Great Scott! Back to the Future Speeds Into Its 40th Anniversary

Grab your hoverboards and fire up the DeLorean because 2025 marks 40 years since Marty McFly first went back in time! Get ready for a massive celebration with theatrical re-releases, awesome new merch, and star-studded fan events.

TL;DR:

• The original Back to the Future film is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025 with global events and releases.
• Catch the film back in theaters nationwide starting October 30, and dive into a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray trilogy with new bonus features.
• Score incredible new merchandise from LEGO, Funko, Crocs, and more, plus unique food collabs and a star-studded Tokyo Comic Con event.

Experience the Time-Traveling Classic Back on the Big Screen

Can you believe it's been four decades since Back To The Future first blasted into cinemas on July 3, 1985? This sci-fi masterpiece, directed by Robert Zemeckis and co-written by Bob Gale, instantly became a cultural phenomenon, and its magic hasn't faded one bit. If you've always wanted to experience the film the way it was meant to be seen – on a massive screen with a bucket of popcorn – your wish is about to come true!

Starting October 30, 2025, Back to the Future is heading back to theaters nationwide for a limited engagement. We're talking big screens, folks, including premium large formats like Dolby Cinema, 4DX, and D-Box. This is a huge deal, as it’s the first time the film will be presented on the world's largest screens, offering an incredibly immersive experience. It's the perfect chance to correct a 40-year regret for those of us who missed it the first time around!

And for all you physical media enthusiasts, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment isn't leaving you behind. They're dropping the Back to the Future 40th Anniversary Trilogy in a stunning 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital set. This isn't just a re-release; it includes over 88 minutes of all-new bonus features, bringing the total bonus content to more than nine hours! You can also snag collectible individual Steelbooks for all three films. Talk about a perfect way to commemorate four decades of time-traveling adventure.

Deck Out Your Life with Epic 40th Anniversary Merchandise

Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering the awesomeness of Doc and Marty, Universal Products & Experiences has teamed up with a whole host of global partners to launch an electrifying collection of anniversary merchandise. Get ready to add some serious BTTF flair to your life!

Collectibles That Will Send You Back in Time (Figuratively!)

The lineup of collectibles is truly something special. Here’s a peek at what you can grab:

• LEGO Icons Set: A magnificent 3-in-1 set with 1,856 pieces, letting you build the iconic DeLorean, complete with an antenna for lightning, a second set of wheels from the third film, a hoverboard, town model, futuristic fuel tank, and adorable Doc and Marty Minifigs. There's also a LEGO Speed Champions Time Machine set!
• Funko! Pops: You can find Pop! Moments featuring Doc & Marty, a Pop! Rides Deluxe Doc with Time Machine, Pop! Marty McFly (2015), and a special Doc Funko! Pop with the Hill Valley clocktower and a lightning bolt streaking through the box.
• Playmobil Set: Features Marty, Doc, Einstein, and, of course, the DeLorean. Just remember, you'll need AAA batteries (sold separately) to get those DeLorean lights working!
• Little People Set: This cute set features Marty McFly and Doctor Emmett Brown in classic Little People style, positioned in a homage to the iconic clocktower scene.
• Jada: Look out for the Nanoscene Clock Tower and a Pink Slips Time Machine.
• Bitty Boomers: Grab a Doc & Marty 2 Pack.
• Polly Pocket: Yes, even Polly Pocket is getting in on the action with a special Back to the Future Compact!
• TUBBZ: Add the Time Machine TUBBZ (Special Edition) to your collection.

Fashion That's Totally Tubular

Want to show off your love for the trilogy? There’s plenty of apparel and accessories coming your way:

• Crocs: Time to hit 88 miles per hour in sport mode with these deep blue Crocs, adorned with lightning bolts, a streak of fire, and a Throwback Time Circuit and Flux Capacitor backstrap, plus film-inspired charms.
• Hey Dude Hoverboard Shoes: While not an actual hoverboard, these shoes match the exact color scheme of Marty McFly's iconic Hoverboard in Back to the Future II. There’s also a Wally Time Machine Shoe!
• Retro Tees: Nothing beats a classic! These shirts come in white, grey, or heather grey, featuring the iconic pink, yellow, and lavender logo with the DeLorean speeding away. Many other tee designs are also available.
• Loungefly: Check out the 40th Anniversary Time Machine Accordion Wallet and the Marty McFly Western Cosplay Mini Backpack.
• Casio: A special Back to the Future CA-500WEBF Digital Watch is available.
• Gibson and Epiphone: For the musicians, there's a Gibson Custom "1955" ES-345 Collector's Edition Cherry Red guitar, an Epiphone ES-345 Cherry Red guitar, and exclusive apparel and accessories.
• Niko and...: Expect a 40th Anniversary Collection featuring apparel, accessories, and more.

Many of these fantastic items, and more, can be found at the official Back to the Future Amazon storefront.

Beyond the Screen: Interactive Experiences and Delicious Treats

The celebrations aren't just about watching the film or buying merch; you can also immerse yourself in the world of Hill Valley!

A Musical Journey Through Time and Sweet Indulgences

• Back to the Future: The Musical: If you loved the movie, you'll adore the Tony-nominated and Olivier Award-winning musical! It's currently playing in London’s West End, touring across North America and the UK, and has additional productions in Tokyo, Sydney, Hamburg, and even aboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas.
• Yogurtland Collaboration: Get ready for some delicious nostalgia! From October 20 through November 30, Yogurtland is offering a limited-time "Great Scott! Caramel Apple Pie" frozen yogurt flavor, topped with "Doc's Churro Bites." You can even create an "Apple Pie à la Mode Swirl" with their classic vanilla.
• Yogurtland Fan Perks: On October 21 (Back to the Future Day!), participating Yogurtland locations will offer 30% off in-store purchases for fans dressed as Doc Brown or Marty McFly. Plus, on October 27, it's Fan Appreciation Day with a buy-one-get-one offer and 2x points for Real Rewards members!

Virtual Adventures and Real-Life Escapes

• Funko Fusion Video Game: For those looking for a virtual experience, the crossover action-adventure video game Funko Fusion features a level and quests inspired by the film.
• Universal Orlando Escape Room: If you're near Orlando, check out the Back to the Future Escape Room at Universal. It's one of two Universal Great Movie Escape options, and it even includes a cameo from the original Doc Brown himself, Christopher Lloyd!

Tokyo Comic Con 2025: A Star-Studded Global Hub for Fans

For fans in Japan (or those willing to travel!), Tokyo Comic Con 2025, happening December 5-7, is hosting a massive Back to the Future 40th-anniversary celebration. It's going to be epic!

• Cast Reunion: Several main cast members are confirmed to attend as guests, including Christopher Lloyd (Doc Brown), Lea Thompson (Lorraine McFly), Tom Wilson (Biff Tannen), and Claudia Wells (Jennifer Parker). They'll be participating in autograph and photo sessions and will appear on the main stage on December 7.
• DeLorean Photo Op: Spend ¥8,800 (about $60 USD) or more at the official merchandise booth, and you'll get a chance to have your photo taken with a replica of the legendary DeLorean time machine. There's even a special "Christopher Lloyd Photo Ticket with DeLorean" that's been a best-seller!
• Michael J. Fox Autographs: A limited number of autographed portraits signed by Michael J. Fox (Marty McFly) will be available for sale, in two versions: solo-signed or signed by both Fox and Mary Steenburgen (Clara Clayton).
• Exclusive Art Collaboration: Ten famous Japanese manga artists and illustrators have created new, original artwork to celebrate the film. These tribute illustrations will be displayed and used for exclusive, limited-edition merchandise.

Why 'Back to the Future' Still Resonates After Four Decades

Beyond the cool tech and thrilling adventures, what makes Back to the Future remain so popular 40 years later? The stars themselves, Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, recently reflected on its lasting impact in an interview with Empire Magazine.

"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 said. "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, Empire Magazine interview (October 2025)

Fox believes that the film's themes of standing up to bullies and demonstrating resilience strike a deep chord with audiences today. Christopher Lloyd, who played Doc Brown, shared that it "continues to amaze me how deeply the Back to the Future films affected young people. It still comes up all the time." The timeless story of friendship, family, and facing challenges clearly transcends generations.

Even the film's stuntman, Charlie Croughwell, who doubled for Marty McFly for years, shared insights into the magic. He recalled his first stunt, being pushed backwards by a car on a skateboard, and even being the one blasted across the room in the iconic opening scene (and breaking his wrist in another memorable moment!). He also highlighted Michael J. Fox's dedication, noting that Fox was "always game for doing his own stuff" and did many of his own stunts, despite having a double.

From its impressive box office run (it was the highest-grossing film of 1985) to its enduring themes, Back to the Future continues to be a fan favorite. So, whether you're heading to the cinema, unboxing some new merch, or belting out "The Power of Love" at the musical, get ready to celebrate this incredible film that truly stands the test of time!

Frequently Asked Questions About the 40th Anniversary

When is the Back to the Future 40th anniversary? The original film was released on July 3, 1985, making 2025 its 40th anniversary year. Celebrations are happening throughout the fall of 2025. Where can I watch the Back to the Future re-release? The film will return to theaters nationwide starting October 30, 2025, for a limited engagement. Check your local cinema listings for showtimes, including premium large screen formats like Dolby Cinema and IMAX. What kind of new merchandise is available? A wide range of anniversary merchandise is being released, including LEGO sets, Funko! Pops, Crocs, Hey Dude shoes, Playmobil figures, retro t-shirts, a Casio watch, Gibson/Epiphone guitars, and much more. You can find many items on Amazon's official storefront. Are there any special fan events planned? Yes! Tokyo Comic Con (December 5-7, 2025) will host a major BTTF celebration with cast members, exclusive art, and a DeLorean photo op. Yogurtland is also offering themed treats and discounts on "Back to the Future Day" (October 21) and Fan Appreciation Day (October 27).

Sources:

• Various entertainment news reports (Deadline, CinemaBlend, Empire Magazine, Metro.co.uk)
• Official press releases from Universal Pictures and Yogurtland
• BacktotheFuture.com