8 Time Travel Movies You Probably Haven't Seen But Should

'Project Almanac' is the first found-footage time travel movie and the latest unconventional entry into the popular genre. If you're looking for a few more time travel films not titled 'Back to the Future,' check out this list of outside-the-box titles. 

Primer (2004)

This 2004 inde takes a very grounded and gritty approach to exploring what would happen if two smart guys built a time machine in their garage. The results involve bloody noses, paradoxes and headache-enducing physics in one of the most inventive time travel movies ever made. 

Time After Time (1979)

You know how science fiction author HG Wells wrote the novel 'The Time Machine'? Well, it seems that he also built a working time machine -- one that Jack the Ripper steals and uses to travel to 1979 to cause havoc in this underrated gem from 'Star Trek II' director, Nicholas Meyer. Wells (played by Malcolm McDowell) pursues the serial killer to the future, and lots of romance and adventure ensue. 

Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)

The title tells you everything you need to know, really: John Cusack and pals use a hot tub to travel back in time to right a few wrongs and party. This R-rated comedy has more clever jokes than you may expect, and while not all of the humor lands, the premise along will keep you laughing. 

Timecrimes (2007)

The entire movie is the result of one average schlub having a very bad day, stumbling back in time and realizing that he's the cause of his own bad day -- but with some very violent consequences. This Spanish film has a dark, almost cynical take on time travel and how one would abuse it if given the opportunity. 

Somewhere in Time (1980)

This romantic and moving sci-fi drama, starring the late Christopher Reeve, suggests that the key to time travel is a peculiar form of self-hypnosis. If you want to travel back in time, all it takes is a trance and a little patience. Once you get past the science-y mysticism of the film's main conceit, you'll better appreciate the compelling love story at Time's core. 

Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)

The film that helped launch Keanu Reeves' career, 'Bill & Ted' centers on the titular high school slackers using a phone booth to travel across time, collecting historical figures for their big class presentation. As cult-favorites go, this one has a fierce fan following -- who knew that stoner comedy and time travel blended so well?

Timecop (1994)

'Timecop' has all of the usual violence and silliness you'd expect from a Jean- Claude Van Damme movie, but it has the added bonus of a surprisingly fun and inventive time travel plot. In a near-future where time travel must be policed by guys like the Muscles From Brussels, JCVD must take on a corrupt politician who uses the tech for personal gain. Fans of paradoxes and leg splits will not be disappointed. 

Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)

'Escape'  very quickly stops being a time travel movie after its opening scenes, but the manner in which it is used is one for the books. Since 'Beneath the Planet of the Apes' concluded with the entire planet blowing up, the third film opens with Cornelis and Zira escaping the destruction via time travel, continuing their adventures while accidentally setting the events of the first film in motion. It's a sequel, but it's also a sneaky prequel.