german time travel movie netflix

5 Reasons Why You Should Be Watching ‘Dark,’ Netflix’s New Twisty German Time Travel Show

“Dark” can be one of the most rewarding TV experiences of the year, if you let it

netflix dark time travel show why you should watch

In the era of peak TV, it often feels next to impossible to actually keep up with the shows you already watch, much less try to start new ones. I get it. I watch TV for a living and even I can’t keep up with as many shows as I would like.

So with that in mind, I’m gonna pitch you on “Dark,” the extremely heady new time travel show that just landed on Netflix. It’s going a bit under the radar right now, sandwiched between “The Punisher” and the second season of “The Crown.” Also it’s in German rather than English, which may put you off. But having watched its 10-episode first season twice now, I can confirm it’s worth your time.

“Dark” takes us to the small town of Winden, Germany, a place full of fun personal melodrama — and also children who have gone missing without a trace. It centers on a handful of families that have lived there for a long time and are prominent in the community. The time travel conceit does more than give us a window into how these families have evolved over many decades — it’s brings a whole new meaning to “things are not quite what they seem here.”

I’m going to stop there with the description. I’m not usually one to be overly concerned about spoilers, but “Dark” is such a weird and twisty thing that It’s tough to talk about it much without delving into a place that even I would call spoiler territory. “Dark” is a show best discovered with the bare minimum of information about its premise. That being said, I’m going to, without spoilers, explain why I like the show below, if you need more encouragement.

1. It’s a little bit “Stranger Things,” a little bit “Twin Peaks,” a little bit “Lost” and a whole bunch of doing its own thing

“Dark” is the kind of show where, early on before you really get to know it, you can feel the vibes of shows that came before. The stories that influenced “Dark” are ones that deal with people who are wrestling with extra-natural forces that are just beyond their understanding. But it’s certainly not a show that wears those influences on its sleeve — series creators Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese have crafted a fiercely original piece of fiction that is one of the most thoughtful and unique TV shows of 2017.

2. It’s one of the rare on-screen time travel stories with airtight time travel logic

Time travel is hard, OK. It’s inherently illogical and can’t follow the rules of reality as we know them in the real world. So the foundation of any good time travel story has to be the rules. You can set whatever time travel rules you want, so long as you stick with them — if you don’t, the story falls apart. It’s a whole extra thing the writers of a story have to deal with, in addition to simply trying to write a good story in the usual sense. So it’s easy to mess that up, because it requires basically double the work.

“Dark” is one of the ones that doesn’t mess that up. It was actually kind of startling when I realized that, because it’s a very complicated story arranged in a complicated way — a way that I was worried midway through was constructed to hide the show playing fast and loose with its rules. But by the time it was over I realized I had worried in vain, because it ultimately does not stray from the time travel framework it set up early . I did have a few nagging questions after it was over, but that’s inevitable since this is a TV show with plans for multiple seasons. Rest assured, this is the type of heady, smart time travel story that really does work on its most fundamental level. It’s kind of a puzzle, so you will have to put some brainpower into it — but that’s a good thing.

3. It’s also a super compelling personal drama

There’s one major character, Ulrich (Oliver Masucci), who I’ve been really fascinated by since I watched the series. “Dark” puts Ulrich at the center of things for a while, and successfully made me care about him even though he’s really kind of a terrible and not particularly likable person the whole way through. What makes him work as a character is how truly human he feels, and Ulrich is representative of how Odar and Friese treat all their characters. There isn’t a single major character on “Dark” who you can’t empathize with on some level, which makes all their myriad interactions and conflicts all the more engrossing.

4. It uses time travel as a religious metaphor

Without delving into the particulars, “Dark” takes a sort of existential angle with its time travel shenanigans, with characters talking about time as if it were God — and who talk about time travel is if it were a means to exert power over God. It’s a fascinatingly weird angle for a time travel story, and one that worked like gangbusters on me since I come from an extremely religious part of the U.S. That Friese and Odar would even think to take the story this way is demonstrative of how “Dark” goes to places you find anywhere else in the realm of television this year.

5. It’s just extremely cool looking, with a stellar score to boot

Aside from simply being an excellent show, “Dark” also manages to be one of the more visually striking shows around. It’s up there, in fact, with “Westworld,” the new “Twin Peaks,” and “Hannibal.” And it’s got a score to match, simple and booming and dread-fueled. “Dark” would probably still be very good were these elements not working on this level, but that they do elevates the show into a truly complete package.

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A family saga with a supernatural twist, set in a German town where the disappearance of two young children exposes the relationships among four families. A family saga with a supernatural twist, set in a German town where the disappearance of two young children exposes the relationships among four families. A family saga with a supernatural twist, set in a German town where the disappearance of two young children exposes the relationships among four families.

Baran bo Odar
Jantje Friese
Louis Hofmann
Karoline Eichhorn
Lisa Vicari
4.1K User reviews
182 Critic reviews
8 wins & 25 nominations

Episodes 26

5 Genre-Bending Dramas to Watch After "Bodies"

Photos 1260

Mark Waschke and Daan Lennard Liebrenz in Dark (2017)

Jonas Kahnwald

Charlotte Doppler …

Martha Nielsen

Hannah Kahnwald …

Katharina Nielsen …

The Stranger …

Peter Doppler …

Bartosz Tiedemann …

Ulrich Nielsen …

Magnus Nielsen …
Aleksander Tiedemann …

Franziska Doppler …

Regina Tiedemann …

Mikkel Nielsen

Claudia Tiedemann 1987 …

Elisabeth Doppler …

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Trivia Many of the forest scenes were filmed at the Fahrtechnikakademie Kallinchen near Berlin. This place is a former military testing area of the German Democratic Republic.
Goofs The police car used by Egon in 1953 is actually a model from a much later year as evidenced by the large rear window. A 1953 beetle had a small oval window in the back.
Connections Featured in The Reel Rejects: DARK | Official TRAILER | Netflix REACTION & REVIEW!!! (2017)
Soundtracks Industry Written by Emelie Molin and Victoria Skoglund Performed by Mire Kay

User reviews 4.1K

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December 1, 2017 (United States)
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Line it is Drawn: Star Wars Team-Ups and Mash-Ups to Celebrate The Acolyte

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Netflix's German sci-fi drama Dark relies on the mind-bending concept, "The beginning is the end, and the end is the beginning," a mantra that permeates the series as it focuses on how time travel has affected the small town of Winden. Season 1 kicks into high gear in 2019 with a kid, Mikkel, going missing at a cave in the nearby woods, leading to the mysterious Stranger offering clues to Jonas -- one of the teens involved in the incident -- to solve the case.

What ensues is Jonas discovering key families in Winden have been part of a closed time loop, all tied back to the suicide of Michael (Jonas' father), months before Mikkel's disappearance. With the Stranger's guidance, he decides to harness the temporal ability of the cave to rescue Mikkel, figure out his own past and set things right. However, there are a few other time travel methods in the show, so let's break them all down in detail.

THE TEMPORAL CAVE

The main plot tool for time travel is, as mentioned, this haunting cave in Winden's forest. The Winden Nuclear Facility covered up a disaster in 1986, in which a leak spewed radiation that affected the main tunnel connecting the compound to the cave. As a result of the unique nuclear material the Germans were experimenting on in the wake of Chernobyl, a wormhole was inadvertently created in the cave.

RELATED: Dark: The Apocalypse Can't Be Stopped in Season 2 Trailer

Certain mini-tunnels in the cave turned into "doors" that led to different timelines. However, each passageway offered the user the ability to travel forward or backward 33 years in time according to which one he/she took. The show hints this is also linked to a cosmic alignment that has supernatural ties to numbers such as "33" and "66," figures the series' occultists believe have a deeper meaning as to why folks can time-slide.

The entire cave becomes active every 33 years when the same stars align, which means the cave is rendered inert after this period. To traverse these pathways, users like Jonas and the Stranger have created a network of strings to guide them along their desired route. In the season finale, these secrets were revealed by the Stranger, who turned out to be Jonas from a dystopian future. He had to provide insight to his younger self on how the cave worked before plunging the teen forward to 2052, putting him on the path to becoming this Stranger.

THE TIME BOX

The Stranger's main mode of time-sliding, however, comes via the Box, although it's not clarified if this Box can be activated at any time or if it's just during the activity period of the cave. As for its design, it basically looks like the inside of a clock with old-school gears. We first get insight into its inner-workings when the Stranger travels to meet H.G. Tannhaus, a clockmaker and engineer in 1953, and leaves him with the initial blueprints. At this point, the unsuspecting Tannhaus is caught off-guard by news he'll be the one to design the Box.

RELATED: Dark: Jonas Searches For The Beginning in Season 2 Teaser

Using this knowledge, Tannhaus is able to perfect his old schematics and create the Box, which the Stranger will then get in the future, thus firming up the show's closed loop. Tannhaus also gets another version of the Box from Claudia (an old lady time-traveling with a Box just like the Stranger) so he can complete his design, which of course, is passed down to her years later as well. Tannhaus also receives a copy of "A Journey Through Time" from the Stranger -- a book he wrote decades later, which also guides him in finalizing this device. In other words, he gets his book from the future to help him with his Box in the past.

To complete the first working design of the Box, Tannhaus also used a cell phone brought from the future by Mikkel's dad, Ulrich, who used the cave in 2019 to try to find his kid, not realizing he was going to get stuck in 1953. The electromagnetic field from the phone, and lastly, radioactive material Claudia left with Tannhaus from 2019, would allow the clockmaker to create this portable wormhole generator. As for how it operates, it sucks you up into a black hole and transports you to wherever you set the timer in accordance with the 33-year rule. In short, everything Tannhaus would use to make this Box work in the past was based on material brought to him from the future.

NOAH'S 'ARK'

The main antagonist in Season 1 is Noah, the head priest of a mysterious occult group. He's the reason kids have gone missing from Winden in the past and why their dead bodies are popping up over three eras (1953, 1986 and 2019) near the cave. It turns out in 1986 he began using a torture chamber-esque time machine, strapping kids into it to conduct experiments in order to see how they'd traverse the timestream.

Sadly, this burnt their eyes out and threw their corpses through the temporal gateways uncontrollably, leaving Noah to log data he simply didn't understand because of his lack of a scientific background. However, he appears in all the timelines without having aged a day so it could be that he learned how to use the machine on himself, or secretly got his hands on a separate Box.

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That said, we never really see how the technical aspects of the chamber function. It's hinted, though, that Noah's machine could be mystically powered as there's no radioactive fuel opening up a wormhole. Given the biblical passages tattooed on his back, and from his own beliefs about heaven and hell, it could be that his arcane machine actually uses the souls of children as its temporal fuel.

Created by Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese, Dark stars Oliver Masucci, Karoline Eichhorn and Jördis Triebel. Season 2 arrives Friday on Netflix.

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Dark (2017)

5 best time travel movies on Netflix to stream right now

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Paul Dano and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in a red car in Looper

Sometimes, the only way to solve a problem is through time travel. While there are understandable consequences — as demonstrated in many time travel movies — it's hard to resist the idea of going back into the past or surging forward into the future to make a change.

Netflix has a collection of the best time travel movies available to stream. Whether you want a comedic take on the familiar trope or an action-packed thriller, we've selected the ones you don't want to miss. These movies will have you fantasizing about all the fun — or disaster — that could be had if only our version of reality included time travel.

It makes complete sense that if time travel ever becomes available, it would only be possible for the wealthy or corrupt to take advantage. Its capabilities are technically outlawed in Rian Johnson's mind-bending "Looper," but that doesn't stop the mafia from using it. Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as young Joe, a Looper who hides evidence of the mafia sending people into the past to take them out. He knows one day he will have to kill the older version of himself, played by Bruce Willis, to hide he ever worked for them.

The battle of self goes to the next level in this movie, especially as both young and old Joe fight against the other to survive. It's hard to know who to root for, and it's no surprise this movie received numerous awards, including the Critics' Choice Movie Award in 2013 for Best Sci-Fi/Horror Movie.

Watch on Netflix

Directed by Oriol Paulo, "Mirage" takes us on a journey during a storm set 25 years apart. In 1989, the same day as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the life of a little boy, Nico, is cut short when he runs into the road and dies after being hit by a car. More than two decades later, a couple, Vera (Adriana Ugarte) and David (Álvaro Morte) have moved into Nico's house. Vera has a chance to save Nico's life but finds that solving the problems of the past tends to mess with the future.

This film has a fascinating blend of time travel, murder mystery and parallel universes. While the film tends to get complicated, especially as Vera tries to undo her actions and make things right again, it's intense and thrilling every step of the way.

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'Hot Tub Time Machine'

If you can't take the premise of time travel too seriously for long, you'll want to watch "Hot Tub Time Machine." John Cusack and director Steve Pink (co-writer on "High Fidelity" and "Gross Pointe Blank") reunite to explore the hilarious possibilities of time traveling. Adam (John Cusack), Lou (Rob Corddry), and Nick (Craig Robinson) all reconnect after Lou is hospitalized following a suicide attempt. They decide to get together, along with Adam's nephew Jacob (Clark Duke), at a ski resort they visited in the past. When they overload the hot tub machine with an energy drink, they discover that it takes them back to 1986.

Even though a repairman (Chevy Chase) warns them not to mess with things from the past, they can't help themselves. Of course, hilarity ensues. There are plenty of literal laugh-out-loud moments throughout, and this film has a healthy dose of cool '80s vibes. You're sure to love it.

'Time Trap'

Going on field trips has always been a fun part of going to school. However, if your teacher happens to go missing, that can complicate matters. In the film "Time Trap," several graduate students go on a field trip with their professor to hidden caves that are somehow connected to a group of missing hippies. The professor returns to the town with the students and dismisses them. However, only a brief amount of time passes before they realize the next day that their professor has yet to return.

The students return, of course, and embark on an unusual adventure inside the caves, in which they discover that the whole space and time thing has gotten messed up. While this may be a classic science fiction B-movie, you will surely enjoy the imaginative story.

This movie takes the premise of living the same day repeatedly (hello, "Groundhog Day") and gives it an exciting, science-fiction twist. "ArQ" focuses on a couple fighting to protect a unique energy that could restore an unlimited supply to the Earth and stop the wars that have erupted worldwide. However, this power comes at a cost as they battle against men trying to break into their home and steal it from them. Something about the technology, though, is forcing them to relive the same day.

Director Tony Elliott is the mind behind this complex film. You may have to suspend disbelief more than usual, but the action and plot will hold your attention throughout.

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Nicole Pyles is a writer in Portland, Oregon. She loves movies, especially Lifetime movies, obscure TV movies, and disaster flicks. Her writing has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Mental Floss, WOW! Women on Writing, Ripley's Believe it or Not, and more. When she isn't watching movies, she's spending time with family, reading, and writing short stories. Say hi on Twitter @BeingTheWriter.

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Everything You Need to Know About ‘Dark,’ Netflix’s Most Arresting Show

As the German time-travel series enters its second season, two Ringer staffers attempt to unspool the mysteries from the previous 10 episodes

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If you haven’t watched the first season of Dark and would rather not know what happens in it, turn back now. This post contains spoilers. Like, right after this sentence.

Dark is a German drama on Netflix about time travel and confused teenagers. But if you were constructing a course about its themes, Item 1 on the syllabus would be the variable concepts of responsibility and free will; Item 1a would be multigenerational trauma. I guess I no longer need to describe Dark as grim—central to the plot is the unexplainable disappearance of two young boys in the small town of Winden—but the show’s preoccupation is whether or not we’re doomed to repeat past mistakes.

Other salient questions: How far in the past? How past is the past? How changeable are the present and future? There’s a nuclear power plant in Winden; in the first episode, a fuzzy radio broadcast congratulates the town on never having an incident. Yet every 30 years or so, birds fall from the sky and dead livestock dot the fields.

Dark is an extremely plot-driven show best understood in flow charts and infographics, but to attempt a brief summary: There’s a blond kid named Jonas. He just returned from a mental health facility in France, where he was getting clinical help dealing with the emotional and mental aftereffects of his father’s suicide. Jonas returns to school to find things not as he left them—his best friend is now dating the girl Jonas finally kissed last summer before his nervous breakdown, and the guy he used to score weed from vanished without a trace a few days before. The town is in a real tizzy about it; there are a lot of community meetings and curfews are put in place. Also, Jonas’s mom is having an affair with Ulrich, the lead detective on the missing persons case, who’s married to the principal at Jonas’s school. Ulrich’s son Mikkel also goes missing, and over the course of 10 really gripping episodes, you come to realize that Mikkel was also Jonas’s dead father “Michael,” and that control—like the boundaries between past, present, and future—is only a stubbornly persistent illusion.

Dark returns to Netflix for its second season this week, so I’ve enlisted my colleague and fellow Dark fan Meg Schuster to help unspool some of the key events of the show, address lingering questions from the first season, and otherwise ramble about determinism.— Micah Peters

Peters: SO. Megan. My first question is also my most annoying: Is time linear? Or is everything happening at once, across infinite timelines? IS THERE A DARK CINEMATIC UNIVERSE? Please say no.

Megan Schuster: Micah! I’m so glad you asked, and I just want to say off the bat that I’m both thrilled and preemptively terrified of opening my mind back up to the Galaxy Brain of television shows. But here we go.

In the Dark universe, time is an obsession. Every character is touched by the Matrix fluctuations that occur in the present (2019), past (1986), and super-past (1953) timelines. In the show’s “present day,” H.G. Tannhaus, a Winden watch-repairer-turned-apocalypse-machine-maker-turned-writer (same) explains his theory of time to the Stranger, a hooded figure who later reveals himself to be the future version of Jonas. To illustrate his idea, Tannhaus uses the image of a light shining into a dark, infinitely large room. Without interruption, the light should continue on its path indefinitely. Toss an obstacle into the mix, though—something rational like, oh, I don’t know, a wormhole —and all bets are off.

Having recently delved back into the Dark texts, my instinct is to say that all of these timelines are happening at once. Despite how difficult that is to wrap my limited human brain around, it somehow feels like the tidiest solution? Take, for example, the way characters time-hop, the fact that Senile Helge could confront Middle-Aged Helge in 1986 and not have the world implode, and even the realization that Michael (a.k.a. grown-up Mikkel/Jonas’s father) and the original Mikkel had to have existed in the same timeline— in the same town —for at least 11 years. It all makes me think these loops are plodding along on some predetermined schedule, hitting all the right notes in concert with one another. But is that theory too easy? (“Easy” obviously being a relative term since we’re talking about time travel here.)

Peters: You’re right, I wouldn’t say there’s anything easy about understanding what’s happening in Dark. But let’s expound on “predetermined schedule” because another obsession of the denizens of Winden, or at least of future-Jonas and present-Tannhaus, is the question of whether our decisions between separate courses of action are distinctly our own. At the beginning of the penultimate episode of Season 1, “Everything Is Now,” there’s a long cut of the different temporal versions of all the characters we’ve met so far staring blankly into the camera. I want to stress blankly , because it elevates a really heady Tannhaus voice-over about man’s origins, the meaninglessness of existence, and whether or not we’re all just pawns on a chessboard being moved by forces we can never hope to fully comprehend.

Schuster: Here is where I’d like to jump in and briefly mention how extremely “hits blunt once” Tannhaus’s character is, but also give him kudos for being … almost entirely spot on?

Peters: I mean, as far as we know? The paper trick Tannhaus does is a visual representation of an Einstein-Rosen bridge , which is basically just a guess at how divergent points across space-time might be connected. So if what happens at one point affects all the rest, then does anything that anyone does actually matter? If Jonas pulls back from a kiss with Martha Nielsen and spares his best friend’s feelings instead of following in his mother’s romantic footsteps (which would mean making out with his aunt ), does the world as we know it still end? “Is it even possible to change things? Or is time an eternal beast that can’t be defeated?”

Schuster: That first question—which Tannhaus asks in Episode 8—is especially interesting to me heading into the show’s second season, because in Season 1, the answer was largely no. We saw so much of the “present day” plot play out in the first few episodes that each trip back in time seemed designed to show us how we got there. Ulrich had to travel back to 1953 and bludgeon a Young Helge (essentially trying to “kill baby Hitler”) for Middle-Aged Helge to turn into a pawn who could be easily manipulated by a stronger presence (more on that in a bit). Future Jonas couldn’t let Present Jonas out of the bunker in the final episode because then Future Jonas couldn’t complete his mission. Any time a character gets an original idea— Present Jonas trying to bring a Young Mikkel back to the present; Old Helge attempting to reason with his younger self—there’s a force there to stop them.

But toward the end of the season, two puppet masters revealed themselves: Claudia Tiedemann, who controlled the town’s nuclear power plant for years, and in the 2019 timeline resides in a creepy Unabomber-like basement, and Noah, the non-religious priest who possesses a talent for manipulation. Noah convinces Middle-Aged Helge to kidnap children so he can use them to test a time machine. And Claudia incepts Future Jonas to think he’s actually shutting the wormhole down, when in fact his actions cause it.

Both have their own agendas: Noah, in a recruitment-style conversation with Jonas’s friend (and Claudia’s grandson) Bartosz Tiedemann, says that there are light forces and dark forces vying for control of time travel; he claims to be on the side of the light (though that is extremely up for debate, given that he kills children to achieve his ends). Claudia is a bit more of a mystery, though her motivations seem to be tied up in her former role within the power plant.

I want to hear your thoughts on this idea of predetermination, Micah, and whether you think Noah and Claudia have control over this world, or some kind of extra information that we don’t. But also, given the screen time Noah has in the Season 2 trailer, I also wanted to ask you: What do you think his role is in all of this?

Peters: Well I was gonna say that in the beginning, it seems as though there are a lot of people doing stuff for no other reason than because the plot says so. Eventually, we come to find that Noah sort of wants to be the plot, via a choice of a back tattoo:

Schuster: Perhaps the only back tat that could rival Ben Affleck’s .

Peters: Yeah Noah’s is extremely less … Spencer’s Gifts. Anyway, Noah is probably definitely not to be trusted. He dresses like a priest but he’s actually a hermeticist. Without getting too into the weeds about it: He believes that God gave one true theology to man long ago, and that all the world’s religions are like denominations of the same faith. He also believes the world is doomed, and that the completion of his time machine can save it. That’d be a noble endeavor if it weren’t for the fact that, you know, it necessitates kidnapping and experimenting on kids.

Still, though—regardless of what we know about how or why Claudia wields her soft power—I don’t really love the idea of any one changeable human person deciding the fate of the world. Universe? Multiverse? Are we even clear about what exactly is on the line here?

Schuster: We are certainly not! At least I’m not. Since we really only see how all of this time-hopping mumbo-jumbo affects Winden, it’s unclear whether there’s been any impact on the rest of civilization. It seems impossible that there wouldn’t be, and yet, Winden is so insular—and has been for generations—that we have to at least entertain the idea that it’s largely been contained.

I suspect we’ll find out more about this in Season 2, though, because the final scene of the first season shows Jonas being spat out into the future—the year 2052, to be exact—and it appears as though we’re in a post-nuclear-apocalypse world. Given how nuclear catastrophes tend to work (I just finished watching the wonderful HBO series Chernobyl , so I feel pretty confident in my expertise on this matter), there’s no way the damage is contained to Winden. Or Germany. Or probably even Europe. I don’t expect we’ll stray too far beyond Winden this season, but we might get some insight into Noah’s and Claudia’s larger plots. I mean, there’s really no point in “harnessing time” if your machinations affect only one small German town.

Another interesting wrinkle to the future plot comes from the last line of Season 1. When Jonas is sprung forward into 2052, he’s met by an armored truck full of what look like guerrilla forces. They’re all masked—though I must say, quite poorly for an area that’s crawling with radiation. (Again, I’m an expert.)

A woman steps down from the truck and approaches Jonas. He asks her what year it is. She stares him down, and then, right before knocking him out with the butt of her gun, says, “Welcome to the future.” Micah. MICAH. How does she know she’s in “the future”? Do people in 2052 all know about time travel? Is this what we have to look forward to in 33 years?

Peters: So you’re sure we’re in 2052 and not further in the future? I wasn’t—when Helge and Jonas switch places across a time rift between the year 1953 and the weird wallpaper room in 1986, respectively, right before Future Jonas sets off his time machine, doesn’t that mean he could’ve ended up anywhere? Any when.

But still, whenever he ended up, it’s definitely on the other side of an apocalyptic event. My guess is this season we’ll see exactly what that event was, and whether reversing it, or ensuring that it happens, is the quote-unquote right thing to do. What if the rest of the world survives because of what happened to Winden? What if saving Winden means the end of everything else? I mean, otherwise, I can’t figure what the point of the 2052 (?) timeline would be.

Schuster: When Season 1 wrapped up, it felt like they purposefully kept the year of the future foggy because, outside of the 33-year loops, that plot really could have come at any time. (Netflix has since said that it’s 2052.) The important part isn’t the year, it’s that we get closer to answering the overarching “What’s the point” question.

As you wrote when the show first came out, Season 1 was so plot-driven that we didn’t get much in the way of broader scope. So much energy was concentrated on keeping characters straight and setting up plot developments that it could only hint at Larger Ideas at work. Now that the table is set and characters’ motivations have been laid out, it’s time to more closely examine those themes.

About a minute into the trailer, white letters flash across a black background: EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED. That’s the idea that the first season set up. Season 2’s responsibility is explaining why that connection matters.

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Season 1 of HBO’s ‘HotD’ was a roaring success, but it was probably a prelude to a superior second act. Let us list the potential improvements.

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Everything To Know About Netflix’s 1899 , The New Mystery From Dark Creators

All aboard this ominous voyage across the Atlantic — if you dare.

Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese, the creators of the mind-bending German time travel show Dark , are back with a new mystery hitting Netflix later this year. First announced in 2018 , 1899 is the second project for the German filmmakers under their overall deal with Netflix and promises to be an entirely different ride compared to the show that put them on the map. At the time of the announcement, Netflix Vice President, Originals, Europe & Africa Kelly Luegenbiehl said, “The fact that this concept is so radically different from Dark is a true testament to their creativity and versatility as creators and we are excited to continue this journey with them.”

Four years after the initial announcement, we’re finally getting our first look and more information about the highly-anticipated series. Read on to learn everything we know about 1899 so far.

Is There An 1899 Trailer?

As part of Netflix’s weeklong celebration of genre content #GeekedWeek, the 1899 trailer premiered on June 6, 2022. Narrated by a character named Moira Franklin played by Emily Beecham , the trailer depicts a group of people aboard a mysterious ship who are “all running away from something.” Smash cuts within the trailer show a woman being tortured and another woman running fearfully through the woods, indicating that while they are trying escape difficult pasts, sinister things may be in store for the passengers aboard the ship.

When Will 1899 Be Released?

1899 will premiere later this year and an exact date has not been announced, but some unverified rumors indicate that Netflix might be looking at a November 24th, 2022 release. The first season will consist of eight one-hour episodes and the pilot episode is titled “The Ship.”

What Is 1899 About?

The creators are holding the plot details close to their chest but the trailer indicates a thrilling immigration story aboard a ship at the turn of the century. Netflix described the series in an official press release: “the original series revolves around a migrant steamship heading west to leave the old continent from London to New York. The passengers, a mixed bag of European origins, are united by their hopes and dreams for the new century and their future abroad. When they discover another migrant ship adrift on open sea, their journey takes an unexpected turn. What they find on board will turn their passage to the promised land into a horrifying nightmare.”

The trailer has ominous vibes reminiscent of Dark , but the creators are careful not to tread on familiar territory and have dispelled rumors about introducing time-travel within the 1899 universe. “We don’t repeat ourselves, we really hate that, but it’s going to be a fun puzzle for the audience. We are going back to our mystery roots,” said Odar in an interview with Deadline . Friese added, “All the passengers on the ship are traveling with secrets that they don’t want to get out. It’s built like a puzzle again.”

Fans have already begun speculating what exactly the series is about by dissecting every second of the trailer, with dedicated profiles and video explainers springing up across social media.

Who Is In The Cast Of 1899 ?

Netflix is taking a page from HBO’s book and keeping a lot of the cast in their own international talent family: Dark fans will recognize Andreas Pietschmann, who played the gruff grown-up version of Jonas, while Elite ’ s Miguel Bernardeau and The Rain ’s Lucas Lynggaard Tønnesen are also involved.

Other cast members include Emily Beecham, Aneurin Barnard, Maciej Musial, Rosalie Craig, Yann Gael, Mathilde Ollivier, Isabella Wei, Gabby Wong, Fflyn Edwards, Alexandre Willaume, and more.

What Language Is 1899 In?

While Dark was a German show that offered dubs in various languages, 1899 be a multi-lingual show where each cast member speaks their native language. Talking to Deadline , the creators expanded on the importance of this decision: “We felt that with the past years of Europe being on the decline, we wanted to give a counterpoint to Brexit, and to nationalism rising in different countries, to go back to that idea of Europe and Europeans working and creating together,” Friese said. “Being true to the cultures and the languages was really important, we never wanted to have characters from different countries but everyone speaks English. We wanted to explore this heart of Europe, where everyone comes from somewhere else and speaks a different language, and language defines so much of your culture and your behavior.”

Where Was 1899 Filmed?

The show was filmed in Germany in a state-of-the-art “virtual production facility” called “Volume.” Virtual production is a new technology also used on Disney+’s The Mandalorian , employing a virtual background akin to that of a video game and eliminates the need for a green screen, allowing the filmmakers to access any location from their stage via LED screens. On November 24, 2020, Odar revealed a first look at the show via a lens test from the day one of shooting.

View on Instagram

The lockdown also exacerbated the need for flexible shooting: “We originally planned to travel to Spain, Poland, Scotland, all kinds of locations,” Friese told Deadline . “Quite quickly [after the lockdown started] we knew that might not be possible in the new future, so we fully embraced the idea of bringing Europe to us.”

Netflix invested in this stage with the promise that multiple series will be filmed on the stage, including the entire first season of 1899. The streaming service hasn’t announced anything beyond Season 1, but Friese confirmed that they have every intention of making it a multi-season show.

This post will be updated as more information about 1899 is released.

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‘Dark’ Review: Season 2 Is Defiantly Bizarre, Twisty, and More Addictive Than Ever

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“ Dark ” Season 2 is completely incomprehensible unless one has seen the first season. In fact, word to the wise: Go back and rewatch Season 1 now if you haven’t recently. This non-spoilery review will still be here when you get back. *Cue iconic ’80s Europop tune.*

Done? Wunderbar.

The German-language sci-fi series co-created by Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese returns with more time-travel paradoxes, murders, affairs, and surprise ancestors who may or may not create unforeseen incest scenarios. “Game of Thrones” really has nothing on “Dark.”

There’s no “previously on” or coddling for viewers who have returned to the tiny German town of Winden and the four families who are all connected through some unknown cosmic phenomenon. Instead, the gloves are off and the series jumps immediately into a new timeline that sets the creepy and murderous tone for this season.

Related Stories Summer 2019 Preview: 25 Must-Watch TV Shows ‘Dark’ Theories and Burning Questions: Jonas’ Fate, the Wallpapered Room, and That Massive Back Tattoo

The result feels like the show has jumped onto the Autobahn with no attempt to gracefully merge, speeding full-tilt, and expecting the viewers to keep up. The time jumps are initially indicated with onscreen text, but the deeper one goes into the season, the fewer markers are given. Similarly, the massive ensemble of German characters are barely explained at all. Even the overlaid images of the younger and older versions of the same character from different timelines assume viewers remember the context and significance of each.

Although Season 1 evoked a certain thrill of discovery as each element became clearer to how it fit into this puzzle box of a show, the result of less exposition is a far more dense and action-packed season that yes, can occasionally become confusing. Parents may meet someone older who happens to be their child or one person travels to another time, which changes the context from how we know them and creates a cognitive dissonance.

To quickly recap what came before and how that plays into Season 2:

1. Jonas Kahnwald (Louis Hofmann)

The high school student became embroiled in the events of last season when his friend’s younger brother Mikkel (Daan Lennard Liebrenz) went missing when he was shunted to the past and became Jonas’ own father. Of course, that means that the girl Jonas has feelings for is actually his aunt. Bummer. Season 2 picks up after the cliffhanger of Jonas traveling to the future into a bleak world. Our tragic hero becomes resourceful in this dystopian environment, and one can’t help but root for this young man who feels like one of the few characters who want to put other people first.

2. The 33-Year Cycle

Time-travel in “Dark” occurs in increments of 33 years because the wormhole is only activated when the sun and moon align, a cycle of every 33 years. Season 1 begins in 2019, and travels back to 1986 and 1953. But time in Winden has not been at a standstill between seasons, and thus viewers will have to adjust to however much time has advanced during each of these cycles. There’s a reason for this advancement that creates more urgency to the story this time, which makes for a less meandering experience. Also, at least one more time period will be introduced, which creates a delicious sense of destiny throughout the generations.

3. The Nielsens, Dopplers, and Tiedemanns

Besides Jonas and his mother Hannah Kahnwald (Shani Atias), three other families play major roles in whatever is going on in Winden. And here’s where a Season 1 refresher will help because Season 2 also brings forth many of the characters who seemed more minor the first time around and gives them far more integral roles to play. Once again, the casting is mind-blowingly uncanny. Not only has production found actors to play the childhood, middle-aged, and even elderly versions of the same characters, but across the board every performer is excellent. This seamless casting helps ground this bonkers series with all of its strange events and whiplash timeline jumps. It’s also a fascinating way to showcase a character’s personal evolution over time. Thankfully, only a handful of new faces are introduced, who no doubt are related to these four families in some way.

4. Time Travel Rules and Paradoxes

Remember when Rust Cohle on “True Detective” said, “Time is a flat circle”? How quaint that sounds in comparison to the complex Ourobouros of a world in which Winden exists. Every time travel story has to set the parameters by which it can operate, and in the world of “Dark,” meeting a past (or future) self seems to be no big deal. Although the Grandfather Paradox is lightly touched upon (killing your grandfather in an older timeline thus eliminates your own existence), it’s never really belabored.

Similarly, this season introduces the Bootstrap Paradox or Causal Loop Paradox in which objects or information don’t have a clear origin of what caused them within the time loop. It’s a handy loophole that helps the viewer make sense of events in “Dark” that really don’t make sense. Having a built-in name for this confusion doesn’t alleviate the need to explain it, but it does help categorize it neatly to be mulled over later while the rest of the show can be enjoyed.

But to go back to Rust Cohle (or did we never leave him?), he’s speaking about Nietzsche’s Doctrine of Eternal Recurrence, the idea that events from the past and the future will recur again and again infinitely. Season 2 leans far, far into this concept, even repeating this explanation ad nauseam perhaps to illustrate the concept through dialogue in addition to driving the idea home.

5. The Point of It All

Despite all of the time travelers gadding about where they don’t belong and the mind- and time-bending activities, devoted fans of “Dark” will only be inspired to dig in more. The characters are just far too compelling to abandon in their never-ending hours of need, and the challenge of having these characters break the cycle is also a draw.

While “Dark” probably won’t solve humanity’s biggest philosophical conundrums, it does offer an existential playground that few other shows dare venture into. There’s also a strong case that Friese and bo Odar have an actual ending in mind for the series since Season 2 already pays off numerous burning questions that were teased in its first outing. Plus, it’s reassuring that Netflix has already ordered a third season of the show.

“Dark” is a rewarding investment in time spent in untangling the family trees and timelines. It’s also an intriguing experiment in how looped events and themes of determinism can play into growth and evolution. Perhaps “Dark” is the ultimate vehicle to illustrate the flat circle of recurrence as one season can flow into the next and back to the beginning. Just remember…

“Dark” Season 2 is completely incomprehensible unless one has seen the first season. In fact, word to the wise: Go back and rewatch Season 1 now if you haven’t recently. This non-spoilery review will still be here when you get back…

“Dark” Season 2 is now available on Netflix.

Most Popular

Netflix Movies About Time Travel

Ever viewed these Netflix Movies About Time Travel? We know for sure you'll find some new films. Here are 25 of the best ones.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

From James Cameron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick Rated R

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) is a sci-fi action thriller directed by James Cameron and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, and Robert Patrick. It is the sequel to the 1984 film The Terminator. The story follows Sarah Connor (Hamilton) and her son John (Edward Furlong) as they are pursued by a new, advanced Terminator (Patrick) sent from the future to kill John. To protect them, Sarah enlists the help of the reprogrammed Terminator (Schwarzenegger) from the first film. Together, they must battle the new Terminator and prevent the rise of the machines that will eventually lead to a future where humans are ruled by machines. The film was a box office success, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1991 and the second highest-grossing film up to that time. It was widely praised for its special effects and action sequences, and it received four Academy Award nominations, winning four technical awards. It also won numerous other awards and honors, including six Saturn Awards and American Film Institute recognition.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

From Frank Capra, starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell Rated PG

"It's a Wonderful Life" tells the story of George Bailey, a small-town banker and family man who is on the brink of suicide. On Christmas Eve, an angel named Clarence comes to earth to try to show George what life would have been like if he had never been born. With Clarence's help, George is able to see how his community would have been very different without him and his selfless acts of kindness. George realizes that his life is meaningful and that he has indeed made a difference. In the end, his friends and family come to his aid and his life is saved. The film offers an uplifting message about the importance of family, friends, and community spirit.

Back to the Future (1985)

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover Rated PG

"Back to the Future" is a 1985 American science fiction adventure film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Zemeckis and Bob Gale. It stars Michael J. Fox as teenager Marty McFly, who is sent back in time to 1955, where he meets his future parents and becomes his own father's father. With the help of his eccentric scientist friend Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown (Christopher Lloyd), Marty must find a way to return to 1985 and prevent disastrous consequences from unfolding. Along the way, he encounters a variety of memorable characters and scenarios, from a group of bumbling terrorists to a high school dance. With the clock ticking, Marty must use his wits and courage to save the day and get back to the future.

The Terminator (1984)

From James Cameron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn, Paul Winfield Rated R

The Terminator is a 1984 science fiction action film directed by James Cameron and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as the titular Terminator, a cyborg assassin sent back in time from 2029 to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), whose son will one day become a savior against machines in a post-apocalyptic future. Along the way, Sarah is aided by a human soldier from the future, Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), who has also been sent back to protect her. Together, they must battle the Terminator, as well as the dangerous new technologies that emerge as a result of its presence. The film is a classic in the science fiction genre, and its influence can still be felt today in the many action films that use its themes and ideas.

Groundhog Day (1993)

From Harold Ramis, starring Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky Rated PG

Groundhog Day is a 1993 comedy-fantasy film directed by Harold Ramis and starring Bill Murray as Phil Connors, an arrogant and cynical TV weatherman. After being sent to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to cover the Groundhog Day festivities, Phil wakes up the next morning to discover that he is living the same day over and over again. Eventually, Phil realizes that the only way to break this cycle is to re-examine his life and his values, leading him to become a better person and ultimately find happiness.

Donnie Darko (2001)

From Richard Kelly, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell, Holmes Osborne Rated R

Donnie Darko is an independent psychological thriller film that follows the story of a troubled teenager, Donnie Darko, who is plagued by visions of a large bunny rabbit that manipulates him to commit a series of crimes. Set in October 1988 in the small suburban town of Middlesex, USA, the film follows Donnie, who is on medication to control his behavior, as he navigates his way through school and home life with his parents and his sister. Donnie's visions lead him to believe that the world will end in 28 days, six hours, 42 minutes and 12 seconds. As he struggles to make sense of his visions, his actions become increasingly dangerous, as he tangles with Frank, the bunny-suited figure who manipulates him, as well as the school bullies. Along the way, Donnie learns how to take control of his destiny, and ultimately saves the world.

12 Monkeys (1995)

From Terry Gilliam, starring Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, Brad Pitt, Joseph Melito Rated R

12 Monkeys is a 1995 science fiction film directed by Terry Gilliam and starring Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the film follows the story of James Cole (Willis), a convict sent back in time from 2035 to investigate the source of a deadly plague that wiped out 99.9% of the human population on Earth. With the help of a psychiatrist, Kathryn Railly (Madeleine Stowe), and an animal rights activist, Jeffrey Goines (Pitt), Cole must find the answer before time runs out for the human race. Along his journey, Cole discovers the truth about the plague and the horrifying truth of what the future holds. With intense action and a thrilling plot, 12 Monkeys is a classic science fiction movie that explores the possibilities of time travel and the consequences of our actions.

Planet of the Apes (1968)

From Franklin J. Schaffner, starring Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans Rated G

"Planet of the Apes" is a sci-fi classic directed by Franklin J. Schaffner in 1968. The film follows the story of Taylor, an astronaut who finds himself stranded on a strange planet where intelligent apes rule and humans are enslaved. Through a series of events, Taylor discovers the truth about the planet as it is revealed that humans once destroyed the planet and the apes have taken over. With the help of sympathetic apes, Taylor leads a revolution to try and restore power to the humans. The film offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the consequences of human hubris.

Star Trek (2009)

From J.J. Abrams, starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, Leonard Nimoy Rated PG-13

Star Trek is a 2009 science-fiction action film directed by J.J. Abrams. The movie follows James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) as he is recruited by the legendary Starfleet personnel to join the crew of the USS Enterprise. Along with Commander Spock (Zachary Quinto) and other officers, they embark on a mission to save the galaxy from a vengeful Romulan from the future, Nero (Eric Bana). Along the way, they deal with personal disagreements, form strong relationships, and face off against their greatest enemy. The movie features spectacular special effects and intense action sequences, as well as a touching story of friendship and loyalty.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

From Alfonso Cuarón, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Richard Griffiths Rated PG

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third installment of the Harry Potter film series. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón and released in 2004, it follows Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they begin their third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As the year begins, a dangerous criminal named Sirius Black has escaped from the high-security prison of Azkaban and is believed to be searching for Harry. The trio must face a range of magical creatures, including the frightful Dementors, as they attempt to capture Black before he can find them. Along the way, they learn about the truth of Sirius' past and the motivations of their enemies. Ultimately, the three must rely on each other to overcome their adversaries and save the day.

Back to the Future Part II (1989)

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Tom Wilson Rated PG

Back to the Future Part II is a 1989 science-fiction adventure comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis. It is the sequel to the 1985 film Back to the Future, and stars Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and Thomas F. Wilson. The film follows Marty McFly and Dr. Emmett Brown as they travel to the future to save Marty's children from a disastrous future. The film also introduces an alternate 1985 timeline which is created by inadvertently disrupting the future. In order to fix the timeline, Marty and Doc must travel back to 1955 and undo the effects of the changes caused by their time travel. Along the way, they face numerous obstacles and eventually succeed in restoring the timeline back to its original form.

About Time (2013)

From Richard Curtis, starring Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Lydia Wilson Rated R

About Time is a romantic comedy-drama film directed by Richard Curtis and starring Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, and Margot Robbie. The film follows Tim Lake, a young man from Cornwall, who discovers he has the ability to travel back in time. Tim uses his newfound ability to change his past and present, and to try to create a better future for himself and those he loves. He learns how to use his time-traveling powers to attempt to find love and happiness, while trying to make the most of his limited time. He must also come to terms with the fact that time travel comes with its own set of complications, as the choices he makes have far-reaching consequences. At its core, About Time is a story of love, family, and learning to appreciate life and the moments we have with those we care about.

Mr. Nobody (2009)

From Jaco Van Dormael, starring Jared Leto, Sarah Polley, Diane Kruger, Linh-Dan Pham Rated R

Mr. Nobody is a 2009 science fiction film directed and written by Jaco Van Dormael. The film stars Jared Leto as the lead character Nemo Nobody, a 118-year-old man who is the last mortal on Earth after the human race has achieved quasi-immortality. Nemo recollects moments of his life while struggling to choose between three women who all love him. He also imagines a future in which he chooses one of three paths. The film follows Nemo's life story as he struggles to choose between his three potential futures. As he travels through his life, the audience is presented with a thought-provoking exploration of the age-old question of what it means to be alive, and the ultimate consequences of the choices we make in life. The film is ultimately an exploration of the idea of free will versus determinism and the power of choice.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

From Brian Henson, starring Michael Caine, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Jerry Nelson Rated G

The Muppet Christmas Carol is a 1992 comedy-drama film directed by Brian Henson and featuring the Muppets in the classic Charles Dickens story A Christmas Carol. The film stars Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge and Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit. The story follows the classic plot of Scrooge's transformation from a greedy and miserly man to a kind and generous one after being visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Along the way, Scrooge meets a colorful cast of Muppet characters, including Fozziwig, Tiny Tim and the Ghosts of Christmas. The movie features classic Christmas songs, including "It Feels Like Christmas" and "One More Sleep 'til Christmas". The film is an enjoyable and heartwarming adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens story.

Midnight in Paris (2011)

From Woody Allen, starring Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, Kurt Fuller Rated PG-13

Midnight in Paris is a romantic fantasy comedy written and directed by Woody Allen. The film follows Gil Pender, a successful Hollywood screenwriter and aspiring novelist, as he travels to Paris on vacation with his fiancée and her family. When Gil is walking through the streets of Paris at night, he suddenly finds himself transported back to the 1920s. During his time-travel adventures, he meets many celebrated artists and writers, including Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, and Pablo Picasso. Through his interactions with these legendary figures, Gil discovers his true passion in life and begins to question his commitment to his fiancée and to the materialistic values of modern life. Along the way, he also finds himself falling in love with a beautiful Parisian woman named Adriana.

Run Lola Run (1998)

From Tom Tykwer, starring Franka Potente, Moritz Bleibtreu, Herbert Knaup, Nina Petri Rated R

Run Lola Run is a German cult classic directed by Tom Tykwer and starring Franka Potente. Lola (Potente) must come up with 100,000 Deutschmarks in twenty minutes to save her boyfriend Manni (Moritz Bleibtreu) from a life of crime. In the film, three versions of the same day unfold with different outcomes. Lola's choices cause a chain reaction of events that will eventually determine whether or not Manni succeeds in his mission. The film is a thrilling and kinetic exploration of how the slightest decision can have drastic consequences.

Star Trek: First Contact (1996)

From Jonathan Frakes, starring Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton Rated PG-13

Star Trek: First Contact is a 1996 science fiction film directed by Jonathan Frakes and based on the popular Star Trek franchise. Set shortly after the events of Star Trek: Generations, the film follows the crew of the USS Enterprise-E as they travel back to the 21st century to prevent the cybernetic Borg from changing history by preventing Earth's first contact with an alien species. Along the way, the crew must also face off with their old enemy, the Borg Queen (Alice Krige). The film features many of the original series' beloved characters, including Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes), Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner), Lt. Commander Geordi LaForge (LeVar Burton), Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden), and Lt. Worf (Michael Dorn). The action-packed story leads to an epic battle between the crew of the Enterprise-E and the Borg with the fate of humanity at stake.

The Butterfly Effect (2004)

From Directors: Eric Bress, J. Mackye Gruber, starring Ashton Kutcher, Amy Smart, Melora Walters, Elden Henson Rated R

The Butterfly Effect is a 2004 science fiction psychological thriller film directed by Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber. It stars Ashton Kutcher as a young man named Evan who discovers he has the ability to travel back in time and alter his past. Evan, who suffers from blackouts and memory loss, uses his newfound ability to alter certain events in his life, hoping to make them better. However, his attempts to manipulate his past have unexpected, and often dire, consequences for his present and future. As the consequences of his time travel begin to unravel, Evan must find a way to stop the time loop he has created before it destroys him and those he loves.

Source Code (2011)

From Duncan Jones, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright Rated PG-13

Source Code is a science fiction film starring Jake Gyllenhaal as a soldier who is sent into a train in an alternate reality in order to prevent a terrorist attack from happening. With the help of a computer program called Source Code, he is able to jump into the body of another person in the past in an attempt to find the bomber. As he works to uncover the mystery, he discovers the truth about the experiment and must make a difficult decision about the future. Ultimately, he must decide between saving the lives of the passengers on the train, or stopping the terrorist attack before it happens.

Pleasantville (1998)

From Gary Ross, starring Tobey Maguire, Jeff Daniels, Joan Allen, William H. Macy Rated PG-13

Pleasantville is a 1998 American fantasy comedy-drama film written, co-produced and directed by Gary Ross. It stars Tobey Maguire and Reese Witherspoon, with William H. Macy, Joan Allen, Jeff Daniels, and Don Knotts in supporting roles. The plot centers around two modern-day teenagers, David and Jennifer, who are transported to a 1950s-era sitcom called Pleasantville. In Pleasantville, David and Jennifer find that the residents lead a highly idyllic life, and that everything follows a strict moral code. As they become more integrated into Pleasantville, they soon discover that the town is in fact a façade and that its inhabitants are struggling with a range of emotions and desires they never knew existed. The film explores themes of change, prejudice, and conformity versus divergence, and shows the consequences of challenging the status quo in an effort to introduce a previously unseen level of complexity to the world of Pleasantville.

Back to the Future Part III (1990)

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Mary Steenburgen, Tom Wilson Rated PG

Superman (1978)

From Richard Donner, starring Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando Rated PG

Looper (2012)

From Rian Johnson, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt, Paul Dano Rated R

Army of Darkness (1992)

From Sam Raimi, starring Bruce Campbell, Embeth Davidtz, Marcus Gilbert, Ian Abercrombie Rated R

Frequency (2000)

From Gregory Hoblit, starring Dennis Quaid, Jim Caviezel, Shawn Doyle, Elizabeth Mitchell Rated PG-13

The Best Time Travel Movies On Netflix To Watch

Vote up your favorite time travel movies currently streaming on Netflix.

When you want to watch a time travel movie, it's only natural that you'd turn to a streamer, and there are always some truly great time travel movies on Netflix. Not quite a genre, the time travel film is more of a sub-sub-genre within science fiction, and Netflix has an odd array of movies that add time travel into body-swap stories, romantic comedies, indie thrillers, and even serious dramas.

Even just among Netflix Originals, you'll find movies as different as The Adam Project (a Spielberg-inspired adventure starring Ryan Reynolds as a time-traveling future pilot) and When We First Met (a romcom in which Adam DeVine uses a time traveling photo booth to seduce Alexandra Daddario). That's not even counting established heavy hitters and deep cuts among Netflix's time traveling movies .

With so many options, a temporally curious viewer can use the help this list offers. Folks just like you are voting up the finest Netflix time travel movies, so you can rest assured that they'll lead you in the right direction. You've got your Netflix, your popcorn, and even an ice cold soda. Now let this list help you pick that final element of movie night.

This sci-fi thriller directed by Rian Johnson,is all about Joe, a "Looper" who assassinates people sent from the future. It's a steady job, until his next target turns out to be his older self. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis play the younger and older Joe, respectively, and their already dangerous relationship grows even more ominous when young Joe encounters a self reliant mother, played by Emily Blunt, and her mysterious, off-putting young son.

13 Going on 30

This romantic comedy (with a dollop of fantasy) directed by Gary Winick revolves around Jenna, a 13-year-old girl who makes a wish to be "thirty, flirty, and thriving," and wakes up the next day as a 30-year-old woman. Unlike many body-swap movies, this one actually jumps forward in time from 1987 to 2004, making it a body-swap-time-travel film. Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo play the older Jenna and her childhood best friend Matt, who has grown into a man the old fashioned way while Jenna was leaping ahead via whimsical time travel.

The Adam Project

This '80s-flavored sci-fi drama directed by Shawn Levy rides shotgun with Adam Reed, a fighter pilot from a dystopian 2050 traveling back in time to prevent his wife Laura's murder. Ryan Reynolds stars as the older Adam, with Isaiah Haegert and Walker Scobell as the 8 and 12-year-old versions of himself with whom Adam teams up. In addition to altering the past on behalf of his future/past wife, the mini-generations of Adam also gets to revisit his mother and father, played by Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo.

Galaxy Quest

A very, very Star Trek -ish comedy directed by Dean Parisot, Galaxy Quest follows the cast of a defunct sci-fi TV show led by Tim Allen as Jason Nesmith as Commander Peter Quincy Taggart, who become real-life heroes when they are whisked away by actual aliens who believe the show was an all-facts historical document. Nesmith's crew includes Gwen DeMarco (Sigourney Weaver), Alexander Dane (Alan Rickman), Fred Kwan (Tony Shalhoub), and Tommy Webber (Daryl Mitchell), who must play their parts to save a naive alien race from war. Sam Rockwell steals the show too. Time travel has a small but pivotal role thanks to the "Omega 13," a device that reverses time by 13 seconds, allowing Nesmith a second chance to save the day.

Hot Tub Time Machine

A party comedy (with science fiction as an excuse for time travel shenanigans) directed by Steve Pink, this one centers around a group of disillusioned friends - Adam, Lou, Nick, and Jacob, portrayed by John Cusack, Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, and Clark Duke - who unwittingly travel back to the 1980s through a malfunctioning hot tub. Trapped in the past and afraid of altering their future, the quartet (one of whom hadn't been born in the ‘80s) have a good time and confront the choices that have defined their adulthoods. Also Crispin Glover has a ball as a bellhop with one arm wrapped around destiny’s shoulders.

When We First Met

Directed by Ari Sandel, this romantic comedy with a splash of sci-fi focuses on Noah, played by Adam Devine, who discovers a magical photo booth that sends him back in time to the day he met Avery, a woman he's convinced is the only one for him, despite her engagement to another man. Alexandra Daddario plays Avery, the object of Noah's affection, who sees him only as a friend even as he hops back in time throughout the 2010s attempting to make her fall in love with him. Butterfly effect consequences with a funny slant ensue.

This sci-fi drama directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead follows two New Orleans paramedics who encounter a series of bizarre, gruesome deaths linked to a mysterious new drug called Synchronic, which messes with users' place in time, sending young users traveling into the past and allowing grown ups to observe different times. Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan star as Steve and Dennis, the paramedics whose friendship and lives are upended by Steve's investigations into the drug's origins and the sudden disappearance of Dennis's daughter.

In the Shadow of the Moon

This noir thriller with sci-fi elements directed by Jim Mickle, is the story of Thomas Lockhart, a determined Philadelphia detective, played by Boyd Holbrook, who becomes obsessed with a case that spans decades. Lockhart's pursuit begins in 1988 when he first encounters a serial killer, played by Cleopatra Coleman, whose crimes not only predict the future but also occur with inexplicable regularity every nine years. As the narrative unfolds, the killer's motives and the mysterious role of time travel become clearer, propelling Lockhart through a temporal chase that defies the linear nature of time.

See You Yesterday

This sci-fi drama, directed by Stefon Bristol and produced by Spike Lee, tells the gripping story of high school prodigies, Claudette "C.J." Walker and Sebastian Thomas, who invent backpacks that allow them to travel through time. Eden Duncan-Smith and Dante Crichlow play the duo, whose ambitions take a tragic turn when they use their invention to prevent the wrongful police shooting of C.J.'s brother, Calvin.

Time Travel

As they say in well-written scripts, "You mean... like time travel?" + also a few bizarre stories about real people who have claimed, despite every law of physics, they have traveled through time.

Screen Rant

Dark season 2 review: german time-travel series takes pleasure in its paradoxes.

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Abby's NCIS Return Just Became Closer To Reality Thanks To An Unexpected Pauley Perrette Update

I can't believe star wars did that to carrie-anne moss, 1 frequently forgotten harry potter character would be the perfect lead for a dark spinoff series.

When Dark first premiered on Netflix in 2017, its title gave away little in terms of what audiences might expect with regard to its story, though it told prospective viewers plenty in terms of the series’ tone. What began as a somber domestic drama that spanned generations in a small German town made notable by the presence of a nuclear power plant, soon revealed itself to be something more: a densely plotted science fiction story about time travel, its various perils, and the looming cloud of a pending apocalypse. And the series combined that with a heaping helping of multi-generational secrecies, lies, and deep family dysfunction thrown in like seasoning.

The first season played out like a mystery — both in terms of the overarching narrative and the manner in which Dark revealed its storytelling intentions. That approach amplified the genre elements at its core, making each revelation about the unwitting and witting participants in a destructive time loop all the more shocking. For instance, the discovery that the father of Jonas Kahnwald (Louis Hofmann) is the boy who went missing in the series’ premiere episode — whisked away to the mid ‘80s where he would grow up and older and father a child before killing himself — offered some clarity to what up to that point had been the series’ otherwise opaque intentions. But as the season went on, Dark demonstrated a knack for turning complexity and mystery into satisfying storytelling, parceling out revelations frequently enough that it didn’t turn into a waiting game, or worse yet, a series of meaningless red herrings.

More: Euphoria Review: HBO’s Provocative Series Presents An Apocalyptic Teenage Wasteland

That kind of propulsive storytelling is likely why Dark will conclude with its already announced third season (or third cycle, as the series has taken to calling it for reasons that will become obvious while watching season 2). The show is mercifully burning its candle at both ends, wasting no time in pushing the story beyond the parameters set up by its first season. As such, the start of season 2 defies expectations in that it refuses to be a rehash of what worked before. Surprisingly, the show’s creators, Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese, begin season 2 by moving beyond the concept of a multi-generational mystery and instead beginning the process of segueing into a different kind of deliberateness, one that doesn’t obfuscate so much, and in doing so delights in its sincere approach to science fiction and especially its commitment to its time travel paradoxes.

The result is a show that, while having some resemblance to both, is less Rian Johnson’s Looper and more Shane Carruth’s Primer , but with a greater sense of purpose, and, perhaps most attractively for a series of this kind, a grand design waiting to be unveiled.

Dark ’s expansive mythology was built up by the end of season 1, but it is blown wide open at the beginning of season 2. It’s been six months since Jonas and Ulrich (Oliver Masucci) disappeared, and the series quickly establishes the emotional weight of those absences, illustrating the desperation of Katharina’s (Jördis Triebel) search for her still missing son and more recently missing husband, while Hannah (Maja Schöne) contemplates ending her life over the loss of Jonas and the man she's been carrying on an affair with. The show’s approach to both is remarkably economical. A quick glimpse of Katharina’s face as she enters the cave in which her child and husband presumably disappeared is all the series needs to establish her arc for the season, so when she finally turns up later in the season, her torment quickly registers and requires no additional explanations.

The series takes a refreshingly divergent approach with regard to its treatment of Hannah, as well as Katharina and Ulrich’s two other kids, Martha (Lisa Vicari) and Magnus (Moritz Jahn), by pushing them deeper into the mystery — and therefore the answers they seek — and by having them greet those answers with acceptance rather than rote skepticism. In addition to making Mulder proud, the series eschews certain conventions in which a character’s willingness to believe in the extraordinary hamstrings the plot’s progression. Abstaining from this practice not only frees up a lot of storytelling space, it also affords Dark the opportunity to get as weird as it wants. And after the first four episodes it’s clear Dark is ready to get very weird.

Like its characters, Dark is prepared to embrace its story, no matter how outlandish it becomes. A refusal to limit just how strange a series will be can be something of a double-edged sword. What initially appears to be unlimited narrative freedom and potential can devolve into an unkempt mess of undeveloped plot threads and thin characters. Dark circumvents this potentiality for the most part by plowing headlong into scenarios that other shows would wait hours (if not seasons) to attempt. As a result, season 2 is full of multiple versions of characters either assisting or thwarting themselves at different points in time, often armed with the knowledge (and sometimes, first-hand experience) that everything is eventually going to come to an end.

Because the series is steering toward a definitive end point, Dark puts a greater emphasis on its antagonists in season 2 as a way of cementing its plot around a singular and more tangible threat. This puts the mysterious Noah (Mark Waschke) in the forefront, as both an obstacle for the time-hopping Jonas and the source of so many answers the audience and the show’s characters seek. Yet despite having Noah, who is essentially a vehicle for exposition at the ready, Dark rarely resorts to arduous info dumps. Instead, it offers necessary information at the time it’s most necessary, making for a more fluid experience that maintains an overall sense of mystery without becoming ponderous, plodding, or repetitive.

Despite its often somber tone, Dark is at times a gleefully weird and earnestly capable genre series. But that fidelity to its classification and willingness to go to outlandish ends to achieve its storytelling goals is what makes the series so entertaining in the first place. In a summer where the paradoxes (intentional and otherwise) of a certain billion dollar blockbuster are endlessly scrutinized, often at the expense of that film’s entertainment value, Dark presents a fascinating alternative: a sci-fi series that not only revels in its many paradoxes, but makes good on them.

Next: Yellowstone Season 2 Review: Modern-Day Western Remembers To Have Fun, Until It Doesn’t

Dark season 2 will stream exclusively on Netflix beginning Friday, June 21.

Dark (2017)

24 Best German Movies on Netflix (May 2024)

Netflix has become the melting pot of universal cinematic cultures in contemporary times. It has established itself as a platform where diverse methods of filmmaking from all over the world come together to celebrate the power of cinema. Right from the Western part of the globe, including America, to the Eastern sphere, including India, Netflix boasts them all. With such a varied group of nationalities, the omniscient German industry has some great uploads on Netflix. Esteemed filmmakers like Luis Bunuel and Werner Herzog have paved the way for German films to be considered at par with quality cinema, and the new age visionaries have added more great stories to the list.

24. Prey (2021)

Directed by Thomas Sieben, this survival thriller follows a group of men who go on a hiking trip but end up being preyed upon by an unknown enemy. As one after another gunshot is fired at them from different directions, the guys realize that the killer won’t stop till all of them are killed. The question is, why this person is trying to kill them? Is this some kind of revenge, or is it someone killing for fun? Be that as it may, help is far away, at least 20 km, and the guys are so deep in the wilderness that their phones have no reception. The only way to escape is to run and hide and continue doing so until they find help. ‘Prey’ stars David Kross, Hanno Koffler, Robert Finster, Yung Ngo and Maria Ehrich. You can watch the film here .

23. Je suis Karl (2021)

In the drama film ‘Je suis Karl,’ directed by Christian Schwochow, a young woman whose family endured the trauma of a terror attack becomes entangled in a complex love story with the charismatic leader of a right-wing political movement. Luna Wedler and Jannis Niewöhner deliver compelling performances in this exploration of love, loss, and the ideological conflicts that shape their lives. As the narrative unfolds, ‘Je suis Karl’ delves into the intricate intersections of personal and political, offering a poignant reflection on the complexities of modern relationships in the face of turbulent societal forces. You can watch the movie here .

22. Blood & Gold (2023)

Directed by Peter Thorwarth, ‘Blood & Gold’ is a thrilling war drama set in Germany towards the end of World War II. It follows a decorated German veteran/deserter, Heinrich (Robert Maaser), who is saved from execution by a lady named Elsa (Marie Hacke), who brings him home. However, German troops are looking for hidden gold for which they are plundering one house after another. The soldier, the woman, and her younger brother Paule (Simon Rupp), with Down syndrome, have to hide from the troops for as long as possible until they find a safe haven. The film then shows Heinrich and Elsa waging a battle, accompanied by a group of villagers, against the German troops who have killed Paule. Will the duo find the gold? The more important question is: will they survive? ‘Blood & Gold’ is one of the best German films available on the streaming platform that you watch right here .

21. For Jojo (2022)

‘For Jojo’ tells the story of childhood best friends Jojo (Nina Gummich) and Paula (Caro Cult). While they enjoy their single life to the fullest in Berlin, there comes a juncture when Paula has to let Jojo go. Jojo has to go to Tulum, Mexico, for work, and while Paula knows she will be miserable without her, she can only do so much. What makes things worse is when the two ladies see Daniel (Steven Sowah), who grew up with them. He, too, is going to Tulum, and as fate would have it, Daniel and Jojo connect, and both decide to get married, something that Paula is completely against and tries to talk Jojo out of it. This only makes Jojo hate Paula and nothing else. ‘For Jojo,’ directed by Barbara Ott, is a story about love and friendship and how life is bigger than both. Hard decisions need to be made, and sometimes these decisions are nothing but acceptance that things aren’t the same anymore, and one has to learn to let go. You can watch the film here .

20. Black Island (2021)

‘Black Island’ is a German film that follows high school graduate Jonas, whose parents die in a tragic car accident and who lives on a remote North Sea island with his grandfather. While coping with loss, Jonas gets romantically involved with an older woman, the new German language teacher Helena Jung. While love blooms like an innocent flower, there is a serpent lurking beneath it, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Helena has been carrying secrets for a long time, and Jonas is one of them. Starring Alice Dwyer, Hanns Zischler, and Mercedes Müller and directed by Miguel Alexandre, ‘Black Island’ is an intriguing mystery thriller that is a perfect binge-watch. You can watch it here .

19. Rising High (2020)

‘Rising High’ is a comedy-drama film directed by Cüneyt Kaya. The film revolves around the rise and fall of two charismatic hustlers, Viktor and Gerry, who manipulate the real estate market in Berlin. Exploiting the city’s booming property prices, they indulge in extravagant lifestyles until their greed leads to their downfall. The movie blends elements of comedy and drama to shed light on the excesses of ambition and deception. The cast includes David Kross as Viktor, Frederick Lau as Gerry, and Janina Uhse. You may watch the film here .

18. All is Well (2018)

‘All is Well’ (original title: ‘Alles ist gut’) is a gripping drama directed by Eva Trobisch. The movie centers on Janne, played by Aenne Schwarz, who tries to resume her life after surviving a sexual assault. Despite societal pressure to move on, she confronts her trauma and seeks justice. The cast also includes Andreas Döhler and Hans Löw. ‘All is Well’ delivers a powerful narrative, exploring themes of resilience and empowerment in the face of adversity while shedding light on the challenges faced by survivors of sexual assault. Feel free to check out the movie here .

17. Buba (2022)

Directed by Arne Feldhusen, ‘Buba’ is a comedy-drama film that takes audiences on a wild ride. The plot revolves around a small-town con artist who decides to team up with his cunning brother and become a part of the local mafia. However, his unrelenting obsession with maintaining karmic balance leads to a series of hilariously brutal and unpredictable events, making for a darkly comedic exploration of crime, karma, and family dynamics. You can check out the film here .

16. How to Be Really Bad (2018)

In ‘How to Be Really Bad’ (German – Original Title: ‘Meine teuflisch gute Freundin’), directed by Marco Petry, the Devil’s daughter finds herself utterly bored with the monotony of life in hell. To alleviate her restlessness, her father devises an unconventional solution: he sends her to Earth with a special task – to convert the unsuspecting inhabitants into embracing their darker sides and engaging in acts of malevolence. This mischievous comedy unfolds as she navigates the challenges of earthly existence while trying to fulfill her devilish mission, resulting in a delightful and humorous exploration of temptation and human nature. You can watch ‘How to Be Really Bad’ here .

15. Paradise (2023)

‘Paradise’ is a futuristic sci-fi film directed by Boris Kunz, depicting a world transformed by a groundbreaking method of transferring one’s life years. This innovation catapults AEON into a billion-dollar empire. In a desperate bid to clear their debts, Elena is compelled to sacrifice 40 precious years of her life, jeopardizing her future with her husband. The film draws parallels to the 2011 Hollywood movie ‘In Time,’ exploring the consequences of a world where time is currency. You may watch it here .

14. Isi & Ossi (2020)

Under the direction of Oliver Kienle, ‘Isi & Ossi’ explores an unexpected love story between Isi, a wealthy girl coerced into an arranged marriage, and Ossi, a struggling boxer on a quest for financial stability. As they join forces to chase their dreams, their disparate worlds intersect, giving rise to a blossoming romance. This movie seamlessly intertwines humor, romance, and social commentary, shedding light on identity, societal norms, and the pursuit of dreams. You can stream the film here .

13. Sixty Minutes (2024)

60 minutes is all Octavio (Emilio Sakraya), an MMA fighter, has to reach his daughter’s birthday party. If he fails, he loses her custody forever. So what’s stopping him? A very important MMA match that many powerful people have put money in. If he doesn’t fight, a huge loss will be incurred, which is a big no. So, in a race against time, Octavio has to rush through the streets of Berlin, Germany, while being chased by thugs who intend to take him back to the fight. All that he has at his disposal are his fighting skills. But will they be enough? Steeped in action and underscored by a father-daughter relationship, ‘Sixty Minutes’ is directed by Oliver Kienle. It co-stars Dennis Mojen, Marie Mouroum, Paul Wollin, Florian Schmidtke, and Livia Matthes. You can watch the film here .

12. Shiny_Flakes: The Teenage Drug Lord (2021)

Directed by Michael Schmitt and Eva Müller, this is a documentary film that tells the story of Maximilian Schmidt and how, at the age of 18, he became a teenage drug lord. In 2013, Schmidt established a drug empire named Shiny Flakes by selling drugs online from his home bedroom in Leipzig, Germany. He was arrested in 2015, and 320 kg of drugs were seized from his house. But in the interim period, he had sold over 900 Kg of drugs, including hash, ecstasy, meth, cocaine, and LSD. He was released in 2019. With re-enactments and words from Schmidt himself, this film is a must-watch. You can do so here .

11. Kidnapping Stella (2019)

Directed and written by Thomas Sieben, ‘Kidnapping Stella’ is a thriller movie that stars Clemens Schick, Jella Haase, and Max von der Groeben. A remake of the British film titled ‘The Disappearance of Alice Creed,’ it follows Stella, the daughter of a wealthy businessman, who is kidnapped by two men named Tom and Vic. It turns out that the former is Stella’s estranged boyfriend, and he is participating in the entire scheme to get rich quickly. However, the victim is pregnant with his child, and when the constant struggle to remain in control ensues between the two parties, it eventually leads to unforeseen outcomes. You can watch the movie here .

Read More: Best Drug Addiction Documentaries on Netflix

10. Into the Beat (2020)

Featuring stand-out performances by Alexandra Pfeifer, Helen Schneider, Anton Wichers, and Trystan Pütter, ‘Into the Beat’ is a coming-of-age drama movie. The Stefan Westerwelle directorial centers upon Katya, a talented ballet dancer whose dancing prowess far exceeds all her peers. So, when the auditions for the New York Ballet Academy are announced, people who know Katya are confident that she may even get a scholarship. However, an unexpected encounter with a group of street dancers changes everything. In the end, Katya has to pick one. Will she follow her heart, or will she listen to her parents and follow in their footsteps? Feel free to check out the movie here and find out.

9. Eldorado: Everything the Nazis Hate (2023)

‘Eldorado: Everything the Nazis Hate,’ skillfully directed by Benjamin Cantu, serves as a compelling documentary shedding light on the lives of LGBT individuals within the tumultuous context of the Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany. Central to the narrative is the iconic Eldorado, a Berlin nightclub that symbolized a safe haven for the queer community. Through the lens of this historic venue, the film illuminates key queer figures of the 1920s and 1930s, including Ernst Röhm, Magnus Hirschfeld, Gottfried von Cramm, Manasse Herbst, Charlotte Charlaque, and Toni Ebel.

It features poignant interviews with individuals like Walter Arlen, a young gay Jew from Interwar Austria, while also delving into the oppressive implications of Paragraph 175 in Weimar, Nazi, and post-War West Germany. This documentary masterfully captures a vital yet often overlooked facet of history, making it a poignant exploration of resilience in the face of persecution and a valuable addition to the LGBTQ+ and Holocaust documentary genre. You can check out the film here .

8. The Four of Us (2021)

Nils, Janina, Ben, and Maria are two couples who decide to experiment by engaging in a month-long partner-swapping experiment. They hope that it will bring much-needed excitement to their lives, but things do not go as expected after they regroup in a beach house to discuss their experiences. It turns out that one of the couples has broken the only rule agreed upon by them collectively. Directed and co-written by Florian Gottschick, ‘The Four of Us’ or ‘Du Sie Er & Wir’ delves deeper into several critical aspects of modern-day relationships and offers a captivating story that keeps viewers hooked from the start to the very end. You can watch ‘The Four of Us’ here .

7. Army of Thieves (2021)

A second installment of the film franchise of the same name, ‘Army of Thieves’ is a heist comedy movie that stars Matthias Schweighöfer, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Ruby O. Fee. Sebastian is an ordinary bank teller who has been having nightmares ever since reports of a zombie outbreak in Nevada dominate the international news. He likes to take his mind off those things by making safecracking YouTube videos. It is under one such video that he is invited by a woman who turns out to be Gwendoline, a jewel burglar, to join a band of thieves to pull off a seemingly impossible heist in Europe. You may watch the movie here .

6. Christmas Crossfire (2020)

Samuel, a young man trying to impress a woman that he is interested in, accidentally finds himself in a dangerous murder scheme. Without truly realizing the consequences of his actions, he ends up spoiling the murder plan of the killers. As he flees in the ensuing chaos, the woman he has just met begins to find his whereabouts. The independent incidents form the crux of ‘Christmas Crossfire,’ a comedy movie starring Kostja Ullmann, Alli Neumann, and Sascha Alexander Gersak that entertains viewers throughout its 105-minute run. You may watch ‘Christmas Crossfire’ here .

5. Mute (2018)

Four decades from the present time, Berlin has emerged as a potpourri of cultures as immigrants from both Western and Eastern countries now make up its fragile social fabric. Like millions of others, Leo Beiler, a mute bartender, just wants to lead a peaceful life there and avoids conflicts as much as possible. However, when the love of his life goes missing, Leo is left with very few options as he begins a desperate search for his significant other. His investigations lead him to the city’s gangsters, and Leo realizes that he will have to put everything on the line. Directed and co-written by Duncan Jones, ‘Mute’ is a neo-noir science fiction movie that keeps the audience guessing with its unique twists and turns. You can stream the film here .

4. The Privilege (2022)

Starring Max Schimmelpfennig, Lise Risom Olsen, and Caroline Hartig, ‘The Privilege’ is a drama movie directed and co-written by Felix Fuchssteiner and Katharina Schöde. Finn was just a young boy when his sister tried to take him with her before jumping off a bridge and killing herself. The psychological wounds left by the incident continue to trouble Finn several years later as well, and after a few tests, his doctors inform him that he has sustained brain damage as well. As if this was not bad enough, as he and his classmates look into some strange supernatural events, they end up uncovering a dark conspiracy that puts their lives in danger. You can stream ‘The Privilege’ here .

3. Berlin, Berlin (2020)

A sequel to the television series of the same name, ‘Berlin, Berlin’ is a romantic comedy film directed by Franziska Meyer Price. The Felicitas Woll and Jan Sosniok-starrer revolves around Lolle’s complicated love life as she tries to give herself a second chance by getting together with her best friend, Hart. Just when it seems that things are finally falling into place and she can peacefully tie the knot with him, Sven, her second cousin, attempts to ruin everything. Will Lolle finally be able to settle down and lead the peaceful life that she has wanted for herself? To find out how her story unfolds, you will have to watch ‘Berlin, Berlin.’ You can stream it here .

2. Blood Red Sky (2021)

Written by Peter Thorwarth and Stefan Holtz, ‘Blood Red Sky’ (also known as Transatlantic 473) is an action horror film that features talented actors like Roland Møller, Peri Baumeister, Chidi Ajufo, and Alexander Scheer. The movie centers upon the hijacking of an overnight transatlantic flight by a group of terrorists with twisted goals. A mother worried about her young boy suffering from a mysterious illness realizes that no one can help her and the rest of the people on the plane. To save her son’s life, she unleashes a hideous secret that changes everything. To know what that is, you can watch the movie here .

1. All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

‘All Quiet on the Western Front,’ known as ‘Im Westen nichts Neues’ in German (translated as ‘In the West Nothing New’), stands as a monumental anti-war film originating from Germany. Adapted from Erich Maria Remarque’s 1929 novel of the same title, this movie marks the third rendition of the story, following the 1930 and 1979 versions. Helmed by director Edward Berger, the film features a stellar cast, including Felix Kammerer, Albrecht Schuch, Daniel Brühl, Sebastian Hülk, Aaron Hilmer, Edin Hasanovic, and Devid Striesow. The narrative unfolds amidst the backdrop of World War I, focusing on the experiences of Paul Bäumer, an idealistic young German soldier. Alongside his comrades, Bäumer eagerly enlists in the German Army, only to confront the harsh realities of warfare. His dreams of heroism are shattered as he struggles to survive. You may watch the film here .

Read More: Best Disaster Movies on Netflix

Should You Watch Netflix's German Time Travel Series, 'Dark'?

By Dustin Rowles | TV | July 17, 2019 |

Tori has already covered questions that viewers of Netflix’s phenomenally brain-melting time-travel series Dark may have had upon the conclusion of season two — it was that piece that inspired me to watch the series — but I cannot get over how cool the time travel elements are in this series. But what about those who have never seen Dark ? Will it be something you like?

I’m sure that the time travel elements are not unique to Dark — people immersed in sci-fi are probably familiar with the bootstrap paradox and the Godfather paradox — but to implement these time travel elements in a series as expansive as Dark is an enormous undertaking that probably requires a team of researchers just to maintain the series internal logic.

It’s also a show that’s hard to explain without giving away spoilers because the big plot reveals also explain how the time-travel elements work, and for me anyway, it took roughly a season and a half for it to really sink in. I am so used to shows like Quantum Leap , Travelers , or Doctor Who or even movies like Back to the Future and The Terminator , where characters travel in time to effect or prevent a future or past change. Paradoxes, likewise, are problematic: I recall an episode of Doctor Who where a character saw herself in a different timeline and it ripped a hole in the space-time continuum. But paradoxes are almost the point of Dark .

Take, for instance, Back to the Future : Marty McFly goes back in time and accidentally interrupts the event that would lead to his parent’s meeting, getting married, and having children. Marty has to find a new way to connect his parents or else he will cease to exist.

If Back to the Future operated under the same rules as Dark , Marty couldn’t change the past. The past is fixed. The only reason Marty exists is because he traveled in the past and connected his parents, and had he not traveled into the past, he wouldn’t exist, but he does exists, therefore, he had to have traveled back into the past. Marty wouldn’t even exist if time travel weren’t possible. It’s a paradox. Likewise, the Delorean Time Machine would only exist because the Dr. Brown of the ’50s learned how to invent it from reverse-engineering the Delorean Time Machine he invented in the ’80s. If Marty had not driven the time machine into the 1950s, Dr. Brown never would have invented it in the 1980s, and Marty McFly never would have traveled back in time in it.

In Dark , when a character goes back in time to change it, he invariably creates the event he meant to change. Let’s say, for instance, in 2001 Marty McFly knows that Dr. Brown was run over and killed by bad people in 1985. Marty McFly cannot change that; in fact, if he attempts to do so, he will unleash the very chain of events that leads to Dr. Brown being killed by bad people in 1985. The past and the future are interconnected. The past knows the events of the future, and the future knows the events of the past. If you go back in the past to try and kill Baby Hitler, the bitterness over the bullet wound will be what creates the adult Hitler. If you try and stop the assassination of JFK, your efforts will put Lee Harvey Oswalt on the path to assassinating JFK.

In Dark , the characters are stuck in a time loop, the end of which is basically the end of the world. The characters who survived the end of the world nevertheless saw it happen, an therefore it is. They exist in this future dystopia, but all of their efforts to go back in time to prevent it invariably result in creating the very conditions that result in the end of the world. It’s like if the Terminator went back in time to save Sarah Conner and ensure she gives birth to John Connor, only to realize that John Connor’s very existence is why the world went to hell in the first place. It was the Terminator’s fault all along!

So, what’s the point of the series if nothing can be changed? Well, that is kind of the point. Through two seasons, the characters are still trying to find a crack in the time loop they can exploit to undo the end of the world, and the second-season finale throws in a new wrinkle that’s even mindfuckier than before. It’s also a very good character drama, and the time travel elements play havoc on relationships. Imagine, for instance, if you fell madly in love with someone who died, but then you travel back in time to prevent her death only to precipitate it. You killed your soul mate! Also, it takes most of the characters a lot of time to realize that time travel is at play, and the entire focus is on a small universe of basically four families, and let’s just say there’s some wild inadvertent incest at play. Like, one woman is her mother’s daughter. That sort of thing.

Basically what I’m saying is, if all of that sounds intriguing, Dark may be the perfect show for you.

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German movies about time travel

In the top there are new films of 2021, a plot description and trailers for films that have already been released.

When a hunter sent back to the prehistoric era runs off the path he must not leave, he causes a chain reaction that alters history in disastrous ways.

A military veteran goes on a journey into the future, where he can foresee his death and is left with questions that could save his life and those he loves.

Gwendolyn Shepherd is a normal 16-year-old, but her family holds a secret: A time-travel gene is expressed in the clan inherited, but not every member of the family is blessed with. Everyone is certain that Gwen's cousin Charlotte has the gene. However, someday Gwendolyn suddenly finds herself in London at the end of the 19th century and realizes that it her, who was born a time traveler. While she is not very enthusiastic about it she will do everything possible to solve the ancient mysteries of the red ruby.

Four young outsiders teleport to a dangerous universe, which alters their physical form in shocking ways. Their lives irrevocably upended, the team must learn to harness their daunting new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy.

Hobbs has Dominic and Brian reassemble their crew to take down a team of mercenaries: Dominic unexpectedly gets convoluted also facing his presumed deceased girlfriend, Letty.

Africa. In the wild expanses, where bush-bucks, impalas, zebras, gnus and other creatures graze by the thousands, they are on holiday. German and Austrian hunting tourists drive through the bush, lie in wait, stalk their prey. They shoot, sob with excitement and pose before the animals they have bagged. A vacation movie about killing, a movie about human nature.

The story of a woman who must find her kidnapped son, navigating a world she doesn't know, on the edge of danger with every heartbeat.

A multi-episode movie based on the skit TV show "bullyparade".

Mara Lorbeer, a fifteen year old girl, finds out that she has to save the world because the Norse god Loki is threatening to break free of his chains.

Adolf Hitler wakes up in a vacant lot in Berlin, with no knowledge of anything that happened after 1945. Homeless and destitute. Although everyone recognizes him, nobody believes that he is Hitler; instead, they think he is either a comedian, or a method actor.

Purehearted teen Lazzaro is content living as a sharecropper in rural Italy, but an unlikely friendship with the marquise’s son will change his world.

Eastern Cape, South Africa. A lonely factory worker, Xolani, takes time off his job to assist during an annual Xhosa circumcision initiation into manhood. In a remote mountain camp that is off limits to women, young men, painted in white ochre, recuperate as they learn the masculine codes of their culture. In this environment of machismo and aggression, Xolani cares for a defiant initiate from Johannesburg, Kwanda, who quickly learns Xolani's best kept secret, that he is in love with another man.

A girl struggling with asthma is taken to a clinic in South Tyrol to be cured. After some time she decides to get out of this hell (that's how she feels about it) and soon she'll meet a new friend. Together they try to reach the peak of a mountain where, according to an old custom, she can be healed.

The story of two sisters on a journey, where they try to get close to each other and approach the tough questions in life. Euphoria is a contemporary drama about responsibility and reconciliation, in a world where these concepts are gradually being lost.

Juliane's happiness seems perfect. She is head over heals in love and has just begun a new life with August. One morning, however, she wakes up to find that she has been unexplainable thrown back into her past - to the time before she met her new love. Is what seems at first glance a cruel setback in reality actually a second chance?

Before Dawn charts the years of exile in the life of famous Jewish Austrian writer Stefan Zweig, his inner struggle for the "right attitude" towards the events in war torn Europe and his search for a new home.

Vitaly Mansky’s intimate and insightful new documentary finds him crisscrossing the Ukraine in the wake of the Maidan uprising, which has left his relatives scattered on both sides of a highly charged and dizzyingly complex political situation.

Decorated soldier Captain Colter Stevens wakes up in the body of an unknown man, discovering he's involved in a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train. He learns he's part of a top-secret experimental program that enables him to experience the final 8 minutes of another person's life. Colter re-lives the train incident over and over again, gathering more clues each time. But can he discover who is responsible for the attack before the next one happens?

An eccentric multimillionaire signs an agreement to have his life ended. While selecting his coffin he meets a young woman who has signed up for the same arrangement. Trouble ensues when the couple falls in love and wishes to get out of the contract.

STEFFEN VOGT, aged around 25, is helping out at a German archeological excavation in Israel when he finds a 2,000-year-old skeleton holding the instructions for a video camera dating from the year 2003. The bones also show traces of the present day. His theory of a time-traveler who made a video of Jesus is laughed at by everyone, however, including SHARON, an attractive Israeli woman he adores. Although no one appears to believe him, his find certainly seems to have generated interest: Steffen is attacked shortly afterwards in his hotel room by strange men; then he discovers that the German embassy and the secret service are after him; and when his friend DAN is murdered, he goes into hiding.

It is a Saturday in autumn, and Karin and Simon are visiting their parents and youngest sister Clara. This family gathering provides the occasion for a dinner together, at which other relatives appear over the course of the day. While the family members animate the apartment’s space with their conversations, everyday activities and cooking preparations, the cat and dog range through the various rooms. they too become a central element in this quotidian familial dance that repeatedly manifests stylized elements, disrupting any naturalistic mode of presentation. In this way, adjoining spaces open up between family drama, fairy tale and the psychological study of a mother.

An anthology feature of 10 stories of romance set in the German capital.

Maria finds herself caught between two worlds. At school this 14-year-old girl has all the typical teenage interests, but when she’s at home with her family she follows the teachings of the Society of St. Paul and their traditionalist interpretation of Catholicism. Everything that Maria thinks and does must be examined before God. And since the Lord is a strict shepherd, she lives in constant fear of committing some misconduct...

A group of German construction workers set out for a foreign construction site in the Bulgarian province. The strange country awakens adventure feelings among the men. At the same time, they are confronted with their prejudices and mistrust. For two of the men, a nearby village becomes the stage for a competition for the recognition and favor of the village.

A road movie about two very different brothers who have not seen each other for 20 years: city manager Christian and cabinetmaker Georg, who never left their hometown and took care of their father until his passing. After their fathers funeral, the brothers decide on a whim, and with some help from the alcohol, to fulfil their old dream: travel trough Germany together on their mopeds.

Faust inhabits an earthy, 19th-century world of primitive autopsies and medical rituals. He becomes obsessed with the beautiful Margarete and desperately turns to a physically grotesque moneylender to conjure their union.

Taking place at the Concentration camp Buchenwald at the end of March 1945, prisoner Hans Pippig discovers in a carrying case of an incoming prisoner a Jewish child. If reported the three-year-old is sure to die. On the other hand, a violation of the rules of the camp would threaten the long prepared uprising of the concentration camp prisoners against the SS.

María, a girl from Colonia Dignidad, in Chile —a kind of sectarian community, tyrannically mastered by the ruthless Paul Schäfer, a German madman, religious fanatic and child predator, who would end up turning the place into a torture center at the service of the military dictatorship ruled by Augusto Pinochet—, is punished for having lost three pigs, so she decides to run away and take refuge in an abandoned house hidden in the forest.

When the kingdom's most wanted-and most charming-bandit Flynn Rider hides out in a mysterious tower, he's taken hostage by Rapunzel, a beautiful and feisty tower-bound teen with 70 feet of magical, golden hair. Flynn's curious captor, who's looking for her ticket out of the tower where she's been locked away for years, strikes a deal with the handsome thief and the unlikely duo sets off on an action-packed escapade, complete with a super-cop horse, an over-protective chameleon and a gruff gang of pub thugs.

An American backpacker gets involved with a ring of drug smugglers as their driver, and winds up on the run from his employers across Munich's autobahns.

The tables are turned as four teenagers are sucked into Jumanji's world - pitted against rhinos, black mambas and an endless variety of jungle traps and puzzles. To survive, they'll play as characters from the game.

A successful artist loses control of his life after his young daughter's death. A chance for a new start appears, but all is not what it seems.

Oliver is a banker and portfolio manager and leads a life in the fast lane, which one day comes to an abrupt end, as he builds a self-inflicted accident on highway with 230 km / h and raced through a guardrail. When he wakes up in the hospital again, he faces a devastating diagnosis: paraplegia. Actually, a rehabilitation stay of several months is planned in the hospital, but Oliver soon falls on his head and ends up in a disabled shared flat with the name "Die Goldfische"

Miguel and Johnny know each other since childhood. They are dedicated to skate and have fun. To earn easy money and continue skating, they sell their own blood to a clandestine contact in a hospital. The activity becomes business until a large transaction is not as they imagined.

Donato fails in his attempt to save a drowning man, and meets one of the man's friends. He decides to start his life over, but pieces of his past keep coming after him.

Lukas, 20, is a prisoner in his own body. As a pre-op transgendered person, he is constantly finding himself trapped in uncomfortable, compromising positions. His best friend, Ine introduces him to the gay scene in Cologne where he meets the confident and gorgeous, Fabio. The two develop a romantic relationship that tests the boundaries of love. ROMEOS forgoes stereotypes and conventions to offer an honest and humorous examination of the most basic of human conditions: friendship, sex, and love.

A young prosecutor in postwar West Germany investigates a massive conspiracy to cover up the Nazi pasts of prominent public figures.

Astrid is a comedian who makes people laugh for a living; her husband Markus is her manager and the two of them work well together. They have a nine-year-old daughter and are expecting their second child. When they learn that their child will not be born healthy, they are at first optimistic that they will be able to meet this challenge – although they have no idea what awaits them. But the closer it gets to the due date, the more Astrid begins to worry about the future of her unborn child as well as that of her family and her career. After many discussions and arguments Astrid realises that the decision that will affect all their lives must be made by her alone. What complicates matters further is the fact that, as a successful entertainer, she is in the eye of the public and the media.

The celebration of the 50th anniversary of “Capitol-Insurance” is due – that's what the bosses thought. All employees are invited to join the party in a hotel. However, rumors say the company's not doing very well. To avoid unemployment due to the possible shutdown of the smaller branch office the only option is to move to the headquarters. Now that's the ultimate challange for Stromberg, who is notoriously trying to be the example of a department manager, gathering all of his employees behind him.

Benjamin, a young German computer whiz, is invited to join a subversive hacker group that wants to be noticed on the world's stage.

A student moves in with a family that lives in an underground house in the middle of the forest, far from civilization. His hopes of peace and quiet are soon shattered, when it becomes apparent that both the parents and their son have a screw loose.

While subjected to the horrors of WWII Germany, young Liesel finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others. Under the stairs in her home, a Jewish refuge is being sheltered by her adoptive parents.

A dramatic retelling of the life of Ludwig II, King of Bavaria, one of the most fascinating monarchs of modern times. From his accession to the throne at the age of 18 to his passionate support of Richard Wagner and his music. From his ingenuous political commitment to his obsessive construction of extravagant palaces and to his gradual withdrawal into a lonely dream world, an epic narrative of breathtaking grandeur.

Two university students gain insight into life and love as they get to know each other during a road trip across Europe.

The ambitious punk rocker Max and the eco-activist Inge cannot stand each other, ever since Max publicly exposed her by singing the offensive song "When Inge is Dancing" in front of the whole school. But for Max and his classmates Fabio, Joscha and Lukas this song in particular has become a real hit at school as well as in the regional music scene: Their band called Systemfehler is on the verge of a breakthrough. But just before the important gig, which could get them a record deal, guitarist Josha is injured and can't play. Inge happens to be an excellent guitarist, and the only person who can fill in at such short notice. But when Max asks for her help, she imposes one non-negotiable condition: If she decides to play with the band, they will not perform the song "Wenn Inge tanzt".

On 24th August 1992 in the eastern German city of Rostock a rampaging mob, to the applause and cheering of more than 3,000 bystanders, besieged and set fire to a residential building containing, among others, more than 120 Vietnamese men, women and children on what has since become known as "The Night of the Fire." The riots became a symbol for xenophobia in the just recently reunited Germany. This film recounts the incident from the perspectives of three very different characters.

In 1982, André Bamberski learns about the death of his 14 year-old daughter, Kalinka, while she was on vacation with her mother and stepfather in Germany. Convinced that Kalinka’s death was not an accident, Bamberski begins to investigate. A botched autopsy report raises his suspicions and leads him to accuse Kalinka’s stepfather, Dr Dieter Krombach, as the murderer. Unable to indict Krombach in Germany, Bamberski attempts to take the trial to France, where he will dedicate his life to Kalinka’s justice and the imprisonment of Krombach.

A French marquis wanders through a vast labyrinth of corridors, theaters and ballrooms at a reception for a Persian ambassador.

Hazen Kaine, an American contract killer living in Sofia, Bulgaria, gets more than he bargains for when he enters into a contract with the mob. One last job before he gets out and starts a new life for himself. The targets: the three children of royal billionaire Andon Dupont. Seems simple enough, or so he thought. Hazen apprehends the children, and before he can blink an eye, a simple necklace worn by one of the children sends his life spiraling back to medieval times. Now completely out of his element, Hazen fights for his life as he tries to escape a medieval army and a fierce fire-breathing dragon.

"The Crocodiles" are celebrating the birthday of Hannes and the beginning of the best summer vacation they have ever had. Although the boys have grown and developed different interests, the band remains united against all odds. During a wild karts race that ends in a terrible accident, Frank is taken to hospital by ambulance. His life is in danger: he needs a transplant from a close relative to save his life. The only possible donor is his brother, Dennis, who was put behind bars by the Crocodiles with their teammate Kevin. Time is running out, but true friends never give up! With the help of Jenny and Hannes' mother , the band surprises us with a bold plan

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5 Reasons Why You Should Be Watching ‘Dark,’ Netflix’s New Twisty German Time Travel Show

Also Read: Top 25 Best Netflix Original Series, Ranked From Great to Phenomenal (Photos)

1. It’s a little bit “Stranger Things,” a little bit “Twin Peaks,” a little bit “Lost” and a whole bunch of doing its own thing

Also Read: 14 Time Travel TV Shows You Should Be Watching Right Now, From '12 Monkeys' to 'Time After Time' (Photos)

2. It’s one of the rare on-screen time travel stories with airtight time travel logic

3. It’s also a super compelling personal drama

Also Read: Netflix in December: What's Coming and What to Watch Before It's Gone (Photos)

4. It uses time travel as a religious metaphor

5. It’s just extremely cool looking, with a stellar score to boot

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The 14 Best German Movies on Netflix in June 2024

Streaming services like Netflix provide us with access to movies and shows from all over the world.

This means we get an inside look at the culture, language and popular entertainment of places thousands of miles away.

Among the collection of foreign offerings on Netflix are some incredible German movies that will thrill and engage you.

Keep reading for 14 of the best German movies on Netflix, from rom-coms to sci-fi thrillers, documentaries and more.

1. “Im Westen nichts Neues” (“All Quiet on the Western Front”)
2. “Eldorado – Alles, was die Nazis hassen” (“Eldorado: Everything the Nazis Hate”)
3. “Hitler – Eine Karriere” (“Hitler: A Career”)
4. “Faraway”
5. “Wolkenbruch” (“The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch”)
6. “Alles ist gut” (“All is Well”)
7. “Rock My Heart”
8. “Isi & Ossi”
9. “Army of Thieves”
10. “Paradise”
11. “Meine teuflisch gute Freundin” (“How to Be Really Bad”)
12. “Buba”
13. “Into the Beat – Dein Herz tanzt” (Your heart is dancing)

14. 60 Minutes

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1. “ Im Westen nichts Neues ” (“All Quiet on the Western Front”)

Genre: Action/war drama

This powerful anti-war film is based on the 1929 novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque. It’s set during World War I and will immerse you in the harrowing experiences of soldiers during a brutal conflict. Through the eyes of young soldiers, the film explores the grim realities of war, delving into the physical and emotional toll it exacts.

It received numerous awards and nominations including four Oscars at the 95th Academy Awards for Best International Feature, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score and Best Production Design.

2. “ Eldorado – Alles, was die Nazis hassen ” (“Eldorado: Everything the Nazis Hate”)

Genre: Documentary

This documentary centers around a Berlin nightclub that became a haven for LGBTQ+ people in the 1920s. It explores the impacts of Hitler’s rise to power and the freedom his regime took away, as well as the lasting impact of repression throughout history.

The film gives faces and voices to this dark period of time in a respectful and stylistic manner. You’ll get to hear moving testimonies and meet survivors who have persevered through decades of hate and violence. This is a powerful look at an often-forgotten part of history that reminds us of the importance of resisting oppression and demanding freedom.

The audio is a mix of English and German, with subtitles available in both languages.

3. “ Hitler – Eine Karriere ” (“Hitler: A Career”)

This documentary explores the life and political career of Adolf Hitler, delving into his early years, his ascent to power and the atrocities committed during his regime. Using archival footage, interviews and historical analysis, it portrays Hitler’s manipulation of mass psychology and his totalitarian control contributing to the devastation of World War II.

It sheds light on the complexities of his character and ideology, offering important lessons to be learned from history’s darkest chapters. I know we don’t always feel like something heavy, but this is a well-crafted and important watch offering a unique look into the past.

4. “ Faraway ”

Genre: Romantic comedy/drama

This charming film follows Zeynep, a woman who feels unhappy in her life. In hopes of finding peace and happiness, she takes a spontaneous trip to a Croatian island where she has inherited a house that her mom bought before she passed away.

There, she’s surprised to meet Josip, who lives on the property. She soon finds that there’s more than just new scenery available to her in this beautiful place. The actors deliver charming performances and the landscapes are breathtaking, contributing to the film’s appeal. While it may be predictable (what rom-com isn’t), it’s a great option for a rainy day.

5. “ Wolkenbruch ” (“The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch”)

This Swiss film follows the journey of Motti, a young Orthodox Jewish man from Zurich, as he navigates the complexities of his cultural upbringing and personal desires. The humor in this film is strong, so queue it up if you’re ready to laugh.

Caught between the expectations of his traditional family and his attraction to a non-Jewish woman, Motti embarks on a humorous and heartfelt exploration of identity, love and self-discovery. With witty humor and cultural insights, the film delves into themes of tradition, family and finding one’s own path.

6. “ Alles ist gut ” (“All is Well”)

Genre: Drama

In this heart-wrenching drama, the main character Janne is sexually assaulted by her boss’ brother-in-law. While she vows to live in silence and not to tell anyone about what has happened to her, the incident festers within her, complicating her work, her day-to-day life and her relationship with her lover.

This film is a true cinematic masterpiece. The cinematography is expertly done, and of course, the German dialogue is elegant and poignant. There’s a reason this film has a coveted 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes . In 2018, it earned Eva Trobisch the Stockholm Film Festival award for Best Director.

7. “ Rock My Heart ”

This German coming-of-age drama follows Jana, a 17-year-old with a heart condition who defies her limitations by pursuing her passion for horse racing. Determined to prove herself, she forms a unique bond with a spirited horse named Rock My Heart.

Jana’s journey is a blend of courage, friendship and self-discovery as she overcomes physical challenges and societal expectations. The film beautifully captures her determination and the emotional connections that define her path. With heartfelt performances and a touching narrative, “Rock My Heart” portrays the power of chasing one’s dreams against all odds. It’s bound to inspire you to follow yours!

8. “ Isi & Ossi ”

Genre: Romantic comedy

This film follows the unlikely romance between two individuals from contrasting backgrounds: Isi, a wealthy girl pressured into an arranged marriage, and Ossi, a struggling boxer seeking financial stability. As they collaborate to fulfill their individual aspirations, their worlds collide and love blossoms.

The film interweaves humor and romance with social commentary, highlighting themes of identity, societal expectations and the pursuit of dreams. You’ll be entertained by the blend of cultural clashes and heartwarming moments as you get wrapped up in a love story that defies conventional norms.

9. “ Army of Thieves ”

Genre: Action/comedy/crime thriller

If you caught “Army of the Dead,” you’re in for a treat with its prequel. This film dives into the backstory and the origins of main character Ludwig Dieter. Ludwig is a skilled safecracker who’s entangled in a thrilling heist. He gets recruited by a mysterious woman and joins a team of diverse criminals with unique expertise.

As they plan to rob a series of high-security vaults across Europe, Dieter must navigate complex relationships and unexpected challenges. The story is a blend of action, suspense and humor, and is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

10. “ Paradise ”

Genre: Sci-fi thriller

This film takes a look into the future where time is currency. In this fictional scenario, a groundbreaking innovation enables the transfer of years of life between individuals. When a woman is forced to give up 40 years of her life to settle a debt, her husband embarks on a determined quest to reclaim those lost years.

In a society obsessed with reversing the aging process, this dystopian thriller provides an interesting look into the possible dangers of this pursuit. If you’re a sci-fi fan or are interested in the potential complications of modern technology, you’ll likely enjoy it.

11. “ Meine teuflisch gute Freundin ” (“ How to Be Really Bad”)

Genre: Comedy

Lilith is the Devil’s teenage daughter. When her eternal life down in the fiery pits gets a tad monotonous, dear old Dad gives her a curious challenge—a week to turn Earthlings to the dark side. If she fails, she’ll be stuck crunching numbers back in the infernal bookkeeping department.

Lilith embraces her mission with gusto, forming an unexpected bond with a human named Greta. But converting hearts to wickedness isn’t as easy as it sounds. And as if that weren’t enough, the cosmic curveball of love enters the scene, stirring up a tempest she never saw coming.

12. “ Buba ”

Genre: Comedy/drama

This film follows Buba, whose real name is Jakob Otto. Every time situations in his life start to improve, something bad happens. After his parents die in a tragic accident, Jakob adopts the belief that he must counterbalance any positive emotions in his life.

Working with his brother Dante, they create a method to ensure that his daily experiences are as disagreeable as they can be. This approach has worked for over thirty years, until Jakob unexpectedly falls in love. Maintaining a balance of good and bad in his life becomes a challenge as he falls further for this new romantic interest.

13. “ Into the Beat – Dein Herz tanzt ” (Your heart is dancing)

This coming-of-age film revolves around Katya, a talented ballet dancer who unexpectedly discovers her passion for hip-hop dancing. As she navigates the worlds of traditional ballet and contemporary dance, Katya embarks on a journey of self-discovery, forging her own path amidst familial expectations.

The film beautifully captures the exhilaration of artistic expression, the challenges of pursuing one’s dreams and the power of embracing individuality. The relatable characters and heartwarming narrative don’t win you over, the engaging dance sequences are sure to entertain you.

Genre: Sports

Octavio is a passionate mixed martial artist with a big fight coming up. But he also has a daughter—who he’s desperately fighting to keep custody of.

Octavio’s daughter’s birthday is coming up, but it’s on the same day as the important MMA fight. And if he doesn’t make it, he could forever lose custody of her.

He only has 60 minutes to get to her party, an ultimately, chooses to go instead of participate in the fight.

But when a group of criminals discover his decision, the chase for him is on.

With so many options on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and beyond , you’re bound to find something good to watch—whatever you’re in the mood for!

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Watch authentic media to simultaneously immerse yourself in the German language and build an understanding of the German culture.

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Home » Blog » 25 Best Travel Movies On Netflix

25 Best Travel Movies On Netflix

I think every wanderlust lover enjoys a great travel movie! These films can make you travel the world in a little under two hours and can be super inspiring. Though finding the right movies to watch when traveling can be time-consuming and even complicated if you’re on an international trip. That’s why Netflix is life-saving for all travel lovers wanting to watch movies on the road!

For me, one of the best gifts for travel lovers is a streaming subscription! This allows us to download movies and watch them whenever suits us better while on a trip. It’s practical and stress-free! Plus, Netflix has an impressive movie catalog that includes some of the most beloved travel films out there. That’s why I decided to create this roundup. Keep reading to find out what are the best travel movies on Netflix!

Best Travel Movies On Netflix - Eat Pray Love

1. Eat, Pray, Love (2010)

This movie is an absolute classic! Not only is this story filled with beautiful landscapes, but it’s also quite moving. It’s based on a true story, so you’re for sure getting the real deal here. The plot follows a freshly divorced woman, Liz, as she embarks on a 9 month-long trip to find herself. The story kicks off in New York but Liz travels to Italy, India, and Bali on this self-discovery journey. It’s fast-paced (only about an hour and a half long) and filled with travel motivation. As you can probably tell, this movie is as inspiring as it gets!

2. Lion (2016)

This is another touching film based on true events. It’s the story of Brierley, who got lost and separated from his parents at only 5 years old. He ended up on the other side of his home country, India, and never saw them again, getting adopted later and moving to Australia. But the story kicks off when Brierley decides to go on a journey to find them! The movie will take you on a heart-wrenching journey across India and Australia. It lasts almost two hours, so get cozy!

3. Chasing Liberty (2004)

For anyone longing for a 2000’s rom-com after two emotional films, I’ve got you! This is such a feel-good type of movie that it’s perfect for anyone stuck at a boarding gate, bus terminal, or rainy day when camping ! The story follows the daughter of the President of The United States as she steps off on a European adventure to rebel against the constant security imposed on her. It’s got European travel destinations, 2000’s nostalgia, and romance!

4. Expedition Happiness (2017)

If you want to check out some of the best United States road trip destinations , then this film is for you! Expedition Happiness follows a German couple as they set off on a road trip across the USA, Mexico, and Canada. They explore all of North America with their dog and a converted school bus. The views are spectacular and will definitely inspire you to travel! It lasts 96 minutes and will convince you to pack your bags before you even get to watch half of it!

Best Travel Movies On Netflix - Mamma Mia

5. Mamma Mia (2008)

Another outstanding classic! I couldn’t leave Mamma Mia out of this list, especially when it’s such an uplifting and comforting film. The story takes place on a Greek island ( anyone else longing for some sun right now?) and follows a young woman named Sophie who’s about to get married. She wants her father to be there but doesn’t know who she is. So Sophie invites all three of her potential dads to the wedding! It’s a true rollercoaster of a film. Plus, it’s a musical, so there’s even more to love about it!

6. Ibiza (2018)

Okay, so this movie is pretty much a rulebook for what NOT to do on a business trip. Which makes it all that much more fun and enjoyable! The plot follows Harper, a 30-year-old woman from NYC who travels to Barcelona for work. But (of course) everything goes off track when she meets a handsome DJ! It’s only an hour and a half long, so you can definitely squeeze it in the middle of any busy day!

7. The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

Alright, we’re back to the moving travel movies category. For real now, this is the ultimate road trip movie! It follows the story of Ben, a writer turned caregiver in charge of a teenager with muscular dystrophy, Trevor. As the boy loves American roadside attractions, Ben convinces his mother to go on a road trip across the country. It’s an emotional film packed with views of the open road!

Best Travel Movies On Netflix - The Terminal

8. The Terminal (2004)

Pretty much everyone and their mother knows this is a great movie. This commercial success follows the ordeal of an Eastern European man stranded inside of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport because his passport is no longer valid. But the same reason why they won’t let him in is the same reason why he can’t leave: his country suffered a military coup and his life would be in danger. So he stays there, making a terminal his new home as he waits for asylum. This is a classic and you should not miss it!

Best Travel Movies On Netflix - Casino Royale

9. Casino Royale (2006)

James Bond films are always quite the show! They’re bound to make you have fun while traveling. This one follows Bond as he is earning his license to kill and is involved in a high-stakes poker game at the Casino Royale, Montenegro. The movie was shot in the Czech Republic, the Bahamas, Italy, and the United Kingdom. So you’ll see lots of different places!

10. Amelie (2001)

If you’ve ever longed for a trip to Paris, then this movie is for you! The story follows Amelie, a girl whose childhood was conditioned by her mistakenly diagnosed heart condition. As she barely got any real-life interactions with people, she resorted to her own fantasy world that resulted in a vivid imagination even as an adult. Her life changes when she moves to Paris and that’s where this story begins. It’s a cinematic masterpiece and a very acclaimed film!

Best Travel Movies On Netflix - Into The Wild

11. Into the Wild (2007)

This great movie will take you deep into the wilderness of Alaska. It’s the story of Christopher McCandless, as he sells all of his possessions after graduating from university and departs to Alaska. He even donates all of his savings to give it all up and live in the wild. Along the way, he’ll encounter people that will forever make an impact on his life. It’s quite a long film (almost two and a half hours long) but definitely worth your time!

12. Adrift (2018)

This moving film is based on an inspiring true story and will leave you shaken. It follows the adventures of two sailors who embark on a trip across the seas only to find themselves in the eye of one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in history. After the storm, their boat is shredded to pieces and one of them is badly injured. Now all they have to do is try to survive. It’s a gripping story, that’s for sure!

13. Crystal Fairy and the Magical Cactus (2013)

This movie is for those who want a bit of fun when they’re away or daydreaming of being on the road! Meet Jamie, a let-loose American who’s traveling in Chile. There, he joins a woman keen to discover the benefits of a local South American hallucinogen: the San Pedro cactus. You’re bound to have a good laugh with this one. It’s short (1:40 hours) and hilarious!

Best Travel Movies On Netflix - Forrest Gump

14. Forrest Gump (1994)

This American classic is one you’ve probably seen dozens of times before. But we never get tired of this movie! This story follows the beloved character, Forrest Gump, across a tale of his eventful life while he waits at a bus stop. His memoirs also depict a series of key events in American history, so it’s quite the emotional ride. It’s a longer movie, almost two and a half hours long, but certainly an unskippable one!

1 5. Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)

This Netflix documentary follows the life of 85-year-old sushi master Jiro Ono and his work at his renowned sushi restaurant. It also touches upon his relationship with his son as he is under the pressure of taking over the restaurant. Meanwhile, Jiro sets out on his lifelong quest to create the perfect piece of sushi. It all happens in Tokyo, so it’s a great movie for those longing to visit Japan!

Best Travel Movies On Netflix - Faces Places

16. Faces places (2017)

This documentary is the perfect road trip film! The French protagonists, 89-year-old New Wave director Agnés Varda and 33-year-old photographer JR, embark on an artistic journey that’s caught on camera. They travel around the small villages of rural France, as they create portraits of the people they come across on their trip. It’s simple, subtle, and comforting! It’s a great movie for a road trip, so head over to our Road Trip section to start planning your next one.

Best Travel Movies On Netflix - In Search of Fellini

17. In Search Of Fellini (2017)

This story is both dreamy and relatable in certain ways! The protagonist is a small-town girl from Ohio who isn’t too keen on reality but adores movies. When she discovers the artistic and bizarre films of Federico Fellini, she takes off on a passionate trip across Italy just to find him. It’s a coming-of-age memoir mixed with a heavy dose of wanderlust. And if you like Italy’s landscapes, you can’t skip it!

Best Travel Movies On Netflix - The Mummy

18. The Mummy (1999)

This one is another classic! If you’re in the mood for an adventure comedy, this is what you need to watch. Out of all these travel movies, The Mummy has a very distinct vibe. Is a mix of romance, adventure, comedy, and terror that just ticks all the right boxes! It tells the story of an expedition of treasure-seeking explorers in the Sahara Desert. When they uncover an ancient tomb, they set free a 3,000-year-old mummy by accident. And I’ll let you find out the rest from there! Get ready to visit Egypt!

19. The Way (2010)

The Way is visually stunning and emotionally touching. It tells the story of a man who goes to St. Jean Pied de Port, France to gather the remains of his deceased adult son. His son died in a storm while attempting to complete the Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James trail). There, he decides to embark on the pilgrimage himself to honor his son’s desires. It’s an emotional ride but a beautiful one!

20. The Bucket List (2007)

A travel movie with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman is a film worth watching! This comedy-drama follows two men suffering from a terminal illness as they set out on a once-in-a-lifetime kind of road trip. On their journey, they will check off everything they need to from their bucket lists before actually “kicking the bucket”. It’s funny, it features lots of cool places and activities, and it’ll sure keep you company while on the open road!

Best Travel Movies On Netflix - On The Road

21. On The Road (2012)

On The Road is the compelling take of a road trip fuelled by grief and a need for inspiration. Writer Sal Paradise embarks on a trip across the open road to regain clarity and motivation. On his journey, he encounters the free-spirited Dean Moriarty and his charismatic girlfriend. Together they travel the American Southwest in search of the unknown. The landscapes present in this movie are stunning and it’s always great to get to see more of the US!

Best Travel Movies On Netflix - Wild Oats

22. Wild Oats (2012)

This film is for those who want to watch movies that are a ton of fun! Wild Oats is a great movie capable of getting a laugh out of most of us. The story kicks off when a retired high school teacher receives a $5,000,000 check for her deceased husband’s $50,000 life insurance policy. Influenced by her friends, she decides to make the most out of the mistake and embark on a wild trip to the Canary Islands. The location of this film is beautiful and the storyline is hilarious!

Best Travel Movies On Netflix - The Davinci Code

23. The Da Vinci Code (2006)

Everyone knows The Da Vinci Code in one way or another, right? Whether you’ve read the book or seen the film, this is a travel movie worth watching. The story follows symbologist Robert and cryptologist Sophie as they find themselves in the middle of a political and religious battle amid different believers. I don’t want to spoil anything else but this one is a must-watch!

Best Travel Movies On Netflix - Forgetting Sarah Marshall

24. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

This is one of the best comedies/rom-coms of all time! Not only does it make everyone laugh and cringe a little, it’s also set in beautiful Hawaii. The plot follows Peter, who was dumped by his girlfriend (actress Sarah Marshall) and decided to take off to Hawaii. He hopes to relax but, as he’s checking in, he spots Sarah and her new boyfriend. The events that follow are bizarre, hilarious, and worth watching!

Best Travel Movies On Netflix - Cairo Time

25. Cairo Time (2009)

Finishing off this roundup of travel movies on Netflix with Cairo Time seems like the right move. This movie is poetic to its core and has some really strong performances. It’s a romantic drama that focuses on an unexpected affair in Cairo. Of course, it features the best views of the city and a few of Egypt’s most iconic landmarks. For those of you who love the Pyramids, this one’s for you!

What are your favorite travel movies and shows on Netflix?

Those are the 25 best travel movies on Netflix! Each and every one of these films is perfect for sparking that wanderlust flame or preparing for an upcoming trip. Even more, you can watch them while traveling on a road trip or at the hotel! So just download them and get ready to be entertained for a while. What is your favorite travel movie? Let me know in the comments. Now go enjoy those wanderlust-packed films!

PIN for Later

These are the 25 best travel movies on Netflix! Each film is perfect for sparking that wanderlust flame or preparing for an upcoming trip. Even more, you can watch them while traveling on a road trip or at the hotel! So just download them and get ready to be entertained for a while. Now go enjoy those wanderlust-packed films!

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Wonderful & Amazing Blog Post about Travel Movies on Netflix!

Hello and warm regards from sunny Singapore!

Been following your IG and now subscribed to your blog. Thanks for this travel list. Cant wait to watch them. Thanks for your recommendations.

Ms Shan Lim

This is such a great list!! I am such an Egypt fanatic, how I have never heard of Cairo Time? Totally going to watch that tonight, thanks for the recommendations!

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The Big Picture

Dive into the Dutch underground with the action-packed Ferry , a prequel to the popular show Undercover.
The charismatic hitman, Ferry, navigates loyalty, revenge, and unexpected romance in the captivating thriller.
The unorthodox yet compelling story is reminiscent of a low-budget Guy Ritchie film.

One of the best things about Netflix is that among its voluminous catalog of both domestic and international movies, you are likely to stumble upon a true diamond in the rough every once in a while. It's a satisfying feeling to come upon a thoroughly watchable movie with a unique and fun look into something new. Such is the case with the 2021 Dutch mafia film Ferry . Frank Lammers stars as the eponymous gangster who works for a Dutch mob boss in Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands . Rarely do we get to see a film that focuses on the Dutch underground with a full-feature-length offering. So that immediately gives it a leg up on most garden variety mob movies. Amsterdam is a European melting pot with various cultural influences and colorful characters. One of those eccentric misanthropes, Ferry Bouman, takes center stage as a dedicated hitman who gets an assignment that will forever change his life. Ferry is also a prequel to the acclaimed television show called Undercover , which is also available to stream on Netflix.

Ruthless Ferry Bouman is sent to his native region of Brabant by his boss Brink to avenge an attack on their gang. When he meets lovely Danielle and old family feuds resurface, Brabant starts to pierce his steel armour.

What Is 'Ferry' About?

Ferry Bouman is the right-hand henchman of a mob boss named Brink ( Huub Stapel ). He would do anything, including murder, for the man who had brought him into his crime family and treated him like a son. When Brink's son Matthijs ( Tim Linde ) is killed during a botched robbery carried out by a rival gang , Brink calls on Ferry to find the masked men who brutally killed his son. So, Ferry heads to the low-income, blue-collar area south of Amsterdam to look for the killers. His investigation leads to several twists and turns in the movie's second act. Ultimately, Ferry comes full circle, testing his long-standing relationship with Brink and finding a star-crossed romance in the third and final act of Ferry .

What Makes the Unorthodox Ferry Bauman Tick as a Mob Hitman in 'Ferry'?

Lammers a Ferry Bauman is a drug-fueled force of nature. What he lacks in communication skills, he more than makes up for with an uncanny knack for banging heads together to get what he wants. He's physically imposing, standing over six feet tall, brawny, and rugged. There is also a charming and magnetic side to Ferry, with his frosted tips and easy smile. Unfortunately, he is sometimes stymied by his reluctant heart of gold. Sure, Ferry can be a ruthless killer, but it must always be a business decision – never personal . He lives each day on a diet of a dime bag of cocaine and his own topsy-turvy code of conduct that will eventually lead him to the people responsible for Brink's son's death. It's rarely pretty, but he is so sure of himself that there is an efficiency to his modus operandi that can only be compromised by his emotional attachment to his sickly sister Claudia ( Monic Hendrickx ) and love interest, Danielle van Marken ( Elise Schaap ).

'Ferry' Is Reminiscent of a Low-Budget Guy Ritchie Movie

The collection of oddballs in Ferry and the international dialect make it feel like a Guy Ritchie movie without all the slow-motion and special effects. Director Cecille Verheyden does a deft job of maximizing the drama while also inserting some levity in parts where it is warranted on a much smaller budget. Like Layer Cake , a relatively small group of bizarre mafia families are shot in a compressed setting. Ferry's second act is filmed almost entirely in a south Amsterdam campsite, somewhat reminiscent of a trailer park. And unless you are from the Netherlands and are a native speaker of Dutch, then the subtitles are a must. As despicable and morally compromised as Ferry and the other characters in the movie can be, their lovable qualities and downtrodden existence still make it easy to root for things to work out for them, and an overall enjoyable watch. The thriller effortlessly serves up twists and turns to keep viewers engaged. For instance, an unlikely romance blossoms between Ferry and the winsome, bubbly Danielle , who turns out to be the sister of one of the men he has been tracking and has already killed.

The Third and Final Act of 'Ferry' Perfectly Sets Up 'Undercover'

Verheyden deliberately tried to cut Ferry into three separate and distinct parts. The first details Ferry's relationship with his mentor and boss, Brink, and the loyalty he shows to him after Matthijs is accidentally killed. The second is Ferry tracking down the men responsible and exacting a measure of revenge. The third and final act has a nuanced layering that cuts to the core of who Ferry is versus who he wants to become . Brink calls on him to hold on to the barbaric hitman persona that has come to define him. Ferry wants to share his life with a generous partner who wants him to move on from a life of crime and have an earnest relationship. When Brink asks Ferry to kill Danielle to tie up a loose end, it's the final straw for Ferry.

One of the Best Thrillers on Netflix May Just Break You

This 2018 South Korean film also features one of the best performances of Steven Yeun's career.

In a triumphant final sequence, Ferry decides that he is going to leave Brink and the mafia behind, but there's a twist! The post-credits scene lays the groundwork for Ferry deciding he can't give up a life of crime so easily . In what is the segue into the Netflix show Undercover, we see Ferry excited to get into the ecstasy business. You can watch Undercover without seeing Ferry , but you'd be robbing yourself of two solid hours of a well-written, well-directed, and well-acted piece of Dutch cinema that delivers an unexpected combination of compelling lead characters with a rich and textured storyline and arc for the titular leading player.

Ferry is currently available to stream on Netflix in the U.S.

WATCH ON NETFLIX

Movie Features

32 Movies Great Movies About Time Travel With Completely Different Rules

Prepare for some serious stipulations.

Marty McFly and Doc Brown in Back to the Future testing out the time machine

Is there ever a bad time to watch a time travel movie? Some of the best sci-fi movies in history have tackled this frequently explored topic, and new wrinkles in the fabric of the concept have made the subject more exciting over time. So why don’t we take a look at the different rules these flights of fancy have introduced? Should you be stuck in a time loop, we apologize if this list is starting to get old.

Back To The Future

Everyone loves to talk about how Back to the Future’s time travel works , but there’s one aspect we take for granted throughout the whole trilogy. Doc Brown ( Christopher Lloyd ) may have given Marty McFly ( Michael J. Fox ) the keys to travel through the past, present, and future; but you seriously need to consider the exact spot you’re traveling to. Otherwise, you might find yourself altering history in some intriguing ways. R.I.P. Twin Pines Mall.

Time After Time

A novel adventure starring the father of time travel H.G. Wells (Malcolm McDowell), Time After Time actually introduced an interesting mechanic to temporal transport. Let’s just say that if you don’t use the Time Machine properly, you could find yourself stuck in your final destination. Or worse, falling through the time-space continuum, without a way back home.

The Terminator

The Terminator's time travel will forever be a head-scratcher, as the existence of John Connor is the ultimate ontological paradox. How else can you explain Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn) being sent back to the 1980s to save the world…and make sure the person who sent him is born in the first place?

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

The oldest method of time travel in the Star Trek movies, 1986’s The Voyage Home saw Captain Kirk ( William Shatner ) and his crew trying to save the whales through a time heist. This wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the Enterprise crew using a Klingon Bird of Prey, a slingshot orbit around the sun, and a lot of engineering power to do it.

David Sullivan and Shane Carruth in Primer

2004’s Primer is still hotly discussed among time travel aficionados, and it’s not hard to see why. The shenanigans in this test case involve multiple versions of a singular traveler (Shane Carruth) existing in a single timeline, which creates one of the most chaotic timelines ever depicted.

The Adam Project

Story-wise, The Adam Project is pretty cozy when it comes to how it handles time travel. But when it comes to traveling in style, the older Adam Reed ( Ryan Reynolds ) has a Time Jet that’s specifically coded to his DNA! Not many temporal travelers HAVE that, and it prevents so many mistakes other adventures of this sort use for story purposes.

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Avengers: Endgame

How Avengers: Endgame’s time travel works is rather unorthodox, to be honest. Instead of overwriting the past into a more pleasing result, the MCU’s finest are only allowed to use it in the name of stealing/returning the Infinity Stones. Timelines can still create tangent histories, and 2014 Gamora takes over for her slain variant in the films, but you can’t stop “The Snap.”

Lost In Space

If all time travelers had the device Older Will Robinson (Jared Harris) built in 1998’s Lost in Space , they’d have it made. While only one person can travel at a time, exact coordinates in time and space are required; so you can go to a very specific spatial location on the timeline.

The Butterfly Effect

The Butterfly Effect's time travel works on rules similar to that of Quantum Leap . Evan ( Ashton Kutcher ) can indeed change history, but it’s only within his own life’s timeline. Unfortunately, thanks to the multiple trips leading to continued alterations to the fabric of events, it all adds up in terms of severe physical wear and tear.

Hot Tub Time Machine

Hot Tub Time Machine is a very special case when it comes to time travel. To be fair, the comedy ensemble franchise gets points for having its protagonists travel only within their own bodies. As for how one can actually travel with said titular device, apparently you need an energy drink, the right hot tub with the right temperature, and some convenient writing.

Paul Dano and Joseph Gordon Levitt cruising by in a red car in Looper.

Real-time bodily damage. That’s probably one of the most unique additions to Looper’s usage of time travel , as we see people incur damage in the past, only for it to show up on their future selves. Poor Seth ( Paul Dano ) demonstrated that lesson the hard way in Rian Johnson ’s sci-fi masterpiece.

Star Trek: Generations

What if you could wish really hard to create an alternate timeline? Or what if you could send yourself back to your best memory, and never leave? That’s what The Nexus from Star Trek: Generations could do, and both Captains Kirk (William Shatner) and Picard ( Patrick Stewart ) got a taste of that sweet life, before ultimately using their new power to stop the villainous Dr. Soren (Malcolm McDowell).

Bill And Ted’s Excellent Adventure

If you ever want to bring a figure from history home for dinner in the present, do it in the universe of Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure . There are little to no consequences, especially when it comes to our heroes (Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves) whisking away two medieval princesses to become betrothed in the 1980s. Seriously, how did that not start a war?

Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana talk while standing in front of a window in The Time Traveller's Wife.

The Time Traveler's Wife

“Chrono Impairment” is a seriously rare affliction, but it’s enough of a headache that it prevents Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana’s clock-crossed lovers from ever enjoying a normal life. Such is the nature of The Time Traveler's Wife , which invented that affliction to send Bana’s character Henry on unpredictable trips at unforeseeable intervals throughout his life.

Harrison Ford and Phoebe Waller-Bridge in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Indiana Jones And Dial Of Destiny

For Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny's time travel to actually happen, the world of Harrison Ford’s iconic archeologist needed specific hardware. Aided by some very precise calculations to try and take the Nazis to where they were trying to go, it wasn't as simple as jumping into a car and gunning it to 88 miles per hour.

Star Trek: First Contact

For a franchise that uses temporal transit as much as the Star Trek series does, there sure are a lot of different ways to go back in time. And if you’re not satisfied with The Voyage Home’s method of a slingshot orbit around the Sun, then you can always do what Star Trek: First Contact did. While I wouldn’t personally recommend waiting for a Borg invasion to cause a temporal wake you can just hitch a ride on; you do you.

Ok, so technically Tenet’s shenanigans involving time is “time inversion,” rather than time travel. Which only makes the journey, and the resulting reality The Protagonist (John David Washington) lives in all the more complicated. It also makes for some classic Christopher Nolan mind melts.

Paul Walker with a painful expression in Timeline.

Would this really be a sci-fi party if author Michael Crichton didn’t show up? Timeline’s time travel is a lot of fun, if you consider using a “human fax machine” to send yourself to medieval times “fun.” In which case, try not to abuse it too much, as every trip has the chance to leave you with transcription errors in your reassembled DNA. Again, we’re working with a fax machine here.

Somewhere In Time

It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for Christopher Reeve fans! Somewhere in Time just had to be on this list, as it's pretty unique in how it sends a person back through the ages. In the case of Reeve’s playwright Richard, all he needs is a really powerful hypnotic focus to zoom back to 1912.

Chris Pine sits on the bridge with a determined expression in Star Trek.

Star Trek (2009)

It’s kind of fitting that the 2009 Star Trek reboot would use time travel, given that the series has continually danced with that concept on TV and in movies. For this J.J. Abrams-directed venture, the destructive and inexact force of a black hole is what’s used to accidentally alter time so vastly that William Shatner turns into Chris Pine.

Déjà Vu

Tony Scott’s 2006 action-thriller Déjà Vu is a big movie with a relatively limited scope. With intelligence gathering, and ultimately one human transport, that can only go as far back as four and a half days, Denzel Washington’s work was kind of cut out for him on this caper.

The Tomorrow War

The Chris Pratt-starring time travel ensemble adventure The Tomorrow War has some pretty huge stipulations when it comes to recruiting an army for the future. The largest among them was, of course, you had to be dead according to the records of the future hellscape that pitted humanity against some very nasty creatures.

X-Men: Days Of Future Past

Going from here to there in the then and now in X-Men: Days of Future Past requires a serious amount of power. With Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) going back to his past body, the key to how it all happens lies in the phasing abilities of Kitty Pryde (Elliot Page). So this story uses a very physical, and incredibly vulnerable, method to execute its vision.

Out of all the time travel universes we’ve seen on screen, perhaps the one I feel the most sorry for is the one shown in 12 Monkeys . The basic rule of this Bruce Willis epic’s temporal transit is “hope for the best,” thanks to the method of being shot through time and intending to land in the right place going wrong more often than you think.

Midnight In Paris

Reminiscent of many other vehicular-based time travel films like Back to the Future , any character that travels through time in Midnight In Paris just needs to catch the right ride, at just about Midnight. The experience is bespoke to whoever is traveling, as the period of time that suits them best also dictates the method of transportation provided.

The Final Countdown

Dropping an aircraft carrier from the 1980s into the moments before Pearl Harbor, The Final Countdown delivers a moral dilemma plenty of time travelers have tangled with. But the real difference with this underrated sci-fi movie is the fact that the time-traveling storm that is responsible for the trip is inescapable. You’re going home, whether you want to or not.

Domhnall Gleeson and Bill Nighy in About Time

Sharing a similarity with the romantic classic Somewhere In Time , Richard Curtis’ About Time allows any potential traveler to jump into the past with merely intense concentration. However, certain caveats are in play, like the recommendation of not traveling past certain life milestones, or the fact that only the men of the Lake family can actually use this gift.

Donnie Darko

Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) can’t exactly travel through time in Donnie Darko , but he does have a special temporal ability that’s kind of funny and kind of sad. With the ability to open a wormhole between the present and the past, Mr. Darko can send objects through time; the skill that gives Richard Kelly’s movie its bittersweet ending.

Kate & Leopold

Kate & Leopold’s usage of a localized time portal is a method as old as time. However, the big difference with this Meg Ryan/Hugh Jackman rom-com is that the journey Leopold (Jackman) takes to the “future” of 2001 robs us all of elevators. Also, there’s a ticking clock on this specific portal’s usage, which only complicates things further.

Groundhog Day

Perhaps the movie that nailed the time loop into the consciousness of the world, Groundhog Day brought us a charming Bill Murray rom-com mixed with a time travel story. Its misanthropic lead needed to change, even as the world around him stayed the same. The rest was sci-fi history in the making.

Happy Death Day

What happens if you make a Groundhog Day-style time loop into a deadly game? You get a movie like Happy Death Day , in which our initially unlikable lead Tree (Jessica Rothe) is being stalked through a single-day time loop. The big kicker in this variant is that, unlike your standard time loop, Tree has a finite number of cycles before she possibly dies for good.

Josh Hutcherson wearing retro futuristic sunglasses in Detention.

Where does one start with director Joseph Kahn’s Detention? Well, how about the fact that the teenagers in play (including a pre- Hunger Games Josh Hutcherson) use a stuffed bear as a time travel capsule? Or the fact that a mother/daughter pair can body swap on a permanent basis, and with no consequences?

And with that, our supreme sampling of time travel trips has come to a close. Which more than likely has left you with a want to watch some of these movies again, or for the first time. That's totally natural, because this is a subgenre that always leaves us with one question: is there ever a bad time to watch a time travel movie?

Mike Reyes is the Senior Movie Contributor at CinemaBlend, though that title’s more of a guideline really. Passionate about entertainment since grade school, the movies have always held a special place in his life, which explains his current occupation. Mike graduated from Drew University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, but swore off of running for public office a long time ago. Mike's expertise ranges from James Bond to everything Alita, making for a brilliantly eclectic resume. He fights for the user.

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‘Brick’: Matthias Schweighöfer & Ruby O. Fee To Headline Netflix German Movie

The project was revealed at the Next on Netflix event in Germany in March 2024.

Pictures: Getty Images

Netflix unveiled a slew of new projects at Next on Netflix DE, and the biggest new announcement of the night is a new science-fiction movie with the working title of Brick . Here’s what we know so far about the project as of June 2024.

Note: This article was first published on March 13th, 2024. It has since been updated with the latest information.

Philip Koch is the creator behind the project, and it serves as his third major Netflix Original project to date . The German writer, producer, and director previously worked on Tribes of Europa , which was sadly canceled after a single season . More recently, he wrote and produced the movie Sixty Minutes alongside Oliver Kienle, who also directed. Brick can be seen listed on his website alongside a slew of other development projects, such as Wittenberg, Vice, and The Sessions .

Alexander Fischerkoesen serves as cinematographer for the new movie.

The official synopsis for the movie is as follows:

“Tim and Olivia’s apartment building is suddenly surrounded by a mysterious brick wall. They must work with their neighbors to find a way out.”

Who’s starring in Brick for Netflix?

Pictures via IMDb / Netflix / Getty Images

Matthias Schweighöfer ( Army of Thieves , You Are Wanted , The Breakup Man )
Ruby O. Fee ( Polar , Asphalt Burning , The Invisibles )
Frederick Lau ( Victoria , The Wave , Berlin Alexanderplatz )
Salber Lee Williams ( Ghost Island , Losgelassen )
Axel Werner
Sira-Anna Faal ( Druck )
Murathan Muslu ( Cracks in Concrete , The Shine of Day , High Performance )
Alexander Beyer ( Good Bye Lenin! , The Lives of Others , 3 Days in Quiberon )
Josef Berousek

Netflix has given the movie a broad 2025 release date, which will be hitting the streamer globally. Production of the film began in March 2024 and concluded relatively quickly, with Philip Koch posting a picture on March 24th with the caption : “It’s a wrap!”

Picture: philipkoch82 / X

Iris Baumüller of Die Besetzer Casting is working on the movie. Philip Koch, Quirin Berg, Max Wiedemann, Benjamin Munz, and Katrin Götter are producers on Brick . Nocturna Productions and W&B Television are the two production companies behind the film.

Netflix provided a first look teaser image for the film via the Netflix interface in June 2024:

Teaser image for Brick – Picture: Netflix

Netflix also announced or showcased upcoming other Netflix Original German movies such as Exterritorial , Delicious , and Blame the Game .

Note: What’s on Netflix did contact Netflix about this project in late January 2024, who could not provide any additional information at the time.

Are you looking forward to the new movie coming soon to Netflix? Let us know in the comments.

Founder of What's on Netflix, Kasey has been tracking the comings and goings of the Netflix library for over a decade. Covering everything from new movies, series and games from around the world, Kasey is in charge of covering breaking news, covering all the new additions now available on Netflix and what's coming next.

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How Netflix Docuseries <i>Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial</i> Takes a New Approach to the Holocaust

How Netflix Docuseries Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial Takes a New Approach to the Holocaust

D espite the countless documentaries , movies, TV shows, and books on World War II , 63% of American millennials and Gen Z do not know that 6 million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust, according to a 2020 state-by-state survey conducted by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany . The survey found that 48% could not name a concentration camp or ghetto.

Netflix hopes to change that with Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial, an ambitious new World War II documentary out Wednesday that’s geared towards younger audiences. Over six episodes, the documentary traces Adolf Hitler ’s rise to power and the major milestones of WWII.

While the documentary covers a lot of well-trodden ground, the goal is to tell the story of WWII in a new engaging way for younger audiences. For example, in addition to interviews with academics and archival footage that are typical of WWII documentaries, it features actors recreating key moments in the history of the war, giving the series the feel of watching a silent movie.

Here are some of the biggest revelations from Evil on Trial .

What Hitler’s personal life tells us

Hitler ’s personal history paints a picture of someone who desired to be famous from a very young age. Born in Austria, he dreamed of becoming a renowned artist. But he was rejected by Vienna’s top fine arts institute because he could only paint landscapes and couldn’t paint people very well. While living in a men’s shelter for a few years, he sold paintings copied from postcards. His worldview was shaped by “blaming other people for his misfortune and the rabid anti semitism that existed in Vienna at the time,” Joe Berlinger, director of Evil on Trial , tells TIME.

In the second episode, actors reenact young Hitler ’s obsession with his niece Geli Raubel in the early 1930s. The young Nazi leader wanted her to become a great opera singer and paid for her lessons, and they even lived together in Munich—sparking rumors in the local press that they were dating. But she found him too domineering, and in 1931, she shot herself with Hitler’s pistol in his apartment. The scandal was in every newspaper, but it did not affect his popularity.

Why Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial was made

The fifth episode of the docu-series explores the pivotal moment when Nazi leaders started building extermination camps. Officers had been shooting Jews to death, and drinking a lot while doing it to cope. According to Boston College historian Devin Pendas, Nazi leaders looked for a more efficient way to murder Jews en masse in order to protect officers’ well-being. “This shows the perversity of the moral priorities that the Nazis have,” Pendas says in the episode. “They acknowledge that this is emotionally traumatic—but only for the killers.” Nazi leaders finalized plans for a mass extermination of the Jewish population at the Wannsee Conference on Jan. 20, 1942, in Berlin, and the plan has come to be known as the “Final Solution.”

The episode then shows how the Final Solution remained largely unknown to the general public until footage of the atrocities was played during the Nuremberg Trials (1945-1946), the international tribunal convened after WWII to bring Nazi leaders to justice. Prosecutors played footage of dead bodies collected by top filmmakers of the day, Roman Karmen, John Ford and Budd Schulberg.

“Some of the defendants do hang their heads in shame, but a lot of them seem bored which is pretty appalling if you think about the fact that these defendants are responsible for that,” Pendas explains.

Overall, Berlinger hopes the docu-series will show younger viewers worldwide that “democracy is fragile” and help them better spot authoritarians in governments. Through the history and horrors of the Holocaust—the propaganda and dehumanization—it’s a warning that “normal people can do horrific things.”

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Write to Olivia B. Waxman at [email protected]

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