10 Time Travel Movies You’ve Never Seen

Time travel movies have a knack for bending your mind and sparking big ideas, from blockbuster hits to obscure gems that fly under the radar. The best ones don’t always need flashy effects or massive budgets to leave a lasting impression.

I’ve dug deep to find ten sci-fi time travel films that you might not know but absolutely should. These hidden treasures, spanning different styles and eras, offer fresh takes on the genre, proving there’s still plenty of uncharted territory in time-hopping cinema.

10. ‘The Infinite Man’ (2014)

This Australian indie follows a neurotic scientist trying to craft the perfect anniversary by looping time, only to tangle himself in a mess of jealousy and paradoxes. Made on a tiny budget, it relies on sharp writing and a single location to create a darkly funny puzzle.

Josh McConville’s manic performance drives the film, blending humor with heartbreak as the loops spiral. Its clever structure and emotional depth make it a standout, perfect for fans of quirky, cerebral sci-fi.

9. ‘Time Lapse’ (2014)

Three roommates discover a camera that takes photos of the future, sparking greed and paranoia in this low-budget thriller. Shot for under $5 million, it uses a single apartment setting to build tension, exploring fate and human nature.

The tight script and strong performances by Danielle Panabaker and Matt O’Leary keep you hooked, with each snapshot revealing chilling twists. It’s a lean, gripping take on time manipulation that deserves more eyes.

8. ‘The Jacket’ (2005)

A Gulf War veteran, played by Adrien Brody, undergoes experimental therapy that sends him leaping through time, uncovering truths about his life and death. With a $29 million budget, it’s modest for a sci-fi thriller but uses stark visuals and a haunting score to great effect.

Brody’s raw intensity, paired with Keira Knightley’s emotional depth, anchors this psychological mystery. It’s a bold exploration of memory and survival that slipped past mainstream audiences.

7. ‘Retroactive’ (1997)

A psychologist, stranded after a car accident, stumbles into a time-travel experiment that lets her rewind a violent day to save lives. Made for $500,000, this gritty action flick maximizes its desert setting and car-chase chaos to deliver relentless thrills.

James Belushi and Kylie Travis bring surprising depth to the high-stakes loop, with each reset raising the stakes. Its raw energy and clever premise make it a forgotten gem worth rediscovering.

6. ‘Sound of My Voice’ (2011)

This indie thriller follows two filmmakers infiltrating a cult led by a mysterious woman claiming to be from the future. Shot for just $135,000, it relies on Brit Marling’s magnetic performance and a tense, ambiguous script to explore belief and identity.

The film’s minimalist approach and psychological depth create a slow-burn mystery that lingers. It’s a unique spin on time travel, focusing less on mechanics and more on human connection.

5. ‘Synchronic’ (2019)

Two paramedics discover a drug that sends users back in time, leading to a dark journey through history’s underbelly. With a $4 million budget, directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead craft a visually striking tale, blending sci-fi with personal loss.

Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan’s grounded performances elevate the film’s eerie premise, set against New Orleans’ vivid backdrop. It’s an inventive, emotional ride that never got the spotlight it deserved.

4. ‘Time After Time’ (1979)

H.G. Wells, played by Malcolm McDowell, chases Jack the Ripper through 1970s San Francisco using his own time machine. Made for $5 million, this charming blend of thriller and romance uses practical effects and sharp dialogue to bring history to life.

The chemistry between McDowell and Mary Steenburgen adds heart to the cat-and-mouse chase. It’s a delightful, overlooked classic that mixes adventure with a touch of whimsy.

3. ‘Je t’aime, je t’aime’ (1968)

A suicidal man becomes a guinea pig for a time-travel experiment, reliving fragmented memories in this French sci-fi drama. Shot on a modest budget, it uses nonlinear editing and Claude Rich’s raw performance to create a disorienting, emotional journey.

The film’s focus on memory and trauma, rather than flashy tech, makes it a haunting exploration of the human psyche. Its innovative style remains a hidden treasure for cinephiles.

2. ‘See You Yesterday’ (2019)

Two Brooklyn teens invent time-travel backpacks to save a loved one from a police shooting in this Spike Lee-produced indie. Made for under $2 million, it blends gritty realism with sci-fi, tackling social issues with heart and urgency.

Eden Duncan-Smith and Danté Crichlow shine as young prodigies, delivering raw emotion amid tight pacing. Its bold mix of activism and time loops makes it a modern gem that’s flown under the radar.

1. ‘Predestination’ (2014)

A time-traveling agent, played by Ethan Hawke, hunts a bomber in a mind-bending loop of identity and fate. With a $5 million budget, this Australian thriller uses sharp writing and Sarah Snook’s transformative performance to unravel a complex, emotional paradox.

The film’s intricate plot and philosophical depth earned cult status, but it’s still criminally underseen. Its twists and layered storytelling make it a must-watch for time-travel fans.

Which of these time-travel movies are you adding to your watchlist, or is there another obscure gem you love? Drop your thoughts in the comments!