Top 20 Movies like Groundhog Day: From Run Lola Run to The Endless and more

If you're a fan of time loops and the quirky charm of Groundhog Day, you're in for a treat. This list explores movies like Groundhog Day. This means that all of these films take the same captivating concept of reliving the same day over and over but with unique twists that will keep you hooked. 

From action-packed sci-fi thrillers to romantic comedies and even horror, these movies blend the mind-bending nature of time loops with various genres, offering both excitement and introspective depth. Expect everything from heart-pounding action sequences to heartfelt character transformations, with plenty of laughs along the way.

Some of these films feature unexpected takes on the time loop premise, with major stars stepping into roles that subvert the genre. Whether it's an underdog hero caught in a deadly game, a stranded couple stuck in an unending loop, or a young woman navigating her way through high school life, each of these movies brings its own spin on the time-bending concept. 

Get ready for a ride where the boundaries of time are stretched, and the characters are forced to break free—one loop at a time.

20. The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (2021)

Where to Watch: Prime Video
Director: Ian Samuels
Cast: Kathryn Newton, Kyle Allen, Jermaine Harris

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things brings a heartfelt and romantic twist to the time-loop concept. Based on Lev Grossman’s short story, the film follows Mark (Kyle Allen), a teenager reliving the same day over and over—until he meets Margaret (Kathryn Newton), another teen caught in the same loop. Unlike him, Margaret seems in no rush to escape, and together, they embark on a journey to find and document life’s small, beautiful moments in a “map” of perfect things.

This film is a must-watch on Groundhog Day because it embraces the familiar time-loop premise with a fresh perspective, blending romance, humor, and introspection. While it pays homage to other films in the genre, its heartfelt message, endearing leads, and emotional depth set it apart, making it a charming and rewarding experience from start to finish.

19. Repeaters (2010)

Where to Watch: Prime Video
Director: Carl Bessai
Cast: Dustin Milligan, Amanda Crew, Richard de Klerk

Repeaters is a gripping Canadian thriller that puts a dark and intense spin on the time-loop concept. It follows Kyle (Dustin Milligan), Sonia (Amanda Crew), and Michael (Richard de Klerk), three young people in rehab who wake up to find themselves trapped in an endless loop of the same day. While some see it as a chance for redemption, others use it to indulge their darkest impulses, leading to shocking consequences that test their morality and relationships.

This film is a must-watch for those who prefer a grittier, more psychological take on time loops. Instead of playing the premise for laughs, Repeaters delves into addiction, trauma, and the struggle for self-improvement, offering a tense and thought-provoking experience. Its raw performances and unpredictable twists make it stand out in the genre.

18. Run Lola Run (1998)

Where to Watch: Prime Video
Director: Tom Tykwer
Cast: Franka Potente, Moritz Bleibtreu

Run Lola Run is a high-energy German thriller that plays with time in a unique and exhilarating way. When Lola (Franka Potente) gets a desperate call from her boyfriend Manni (Moritz Bleibtreu), who has lost a crucial bag of money, she has only 20 minutes to save him before his boss comes looking for it. The film unfolds in three separate “runs,” each showing a different version of how Lola’s frantic race through Berlin plays out, with small choices leading to vastly different outcomes.

Though not a traditional time-loop film, Run Lola Run captures the same thrilling unpredictability and cause-and-effect dynamics that make Groundhog Day so compelling. With its pulsating techno soundtrack, rapid-fire editing, and Potente’s electrifying performance, the film keeps you on edge from start to finish. Its exploration of fate, chance, and split-second decisions makes it a must-watch for fans of mind-bending narratives.

17. 50 First Dates (2004)

Where to Watch: Netflix
Director: Peter Segal
Cast: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Rob Schneider

50 First Dates is a heartfelt romantic comedy that puts a unique spin on the time-loop concept. It follows Henry (Adam Sandler), a marine biologist who falls for Lucy (Drew Barrymore), a woman with short-term memory loss that erases her recollections every night. Each day, Henry must find new ways to win her heart, knowing she’ll forget everything by morning, turning their love story into a daily challenge filled with humor and tenderness.

Unlike most time-loop movies, 50 First Dates skips the sci-fi elements and instead grounds its premise in an emotional and realistic condition. This fresh take, combined with the undeniable chemistry between Sandler and Barrymore, makes it one of the most charming and rewatchable romantic comedies of the 2000s.

16. 12 Dates Of Christmas (2011)

Where to Watch: Prime Video
Director: James Hayman
Cast: Amy Smart, Mark-Paul Gosselaar

12 Dates of Christmas gives the time-loop concept a festive twist, following Kate as she repeatedly relives Christmas Eve. Stuck in an endless cycle, she must confront her past, open her heart, and embrace new possibilities before she can finally move forward. With romance, holiday charm, and a lesson in personal growth, the film brings a lighthearted spin to the time-loop formula.

While 12 Dates of Christmas leans heavily into sentimentality, its warm holiday spirit and feel-good moments make it a fun, family-friendly watch. It may not reinvent the genre, but its cozy charm and heartfelt message make it a great choice for those who enjoy holiday movies with a touch of magic—especially for fans of Groundhog Day looking for a Christmas-themed alternative.

15. The Fare (2018)

Where to Watch: Tubi
Director: D.C. Hamilton
Cast: Gino Anthony Pesi, Brinna Kelly, Jason Stuart

The Fare takes the time-loop concept on a mysterious and eerie ride, following taxi driver Harris (Gino Anthony Pesi) as he unknowingly resets his journey every time he picks up the same passenger. What starts as an ordinary shift soon spirals into a Twilight Zone-esque experience, forcing him to confront past loops and uncover the truth behind his seemingly endless night. The film blends sci-fi, mystery, and romance, keeping viewers hooked as Harris pieces together the puzzle of his reality.

Unlike traditional time-loop movies, The Fare thrives on its minimalist yet haunting atmosphere, making it a gripping watch for fans of psychological thrillers. Its noir-like aesthetic, unexpected twists, and emotional depth set it apart, offering a fresh take on the genre. If you’re looking for a Groundhog Day-style story with a darker, more suspenseful edge, this is one ride worth taking.

14. Before I Fall (2017)

Where to Watch: Prime Video
Director: Ry Russo-Young
Cast: Zoey Deutch, Halston Sage, Cynthy Wu, Medalion Rahimi

Before I Fall offers a poignant and introspective take on the time-loop genre, following high school senior Sam (Zoey Deutch) as she relives the last day of her life over and over after a fatal car crash. Initially living in blissful ignorance, she gradually uncovers the hidden struggles and consequences of her seemingly perfect world. With each loop, Sam is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about herself and those around her, leading to profound personal transformation.

Unlike many time-loop films, Before I Fall leans into emotional depth rather than comedy or sci-fi, using its premise to explore themes of bullying, self-reflection, and redemption. Deutch’s compelling performance anchors the film, making Sam’s journey feel authentic and deeply affecting. If Groundhog Day is about embracing life’s second chances, Before I Fall takes it a step further, reminding viewers to live with purpose before time runs out.

13. Happy Death Day (2017)

Where to Watch: Prime Video
Director: Christopher Landon
Cast: Charles Aitken, Jessica Rothe, Rachel Matthews, Israel Broussard, Ruby Modine

Happy Death Day takes the time-loop premise and injects it with slasher-movie thrills, following college student Tree Gelbman (Jessica Rothe) as she’s murdered on her birthday—only to wake up and relive the same deadly day over and over. Trapped in this horrifying cycle, Tree must uncover the identity of her masked killer and stop them before the loop resets again. But as she fights for survival, she also begins to reflect on her own past mistakes, using each loop as a chance to grow.

Blending horror, comedy, and heartfelt character development, Happy Death Day stands out as a refreshingly unique twist on the Groundhog Day formula. While it delivers suspense and dark humor, its biggest strength is Rothe’s standout performance and Tree’s unexpected emotional journey. If you’re looking for a time-loop movie with both scares and heart, this one is a must-watch.

12. The Final Girls (2015)

Where to Watch: Prime Video
Director: Todd Strauss-Schulson
Cast: Taissa Farmiga, Malin Akerman, Adam DeVine, Thomas Middleditch, Alia Shawkat, Angela Trimbur, with Alexander Ludwig and Nina Dobrev

The Final Girls is a clever and emotional meta-horror comedy that follows Max (Taissa Farmiga), a high school senior grieving the death of her actress mother, Amanda (Malin Akerman). When Max and her friends attend a screening of Amanda's iconic 80s slasher movie Camp Bloodbath, they are mysteriously transported into the world of the film. Trapped in the loop of the movie’s plot, they must find a way to survive the slasher's kills while Max tries to reconnect with her mother’s onscreen persona.

This film is a unique mix of horror, humor, and heart, offering both laughs and emotional depth. It lovingly nods to 80s slasher tropes, while using the time loop to explore themes of grief, loss, and the powerful bond between mothers and daughters. The Final Girls is a standout for its inventive storytelling and surprising emotional resonance, making it a must-watch for those who enjoy their time-loop movies with a side of nostalgia and heartfelt moments.

11. The Infinite Man (2014)

Where to Watch: Tubi
Director: Hugh Sullivan
Cast: Josh McConville, Hannah Marshall, Alex Dimitriades

The Infinite Man is a sci-fi romance that takes a twisted turn when Dean (Josh McConville), a scientist trying to plan the perfect weekend for his girlfriend Lana (Hannah Marshall), inadvertently traps her in a time loop. As Dean attempts to fix his mistakes and save Lana from disaster, he faces the challenge of dealing with her ex-boyfriend, all while navigating the complexities of the loop.

Blending romance, sci-fi, and Hitchcockian tension, The Infinite Man makes the most of its confined setting and simple premise to tell a high-concept, emotionally charged story. At its heart, it explores the flaws and vulnerabilities of a relationship, asking daring questions about love, control, and the consequences of time manipulation. It’s a unique, compelling take on the time-loop genre that combines suspense with a stirring romance, making it a must-watch for fans of both.

10. Triangle (2009)

Where to Watch: Prime Video
Director: Christopher Smith
Cast: Melissa George, Joshua McIvor, Jack Taylor

Triangle is a gripping 2009 horror-thriller that takes a familiar vacation-gone-wrong scenario and injects it with a time-loop twist. After a group of friends are stranded at sea following a boat capsizing, they are rescued by a mysterious ocean liner. However, they soon realize the ship harbors dark secrets, and they are trapped in a terrifying loop that forces them to relive the same horrifying events over and over again.

Though the premise isn’t entirely original, Triangle stands out for its clever use of the time-loop concept, delivering intense scares and unexpected twists. The film, now a cult classic, masterfully blends sci-fi and horror, making it a unique and underrated thriller. If you’re a fan of mind-bending narratives and spine-chilling suspense, this film is definitely worth the watch.

9. Two Distant Strangers (2020)

Where to Watch: Netflix
Directors: Travon Free & Martin Desmond Roe
Cast: Joey Bada$$, Andrew Howard, and Zaria

Two Distant Strangers is an Academy Award-winning short film on Netflix that presents a powerful and timely message through the lens of a time loop. The film follows Carter, a young, successful Black man who finds himself trapped in a loop where he is repeatedly killed by the same police officer, no matter what actions he takes to avoid it.

Despite the heavy subject matter, Two Distant Strangers effectively blends humor and optimism, largely thanks to the likable and resilient character of Carter. The film uses its time-loop premise to highlight systemic issues while offering a poignant and thought-provoking narrative that resonates deeply. It’s an impactful film that uses genre storytelling to deliver a vital social message.

8. The Endless (2017)

Where to Watch: Tubi and Prime Video
Director: Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead
Cast: Aaron Moorhead, Justin Benson, Callie Hernandez

The Endless is a sci-fi horror drama that follows two brothers, Justin and Aaron, who were once part of a cult at Camp Arcadia. Although they escaped when they were younger, they receive a mysterious videotape from the cult, prompting them to return to the camp in search of answers. Once there, they uncover a haunting truth about the cult and its eerie connection to time loops.

With its dreamlike imagery, eerie atmosphere, and cosmic horror elements, The Endless is a must-watch for fans of Twin Peaks or The Twilight Zone. The film’s clever use of time loops adds layers of mystery and intrigue, while Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead deliver strong performances as both the leads and directors. The film’s unsettling tone and thought-provoking narrative make it a unique and captivating experience.

7. About Time (2013)

Where to Watch: Netflix
Director: Richard Curtis
Cast: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy

About Time follows Tim, a young man who discovers that the men in his family have the ability to travel through time and change their own lives. Determined to win the heart of the woman of his dreams, Tim uses his newfound power to navigate love and relationships, all while learning life-changing lessons along the way.

Directed by Richard Curtis, the filmmaker behind Love Actually, About Time is a heartwarming and charming comedy that blends romance with a touch of time travel. With a standout performance from Rachel McAdams, the film has become a beloved classic. It's a touching exploration of love, life, and the moments that truly matter.

6. Boss Level (2020)

Where to Watch: Hulu, Channel 4
Director: Joe Carnahan
Cast: Frank Grillo, Mel Gibson, Naomi Watts

Boss Level follows Roy Pulver (Frank Grillo), a retired special forces officer who finds himself stuck in a relentless time loop, where he’s killed repeatedly by a group of assassins led by Colonel Ventor (Mel Gibson). Each death gives Roy a chance to try again, using his knowledge from the previous loops to outsmart and defeat his enemies in new and inventive ways.

Directed by Joe Carnahan, Boss Level skillfully combines the time loop concept with high-octane action, creating sequences that feel like a thrilling video game. Grillo delivers one of his career-best performance, bringing depth to the character amid the chaos. The film impressively balances explosive action with smart strategies and humor. It's a fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping ride with more heart and brains than one might expect from a typical action flick.

5. Source Code (2011)

Where to Watch: Prime Video and Peacock
Director: Duncan Jones
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga

Source Code follows Army Captain Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal), who wakes up in a train in another person's body. He is tasked with locating a bomb and preventing an explosion within eight minutes. When he fails, he’s transported to a dark chamber, debriefed, and sent back into the simulation to try again, reliving the same moments repeatedly until he uncovers the identity of the bomber.

Directed by Duncan Jones, Source Code stands out as one of the most iconic time loop thrillers of the century. Its clever premise, tense atmosphere, and Gyllenhaal's gripping performance make for an exhilarating watch. The film expertly combines sci-fi with a mystery, exploring themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of our actions, all while keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

4. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll and Apple TV
Director: Mamoru Hosoda
Cast: Riisa Naka, Takuya Ishida, Mitsutaka Itakura

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a captivating anime film loosely based on the 1967 Yasutaka Tsutsui novel, though it can be enjoyed as a standalone experience. The story follows Makoto Konno, a high school girl who discovers she has the ability to "time leap," allowing her to jump back into moments of her life to change outcomes. Initially, she uses this newfound power to fix her everyday problems but soon realizes the unintended consequences of her actions.

The animation in The Girl Who Leapt Through Time beautifully complements the film’s nostalgic and heartfelt tone, making each moment resonate with emotion. Makoto’s journey of self-discovery and growth, as she learns the limits and costs of her abilities, is both moving and relatable. Whether you're a fan of anime or not, this film is a must-watch, offering an emotional and visually stunning experience that transcends the genre.

3. Palm Springs (2020)

Where to Watch: Hulu
Director: Max Barbakow
Cast: Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, J. K. Simmons

Palm Springs is undeniably one of the standout films in recent years. This refreshing romantic comedy stars Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti as two wedding guests who find themselves caught in an endless time loop. While the Groundhog Day influences are evident, Palm Springs brings a seldom seen spin to the concept, using the time loop to explore dark humor, personal growth, and catharsis.

Samberg and Milioti’s dynamic performances are the heart of the film, with their chemistry and charm adding depth to a plot that could have easily become repetitive. Palm Springs stands out as one of the most enjoyable and innovative time loop films, offering both laughter and poignant moments in equal measure. It's a must-watch for anyone looking for something both fun and thoughtful in the genre.

2. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Where to Watch: Pramount Plus and Hulu
Director: Doug Liman
Cast: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton

Edge of Tomorrow takes the time loop concept and gives it a thrilling, action-packed twist. Tom Cruise delivers a standout performance as an inexperienced US Army Major caught in a relentless time loop during an alien invasion. Every time he dies in battle, he wakes up, only to face the same day again.

What sets this film apart is how it blends Groundhog Day's concept with the intensity of a sci-fi action movie, while also cleverly playing with genre tropes. Cruise’s charm and Emily Blunt’s fierce, subversive performance elevate the movie, making it more than just your typical sci-fi action flick. The result is an exciting, smart, and refreshingly fun film that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

1. Predestination (2014) 

Where to Watch: Stan
Director: Michael Spierig and Peter Spierig
Cast: Ethan Hawke, Sarah Snook, Noah Taylor

Predestination stands as the ultimate mind-bending time loop movie, a cerebral thriller that will leave you questioning everything. Ethan Hawke stars as a time-traveling agent on a mission to catch a criminal who has evaded him—only to discover that their tangled past holds the key to an even deeper mystery.

This film expertly weaves together a complex narrative that stretches the boundaries of time and space, making brilliant use of the "causal loop" or "temporal paradox" concept. Without giving away any spoilers, it's a movie that rewards careful attention, offering twists and turns that will keep you hooked long after the credits roll. For anyone seeking a truly thought-provoking time loop experience, Predestination is, without a doubt, the one to watch.