Back to the Future is a cult classic trilogy, that was just as popular upon first release as it is today. The original film was released 35 years ago in 1985, and the characters, story, and whimsy made it an instant hit.

Bobbie Wygant interviewed writer and director Robert Zemeckis in 1985, shortly after the films release. Zemeckis describes the difficult schedule required for filming to accommodate lead actor Michael J. Fox’s schedule while also shooting for the hit television show Family Ties.

KXAS reported, around the Christmas shopping season in 1985, that skateboards had become a popular gift item because of the film, where Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) often rides into a scene on one. Reporter Tim Smith notes the cool move McFly does, kicking his board over, which any kid would love to do!

Back to the Future was so popular that Part II was released in 1989, and Part III in 1990. The series are considered some of the best science fiction films ever made, and their popularity led to video games, comic books, an animated series, and plenty of memorabilia being created around the franchise.

Within the KXAS/NBC 5 Collection there is additional b-roll footage of the film, if you want to watch the film’s highlights.