We all want to be the parent who introduces their kid to the "cool" stuff. We want to see their faces light up when the DeLorean hits 88mph. But nostalgia is a hell of a drug, and it often blurs out the parts of our childhood favorites that haven't aged well.

Back to the Future is widely considered a "perfect" screenplay, but for a modern kid raised on Bluey and hyper-sanitized Disney+ content, the jump into 1985 (and 1955) can be a bit of a culture shock. Between the casual "sluts" and "bastards," a scene of attempted sexual assault, and the "incest-lite" plotline, you might find yourself doing a lot of explaining over the popcorn.

Let’s address the elephant in the DeLorean: Marty’s mom, Lorraine, is thirsty for her own son. While Marty is visibly horrified—which helps keep the "ick" factor in check—it’s still a plot point where a teenager is being pursued by his mother.

How to handle it: Most kids around age 9 or 10 will find this "gross" in a funny way. You can lean into that. It’s a great opening to talk about how movies use "dramatic irony" (we know something the characters don't). If your kid finds it genuinely disturbing, it’s a good time to remind them that the movie is a comedy about how weird and different our parents were when they were young.

Learn more about talking to kids about uncomfortable movie tropes

In the 80s, Biff Tannen was the "classic bully." By today's standards, Biff is a straight-up predator. The scene in the car where he tries to force himself on Lorraine is the darkest part of the movie. It’s not just "schoolyard ribbing"; it’s a serious lack of consent that can be jarring for kids.

How to handle it: Don't gloss over this. It’s a perfect "teachable moment" about boundaries. You can contrast Biff’s behavior with George McFly’s eventual (though also complicated) heroism. It’s worth noting that Biff’s behavior is meant to make him loathsome, but the "resolution" of him becoming the family’s submissive car-waxer in the new timeline is a very 80s way of "fixing" a villain.

If you haven't watched this since you were a kid, you probably forgot that "shit," "goddamn," "hell," "asshole," and "bastard" are peppered throughout the script. Compared to the "brain rot" your kids might see on YouTube, it’s mild, but it’s definitely not a "G" rated experience.

Check out our guide to common profanity in PG movies

The movie tries to be progressive for 1985, but it’s still a product of its time. The "Goldie Wilson" subplot—where Marty tells the Black busboy he’s going to be mayor—is meant to be inspiring, but it touches on the heavy reality of 1950s segregation without actually exploring it. Then there’s the "Johnny B. Goode" scene, where Marty "invents" rock and roll, which some modern critics point to as a "white savior" trope or cultural appropriation.

How to handle it: If your kid is older (11+), you can ask them, "Who do you think actually invented that style of music?" It’s a quick bridge to talking about Chuck Berry and the real history of rock.

While the rating is PG, the "Screenwise" recommendation is usually Ages 9-10 and up.

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Despite the awkwardness, Back to the Future is a masterclass in storytelling. If you want to turn this into a "Screenwise" educational moment, focus on:

If you’re worried about the "mom crush" or the bullying, use these prompts:

Back to the Future is a classic for a reason. It’s funny, fast-paced, and features one of the best movie cars of all time. The "awkward" moments are actually great opportunities to show your kids that even "perfect" movies reflect the flaws and weirdness of the eras they were made in.

Just maybe keep the remote close for the car scene with Biff, and be prepared to explain who "Calvin Klein" is—and why a kid in 1955 would think it’s a person's actual name.

Learn more about why kids are obsessed with 80s nostalgia