Where Was the Back to the Future Movie Trilogy Filmed?

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As someone who grew up in the golden age of cinema, I can truly appreciate the meticulous effort that goes into selecting and utilizing filming locations. The choices made for the Back to the Future trilogy are no exception. Each location adds a unique charm and authenticity to the storyline, transporting us not just through time, but also across different landscapes of America.

Trivia: November 22, Friday, signifies the 35th anniversary of “Back to the Future Part II” (now streaming on Peacock), where Marty McFly, portrayed by Michael J. Fox, made a return to cinemas in 1989 for his second time-travel adventure with the flux capacitor.

Over the past few decades, the partnership between Fox and his “Doc” Emmett Brown costar Christopher Lloyd in the “Back to the Future” movie trilogy has created one of science fiction’s greatest time-traveling duos. This beloved franchise has sparked a unique form of tourism – one that encourages road trips to the series’ iconic filming spots, especially if you can manage it in a DeLorean!

In providing a strong foundation for many of the establishing scenes in the Back to the Future trilogy, Universal Studios was instrumental, especially the famous Courthouse Square backlot which symbolized Marty’s hometown of Hill Valley. However, the Back to the Future trilogy didn’t limit its scope; it traveled extensively to film the rest of the action. From the coast of Pacific California to the Utah-Arizona border, we’ll explore some of the significant locations that director Robert Zemeckis and writer Bob Gale deemed crucial to the McFly family storyline.

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The Key Shooting Locations in the Back to the Future Trilogy

Puente Hills Mall (aka Twin Pines Mall)

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The Twin Pines Mall, well-known for being the spot where Marty mysteriously disappeared as the DeLorean reached 88 miles per hour in the movie Back to the Future (available for streaming on Peacock), played a significant role in the film’s intense early scenes. At night and secluded, the mall parking lot provided ample space for Doc and Marty to experiment with the flux capacitor’s time-travel capabilities before their plans were hastened by the arrival of terrorists. In reality, this mall is known as the Puente Hills Mall and is situated in City of Industry, California.

Courthouse Square Back Lot (aka The Hill Valley Courthouse)

Among several notable locations in Hill Valley, the small-town courthouse, famously struck by the fateful bolt of lightning in 1955 during the movie “Back to the Future” that altered history’s course, is a prominent structure at Universal Studios Lot’s Courthouse Square backlot. This outdoor studio set in Universal City, California, has been a significant filming location since the original “Back to the Future” boosted its popularity. However, it isn’t the only production where this outdoor prop setting has made an appearance. Initially built as a backdrop for the 1948 noir movie “An Act of Murder,” Courthouse Square has been featured in numerous screen productions, including two “Twilight Zone” episodes from the vintage series, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Gremlins,” “Escape from L.A.,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (the TV series), and “Maxxine” – to name just a few examples.

Whittier High School (aka Hill Valley High School) 

In the actual world, it’s recognized as Whittier High School (go Cardinals!), located in Whittier, California. However, in the movie “Back to the Future,” it’s Hill Valley High School – a place where Marty McFly found himself in constant trouble with the stern Principal Strickland, portrayed by James Tolkan. This school can be seen not only in the first film but also in “Back to the Future Part II.” The school’s frontage and spacious lawn provided an idyllic small-town ambiance that perfectly complemented the setting of Hill Valley. An interesting tidbit: Marty isn’t the only notable alumnus; the real Whittier High School has also produced distinguished figures like former President Richard Nixon (class of 1930) and Pixar founder John Lasseter (class of 1975).

The Tunnel Chase (aka Griffith Park)

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Griffith Park in Los Angeles, with its impressive landscapes and notable structures, has long served as a captivating setting for films, whether it’s the iconic Hollywood Sign at its western boundary or the distinctive Art Deco shape of the Griffith Observatory further south. However, Back to the Future Part II showcased a unique approach to depict parts of the park’s 4,300-acre expanse. The film staged an exhilarating car-hoverboard chase between Marty and Biff Tannen (Thomas F. Wilson) within the narrow two-lane tunnel leading to the observatory – a chase for the elusive sports almanac. This extended chase scene gives the impression that the tunnel is much longer than it actually is; in reality, the drive from one end to the other takes just a few seconds.

Sierra Railway (Railtown 1897 State Historic Park)

In the 1800s, methods existed to make a DeLorean reach 88 mph, such as pushing a steam locomotive beyond its limits. As depicted in “Back to the Future Part III” (now streaming on Peacock), Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, also known as the Sierra Railway, was used for filming various Old West scenes in Jamestown, California during 1885, a time period following the frontier. This location is where Locomotive 131 disintegrated while transporting Marty back to 1985.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

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Just as Griffith Park has been a popular location for filmmaking over the years, Monument Valley and its distinctive red rock formations have also served as a cinematic backdrop since the 1930s. Notable films like John Ford’s “Stagecoach” and “The Searchers,” as well as “Forrest Gump” from 1994 (another film directed by Robert Zemeckis), have utilized this iconic American landscape. In the movie “Back to the Future,” Monument Valley provided Doc Brown with an expansive space to secretly transport Marty McFly back in time to the 1880s, right into the middle of a classic horseback chase.

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2024-11-15 21:16