Most Popular Movies 2021
This chart shows the 2021 movie releases that have attracted the most interest on The Numbers web site over the past 24 hours. A share of 100 corresponds to 1 percent of the total views for all 2021 releases.
See also: Domestic Release Schedule for 2021 - Top 2021 Worldwide
| ← 2020 | Most Popular Overall | 2022 → |
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| Dune |
| Director: Denis Villeneuve |
| Lead Roles: Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, Oscar Isaac as Duke Leto Atreides, Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck, Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Harkonnen, Dave Bautista as Glossu Rabban, Stephen McKinley Henderson as Thufir Hawat, Zendaya as Chani, Chen Chang as Dr. Wellington Yueh, David Dastmalchian as Piter De Vries, Sharon Duncan-Brewster as Dr. Liet-Kynes, Charlotte Rampling as Reverend Mother Mohiam, Jason Momoa as Duncan Idaho, Javier Bardem as Stilgar |
| Initial Theatrical Release: September 15, 2021 (Wide) (France) |
| Keywords: 3-D, 3-D - Post-production Conversion, IMAX: DMR, Space Opera, Heroic Adventure, Disrupted by 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, 2022 Oscars Best Picture Nominee |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Action, Live Action, Science Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $109,987,830 |
|
International BO: $320,192,976 |
Synopsis
Paul Atreides is a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence—a commodity capable of unlocking humanity’s greatest potential—only those who can conquer their fear will survive.
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| Godzilla vs. Kong |
| Director: Adam Wingard |
| Lead Roles: Alexander Skarsgård as Nathan Lind |
| Initial Theatrical Release: March 25, 2021 (Wide) by Warner Bros (Australia) |
| Keywords: 3-D, 3-D - Post-production Conversion, IMAX: DMR, Disrupted by 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Kaiju, Creature Feature, Secret Societies, Deaf, Mute, Sign Language, Enemies Forced to Work Together, Robot |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Action, Live Action, Science Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $100,916,094 |
|
International BO: $348,677,333 |
Synopsis
Kong and his protectors undertake a perilous journey to find his true home, and with them is Jia, a young orphaned girl with whom he has formed a unique and powerful bond. But they unexpectedly find themselves in the path of an enraged Godzilla, cutting a swath of destruction across the globe. The epic clash between the two titans—instigated by unseen forces—is only the beginning of the mystery that lies deep within the core of the Earth.
| Ghostbusters: Afterlife |
| Director: Jason Reitman |
| Lead Roles: Carrie Coon as Callie, Finn Wolfhard as Trevor, Mckenna Grace as Phoebe, Paul Rudd as Mr. Grooberson, Celeste O’ Conner as Trevor’s Classmate, Logan Kim as Phoebe’s Classmate |
| Initial Theatrical Release: November 18, 2021 (Wide) by Sony Pictures, released as Ghostbusters: Legacy (Germany) |
| Keywords: Supernatural, Delayed Sequel, Horror Comedy |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Science Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $129,360,575 |
|
International BO: $74,179,602 |
Synopsis
When a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind.
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| The Suicide Squad |
| Director: James Gunn |
| Lead Roles: Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Viola Davis as Amanda Waller, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag, Jai Courtney as Boomerang, Idris Elba as Robert DuBois/Bloodsport, Sylvester Stallone as King Shark, Peter Capaldi as Thinker |
| Initial Theatrical Release: July 28, 2021 (Wide) (France) |
| Keywords: Action Comedy, Reboot, Special Ops, Ensemble, Sequels Without Their Original Stars, Sequel With Lead Character Recast |
| Classification: Based on Comic/Graphic Novel, Action, Live Action, Super Hero |
|
Domestic BO: $55,817,425 |
|
International BO: $111,280,312 |
Synopsis
Welcome to hell—a.k.a. Belle Reve, the prison with the highest mortality rate in the US of A. Where the worst Super-Villains are kept and where they will do anything to get out—even join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X. Today’s do-or-die assignment? Assemble a collection of cons, including Bloodsport, Peacemaker, Captain Boomerang, Ratcatcher 2, Savant, King Shark, Blackguard, Javelin and everyone’s favorite psycho, Harley Quinn. Then arm them heavily and drop them (literally) on the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese. Trekking through a jungle teeming with militant adversaries and guerrilla forces at every turn, the Squad is on a search-and-destroy mission, with only Colonel Rick Flag on the ground to make them behave…and Amanda Waller’s government techies in their ears, tracking their every movement. And as always, one wrong move and they’re dead (whether at the hands of their opponents, a teammate, or Waller herself). If anyone’s laying down bets, the smart money is against them—all of them.
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| Spider-Man: No Way Home |
| Director: Jon Watts |
| Lead Roles: Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 14, 2021 (Wide), released as 스파이더맨: 노 웨이 홈 (South Korea) |
| Keywords: Action Adventure, Alternative Dimensions / Parallel universe, Ensemble, Secret Identity |
| Classification: Based on Comic/Graphic Novel, Action, Animation/Live Action, Super Hero |
|
Domestic BO: $814,115,070 |
|
International BO: $1,093,721,184 |
Synopsis
For the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man, our friendly neighborhood hero is unmasked and no longer able to separate his normal life from the high-stakes of being a Super Hero. When he asks for help from Doctor Strange the stakes become even more dangerous, forcing him to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man.
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| Free Guy |
| Director: Shawn Levy |
| Lead Roles: Ryan Reynolds as Guy |
| Initial Theatrical Release: August 11, 2021 (Wide), released as Free Guy — Eroe per gioco (Italy) |
| Keywords: Action Comedy, Video Game, Video Game Industry, Artificial Intelligence, Disrupted by 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Prologue, Voiceover/Narration, Love at First Sight, Romance, Interspecies Romance |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Action, Live Action, Science Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $121,626,598 |
|
International BO: $201,847,194 |
Synopsis
A bank teller who discovers he is actually a background player in an open-world video game, decides to become the hero of his own story…one he rewrites himself. Now in a world where there are no limits, he is determined to be the guy who saves his world his way… before it is too late.
| Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings |
| Director: Destin Daniel Cretton |
| Lead Roles: Simu Liu as Shang-Chi |
| Initial Theatrical Release: September 1, 2021 (Wide) (South Korea) |
| Keywords: Action Adventure, Dysfunctional Family, Organized Crime, Martial Arts, Origin Story, Asian-Americans, The Past Catching up with You |
| Classification: Based on Comic/Graphic Novel, Action, Live Action, Super Hero |
|
Domestic BO: $224,543,292 |
|
International BO: $207,681,342 |
Synopsis
Shang-Chi must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization.
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| The Matrix Resurrections |
| Director: Lana Wachowski |
| Lead Roles: Keanu Reeves as Neo/Thomas Anderson |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 16, 2021 (Wide), released as Матрица: Воскрешение (Russia (CIS)) |
| Keywords: Delayed Sequel |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Action, Live Action, Science Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $40,463,197 |
|
International BO: $118,734,558 |
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| King Richard |
| Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green |
| Lead Roles: Will Smith as Richard Williams |
| Initial Theatrical Release: November 18, 2021 (Wide), released as Король Ричард (Russia (CIS)) |
| Keywords: Biographical Drama, Tennis, Disrupted by 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, African Americans, 2022 Oscars Best Picture Nominee |
| Classification: Based on Real Life Events, Drama, Live Action, Dramatization |
|
Domestic BO: $15,138,334 |
|
International BO: $22,856,532 |
Synopsis
Compton, California is not the typical training ground for tennis champions, but Richard Williams has a plan. Sweeping drug needles off the rundown local tennis court and bravely standing up to the gangs that claimed it as their turf, he tirelessly drills his daughters Venus and Serena on the finer points of a game that he himself has never played. Smashing through age-old barriers of race and class, Richard relentlessly strives to prove that his girls are worthy of a shot, knowing they are destined for greatness.
| Chang jin hu |
| Director: Kaige Chen, Dante Lam, Tsui Hark |
| Initial Theatrical Release: September 25, 2021 (Wide), released as The Battle at Lake Changjin (China) |
| Keywords: 1950s |
| Classification: Based on Real Life Events, Action, Live Action, Dramatization |
|
Domestic BO: $333,214 |
|
International BO: $909,263,022 |
Synopsis
The story takes place in winter, 1950. In the freezing cold Changjin Lake region, a bloody battle between the United States and China begins. Faced with the harshest conditions of extreme cold, lack of rations and vast difference in weaponry, the Chinese troops forge ahead, fearless and determined. They successfully blow up the Shuimen Bridge, making the most critical victory in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea.
| Cinderella |
| Director: Kay Cannon |
| Lead Roles: Camila Cabello as Cinderella |
| Video Release Date: September 3, 2021 by Amazon Studios |
| Keywords: Disrupted by 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Modern Adaptation |
| Classification: Based on Folk Tale/Legend/Fairytale, Musical, Live Action, Fantasy |
Synopsis
Cinderella is a modern musical with a bold take on the story you grew up with. Our ambitious heroine has big dreams and with the help of her Fab G, she perseveres to make them come true.
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| A Quiet Place: Part II |
| Director: John Krasinski |
| Lead Roles: Emily Blunt as Evelyn Abbott |
| Initial Theatrical Release: May 26, 2021 (Wide) (Indonesia) |
| Keywords: Disrupted by 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Directing Yourself, Near Future, 2020s, Deaf, Sign Language, Limited Dialogue, Family Affair, Psychological Horror, Relatives Playing Relatives, Alien Invasion, Intertitle, Prologue, Motion Capture Performance |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Horror, Live Action, Science Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $160,215,764 |
|
International BO: $136,434,592 |
Synopsis
Following the deadly events at home, the Abbott family must now face the terrors of the outside world as they continue their fight for survival in silence. Forced to venture into the unknown, they quickly realize that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats that lurk beyond the sand path.
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| Sing 2 |
| Director: Garth Jennings |
| Lead Roles: Matthew McConaughey as Buster Moon, Reese Witherspoon as Rosita, Scarlett Johansson as Ash, Taron Egerton as Johnny, Tori Kelly as Meena, Nick Kroll as Gunter, Pharrell Williams as Alfonso, Halsey as Porsha, Letitia Wright as Nooshy, Eric Andre as Darius, Bono as Clay Calloway |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 1, 2021 (Wide), released as Cantar! 2 (Portugal) |
| Keywords: Backstage, Performing Arts, Singers, Musicians, Recluse, Family Musical |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Musical, Digital Animation, Kids Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $162,790,990 |
|
International BO: $241,743,598 |
Synopsis
Buster has turned the New Moon Theater into a local hit, but Buster has his eyes on a bigger prize: Debuting a new show at the Crystal Tower Theater in glamorous Redshore City. But with no connections, Buster and his cast — including harried mother pig Rosita, rocker porcupine Ash, earnest gorilla Johnny, shy elephant Meena and, of course, porcine provocateur Gunter — have to sneak their way into the world-famous Crystal Entertainment offices, run by ruthless mogul wolf Jimmy Crystal.
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| Tom and Jerry |
| Director: Tim Story |
| Lead Roles: Chloë Grace Moretz as Kayla, Michael Peña as Terrance, Colin Jost as Ben, Rob Delaney as Mr. DuBros, Ken Jeong as Jackie |
| Initial Theatrical Release: February 12, 2021 (Wide) (Singapore) |
| Keywords: Family Movie, Family Adventure, Animal Lead, Set in New York City, Set in New York, Set in Manhattan |
| Classification: Based on Short Film, Adventure, Animation/Live Action, Kids Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $46,536,687 |
|
International BO: $85,833,413 |
Synopsis
One of the most beloved rivalries in history is reignited when Jerry moves into New York City’s finest hotel on the eve of “the wedding of the century,” forcing the event’s desperate planner to hire Tom to get rid of him. The ensuing cat and mouse battle threatens to destroy her career, the wedding and possibly the hotel itself. But soon, an even bigger problem arises: a diabolically ambitious staffer conspiring against all three of them.
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| F9: The Fast Saga |
| Director: Justin Lin |
| Lead Roles: Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto, Michelle Rodriguez as Letty Ortiz, Tyrese Gibson as Roman Pearce, Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges as Tej Parker, John Cena as Jakob Toretto, Nathalie Emmanuel as Ramsey, Jordana Brewster as Mia Toretto |
| Initial Theatrical Release: May 20, 2021 (Wide) (China) |
| Keywords: Car Chase, IMAX: DMR, Action Adventure |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Action, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $173,005,945 |
|
International BO: $546,354,565 |
Synopsis
Dom Toretto is leading a quiet life off the grid with Letty and his son, little Brian, but they know that danger always lurks just over their peaceful horizon. This time, that threat will force Dom to confront the sins of his past if he’s going to save those he loves most. His crew joins together to stop a world-shattering plot led by the most skilled assassin and high-performance driver they’ve ever encountered: a man who also happens to be Dom’s forsaken brother, Jakob.
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| Jungle Cruise |
| Director: Jaume Collet-Serra |
| Lead Roles: Dwayne Johnson as Frank Wolff, Emily Blunt as Lily Houghton, Edgar Ramirez as Aguirre, Jack Whitehall as MacGregor Houghton, Jesse Plemons as Prince Joachim, Paul Giamatti as Nilo |
| Initial Theatrical Release: July 28, 2021 (Wide) (Italy) |
| Keywords: Chase Adventure, 1900s, Development Hell, Disrupted by 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Delayed Release, Jungle, On a Boat, Character's Journey Shown on Map |
| Classification: Based on Theme Park Ride, Adventure, Animation/Live Action, Historical Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $116,987,516 |
|
International BO: $93,482,287 |
Synopsis
Dr. Lily Houghton travels from London, England to the Amazon jungle and enlists Frank Wolff’s questionable services to guide her downriver on La Quila—his ramshackle-but-charming boat. Lily is determined to uncover an ancient tree with unparalleled healing abilities—possessing the power to change the future of medicine. Thrust on this epic quest together, the unlikely duo encounters innumerable dangers and supernatural forces, all lurking in the deceptive beauty of the lush rainforest. But as the secrets of the lost tree unfold, the stakes reach even higher for Lily and Frank and their fate—and mankind’s—hangs in the balance.
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| 13 Minutes |
| Director: Lindsay Gossling |
| Lead Roles: Trace Adkins as Rick, Thora Birch as Jess, Peter Facinelli as Brad, Anne Heche as Tammy, Amy Smart as Kim, Paz Vega as Ana |
| Initial Theatrical Release: October 29, 2021 (Limited) by Quiver |
| Keywords: Survival Drama, Extreme Weather, Inspired by a True Story, F-Rated |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Drama, Live Action, Dramatization |
|
International BO: $21,767 |
Synopsis
The day starts out as usual for residents in the small Heartland town of Minninnewah. It’s springtime and big storms are just part of life. Nothing to get worked up about… until they are. Inhabitants will have just 13 Minutes to get to shelter before the largest tornado on record ravages the town, leaving the inhabitants searching for their loved ones and fighting for their lives. In the wake of total devastation, four families must overcome their differences and find strength in themselves and each other in order to survive.
| Love |
| Director: Igor Tverdokhebov |
| Initial Theatrical Release: February 11, 2021 (Wide) (Russia (CIS)) |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
International BO: $991,474 |
| Space Jam: A New Legacy |
| Director: Malcolm D. Lee |
| Lead Roles: LeBron James as Himself, Jeff Bergman as Bugs Bunny/Sylvester/Yosemite Sam/Fred Flintstone/Yogi Bear, Diana Taurasi as White Mamba, Damian Lillard as Chronos, Nneka Ogwumike as Arachnneka, Anthony Davis as The Brow, Klay Thompson as Wet-Fire |
| Initial Theatrical Release: July 14, 2021 (Wide) (Iceland) |
| Keywords: Delayed Sequel, Basketball, Video Game Industry, Father’s Footsteps, Dysfunctional Family, Artificial Intelligence, Family Comedy, Disrupted by 2020 COVID-19 pandemic |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Comedy, Animation/Live Action, Kids Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $70,592,228 |
|
International BO: $72,595,146 |
Synopsis
When LeBron James and his young son Dom are trapped in a digital space by a rogue A.I., LeBron must get them home safe by leading Bugs, Lola Bunny and the whole gang of notoriously undisciplined Looney Tunes to victory over the A.I.’s digitized champions on the court: a powered-up roster of professional basketball stars. It’s Tunes versus Goons in the highest-stakes challenge of his life, that will redefine LeBron’s bond with his son and shine a light on the power of being yourself. The ready-for-action Tunes destroy convention, supercharge their unique talents and surprise even “King” James by playing the game their own way.
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| Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City |
| Director: Johannes Roberts |
| Lead Roles: Kaya Scodelario as Claire Redfield |
| Initial Theatrical Release: November 24, 2021 (Wide) by Sony Pictures |
| Keywords: 1990s, Survival Horror, Reboot, Zombies |
| Classification: Remake, Horror, Live Action, Science Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $17,000,612 |
|
International BO: $24,908,479 |
Synopsis
Once the booming home of pharmaceutical giant Umbrella Corporation, Raccoon City is now a dying Midwestern town. The company’s exodus left the city a wasteland…with great evil brewing below the surface. When that evil is unleashed, the townspeople are forever…changed…and a small group of survivors must work together to uncover the truth behind Umbrella and make it through the night.
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| Eternals |
| Director: Chloé Zhao |
| Lead Roles: Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo, Angelina Jolie as Thena, Richard Madden as Ikaris, Salma Hayek as Ajak, Brian Tyree Henry as Phastos, Lauren Ridloff as Makkari, Barry Keoghan as Druig, Gemma Chan as Sersi, Lia McHugh as Sprite, Don Lee as Gilgamesh |
| Initial Theatrical Release: November 3, 2021 (Wide), released as 이터널스 (South Korea) |
| Keywords: IMAX: DMR, Disrupted by 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Action Adventure, Friendly Alien on Earth |
| Classification: Based on Comic/Graphic Novel, Action, Live Action, Super Hero |
|
Domestic BO: $164,870,264 |
|
International BO: $236,861,495 |
Synopsis
Ancient aliens who have been living on Earth in secret for thousands of years. Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, an unexpected tragedy forces them out of the shadows to reunite against mankind’s most ancient enemy, the Deviants.
| The Hating Game |
| Director: Peter Hutchings |
| Initial Theatrical Release: December 3, 2021 (Wide), released as Nekenčiu tavęs! (Lithuania) |
| Keywords: Romantic Comedy, Relationships Gone Wrong, Professional Rivalry, Romance |
| Classification: Based on Fiction Book/Short Story, Romantic Comedy, Live Action, Contemporary Fiction |
|
International BO: $441,879 |
Synopsis
The story of ambitious good girl Lucy Hutton and her cold, efficient work nemesis, Joshua Templeton. Committed to achieving professional success without compromising her ethics, Lucy ultimately embarks on a ruthless game of one-upmanship against Josh, a rivalry that is increasingly complicated by her mounting attraction to him.
| The Tomorrow War |
| Director: Chris McKay |
| Lead Roles: Chris Pratt as Dan |
| Video Release Date: July 2, 2021 by Amazon Studios |
| Keywords: Action Adventure, Alien Invasion, Time Travel, The Past Catching up with You, War, Disrupted by 2020 COVID-19 pandemic |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Action, Live Action, Science Fiction |
|
International BO: $19,220,000 |
Synopsis
The world is stunned when a group of time travelers arrive from the year 2051 to deliver an urgent message: Thirty years in the future mankind is losing a global war against a deadly alien species. The only hope for survival is for soldiers and civilians from the present to be transported to the future and join the fight. Among those recruited is high school teacher and family man Dan Forester. Determined to save the world for his young daughter, Dan teams up with a brilliant scientist and his estranged father in a desperate quest to rewrite the fate of the planet.
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| Encanto |
| Director: Jared Bush, Byron Howard |
| Lead Roles: Stephanie Beatriz as Mirabel Madrigal |
| Initial Theatrical Release: November 24, 2021 (Wide) by Walt Disney |
| Keywords: Family Adventure, Sibling Rivalry, Disrupted by 2020 COVID-19 pandemic |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Adventure, Digital Animation, Kids Fiction |
|
Domestic BO: $96,093,622 |
|
International BO: $134,947,977 |
Synopsis
The Madrigals are an extraordinary family who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a charmed place called the Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift — every child except Mirabel. However, she soon may be the Madrigals last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger.
| Boss Level |
| Director: Joe Carnahan |
| Lead Roles: Frank Grillo as Roy Pulver, Mel Gibson as Colonel Clive Ventor, Naomi Watts as Jemma Wells, Michelle Yeoh as Dai Feng |
| Initial Theatrical Release: February 18, 2021 (Limited) by Icon (Australia) (Australia) |
| Classification: Original Screenplay, Thriller/Suspense, Live Action, Science Fiction |
|
International BO: $2,001,064 |
Synopsis
Trapped in a time loop that constantly repeats the day of his murder, former special forces agent Roy Pulver uncovers clues about a secret government project that could unlock the mystery behind his untimely death. In a race against the clock, Pulver must hunt down Colonel Ventor, the powerful head of the government program, while outrunning skilled ruthless assassins determined to keep him from the truth in order to break out of the loop, save his family and live once again for tomorrow.