When Back to the Future hit theaters in July 1985, it was already set to be one of the most iconic and memorable movies of the decade, it blended Sci-fi, comedy, and action into a film that still resonates with decades later.

Back to the Future invited all sci-fi, action, and comedy fans to enjoy a film of love, science, family, and adventure. Marty McFly played by Michael J. Fox is set on an adventure after a mishap that happens with Doc Brown played by Christopher Lloyd, also known as the town’s crazy scientist who created the iconic DeLorean. Marty is sent to the the past of 1955 and is met with his parents, a timid sci-fi-loving nerd of a father George McFly, and his preppy and drop-dead gorgeous mother Lorraine. After getting in the way of his parent’s meeting Marty has to figure out a way to reconnect them and return to 1985 before it is too late.

A movie like this holds a place in many people’s hearts. Still, apart from the nostalgia of watching it in theaters when it came out or watching it with your parents as a child, it remains a must-watch even for those who haven’t seen it yet  It’s a timeless movie with some of the most iconic scenes and phrases that are still used in modern-day media like the infamous “where we’re going, we don’t need roads”. Apart from its well-known soundtrack featuring The Power of Love, Johnny B. Goode, and Back in Time, the movie also holds a high position in its cinematic arts and wardrobe. From Marty’s iconic“space vest” to the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance the film is filled with unforgettable visuals, and a sense of accuracy when it comes to its depiction of the 50s.

Apart from its iconic soundtrack and memorable visuals, the film’s charm continues with its sharp writing and characters.Marty McFly is a quick-witted skateboarding teen who has a dream of becoming a rock star and going on a camping trip with the love of his life, Jennifer. Marty is loyal to those he loves, full of curiosity, and bravery, and a great sidekick to Doc Brown, he’s a perfect balance of humor and heart making him relatable and heroic.

Doc Brown is a free-spirited inventor with wild hair and wild ideas (especially when he slips on his toilet) and the genius behind the creation of the time-traveling DeLorean. Along with his brilliance, he is an unpredictable character who keeps you on your toes any time he appears on screen. Doc is the perfect blend of a mad genius with a deep emotional heart, serving both as comical relief and the heart of the film’s sci-fi themes. 

Marty’s parents played by Crispin Glover and Lea Thomson are portrayed as the typical awkward teenagers in the past but quite the contrast to their future selves in 1985 who are burnt-out adults, Lorraine having an alcohol problem and George, still trapped under the shadow of his high school bully Biff. George is a shy, nerdy teenager with a passion for sci-fi and writing, while Lorraine is more confident and curious, and unknowingly falling for her son. As mentioned earlier Biffplayed by Thomas F. Wilson is the high school bully who made George and Lorraine’s school life very unpleasant, heharasses and forces him to do his homework and sexually harasses Lorraine there’s no surprise that this character falls in the wide range of most hated villains, Biff continues to torment the McFly’s in the following two films. 

The pace and tone of the film are a complete roller coaster but in the best way possible, there’s a mix of action with Marty fighting and running away from Biff and sneaking around his parents to reunite their love. The film slows down in its intimate moments with Marty’s parents reuniting, Doc and Marty brainstorming, and Marty’s iconic walk through Hill Valley. 

Ultimately the Back to the Future film is considered one of the best executed movies and stories in Sci-fi films. The film has built a community of die-hard time travel fans, it gave its fans a sense of curiosity and appreciation of the past and future. Now the real question is does the film still hold up? The answer is a simple yes. Even when watching it today it is still just as iconic as before and ahead of its time, so if you’re a fan of time travel, cars, Sci-fi, and the 50s this movie is the perfect sit-down watch. However, if you choose to pass on this that’s okay,

“I guess you guys aren’t ready for that yet… but your kids are gonna love it.” – Marty McFly.