Back to the Future (1985)

Last updated:
August 11, 2025

Robert Zemeckis’s Back to the Future is one of the most beloved science fiction comedies ever made. Released in 1985, it blends clever time travel mechanics with charming characters, 80s nostalgia, and a tight script that’s been studied in screenwriting classes for decades. Let’s break down the film from start to finish, covering everything from its plot twists to behind-the-scenes trivia.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Opening: Meet Marty and Doc

Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is a typical 80s teenager—skateboarding, playing in a rock band, and frequently late for school. His friend, the eccentric scientist Dr. Emmett “Doc” Brown (Christopher Lloyd), has built a time machine out of a DeLorean. Marty’s family life is less than stellar: his father George is meek and bullied by his boss, Biff Tannen, and his mother Lorraine is unhappy and nostalgic about her youth.

The Time Machine Demonstration

Doc reveals the DeLorean at the Twin Pines Mall parking lot. In an unforgettable scene, he shows Marty how it works using Einstein, his dog, as a test subject. The DeLorean’s power source is plutonium, which Doc acquired from Libyan terrorists—a deal that turns sour fast. The Libyans arrive, fatally shoot Doc, and Marty escapes in the DeLorean.

Accidentally Traveling to 1955

While fleeing, Marty hits 88 mph, activating the flux capacitor and catapulting him back to November 5, 1955. Stranded in the past with no plutonium, he seeks out the younger version of Doc Brown. Along the way, he accidentally prevents his parents from meeting, causing his mother to develop a crush on him instead of George. This creates a time paradox—if they don’t fall in love, Marty will cease to exist.

The Plan to Fix the Timeline

Marty convinces 1955 Doc to help him repair the damage. Since there’s no plutonium in 1955, they plan to use a lightning strike’s energy, specifically one documented to hit the town’s courthouse clock tower. In the meantime, Marty works to get George to ask Lorraine to the school dance.

The Dance and George’s Transformation

Biff Tannen causes trouble, attempting to assault Lorraine, but George finds the courage to intervene, punching Biff and winning Lorraine’s admiration. Marty performs “Johnny B. Goode” at the dance, inspiring early rock ’n’ roll. His siblings begin reappearing in a photograph he carries—proof the timeline is correcting itself.

Movie Ending

In the tense climax, Marty races to the DeLorean while Doc rigs the clock tower to channel lightning’s energy. Everything nearly goes wrong—Doc struggles with tangled wires and Marty’s car stalls—but at the exact moment the lightning strikes, the DeLorean hits 88 mph and returns Marty to 1985. In the original timeline, Doc was shot by the Libyans, but Marty warns him in a letter before leaving 1955. Back in 1985, Marty finds Doc alive—he wore a bulletproof vest after reading Marty’s note.

The changes to the timeline are dramatic: George is now a confident, successful sci-fi author, Biff is no longer a bully but a meek car detailer, and Marty’s family is happier. Just as Marty settles into this improved reality, Doc arrives in the DeLorean, wearing a futuristic outfit. He insists they must go to the future to help Marty’s kids. The DeLorean takes off, flying through the air, and speeds into Back to the Future Part II.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

In the original 1985 theatrical release, there was no post-credits scene. However, later home video versions included a “To Be Continued…” title card at the end, added after the sequel was greenlit. There’s no Marvel-style extra scene after the credits.

Type of Movie

This is a science fiction adventure comedy with strong elements of romance, action, and coming-of-age storytelling.

Cast

Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly
Christopher Lloyd as Dr. Emmett Brown
Lea Thompson as Lorraine Baines McFly
Crispin Glover as George McFly
Thomas F. Wilson as Biff Tannen
Claudia Wells as Jennifer Parker

Film Music and Composer

The iconic score was composed by Alan Silvestri, whose triumphant main theme is instantly recognizable. The soundtrack also includes Huey Lewis and the News’ hits The Power of Love and Back in Time, both of which became defining tracks of the era.

Filming Locations

Most of the film was shot in California. Key locations include:

Courthouse Square, Universal Studios Backlot – the town center of Hill Valley.
Whittier High School – used for the high school scenes.
Puente Hills Mall – the Twin Pines Mall scenes.

The Courthouse Square location became an enduring symbol of the trilogy.

Awards and Nominations

Academy Award for Best Sound Effects Editing (Won)
Nominated for 3 additional Oscars: Best Original Screenplay, Best Sound, Best Original Song (The Power of Love)
Multiple Saturn Awards wins including Best Science Fiction Film.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Michael J. Fox was filming Family Ties during the day and Back to the Future at night, often sleeping only a few hours.
Eric Stoltz was originally cast as Marty but replaced mid-shoot for lacking the comedic tone Zemeckis wanted.
The DeLorean was chosen for its futuristic look, not its performance (it was famously slow in reality).

Inspirations and References

The film was inspired by co-writer Bob Gale’s curiosity about whether he would have been friends with his father if they’d gone to high school together. Time travel stories from classic sci-fi also influenced the script.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

One deleted scene shows Marty’s father George in 1985 wearing a protective helmet, afraid of “space men” after his 1955 encounter. Another features an extended sequence of Marty in 1955 wandering through town before finding Doc.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The novelization follows the movie closely but expands on internal thoughts and side moments, such as more details about George’s writing aspirations and Biff’s later life.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Doc’s dramatic reveal of the DeLorean at the Twin Pines Mall.
Marty meeting his teenage mother.
George punching Biff at the dance.
The lightning strike sequence at the clock tower.
The DeLorean flying at the very end.

Iconic Quotes

“Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.”
“Great Scott!”
“If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour… you’re gonna see some serious shit.”
“Hello? Hello? Anybody home? Think, McFly, think!”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The mall’s name changes from Twin Pines Mall in 1985 to Lone Pine Mall after Marty knocks down one of the pine trees in 1955.
The clock in Doc’s lab is exactly 20 minutes slow, foreshadowing the film’s first time travel gag.
Marty’s skateboard chase mirrors his later hoverboard chase in Part II.

Trivia

The movie was the highest-grossing film of 1985.
The script was rejected over 40 times before Universal picked it up.
Ronald Reagan quoted the film in a 1986 State of the Union address.

Why Watch?

It’s a perfect blend of smart writing, memorable characters, and high-concept fun. Few films balance humor, heart, and sci-fi so seamlessly. Plus, it’s one of those rare movies that’s as enjoyable on the tenth viewing as it is on the first.

Director’s Other Movies

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
Forrest Gump (1994)
Cast Away (2000)
Flight (2012)

Back to the Future (1985)