Back to the Future movies in order
Back to the Future Marathon

Page Last Modified:

15 December 2025

Most Recent Release:

Back to the Future Part III - 1990

Total Runtime:

343 Minutes

Total Items:

3

Average User Score:

(7.7)

Back to the Future movies in order

Silvestri's iconic score from Back to the Future will have you shouting, "1.21 gigawatts!" It's time for a movie marathon, but where should you start? I'm curious to know what order we should go in to experience this time-travel adventure without disrupting continuity. Whether you're hopping into the DeLorean for the first time or making your hundredth trip to Hill Valley, this guide will give you the ultimate experience. With Marty McFly, Doc Brown, and the never-ending battle against Biff Tannen, this franchise is a must-watch for fans of sci-fi comedy and 1980s films. So, here's the lowdown on watching Back to the Future in order. This includes all the films, series, and extras that come with this classic trilogy.
343 Minutes 3 Movies
  1. Back to the Future Backdrop 1
    Back to the Future Movie 116 min. 1985
    Eighties teenager Marty McFly is accidentally sent back in time to 1955, inadvertently disrupting his parents' first meeting and attracting his mother's romantic interest. Marty must repair the damage to history by rekindling his parents' romance and - with the help of his eccentric inventor friend Doc Brown - return to 1985.
    USER SCORE 8
  2. Back to the Future Part II Backdrop 2
    Back to the Future Part II Movie 108 min. 1989
    Marty and Doc are at it again as the time-traveling duo head to 2015 to nip some McFly family woes in the bud. But things go awry thanks to bully Biff Tannen and a pesky sports almanac. In a last-ditch attempt to set things straight, Marty finds himself bound for 1955 and face to face with his teenage parents -- again.
    USER SCORE 8
  3. Back to the Future Part III Backdrop 3
    Back to the Future Part III Movie 119 min. 1990
    The final installment finds Marty digging the trusty DeLorean out of a mineshaft and looking for Doc in the Wild West of 1885. But when their time machine breaks down, the travelers are stranded in a land of spurs. More problems arise when Doc falls for pretty schoolteacher Clara Clayton, and Marty tangles with Buford Tannen.
    USER SCORE 7

Back to the Future is more than just a film trilogy, it's a cultural phenomenon. From hoverboards to the DeLorean time machine, this franchise is a classic that every movie fan has a soft spot for. The movies mix time travel, friendship, romance, and a lot of 80s vibes, with a script so well-written that you'll find new details even after watching them five times. Whether you grew up with VHS tapes or just discovered the films through streaming, this marathon is the perfect excuse to make popcorn, put on your best vest (hello, Marty's red puffer vest), and dive into the timeline.

Back to the Future (1985)

As always, we'll start with the original from 1985, directed by Robert Zemeckis and co-written with Bob Gale. In this movie, we meet Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), a high school student who's into guitars and skateboards. He's also friends with the eccentric Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd). When Doc activates his flux capacitor in the now-legendary DeLorean time machine, Marty is accidentally sent back to 1955. What follows is a brilliant mix of time travel paradoxes, high school drama, and the challenge of making sure his parents meet. Yes, we're looking at you, Lorraine Baines McFly (Lea Thompson).

This film is the blueprint for everything that follows. From the first trip to Hill Valley to the introduction of Biff Tannen (Thomas F. Wilson) as the ultimate bad guy, this is where your marathon starts. Trust us—you really don't want to skip this one. It's the foundation and emotional core of the entire Back to the Future franchise.

Back to the Future Part II (1989)

Marty and Doc are on the go again. Right after the first film, we jump to the "future year" of 2015. There are self-lacing Nikes, flying cars, and, of course, the hoverboard scene. As with any time travel story, every action has consequences. In this follow-up, things pick up speed, timelines get twisted, and alternate realities are cooked up. The brilliance here is undeniable. This film is similar to the first one, but it looks at things from a different angle.

Zemeckis and Gale take things to the next level with double versions of characters, a darker version of Hill Valley, and a nod to the dangers of power and money. It's chaotic, ambitious, and delightfully confusing, which is exactly what you want in a good sci-fi comedy film. Hey, just a heads-up: a lot of what happens here is super important for Part III.

Back to the Future Part III (1990)

So, after all the high school drama and futuristic chaos, we're diving into the Wild West. Yeah, the trilogy ends in 1885, with Doc Brown reinventing himself as a blacksmith and Marty having to step in once again to change the past. This film may not be as flashy as Part II, but it's packed with heart, humor, and a love for westerns. And let's be real: Doc deserves his moment in the spotlight.

The dynamic between Marty and Doc is still awesome, and the visual style of this film, from steam trains to saloons, gives a fresh twist to the time-travel formula. It's a great ending to the trilogy. The story is well-rounded and everything is wrapped up nicely. If you're on the fence about whether to keep going with the spin-offs or call it quits here, this film feels like a fitting end, but there's more if you want to delve deeper into the franchise.

Back to the Future: The Animated Series (1991-1992)

For those who can't get enough of Marty and Doc, the Back to the Future animated series is an underrated gem. The series picks up where the trilogy left off and follows Doc, his wife Clara, and their kids Jules and Verne on new time-travel adventures. Marty shows up now and then, but it's mostly Doc's spotlight.

The vibe is more lighthearted and cartoonish, but it keeps the franchise's essence alive. These are perfect for a light binge after the movies, or to evoke some nostalgic Saturday morning vibes.

Back to the Future Video Games

From 8-bit classics to modern episodic games, the Back to the Future video games beautifully expand the world. The Telltale Games series from 2010 feels like a spiritual sequel to the trilogy. You play as Marty and travel through time once more, with a story that Bob Gale himself approved.

It's not essential for your marathon, but it's a fun addition if you want to explore the world of Hill Valley further. If you can, play it with Alan Silvestri's original music in the background.

Back to the Future: Hey, just wanted to let you know that there's actually a musical in the works! And it's actually pretty good. Back to the Future: The Musical combines the original story with new songs, practical effects, and a lot of nostalgia. The script stays true to the film, but it adds music and theatrical flair that even the biggest purists will appreciate.

If you get the chance to see it live, you should definitely take it. It's a celebration for every fan of the franchise, with plenty of hidden details to delight any fan.

The Ultimate Viewing Order: Keep It Chronological

Alright, let's get real. Who wants to watch everything in the right order without getting overwhelmed by a timeline? Here's your sequence: Start with the three films in release date order. Back to the Future, Back to the Future Part II, and Back to the Future Part III. Then, end the show with the animated series for a fun finale. Want more? Check out the video games or see if the musical is playing near you.

This way, you'll get the full picture of the franchise, from Hill Valley in 1885 to well beyond 2015.Pop your popcorn and get ready for a trip down memory lane! A Back to the Future movie marathon is more than just a fun way to spend a few hours — it's a lesson in how to perfectly set up and conclude a trilogy. This movie has a great cast (Michael J. Fox is still as iconic as ever as Marty), a script that's still really good, and music that'll make you feel like you're in 1985. This is a binge you won't want to miss.

So, invite your friends, set up a tray of Pepsi Free, and get ready for one of the most satisfying movie marathons ever. And don't forget to enjoy every moment of this classic adventure.