The Best Horror Movies About Time Travel

The Best Horror Movies About Time Travel

Ranker Film
Updated July 3, 2024 201.0K views 26 items
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Horror films where time travel plays an important role in the plot of the movie

How many time travel horror movies can you name? This list ranks the best time loop horror movies, where manipulating time plays a major role in the film's plot. All of these scary movies are about time travel in one way or another, but not every film features a character that is going into the past or future. In Event Horizon, for example, there is a rift in the space time continuum, but the main characters themselves do not actually time travel.

Some good horror movies with time traveling include Mine Games, Time Lapse, and Insidious 2, the sequel to the Blumhouse hit from 2010. We've included a few debatable entries like Donnie Darko, so just know that before seeing the scary time travel movies below.

Vote up your favorite time loop horror films, and downvote any that you really wouldn't recommend to other horror fans.

Most divisive: Detention
Over 2.1K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Very Best Time Travel Horror
  • Event Horizon
    1
    Laurence Fishburne, Sam Neill, Kathleen Quinlan
    1,265 votes
    • Released: 1997
    • Directed by: Paul W.S. Anderson

    Event Horizon takes its name from the concept of the point of no return surrounding a black hole, and indeed, the film delves into the harrowing abyss of psychological terror and otherworldly horror as it explores the dangers of tampering with time and space. The story follows a crew of astronauts who must investigate the mysterious reappearance of a long-lost spaceship believed to possess advanced technology capable of bending the very fabric of reality. As they uncover the nightmarish truth behind the ship's disappearance and its seeming encounters with alternate dimensions, the film effectively combines the unsettling atmosphere of cosmic horror with the chilling implications of uncontrolled time travel, resulting in a gripping and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

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  • Army of Darkness
    2
    Bruce Campbell, Embeth Davidtz, Marcus Gilbert
    1,233 votes
    • Released: 1992
    • Directed by: Sam Raimi

    In Army of Darknessdirector Sam Raimi expertly weaves together the threads of time travel and horror to create a thrilling and darkly comic experience for viewers. The protagonist, Ash Williams, finds himself involuntarily transported back to medieval times, where he must battle hordes of undead and demonic creatures to save humanity and return to his own era. With innovative special effects, compelling characters, and a unique blend of horror and humor, Army of Darkness presents a fresh and engaging take on the time travel-horror subgenre that continues to entertain audiences today.

  • Donnie Darko
    3
    Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Drew Barrymore
    978 votes
    • Released: 2001
    • Directed by: Richard Kelly

    Donnie Darko is a haunting and enigmatic tale that masterfully intertwines elements of time travel, mental illness, and existential horror, all within the context of an American high school setting. The film's eponymous protagonist is plagued by visions of a grotesque, otherworldly rabbit figure who informs him of an impending apocalypse, prompting Donnie to embark on a journey through both time and his own fragile psyche to uncover the truth. With a dreamlike atmosphere and a complex narrative structure that rewards repeat viewings, Donnie Darko is a standout entry in the horror-time travel subgenre that has garnered a strong cult following since its initial release.

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  • The Final Girls
    4
    Taissa Farmiga, Malin Akerman, Alexander Ludwig
    466 votes
    • Released: 2015
    • Directed by: Todd Strauss-Schulson

    The Final Girls injects a fresh twist into the time travel-horror formula by playfully riffing on the tropes and clichés of classic slasher films. When a group of friends find themselves trapped inside a 1980s horror movie, they must come to terms with their newfound role as potential victims of a masked killer while also trying to uncover the secrets of time manipulation to return to their own reality. With its self-aware humor and engaging characters, The Final Girls demonstrates that the subgenre of horror-time travel stories still has plenty of room for innovation and creativity.

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  • Triangle
    5
    Melissa George, Michael Dorman, Rachael Carpani
    551 votes
    • Released: 2009
    • Directed by: Christopher Smith

    Triangle is an atmospheric and chilling entry in the time travel-horror subgenre that will leave viewers questioning their own sanity as they witness the protagonist's struggle to escape a never-ending temporal loop. Set primarily aboard a seemingly deserted ship, the film follows Jess as she grapples with the escalating paranoia and fear spawned by her nightmarish encounters with alternate versions of herself and her fellow passengers. Boasting a moody and tense atmosphere, Triangle is a mind-bending and unsettling exploration of the darker side of time travel and its potentially disastrous consequences.

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  • John Dies at the End
    6
    Chase Williamson, Rob Mayes, Paul Giamatti
    346 votes
    • Released: 2012
    • Directed by: Don Coscarelli

    Based on the cult novel by David Wong, John Dies at the End is a frenetic and wild ride through a world where time travel, alternate dimensions, and unspeakable cosmic horrors collide. The film follows two friends who stumble upon a mysterious drug known as "Soy Sauce," which grants them paranormal abilities but also exposes them to a horrifying reality beyond our own. With its off-kilter humor and relentless pacing, John Dies at the End showcases the captivating chaos that can arise when horror and time travel elements are combined in a truly unique and unpredictable fashion.

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  • Coherence
    7
    Nicholas Brendon, Elizabeth Gracen, Lorene Scafaria
    287 votes
    • Released: 2013
    • Directed by: James Ward Byrkit

    Coherence is a mind-bending and claustrophobic exploration of the horrors that can emerge when time travel and parallel universes collide. Set during a dinner party, the film's characters must confront the terrifying implications of their actions as they navigate an increasingly fractured reality populated by alternate versions of themselves. With its clever script and innovative approach to storytelling, Coherence is a standout example of how time travel can be used to heighten the suspense and intrigue of a horror film.

  • Timecrimes
    8
    Karra Elejalde, Nacho Vigalondo, Barbara Goenaga
    321 votes
    • Released: 2007
    • Directed by: Nacho Vigalondo

    Timecrimes is a tense and suspenseful Spanish thriller that delves into the dark complications of time travel while maintaining an engrossing sense of dread throughout its runtime. When a man accidentally travels back in time, he must confront his past self and grapple with a series of increasingly dire consequences resulting from his actions. With its cerebral narrative and tightly-woven plot, Timecrimes is a compelling exploration of the inherent horror of meddling with time and the devastating ripple effects it can create.

  • The Jacket
    9
    Adrien Brody, Keira Knightley, Kris Kristofferson
    275 votes
    • Released: 2005
    • Directed by: John Maybury

    The Jacket is a gripping psychological horror film that expertly utilizes time travel as a means of exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the nature of reality. The protagonist, a war veteran suffering from amnesia, is subjected to an experimental treatment that inadvertently sends him through time, forcing him to confront his own past and the intertwining destinies of those around him. With its intense performances and haunting atmosphere, The Jacket is a standout example of how time travel can be used to enhance the emotional resonance and depth of a horror story.

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  • Devil's Pass
    10

    Devil's Pass

    332 votes

    Devil's Pass takes a chilling real-life mystery – the Dyatlov Pass incident – and infuses it with elements of sci-fi horror and time travel intrigue. As a documentary crew investigates the unexplained deaths of nine hikers in 1959, they discover a terrifying secret involving paranormal phenomena and time manipulation. Blending the found footage format with a skillful incorporation of time travel lore, Devil's Pass manages to evoke a chilling and immersive sense of dread while exploring the sinister implications of tampering with the flow of time.

  • Insidious 2
    11
    Patrick Wilson, Leigh Whannel, Ty Simpkins
    359 votes
    • Released: 2013
    • Directed by: James Wan

    Insidious: Chapter 2 elevates the supernatural horror of its predecessor by incorporating elements of time travel and astral projection, creating a unique and unsettling viewing experience. As the Lambert family continues to grapple with malevolent spirits and a dark family secret, they must reckon with the terrifying reality that their nightmares are not limited by the boundaries of time. With its expertly-crafted scares and eerie exploration of time-bending phenomena, Insidious: Chapter 2 solidifies its place as a standout entry in the horror-time travel subgenre.

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  • Premonition
    12
    Sandra Bullock, Julian McMahon, Nia Long
    271 votes
    • Released: 2007
    • Directed by: Mennan Yapo

    Premonition is an engrossing psychological thriller that combines elements of time travel and supernatural horror to create an unnerving and uniquely disorienting atmosphere. The film follows a woman who, after experiencing a premonition of her husband's death, becomes caught in a disjointed, non-linear timeline that forces her to question her own sanity. With its evocative imagery and tense pacing, Premonition expertly utilizes time travel as a narrative device to explore themes of grief, fate, and the fragility of human memory.

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  • Insidious: The Red Door
    13
    Patrick Wilson, Ty Simpkins, Rose Byrne
    184 votes
    • Released: 2023
    • Directed by: Patrick Wilson

    Insidious: The Red Door further expands upon the interconnected timelines and supernatural horrors established in previous films in the series, adding another layer of complexity and terror to the narrative. As the characters continue to navigate the treacherous landscape of the astral plane, they discover that time functions differently in this realm, giving rise to new and unexpected horrors. The film's expert integration of time travel themes into its narrative serves to enhance the overall sense of dread and unease that permeates the Insidious franchise.

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  • Lake Mungo
    14
    Steve Jodrell, Talia Zucker, Tamara Donnellan
    194 votes
    • Released: 2008
    • Directed by: Joel Anderson

    Lake Mungo is a chilling Australian mockumentary that combines elements of time travel, supernatural horror, and psychological thriller to create a haunting and unforgettable cinematic experience. The film focuses on a grieving family who, after the death of their daughter, becomes caught up in a web of time-bending intrigue and deception as they attempt to uncover the truth behind her mysterious demise. With its nuanced performances and eerie atmosphere, Lake Mungo deftly demonstrates the potential for time travel to serve as a powerful narrative device within the horror genre.

  • Detention
    15
    Josh Hutchersonm, Dane Cook, Ron Jeremy
    154 votes
    • Released: 2011
    • Directed by: Joseph Kahn

    Detention is a wildly inventive and genre-defying film that blends time travel, horror, comedy, and high school drama to create a refreshingly original and fast-paced viewing experience. As a group of teenage outcasts discovers a mysterious time-traveling device, they find themselves caught in a race against time to prevent a series of grisly murders and avert the apocalyptic consequences of their actions. With its whip-smart script and dynamic characters, Detention showcases the immense potential for genre-blending and innovation within the horror-time travel subgenre.

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  • Blair Witch
    16
    James Allen McCune, Callie Hernandez, Brandon Scott
    363 votes
    • Directed by: Adam Wingard

    Though primarily known as a found footage horror classic, Blair Witch also incorporates subtle elements of time travel to enhance the film's chilling atmosphere and sense of disorientation. As the three filmmakers venture deeper into the woods, they find themselves caught in a seemingly endless loop of time and space, exacerbating the terror and paranoia that permeates their doomed expedition. With its innovative storytelling and haunting visuals, Blair Witch exemplifies the potential for time travel elements to amplify the horror of an already gripping narrative.

  • Frankenstein Unbound
    17
    John Hurt, Raul Julia, Bridget Fonda
    131 votes
    • Released: 1990
    • Directed by: Roger Corman

    Frankenstein Unbound, based on the novel by Brian Aldiss, is a unique fusion of classic literary horror and time travel sci-fi that offers a fresh perspective on Mary Shelley's iconic story. Set in a dystopian future where a scientist unwittingly unleashes a time-traveling monster, the film follows him back to the 19th century where he encounters both Victor Frankenstein and Mary Shelley herself. By injecting time travel elements into this familiar narrative, Frankenstein Unbound not only revitalizes the source material but also presents a chilling exploration of the consequences of playing God with the fabric of time.

  • Time Lapse
    18
    Danielle Panabaker, Matt O'Leary, George Finn
    112 votes
    • Released: 2014
    • Directed by: Bradley D. King

    Time Lapse is a suspenseful and engrossing sci-fi horror film that expertly explores the darker side of time travel and its potentially disastrous consequences. When a group of friends discovers a mysterious machine that produces photographs of the future, they find themselves caught up in a web of deceit, paranoia, and murder as their fascination with the device spirals out of control. With its cerebral narrative and taut pacing, Time Lapse is a haunting exploration of the perils of tampering with time and the human psyche.

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  • Mine Games
    19
    Briana Evigan, Julianna Guill, Alex Meraz
    129 votes
    • Released: 2012
    • Directed by: Richard Gray

    Mine Games is an atmospheric and suspenseful thriller that expertly melds time travel, psychological horror, and classic slasher tropes to create a truly unique and engaging experience for viewers. As a group of friends exploring an abandoned mine discovers that they are seemingly trapped in a looping timeline, they must race against time to unravel the mystery of their predicament and escape an unseen killer. With its clever narrative twists and evocative setting, Mine Games is a standout example of the inventive storytelling possibilities afforded by the inclusion of time travel in horror cinema.

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  • Haunter
    20
    Abigail Breslin, Stephen McHattie, Peter Outerbridge
    98 votes
    • Released: 2013
    • Directed by: Vincenzo Natali

    Haunter is a chilling and atmospheric ghost story that ingeniously incorporates elements of time travel to create a unique and compelling viewing experience. The film follows a teenage girl who, trapped in an endless loop repeating the same day in 1985, must unravel the mystery of her predicament and confront the malevolent spirit responsible for her family's curse. By weaving together the threads of supernatural horror and time-loop intrigue, Haunter creates a tense and unnerving atmosphere that lingers long after the credits have rolled.

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  • Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension
    21
    Chris J. Murray, Brit Shaw, Olivia Taylor Dudley
    181 votes
    • Released: 2015
    • Directed by: Gregory Plotkin

    Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension adds a new layer of terror to the franchise's already bone-chilling formula by incorporating elements of time travel and alternate dimensions into its storyline. As the protagonists uncover a series of eerie videotapes that seem to predict their own grisly fates, they must confront the horrifying implications of the supernatural forces at work in their home. The film's expert use of time travel not only expands upon the Paranormal Activity mythos but also raises the stakes for its characters, resulting in a truly chilling cinematic experience.

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  • The Caller
    22
    Rachelle Lefevre, Stephen Moyer, Luis GuzmĂ¡n
    117 votes
    • Released: 2011
    • Directed by: Matthew Parkhill

    The Caller is a tense and atmospheric thriller that masterfully utilizes time travel as a narrative device to heighten the sense of paranoia and unease that permeates its storyline. When a woman receives a series of chilling phone calls from a mysterious stranger claiming to be calling from the past, she becomes entangled in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse that transcends time itself. The film's innovative approach to storytelling and skillful handling of time travel elements combine to create a gripping and chilling cinematic experience.

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  • The Butterfly Effect 3: Revelations
    23
    Chris Carmack, Rachel Miner, Melissa Jones
    130 votes
    • Released: 2009
    • Directed by: Seth Grossman

    The Butterfly Effect 3: Revelations is a worthy installment in the time-travel horror series that explores the harrowing consequences of meddling with the past. As the protagonist uses his time-traveling abilities to solve crimes, he finds himself embroiled in a complex and dangerous web of deception, betrayal, and murder. The film's expert utilization of time-travel mechanics and its haunting exploration of the darker aspects of human nature make it a standout entry in the horror-time travel subgenre.

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  • Blood Punch
    24
    Adelaide Kane, Milo Cawthorne, Ari Boyland
    73 votes
    • Released: 2013
    • Directed by: Madellaine Paxson

    Blood Punch is a darkly comedic, twisted love triangle thriller that uses time travel as an integral part of its narrative to create an engaging and suspenseful viewing experience. When a group of friends becomes trapped in a time loop during a drug-manufacturing operation gone wrong, they must confront their own demons and unravel the complex web of deceit that ensnares them. With its unique blend of humor, action, and time-travel horror, Blood Punch is a compelling and highly entertaining addition to the subgenre.

  • Camp Slaughter
    25
    Matt Dallas, Brendan Bradley, Kyle Lupo
    79 votes
    • Released: 2005
    • Directed by: Alex Pucci

    Camp Slaughter takes a familiar setting - the classic 1980s-style summer camp - and injects it with a heavy dose of time travel horror and slasher film tropes. When a group of modern-day friends inadvertently becomes trapped in a seemingly endless loop set in 1981, they must confront the murderous spree of a masked killer while also trying to unravel the secrets of their time-warped predicament. With its nostalgic nod to the heyday of slasher films and an inventive twist on the time travel subgenre, Camp Slaughter offers a thrilling and entertaining experience that horror fans won't want to miss.

  • S. Darko
    26
    Daveigh Chase, Briana Evigan, Jackson Rathbone
    148 votes
    • Released: 2009
    • Directed by: Chris Fisher

    In S. Darko, the sequel to the cult classic Donnie Darko, viewers are once again drawn into a mysterious and surreal world where time travel and existential horror collide. Following Donnie's younger sister, Samantha, the film explores her journey through a disorienting and nightmarish landscape populated by strange characters and unsettling visions of impending doom. Though not as universally acclaimed as its predecessor, S. Darko nevertheless showcases the potential for time travel and cosmic horror to create a unique and memorable cinematic experience.

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