Back to the Future Part III (1990) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
The final installment finds Marty digging the trusty DeLorean out of a mineshaft and looking for Doc in the Wild West of 1885. But when their time machine breaks down, the travelers are stranded in a land of spurs. More problems arise when Doc falls for pretty schoolteacher Clara Clayton, and Marty tangles with Buford Tannen.
Rated PG • 1990 • 1h 59m
The final installment of the trilogy, "Back to the Future Part III" sends Marty McFly to the Old West of 1885 to save Doc Brown from being killed by an outlaw. This PG-rated film's content concerns stem from moderate Western-style violence, including gunfights, chases, and a tense scene where a character is briefly hanged. There is some profanity, including uses of "shit" and "asshole," and a notable scene where Doc Brown gets… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Back to the Future Part III appropriate for kids?
The final installment of the trilogy, "Back to the Future Part III" sends Marty McFly to the Old West of 1885 to save Doc Brown from being killed by an outlaw. This PG-rated film's content concerns stem from moderate Western-style violence, including gunfights, chases, and a… Read more — free account
Content severity in Back to the Future Part III
What happens in Back to the Future Part III, moment by moment
- 0:14 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
- 0:16 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
- 0:18 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
Sex and nudity in Back to the Future Part III
Content is very mild. Marty's long underwear is briefly seen from behind when he changes clothes, showing his bare buttocks for a moment. Doc and Clara share a few romantic kisses. In a saloon, Buford Tannen grabs Clara to dance against her will, which is menacing but not explicitly sexual. Three saloon girls are briefly seen in outfits showing cleavage.
Violence and gore in Back to the Future Part III
Contains moderate, stylized Western violence with no blood or gore. There are several gunfights and fistfights. The most intense scene involves Marty being dragged by a rope and then hanged from a courthouse scaffolding; he chokes for a few seconds before Doc shoots the rope, saving him. Other scenes include characters in peril, such as a bear chase, a train chase, Clara nearly falling into a ravine and later from a moving train, and the final locomotive plunging into a ravine and exploding.
Language in Back to the Future Part III
Moderate for a PG film. The dialogue includes approximately 5 uses of "shit," 2 of "asshole," 2 of "son of a bitch," and multiple uses of "hell" and "damn." Most of the stronger language is used by the villain, Buford Tannen.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Back to the Future Part III
Alcohol is present in a classic Old West saloon setting, where patrons are seen drinking. A main plot point involves Doc, despondent, taking a single shot of whiskey and immediately passing out drunk. Efforts to sober him up with a strong concoction are shown for comedic effect.
Mature themes in Back to the Future Part III
The central theme is confronting and changing one's fate, specifically preventing Doc's foretold death at the hands of Buford Tannen. The image of Doc's tombstone is a recurring motif. The film also deals with themes of courage, standing up to bullies, love, and the idea that the future is not yet written and can be changed by one's choices.
Scary moments in Back to the Future Part III
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Back to the Future Part III 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Back to the Future Part III appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Back to the Future Part III is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. The final installment of the trilogy, "Back to the Future Part III" sends Marty McFly to the Old West of 1885 to save Doc Brown from being killed by an outlaw. This PG-rated film's content concerns stem from moderate…
What age rating does Back to the Future Part III have?
Back to the Future Part III is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.
What is Back to the Future Part III about?
The final installment of the trilogy, "Back to the Future Part III" sends Marty McFly to the Old West of 1885 to save Doc Brown from being killed by an outlaw. This PG-rated film's content concerns stem from moderate Western-style violence, including gunfights, chases, and a tense scene where a character is briefly…
Is there sex or nudity in Back to the Future Part III?
Content is very mild. Marty's long underwear is briefly seen from behind when he changes clothes, showing his bare buttocks for a moment. Doc and Clara share a few romantic kisses. In a saloon, Buford Tannen grabs Clara to dance against her will, which is…
How violent is Back to the Future Part III?
Contains moderate, stylized Western violence with no blood or gore. There are several gunfights and fistfights. The most intense scene involves Marty being dragged by a rope and then hanged from a courthouse scaffolding; he chokes for a few seconds before Doc…
Is the language in Back to the Future Part III appropriate for kids?
Moderate for a PG film. The dialogue includes approximately 5 uses of "shit," 2 of "asshole," 2 of "son of a bitch," and multiple uses of "hell" and "damn." Most of the stronger language is used by the villain, Buford Tannen.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Back to the Future Part III?
Alcohol is present in a classic Old West saloon setting, where patrons are seen drinking. A main plot point involves Doc, despondent, taking a single shot of whiskey and immediately passing out drunk. Efforts to sober him up with a strong concoction are shown…
What mature themes appear in Back to the Future Part III?
The central theme is confronting and changing one's fate, specifically preventing Doc's foretold death at the hands of Buford Tannen. The image of Doc's tombstone is a recurring motif. The film also deals with themes of courage, standing up to bullies, love…
How long is Back to the Future Part III?
Back to the Future Part III runs 119 minutes, directed by Robert Zemeckis, released in 1990.
Where can I read the full Back to the Future Part III parent guide?
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