Groundhog Day, the 1993 classic directed by Harold Ramis and starring Bill Murray, has become a beloved film with a cult following over the years. The story of a cynical weatherman stuck in a time loop and forced to relive the same day repeatedly has become an iconic example of the time loop sub-genre in film. But what if you’ve already watched Groundhog Day and are looking for similar movies to enjoy?
Fortunately, several movies out there use the time loop concept in creative and interesting ways, from horror comedies like Happy Death Day to romantic comedies like Palm Springs. Here, we’ll look at some of the best movies like Groundhog Day, that you can stream today.
Table of Contents
Palm Springs (2020)
Palm Springs is a romantic comedy directed by Max Barbakow, released in 2020, which revolves around two wedding guests trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day repeatedly. The movie has received widespread acclaim for its fresh take on the time-loop concept and strong performances by its cast, including Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, and J.K. Simmons. It is praised for being entertaining and emotional, with hilarious moments that make it laugh-out-loud funny. The movie has been called a refreshing indie film that stands out from others with its unique concept and characters.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
This is one of the best movies like Groundhog Day. Edge of Tomorrow, originally titled “Live. Die. Repeat.”, is a science-fiction action film directed by Doug Liman, released in 2014. The movie features Tom Cruise as a military officer who is forced to relive the same day repeatedly in a time loop as he battles alien invaders. The movie is praised for its unique take on the time-loop concept, blending it with elements of action and science-fiction. The film’s visuals and action sequences have also received critical acclaim. The movie’s marketing campaign was notable for its confusing use of different titles and taglines, but it has gained a cult following for its inventive storytelling and thrilling action.
Happy Death Day (2017)
Happy Death Day (2017) is a horror-comedy slasher film directed by Christopher Landon and written by Scott Lobdell. Tree Gelbman, a college student, is the protagonist of this film. She gets caught in a time cycle and must keep reliving the day she was murdered until she figures out who killed her. The film received mixed reviews, with critics praising Jessica Rothe’s performance as Tree but criticizing its lack of scares. It was followed by a sequel, Happy Death Day 2U, in 2019. The film contains strong language and violence
Filmmaker Ry Russo-Young helmed, and screenwriter Maria Maggenti penned the thriller Before I Fall (2017). The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Lauren Oliver and follows Samantha Kingston, a high school senior who repeatedly relives the day of her death. The film explores self-discovery, redemption, and the consequences of our actions. It received mixed reviews, with critics praising its performances but criticizing its predictability. The film stars Zoey Deutch, Logan Miller, Halston Sage, and Jennifer Beals. It contains mature themes and language.
Russian Doll (TV Series, 2019)
This is also one of the best movies like Groundhog Day. Russian Doll is a comedy-drama-mystery TV series that premiered on Netflix in 2019. The show follows Nadia, a cynical woman caught in a time loop where she keeps dying and reliving her 36th birthday party. The eight-episode series received positive reviews from critics, who praised its inventiveness and Natasha Lyonne’s performance. The second season was released on June 10, 2022. The show was created by Leslye Headland, Natasha Lyonne, and Amy Poehler.
Source Code (2011)
Source Code is a sci-fi thriller film that was released in 2011. The movie stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Captain Colter Stevens, a soldier who wakes up in the body of a stranger on a Chicago commuter train. He soon learns that he is part of a government experiment called “Source Code,” which allows him to relive the last eight minutes of the stranger’s life to prevent a terrorist attack on Chicago. The movie received positive reviews for its high-concept premise, taut direction, and strong performances. It was directed by Duncan Jones and written by Ben Ripley.
The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (2021)
Based on a short tale by Lev Grossman, Ian Samuels directed the sci-fi romance comedic picture The Map of Tiny Things in 2021. The movie follows two teenagers, Mark and Margaret, who find themselves stuck in a time loop, living the same day repeatedly, and decide to create a map of small perfect things to remember. It stars Kyle Allen as Mark, Kathryn Newton as Margaret and, alongside Jermaine Harris, Anna Mikami, Josh Hamilton, and Jorja Fox. The film received mixed reviews, with some praising its charming and endearing story, while others criticized it for being formulaic and predictable.
ARQ (2016) is a Canadian science fiction thriller written and directed by Tony Elliott. The movie follows Renton and Hannah, a couple trapped in a time loop, trying to escape a group of masked intruders who break into their lab searching for a revolutionary energy source. It stars Robbie Amell as Renton, Rachael Taylor as Hannah, and Shaun Benson as Sonny. The film received mixed reviews, with some praising its clever use of the time loop concept and engaging performances, while others criticized it for being derivative and convoluted.
The Endless (2017)
Director Justin Benson, producer Aaron Moorhead, and actor Aaron Moorhead appear in The Endless (2017), a science fantasy horror thriller. Two siblings who had previously run away from a sect find that its members may have more reasonable views than they had assumed. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and received critical acclaim for its unique storytelling, strong performances, and impressive visual effects. The film has been described as a love letter to cosmic horror and a meditation on the nature of time.
Timecrimes (2007)
Timecrimes (2007) is a Spanish science-fiction thriller directed by Nacho Vigalondo. The plot follows Hector, who accidentally gets into a time machine and travels back nearly an hour, setting off a series of unforeseeable consequences. The film has been praised for its clever plot twists, excellent pacing, and strong performances. It has been noted as one of the best time-travel films in recent years, along with titles such as The Endless and Coherence. The film’s low budget was well-utilized to create a suspenseful and engaging story that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Final words
Overall, there are many excellent movies like Groundhog Day, from romance comedies like Palm Springs to scary comedies like Happy Death Day.
ARQ and Russian Doll are also excellent options. Other movies like The Endless and Timecrimes offer unique takes on the time loop concept. For those exploring the horror genre, Source Code is an interesting twist on the vacation-gone-wrong trope. Overall, these movies provide viewers with various perspectives on the time loop concept and are sure to entertain those who enjoyed Groundhog Day.
