Great Scott! Forty years after Marty McFly and Doc Brown first revved up the DeLorean, the Back to the Future trilogy is still as relevant and beloved as ever, with tons of new ways for fans to celebrate this iconic milestone.

TL;DR

  • Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd share their insights on why the film's themes of resilience and standing up to bullies continue to resonate deeply today.
  • The 40th-anniversary celebration includes a theatrical re-release, new 4K home editions, and an electrifying wave of unique merchandise.
  • Fans can also enjoy Back to the Future: The Musical, grab special themed treats at Yogurtland, and even meet some of the cast at Tokyo Comic Con!
Why Back to the Future Still Hits Hard, According to Michael J. Fox

It's hard to believe it's been four decades since Back to the Future first sped into theaters, capturing the hearts of an entire generation. But the magic hasn't faded. Both Michael J. Fox (Marty McFly) and Christopher Lloyd (Doc Brown) recently reflected on the film's enduring appeal in a major new interview with Empire magazine.

Christopher Lloyd noted, "It continues to amaze me how deeply the Back To The Future films affected young people. It still comes up all the time." Michael J. Fox, however, delved deeper into a powerful, timely reason for its lasting impact, especially today.

"We live in a bully culture right now. We have bullies everywhere – you don’t need me to point the finger at who, but there are all these bullies," Fox explained. "In this movie, Biff is a bully. Time is a bully. For me personally, Parkinson’s is a bully. And it’s all about how you stand up to them and the resolve that you take into the fight with them. It’s about your resilience and your courage."

– Michael J. Fox, via Empire Magazine

Fox believes these themes of facing down adversity and showing resilience are why the movie "strikes chords they wouldn’t otherwise recognise" for many modern viewers. It's a sentiment that rings true, reminding us that even in a fun time-travel adventure, there are profound lessons about courage. It's also interesting to remember co-writer Bob Gale's original inspiration for the film—wondering if he would have liked his own father as a teenager—which ultimately led to a story that subtly critiques nostalgic views of the past, showing its imperfections alongside the charm.

Back to the Big Screen: Experience the Trilogy Anew

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If you're eager to see the iconic DeLorean light up the silver screen once more, you're in luck! Universal Pictures is bringing the beloved 1985 classic back to theaters nationwide for a limited engagement starting on October 31, 2025. This isn't just any re-release; it's a chance to experience the film in premium large screen formats like Dolby Cinema, 4DX, and D-Box. Imagine hitting 88 mph with Marty and Doc on one of the world's largest screens – talk about immersive!

For those who prefer to rewatch the saga from the comfort of their couch (or perhaps a custom DeLorean-themed home theater), Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is releasing a must-have 40th Anniversary Trilogy in 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital. This set boasts over 88 minutes of all-new bonus features, adding to a staggering total of more than 9 hours of bonus content. Plus, you can grab collectible individual Steelbooks for each of the three films, perfect for showcasing your cinephile cred.

Sweet Treats and Time-Traveling Deals: Celebrating with Flavor!

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Who says you can't celebrate a classic film with delicious treats? Yogurtland has partnered with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment for a special collaboration to mark the 40th anniversary. From October 20 through November 30, 2025, participating Yogurtland locations nationwide are offering the limited-time "Great Scott! Caramel Apple Pie" frozen yogurt flavor, topped with "Doc's Churro Bites." If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can even swirl it with Yogurtland's classic vanilla to create an "Apple Pie à la Mode Swirl."

Adeline Cruz-Phillips, Brand Marketing Manager at Yogurtland, perfectly summed up the collaboration, saying, "Just as Back to the Future brought generations together, our collaboration is all about creating moments of fun, nostalgia and memories complete with delicious flavor."

And the fun doesn't stop there! Keep an eye out for these special Yogurtland promotions:

  • Back to the Future Day (October 21): Show up dressed as Marty McFly or Doc Brown at participating locations to snag 30% off your in-store purchase.
  • Fan Appreciation Day (October 27): Enjoy a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) offer and earn 2x points if you're a Real Rewards member.

Collectibles, Apparel, and Everything In Between: A Fan's Dream!

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The 40th anniversary has unleashed a veritable avalanche of new merchandise, guaranteeing that fans of all ages can grab a piece of cinematic history. Universal Products & Experiences has teamed up with a huge list of global partners, so prepare your wallets!

Here's a peek at some of the electrifying new items:

  • Amazon: A dedicated 40th Anniversary Collection featuring toys, books, clothing, and accessories.
  • AMC Theatres: Starting October 26, get your hands on a collectible light-up DeLorean Time Machine Popcorn Bucket and a Retro DeLorean Tumbler Cup. If you're a true collector, you might recognize the popcorn bucket from Cinemex's 35th-anniversary celebration last year – now back with its Mr. Fusion unit intact! Fandango At Home is also offering a bundle with the bucket and all three movies in UHD 4K.
  • Bitty Boomers: A cute Doc & Marty 2-pack of miniature Bluetooth speakers.
  • Casio: The Back to the Future CA-500WEBF Digital Watch.
  • Crocs: Step into time with deep blue Crocs featuring lightning bolts, fire streaks, a Throwback Time Circuit, and a Flux Capacitor backstrap, complete with movie-inspired charms.
  • Flatiron Books: Michael J. Fox's insightful hardcover, Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum.
  • Funko: A whole new wave including Pop! Moments Doc & Marty, Pop! Rides Deluxe Doc with Time Machine, Pop! Marty McFly (2015), and a special Doc Funko! Pop with the Hill Valley clocktower.
  • Gibson and Epiphone: For the musically inclined, there's a Gibson Custom Back to the Future "1955" ES-345 Collector’s Edition guitar (Cherry Red) and an Epiphone ES-345. Plus, exclusive apparel and accessories.
  • Hey Dude: Walk like Marty with the Wally Time Machine Shoe and the Wally Hoverboard Shoe, perfectly matching Marty's iconic hoverboard colors.
  • Insight Editions: A Back to the Future Tarot Card Deck & Guidebook.
  • Jada: Mini collectibles like the Nanoscene Clock Tower and a Pink Slips Time Machine.
  • LEGO: An impressive 3-in-1 LEGO Icons Set (1,856 pieces!) letting you build the iconic DeLorean with various configurations, a hoverboard, town model, futuristic fuel tank, and mini Doc and Marty minifigs.
  • Little People: A Fisher-Price Little People Collector set featuring Marty and Doc in a homage to the clocktower scene.
  • Loungefly: A 40th Anniversary Time Machine Accordion Wallet and a Marty McFly Western Cosplay Mini Backpack.
  • niko and...: A 40th Anniversary Collection of apparel, accessories, and more.
  • Polly Pocket: A nostalgic Polly Pocket x Back to the Future Compact.
  • TUBBZ: A special edition Back to the Future: Time Machine TUBBZ rubber ducky.
  • Retro Tees: A plethora of T-shirts in various styles, celebrating the film's timeless aesthetic.

Whether you're a hardcore collector or just looking for a cool new piece of memorabilia, there's truly something for every fan to commemorate four decades of time-traveling adventure.

Meet the Stars and More: Global Celebrations and Entertainment

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Beyond the merchandise, the 40th anniversary is packed with other exciting ways to celebrate.

  • Exclusive Interview: As mentioned, the full Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd interview, delving into 40 years of Back to the Future and their enduring friendship, is available in Empire magazine's Stranger Things 5 issue, on sale October 23.
  • Tokyo Comic Con 2025: If you're in Japan or planning a trip, head to Tokyo Comic Con from December 5-7. It's set to feature a massive Back to the Future-themed booth. Key cast members like Christopher Lloyd (Doc Brown), Lea Thompson (Lorraine McFly), Tom Wilson (Biff Tannen), and Claudia Wells (Jennifer Parker) are confirmed to attend for autograph and photo sessions. They'll even appear on the main stage on December 7! You can also get a photo with a replica DeLorean if you spend ¥8,800 or more on official merchandise. Plus, there's a special art collaboration with ten famous Japanese manga artists and illustrators creating new original artwork for display and limited-edition merch. And for a truly rare collectible, a limited number of autographed portraits signed by Michael J. Fox (some even co-signed by Mary Steenburgen, who played Clara Clayton) will be available.
  • Back to the Future: The Musical: If live theater is your jam, don't forget the Tony-nominated and Olivier Award-winning musical! It's currently playing in London’s West End, with tours across North America and the UK, and additional productions in Tokyo, Sydney, Hamburg, and aboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas.
  • Funko Fusion Video Game: For virtual adventures, the crossover action-adventure video game Funko Fusion features a level and quests inspired by the film, letting you dive into the Back to the Future universe in a whole new way.

Behind the Scenes: The Stunts That Made Marty Move

While we celebrate the stars, it's also a perfect time to appreciate the unsung heroes behind the magic. Charlie Croughwell, Michael J. Fox's stunt double for about 16 years in Hollywood, recently shared some fascinating insights into bringing Marty McFly's daring moves to life. He even recalled how he landed the gig:

"[Stunt coordinator Matt Clevin] looked at me, and he looked at Mike and he said, ‘Yes, this is your stunt double.’ Mike went on his way, and the guy said, ‘You do stunts, right?’"

– Charlie Croughwell, via Metro

His very first stunt for the film was one of the most memorable: Marty getting pushed backward by Biff's car on a skateboard, running over the top of it, and landing back on the board. He explained how it was shot in pieces, emphasizing the precision needed.

Charlie also revealed that he's the one you see in the film's iconic opening, where Marty is blasted across Doc's lab by an oversized speaker. He only had to do it twice, despite a minor mishap on the first take: "I came in just a slight bit too low and hit the front edge of the chair, whacked my tailbone." He laughed recalling, "I have that photo of me getting blasted backward from behind...I just love it."

Stunts, of course, come with risks. Charlie recounted a painful moment during the scene where Marty pushes George McFly out of the way of a car. He managed to avoid being sucked under the vehicle but snapped his wrist upon landing. In a testament to the industry's tough standards back then, he said, "In those days, you didn’t really say anything," and simply did the take again. Despite his extensive work, Charlie also highlighted that Michael J. Fox was incredibly "game for doing his own stuff" and performed many of his own stunts, often needing to be reined in for his own safety!

As Back to the Future speeds past its 40-year mark, it’s clear that its spirit of adventure, its endearing characters, and its surprisingly relevant themes continue to captivate. So fire up your DeLorean (or just your streaming service), grab a caramel apple pie froyo, and join in the incredible celebrations for this timeless cinematic gem!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Back to the Future 40th Anniversary When is "Back to the Future Day" and what's happening? Historically, "Back to the Future Day" is celebrated annually on October 21, marking the date Marty and Doc travel to in Part II. For the 40th anniversary in 2025, Yogurtland is offering 30% off in-store on October 21 for fans dressed as Marty or Doc! Where can I watch the Back to the Future trilogy for the 40th anniversary? You can experience the original film back in theaters nationwide starting October 31, 2025, in formats like Dolby Cinema and 4DX. Additionally, the 40th Anniversary Trilogy is available on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital, with individual Steelbooks, packed with hours of bonus features. What kind of new merchandise is available for the 40th anniversary? A huge variety! This includes a LEGO Icons DeLorean set, themed Crocs and Hey Dude shoes, Funko Pop! figures, a Casio digital watch, Loungefly accessories, Polly Pocket compacts, Gibson guitars, and a light-up DeLorean Popcorn Bucket at AMC Theatres, among many others. Are Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd involved in the anniversary celebrations? Yes! They recently gave a major interview to Empire magazine reflecting on the films. Christopher Lloyd, along with Lea Thompson, Tom Wilson, and Claudia Wells, are also scheduled to attend Tokyo Comic Con in December for fan interactions. Limited autographed Michael J. Fox portraits will also be available there.

Sources:

  • Empire Online - Back To The Future At 40: Michael J Fox And Christopher Lloyd On Why It Still Resonates
  • Yogurtland Press Release - Yogurtland Partners with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment...
  • Comicbook.com - Back to the Future Commemorates 40th Anniversary with All-New Merchandise...
  • Den of Geek - Michael J. Fox Says Back to the Future Resonates Because of "Bully Culture"
  • Metro.co.uk - Back To The Future stuntman Charlie Croughwell on iconic scenes
  • Essential Japan - Back to the Future 40th Anniversary at Tokyo Comic Convention 2025
  • Fantasy Land News - DeLorean Popcorn Bucket for Back to the Future 40th Anniversary AMC