1985 Sci-Fi Classic, Named Among ‘Greatest American Movies of All-Time, Has Near-Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score – Men’s Journal

July 6, 2026

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1985 Beloved Classic, Named Among ‘Greatest American Movies of All-TIme, Has Near-Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score

Michael J. Fox’s time-travel adventure continues to win over critics and audiences alike nearly 40 years after its unforgettable debut.

By Rachel Schneider, Jul 4, 2026 11:51 PM EDT

Trending News Writer, Men’s Journal. Rachel Schneider is a Trending News Writer for Men’s Journal with several years of experience writing across digital media, with a background that spans service journalism, lifestyle content, and breaking news.

When it comes to ’80s movies, Back to the Future is consistently considered one of the best, features one of the most iconic vehicles in cinema history, and it’s highly-quotable to boot.

The beloved 1985 sci-fi comedy was recently named one of the greatest American movies of all time by USA Today, adding another honor to a film that has captivated audiences for generations.

One of America’s Greatest Movies

Directed by Robert Zemeckis, Back to the Future stars Michael J. Fox as teenager Marty McFly, who accidentally travels from 1985 back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric Doc Brown, played by Christopher Lloyd.

Once there, Marty inadvertently disrupts the first meeting between his parents, forcing him to race against time to repair history before he can return home. In naming it one of the greatest American movies ever made, USA Today praised the film’s remarkable ability to remain fresh decades after its release.

The publication noted that while today’s audiences may realize Marty traveling from 1985 to 1955 now feels similar to someone traveling from the present day back to 1996, Back to the Future remains “a timeless time-travel comedy filled with so much humor, smarts and electrifying shenanigans.”

A Film That Never Gets Old

Few movies have blended science fiction, comedy and adventure as effortlessly as Back to the Future.

Its clever screenplay, memorable performances and inventive take on time travel helped transform the film into an instant classic, spawning two successful sequels and one of Hollywood’s most beloved franchises.

Michael J. Fox’s charismatic performance as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd’s unforgettable portrayal of Doc Brown remain among the most iconic duos in movie history.

The film’s lasting popularity is reflected in its outstanding reception on Rotten Tomatoes, where it holds a 93% critics score and an equally impressive 95% audience score. Those numbers reinforce what generations of movie fans already know: Back to the Future is just as entertaining today as it was in 1985.

Whether it’s the DeLorean, the unforgettable clock tower sequence, or Doc Brown’s wild-eyed enthusiasm (and wild hair), the film continues to delight new audiences while rewarding longtime fans with every rewatch.