Great Scott! Back to the Future Revs Up for its Epic 40th Anniversary Celebration

Grab your hoverboard and set your flux capacitor to fun, because Back to the Future is hitting the big 4-0 in 2025, and Universal is going all out with theatrical re-releases, stunning 4K UHD home video sets, and a mountain of new merchandise!

TL;DR

• The original Back to the Future returns to theaters nationwide in premium formats starting October 31, 2025.
• A new 40th Anniversary 4K Ultra HD Trilogy, individual Steelbooks, and a Limited Edition Gift Set are dropping on October 14, 2025, packed with hours of bonus features.
• Get ready for a massive wave of new merchandise, from LEGO and Funko to Crocs, guitars, and even a Michael J. Fox memoir!

Experience the Time-Traveling Classic Back on the Big Screen

Can you believe it's been 40 years since Marty McFly first zipped back to 1955 in that plutonium-powered DeLorean? On July 3, 1985, audiences worldwide were introduced to the iconic duo of Marty (Michael J. Fox) and Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd), forever changing cinematic history. Now, to celebrate this monumental anniversary, the original, Oscar-winning film is making a glorious return to theaters!

Starting October 31, 2025, you'll have the chance to see Back to the Future on the big screen once again for a limited engagement. But wait, there's more! This isn't just any re-release; it's the first time the film will be presented on the world's largest screens in immersive formats like Dolby Cinema, 4DX, and D-Box. Imagine experiencing the lightning strike on the clock tower or Marty's "Johnny B. Goode" performance with enhanced sound and visual fidelity. Tickets are available now via Fandango, so you can lock in your spot for this unforgettable cinematic event.

Bring the Entire Time-Traveling Saga Home with Epic 4K Releases

If you're more of a homebody but still want to celebrate in style, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has you covered. On October 14, 2025, they're rolling out a must-have lineup of releases for the 40th anniversary that will make any fan shout, "This is heavy!"

You can snag the Back To The Future 40th Anniversary Trilogy in 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital, which is perfect for reliving all three adventures with crystal-clear picture and sound. For the true collectors, individual Steelbooks for each film will also be available, featuring stunning new artwork.

But the real showstopper is the Back to the Future Trilogy – 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Gift Set. This bad boy includes all three films in 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital, housed in a collectible Flux Capacitor SteelBook. Plus, it comes loaded with extras like an exclusive Gibson Mini Guitar replica (just like Marty's!), an OUTATIME metal license plate, a "Back to the Future: A Visual History" booklet, and other replica items from the Universal archives. It's the ultimate package for any fan looking to own a piece of cinematic history.

Dive Deep into the Past with Over 9 Hours of Bonus Features

These new home releases aren't just about pretty pictures; they're packed with content! You'll get over 88 minutes of brand-new bonus features, adding to an already incredible nine hours of total extra content. Here's a peek at some of the exciting new additions:

• 40 Years Later: Reflecting on the Future: Co-writer/producer Bob Gale shares his insights on the films' enduring legacy and cultural impact.
• Back to Hill Valley: Join Bob Gale and Donald Fullilove (who played Mayor Goldie Wilson!) as they revisit and discuss iconic filming locations.
• Untold Stories of Back to the Future: Hear personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes tales from various crew members.
• TCM Classic Film Festival Panel: A reunion with Bob Gale, cinematographer Dean Cundey, and stunt double Charlie Croughwell at the 40th-anniversary premiere.
• A Mystery in History: A fascinating dive into the history of Marty's Gibson guitar from the Enchantment Under the Sea dance, and a call for fans to help locate the missing prop!

And if that wasn't enough, all your favorite legacy bonus features will also be included, like the six-part "Tales from THE FUTURE" documentary, deleted scenes (with commentary!), alternate audition tapes featuring young stars like Ben Stiller and Kyra Sedgwick, music videos, and much, much more. Get ready for a deep dive!

Collect a Piece of the Past, Present, and Future with New Merchandise

The anniversary celebration wouldn't be complete without a whole new line of awesome merchandise, and Universal Products & Experiences has teamed up with a massive list of global partners to make sure your collection gets a serious upgrade. Whether you're into fashion, collectibles, or home goods, there's something for everyone:

What Michael J. Fox Thinks About the Space-Time Continuum

Michael J. Fox, who brought Marty McFly to life, has penned a new memoir to coincide with the anniversary: Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum. It's available from Flatiron Books and promises a unique look at his experience making the iconic film.

Gear Up Like a Time Traveler: Fashion and Wearables

• Crocs: Step into comfort with the Back to the Future Classic Clog.
• Hey Dude: Grab a pair of Back to the Future x HEYDUDE Wally Time Machine Shoes or Wally Hoverboard Shoes.
• Casio: Check out the stylish Back to the Future CA-500WEBF Digital Watch.
• Loungefly: Carry your essentials in style with a 40th Anniversary Time Machine Accordion Wallet or a Marty McFly Western Cosplay Mini Backpack.
• niko and...: Explore their entire 40th Anniversary Collection featuring apparel, accessories, and more.
• Gibson & Epiphone: For the musically inclined, there's a Gibson Custom "1955" ES-345 Collector’s Edition Cherry Red guitar, an Epiphone ES-345 Cherry Red guitar, and exclusive Gibson apparel.

Tiny Collectibles and Awesome Toys for Every Fan

• LEGO: Not only is the intricate 1,872-piece LEGO 10300 Back to the Future Time Machine set still available (with minifigures, a light-up Flux Capacitor, and three build configurations!), but a new, super-affordable LEGO Speed Champions Time Machine set has also launched!
• Funko: Expand your Pop! collection with new Pop! Moments Doc & Marty, Pop! Rides Deluxe Doc with Time Machine, and Pop! Marty McFly (2015) figures.
• Polly Pocket: Time travel goes tiny! The new Polly Pocket x Back to the Future Compact (SRP $30, available October 14) features mini-figures of Marty, Doc, and Lorraine, plus iconic locations like the clock tower and high school dance.
• Fisher-Price Little People Collector: Marty McFly and Doc Brown join the adorable Little People Collector lineup! Pre-orders for this set ($16.19) began on October 14th on Amazon and Entertainment Earth.
• Bitty Boomers: Get a Doc & Marty 2 Pack of these compact Bluetooth speakers.
• Jada: Look out for the Nanoscene Clock Tower and Pink Slips Time Machine.
• TUBBZ: Add the Back to the Future: Time Machine TUBBZ (Special Edition) to your rubber duck collection.
• Amazon: Keep an eye on Amazon's 40th Anniversary Collection for a wide array of toys, books, clothing, and accessories.

Unique Items and Experiential Merch Beyond the Usual

• Insight Editions: Get mystic with the Back to the Future Tarot Card Deck & Guidebook.
• Fandango At Home: Don't miss the McFly 4K Bundle, priced at $45.00, which includes all three Back to the Future films in 4K UHD and a light-up DeLorean Popcorn Bucket! This bucket, which features the Mr. Fusion unit and moving wheels for "flying" mode, was previously sold at SDCC for $49.99, so this is a sweet deal.

Beyond the Movies: Musicals, Video Games, and Global Events

The Back to the Future universe is expanding beyond just film and merchandise! Fans worldwide can enjoy Back to the Future: The Musical, the Tony-nominated and Olivier Award-winning Best Musical. It's currently playing in London’s West End, touring across North America and the UK, and even has productions in Tokyo, Sydney, Hamburg, and aboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas. It's a fantastic way to experience the story live on stage!

For those who prefer a virtual adventure, 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 world in a whole new way.

And if you happen to be in Japan this December, make sure to check out Tokyo Comic Con (December 5-7). There will be a dedicated Back to the Future-themed booth complete with photo-ops, authentic costumes, props, and even an exclusive pop-up shop for special anniversary merchandise!

The Enduring Legacy of Marty and Doc

Released four decades ago, Back to the Future quickly became the highest-grossing domestic release of 1985, raking in over $385 million worldwide. It earned four Academy Award nominations, including Best Original Screenplay, and famously won for Best Sound Effects Editing. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, co-written by Zemeckis and Bob Gale, and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, the film’s blend of comedy, sci-fi, and heart has cemented its place as a timeless masterpiece.

Despite its massive success and two fantastic sequels (Back to the Future Part II in 1989 and Back to the Future Part III in 1990), filmmakers Zemeckis and Gale have consistently stated that the trilogy is complete and there will be no further sequels or reboots. So, these 40th-anniversary celebrations are truly a unique opportunity to revisit and honor a beloved, complete story.

Whether you're a lifelong fan who remembers seeing it in theaters or you're just discovering the magic of time travel, this 40th anniversary is shaping up to be a celebration fit for a true cinematic legend. So get ready to fire up the DeLorean (or at least your TV and credit card!) and join the party!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Back to the Future 40th Anniversary

When is the Back to the Future 40th anniversary? Is it in 2024 or 2025? The original film was released on July 3, 1985. Therefore, its 40th anniversary is in 2025. Many celebratory events and product releases are planned for Fall 2025. When and where can I watch the Back to the Future theatrical re-release? The beloved 1985 classic returns to theaters nationwide starting October 31, 2025, for a limited engagement. It will be available in premium large screen formats like Dolby Cinema, 4DX, and D-Box. You can purchase tickets via Fandango. When will the new 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray sets be released? The Back to the Future 40th Anniversary Trilogy in 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital, as well as individual Steelbooks and the Limited Edition Gift Set, will be available starting October 14, 2025. What is the film's rating and runtime? The original Back to the Future is rated PG and has a runtime of 116 minutes.

Sources

• Universal City, Calif., Oct. 14, 2025 News Release (Stephen Clark)
• Solzy on Screen: "Back to the Future Trilogy Gets New 4K Ultra HD Release for 40th Anniversary" (Danielle Solzman, October 13, 2025)
• IGN: "Score 50% Off the Back to the Future Trilogy (4K UHD) On the Final Day of Prime Big Deal Days" (October 8, 2025)
• Collider: "Back to the Future 40th Anniversary Re-Release Dates, Merchandise, & More"
• Screen Rant: "Great Scott! Get the $45 McFly 4K Bundle with Delorean Popcorn Bucket Before It’s Gone!"
• Action Figure Insider: "Polly Pocket Travels Back In Time for a 40th Anniversary Drop!" (Daniel Pickett, October 14, 2025)
• Comicbook.com: "Back to the Future Little People Collector Set Unveiled for 40th Anniversary" (October 14, 2025)