9 Films and TV Shows That Borrowed from Back To The Future
Back To The Future has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, inspiring a wave of films and television shows that have paid homage to its iconic plot, themes, and style. Here are 9 notable examples of media that have drawn inspiration from the time-traveling adventures of Marty McFly and Doc Brown.
Rick And Morty (2013 - )
Rick And Morty is a groundbreaking animated series that follows the intergalactic escapades of Rick, a brilliant but eccentric scientist, and his grandson Morty. With its dark humor and mind-bending storytelling, the show shares intriguing similarities with Back To The Future, exploring the consequences of time travel and the complexities of altering the past.
evil rick and evil morty face to face with rick and morty
In a multitude of episodes, Rick and Morty encounter the repercussions of their temporal exploits, leading to parallel universes, alternate realities, and thought-provoking philosophical dilemmas. While paying homage to its inspiration, Rick and Morty has carved out its own niche in the realm of animated science fiction, captivating audiences with its inventiveness and wit.
Morty Rick hybrid in Rick and Morty
Action Replayy (2010)
Action Replayy is a charming Bollywood film that takes a lighthearted approach to the concept of time travel. The movie revolves around Bunty, who ventures into the past to orchestrate a love story between his parents and avert their impending separation. While borrowing the central premise from Back To The Future, Action Replayy infuses the narrative with cultural nuances and endearing characters, offering a fresh spin on the time-travel genre.
Kishen and Mala in Action Replayy
With its heartwarming portrayal of familial bonds and the whimsical exploration of altering destiny, Action Replayy pays homage to the timeless appeal of Back To The Future while infusing its own distinctive flair into the storytelling.
Doctor Who (1963 - )
Doctor Who, the iconic British sci-fi series, has delved into the complexities of time and paradoxes, drawing inspiration from various sources, including Back To The Future. In the episode 'Blink', the Doctor and his companion Martha find themselves entangled in a temporal conundrum, reminiscent of the intricate time loops encountered by Marty McFly.
Carey Mulligan as Sally Sparrow Watching David Tennant's Doctor on a Tape in Doctor Who episode
The episode's clever manipulation of time and causality pays homage to the narrative intricacies of Back To The Future while showcasing the distinct charm and inventiveness of Doctor Who's storytelling.
The Flash (2014 - 2023)
The Flash, a beloved superhero series, explores the ramifications of time travel through the adventures of Barry Allen, who grapples with the consequences of altering the past to save his loved ones. Much like Marty McFly, Barry's temporal exploits lead to unforeseen changes in the present, underscoring the delicate balance of time and the ethical quandaries inherent in altering history.
Barry Allen and Wally West in The Flash
With its compelling exploration of alternate timelines and the moral dilemmas of time manipulation, The Flash pays homage to the thematic depth of Back To The Future while charting its own enthralling narrative trajectory.
About Time (2013)
About Time is an endearing romantic film that intertwines the themes of love, family, and time travel, echoing the heartfelt dynamics of Back To The Future. Through the endearing journey of Tim and his father, the film explores the poignant bond between family members and the bittersweet consequences of altering the past.
Domnhall Gleeson and Bill Nighy as Tim and James Talking in About Time
By infusing the narrative with emotional depth and resonant themes, About Time pays homage to the timeless appeal of Back To The Future while crafting its own intimate and heartfelt exploration of temporal storytelling.
Rachel McAdams and Domnhall Gleeson standing with foreheads touching and laughing in About Time
12 Monkeys (1995)
12 Monkeys is a gripping sci-fi thriller that delves into the complexities of time travel and the enigmatic nature of causality, drawing thematic inspiration from the temporal intricacies of Back To The Future. Through the haunting journey of James Cole, the film navigates the labyrinthine corridors of time, unraveling a web of interconnected events that echo the temporal entanglements of Marty McFly.
Brad Pitt sitting next to Bruce Willis' bed in 12 Monkeys
With its haunting portrayal of a dystopian future and the harrowing quest to alter destiny, 12 Monkeys pays homage to the thematic richness of Back To The Future while forging its own compelling narrative path.
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure is a delightful comedic romp through time, encapsulating the irreverent spirit and lighthearted charm of Back To The Future. Through the endearing exploits of Bill and Ted, the film playfully explores the zany consequences of time travel and the humorous encounters with historical figures, echoing the comedic essence of Marty McFly's temporal escapades.
Bill and Ted doing air guitar in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure.
With its exuberant celebration of friendship and the joyous exploration of historical hijinks, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure pays homage to the comedic legacy of Back To The Future while carving out its own riotous narrative journey.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day presents a compelling inversion of the time-travel trope, transforming the iconic Terminator into a reluctant protector and mentor, much like the dynamic between Marty McFly and Doc Brown. Through the poignant relationship between the Terminator and John Connor, the film echoes the paternal themes and ethical quandaries of altering the future, drawing thematic inspiration from the familial dynamics of Back To The Future.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Giving a High-Five in Terminator 2: Judgment Day
With its evocative exploration of redemption and sacrifice, Terminator 2: Judgment Day pays homage to the familial resonance of Back To The Future while charting its own gripping narrative evolution.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Avengers: Endgame, the epic conclusion to the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Infinity Saga, embarks on a time-bending adventure that draws thematic inspiration from the temporal intricacies of Back To The Future. Through the Avengers' quest to retrieve the Infinity Stones from the past, the film delves into the ethical dilemmas of altering history and reckoning with the consequences of time travel.
Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Professor Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), and Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) test time travel in Avengers Endgame
With its monumental stakes and interwoven narratives, Avengers: Endgame pays homage to the grandeur and emotional resonance of Back To The Future while forging its own epic saga of superheroic valor and temporal heroism.
