The underrated 1995 sci-fi gem 12 Monkeys features arguably the most realistic portrayal of time travel thats ever been put on screen. Set in a post-apocalyptic future ravaged by a deadly disease, 12 Monkeys stars Bruce Willis as a convict named James Cole, whos sent back in time to gather information about the mysterious man-made virus that wiped out most of humanity. It was directed by Monty Pythons Terry Gilliam, written by Blade Runners David Peoples and his wife Janet Peoples, and its a sci-fi reimagining of Chris Markers seminal 1962 French sci-fi short La Jete.
https://screenrant.com/12-monkeys-time-travel-best-depiction/