Timeline

Timeline

movie

PG-13, 2003

WISE
42%

WISE Score

13

Avg. Tomatometer

Time-traveling archaeologists get stuck in medieval France's most violent war—think less 'Doctor Who,' more 'people getting stabbed a lot.'

IMDb5.6
RT Critics13%
MC29
Common Sense Media
Where to Watch
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Screenwise Verdict

Look, Timeline had potential: Michael Crichton, time travel, medieval France. But with a 13% critic score and 29 on Metacritic, this is a swing and a miss.

The battle scenes are legitimately intense—graphic enough that younger teens might be uncomfortable—but the rest of the movie is a slog. Uneven pacing, a romance subplot no one asked for, and sci-fi elements that barely get explored. It's like they had a cool premise and then forgot to make it interesting.

If your teen is really into medieval history or time-travel stories, they might tolerate it. But honestly? There are way better options. This is the kind of movie that makes you appreciate how hard it is to adapt Crichton well. Skip it unless you're desperate for PG-13 historical action and have exhausted literally everything else.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13-16 who can handle intense medieval combat and won't be too bored by mediocre execution. The PG-13 rating and Common Sense Media's age 14 recommendation are on point—younger kids will find the violence unsettling, and older teens will likely find it dated and dull.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
48

PG-13 for intense medieval battle sequences that are fairly graphic for teens, with occasional coarse language. Violence rated D+ by ParentPreviews. The film leans heavily into warfare with minimal emotional depth—the romance subplot feels forced, and the pacing is uneven. Not particularly emotionally healthy or modeling positive values; mostly just people hacking at each other in armor.

Imaginative
62

Time-travel archaeology premise mixing sci-fi quantum technology with 14th-century French history during the Hundred Years' War is conceptually interesting. Based on Michael Crichton's novel, so there's intellectual DNA here. However, execution is lackluster—the film prioritizes medieval combat over exploring the sci-fi elements or historical context in creative ways. Doesn't really invite curiosity or exploration; it's more action-driven than thought-provoking.

Safe
55

Rated PG-13 with intense battle sequences that can feel unsettling for younger viewers. Violence includes sword fights, arrows, and medieval warfare that's graphic enough to earn a D+ rating. Brief strong language (D+ for profanity). Sexual content is minimal (A-) and substance use is minimal (A-). No surprise graphic content beyond what you'd expect from a medieval war movie, but the battle scenes are legitimately intense and could be disturbing for kids under 13.

Enriching
38

Minimal educational or enriching value. While it touches on the Hundred Years' War and archaeological concepts, the film doesn't meaningfully explore history or science—it's mostly a vehicle for action sequences. The time-travel tech is purely fictional and not explained in ways that spark learning. No real character growth, ethical dilemmas, or meaningful takeaways. Entertainment value is also questionable given the 13% Rotten Tomatoes critic score, 29 Metacritic, and C+ ParentPreviews rating.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Time-travel meets medieval history premise is inherently cool for teens who love sci-fi and historical action
  • Based on Michael Crichton novel, so there's some literary pedigree for older teens familiar with his work
  • Minimal sexual content and no drug use—violence is the main concern
  • Could spark interest in the Hundred Years' War or medieval history if paired with actual educational resources
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What to Watch For

  • Battle scenes are intense and graphic for PG-13—swords, arrows, medieval combat that earned a D+ violence rating
  • Critically terrible (13% on Rotten Tomatoes)—uneven pacing, forced romance, and weak execution mean even teens might find it boring
  • Occasional strong language sprinkled throughout
  • The sci-fi elements are underdeveloped; don't expect deep exploration of time travel or quantum physics

Conversation Starters

  • "If you could time-travel to any historical period, where would you go—and what would be the biggest dangers?"
  • "The movie shows medieval warfare as brutal and chaotic. How different is that from what you see in fantasy movies or games?"
  • "Do you think the archaeologists should have gone back in time to save their professor, knowing the risks?"
  • "What do you think would be hardest about surviving in the 1300s—no technology, different language, constant war?"
Stills
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