Back to the Future Part II (1989) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Name: Back to the Future Part II
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Released: 1989
Duration: 108 min
Rating: 7.8

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

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.

Rated PG • 1989 • 1h 48m

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

7.8

10K+

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

10+

This sequel significantly raises the stakes and darkens the tone, earning its PG rating for action violence, moderate profanity, and intense thematic elements. The plot sends Marty McFly into a grim alternate 1985 where a corrupt Biff Tannen has murdered Marty's father and forcibly married his mother. Parents should be aware of frequent profanity (including "shit" and "son of a bitch"), scenes of peril including a gun threat, and a… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Michael J. Fox

Christopher Lloyd

Lea Thompson

Thomas F. Wilson

Elisabeth Shue

James Tolkan

Jeffrey Weissman

Casey Siemaszko

Billy Zane

J.J. Cohen

Charles Fleischer

E. Casanova Evans

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Is Back to the Future Part II appropriate for kids?

Content severity in Back to the Future Part II

Sex Moderate 4/10

Violence Strong 6/10

Language Strong 5/10

Substances Mild 2/10

Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in Back to the Future Part II, moment by moment

0:13 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
0:16 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10

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Sex and nudity in Back to the Future Part II

Content is mild, mostly related to the sleazy character of the alternate-timeline Biff. In his casino, a promotional video for his "Pleasure Paradise" briefly shows scantily-clad women. In another scene, Biff is seen in a hot tub with two women in bikinis. There is a comedic moment where a female gang member grabs a male character's crotch area over his pants and makes a crude comment. A few romantic kisses are also shown.

Violence and gore in Back to the Future Part II

Moderate for a PG film. The violence is mostly stylized action and peril without gore. A futuristic hoverboard chase involves characters swinging bats and crashing into a building. There are several fistfights and chase scenes, including one where Biff tries to run Marty over with his car. The most intense scene involves the villain of the alternate timeline, Biff, threatening Marty with a revolver and revealing he used it to murder Marty's father.

Language in Back to the Future Part II

Moderate and more frequent than in the first film. The dialogue includes multiple uses of "shit" and "son of a bitch." Other language includes about a dozen uses of "hell" and "damn," plus a few uses of "ass." The profanity is prominent, particularly in the scenes set in the darker alternate 1985.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Back to the Future Part II

Mild. The corrupt, alternate-timeline version of Biff is shown drinking champagne in a hot tub, and alcohol is present in his casino. Characters are briefly seen with alcoholic beverages at the 1955 high school dance. There is no depiction of drunkenness or substance abuse.

Mature themes in Back to the Future Part II

The film explores moderate-to-strong themes that are significantly darker than the original. A central plot involves a dystopian alternate reality where Hill Valley is overrun by crime and corruption. It is revealed that a main character's father was murdered, and his mother was forced into an abusive marriage. Other themes include the consequences of greed, existential distress (a character faints upon seeing her bleak future), and intense peril involving time travel.

Scary moments in Back to the Future Part II

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Back to the Future Part II yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Back to the Future Part II appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Back to the Future Part II is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. This sequel significantly raises the stakes and darkens the tone, earning its PG rating for action violence, moderate profanity, and intense thematic elements. The plot sends Marty McFly into a grim alternate 1985 where…

What age rating does Back to the Future Part II have?

Back to the Future Part II is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.

What is Back to the Future Part II about?

Is there sex or nudity in Back to the Future Part II?

How violent is Back to the Future Part II?

Is the language in Back to the Future Part II appropriate for kids?

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Back to the Future Part II?

What mature themes appear in Back to the Future Part II?

How long is Back to the Future Part II?

Back to the Future Part II runs 108 minutes, directed by Robert Zemeckis, released in 1989.

Where can I read the full Back to the Future Part II parent guide?

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