Forty years ago, “Back to the Future” hit theaters and became a box office sensation. The film, which follows teenager Marty McFly as he travels back in time to 1955 in a DeLorean turned time machine, faced a rocky road to production. Director Robert Zemeckis and co-writer Bob Gale had their script rejected numerous times before securing a deal with Universal Pictures.
The film underwent significant changes during production, including the decision to focus on the past rather than the future. The casting also saw a major shift, with Michael J. Fox replacing Eric Stoltz as Marty McFly midway through filming.
Despite these challenges, “Back to the Future” was a massive success. It topped the box office charts for 11 out of its first 12 weeks and grossed $388.8 million worldwide on a $19 million budget. The film’s popularity led to two successful sequels, released in 1989 and 1990.
The trilogy as a whole generated nearly $1 billion at the box office.
lasting impact on cinema and culture
“Back to the Future” has had a lasting impact on popular culture.
October 21, 2015, the date Marty and Doc travel to in “Part II,” is celebrated as Back to the Future Day. The film’s influence can be seen in merchandise, music, and more. Lea Thompson, who played Marty’s mother Lorraine in the films, believes the first “Back to the Future” is “a perfect screenplay.” She appreciates the conciseness of the story and how well-constructed it is compared to the sequels.
Thompson also noted how different the world is now compared to when the film was made. “If ‘Back to the Future’ were made today and they went back 30 years, it would be 1995, and nothing would look that different,” she said. Co-writer Bob Gale agreed that the film likely wouldn’t be made today, citing the unique relationship between Marty and Doc Brown.
He also shared how his own father’s high school yearbook inspired the idea for the time travel story. As “Back to the Future” celebrates its 40th anniversary, its enduring legacy and impact on cinema and popular culture remain as strong as ever. The film’s success highlights the importance of genuine storytelling and the magic of filmmaking.
