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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

    george.schmidt

    Gotta get back in time! Get back Marty!

    BACK TO THE FUTURE (1985) **** Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, Thomas F. Wilson, Marc McClure, Wendy Jo Sperber. This generation's "It's a Wonderful Life"? Think about it. Very popular and very entertaining sci-fi comedy that made Fox a movie star after success with tv's "Family Ties", casting him, after Eric Stoltz was dropped, as Marty McFly who winds up in a nuclear-powered DeLorean time-machine and is sent back in time to 1955 by his quintessentially eccentric friend Dr. Emmet Brown (Lloyd doing a fine Art Carney). There he meets up with his parents to be and realizes his chance encounters have changed his future and he must see history repeat itself or perish. High-concept hilarity and some truly ingenious schematics thanks to screenwriter Bob Gale and director Bob Zemeckis. Wondering what it would be like to never be born and/or what it would be like if things were different...see what I mean. Oscar-nominated song "The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis (who has a fun cameo) fuels this dynamo gem of a film. Classic.
    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!
    Chrysanthepop

    A Time -Travelling Classic

    Zemeckis's 'Back To The Future' trilogy has been a childhood favourite for a long time. Having revisited it today, brought me to a nostalgic state. The 80's saw a lot of excellent original fun 'young' films like 'Back To The Future' (of course), 'Better Off Dead', 'Heathers', 'The Breakfast Club' etc. What really made these films immensely enjoyable then, and classics today, is that they really reflected what it was like being a young person in the 80s. The movies themselves were well written, well executed, well acted and they cut straight to the point.

    Back to 'Back To The Future'. This one is sheer fun, even today. There's an incredible energy about it but it still manages to stay an 'innocent' film. The music is very effective. It's slick and follows a steady pace. The special effects are decent. Though people might pick on the plausibility of the time travelling, I think this is really a very minor flaw because it is overall a well written movie and the point was to entertain. Yet, this is not to say that it's brainless entertainment. I think it cleverly brings forth some interesting themes and I liked how they funnily used some ideas of Oedipus Rex's story.

    The acting is superb overall. Christopher Lloyd as the over-the-top mad scientist is a laugh riot. Michael J. Fox totally owns Marty McFly with his natural charisma, raw energy and brilliant dialogue delivery. Lea Thompson is cute and vivacious and Crispin Glover is good.

    'Back To The Future' is one of the most enjoyable time-travelling classics. It's over 23 years old and it still hasn't gotten old. Sadly, they don't make it like this these days but then again we always can revisit them. That's why they're classics.
    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.

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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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