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Back to the Future

  • 1985
  • PG
  • 1h 56m
IMDb RATING
8.5/10
1.4M
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
58
69
Michael J. Fox in Back to the Future (1985)
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.
Play trailer1:32
24 Videos
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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
    58
    69
    • Director
      • Robert Zemeckis
    • Writers
      • Robert Zemeckis
      • Bob Gale
    • Stars
      • Michael J. Fox
      • Christopher Lloyd
      • Lea Thompson
    • 1.6KUser reviews
    • 169Critic reviews
    • 88Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Top rated movie #30
    • Won 1 Oscar
      • 27 wins & 25 nominations total

    Videos24

    40th Anniversary Trailer
    Trailer 1:32
    40th Anniversary Trailer
    Back to the Future
    Trailer 1:03
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    Trailer 1:03
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    Trailer 1:21
    Back to the Future
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    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
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    How "The Umbrella Academy" Survives 1960s Dallas in Season 2

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    Top Cast64

    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

    8.51412.6K
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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

    9spyder7

    Proof that Hollywood once was capable of putting magic on film

    I watched this movie again for about the seventh time after a 10 year lapse or so. If there ever was magic on screen, Back to the Future has it. By the end of the film, I was only thinking, "Wow, Hollywood was once capable of putting magic on the screen." It really makes you wonder if the best of Hollywood is behind us.

    To summarize a few components of the movie: The storyline and plot are superb, even with the minor plot holes. The acting is spot on in every scene. Today's film editors should watch this film a hundred times to see what editing should really be like, nearly flawless. The direction is unbelievable in my opinion. The screen writing and script are perfect as well and will make you laugh and smile throughout the movie. Every line by the awkward McFly family, every crazy rumbling of "Doc", and even the cheesy bully taunts of Biff fit together so well.

    When I sat down to watch this movie a few days ago, I expected to see an aged movie that I remembered being much better than it actually was. I'm so glad I was wrong.
    9gavin6942

    Gets Better With Age

    A young man (Michael J. Fox) is accidentally sent thirty years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his friend, Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd), and must make sure his high-school-age parents unite in order to save his own existence.

    After almost thirty years (2014), this film loses none of its charm, and actually gains respect. The movie has had such a strong impression on everyone, whether they have seen it or not, as it completely permeated pop culture.

    The script is genius, not only how it parallels 1955 and 1985 (some of the references are dynamite), but how it set the scene for the sequels (despite allegedly not intending to have any). This is just one clever gag after another, and may require repeated viewings to catch them all.
    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.
    10hannahsutcliffe

    Absolute Classic

    As a child, I used to watch this movie religiously. I loved the chemistry between Doc Brown and Marty McFly, I loved the all too familiar soundtrack and the ridiculous way in which George McFly laughs. This movie has become such a nostalgic and feel-good film for me. I had the good fortunate to see all three 'Back to the Future' movies in cinema last year and it was such an experience to watch this timeless classic with people who enjoy this film as much as I do. Everyone has to see this film at least once in their life! Such an amazing, funny Sci-Fi from the 1980's. I just can't get enough of this movie - it will just never get old. Cannot recommend it enough!
    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.

    Soundtrack

    Preview the soundtrack here and continue listening on Amazon Music.

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    Related interests

    Jim Carrey in Liar Liar (1997)
    High-Concept Comedy
    Anna Popplewell in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
    Teen Adventure
    Lacey Chabert, Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, and Amanda Seyfried in Mean Girls (2004)
    Teen Comedy
    Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd in Back to the Future (1985)
    Time Travel
    Shameik Moore in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
    Urban Adventure
    Still frame
    Adventure
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    Comedy
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    Sci-Fi

    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
      The character Marty McFly is credited as a performer on the song "Johnny B. Goode". It is actually sung by Mark Campbell with a guitar solo by Tim May.
    • 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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    FAQ46

    • 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
      • $221,190,212
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $11,152,500
      • Jul 7, 1985
    • Gross worldwide
      • $391,690,212
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 56m(116 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
      • Dolby Atmos

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