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Quizzes > Movies

Back to the Future quiz: How well do you know the trilogy?

Quick, free Back to the Future trivia to test your movie knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: A B FarooquiUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
paper art collage showing stylized DeLorean Biff silhouette time circuits and quiz title on dark blue background

This Back to the Future quiz helps you test your memory of Marty, Doc, the DeLorean, and the time-travel twists. Answer quick questions, see your score right away, and pick up a fun fact or two. Then keep rolling with our Big Lebowski quiz, 21 Jump Street quiz, or Wizard of Oz quiz.

What is the surname of the main protagonist who travels through time?
McFly
Tannen
Parker
Brown
The main protagonist of the Back to the Future trilogy is Marty McFly, portrayed by Michael J. Fox. Marty's time-travel adventures drive the narrative throughout all three films. His family's surname is central to the series' title sequence and character interactions. For more details, see .
What model of car is famously converted into a time machine?
Toyota Corolla
Ford Mustang
DeLorean
Chevrolet Camaro
The DeLorean DMC-12 is the iconic stainless-steel sports car converted into a time machine by Doc Brown. Its gull-wing doors and futuristic look helped cement its status in pop culture. The time-travel modifications, including the flux capacitor, are built around this model. More on the car: .
What is the first name of the eccentric inventor who creates the time machine?
Robert
Thomas
Henry
Emmett
The inventor of the time machine is Dr. Emmett Brown, affectionately known as Doc. His first name is revealed early in Back to the Future when Marty calls him 'Doc' and then addresses him as Emmett. Doc Brown's full name carries through the trilogy. Read more here: .
What element powers the DeLorean to generate the 1.21 gigawatts needed for time travel in the first film?
Uranium
Cobalt
Kryptonite
Plutonium
In the original Back to the Future, Doc Brown obtains plutonium from Libyan terrorists to generate the 1.21 gigawatts needed for the flux capacitor. Plutonium provides the massive burst of energy required for time travel. This plot point sets off the chain of events when Marty is accidentally sent to 1955. More details at .
At what speed in miles per hour does the DeLorean need to travel to initiate time travel?
100 mph
77 mph
88 mph
65 mph
Doc Brown famously declares that the DeLorean must reach 88 miles per hour to activate the flux capacitor and travel through time. This landmark speed threshold is repeated in all three films. The speed is displayed on the dashboard and becomes a focal point of the climax in each installment. Reference: .
To what year does Marty travel when he first uses the DeLorean?
2015
1885
1875
1955
In the original film, Marty McFly is accidentally sent back to November 5, 1955. This era is crucial because it's when his parents first meet. Marty must ensure they fall in love to preserve his own existence. Full plot details at .
What is the name of the fictional town where Marty and Doc live?
Twin Pines
Oak Ridge
Hill Springs
Hill Valley
The trilogy is set in the fictional town of Hill Valley, California. The town's iconic clock tower and main square are central locations in all films. Hill Valley's changing timeline is visually represented in the courthouse square between each era. More on Hill Valley: .
Who is the antagonist and high school bully in the series?
Biff Tannen
Joey B.
Griff Tannen
Needles
Biff Tannen is the main bully in Back to the Future, tormenting George McFly in 1955 and Marty in 1985. He appears in various forms across all three films, including his descendants and ancestors. Biff's character drives much of the conflict in the trilogy. See .
What is the name of Marty McFly's girlfriend?
Clara Clayton
Stella Baines
Lorraine Baines
Jennifer Parker
Marty's girlfriend, Jennifer Parker, is introduced in the first film and appears throughout the trilogy. Their relationship provides emotional stakes, especially when Jennifer is endangered by time travel mishaps. Jennifer is portrayed by Claudia Wells in the first film and Elisabeth Shue in parts II and III. Read more: .
Which song does Marty perform onstage during the "Enchantment Under the Sea" dance?
Back in Time
The Power of Love
Johnny B. Goode
Earth Angel
Marty dazzles the 1955 crowd by performing Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode" on electric guitar. This iconic scene cements his place in music history within the film's universe. The song choice is a playful anachronism since Berry's hit was released years later. More at .
What is the name of the essential component of the DeLorean time machine that makes time travel possible?
Flux regulator
Flux capacitor
Time modulator
Quantum engine
Doc Brown invents the flux capacitor, which he describes as 'what makes time travel possible.' It sits behind the driver's seat and is powered by 1.21 gigawatts. The flux capacitor is the signature piece of the time machine's technology. For technical details, see .
In Back to the Future Part II, what year do Marty and Doc travel to?
2055
2015
2025
1995
In the second film, Marty and Doc travel to October 21, 2015. This future world showcases hoverboards, self-lacing shoes, and Mr. Fusion. Many of the depicted technologies have since inspired real-world innovations. More: .
Which actor portrays Marty McFly?
Thomas F. Wilson
Christopher Lloyd
Crispin Glover
Michael J. Fox
Michael J. Fox plays the role of Marty McFly in all three films, though Eric Stoltz was originally cast and filmed before being replaced. Fox's performance became one of his signature roles. He brings humor and heart to the time-traveling teenager. See his filmography: .
Which actor plays Emmett 'Doc' Brown?
Thomas F. Wilson
Michael J. Fox
Lea Thompson
Christopher Lloyd
Christopher Lloyd portrays the eccentric inventor Doc Brown across the trilogy. His energetic performance and distinctive voice made Doc one of cinema's most memorable characters. Lloyd's chemistry with Michael J. Fox drives much of the films' charm. More information: .
What is the model designation of the DeLorean time machine?
DMC-10
DMC-14
DMC-12
DMC-11
The DeLorean DMC-12 was the only model produced by the DeLorean Motor Company before its bankruptcy. Its distinctive stainless-steel body and gull-wing doors made it a perfect choice for the time machine. The filmmakers chose it for its futuristic look. Full specs: .
Who becomes mayor of Hill Valley in 1955 after Marty's interference?
Goldie Wilson
Mayor Strickland
Red Thomas
Needles
By encouraging Goldie Wilson to stand up to Biff in 1955, Marty indirectly launches his political career, leading to Goldie becoming mayor in the original 1985 timeline. Goldie Wilson appears briefly in 1955 and later as Mayor Wilson in 1985. This change is one of Marty's earliest timeline impacts. More: .
What is the name of the mall where Doc tests the time machine in 1985?
Hill Valley Mall
Westwood Mall
Twin Pines Mall
Eastwood Mall
The film opens at Twin Pines Mall, where Doc Brown demonstrates the DeLorean's capabilities before Marty's unintended journey. After Marty's trip to 1955, the mall's name changes to Lone Pine Mall, a detail seen when he returns. The mall sign reflects the altered timeline. See .
What is the name of Marty's band?
The Silver Bullets
The Time Travelers
The Pinheads
The Mighty Flyers
Marty's band is called The Pinheads, seen rehearsing in Doc's garage. They are introduced in the first film before Marty borrows the DeLorean. The name reflects the 1980s rock aesthetic. For more, visit .
What is the title of the sports almanac Biff uses for betting?
Wilson's Sports Almanac
Gray's Sports Almanac
Hill Valley Almanac
Johnson's Sports Almanac
In Part II, 2015 Biff steals the Grey's Sports Almanac (often misheard as 'Gray's') from Marty's future home. He uses it to place winning bets and create a wealthier alternate 1985. The almanac's misuse drives the dystopian timeline. See .
How much power, in gigawatts, does Doc claim is needed for time travel?
1.21 gigawatts
2.22 gigawatts
0.99 gigawatts
3.33 gigawatts
Doc Brown famously states that the flux capacitor requires 1.21 gigawatts of electrical power to operate. He repeats this specification multiple times in the first film. The dramatic vocal emphasis on 'one point twenty-one' is a trademark moment. For context, see .
What device does Doc Brown install on the DeLorean in Part II to convert household waste into energy?
Home Power Unit
Mr. Fusion
Garbage-to-Gearbox
Eco-Flux Converter
In Back to the Future Part II, Doc replaces the plutonium chamber with a Mr. Fusion Home Energy Reactor that runs on household waste and converts it into the required electrical power. Mr. Fusion's compact design reflects futuristic energy solutions. It first appears in Doc's garage workshop. More: .
What personalized license plate appears on the DeLorean throughout the films?
BACK2FUT
FLUXCAP
OUTATIME
TIMETRAV
The DeLorean's California license plate reads 'OUTATIME,' a playful nod to the time-travel theme. This plate appears on the car in all three movies. It has become an iconic symbol associated with the franchise. Reference: .
In Back to the Future Part III, to what year do Marty and Doc travel?
1875
1895
1885
1905
Back to the Future Part III sends Marty and Doc to September 2, 1885 in the Old West. This setting allows the filmmakers to blend the sci-fi series with a Western adventure. The year 1885 is central to the film's plot. More: .
What profession does Doc take up in 1885 Hill Valley?
Mayor
Banker
Blacksmith
Schoolteacher
In 1885, Doc Brown sets up as a blacksmith in Hill Valley and uses his shop to store the DeLorean. He forges horseshoes by day and tinkers with time circuits by night. His new trade protects him from suspicion. Details: .
What is the name of the outlaw antagonist Doc faces in 1885?
Biff Tannen
Edna "Mad Dog" Tannen
Buford "Mad Dog" Tannen
Griff Tannen
Buford 'Mad Dog' Tannen is Biff's great-great-grandfather and the primary villain in Part III. His menacing presence threatens both Doc and Marty in the Old West. This character adds a classic Western outlaw element to the story. See .
What is the name of the café where Marty performs in 1885?
Lou's Cafe
Marty's Diner
Hill Valley Diner
The Time Cafe
Lou's Cafe is the only visible food establishment in the 1885 Hill Valley set, where Marty seeks to find supplies for the DeLorean. It's referenced on street signage and interior scenes. The cafe helps establish the dusty Western atmosphere. More info: .
To what speed must the locomotive accelerate to send the DeLorean to 1985 in Part III?
82 mph
65 mph
88 mph
75 mph
Consistent with the films' time-travel rule, the steam locomotive in Part III must reach 88 mph to propel the DeLorean through the time barrier back to 1985. Achieving this speed with a steam engine creates tension during the climax. It underscores the trilogy's iconic speed requirement. See .
Where is the DeLorean left after completing its mission in 1885?
Buried under rock
Stolen by bandits
Parked in a garage
Sent back automatically
At the end of Part III, Doc buries the DeLorean and marks its location with rock so it can be retrieved later. The vehicle remains hidden until Doc's return visit with a new time machine motorcycle in 1985. This burial site ties back into the series' ongoing time-travel threads. More: .
What are the names of Marty's two siblings in the original 1985 timeline?
Jack and Emily
Mike and Sarah
Tom and Ellen
Dave and Linda
In the first timeline of Back to the Future, Marty has two siblings: his older brother Dave and younger sister Linda McFly. Their names appear on school records and family photos. Changes in the timeline later affect their existence and personalities. See .
What is the name of Marty's beloved dog owned by Doc?
Plutonium
Einstein
Duke
Einstein Brown
Doc Brown's dog is named Einstein, and he becomes the first living creature to travel through time during Doc's remote test. Einstein appears in all three films, often photographed next to the time machine. His calm demeanor contrasts Doc's eccentricity. More: .
What method does Doc use to initially test the time machine before Marty rides in it?
Timed ignition
Key fob
Remote control wristwatch
Voice command
Before Marty's first trip, Doc uses a remote control built into a wristwatch to operate the DeLorean from a distance. This allows Einstein to be the first test subject for time travel. The watch remote becomes a key prop in the opening scene. Read more: .
Who composed the iconic score for the Back to the Future trilogy?
Ennio Morricone
Alan Silvestri
Hans Zimmer
John Williams
Alan Silvestri composed the memorable score for all three Back to the Future films, including the Main Theme and "The Power of Love." His music plays a critical role in establishing the series' adventurous tone. Silvestri's collaboration with director Robert Zemeckis is long-standing. More: .
What number is displayed on the steam locomotive used to push the DeLorean to 88 mph in Part III?
101
88
77
129
The steam locomotive featured in Back to the Future Part III carries the number 129 on its front plate. This detail is visible during the climax as the train accelerates to 88 mph. Film buffs often note this real locomotive's identifier. See .
In what year was the first Back to the Future film released?
1981
1990
1985
1989
Back to the Future premiered in theaters on July 3, 1985. Its summer release helped it become the highest-grossing film of that year in the United States. The movie's success launched a beloved franchise. More details: .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Iconic Scenes -

    After completing the Back to the Future Quiz, you'll be able to recall and explain major scenes from Marty and Doc's DeLorean adventures, boosting your Back to the Future trivia prowess.

  2. Identify Key Characters -

    Name and describe the film's protagonists and antagonists, tackling Back to the Future questions about characters like Marty McFly, Doc Brown, and Biff Tannen with confidence.

  3. Analyze Time-Travel Mechanics -

    Understand and articulate the rules and paradoxes of the DeLorean's time-travel mechanics - such as 88 mph and the flux capacitor - to master key concepts in this sci-fi movie quiz.

  4. Evaluate Trivia Performance -

    Measure your movie trivia quiz performance, pinpointing strengths and areas for improvement in your knowledge of Back to the Future's plot twists and cultural impact.

  5. Apply Trivia Strategies -

    Adopt effective strategies to approach challenging Back to the Future trivia questions, sharpening your skills for future sci-fi quizzes and expert-level movie trivia challenges.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Flux Capacitor Mechanics -

    Based on Universal Pictures production archives, the flux capacitor is the core time-travel device requiring exactly 1.21 gigawatts to activate; remember this pivotal figure with the mnemonic "Great Scott, pay the watt!" The Y-shaped design appears in all three films as a visual cue reinforcing its central role.

  2. Plot Timelines & Paradoxes -

    Create a four-column timeline for 1955, 1985 Prime, 2015, and 1985A to map all key events and track cause-and-effect changes; this matrix helps you spot famous paradoxes like Marty's sliding siblings. According to BackToTheFuture.com, color-coding original vs. altered events is an effective study strategy. This simple chart is a must for any Back to the Future trivia quiz.

  3. Marty McFly's Character Arc -

    Study Marty's impulsiveness, musical talent, and loyalty - traits that drive every major plot twist and time-travel rescue. The American Film Institute highlights his evolution from shy teen to confident hero; link each trait to its landmark scene for better recall. Use the mnemonic M.A.R.T.Y. (Motivated, Adventurous, Resourceful, Tenacious, Youthful) to remember core attributes.

  4. DeLorean Design & Specs -

    Per DeLorean Motor Company records, the stainless-steel DMC-12 was selected for its futuristic aesthetic and gullwing doors, making it an iconic sci-fi movie quiz prop. Memorize real-life specs (V6 engine, 0 - 60 mph in 8.8 seconds) to impress in trivia rounds. Associate "doors that soar" with gullwing styling to retain this fact effortlessly.

  5. Soundtrack & Cultural Impact -

    Recognize how songs like "The Power of Love" and "Johnny B. Goode" underscore pivotal scenes as detailed in Rolling Stone archives. Linking these tracks to on-screen dates boosts your performance in any Back to the Future trivia challenge. Remember "Music fuels time" to pair each iconic song with its movie moment.

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