If you’re looking for a film that makes you think about life, love, and the fragility of time, look no further than About Time. It’s a true masterpiece. Richard Curtis directs this feel-good movie, which is all about time travel but really it’s about making the most of the present moment. I’ve watched this movie more times than I care to admit, and each time, I gain a new perspective on life.
In this article, I’ve put together a few of the most memorable and inspiring quotes from About Time that have personally affected me. These quotes really struck a chord with me and serve as great reminders to live more intentionally, love deeply, and make the most of every day. I hope that as you read through them, they’ll inspire you too, and give you some new insights or a fresh outlook on the beauty and brevity of life.
No matter what you’re thinking about — love, life’s hurdles, or just a little motivation — these quotes offer a fresh take that can brighten your day and maybe even change the way you approach your time here. Let’s jump right in!
“We’re all traveling through time together, every day of our lives. All we can do is do our best to relish this remarkable ride.” – Bill Nighy as Dad in About Time
Life is one big journey, and this quote is a great reminder to make the most of each moment. As someone who’s always been a bit of a planner, I used to spend a lot of time focused on the future, worrying about things that might never happen. But now, I try to remind myself daily to live in the present. This simple quote from Dad speaks volumes about how precious each day is. It’s not about getting everything right or perfect, but about making the most of the time we have and enjoying the ride along the way.
“I just try to live every day as if I’ve deliberately come back to this one day, to enjoy it, as if it was the full final day of my extraordinary, ordinary life.” – Domhnall Gleeson as Tim in About Time
The idea of living each day as if it’s your last is pretty common, but the movie really explores it in a meaningful way. I often find myself thinking, “What if this was my last day? How would I act differently?” It makes me more aware of the small moments I usually take for granted, like the warm sunlight filtering through my window in the morning or the simple pleasure of chatting with friends over coffee. This quote is a call to be present, to slow down, and enjoy those quiet, fleeting moments.
“The truth is, I now don’t travel back at all. Not even for the day. I just try to live every day as if I’ve deliberately come back to this one day, to enjoy it.” – Bill Nighy as Dad in About Time
I’m always moved by the wisdom in this quote. Tim’s father, who once used time travel to fix his mistakes or relive favorite moments, eventually stops using it altogether. He realizes that the real magic is living fully in the present. I often think about the idea of going back to change things, but this quote reminds me that there is power in embracing life as it is right now. There’s no need to time travel when you’re truly appreciating each moment.
“You can’t fix everything just by jumping in a time machine.” – Bill Nighy as Dad in About Time
How often do you wish you could go back in time and fix your mistakes? I know I do. But this quote is a good reminder that life isn’t about avoiding or erasing errors. It’s about learning from them. We can’t escape the messiness of life—its pain, regrets, or failures—but we can grow from these experiences. In the end, it’s how we choose to move forward that matters.
“I’m scared I’ll never live anything as exciting as this ever again.” – Rachel McAdams as Mary in About Time
Mary’s words resonate with me deeply. We’ve all had moments that felt magical, where we thought nothing could top them. The funny thing about life is that there’s always something more around the corner. I’ve learned that while one chapter of life might close, another one filled with new experiences is just beginning. This quote is a reminder to cherish those moments, but also to trust that excitement and joy will come again in different forms.
“All the time traveling in the world can’t make someone love you.”
Sometimes, we get caught up in the idea that if we could just go back and do things differently, we could win someone’s heart. This quote is a good reminder that love isn’t something you can control or manipulate, even if you had all the time in the world. Relationships are built on honesty, connection, and mutual care—not on trying to “fix” things from the past. I’ve learned to let go of the need to control love and instead just allow it to unfold naturally.
“The greatest lesson I’ve learned from my travels through time is that I can’t fix everything.” – Domhnall Gleeson as Tim in About Time
We all know that life is full of imperfections. No amount of time travel can change that. This quote speaks to the fact that, sometimes, things just don’t work out the way we want them to, and that’s okay. The beauty of life is that it’s unpredictable. This quote has helped me embrace the moments when things don’t go according to plan, knowing that it’s all part of the journey.
“In the end, we’re all just stories.”
This quote is simple but powerful. It reminds me that our lives are shaped by the moments we live, the people we love, and the experiences that make us who we are. Every day, we’re building the narrative of our lives. What kind of story do I want to tell? That question has helped me live more intentionally and make choices that align with the legacy I want to leave behind.
“We all have time machines. Some take us back, they’re called memories. Some take us forward, they’re called dreams.”
This quote really captures the essence of time. Memories keep the past alive, and dreams propel us into the future. I often find myself caught between reflecting on what’s happened and imagining what’s to come, but this quote reminds me to appreciate both sides—to cherish my memories and to remain excited for the dreams ahead.
“I don’t want to be stuck in the past, but I also don’t want to rush through life.”
The key here is balance. I’ve often found it challenging to be fully present, either dwelling on past mistakes or getting too caught up in future goals. This quote helps me remember that life is best lived in the moment, without getting too attached to the past or future.
“There’s no such thing as a perfect day.”
We often idealize perfection, especially when it comes to love and life. But this quote is a reminder that perfection isn’t the goal. Life is messy, unpredictable, and full of little imperfections, but it’s in those imperfections that we often find beauty. I’ve learned to embrace the flawed moments, knowing they’re what make life real.
“We mustn’t wait for the perfect moment; sometimes we have to take the moment and make it perfect.”
This quote really resonates with me because it highlights the power we have in shaping our experiences. I used to wait for the “right time” to pursue my passions or to tell someone how I felt. But I’ve learned that sometimes, you just have to create those moments yourself. The perfect time might never come, but that’s okay because you can still make it meaningful.
Conclusion
The quotes from About Time aren’t just lines from a movie—they’re reminders to live fully, love deeply, and appreciate how quickly time passes. Each one speaks to a different aspect of life, offering lessons that can help us navigate our own journeys with more mindfulness and grace. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this movie, it’s that time is our most precious resource.
I encourage you to take these quotes to heart and apply them in your daily life. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning, making time for loved ones, or simply choosing to be present, these lessons can help you live a life full of meaning. And if any of these quotes resonate with you, I’d love to hear how they’ve impacted your perspective. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
