What we flagged
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Our take
Back to the Future is a funny, clever sci-fi adventure with some sharper moments than its family-friendly reputation suggests. Terrorists shoot a man, characters drink and drive, and a bully attempts to sexually assault a young woman before he is stopped. A running joke has Marty's mother attracted to him without knowing who he is. There are also a few strong insults. The overall tone stays light, but these scenes are why we put it at around 10 and up.
Uplifting themes
The film champions believing in yourself, standing up to bullies, and the idea that your choices shape your future. One character's growth from doormat to someone with real backbone is the warm centre Marty is loyal and quick on his feet, and Doc, for all his eccentricity, is a devoted friend. The hero's father slowly finds his courage over the story The time-travel plot plays cheerfully with cause and effect and a slice of 1950s life. It is a fun springboard for questions, not a lesson
Story (may spoil tone)
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.
What we flagged
Details
Violence Terrorists fire a machine gun and shoot a man. There are also fist figh…
Terrorists fire a machine gun and shoot a man. There are also fist fights, a car chase, and threats from a bully. The gunfire is sudden and alarming
Language The s-word and some strong insults appear occasionally, along with mild…
The s-word and some strong insults appear occasionally, along with milder damn and hell. The swearing is not constant
Sex / nudity A young woman flirts with and kisses a boy who is secretly her future s…
A young woman flirts with and kisses a boy who is secretly her future son. The film plays it as an awkward running joke. There is light innuendo, with nothing explicit
Drugs / alcohol Teenagers drink, a character drives while drunk, and an adult drinks an…
Teenagers drink, a character drives while drunk, and an adult drinks and smokes. Some of these moments are played for laughs
Frightening The shooting arrives suddenly and may frighten younger viewers. A coupl…
The shooting arrives suddenly and may frighten younger viewers. A couple of chases add tension, but most of the film stays light
Sexual violence A drunken bully tries to force himself on a young woman in a parked car…
A drunken bully tries to force himself on a young woman in a parked car before someone intervenes. The attempted assault is brief and not graphic, but parents should know it is there
Bullying / discrimination Biff repeatedly shoves and humiliates Marty's father. Learning to stand…
Biff repeatedly shoves and humiliates Marty's father. Learning to stand up to him becomes part of the story
Gore / death / weapons A gun is fired and a character appears to be killed. The threat is clea…
A gun is fired and a character appears to be killed. The threat is clear, but there is no blood or visible injury detail
Dangerous behaviour Marty holds onto moving cars while riding his skateboard. It looks exci…
Marty holds onto moving cars while riding his skateboard. It looks exciting on screen and is a dangerous stunt to copy
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
Family watch notes
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Talk after watching
- George finally stands up to the bully who has pushed him around for years. What gave him the courage?
- Marty sees how small choices change his whole family's future. How do everyday decisions shape what comes next?
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Back to the Future
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