Happy Groundhog Day, the oddest of all holidays, to all who observe. If you want to celebrate by streaming the eponymous film, we’ve got you covered. If you’re not a fan of the film but crave a movie that’s similar in one way or another, we’ve also got you covered.
‘Groundhog Day’
Fun fact: Groundhog Day’s plot being about a man stuck in a time loop has nothing to do with the holiday itself – the writer who came up with the idea for the film, Danny Rubin, chose Groundhog Day as the holiday on which to set the film (already having the time loop idea solidified) because it was the closest holiday at the time he was writing the film, and he figured enough people knew about the day for it to draw attention. The annual celebrations in Punxsutawney helped some with the plot, too, and thus a bizarre holiday classic was born.
Groundhog Day is streaming now on AMC+.
‘Palm Springs’
The most similar to Groundhog Day on this list, Palm Springs follows the same time-loop pattern, and it’s got similarly cynical characters who can’t figure out how to get out of said loop. Starring the underrated Cristin Milioti opposite Andy Samberg in what’s probably his best film role to date, this movie was one of the best things to happen during the pandemic, and it’s a modern classic that will have even the most unromantic of souls smiling.
Palm Springs is streaming now on Hulu.
‘50 First Dates’
50 First Dates isn’t that similar to Groundhog Day, but it’s got a time loop element of sorts and it’s a romantic comedy. It’s also a great movie and Valentine’s Day is coming up. We’re going to stop justifying our recommendation and instead confidently say that 50 First Dates is an underrated rom-com, and if you haven’t watched it in a while, now is the perfect time to revisit.
50 First Dates is streaming now on Starz.
‘About Time’
About Time might be even less similar to Groundhog Day than 50 First Dates, but again, it’s the time thing that landed it on this list. In this film, however, it’s time travel instead of a loop. The wonky time aspect aside, About Time is a touching love story between a man and a woman, as well as a man and his father. With spring just around the corner (Punxsutawney Phil confirmed it – winter is ending soon), now is the perfect time to defrost with this heartwarming film.
About Time is streaming now on Starz.