Back to the Future (1985)
Eighties teenager Marty McFly is accidentally sent back in time to 1955, inadvertently disrupting his parents' first meeting and attracting his mother's romantic interest. Marty must repair the damage to history by rekindling his parents' romance and - with the help of his eccentric inventor friend Doc Brown - return to 1985.
Details
Budget
$19,000,000
Rating
8/10 (20335 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Universal Pictures, Amblin Entertainment
About Back to the Future
Released in 1985, "Back to the Future" is an adventure, comedy, and science fiction film. It centers on Marty McFly, a teenager who accidentally travels back to 1955. His presence in the past disrupts the initial meeting of his future parents, placing his own existence in jeopardy. With the help of eccentric inventor Doc Brown, Marty must ensure his parents fall in love to secure his future, all while finding a way to return to 1985.
The film explores themes of time travel, destiny, and teenage life, blending humor with its science fiction premise. Keywords associated with the movie include "flying car," "time travel," "mad scientist," and "changing the past or future." The narrative involves a race against time and a fish-out-of-water scenario as Marty navigates the 1950s. The film has received strong critical and audience reception, with an average vote of 8 out of 10 from over 20,000 votes, and high ratings on IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic.
"Back to the Future" has a runtime of 116 minutes, maintaining a fast pace that keeps the audience engaged. Its lighthearted approach to complex science fiction concepts, combined with a focus on character relationships and comedic situations, has contributed to its enduring appeal. The movie's blend of adventure, humor, and science fiction elements has made it a memorable entry in its genres.
Why you might be searching for Back to the Future
People often search for "Back to the Future" due to its iconic time-traveling DeLorean, the memorable duo of Marty McFly and Doc Brown, and its blend of 1980s and 1950s cultural references.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer found the film so entertaining and fast-paced that it was difficult to keep up with the plot, noting its great performances and soundtrack.
Read the full reviewAnother review highlights how widely beloved the first "Back to the Future" film is, mentioning the casting of Michael J. Fox after initial struggles with Eric Stoltz in the role of Marty McFly.
Read the full reviewA reviewer praised the film as a powerful, inspirational, comical, and heartwarming experience, considering the interaction between McFly and Doc Brown to be a top duo in 80s cinema and calling the movie an instant classic.
Read the full reviewDespite having watched it multiple times since its VHS release in the late 80s, a viewer still finds the sci-fi comedy incredibly fun, noting the perfect chemistry between Fox and Lloyd and how well the film holds up.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "Back to the Future" on Netflix and Apple TV. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. Additionally, the movie is returning to theaters for a limited engagement in October 2025 for its 40th anniversary. [justwatch.com](https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/back-to-the-future-part-i), [backtothefuture.com](https://www.backtothefuture.com/)
No, "Back to the Future" is a science fiction adventure film, not based on a true story. It's a fictional tale about a teenager who travels back in time. [primevideo.com](https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0I1BQWAZR1UCT8MQWMGZ1J3O6O)
In "Back to the Future," Marty McFly successfully gets his parents to fall in love in 1955, ensuring his own existence. He then travels back to 1985, arriving in a slightly altered but improved version of his original timeline. The film ends with Doc Brown returning in the DeLorean, telling Marty and Jennifer they need to go to the future. [netflix.com](https://www.netflix.com/do-en/title/60010110)
"Back to the Future" is widely considered a classic, praised for its innovative special effects, memorable songs, and engaging story. It was the highest-grossing film of 1985 and has garnered positive reviews from critics and audiences, holding a 93% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. [backtothefuture.com](https://www.backtothefuture.com/), [tv.apple.com](https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/back-to-the-future/umc.cmc.1alygfljzpxrofhgpoa6mmjnb)