About Time poster

About Time

"What if every moment in life came with a second chance?"

Movie R 2013 2h 3m 7.9 /10
Directed by Richard Curtis

On a quiet New Year's Eve a family secret drops into Tim Lake's lap. The men in his family can travel through time, but only in their own lives and never to rewrite history. With this odd gift comes a big lesson about living in the moment. Tim soon discovers that changing small moments can alter... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: January 21, 2026

About About Time

On a quiet New Year's Eve a family secret drops into Tim Lake's lap. The men in his family can travel through time, but only in their own lives and never to rewrite history. With this odd gift comes a big lesson about living in the moment. Tim soon discovers that changing small moments can alter his day to day reality, yet the consequences can be complicated, funny, or heartfelt. Rather than chasing perfect outcomes, he begins to use time travel to cultivate better days, kinder interactions, and more honest connections. The result is a gentle romance with Mary, and a broader look at what it means to appreciate the people who share our lives. With its blend of humor and emotion, the film invites you to reflect on what you would change and what you would cherish. For many viewers.

Directed by Richard Curtis, About Time released in 2013 as a British drama with romance and fantasy elements. It stems from Curtis's original screenplay rather than an adaptation, marking a signature, character driven style. The cast brings warmth and wit.

It performed solidly at the box office with a respectable worldwide gross for a romantic fantasy drama, reflecting steady word of mouth and a steady afterlife on home screens. Audience response confirmed its broad appeal.

It has left a warm imprint on audiences who favor intimate family stories blended with whimsy. The film's emphasis on living in the moment and showing love through everyday acts has resonated beyond its romance, turning some scenes into memorable talking points for audiences.

Critics generally praised the film for its humane tone, humor, and strong performances by Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams. Its themes center on making peace with the ordinary, choosing love over fear, and recognizing that time spent with others is the real treasure.

What Viewers Are Saying

7.9/10
from 9,027 ratings

Viewers appreciate About Time for its charming performances, warm English humor, and heartfelt portrayal of family and romantic relationships. Many praise its uplifting message about cherishing time with loved ones and commend its focus beyond just the main couple. However, some find the story simplistic and criticize missed opportunities in exploring the time-travel concept. Overall, audiences find it a sweet, optimistic film with a feel-good tone.

Details

Release Date
September 04, 2013
Runtime
2h 3m
Rating
R
User Ratings
9,027 votes
Type
Movie
Genres
Drama, Romance, Fantasy
Country
United Kingdom
Studio
Universal Pictures +2 more
Budget
$12,000,000
Box Office
$87,100,449
External Links
View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Cast

Domhnall Gleeson

Domhnall Gleeson

Tim Lake

Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams

Mary

Bill Nighy

Bill Nighy

Dad

Tom Hollander

Tom Hollander

Harry

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie

Charlotte

Lydia Wilson

Lydia Wilson

Kit Kat

Lindsay Duncan

Lindsay Duncan

Mum

Richard Cordery

Richard Cordery

Uncle D

Joshua McGuire

Joshua McGuire

Rory

Will Merrick

Will Merrick

Jay

Director: Richard Curtis

Written by: Emma Freud

Frequently Asked Questions

About Time is not currently available on streaming subscription services, but you can rent or buy it on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

Yes, you can rent on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video or buy on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

With a rating of 7.9/10 from 9,027 viewers, About Time is well-regarded and recommended by viewers.

On a quiet New Year's Eve a family secret drops into Tim Lake's lap. The men in his family can travel through time, but only in their own lives and never to rewrite history. With this odd gift comes a big lesson about living in the moment. Tim soon discovers that changing small moments can alter ...

About Time stars Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Tom Hollander, and Margot Robbie.

About Time was directed by Richard Curtis.

About Time was released on September 04, 2013.

About Time is a Drama, Romance, and Fantasy film.

No, About Time is a fictional film about time travel. Tim Lake's ability to travel through time is part of the story, not a real event.

Domhnall Gleeson plays Tim Lake, the man who can travel through time.

Rachel McAdams plays Mary, Tim Lake's love interest.

The film is about appreciating life as it is and the people around us, using time travel to highlight everyday moments and relationships.