Timeline

Timeline

Year: 2003

Runtime: 116 min

Language: English

Director: Richard Donner

Budget: $80M

ActionAdventureSci-FiFantasy

An archaeologist's accidental journey through a wormhole transports him to 14th-century France. His son and a young protégé are then sent on a perilous mission to retrieve him. Their rescue attempt plunges them into the heart of the ongoing conflict between France and England, forcing them to navigate medieval warfare and testing their skills and bravery in a thrilling adventure across time.

Timeline (2003) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Timeline (2003) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the quiet halls of a modern research institute, a team of archaeologists uncovers a centuries‑old mystery buried beneath the French countryside. Their excavation of the ruined village of Castlegard awakens a secret of the past: a wormhole that can bridge the gap between the 21st century and the tumultuous year of 1357, when the Hundred Years’ War rages across the fields of France and England. The discovery promises a once‑in‑a‑lifetime glimpse into history, but it also threatens to pull the present into a world of steel, blood, and chivalry.

At the heart of the expedition stand Professor Edward Johnston, a seasoned scholar whose love of the past is matched only by his obsession with protecting his family. His son Chris wrestles with the pull of duty and the distractions of a budding romance, while Kate Erickson, the keen‑eyed field specialist, balances scientific rigor with a restless curiosity about the lives hidden in the ancient stones. Alongside them, the charismatic mercenary André Marek offers a pragmatic edge, Josh Stern lends technical expertise, and François Dontelle provides the essential bridge between modern English and medieval French. Their intertwined motives create a dynamic tapestry of mentorship, loyalty, and unspoken tension that fuels the narrative long before the first step through time.

When the chance to rescue the professor arises, the group must decide whether to chase a fleeting glimpse of the past or risk being forever entangled in its wars. The promise of a daring rescue invites them into a world where castles loom, battle cries echo across moors, and every decision tests their ingenuity and courage. The tone melds visceral adventure with thoughtful reflection, inviting viewers to wonder how modern minds will survive—and perhaps thrive—in the midst of medieval conflict, all while the bonds between the characters are forged in the fire of an uncertain journey through time.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 10:57

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Rescue Mission Adventures Like Timeline

Teams are flung into dangerous pasts on a desperate mission to save a companion.If you enjoyed the urgent rescue plot of Timeline, you'll like these movies featuring high-stakes missions in dangerous historical eras. Discover similar stories where teams must save someone from the past, blending adventure, survival, and thrilling historical action.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a clear rescue objective that drives the plot forward at a rapid pace. Characters are forced to adapt to a harsh historical reality, facing immediate physical threats and antagonists from that era. The story is propelled by a series of captures, escapes, and confrontations as the team races against time.

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Movies in this thread share a core premise of a perilous extraction mission set against a well-defined historical backdrop. They create a consistent vibe of urgency, danger, and adventure, combining the tension of a thriller with the spectacle of a period piece.

Medieval Warfare Sci-Fi Movies Like Timeline

Contemporary characters use their wits to survive in the heart of historical battles.Fans of Timeline's blend of sci-fi and medieval conflict will enjoy these films. Explore movies similar to Timeline where time travel plunges characters into the chaos of historical wars, testing their bravery and survival skills against knights and ancient armies.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves characters being transported from a safe, modern context into an ongoing historical war. Their journey is one of survival and adaptation, where their contemporary perspective is both an advantage and a liability. The plot is heavily action-driven, focusing on navigating battlefields, sieges, and the political intrigue of the time.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their unique fusion of science fiction concepts with gritty historical warfare. They share a high-intensity, fast-paced vibe where the thrill comes from seeing modern individuals confront the visceral danger of ancient combat and strategy.

Unlock the Full Story of Timeline

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Timeline Summary

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Timeline Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Timeline

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Timeline

More About Timeline

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