Today, October 21, 2015, is officially the ‘future,’ according to Back to the Future Part II. The movie, which was released in 1989 almost 26 years ago, attempted to predict what life in 2015 would look like when Doc and Marty find themselves in the future.
In some ways, the movie got some predictions wrong, but they did manage to get an impressive amount right. Take a look at some of the best predictions from Back to the Future Part II to see what they got right, and what they got wrong.
Prediction: Hoverboards will replace Skateboards
Accuracy: False
Of all the predictions the movie made, the most memorable “futuristic” invention was the hoverboard. Unfortunately, this prediction was false as hoverboards have not replaced skateboards. There are, however, hands-free segways and a few hoverboard prototypes in the works.
Prediction: Fingerprint technology will exist.
Accuracy: True
In the movie, people use their fingerprints as payment, identification, and to unlock doors. While we haven’t started using fingerprints as much as the movie predicted, most people unlock their iPhones with fingerprints, and you can actually buy thumbprint scanning door locks.
Prediction: Fax machines will be everywhere.
Accuracy: False
Thankfully, this prediction was totally wrong, and we don’t have houses full of fax machines. What the movie did get right though, was the idea that our most popular means of communication would change. Instead of the fax machine, we use computers and smart phones to send quick messages.
Prediction: Cars will Fly
Accuracy: False
Whether it be The Jetsons, or Back to the Future, flying cars have always been the most prevalent futuristic advancement. While some cars in 2015 can drive and park themselves, they still can’t fly.
Prediction: We will have wearable technology.
Accuracy: True
In the movie, people in 2015 use wearable boomboxes and TV visors. While we don’t have wearables for those exact things (although the TV visors are very similar to Google Glass) we do have many kinds of wearable technologies like the Apple Watch, the Fitbit, and GoPros.
Prediction: We will use video calls to talk to people.
Accuracy: True
Today, apps like FaceTime and Skype make talking face-to-face with friends and family all over the world possible.
Prediction: People will read the news from newspapers.
Accuracy: False
While you can still read the newspaper to find out the news, most people today read the news on their phones, tablets, or computers.
Prediction: The President in 2015 will be a woman.
Accuracy: False/Pending
While the President in 2015 isn’t a woman, there is a chance there will be a female President thanks to candidate Hillary Clinton.
Can you believe how accurate some of these predictions were? Share with us in the comments below.
[Featured image credit: Universal Pictures]