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Back to the Future

  • 1985
  • PG
  • 1h 56m
IMDb RATING
8.5/10
1.4M
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
191
78
Michael J. Fox in Back to the Future (1985)
Fathom Events Trailer
Play trailer1:03
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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
    191
    78
    • Director
      • Robert Zemeckis
    • Writers
      • Robert Zemeckis
      • Bob Gale
    • Stars
      • Michael J. Fox
      • Christopher Lloyd
      • Lea Thompson
    • 1.6KUser reviews
    • 180Critic 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

    8.51380.8K
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    Summary

    Reviewers say 'Back to the Future' is acclaimed for its inventive time-travel plot, blending comedy, adventure, and romance. Marty McFly and Doc Brown'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.
    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.
    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.
    10ivo-cobra8

    A classic masterpiece the original the only best my favorite time travel film of all time

    What can I say about this movie that was already said? It is my favorite time travel sci-fi, adventure epic comedy in the 80's and I love this movie to death! When I saw this movie I was thrown out by its theme. An excellent sci-fi, adventure epic, I LOVE the 80s. It's simple the greatest time travel movie ever happened in the history of world cinema. I love this movie to death, I love, LOVE, love it!

    I firstly saw this movie in the early 90's as a kid on VHS tape and I was blow away by the action and the score and the title back to the future. This movie is one of the best masterpiece time travel epic adventure film. Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd are fantastic at acting. Music theme score by Alan Silvestri is excellent I could listen to it whole day.

    Back to the Future (1985)

    From the Academy Award "- winning team of Steven Spielberg" and Robert Zemeckis** comes the hilariously groundbreaking adventure that thrilled critics and audiences alike - and sparked one of the most successful movie trilogy ever! Directed by Robert Zemeckis the movie begins with Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) a teenager who has a really messed up family. His ultimate goal was to become a rock star which was heartened by his girl friend Jennifer Parker (Claudia Wells). But things went wrong when scientist Dr. Emmett Brown/Doc (Christopher Lloyd) wanted Marty's assistance for his new invention.

    At that night Marty went to assist Doc's invention the Time traveling Car "DeLorean". Marty was told to record Doc's first time travel to the future. At that instant they were attacked by some Libyan terrorists who were cheated by Doc for Plutonium.

    After killing Doc they turn towards to Marty and without any intention Marty enters the Time Traveling car. But it was previously set by Doc and when activated Marty gets transfer to 1955 from 1985.

    What will he do next, will he can come back to the future, or will he stuck back in the past for his rest of the life. More than that will his time travel make serious effects on the future? Dealing with time travel and time paradox Steven Spielberg presents this amazing journey of Marty set up in the time of 80's and 50's. Scripted by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale for the story of Bob Gale himself, tells a science fiction adventure in a family oriented tone.

    They really work hard to sculpt that sci-fi thread into a thrilling, culture clashed family movie. A good story with a great script. Also the soul of the movie was given by the legend Alan Silvestri. His composition was all memorable especially in the chasing and emotional scenes. Over the top the theme music, it was the most dazzling and recognizable themes in the movie history.

    More than that the casting was simply brilliant, each and every actor is born to play their respected roles in this movie. Michael J. Fox was the only actor who can play the role of energetic Marty McFly, which was considered for numerous actors. Also Thomas F. Wilson was brilliant in his performance as the Bad boy Biff Tannen. Lea Thompson did a great work in portraying Lorraine Baines's two different life times, as a teenage girl and a matured mother. Well the extra talented Christopher Lloyd had almost "chewed every scenes" in the movie. Mr. Lloyd's versatile performance as the madman and genius scientist Dr. Emmett Brown is one of the great memorable roles in his carrier.

    Last but not the least, it was Crispin Glover who steal the show as the nerdy teenager/father as George McFly. It was an interesting portrayal as a boy who was transformed to a man. Crispin Glover lived in that part. I don't know whether the movie would be a masterpiece without his unique performance. Above all I want to remember this as a romantic movie and it couldn't be made without the songs "The Power of Love," and "Earth Angel".

    The rating I am giving is 10/10 the original and the best one of all time. I love this film, it is my favorite time travel movie of all time and I love it to death! All in all it is the greatest sci-fi, romantic movie of all time. It is the part of the great Movie History, which consider itself as " A Modern/Classic Masterpiece! "
    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.

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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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