Back to the Future Part II (1989)
Kernel Score: 88% · 13,715 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Science Fiction
Released: 1989-11-22
Runtime: 108 minutes
Is Back to the Future Part II worth watching?
Worth watching. The time-travel sequel loops back through the first film while heading to 2015. It's inventive, chaotic and funny, and a bit more complicated than the original.
Watch it if you
- loved the first film
- enjoy time-travel puzzles
- like playful 80s adventure
Skip it if you
- haven't seen the first film
- dislike complicated plots
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Back to the Future Part II
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Marty and Doc are at it again as the time-traveling duo head to 2015 to nip some McFly family woes in the bud. But things go awry thanks to bully Biff Tannen and a pesky sports almanac. In a last-ditch attempt to set things straight, Marty finds himself bound for 1955 and face to face with his teenage parents -- again.
Back to the Future Part II parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that Back to the Future Part II is a lighthearted sci-fi comedy sequel with time-travel peril, cartoonish villainy, and mild tension but nothing graphic.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Cartoonish peril including a car crash and a bully's threats, but largely bloodless and comedic.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: A little — Some background bar/casino setting with drinking implied.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Back to the Future Part II
If you liked Back to the Future Part II, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Back to the Future (1985) — 95%: The original, which you should see first
- Back to the Future Part III (1990) — 86%: The concluding western chapter
- Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) — 86%: Inventive mix of live action and cartoons
- Galaxy Quest (1999) — 80%: Playful sci-fi adventure
- Men in Black (1997) — 80%: Funny alien adventure
- Free Guy (2021) — 84%: Playful, high-concept comedy
Director
Cast
- Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly / Marty McFly Junior / Marlene McFly
- Christopher Lloyd as Doctor Emmett Brown
- Lea Thompson as Lorraine
- Thomas F. Wilson as Biff Tannen / Griff
- Elisabeth Shue as Jennifer
- James Tolkan as Strickland
- Jeffrey Weissman as George McFly
- Casey Siemaszko as 3-D
- Billy Zane as Match
- J.J. Cohen as Skinhead
Back to the Future Part II FAQ
Is Back to the Future Part II worth watching?
Worth watching. The time-travel sequel loops back through the first film while heading to 2015. It's inventive, chaotic and funny, and a bit more complicated than the original.
Where can I watch Back to the Future Part II?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Back to the Future Part II OK for kids?
Back to the Future Part II is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that Back to the Future Part II is a lighthearted sci-fi comedy sequel with time-travel peril, cartoonish villainy, and mild tension but nothing graphic.
What movies are like Back to the Future Part II?
If you liked Back to the Future Part II, try Back to the Future, Back to the Future Part III, Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Galaxy Quest.