Is About Time Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, About Time is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 123 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
About Time Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2013, About Time emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Romance, Fantasy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of The night after another unsatisfactory New Year's party, Tim's father tells his son that the men in his family have always had the ability to travel through time. Unlike standard genre fare, About Time attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and About Time features a noteworthy lineup led by Domhnall Gleeson . Supported by the likes of Rachel McAdams and Bill Nighy , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of About Time (2013) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.9/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
About Time Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: About Time is a Drama, Romance, Fantasy film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. The night after another unsatisfactory New Year's party, Tim's father tells his son that the men in his family have always had the ability to travel through time. They can't change history, but they can change what happens and has happened in their own lives. Thus begins the start of a lesson in learning to appreciate life itself as it is, as it comes, and most importantly, the people living alongside us. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The protagonist undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
Thematic Depth
The film delves into universal human experiences—love, loss, identity, and belonging. It holds up a mirror to society, asking difficult questions about morality, choice, and consequence.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Exceptional storytelling that balances entertainment with substance
- Strong performances that bring depth to the characters
- Technical excellence in cinematography, editing, and sound design
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Minor pacing issues that do not significantly detract from the experience
- A few underdeveloped subplots
About Time Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: About Time resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of About Time demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch About Time?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
About Time Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $12.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $87.1M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
About Time Budget
The estimated production budget for About Time is $12.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of About Time
- Domhnall Gleeson – Tim Lake
- Rachel McAdams – Mary
- Bill Nighy – Dad
- Tom Hollander – Harry
- Margot Robbie – Charlotte
Top Highlights
Domhnall GleesonTim Lake
Rachel McAdamsMary
Bill NighyDad
Tom HollanderHarry
Margot RobbieCharlotte
Lydia WilsonKit Kat
Lindsay DuncanMum
Richard CorderyUncle D
Joshua McGuireRory
Will MerrickJay
Where to Watch About Time Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
JioHotstar
VI movies and tv🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
About Time is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.9/10, and global collection metrics, About Time stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2013 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is About Time movie hit or flop?
About Time is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.9/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama, Romance, Fantasy movies.
Is About Time worth watching?
Yes, About Time is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama, Romance, Fantasy cinema.
Where can I watch About Time online?
About Time is currently available for streaming on JioHotstar. You can also check for it on platforms like JioHotstar, VI movies and tv depending on your region.
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How About Time Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for About Time
Cute and fun, with great cast and performances and nice English humor. Just, it is too good, too neat ... but a good movie for getting out of the theater with optimism and faith in life.
**My wife was literally tearing up just from me telling her about this movie. It was that good!** A Delightful, sweet, and optimistic film with an uplifting focus on cherishing time with people we love and valuing family. It’s rare to find a movie that depicts a healthy, caring relationship between family members, so I enjoyed seeing support rather than drama. Expanding the focus of love beyond the main couple to their friends and family is not typical of a romantic comedy but welcomed and appreciated. A great escape film that reminds you what matters most are the people closest to you.
kind of a dumb movie. he has the ability to time travel for his life but he doesnt do anything worth seeing. they also make a bad looking couple too. im not sure what this movie is suppose to be about because there isnt much of a storyline at all. and he uses his time travel to fix the dumbest stuff. not even worth watching in my opinion.
What.an.adorable.movie.
When you watch the movie, you will realize that it gives love to all the characters in the appropriate and best way. The movie is wonderful and beautiful, and I recommend it to all people. I loved it very much, to an indescribable degree.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
Browse All Box Office ReportsGlobal Hit-or-Flop VerdictsIs it Worth Watching? GuideIs About Time Worth Watching?About Time Box Office VerdictAbout Time Collection & BudgetWhere to Watch About Time OnlineBest Movies of 2013Top Rated Drama MoviesMore Drama MoviesMore Romance MoviesDomhnall Gleeson Movies & Hits
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