6 Movies for International Firefighters’ Day
Since many already people know that today, May the 4th, is commemorated by Star Wars fans across the world, I decided to highlight another celebration for this same date: International Firefighters’ Day.
Where would we be without the brave men and women who run toward disaster? Here are 6 movies about firefighters to consider watching today.
Backdraft – We’ll start with what I’d argue is the most famous movie about firemen. This 1991 drama from director Ron Howard focuses on two rival firefighting brothers (Kurt Russell and William Baldwin) who try to help a detective (Robert De Niro) figure out who’s been setting explosive fires that resemble the kind devised by a convicted pyromaniac (Donald Sutherland) who’s been in prison for years.
The Towering Inferno – Nominated for 8 Oscars—and winning Best Song, Cinematography and Editing—this 1947 disaster film features a who’s who of old Hollywood, from Paul Newman and Steve McQueen in starring roles, to Fred Astaire, Faye Dunaway and many more in supporting or cameo roles. It’s about a deadly blaze that erupts during the dedication ceremony for a dazzling glass tower in San Francisco.
Trial by Fire – Brooke Burns stars as a smokejumper (firefighters who parachute into fires) who must put everything she’s learned in her dangerous career to use while battling a wildfire that threatens her home and family.
Playing with Fire – Not all movies about firefighters are as intense as the previous three on this list! Exhibit A is Playing with Fire, which stars John Cena, Keegan-Michael Key and John Leguizamo as smokejumpers who rescue three kids from a forest fire … and then must babysit them until their guardians arrive. Needless to say, chaos ensues!
Planes: Fire and Rescue – In this sequel to 2013’s Planes, an animated spinoff of Pixar’s Cars franchise, Dusty Crophopper (Dane Cook) joins a brave team of firefighting and smokejumping planes—led by veteran helicopter Blade Ranger (Ed Harris)—who must protect Piston Peak National Park from a serious forest fire.
Only the Brave – Last on the list is a truly phenomenal film starring Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges and Jennifer Connelly that tells the true story of an elite band of firefighters in Arizona. You’ll be in awe of how they approach deadly blazes that threaten entire communities … and will be devastated by a turn of events no one saw coming.
If you have a firefighter in your family or friend circle, please take a moment to thank them for their service today!