Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day

Year: 1993

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: Harold Ramis

FantasyComedyRomance

TV weatherman Phil Connors finds himself unexpectedly trapped in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, forced to relive the annual Groundhog Day celebration over and over again. Initially frustrated by his predicament, he struggles to find a way to break the time loop. As he repeats the same day, Phil's interactions with the townspeople, especially charming producer Rita Hanson, evolve, prompting self-reflection and ultimately, a chance for personal growth.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Groundhog Day yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Groundhog Day (1993)

Trace every key event in Groundhog Day (1993) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Phil's Forecast

On February 1, television weatherman Phil Connors confidently reassures viewers in Pittsburgh that a blizzard will miss Western Pennsylvania. Accompanied by his producer Rita and cameraman Larry, he travels to Punxsutawney for the annual Groundhog Day festivities, expressing disdain for the small town and its residents.

February 1 Pittsburgh
2

Groundhog Day Coverage

The next day, February 2, Phil wakes up at the Cherry Street Inn to the sounds of Sonny & Cher's 'I Got You Babe.' Despite his lackluster mood, he delivers a report on Punxsutawney Phil and the festivities, unaware that his forecast will turn disastrous.

February 2 Punxsutawney
3

Stranded in Punxsutawney

After his report, a blizzard unexpectedly hits, stranding Phil in Punxsutawney overnight. His frustration and desire to escape the town become evident as he desperately seeks a way out but ultimately fails.

February 2 Punxsutawney
4

The Time Loop Begins

Phil awakens again to the same song and realizes that the day is repeating itself. Initially dismissing it as déjà vu, he attempts to leave the town but is unsuccessful, soon discovering that he is trapped in an endless time loop.

February 2 Punxsutawney
5

Desperate Measures

As Phil becomes aware of his predicament, he seeks help from Rita, who suggests visiting neurologists and psychologists. Each consultation brings no answers, leading Phil to spiral into a cycle of reckless and self-destructive behavior.

6

A Reckless Phase

Phil takes advantage of his knowledge of the repeated day to indulge in binge-eating, theft, and one-night stands, disconnecting himself from his previous life. His obsession with winning Rita's affection leads him to frequent disappointments that deepen his frustration.

Punxsutawney
7

Despair and Attempts at Escape

In a state of despair, Phil attempts extreme measures to escape the time loop, even considering suicide. His most dramatic attempt involves kidnapping Punxsutawney Phil and driving off a cliff, only to wake up back in the inn once again.

February 2 Punxsutawney
8

Genuine Transformation

During an attempt to confide in Rita, Phil begins to genuinely connect with her by predicting events based on his knowledge of the day. Rita encourages him to see these repeated days as opportunities for growth, prompting Phil to reassess his life choices.

Punxsutawney
9

Positive Changes

Phil dedicates himself to improving his life and the lives of those around him. He learns new skills like playing the piano and carves ice sculptures, revealing a newfound purpose, while still grappling with the loss of a homeless man he couldn’t save.

Punxsutawney
10

A Captivating Report

On yet another February 2, Phil delivers an impressive report that garners attention from other news crews. His positive deeds throughout the day further impress Rita, and his piano skills leave a lasting impact on her.

February 2 Punxsutawney
11

Declaring Love

As Phil carves an ice sculpture in Rita's likeness, he shares a profound declaration of love, stating that regardless of his situation, he finds happiness in loving her. This heartfelt moment culminates in an impassioned kiss.

Punxsutawney
12

Breakthrough with Rita

At dawn the next day, Phil's routine changes when he wakes to 'I Got You Babe' with Rita by his side. The subtle alterations in radio chatter signal that he has finally moved past February 2, filled with hope for a future with Rita.

February 3 Punxsutawney
13

Looking to the Future

Phil expresses his desire to build a life with Rita in Punxsutawney, showcasing his transformation from a cynical weatherman to a man ready to embrace love and community. His journey through the loop has given him a new perspective on life.

Punxsutawney

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 20:56

Unlock the Full Story of Groundhog Day

Don't stop at just watching — explore Groundhog Day in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Groundhog Day is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Groundhog Day Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Groundhog Day, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Groundhog Day Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Groundhog Day

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Groundhog Day. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Groundhog Day

More About Groundhog Day

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Groundhog Day: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Groundhog Day

Similar Movies to Groundhog Day

Discover movies like Groundhog Day that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.