Simms

Votes: 7,988

23. Ashes to Ashes (2008–2010)

TV-MA | 1,320 min | Crime, Drama, Fantasy

After being shot in 2008 while investigating DCI Sam Tyler, DI Alex Drake wakes up in 1981.

Stars: Philip Glenister , Keeley Hawes , Dean Andrews , Marshall Lancaster

Votes: 11,072

24. Goodnight Sweetheart (1993–2016)

Not Rated | 30 min | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy

British sitcom in which an unhappily married man discovers he can time travel back to 1940s war-torn London where he masquerades as an MI5 agent and part-time songwriter whilst courting the local barmaid.

Stars: Nicholas Lyndhurst , Victor McGuire , Christopher Ettridge , Elizabeth Carling

Votes: 3,336

25. The Time Tunnel (1966–1967)

TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Two scientists with a secret time travel project find themselves trapped in the time stream and appearing in notable periods of history.

Stars: James Darren , Robert Colbert , Whit Bissell , John Zaremba

Votes: 4,233

26. Making History (2017)

21 min | Adventure, Comedy, History

Making History follows three friends from two different centuries as they try to balance the thrill of time travel with the mundane concerns of their present-day lives.

Stars: Adam Pally , Leighton Meester , Yassir Lester , John Gemberling

Votes: 2,612

27. Life on Mars (2008–2009)

TV-14 | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery

A present day car accident mysteriously sends a detective back to the 1970s.

Stars: Jason O'Mara , Michael Imperioli , Gretchen Mol , Jonathan Murphy

Votes: 10,726

28. Primeval: New World (2012–2013)

Canadian spin-off of Primeval (2007). A new team of scientists from the Cross Photonics company in Vancouver track down dangerous creatures emerging through anomalies in time.

Stars: Niall Matter , Sara Canning , Danny Rahim , Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe

Votes: 4,865

29. Seven Days (1998–2001)

42 min | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi

An ex-CIA is the point man for a government organization dedicated to time traveling to correct errors that occurred in the previous week.

Stars: Jonathan LaPaglia , Don Franklin , Justina Vail , Nick Searcy

Votes: 3,951

30. New Amsterdam (2008)

TV-14 | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Sci-Fi

A New York homicide detective is cursed with immortality.

Stars: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau , Zuleikha Robinson , Alexie Gilmore , Stephen McKinley Henderson

Votes: 7,433

31. Voyagers! (1982–1983)

TV-G | 60 min | Adventure, Family, Sci-Fi

A member of a league of time travelers and a boy travel through time repairing errors in world history.

Stars: Jon-Erik Hexum , Meeno Peluce , David Cadiente , Stephen Liska

Votes: 1,754

32. It's About Time (1966–1967)

30 min | Comedy, Sci-Fi

Two astronauts traveling faster than light go back in time to prehistoric Earth. Unable to return, they make friends with the "natives".

Stars: Frank Aletter , Jack Mullaney , Imogene Coca , Joe E. Ross

33. Journeyman (2007)

45 min | Fantasy, Romance, Sci-Fi

A San Francisco journalist mysteriously travels to the past and alters the path of people's lives. When his travels reunite him with his long-lost fiancée Livia, life with his present-day wife gets very interesting.

Stars: Kevin McKidd , Gretchen Egolf , Moon Bloodgood , Reed Diamond

Votes: 9,618

34. Time Traveling Bong (2016)

TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy, Sci-Fi

Centers on two cousins who discover a time-traveling bong and ride high as they blaze through time.

Stars: Ilana Glazer , Paul W. Downs , Kevin Heffernan , Jerry G. Angelo

Votes: 1,719

35. Strange Days at Blake Holsey High (2002–2006)

TV-Y7 | 30 min | Adventure, Comedy, Family

When Josie Trent is sent to the private prep school, she comes face-to-face with paranormal things that cannot be explained. But with the help of her friends and one science teacher, maybe surviving school won't be that hard.

Stars: Emma Taylor-Isherwood , Shadia Simmons , Michael Seater , Noah Reid

Votes: 1,487

36. Odyssey 5 (2002–2004)

After witnessing the sudden implosion of Earth from orbit, a group of five Odyssey astronauts is sent five years back in time by an alien force to find the cause and prevent the disaster. A vast conspiracy stands in their way.

Stars: Peter Weller , Sebastian Roché , Christopher Gorham , Leslie Silva

Votes: 3,160

37. Time Trax (1993–1994)

60 min | Action, Adventure, Crime

A cop from the future is sent back to contemporary times to track down fugitives hiding in the past.

Stars: Dale Midkiff , Elizabeth Alexander , Peter Donat , Malcolm Cork

Votes: 1,547

38. Twice in a Lifetime (1999–2001)

TV-14 | 60 min | Drama, Fantasy, History

Prematurely deceased people are given the opportunity to correct something that went wrong in their lives and thus change them for the better.

Stars: Al Waxman , Gordie Brown , Paul Popowich , Kim Schraner

39. 5ive Days to Midnight (2004)

42 min | Action, Drama, Mystery

When college professor J.T. Neumeyer discovers a police file that outlines the details of his murder - which is to take place five days in the future - he wastes no time trying to save his own life.

Stars: Timothy Hutton , Randy Quaid , Kari Matchett , Hamish Linklater

Votes: 2,810

40. The Girl from Tomorrow (1991–1992)

23 min | Adventure, Drama, Family

In the year 3000, Alana is kidnapped by evil Silverthorn, after a time travel experiment goes wrong. He takes Alana to the year 1990. With the help of Jenny Kelly and family, Alana must find Silverthorn before the time capsule leaves.

Stars: Katharine Cullen , Melissa Marshall , James Findlay , Andrew Clarke

Votes: 1,313

41. Startling by Each Step (2011– )

TV-14 | 46 min | Drama, Fantasy, Romance

After a car accident plunges a woman into the dreamy Chinese past that gave the whole life in the Beijing imperial palace after that she returns to her life in the modern world.

Stars: Kei Gambit , ShiShi Liu , Nicky Wu , Kevin Cheng

42. Nine: Nine Time Travels (2013)

52 min | Fantasy, Mystery, Romance

A TV anchorman discovers that a mysterious bundle of incense has the power to send him back in time, where he has the opportunity to alter the past.

Stars: Lee Jin-wook , Jo Yun-hie , Jeon No-min , Hie-ryeong Kim

43. Mirror Mirror (2018– )

A "diversity expert" is given a career opportunity when she is hired to clean up a major corporation rife with sexual harassment. However, she soon finds herself struggling to avoid being ... See full summary  »

Stars: Jennifer Betit Yen , Timothy J. Scanlin Jr. , Stephen Lin , Joe Tex

44. Dr. Jin (2012)

TV-Y | 65 min | Fantasy

A surgeon treats a mysterious patient who has a human-shaped tumor in his head, only to discover himself time-travelling to the year 1861.

Stars: Song Seung-heon , Park Min-Young , Lee Beom-su , Jae-Joong Kim

45. Captain Z-Ro (1955–1956)

30 min | Sci-Fi

From his secret laboratory, Captain Z-Ro and his associates use their time machine, the ZX-99, to learn from the past and plan for the future.

Stars: Roy Steffens , Bruce Haynes , Jack Cahill , Richard Glyer

46. Love Through a Millennium (2015)

Fantasy, Romance

A rich party boy from 2016 switches body with a legendary chef from 1936. He may have to spend the next 80 years finding a way back to his time period.

Stars: Yizi Yi , Im Jin-Ah , Shuang Zheng , Boran Jing

48. Palace (2011– )

Drama, Romance

Modern woman travels back in time to Chinese Imperial court. Drama ensues.

Stars: Kei Gambit , Toby Jialin Ding , Mi Yang , Shaofeng Feng

49. Back to Sherwood (1999– )

25 min | Adventure, Fantasy

The adventures of a teen descendent of Robin Hood who regularly travels back in time to help in the fight against her ancestor's enemies.

Stars: Alexa Devine , Aimée Castle , Larry Day , Angela Galuppo

50. Dark (2017–2020)

TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery

A family saga with a supernatural twist, set in a German town where the disappearance of two young children exposes the relationships among four families.

Stars: Louis Hofmann , Karoline Eichhorn , Lisa Vicari , Maja Schöne

Votes: 444,219

51. The Umbrella Academy (2019–2024)

TV-14 | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

A family of former child heroes, now grown apart, must reunite to continue to protect the world.

Stars: Aidan Gallagher , Elliot Page , Tom Hopper , David Castañeda

Votes: 275,261

52. Future Man (2017–2020)

TV-MA | 30 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

Josh Futturman, a janitor by day and a gamer by night, is recruited by mysterious visitors to travel through time to prevent the extinction of humanity.

Stars: Josh Hutcherson , Eliza Coupe , Derek Wilson , Haley Joel Osment

Votes: 28,694

53. Legion (2017–2019)

TV-MA | 1,316 min | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi

David Haller is a troubled young man diagnosed as schizophrenic, but after a strange encounter he discovers special powers that will change his life forever.

Stars: Dan Stevens , Rachel Keller , Aubrey Plaza , Bill Irwin

Votes: 97,213

54. Krypton (2018–2019)

TV-14 | 45 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

The untold story of Superman's grandfather as he fights for justice on his home planet.

Stars: Cameron Cuffe , Georgina Campbell , Shaun Sipos , Ann Ogbomo

Votes: 17,701

55. The Signal (2014)

PG-13 | 97 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi

On a road trip, Nic and two friends are drawn to an isolated area by a computer genius. When everything suddenly goes dark, Nic regains consciousness - only to find himself in a waking nightmare.

Director: William Eubank | Stars: Brenton Thwaites , Olivia Cooke , Beau Knapp , Laurence Fishburne

Votes: 69,270 | Gross: $0.60M

56. Fringe (2008–2013)

TV-14 | 46 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi

An F.B.I. agent is forced to work with an institutionalized scientist and his son in order to rationalize a brewing storm of unexplained phenomena.

Stars: Anna Torv , Joshua Jackson , John Noble , Jasika Nicole

Votes: 257,487

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What’s So Funny About a Dead Comedian?

Kenny DeForest was beloved among his fellow stand-ups. After his sudden death, they came together to grieve — and to confront comedy’s eternal question: Too soon?

Kenny DeForest’s comedy won wider praise after his death. Credit... Yoko Haraoka

Supported by

By Christopher Maag

• April 28, 2024

A few weeks after Kenny DeForest died, a group of his friends gathered in an apartment in Los Angeles. The mood was somber — Mr. DeForest was only 37, and he had died from traumatic brain injuries after falling off an electric bike in Brooklyn.

But Mr. DeForest was a professional comedian, and his friends were all comedians, and any gathering of comedians eventually comes to feel like a party.

They were playing a game where everybody gets a card with a single word and then gives clues to help their teammates guess the word.

Will Miles, one of Mr. DeForest’s best friends, plucked a card from the deck. He read it and immediately said, “Kenny should have worn a … ”

His teammates gasped then blurted out the answer in unison: “Helmet!”

“So we did win,” Mr. Miles recalled a few weeks after the party. Then he pivoted to a bracingly dark punchline: “But at what cost?”

In the world of comedy, one question undergirds the darkest jokes: “Too soon?” The best bits — the jokes that make an audience gasp before dissolving into laughter — walk right up to the edge. Was it “too soon” to joke about Kenny? It turns out the answer, even for those who had gathered around his bed in an intensive care unit, was probably “no.”

Kenny DeForest died too soon to get truly famous. Yet after his death, his comedy gained wider praise than he ever enjoyed when he was alive. Seth Meyers and Bill Burr posted tributes to Mr. DeForest on social media. The Comedy Store, incubator of famous comics dating back to Richard Pryor and George Carlin, spelled out “R.I.P. Kenny DeForest” on its marquee in Los Angeles. His death was reported in Entertainment Weekly, The Guardian, The Daily Mail and USA Today.

“If you had talked to Kenny a few weeks before his death, he probably would have said, ‘Nobody knows me, and I’m not going anywhere,’” said Lane Pieschel, 36, one of Mr. DeForest’s many close friends. “That clearly was not true.”

Mr. DeForest was beloved in the Brooklyn comedy scene partly because he embodied what that scene strives on its best nights to become. Rather than the rapid-fire jokes of traditional stand-up, their sets are almost monologues, the occasional laugh line woven into narratives about shortcomings and loss. Mr. DeForest was also eager to help out anyone who asked — possibly to the detriment of his own career.

“He radiated joy,” said Lizzy Cassidy, a comedian and a friend of Mr. DeForest. She described that quality as “very rare for a comedian.”

But while Mr. DeForest’s kindness may have drawn his friends to his hospital room, they were still comedians, for whom there is no higher prize than landing a good joke — even at the expense of a friend with a traumatic brain injury. Before the swelling in Mr. DeForest’s brain overwhelmed him, his friends crowded his bedside, alternating between tears, outpourings of love and relentless teasing.

“Oh, yeah, we did bits,” said David Drake, a comic and friend of Mr. DeForest. “He’d love that. I wanted to call him later that day and say, ‘You’re not going to believe what this person did when you were dead.’”

Mr. DeForest struggled for years to find career success, but his entry to the comedy world seemed to come easily. After graduating from Drury University, a small “church-related” school in his hometown of Springfield, Mo., he moved to Chicago in 2009 to become a stand-up comic.

He signed up for open-mic night at the same bar where he worked as a bouncer, an obvious job for a 6-foot-4 former basketball star (he helped lead his high school team, the Kickapoo Chiefs, to the state championships in his junior year). His jokes were bad, his parents and his buddies agree. But within months, Mr. DeForest was organizing stand-up shows of his own.

“It drove our friends crazy: He’s such a tall, handsome, stupid bastard, and now he’s starting his own show?” Mr. Pieschel said. “But he had the right attitude, and he had stage presence.”

Within weeks Mr. DeForest became part of the scene, and he quickly became close to Will Miles and Clark Jones, Chicago natives with more comedy experience. After they’d hit all the clubs in town, Mr. DeForest persuaded his friends to move to New York.

They drove a U-Haul to Brooklyn, but when they arrived in Bushwick, Mr. Jones and Mr. Miles both recounted, the landlord took one look at the two Black men accompanying the tall white guy and turned them away. The three of them spent the night on the floor of a rat-infested warehouse space above a realtor’s office, watching John Mulaney’s just-released comedy special “New in Town.”

Their careers got a boost in 2014 when Hannibal Buress became a star and asked Mr. Jones to take over a show Mr. Buress had started at the Knitting Factory in Williamsburg. Mr. Jones invited his friends to help. “Two Black Dudes and a Microphone” became a hit among Brooklyn comedy fans, with Mr. DeForest’s role as unnamed white co-host signaling the organizers’ comfort with complex issues.

“That was the hottest show in the city,” said Amy Hawthorne, a talent booker and comedy show producer.

Mr. DeForest developed an act rooted in progressive politics. Instead of outrage, his jokes landed on notes of self-mockery: the confident basketball player who used alcohol and drugs to mask his social anxiety , the big white guy who learned — excruciatingly slowly — that his life was charmed .

“For the longest time I just thought I was really good at job interviews,” went a bit about his dawning awareness of his privilege as a white man. “Eight for eight! That is incredible for someone so bad at jobs.”

Comedy didn’t pay much, so Mr. DeForest got a job moving furniture. Meanwhile, if he had not become quite famous, he was at least fame-adjacent.

He and his co-hosts met with producers at MTV and Comedy Central to develop show ideas. He won solo spots on late-night shows with Mr. Meyers and James Corden . He was a contestant on a Netflix reality show about competing stand-ups, Mr. Miles said, but shooting was canceled because of the pandemic. He hung out with comedy luminaries including Dave Chappelle, and in 2015 he started dating Sasheer Zamata, a comedian and cast member on “Saturday Night Live.”

In 2018, Mr. DeForest and Ms. Zamata moved to Los Angeles together to pursue television and movie auditions, Mr. Clark and Mr. Miles said. Ms. Zamata declined to be interviewed for this article.

And for the first time in Mr. DeForest’s life, his career stalled. He had natural onstage talent but stubborn difficulty as a writer at landing a joke with the perfect word. His natural skill set — putting a restless crowd at ease with his “basketball confidence,” as a friend described it — left him stranded in a city where stand-up is mostly a side hustle for comics competing to win jobs writing TV shows and movies.

“Kenny’s writing didn’t come like Patton Oswalt, who has a mastery of the language,” Mr. Pieschel said. “Kenny came up with the right concept and knew that, coming out of his mouth, it will work.”

In March 2023, with his relationship with Ms. Zamata over, his friends said, and his career in neutral, Mr. DeForest returned to New York. He was 36, and many of his contemporaries were quitting comedy for families and real jobs.

“He was basically starting from zero,” said Mr. Drake, who worked alongside Mr. DeForest at the moving company. “He viewed coming back to New York as one last big push to make it happen before the realities of life set in.”

Mr. DeForest’s second run at comedy fame was more disciplined than his first. After years of telling jokes about his alcohol and drug abuse, he committed to yoga , bonding with Ms. Cassidy, his fellow Brooklyn comic, over their new sobriety. He shot a second hourlong special at the Gutter, a bar in Williamsburg, wrote enough material for a third and had enough jokes left over to keep his Instagram and TikTok pages updated.

Mr. DeForest also took time to organize group shows in bars and even a laundromat near his apartment, giving many younger comedians their first stage time. It wasn’t without risk.

“It can hurt you in this business,” Ms. Cassidy said. “You help your friends get on, and their set goes more viral than yours. That would bother a lot of people. That didn’t bother Kenny.”

After years of living in apartments his friends described as “war zones,” Mr. DeForest spent weeks decorating his new place in Crown Heights. In his living room he put up a large whiteboard. He wrote positive mantras and ideas for bits, including “Skinhead” and “PC Police.” He wrote “Branson, ep. 2,” for a sitcom he hoped to pitch about life in Branson, Mo. Under “Standup” he reminded himself to start booking shows around the country in 2024.

“Kenny was really growing up,” said Ryan Beck, a comedian, friend and fellow self-deprecating Missourian who lived across the hall from Mr. DeForest. “He was coming into his own as a man and a comic. It was really nice to see.”

The first sign that something was amiss came on Dec. 8, the day of Mr. DeForest’s bicycle accident, when he failed to arrive for his shift at the moving company. This was concerning, Mr. Pieschel said, since Mr. DeForest had texted a co-worker that he was on his way to work. The next day, he was a no-show at a party for a friend who was leaving New York, something Mr. DeForest would never do, his friends said.

Concerned, Mr. Beck tried to check on Kenny. When there was no answer to a knock on the door, he climbed through the bathroom window.

“I’m worried that I’m going to find my friend on the floor,” Mr. Beck recalled.

Instead he found the apartment spotless. Mr. DeForest’s bed was neatly made. Mr. Beck called the closest hospital, Kings County, and discovered that Mr. DeForest had been admitted two days before. When Mr. Beck arrived, doctors said Mr. DeForest had a serious head injury, but he probably would recover.

Mr. Beck contacted their mutual friends. Many of them canceled their performances, and a few interrupted national tours to come to the Brooklyn hospital. They arrived to find Mr. DeForest badly bruised and heavily sedated. He was also bald. After years of fretting about his thinning hair, Mr. DeForest had decided recently to shave his head .

The jokes started almost immediately.

“No!” Ms. Cassidy said when she reached his bedside. “He just figured out his hair!”

Mr. Drake hopped on his bike and headed to the hospital, arriving with a bike helmet under his arm. It got a laugh, his friends assuming he was doing a bit. He greeted them as if he was arriving for brunch.

“‘Hey! How’s it going?’” Mr. Drake said, recalling his entrance. “You start laughing because it’s the worst.”

Mean jokes don’t generally play well around a deathbed. But for comedians, what else is there to say?

“I think normal people are like, ‘Oh, my God. How are you able to joke right now?’” Mr. Miles said. “But that’s common in this community. We’re grieving in our own way.”

Mr. DeForest’s parents, Roger and Pam, had flown in from Springfield. They found 25 comedians packed into the hospital waiting room, and 10 more upstairs in their son’s room.

“We knew that he was performing coast to coast, but he wasn’t making the big bucks and he wasn’t known,” Roger DeForest said. “Then we’re in this city of eight million people, and we’re running into strangers who knew our son? It was mind-blowing.”

Despite his initial good prognosis, Mr. DeForest was unconscious by the time his parents arrived. Five days after the accident, he died from a brain injury on Dec. 13.

Throughout the ordeal, Mr. DeForest’s friends displayed fierce loyalty to him and care for his family. Before any of them agreed to speak for this article, each asked permission from Mr. DeForest’s parents. His friends and parents also worked together to plan DeForeFEST , six days of events featuring sets by Mr. Buress, Liza Treyger and a number of Mr. DeForest’s comedian friends.

The festival started Tuesday (which the mayor of Springfield declared “Kenny DeForest Day”) and ended Saturday night at the Blue Room Comedy Club in Springfield. The official hashtag for the event: #belikekenny.

It was only after Kenny died that the DeForests went to their son’s apartment in Brooklyn. Before they arrived, Mr. Beck inspected the place to remove anything untoward. It was cozy and neat, and Mr. Beck made only one adjustment. Propped up next to Mr. DeForest’s turntable was the album cover of the last record he played, the band’s name written in big white letters. It stood facing the apartment’s front door like a billboard.

The band’s name: OH HE DEAD. In a panic, Mr. Beck swapped it for “Rumours,” by Fleetwood Mac.

Months later, when he learned about the switch, Roger DeForest paused. Then he laughed.

“Oh,” he said. “That’s funny.”

Christopher Maag is an enterprise reporter covering the New York City region for The New York Times. More about Christopher Maag

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