Synopsis

From Academy Award®-winning filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis comes Back to the Future — the original, ground-breaking adventure that sparked one of the most successful trilogies ever.

In this 1980s sci-fi classic, small-town California teen Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is thrown back into the '50s in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his eccentric friend Doc Brown. He must find a way to get back to the present and make sure his parents fall in love or risk erasing his own existence. Along the way, Marty must also navigate the different social norms and technologies of the past while avoiding the wrath of the town bully, Biff. Eventually, with the help of Doc Brown and his own resourcefulness, Marty is able to set things right and return to the present, but not before setting up the stage for the sequels to come.

In the United States (U.S.) and Canada, Back to the Future received a wide release on July 3, 1985, ahead of the Independence Day holiday weekend. The film earned $3.6 million during the opening Wednesday and Thursday, and a further $11.3 million during its inaugural weekend from 1,420 theaters – an average of $7,853 per theater. Recalling the opening weeks, Gale said, "our second weekend was higher than our first weekend, which is indicative of great word of mouth." In total, Back to the Future was the number one film for eleven of its twelve first weeks and remained in the top ten highest-grossing films for a total of twenty-four. By the end of its theatrical run, Back to the Future earned an approximate box office gross of $210.6 million.

Outside the United States and Canada, the film earned a further estimated $170.5 million. Cumulatively, Back to the Future earned a worldwide gross of $381.1 million, making it the highest-grossing film of 1985, ahead of Rocky IV ($300.5 million) and Rambo: First Blood Part II ($300.4 million).Back to the Future has received several theatrical re-releases to celebrate anniversaries, including a remastered version screened in 2010. These releases have raised the film's worldwide total to $388.8 million.

Cast Profiles

Movie Stills

The on-set production process and filming of "Back to the Future" was a complex and demanding undertaking that required the coordination of numerous departments and crew members. The film was shot on location in California and on several sound stages at the Universal Studios lot in Los Angeles.

One of the biggest challenges faced by the filmmakers was the creation of the film's time-traveling DeLorean car. The production team worked closely with automotive experts to modify the vehicle and give it the iconic look that would become a hallmark of the film franchise. Special effects were also used extensively to create the illusion of time travel and other fantastical elements of the story.

The filming of "Back to the Future" also required a great deal of planning and logistical coordination. Scenes were shot out of order and on different sets, and the crew had to coordinate lighting, sound, and camera movements to ensure that everything would fit together seamlessly in the final cut. Multiple takes were often required to capture the perfect shot, and many scenes had to be re-shot or tweaked in post-production to achieve the desired effect.

Behind The Scenes Facts About The Movie

1. Bob Gale Came Up With The Movie's Basic Premise After Finding His Dad's High School Yearbook.
2. The Script Was Rejected 40 Times Before The Production Received The Green Light.
3. Michael J. Fox Was The Original Choice For Marty McFly, But Family Ties Initially Got In The Way.
4. With The Dismissal Of Eric Stoltz Inevitable, The Crew Began Shooting Around The Actor.
5. Footage Of Stoltz As Marty McFly Appears In The Final Cut.
6. Jeff Goldblum was considered for the role of Doc Brown.
7. Mark Campbell provided Marty McFly’s singing voice.
8. The studio head tried to change the title to Spaceman from Pluto.
9. Doc’s hunch came from Christopher Lloyd being so tall.
10. Lea Thompson’s old lady makeup took three hours to apply.