Back to the Future Part III (1990)

Last updated:
August 11, 2025

Back to the Future Part III is the final entry in Robert Zemeckis’ beloved time-travel trilogy, blending science fiction with a classic Wild West adventure. Picking up right where Part II left off, it brings Marty McFly and Doc Brown’s journey to a heartfelt and satisfying close.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Stranded in 1885

After the chaotic events of Part II, Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is stuck in 1955, having just witnessed the time-traveling DeLorean struck by lightning. Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) from 1955 discovers a letter from his future self, revealing that he’s alive and well—in 1885. The letter also instructs Marty to leave him in peace in the Old West. However, while retrieving the DeLorean from a hidden mine, Marty and 1955 Doc discover a grave marked “Emmett Brown – Shot in the Back by Buford ‘Mad Dog’ Tannen.” Marty decides he must travel to 1885 to save his friend.

Life in Hill Valley, 1885

Arriving in 1885, Marty finds himself in a dusty, rough-and-tumble Hill Valley straight out of a Western. He’s immediately targeted by Buford Tannen (Thomas F. Wilson), an outlaw who blames Doc for a broken horseshoe and demands payment. Marty is rescued by Doc, who has been working as a blacksmith. Marty warns Doc about his impending death, and the two hatch a plan to use a train to push the DeLorean up to the required 88 mph to return to 1985—since gasoline is not available.

Doc’s Love Story

Complicating matters, Doc meets Clara Clayton (Mary Steenburgen), a schoolteacher whose life he saves after she nearly falls into a ravine. The two fall in love, but Doc is torn between staying with her and returning to his own time. This subplot adds emotional weight and provides Doc with his own personal arc.

The Final Confrontation

Buford challenges Marty to a duel, threatening that if Marty doesn’t show, he’ll kill Doc. Marty, remembering advice about avoiding fights, tries to avoid the duel, but Buford provokes him. In a clever twist, Marty uses a steel stove door hidden under his poncho to survive Buford’s gunshot, knocking him out and getting him arrested.

Movie Ending

The plan to return to 1985 involves hijacking a locomotive and pushing the DeLorean to 88 mph before the track ends at an unfinished bridge. As the train races forward, Doc sees Clara chasing after them, desperate to stay with him. He rescues her, pulling her onto the train. Marty takes the DeLorean alone, hitting 88 mph just as the bridge ends and disappearing into 1985.

In 1985, Marty arrives safely and watches the train tracks end abruptly in midair—just as a modern train speeds toward him, destroying the DeLorean in a spectacular crash. This moment permanently closes the possibility of future time travel for Marty. Later, Marty finds Jennifer and avoids a drag race with Needles, subtly changing his future by refusing to let his temper ruin his life.

The film closes with Doc reappearing in 1985 in a steam-powered time-traveling train, with Clara and their two sons, Jules and Verne. He tells Marty, “Your future is whatever you make it. So make it a good one,” before disappearing into the sky. It’s a hopeful, definitive end to the trilogy.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No. The movie ends with the final shot of Doc’s train flying off into the sky. The credits follow without any hidden or additional scenes.

Type of Movie

A science fiction adventure with strong Western elements. It combines time-travel mechanics with classic cowboy tropes, humor, and heartfelt farewells.

Cast

Michael J. Fox – Marty McFly / Seamus McFly
Christopher Lloyd – Dr. Emmett “Doc” Brown
Mary Steenburgen – Clara Clayton
Thomas F. Wilson – Buford “Mad Dog” Tannen / Biff Tannen
Lea Thompson – Maggie McFly / Lorraine McFly

Film Music and Composer

Composed by Alan Silvestri, the score blends the iconic Back to the Future themes with Western-inspired orchestration—fiddles, harmonicas, and sweeping strings that evoke the grandeur of classic cowboy films.

Filming Locations

Filmed primarily in:

Jamestown, California – For the train sequences
Sonora, California – For Hill Valley’s Western setting
Universal Studios Backlot – Interior and town scenes
The locations were essential in creating an authentic Old West atmosphere, contrasting sharply with the suburban setting of the earlier films.

Awards and Nominations

Saturn Award for Best Music (Alan Silvestri) – Won
Nominations for Best Science Fiction Film, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor at the Saturn Awards.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Michael J. Fox played both Marty and his Irish ancestor Seamus McFly, requiring split-screen shots.
Christopher Lloyd actually rode on the side of a moving train for the final sequence.
The train crash destroying the DeLorean was filmed in one take—there was no backup DeLorean for a redo.
Mary Steenburgen was genuinely nervous during the train stunts, adding realism to her performance.

Inspirations and References

The film draws heavily from classic Westerns like High Noon and Once Upon a Time in the West. Clint Eastwood is referenced multiple times, with Marty even adopting “Clint Eastwood” as his alias.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Some deleted moments include:

An extended duel preparation scene showing more comedic Old West misunderstandings.
A longer goodbye between Marty and Doc before the train sequence.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The novelization of the film adds more background on Clara’s life before meeting Doc and expands on Marty’s time in 1885, including interactions with more townsfolk.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Marty arriving in 1885 and facing a charging bear.
The ice cube gag in the saloon, showing Old West tech limitations.
The train sequence climax, with colored smoke pouring from the engine.
The DeLorean being destroyed—symbolizing the end of time travel.

Iconic Quotes

Doc: “Your future is whatever you make it. So make it a good one.”
Marty: “Nobody calls me chicken.”
Buford: “I hate manure!”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The clock being installed in Hill Valley in 1885 connects to the opening of the first film.
Marty’s “Frisbie” pie plate joke is a nod to the origins of the Frisbee toy.
Clara’s name is a reference to a real-life 19th-century teacher in California.

Trivia

The filmmakers shot Part II and Part III back-to-back to save time and budget.
Alan Silvestri recorded the score with a larger orchestra than the first two films.
Michael J. Fox said the Old West set was his favorite to work on in the trilogy.

Why Watch?

It’s a warm, charming, and fitting conclusion to one of cinema’s most beloved trilogies—mixing action, comedy, romance, and a surprisingly emotional farewell between Marty and Doc.

Back to the Future Part III (1990)