Top 5 Michael J. Fox Films Ranked: From Back to the Future to Other Classics

The Back to the Future franchise is marking its 40th anniversary this year, with the original film returning to theaters this weekend.

While Eric Stoltz was originally cast in the role, it’s hard to imagine Back to the Future without Michael J. Fox as the lead.

Fox brought the film to life, launching him into stardom.

To honor the legacy of Back to the Future, Watch With Us is revisiting the top five films featuring Michael J. Fox.

5. ‘The Frighteners’ (1996)

Before directing The Lord of the Rings, Peter Jackson collaborated with Fox on The Frighteners, a supernatural horror-comedy. Frank Bannister (Fox) pretends to be an exorcist who can rid homes of ghosts, but it’s all a scam he operates with his ghostly friends: Stuart (Jim Fyfe), Cyrus (Chi McBride), and The Judge (John Astin).

After experiencing the unexplained death of his wife, Frank begins to see a terrifying ghost in a grim reaper costume. This specter can kill both the living and the dead, and Frank must protect his latest client, Lucy Lynske (Trini Alvarado), from suffering the same fate as his wife.

The Frighteners is available to stream on Tubi.

4. ‘The Secret of My Success’ (1987)

By 1987, Fox had honed his comedic skills, showcased in The Secret of My Success. Recent grad Brantley Foster (Fox) struggles to find a good job and ends up working in the mail room of a company led by his uncle, Howard Prescott (Richard Jordan).

However, Brantley refuses to remain in the mail room forever, especially after discovering Howard is sabotaging the business. To secure his future, Brantley pretends to be the new executive, Carlton Whitfield, making an immediate impact. His charm even captivates Howard’s spy/mistress, Christy Wills (Helen Slater).

The Secret of My Success can be rented or purchased on Prime Video.

3. ‘Casualties of War’ (1989)

Although drama isn’t typically Fox’s forte, he delivers one of his best performances in Casualties of War. Based on a true story from the Vietnam War, Fox plays Private First Class Max Eriksson, the sole member of his unit who tries to prevent a horrific act.

Max’s commander, Sergeant Tony Meserve (Sean Penn), orders his men to find and abduct a young woman, Tran Thi Oanh (Thuy Thu Le). Shocked that no one else speaks out against the war crime, Max stands alone in his fight to help Tran escape and return to her family.

Casualties of War is available to stream on Tubi.

2. ‘Doc Hollywood’ (1991)

Pixar’s Cars took much inspiration from Fox’s comedy, Doc Hollywood, but the original holds a special charm. After finishing his residency in Washington, D.C., Dr. Benjamin “Ben” Stone (Fox) is set to start a lucrative job as a plastic surgeon in Los Angeles, until an accident lands him in a small town named Grady for community service.

Mayor Nick Nicholson (David Ogden Stiers) hopes Ben will stay as the town doctor, especially after he meets Lou (Julie Warner), a single mom who immediately attracts his interest. Though Ben longs for wealth, the small-town life begins to appeal to him.

Doc Hollywood is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

1. ‘Back to the Future’ Trilogy (1985 – 1990)

To be honest, separating the Back to the Future films would merely clutter this list. The first installment undoubtedly takes the top spot, but it’s best to group them as these represent the pinnacle of Fox’s career.

In the trilogy, Fox portrays Marty McFly, a teenager inadvertently transported 30 years into the past. Teaming up with his friend, Dr. Emmett “Doc” Brown (Christopher Lloyd), Marty must find a way to return to 1985 without altering his own existence. The sequels add more twists and turns to their adventures across history and future timelines.

Marty and Doc receive a fulfilling conclusion in Back to the Future Part III, perfectly sealing the trilogy. Director Robert Zemeckis and screenwriter Bob Gale have consistently chosen not to reboot the saga or create another sequel, which is a rare and commendable decision in Hollywood.

The Back to the Future trilogy is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.