Backdraft

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Backdraft

R

1991

2h 17m

Mystery & Thriller

Drama

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

72%

Tomatometer

65 Reviews

75%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Chicago firefighting brothers Stephen (Kurt Russell) and Brian (William Baldwin) have been rivals since childhood. Brian, struggling to prove himself, transfers to the arson unit. There he aids Don (Robert De Niro) in his investigation into a spate of fires involving oxygen-induced infernos called backdrafts. But when a conspiracy implicating a crooked politician and an arsonist leads Brian back to Stephen, he is forced to overcome his brotherly competitiveness in order to crack the case.

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Critics Consensus

It's not particularly deep, but Backdraft is a strong action movie with exceptional special effects.

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Steve Murray

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Sep 23, 2025

"Backdraft" has boffo special effects but a B-movie script.

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Julie Salamon

Wall Street Journal

Aug 10, 2022

[Howard] gives the fire fighting scenes a satisfying feel of terror. But the psychological portraits of the fire fighters and the arson mystery that dominate the film are flimsy, like an art student's dutifully crafted reproductions of the great masters.

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Bob Fenster

Arizona Republic

Aug 3, 2021

4/5

Although the movie is unrealistic in its depiction of fircfighting, it's a stunning piece of cinematic storytelling.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Nov 19, 2023

2/4

A hoary melodrama in which the clichés are more plentiful than the flames.

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Akos Peterbencze

Vulnerable Man (Medium)

Jul 21, 2023

Backdraft is an old-school flick filled with masculinity and heroism, which might feel toxic and over-the-top at times, but it’s still satisfying.

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Robert Julian

Bay Area Reporter

Mar 2, 2023

In Universal's Backdraft, Ron Howard establishes that he can get the best actors in Hollywood to do work completely beneath their talents.

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Billy H

@Unqu0tedP0et Sep 23, 2026

Fantastic movie. Russell doing is thing. Brotherhood and loyalty. You go We go!

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Morgan A

@Chefmo Jul 10, 2026

Clunky at times but tremendous effects and acting by Russell

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Chris S

@Janomi Jul 3, 2026

Backdraft remains one of the most impressive firefighting films ever made, thanks largely to its incredible practical effects. Ron Howard stages spectacular fire sequences that make the flames feel like living, unpredictable forces, and the action is consistently tense because the danger always feels real. Beneath the spectacle is a surprisingly engaging story about family, legacy, and redemption. Kurt Russell and William Baldwin bring believable conflict to the McCaffrey brothers, while Robert De Niro provides a steady presence as the arson investigator. Donald Sutherland nearly steals the film, delivering an unforgettable performance that adds another layer of suspense to the story. Unfortunately, the screenplay tries to juggle too many ideas at once. Between the family drama, arson investigation, political intrigue, romance, and disaster themes, some storylines don't receive adequate attention.

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Joel H

@786Joel Jan 16, 2026

Remember when the 90s tried to make William Baldwin a star? Backdraft is one the most popular movies about firefighters, but it’s definitely not because of the acting. Kurt Russell carries almost this whole movie on his back with his performance. The reason this film is impressive is because of the visual effects. When you see fire on the screen, it’s real fire, not computer-generated flames. And that brings each smoky scene some gravity. Although they shouldn’t have tried to make the fire into a living, breathing antagonist. That was cheesy. But despite its flaws, Backdraft is still a memorable movie.

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Jack F

@MovieFan111 Dec 29, 2025

I liked this movie because you don't see many about firefighters, so this one was cool. Good cast as well.

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Cody W.

@Cwalton1994 Oct 5, 2025

Overall, BACKDRAFT is an intense and emotional thriller that bravely captures the dedication and sacrifice of these incredible firefighters in a heartbeat.

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Ron Howard

Director

Kurt Russell

Stephen "Bull" McCaffrey

William Baldwin

Brian McCaffrey

Robert De Niro

Donald 'Shadow' Rimgale

Donald Sutherland

Ronald Bartel

Jennifer Jason Leigh

Jennifer Vaitkus

Backdraft: Official Clip - Stephen's Final Words

2:19

Now Playing

Backdraft: Official Clip - Swayzak Is Served

0:55

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Backdraft: Official Clip - That's My Brother

2:32

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Backdraft: Official Clip - You Go, We Go

2:18

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Backdraft: Official Clip - Tim and the Backdraft

2:17

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Backdraft: Official Clip - Ronald's Parole Hearing

1:52

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Backdraft: Official Clip - Stephen the Hero

2:09

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Backdraft: Official Clip - Catching the Arsonist

2:04

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Backdraft: Official Clip - Who Doesn't Love Fire?

2:59

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Backdraft: Official Clip - Fire Is a Living Thing

2:07

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Synopsis

Chicago firefighting brothers Stephen (Kurt Russell) and Brian (William Baldwin) have been rivals since childhood. Brian, struggling to prove himself, transfers to the arson unit. There he aids Don (Robert De Niro) in his investigation into a spate of fires involving oxygen-induced infernos called backdrafts. But when a conspiracy implicating a crooked politician and an arsonist leads Brian back to Stephen, he is forced to overcome his brotherly competitiveness in order to crack the case.

Director: Ron Howard
Producer: Pen Densham, Richard B. Lewis, John Watson
Screenwriter: Gregory Widen
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Universal Pictures, Trilogy Entertainment Group, Imagine Entertainment
Rating: R
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Drama, Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 24, 1991, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $75.7M
Runtime: 2h 17m
Sound Mix: Surround, DTS, Dolby, Magnetic Stereo 6 Track
Aspect Ratio: 35mm, Scope (2.35:1)

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