The past eighteen months have felt more like eighteen years. Every day it’s quarantine, work from home, mask up, and hoard (sometimes toilet paper, sometimes gas). Most of the time, I couldn’t even tell you what day of the week it is. With billions of people around the globe experiencing this same never-ending monotony, “time loop” movies have never been more relatable.
Time loop movies force their characters to repeat a certain period, often in hopes of personal growth or revelations. The timely trope was first introduced on-screen in the 1983 Japanese science-fiction adaptation “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time,” which tells the story of a schoolgirl who attempts to alter the past while stuck in a cycle of repeating days. Since then, time loops have proven to be a popular thematic device in all genres of films.
A newer entry, “Palm Springs,” starring Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti, now holds the mantle as Hulu’s most-watched movie over its opening weekend all-time. The Max Barbakow rom-com follows two wedding guests stuck in a repeating cycle of matrimonial chaos. Although “Palm Springs” possesses familiar time loop tropes, it manages to keep things fresh by adding intriguing twists and impressive character work. Many are dubbing “Palm Springs” the best time loop film of all time, but it has some solid competition.
“Before I Fall,” “Source Code,” “Happy Death Day,” and most notable of all, “Groundhog Day,” are a handful of favorites in the mix for best time loop movie. The featured video from WatchMojo.com ranks the “Top 10 Deja Vu Movies to See Again and Again.” Agree with their list. Head to our social media profiles and let us know.
