Back to the Future Day: Celebrating a Sci-Fi Classic
On October 21, fans of the Back to the Future trilogy come together to celebrate "Back to the Future Day." This date holds special significance as it is the day Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox, travels to the future in Back to the Future Part II, arriving in the year 2015. Released in 1989, this second installment of the iconic sci-fi trilogy gave audiences a glimpse of what filmmakers in the 80s thought the future would look like.
Why October 21, 2015?
In Back to the Future Part II, Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) sets the time-traveling DeLorean to October 21, 2015, for Marty and his girlfriend, Jennifer, to save their future children. The movie's version of 2015 featured flying cars, hoverboards, self-tying shoes, and advanced video technology. While not all of these predictions came true, fans are still fascinated by the movie’s creative take on the future.
Interesting Facts about Back to the Future
Hoverboards: While we don’t have true levitating hoverboards, the film popularized the concept, sparking a wave of interest in futuristic transportation. Interestingly, some tech companies like Lexus and Hendo have created limited versions of magnetic or air-propulsion-based hoverboards.
Nike Air Mags: The self-lacing Nike shoes from Back to the Future II became a reality! In 2015, Nike released a limited edition of the Nike Air Mags with self-lacing technology, much to the delight of fans.
The Cubs Prediction: In the movie, a joke is made about the Chicago Cubs winning the 2015 World Series. While they didn’t win that year, the Cubs remarkably won in 2016, breaking their 108-year championship drought—just a year after Back to the Future Part II had predicted!
The Time Machine DeLorean: The DeLorean car used in the films became an icon in its own right. The choice of this car wasn’t just for its futuristic look—Back to the Future writer Bob Gale thought that if you were going to build a time machine, why not do it with some style?
Alternate 2015: The 2015 in Back to the Future Part II is an alternate reality. In the film, Biff Tannen, the villain, creates a dark future by stealing the sports almanac, leading to a corrupt and chaotic 2015. This element of time manipulation reminds viewers of the consequences of tampering with the past.
Fun Quiz: Test Your Back to the Future Knowledge!
What speed does the DeLorean have to reach in order to time travel?
- A) 55 mph
- B) 65 mph
- C) 88 mph
- D) 99 mph
Which of these futuristic predictions made by the film came true?
- A) Flying cars
- B) Hoverboards
- C) Video calls
- D) All of the above
In which year did Marty McFly first travel back in time?
- A) 1955
- B) 1965
- C) 1985
- D) 2015
Who directed the Back to the Future trilogy?
- A) George Lucas
- B) Steven Spielberg
- C) Robert Zemeckis
- D) Ridley Scott
What does Marty use to fuel the DeLorean in the future?
- A) Plutonium
- B) Fusion reactor powered by garbage
- C) Lightning
- D) Solar power
Quiz Answers
Celebrate Back to the Future Day Whether by re-watching the trilogy, sporting a pair of futuristic Nike Air Mags, or joking about flying cars, Back to the Future Day brings sci-fi fans together to revel in nostalgia and reflect on the imagination that shaped how we viewed the future. Embrace the fun, and perhaps indulge in some Back to the Future-inspired trivia with friends!
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to set your clocks to 10:04 PM—Marty’s time of departure!
