Where to start
The Time Machine
2 versions · originally a film, 1960
Themes: Time Travel, Social Darwinism, Class Conflict, Utopian/Dystopian Society, Evolution.
H. G. Wells’ seminal vision explores the terrifying divergence of humanity into two distinct species at the end of time.
✦ Most fans start here
The Time Machine (1960)

The original movie
✦ Start hereThe Time Machine
George Pal · Film · 1960
The Time Machine (1960) translates the Victorian era’s anxieties into a vibrant cinematic spectacle, offering a visual journey that captures the stark, haunting contrast between the Eloi and the subterranean Morlocks.
2016 book
The Time Machine
H. G. Wells · Book · 2016
The Time Machine (2016) preserves the original prose, allowing the novel to go deeper into the sociopolitical commentary regarding the divide between the idle Haves and the laboring, underground Have-nots.
Common questions
Is The Time Machine 1960 movie based on the same book as the 2016 edition?
Yes, both the 1960 movie adaptation of The Time Machine and the 2016 book release are based on the original science fiction novella written by H.G. Wells. They share the same core narrative regarding a Victorian inventor and his journey into the distant future.
Should I watch The Time Machine 1960 before reading the 2016 book?
You can consume them in any order. The 1960 movie version of The Time Machine and the 2016 book provide different interpretations of the source material. Watching the film first allows you to compare the visual storytelling of the classic cinema era with the written text.
How long is The Time Machine 1960 movie?
The 1960 film adaptation of The Time Machine has a runtime of approximately 103 minutes. This duration covers the inventor's journey through time and his encounter with the Eloi and Morlocks as depicted in the original story by H.G. Wells.
What order should I consume The Time Machine adaptations?
There is no required sequence for consuming The Time Machine adaptations. You may choose to start with the 1960 movie to experience the classic visual effects or begin with the 2016 book to focus on the original prose and narrative structure of the story.