Back to the Future Part III (1990)
The thrilling conclusion to the beloved trilogy sends Marty and Doc on a wild ride through the American frontier of 1885.
Back to the Future Part III - Movie Information
- Original Title: Back to the Future Part III
- Release Year: 1990
- Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 59m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 25, 1990 (Canada - 18A), May 25, 1990 (United States - PG), July 11, 1990 (United Kingdom - PG), July 12, 1990 (Germany - 12), July 18, 1990 (France - TP), June 28, 1990 (Australia - PG), July 13, 1990 (Brazil - L), October 21, 2015 (Mexico - A), September 20, 1990 (Italy - T), November 30, 1990 (Spain - A), July 14, 1990 (South Korea - ALL)
- Alternative Titles: Назад в будущее 3 (RU), Powrót do Przyszłości 3 (PL), De Volta para o Futuro 3 (BR), Regreso al Futuro III (SV), Back to the Future Part 3 (US), Retour vers le futur 3 (FR), Volver al Futuro III (MX), Atgal i ateiti III (LT)
- Production Companies: Universal Pictures, Amblin Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
Back to the Future Part III - Plot
The final installment finds Marty digging the trusty DeLorean out of a mineshaft and looking for Doc in the Wild West of 1885. But when their time machine breaks down, the travelers are stranded in a land of spurs. More problems arise when Doc falls for pretty schoolteacher Clara Clayton, and Marty tangles with Buford Tannen.
Back to the Future Part III - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the Wild West adventure unfold:
They've saved the best trip for last... But this time they may have gone too far.
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Back to the Future Part III - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Robert Zemeckis
Main Cast
- Michael J. Fox
- Christopher Lloyd
- Mary Steenburgen
- Thomas F. Wilson
- Lea Thompson
- Elisabeth Shue
- Matt Clark
- Richard Dysart
- Pat Buttram
- Harry Carey, Jr.
Writers
- Bob Gale
- Robert Zemeckis
Producers
- Neil Canton
- Bob Gale
Back to the Future Part III - FAQs
What is Back to the Future Part III about?
Back to the Future Part III sends Marty McFly to the Wild West of 1885 to rescue Doc Brown, who is stranded after the DeLorean breaks down. Along the way, Doc falls for schoolteacher Clara Clayton while Marty faces off against the dangerous outlaw Buford 'Mad Dog' Tannen in a showdown-filled frontier adventure.
Does Back to the Future Part III have a satisfying ending?
Absolutely. The film wraps up the trilogy on a warm, emotionally resonant note. Doc Brown finds love with Clara Clayton, Marty learns a key lesson about controlling his temper, and the story closes with a memorable final scene that feels like a genuine farewell to the beloved franchise.
Where can you stream Back to the Future Part III?
Back to the Future Part III is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date availability in your region.
Is Back to the Future Part III a good film for families?
It's a great family pick. Rated PG, the film blends Western adventure with time-travel comedy in a way that works for all ages. The Wild West setting keeps things fresh, and the heart of the story — friendship, love, and courage — gives it real emotional warmth alongside the laughs.
Who are the main cast members in Back to the Future Part III?
Michael J. Fox returns as Marty McFly, with Christopher Lloyd reprising his iconic role as Doc Brown. Mary Steenburgen joins the cast as Clara Clayton, Doc's love interest, while Thomas F. Wilson plays villain Buford 'Mad Dog' Tannen and Lea Thompson appears as frontier ancestor Maggie McFly.
How does Back to the Future Part III connect to the previous films?
Part III picks up directly where Part II left off, with Marty stranded in 1955 after Doc is struck by lightning and sent to 1885. The film cleverly revisits the original's timeline, features ancestors of familiar characters, and resolves story threads that began all the way back in the first film.
Was Back to the Future Part III a box office success?
Yes — made on a $40 million budget, the film earned over $244 million worldwide, making it a solid commercial success. While it performed slightly below Part II, it was still one of the top-grossing films of 1990 and a fitting conclusion to one of Hollywood's most beloved trilogies.
Where was Back to the Future Part III filmed?
Principal photography took place largely at Universal Studios in California, with location shooting at Sonora, California, and the historic Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. The rugged Sierra Nevada landscapes gave the film its authentic frontier feel, perfectly capturing the look of the 1885 American West.
More About Back to the Future Part III
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