Common Sense Media Review
'80s time-travel favorite; some violence, bullying, cursing.
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Back to the Future
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 157 parent reviews
Based on 340 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a classic that combines time travel with humor and adventure, highlighting themes of family and bravery; however, it contains mature content, including swearing, violence, and references to sexual assault, which make it more suitable for older children and teens. While many fans appreciate its iconic status and entertaining storyline, some parents express concern over its appropriateness for younger viewers, urging discretion in choosing when to introduce the film.
- timeless classic
- mature content
- age discretion
- humor and adventure
- iconic status
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Brimming with lighthearted energy, BACK TO THE FUTURE mixes science fiction with romantic comedy for a classic 1980s blockbuster. To avoid being shot, teenager Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) travels back to the 1950s via a DeLorean time machine invented by his friend/mentor Emmett "Doc" Brown (Christopher Lloyd), a lovable, wide-eyed, wild-haired stork of a mad scientist. Marty quickly gets more than he bargained for, accidentally interfering with the courtship of his own parents. He must aid his father in standing up to Biff (Thomas F. Wilson), the town bully, to get the attention of Marty's mother, to ensure his own future existence.
Is It Any Good?
The film remains light and breezy, never taking time travel too seriously, and both romance and science defer to adventure. That said, the sci-fi subplot never disappears for more than a scene or two. Marty's friendship with Doc is at the heart of the film, and it keeps the midsection from becoming just another romantic comedy.
Adult viewers may find that the film milks anachronisms for one joke too many, but kids are likely to get as much of a kick out of the dated clothing, music, and slang of 1980s as Marty gets out of the lack of TV reruns and Tab soda in the '50s. It should come as little surprise that Steven Spielberg executive-produced Back to the Future. Like so many of his films, it manages to blend heady science fiction, humor, adventure, and romance while retaining an exuberance and a sense of wonder familiar to anyone under the age of 12.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Back to the Future portrays bullying. Have you ever encountered a situation like that, either directly or online?
What do Marty and George learn during the movie? How can people defend themselves without resorting to violence? How does Biff's treatment of Lorraine cross the line?
How does Marty demonstrate self-control and integrity in Back to the Future? Why are these important character strengths?
What do you know about your own family history? What else would you like to find out, if you could?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 3, 1985
- On DVD or streaming : January 25, 2005
- Cast : Christopher Lloyd , Lea Thompson , Michael J. Fox
- Director : Robert Zemeckis
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Arts ( Dance ) , Family Stories ( Dads ) , Fantasy ( Time Travel ) , Friendship , History , School ( High School ) , STEM ( Science ) , Transportation ( Cars & Trucks ) , Travel
- Character Strengths : Integrity , Self-control
- Run time : 116 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 9, 2026
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