If you’re a fan of the heartwarming and whimsical romantic comedy-drama About Time, then you’re in for a treat. We’ve curated a list of 15 enchanting movies that capture the same magic, love, and time-bending elements that made About Time so special. These films will transport you to different eras, introduce you to unforgettable characters, and make you believe in the power of love and destiny. So sit back, relax, and get ready to fall in love with these timeless cinematic gems.
1. The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009)
The Time Traveler’s Wife is a romantic drama that shares many similarities with About Time. The film follows the story of Henry DeTamble (Eric Bana), a Chicago librarian with a genetic disorder that causes him to involuntarily travel through time. Despite the challenges posed by his condition, Henry tries to build a life with his beloved wife, Clare Abshire (Rachel McAdams).
Like About Time, this film explores the complexities of a relationship affected by time travel and the lengths one will go to for love. The Time Traveler’s Wife is a poignant and emotional journey that will leave you believing in the enduring power of true love.
2. Midnight in Paris (2011)
Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris is a whimsical and nostalgic romantic comedy that follows Gil Pender (Owen Wilson), a screenwriter who finds himself mysteriously transported back to the 1920s every night at midnight while on a trip to Paris with his fiancée’s family. In the past, Gil meets a host of famous literary and artistic figures, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Gertrude Stein, and falls for the beautiful Adriana (Marion Cotillard).
Similar to About Time, Midnight in Paris uses time travel as a means for the protagonist to find inspiration, love, and a greater understanding of himself. The film is a love letter to the City of Light and the artists who have called it home, making it a must-watch for anyone who dreams of escaping to a more romantic era.
3. Groundhog Day (1993)
Groundhog Day is a classic comedy that has become synonymous with time loop stories. The film stars Bill Murray as Phil Connors, a cynical TV weatherman who finds himself stuck reliving the same day over and over again in the small town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, during the annual Groundhog Day festivities.
Like About Time, Groundhog Day uses its time-bending premise to explore themes of personal growth, love, and the importance of living life to the fullest. As Phil learns to embrace his situation and become a better person, he discovers that true happiness lies in the connections we make with others. This film is a hilarious and heartwarming tale that will leave you appreciating the little things in life.
4. Big Fish (2003)
Directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish is a fantastical drama that tells the story of Edward Bloom (Ewan McGregor/Albert Finney), a man known for his tall tales and larger-than-life adventures. As Edward’s son, Will (Billy Crudup), tries to uncover the truth behind his father’s stories, he learns more about the man he thought he knew and the power of storytelling.
While Big Fish doesn’t involve time travel in the literal sense, it shares with About Time a deep appreciation for the magic and wonder of life’s journey. The film is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant exploration of family, love, and the legacies we leave behind.
5. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a mind-bending romantic drama that follows the story of Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet), a couple who undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories after a painful breakup. As Joel’s memories of Clementine begin to disappear, he realizes he still loves her and tries to hold onto the remnants of their relationship.
Like About Time, this film uses a sci-fi premise to explore the complexities of love and the role that memories play in shaping our lives. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a poignant and visually inventive film that will make you question the nature of love and the power of the human mind.
6. The Lake House (2006)
The Lake House is a romantic drama that tells the story of Kate Forster (Sandra Bullock) and Alex Wyler (Keanu Reeves), two people living in the same lake house but in different years. Through a mysterious mailbox, they begin exchanging letters and falling in love, despite the challenges posed by their unique circumstances.
Similar to About Time, The Lake House uses time as a barrier that the protagonists must overcome in their pursuit of love. The film is a sweet and sentimental tale that will leave you believing in the power of fate and the enduring nature of true love.
7. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is an epic romantic drama that tells the extraordinary story of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt), a man who is born old and ages in reverse. As he navigates the joys and sorrows of life, Benjamin falls in love with Daisy (Cate Blanchett), a woman he meets at various stages of his peculiar journey.
Like About Time, this film uses its unique premise to explore themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of time. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film that will leave you marveling at the beauty and complexity of the human experience.
8. 13 Going on 30 (2004)
13 Going on 30 is a charming romantic comedy that follows the story of Jenna Rink (Jennifer Garner), a 13-year-old girl who makes a wish on her birthday and wakes up the next day as a 30-year-old woman. As Jenna navigates her new adult life, she realizes that the key to happiness lies in embracing her true self and reconnecting with her childhood best friend, Matt (Mark Ruffalo).
Similar to About Time, 13 Going on 30 uses its time-jumping premise to explore themes of self-discovery, love, and the importance of staying true to oneself. The film is a delightful and heartwarming tale that will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate the magic of second chances.
9. Somewhere in Time (1980)
Somewhere in Time is a classic romantic drama that tells the story of Richard Collier (Christopher Reeve), a young playwright who becomes obsessed with a photograph of a beautiful actress from the early 1900s named Elise McKenna (Jane Seymour). Using self-hypnosis, Richard travels back in time to meet Elise and falls deeply in love with her, despite the obstacles posed by their different eras.
Like About Time, Somewhere in Time is a sweeping romance that uses time travel as a means for the protagonists to find each other and explore the depths of their love. The film is a timeless tale of passion, sacrifice, and the enduring power of the human heart.
10. The Family Man (2000)
The Family Man is a heartwarming romantic comedy-drama that follows the story of Jack Campbell (Nicolas Cage), a successful businessman who wakes up one Christmas morning to find himself living the life he could have had if he had made different choices. In this alternate reality, Jack is married to his college sweetheart, Kate (Téa Leoni), and has two children, forcing him to reevaluate his priorities and what truly matters in life.
Similar to About Time, The Family Man uses its premise to explore themes of love, family, and the importance of living a life with purpose and meaning. The film is a touching and thought-provoking tale that will leave you appreciating the little moments that make life worth living.
11. The Butterfly Effect (2004)
The Butterfly Effect is a sci-fi thriller that follows the story of Evan Treborn (Ashton Kutcher), a young man who discovers he has the ability to travel back in time to specific moments in his childhood. As Evan attempts to change the past in order to improve his present, he realizes that even the smallest alterations can have profound and unexpected consequences.
Like About Time, The Butterfly Effect uses time travel as a means to explore themes of love, loss, and the ripple effects of our choices. The film is a gripping and emotionally charged tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you witness the far-reaching implications of Evan’s actions.
12. The Age of Adaline (2015)
The Age of Adaline is a romantic fantasy drama that tells the story of Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively), a young woman who, through a mysterious accident, stops aging and remains 29 years old for nearly eight decades. As Adaline navigates the ever-changing world around her, she falls in love with a charming philanthropist named Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman), forcing her to confront the realities of her immortality.
Similar to About Time, The Age of Adaline uses its fantastical premise to explore themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The film is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant tale that will leave you pondering the nature of life, love, and the human experience.
13. Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)
Peggy Sue Got Married is a nostalgic romantic comedy-drama that follows the story of Peggy Sue Bodell (Kathleen Turner), a woman who, on the verge of divorce, attends her 25-year high school reunion and faints, waking up to find herself transported back to her senior year in 1960. As Peggy Sue navigates her past with the knowledge of her future, she begins to reevaluate her life choices and her relationship with her high school sweetheart, Charlie (Nicolas Cage).
Like About Time, Peggy Sue Got Married uses time travel as a means for the protagonist to gain a new perspective on her life and the choices she has made. The film is a charming and introspective tale that will leave you feeling nostalgic for the past while appreciating the present.
14. Sliding Doors (1998)
Sliding Doors is a romantic comedy-drama that explores the concept of parallel universes and the impact of seemingly minor decisions on our lives. The film follows the story of Helen Quilley (Gwyneth Paltrow), a young woman whose life splits into two alternate realities based on whether or not she catches a particular train.
Similar to About Time, Sliding Doors uses its unique premise to explore themes of love, fate, and the consequences of our choices. The film is a clever and thought-provoking tale that will leave you wondering about the countless “what ifs” that shape our lives.
15. The Notebook (2004)
The Notebook is a timeless romantic drama that tells the story of Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) and Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams), two young lovers from different social backgrounds who fall deeply in love during the 1940s. As their relationship is tested by time, distance, and societal expectations, Noah and Allie must fight to keep their love alive.
While The Notebook doesn’t involve time travel in the literal sense, it shares with About Time a deep appreciation for the enduring power of love and the ways in which it can transcend time and circumstance. The film is a beautifully crafted and emotionally powerful tale that will leave you believing in the transformative nature of true love.
In conclusion, these 15 enchanting movies like About Time offer a diverse array of stories that explore themes of love, magic, and the mysteries of time. Whether you’re in the mood for a whimsical romantic comedy, a mind-bending sci-fi drama, or a heartwarming tale of family and self-discovery, these films are sure to captivate your heart and imagination. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be transported to worlds where anything is possible and love conquers all.
