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Back to the Future

  • 1985
  • PG
  • 1h 56m
IMDb RATING
8.5/10
1.4M
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
218
60
Michael J. Fox in Back to the Future (1985)
Fathom Events Trailer
Play trailer1:03
22 Videos
99+ Photos
High-Concept ComedyTeen AdventureTeen ComedyTime TravelUrban AdventureAdventureComedySci-Fi

Marty McFly, a 17-year-old high school student, is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, the maverick scientist Doc Brown.Marty McFly, a 17-year-old high school student, is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, the maverick scientist Doc Brown.Marty McFly, a 17-year-old high school student, is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, the maverick scientist Doc Brown.

  • Director
    • Robert Zemeckis
  • Writers
    • Robert Zemeckis
    • Bob Gale
  • Stars
    • Michael J. Fox
    • Christopher Lloyd
    • Lea Thompson
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.5/10
    1.4M
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    218
    60
    • Director
      • Robert Zemeckis
    • Writers
      • Robert Zemeckis
      • Bob Gale
    • Stars
      • Michael J. Fox
      • Christopher Lloyd
      • Lea Thompson
    • 1.6KUser reviews
    • 177Critic reviews
    • 87Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Top rated movie #30
    • Won 1 Oscar
      • 27 wins & 25 nominations total

    Videos22

    Back to the Future
    Trailer 1:03
    Back to the Future
    Back to the Future
    Trailer 1:21
    Back to the Future
    Back to the Future
    Trailer 1:21
    Back to the Future
    Alphabet of Movies | A to Z
    Clip 1:33
    Alphabet of Movies | A to Z
    How "The Umbrella Academy" Survives 1960s Dallas in Season 2
    Clip 3:36
    How "The Umbrella Academy" Survives 1960s Dallas in Season 2
    Jaws, Shreks, & Lion Kings: A Summer Blockbuster History
    Clip 7:23
    Jaws, Shreks, & Lion Kings: A Summer Blockbuster History
    'Back to the Future' | Anniversary Mashup
    Clip 1:34
    'Back to the Future' | Anniversary Mashup

    Photos616

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    Top cast63

    Edit
    Michael J. Fox
    Michael J. Fox
    • Marty McFly
    Christopher Lloyd
    Christopher Lloyd
    • Dr. Emmett Brown
    Lea Thompson
    Lea Thompson
    • Lorraine Baines
    Crispin Glover
    Crispin Glover
    • George McFly
    Tom Wilson
    Tom Wilson
    • Biff Tannen
    • (as Thomas F. Wilson)
    Claudia Wells
    Claudia Wells
    • Jennifer Parker
    Marc McClure
    Marc McClure
    • Dave McFly
    Wendie Jo Sperber
    Wendie Jo Sperber
    • Linda McFly
    George DiCenzo
    George DiCenzo
    • Sam Baines
    Frances Lee McCain
    Frances Lee McCain
    • Stella Baines
    James Tolkan
    James Tolkan
    • Mr. Strickland
    J.J. Cohen
    J.J. Cohen
    • Skinhead
    • (as Jeffrey Jay Cohen)
    Casey Siemaszko
    Casey Siemaszko
    • 3-D
    Billy Zane
    Billy Zane
    • Match
    Harry Waters Jr.
    Harry Waters Jr.
    • Marvin Berry
    Donald Fullilove
    Donald Fullilove
    • Goldie Wilson
    Lisa Freeman
    Lisa Freeman
    • Babs
    Cristen Kauffman
    • Betty
    • Director
      • Robert Zemeckis
    • Writers
      • Robert Zemeckis
      • Bob Gale
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews1.6K

    8.51378.3K
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    Summary

    Reviewers say 'Back to the Future' is acclaimed for its inventive time-travel plot, blending comedy, adventure, and romance. Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd's performances and chemistry are celebrated. The nostalgic depiction of the 1950s and 1980s, along with cultural references, resonates deeply. Special effects, especially the DeLorean, are praised for their ingenuity. Themes of family, self-discovery, and consequences are noted for their depth. Its enduring appeal and cultural impact are frequently highlighted.
    AI-generated from the text of user reviews

    Featured reviews

    10Anonymous_Maxine

    How could anything be more fun than this?

    Back To The Future is such an inventive and exciting piece of filmmaking that it is impossible to forget about it. The casting of every character involved was absolutely perfect, and the performances were spectacular. I first saw this film when I was six years old, and it is the only movie that I know of that I don't think I could ever get sick of.

    One of the best things about Back To The Future is that it really makes you think. You can have in-depth conversations about the plausibility of the story-line and spend hours discussing the film. The story is awesome, it is delivered cleverly and entertainingly, and the movie as a whole is just so much FUN that it can be forgiven whatever number of time-travel discrepancies that may be found in the plot.

    I cannot recommend this movie enough. I have never found a movie other than this one that provides such a huge dose of great fun, and it has the desirable quality where you are able to see something new each time you see it. The only problem is that they stopped at part III.
    9ad-17

    Let your imagination fly

    A funny sci-fi? Unusual but here it not only works but does so spectacularly. A whimsical but very clever time travel story that bedazzles you leaving you wanting more.

    The charasmatic Michael J Fox plays a wonderful bumbling high schooler searching for love, a guitar gig and his existence which he himself threatens to erase.

    Clever and humourous references litter this fun flick; references which are further improved upon in the sequels. Views of the same scenes from different angles, different perspectives and different timelines abound.

    Fun for the entire family.
    10TheLittleSongbird

    So good in so many ways

    I love Back to the Future. While having a typical 80s feel to it, which I like, I love how fun, irresistible and original the film is. The special effects are dazzling and the comedy is suitably sly and sophisticated. Helping along the way is a script that is pretty ingenious, the sort of script that has quotable lines and also pokes fun at 1950s icons and lifestyles during the frequent bouts of time travelling. The score by Alan Silvestri elevates the sense of fun to a greater level, the main theme is one of the most memorable themes ever in the history of film, or so I think anyway. Robert Zemekis's direction is very good, and the cinematography, scenery and costumes are also excellent. And I have to mention the acting, Michael J Fox is really appealing in the role of Marty McFly, the role that propelled him to stardom, and Christopher Lloyd is brilliant in one of his most memorable roles(and yes this includes Judge Doom from Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and Professor Plum from Clue). Lea Thompson and Crispin Glover are also great. Overall, brilliant film that is good in so many ways. 10/10 Bethany Cox
    Big Movie Fan

    Time Travel Movies Are Always Brilliant

    Time travel movies never disappoint-that is because the concept of time travel is a very interesting one which most people must have thought about at one time or another. What would happen if you went back in time and an innocuous act changed the course of history for better or worse? It's something to think about.

    I won't reveal any plot details for this movie because it will spoil it for those who haven't seen it. Let's just say that Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly ends up back in 1955 where a sequence of events inadvertently orchestrated by Marty threaten his very existence. He is aided by Doc Brown played brilliantly by Christopher Lloyd who tries to get him back to 1985 without causing any damage to the fabric of time.

    The movie is great-and I feel it can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of their individual tastes in film genres. In fact, I find it hard to believe anyone could dislike a film like this. It has action, adventure, plenty of humour and some cool moments. All the actors involved in the movie play their parts great.

    Anyone who watches this movie will love it.
    James-392

    You gotta come back with me...

    Back To The Future (1985) is my all time favourite movie. It's a thoroughly feel good film, accessible to all ages and enjoyable from the 1st to the 45th time of watching and never fails to bring a smile. Humour for all ages and a kick-ass car to boot, what more could a young kid want? Or those young at heart?

    From Marty's "Johnny B Goode" to Doc's classic "Run For It Marty!" You'll find that even though you know what's coming next, you'll still laugh. It is the ultimate feel good movie, the weed overcomes the bully, the dreamers wishes come true and all because a nosey old bird thrusts for a nickel "Save The Clock Tower!"

    It's popularity spawned 2 sequels and although it got decreasingly good in terms of quality as a film, Back To The Future remains the best film in my repetoire and a safe bet when you need to feel good.

    It gets a solid 9 out of 10, comedy, fantasy, the gorgeous Lea Thompson, the insane but comic Doc and the typical teenager Marty make this film a must for all young at heart.

    More like this

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    7.8
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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The rights to the film and its sequels are owned by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale. In a 2015 interview, Zemeckis maintained that no reboot or remake of the film would be authorized during his or Gale's lifetime.
    • Goofs
      When Marty is being chased by terrorists, Eric Stoltz is playing Marty. Michael J. Fox was later chosen over him, but they kept the driving scenes at the mall with Stoltz in, since the shots were fairly distant and the driver's face is not particularly visible.
    • Quotes

      [last lines]

      Marty McFly: Hey, Doc, we better back up. We don't have enough road to get up to 88.

      Dr. Emmett Brown: Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads.

    • Crazy credits
      For the video release, "To Be Continued" was added before the closing credits. This title has disappeared from the DVD release.
    • Alternate versions
      Spanish dubbed version also refers to Marty in 1955 as Levi Strauss instead of Calvin Klein.
    • Connections
      Edited into Marty McFly & The Starlighters: Johnny B. Goode (1985)
    • Soundtracks
      The Power of Love
      Performed by Huey Lewis & The News (as Huey Lewis and The News)

      Courtesy of Chrysalis Records, Inc.

      Written by Huey Lewis, Johnny Colla and Chris Hayes

      Published by Hulex Music

      Administered by Red Admiral Music Inc.

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    FAQ49

    • How long is Back to the Future?Powered by Alexa
    • When 1955 Doc is working with the DeLorean out on the street, in the background a person is seen riding a bike and wearing a brown jacket. This is the same type jacket 1985 Doc is wearing is the second movie when he's riding his bike around town. Is this intentional or coincidental?
    • Wouldn't Doc, in 1955, have found Marty's Kodacolor snapshot unusual?
    • What does Marty's younger mother think he is called, when he goes back in time?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • July 3, 1985 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Official Facebook
      • Official Site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Volver al futuro
    • Filming locations
      • Whittier High School - 12417 E. Philadelphia Street, Whittier, California, USA(Hill Valley High School)
    • Production companies
      • Universal Pictures
      • Amblin Entertainment
      • U-Drive Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $19,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $214,553,307
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $11,152,500
      • Jul 7, 1985
    • Gross worldwide
      • $385,053,307
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 56 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
      • Dolby Atmos

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