Since ancient times, humans have been fascinated with the idea of time travel, whether it’s into the future or the past. This concept has become a popular theme in modern science fiction, with numerous movies exploring the possibilities of time travel. Over the years, real-world science has also advanced, moving from basic Newtonian mechanics to more complex theories like quantum mechanics and the multiverse.
However, not all time-travel movies are scientifically accurate or logically sound. Some films prioritize entertainment over scientific realism, while others focus too much on technical accuracy at the expense of storytelling. To help moviegoers navigate this, last fall, we created the Ars Guide to Time Travel in the Movies, in collaboration with physicist Sean Carroll. Our guide aimed to evaluate films based on their entertainment value, scientific logic, and narrative use of time travel.
We carefully selected a diverse range of films from different subgenres and decades, grading them based on their overall execution of time travel concepts. Movies like “Looper,” which plays with time paradoxes, earned points for integrating time travel into the story effectively. While some fan-favorite films didn’t make the list, we focused on movies that offered unique perspectives on time travel.
To delve deeper into this topic, we are hosting an exciting Ars Live discussion on July 9, featuring experts in the field. Joining us will be screenwriter Ed Solomon, known for the Bill & Ted franchise and “Men in Black,” as well as physicist Jim Kakalios from the University of Minnesota. Kakalios, author of “The Physics of Superheroes,” brings a unique perspective to the discussion with his expertise in physics and pop culture.
This event marks the second installment of the Ars Live series this year, where industry leaders discuss important news in science, technology, and culture. We invite you to join us on July 9 at 2 pm ET (18:00 UTC) on our YouTube livestream for a fascinating conversation about time travel in movies. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from our panel of experts and ask your burning questions about this intriguing topic.
