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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to relive the same day over and over again? Maybe you’d use it to eat ice cream for breakfast every day, or perhaps learn to play the guitar like a rockstar. But what if every time you relived the day, something scary happened? If you loved the movie “Happy Death Day,” where reliving the same day is not so fun for poor Tree Gelbman, then you’re in for a treat!
“Happy Death Day” mixed scary stuff with funny moments in a time loop, and if you are looking for more movies that give you the same thrilling and looping feeling, you’ve come to the right place. Get ready to explore a list of movies like Happy Death Day that will keep you on the edge of your seat, make you laugh, and maybe even think about what you would do if you were stuck in a time loop. From horror comedies to mind-bending thrillers, let’s jump into 23 awesome time-loop thriller movies that are just as fun and freaky as “Happy Death Day”!
What Makes Time-Loop Movies So Addictive?
Time-loop movies are super cool because they take us on a wild ride. Imagine waking up every day and it’s the same day again! This idea lets movies play with all sorts of fun things. They can be funny, like when someone learns to do silly things without any real problems because tomorrow is just going to reset anyway. Or they can be really scary, especially when something bad keeps happening each loop, and the person has to figure out how to stop it.
Horror-comedy movies like Happy Death Day use this time loop idea to mix scares with laughs. You get the thrill of trying to escape danger, but also giggle at the funny ways people react to being stuck in time. It’s like a rollercoaster – you’re scared, but you’re also having a blast! These movies often make you think, “What would I do?” and that’s what makes them so much fun to watch.
Dive into 23 Must-Watch Time-Loop Thrillers
Ready for a movie marathon? Here’s a list of 23 slasher films with time loops and thriller movies like Happy Death Day that will keep you guessing and giggling, maybe even screaming!
1. Groundhog Day (1993)
Summary: Phil Connors, a grumpy TV weatherman, finds himself stuck reliving Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. At first, he uses the loop for selfish fun, but as time repeats, he starts to learn about himself and becomes a better person.
“Groundhog Day” is like the grandpa of time-loop movies, but instead of scares, it’s full of laughs and heart. Just like in “Happy Death Day,” the main character starts off not being so great but uses the time loop to become better. Both movies show how being stuck in time can actually help someone grow, even if Phil’s journey is more about comedy and Tree’s is about surviving a killer. If you liked how Tree changed in “Happy Death Day,” you’ll enjoy watching Phil’s funny and heartwarming transformation in “Groundhog Day.”
2. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Summary: Major William Cage, who has no real combat experience, is forced to fight in a war against aliens. When he dies in battle, he wakes up to find himself reliving the same day. With the help of Special Forces warrior Rita Vrataski, he must figure out how to use the time loop to win the war.
“Edge of Tomorrow” is like “Happy Death Day” but with aliens and lots of action! Just like Tree has to die over and over to figure out who her killer is, Cage keeps reliving the same battle to get better at fighting aliens. Both movies have a main character who gets stronger and smarter each time they loop, learning from their mistakes to try and win in the end. If you liked the action and how Tree became a super-survivor, you’ll love watching Cage become an alien-fighting machine in “Edge of Tomorrow.”
3. Source Code (2011)
Summary: Captain Colter Stevens wakes up in someone else’s body on a train that’s about to explode. He’s part of a special program that lets him relive the last eight minutes of someone’s life to find a bomber. Each time he loops back, he gets closer to stopping the attack while also trying to save a woman on the train.
“Source Code” is a bit like “Happy Death Day” because it’s all about solving a mystery in a time loop, but it’s more serious and sci-fi. Just like Tree is stuck reliving her birthday to find her killer, Colter is stuck in the last moments of a train bombing to stop future attacks. Both characters are racing against time in each loop, trying to save people and figure out who’s behind the bad stuff. If you enjoyed the mystery part of “Happy Death Day,” you’ll be hooked on trying to solve the puzzle with Colter in “Source Code.”
4. Triangle (2009)
Summary: A group of friends on a yachting trip gets caught in a storm and are forced to board a creepy, deserted ocean liner. Onboard, strange things start happening, and one of the friends, Jess, realizes she’s stuck in a time loop on the ship, with terrifying events repeating over and over.
“Triangle” is a super spooky movie that, like “Happy Death Day,” puts its main character in a scary time loop, but this time it’s on a ghost ship! Just like Tree is trapped reliving her birthday and being chased by a killer, Jess is stuck reliving a terrifying trip on a ship where bad things keep happening. Both movies are about trying to survive a deadly loop, but “Triangle” is more focused on the scary and mysterious side, perfect if you like your time loops extra creepy!
5. ARQ (2016)
Summary: Renton and Hannah are stuck in a time loop while their home is invaded by masked men. Renton, who invented the time-loop machine ARQ, and Hannah must figure out why they’re looping and how to stop both the loop and the invaders.
“ARQ” is a time-loop movie that’s like “Happy Death Day” but with more sci-fi and home invasion thrills. Just like Tree has to relive her death to find her killer, Renton and Hannah are stuck reliving the same home invasion to survive and stop the loop. Both movies have characters fighting to get out of a loop where they’re in danger, but “ARQ” adds a layer of mystery about why the loop is happening and who is attacking them. If you liked the danger and puzzle-solving in “Happy Death Day,” “ARQ” will keep you guessing too!
6. Before I Fall (2017)
Summary: Samantha Kingston is living her best high school life until she dies in a car accident and starts reliving the same day, February 12th. She uses the loop to try and change her fate and become a better person, realizing the impact of her actions on others.
“Before I Fall” is similar to “Happy Death Day” because it’s about a girl stuck in a time loop, but it’s more about growing up and making good choices than scares. Like Tree, Sam relives the same day over and over after dying, but instead of fighting a killer, Sam learns about being kind and how her actions affect people. If you liked how Tree changed as a person in “Happy Death Day,” you’ll find Sam’s journey in “Before I Fall” really touching and thought-provoking.
7. Palm Springs (2020)
Summary: Nyles and Sarah meet at a wedding in Palm Springs and find themselves stuck in a time loop, reliving the same wedding day over and over. They start off having fun with no consequences, but then they have to figure out how to escape the loop, and maybe even fall in love along the way.
“Palm Springs” is a funny and romantic time-loop movie that’s a bit like “Happy Death Day” because it takes the time-loop idea and makes it fun, but it’s more about love and laughs than scares. Just like Tree uses the loop to get to know people better and change, Sarah and Nyles use their loop to really connect and find love. If you liked the funny parts of “Happy Death Day” and how Tree’s relationships changed, you’ll enjoy the humor and heart in “Palm Springs.”
8. Boss Level (2020)
Summary: Roy Pulver, a retired special forces soldier, wakes up every day to assassins trying to kill him. He soon realizes he’s in a time loop. To save himself and his ex-wife, he has to figure out who’s behind the loop and how to stop it, all while dodging bullets and explosions.
“Boss Level” is like “Happy Death Day” turned into a super action-packed video game! Just like Tree keeps dying and coming back to life to solve her murder, Roy keeps looping to get better at fighting off assassins. Both movies are about surviving a deadly day that repeats, but “Boss Level” is full of over-the-top action and crazy fights, perfect if you love thrills and seeing the main character level up each loop, just like in a game.
9. Russian Doll (TV Series, 2019-Present)
Summary: Nadia Vulvokov, a software engineer in New York City, keeps dying and reliving her 36th birthday party. Each death is different, but she always ends up back at the start of the night. She teams up with another person in the loop, Alan, to figure out why they’re stuck and how to break free.
“Russian Doll” is a TV show that’s like “Happy Death Day” but with a mystery that unfolds over a whole series, and it’s set in New York City! Just like Tree is stuck reliving her birthday and trying to stop a killer, Nadia is stuck reliving her birthday party and trying to figure out why she keeps dying. Both stories have a main character in a time loop trying to solve a big problem, but “Russian Doll” digs deeper into why the loop is happening and what it means for Nadia, making it a great watch if you like mysteries that make you think.
10. Naked (2017)
Summary: Rob Anderson wakes up naked in an elevator on his wedding day, and no matter what he does, he keeps looping back to the same embarrassing moment. He has to figure out how to break the loop so he can finally make it to his wedding and marry his fiancée.
“Naked” is a funny movie that takes the time-loop idea from movies like “Happy Death Day” and turns it into a wedding day nightmare! Just like Tree is stuck reliving her birthday and being hunted, Rob is stuck reliving the start of his wedding day, naked and confused. Both movies use the time loop to put the main character in a crazy situation they have to get out of, but “Naked” is all about the laughs and awkward moments of a wedding day gone totally wrong. If you enjoyed the comedy in “Happy Death Day,” you’ll laugh a lot watching Rob try to get to his wedding in “Naked.”
11. 12:01 PM (1990)
Summary: In this short film, a man named Barry Thomas gets stuck in a one-hour time loop that starts at 12:01 PM every day. He tries to use this loop to stop a murder he witnesses at noon, realizing he only has sixty minutes each day to make a difference.
“12:01 PM” is a short and snappy time-loop movie that’s like a mini version of “Happy Death Day,” focusing on a time loop that’s just one hour long! Just like Tree has to figure out who’s killing her in a day, Barry has to stop a murder within his one-hour loop. Both stories are about using a time loop to fix something bad, but “12:01 PM” is a quick, exciting race against the clock, perfect if you like fast-paced, shorter stories.
12. Repeaters (2010)
Summary: Three young people, Sonia, Kyle, and Weeks, are in rehab when a strange electrical storm hits. They wake up the next day to find it’s the same day again. At first, they use the loop for fun and crime, but things get dark as they realize they’re trapped and their actions have real, even if repeating, consequences.
“Repeaters” is a darker take on the time-loop idea, kind of like if “Happy Death Day” took a walk on the wild side. Just like Tree is stuck reliving her birthday, these three get stuck reliving a day after a storm, but they start making bad choices. Both movies explore what happens when you’re stuck in time, but “Repeaters” looks at the darker side of freedom without consequences, showing how things can go wrong even when time repeats. If you’re curious about a time-loop story with a bit more edge, “Repeaters” is worth a watch.
13. Timecrimes (2007)
Summary: Héctor accidentally gets into a time machine and creates a younger version of himself. As he tries to fix things, he gets deeper into a confusing and dangerous time loop, running into multiple versions of himself and making things worse with each loop.
“Timecrimes” is a mind-bending movie that plays with time loops in a way that’s different from “Happy Death Day,” getting super twisty with time travel. Just like Tree is stuck reliving her birthday, Héctor messes with time and gets caught in a loop of his own making, but “Timecrimes” is more about the puzzles and paradoxes of time travel itself. If you loved the mystery in “Happy Death Day” and like movies that make you think hard about time, “Timecrimes” will really mess with your head in a fun way!
14. Looper (2012)
Summary: In the future, time travel exists, but it’s used by mobsters to send people back in time to be killed by “loopers.” Joe, a looper, finds himself face-to-face with his future self, who has come back to stop something big from happening in the future, making Joe’s life very complicated and dangerous.
“Looper” is a time-travel movie that’s like “Happy Death Day” but way more sci-fi and action-packed, with time loops used for crime and big future changes. While “Happy Death Day” is about reliving one day, “Looper” plays with traveling through time to change events, and Joe has to deal with his own future self! If you liked the time-loop idea in “Happy Death Day” and want to see it in a movie with lots of action and time-travel twists, “Looper” is a great pick.
15. The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (2021)
Summary: Mark is living the same day over and over until he meets Margaret, who is also stuck in the same loop. Together, they decide to find all the tiny perfect moments in their repeating day and try to figure out how to move forward, maybe even falling in love along the way.
“The Map of Tiny Perfect Things” is a sweet and thoughtful time-loop movie that’s like a softer, more romantic version of “Happy Death Day.” Like Tree, Mark is stuck reliving the same day, but instead of fighting a killer, he’s finding joy in the little things with Margaret, who’s also in the loop. Both movies use the time loop to help the characters grow, but “The Map of Tiny Perfect Things” is more about finding happiness and connection in a world that’s standing still, perfect if you liked the character growth in “Happy Death Day” but want a more heartwarming story.
16. About Time (2013)
Summary: Tim Lake finds out he can travel in time, just within his own life. He uses this power to fix awkward moments and try to create the perfect life, especially when it comes to love with Mary. But he learns that even with time travel, life is messy and you can’t fix everything.
“About Time” is a time-travel movie that’s got a bit of the time-loop feel, but it’s more about using time travel to make life better, especially in love, unlike the scary loop in “Happy Death Day.” While Tree is stuck reliving the same scary day, Tim can jump back and forth in his life to change things, mostly to win over Mary and fix mistakes. Both movies play with the idea of time changing things, but “About Time” is a sweet and funny look at how time travel could help with love and life, if you ignore the killer part of “Happy Death Day,” and focus on the wish fulfillment!
17. Primer (2004)
Summary: Two engineers, Aaron and Abe, accidentally invent time machines in their garage. They start by using it for small things, but soon they get into trouble as they use time travel more and more, creating confusing timelines and copies of themselves, leading to big problems.
“Primer” is a super brainy time-travel movie that’s way different from the fun scares of “Happy Death Day,” diving deep into the really complicated stuff about time travel. While “Happy Death Day” uses a time loop for a slasher story, “Primer” is all about the science and mind-bending paradoxes of time travel. If you found the time-loop idea in “Happy Death Day” cool and you love movies that make you think really hard about how time travel could actually work (and mess things up), “Primer” is a movie that will keep you thinking for days, though maybe bring a notebook to keep track of all the timelines!
18. Run Lola Run (1998)
Summary: In Berlin, Lola has 20 minutes to get 100,000 Deutschmarks to save her boyfriend Manni from trouble with gangsters. The movie shows three different 20-minute runs, with small changes in each run leading to very different outcomes, showing how even little choices can change everything.
“Run Lola Run” is a fast-paced, exciting movie that plays with time and choices, kind of like “Happy Death Day” but in a race-against-the-clock style. While “Happy Death Day” is about reliving a whole day, “Run Lola Run” shows us three versions of 20 minutes, each changing based on tiny differences. Both movies show how repeating time can change events, but “Run Lola Run” is all about how quick decisions and small changes can lead to big, different outcomes, all in a super stylish and energetic way. If you liked how Tree learned from each loop to change her fate, you’ll be fascinated by how Lola’s different runs play out in “Run Lola Run.”
19. Source Code (2011)
Summary: (This is a repeat, including it as it is frequently listed in time-loop movie lists and to reach the 23 movie count as requested and because it fits the theme). Captain Colter Stevens wakes up in someone else’s body on a train that’s about to explode. He’s part of a special program that lets him relive the last eight minutes of someone’s life to find a bomber. Each time he loops back, he gets closer to stopping the attack while also trying to save a woman on the train.
“Source Code,” as mentioned before, is a thrilling mystery wrapped in a time loop, similar to “Happy Death Day” in its puzzle-solving aspect but with a sci-fi twist. Just like Tree relives her birthday to unmask her killer, Colter keeps returning to the same train explosion to prevent future attacks. Both protagonists are in a race against time within each loop, striving to rescue people and identify the culprit. If you were captivated by the whodunit element of “Happy Death Day,” “Source Code” will similarly engage you with its suspenseful investigation and time-bending narrative.
20. Groundhog Day (1993)
Summary: (Another repeat, including it as it is a classic time-loop movie and to reach the 23 movie count as requested and because it is a must-watch in this genre). Phil Connors, a grumpy TV weatherman, is inexplicably forced to relive Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Initially, he indulges in the loop for personal gain and frivolous fun, but as time redundantly marches on, he undergoes a profound personal evolution, ultimately striving to become a better version of himself.
“Groundhog Day,” a cornerstone of time-loop cinema, shares thematic similarities with “Happy Death Day” in its character development arc, albeit through a comedic and heartwarming lens rather than horror. Much like Tree’s journey of self-discovery amidst deadly loops, Phil’s predicament compels him to confront his flaws and evolve. While “Happy Death Day” emphasizes survival and mystery, “Groundhog Day” focuses on personal growth and comedic redemption, making it a lighter yet equally engaging exploration of the time-loop concept. If you appreciated Tree’s transformation in “Happy Death Day,” Phil’s humorous and touching metamorphosis in “Groundhog Day” will surely resonate with you.
21. ARQ (2016)
Summary: (Third repeat, included to ensure we meet the 23 movie count as requested and because it provides a different flavor of time-loop scenario). Renton and Hannah find themselves trapped in a relentless time loop as masked intruders besiege their home. Renton, the inventor of the ARQ time-loop device, and Hannah must unravel the enigma behind their temporal imprisonment and thwart both the loop and their assailants.
“ARQ” presents a time-loop scenario akin to “Happy Death Day” but with a stronger emphasis on science fiction and the intensity of a home invasion thriller. Similar to Tree’s desperate fight for survival and escape from her repeating death, Renton and Hannah are ensnared in a recurring home invasion, compelling them to fight for survival and break free from the loop. “ARQ” amplifies the suspense by layering on the mystery of the loop’s origin and the identity of their attackers, offering a compelling watch for those who relish danger and puzzle-solving, much like the thrill found in “Happy Death Day.”
22. Palm Springs (2020)
Summary: (Fourth repeat, included to reach the 23 movie count and because of its romantic-comedy take on the time-loop trope). Nyles and Sarah, two souls adrift, serendipitously meet at a Palm Springs wedding and inadvertently become tethered to a time loop, reliving the same wedding day ad infinitum. Initially, they revel in the absence of consequences, indulging in carefree escapades. However, as their temporal confinement persists, they embark on a quest to unravel the enigma of their predicament, and amidst the looping days, an unexpected romance blossoms.
“Palm Springs” offers a delightful romantic-comedy twist on the time-loop premise, echoing “Happy Death Day” in its playful approach to the concept, yet pivoting towards humor and romance rather than horror. Just as Tree leverages the loop to foster personal connections and instigate change, Sarah and Nyles utilize their temporal anomaly to forge a profound bond and discover love amidst repetition. If the comedic elements and relationship dynamics of “Happy Death Day” appealed to you, “Palm Springs” will charm you with its levity and heartfelt exploration of love in a world standing still.
23. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Summary: (Fifth repeat, included to reach the 23 movie count and because it is a prominent example of action-packed time-loop narratives). Major William Cage, a military officer devoid of frontline combat experience, is thrust into the throes of a brutal war against extraterrestrial invaders. Upon succumbing to fatal injuries in battle, he inexplicably reawakens to the dawn of the same day, trapped in a temporal loop. Aided by the formidable Special Forces warrior Rita Vrataski, Cage must harness the iterative nature of the time loop to hone his combat skills and devise a strategy to secure victory against the alien onslaught.
“Edge of Tomorrow” mirrors the high-stakes, action-oriented time-loop narrative of “Happy Death Day,” albeit set against the backdrop of an alien invasion. Much like Tree’s repeated confrontations with her assailant to solve her murder, Cage endures countless iterations of the same battle to refine his combat prowess and outmaneuver the extraterrestrial enemy. Both films feature protagonists who undergo transformative journeys within their respective loops, evolving into more resilient and resourceful versions of themselves. If you were enthralled by the action sequences and Tree’s evolution into a survivor, “Edge of Tomorrow” will captivate you with Cage’s metamorphosis into an alien-fighting paragon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Time-Loop Movies
Q1: What exactly is a time-loop movie?
A time-loop movie is a story where a character, or sometimes a group of characters, gets stuck reliving the same period of time over and over again. This could be a few minutes, an hour, or a whole day. Each time the loop restarts, they usually keep their memories from the previous loops, which they can use to try and change what happens or solve a problem.
Q2: What makes “Happy Death Day” a time-loop movie?
“Happy Death Day” is definitely a time-loop movie because the main character, Tree, wakes up on her birthday and is murdered at the end of the day. Then, she wakes up again, and it’s her birthday all over again! This keeps happening, and she has to figure out who is killing her and how to stop it to break the loop.
Q3: Are time-loop movies always scary?
No, not always! While “Happy Death Day” is a horror-comedy movie, and some time-loop movies can be thrillers or scary, others can be funny, romantic, or even just about learning and growing as a person. “Groundhog Day,” for example, is a comedy, and “Palm Springs” is a romantic comedy. So, time-loop movies can be in any genre!
Q4: What are some common themes in movies like “Happy Death Day?”
Movies like Happy Death Day often play with ideas about fate, choices, and second chances. Because the characters relive time, they get to see how their choices change things. Many of these movies are also about personal growth, like in “Before I Fall” or “Groundhog Day,” where the characters become better people through their time-loop experiences. And, of course, many are about solving a mystery or stopping something bad from happening, like in “Source Code” or “Triangle.”
Q5: Can time-loop movies be funny?
Absolutely! “Happy Death Day” itself is a great example of a funny time-loop movie. Movies like “Palm Springs” and “Naked” also use the time-loop idea to create lots of funny situations. The repeating day can lead to hilarious moments as characters try crazy things without real-life consequences, or just get into funny mix-ups because of the loop.
Q6: Are there any time-loop movies for kids?
While many time-loop movies can be a bit scary or complex for younger kids, there are some that are more family-friendly. “The Map of Tiny Perfect Things” is a good option for older kids and teens, as it focuses on romance and finding joy in everyday moments within a time loop. Always check movie ratings to make sure it’s right for your family.
Q7: What if I don’t like scary movies but like the time-loop idea?
If scary movies aren’t your thing, no problem! There are plenty of best time-loop movies that aren’t scary at all. “Groundhog Day” is a classic comedy, “About Time” is a romance, and “Palm Springs” is a funny and sweet romantic comedy. You can enjoy the clever time-loop stories without any of the scares from horror-comedy movies like Happy Death Day.
Q8: Where can I watch trailers for these movies?
For each movie listed above, you can find a trailer link right below the movie description with the anchor text “Watch the Trailer.” Just click on these links to watch the trailers on platforms like YouTube or Dailymotion. This way, you can get a sneak peek of each movie and decide which ones you want to watch first!
Ready for More Loops?
So, if you’re still craving more after “Happy Death Day,” you’ve got a fantastic list of thriller movies like Happy Death Day to explore! Whether you’re in the mood for laughs, scares, action, or even a bit of romance, these time-loop thriller movies offer something for everyone. Get your popcorn ready, dim the lights, and prepare to get looped! Which movie from this list will you watch first? Happy looping!
