Films about forest fires typically revolve around various themes such as suspense, action, survival, or even employ the backdrop of a forest fire to tell a human drama. The common factor is the presentation of forest fires as either a destructive force that characters must survive or combat, or as an environmental cautionary tale. These films often feature firefighters and rescuers as main characters and enthralling visuals of wilderness and fire.
“Firestorm”, 1998
Director: Dean Semler
In this action thriller, a crew of firefighters has to battle a massive fire outbreak, only for it to be a cover-up for a prison break. The fire serves a dual role – a deadly force to be tamed, and a diversion for law enforcement.
Starring: Howie Long, Scott Glenn, William Forsythe, Suzy Amis, Christianne Hirt, Garwin Sanford, Sebastian Spence, Michael Greyeyes, Barry Pepper, Vladimir Kulich;
Production year: 1998;
Genre: action, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 89 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 4,8;
More information about the film “Firestorm” on the website imdb.com
“Only the Brave”, 2017
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Based on the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, a group of elite firefighters risk everything to protect a town from a historic wildfire. A compelling tale of brotherhood, sacrifice, and heroism.
Starring: Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges, Jennifer Connelly, James Badge Dale, Taylor Kitsch, Andie MacDowell, Geoff Stults, Alex Russell, Thad Luckinbill;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama, thriller, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 134 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
“Fire”, 1996
Director: Deepa Mehta
A Korean disaster film, it tells the story of firefighters who struggle to put out a horrific forest fire before it destroys everything in its path.
Starring: Karishma Jhalani, Ramanjeet Kaur, Delip Mehta, Jaaved Jaaferi, Nandita Das, Vinay Pathak, Kushal Rekhi, Shabana Azmi, Ranjit Chowdhry, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Alice Poon, Ram Gopal Bajaj;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 108 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Fire” on the website imdb.com
“Firefighter”, 2005
Director: Vanessa Ruane
A made for TV movie, it is based on the real-life struggles of a female firefighter dealing with both professional challenges, including forest fires, and personal issues.
Starring: J.R. Adduci, Mike Martino, Kevin Hagan, Mario Polit, Tony Ray Rossi, Kenny Ruane, Lauren Ruane, Victoria Strong, Joe Towne;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: short film, drama;
Duration: 20 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,7;
More information about the film “Firefighter” on the website imdb.com
“Ablaze”, 2001
Director: Jim Wynorski
After an unscrupulous business tycoon sets an oil refinery located near a forest on fire for insurance money, it is up to a courageous firefighter and a refinery worker to stop the fire from causing a major environmental disaster.
Starring: Tom Arnold, Ice-T, Michael Dudikoff, John Bradley, Amanda Pays, Cathy Lee Crosby, Pat Harrington Jr., Edward Albert, Mary Jo Catlett, Richard Biggs;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: action, thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 97 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 3,4;
More information about the film “Ablaze” on the website imdb.com
“Smoke Jumpers”, 1996
Director: Dick Lowry
Centering on the life of Smokejumpers – firefighters who specialize in battling wildfires, the film showcases their struggle as they take on a raging forest fire which threatens a local town.
Starring: Adam Baldwin, Lindsay Frost, Timothy Carhart, Rob Youngblood, Lynette Walden, Spencer Garrett, Jana Marie Hupp, Noah Emmerich, Bill Bolender, Emma Watts;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: action, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,1;
More information about the film “Smoke Jumpers” on the website imdb.com
“Planes: Fire and Rescue”, 2014
Director: Bobs Gannaway
An animated film where anthropomorphic firefighting vehicles are the stars. In this sequel, Dusty, the airplane, joins a team of forest firefighters as they brave a massive wildfire.
Starring: Dane Cook, Ed Harris, Julie Bowen, Curtis Armstrong, John Michael Higgins, Hal Holbrook, Wes Studi, Brad Garrett, Teri Hatcher, Stacy Keach;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: animation, comedy, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 83 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,9;
“Forest Warrior”, 1996
Director: Aaron Norris
This family film features an ancient protector of the forest (and talking animals) who joins forces with kids to protect their town from loggers, and in the process, combat forest fires.
Starring: Chuck Norris, Terry Kiser, Max Gail, Roscoe Lee Browne, Trenton Knight, Megan Paul, Josh Wolford, Jordan Brower, Michael Friedman, William Sanderson;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: action, comedy, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 3,6;
More information about the film “Forest Warrior” on the website imdb.com
“Trial by Fire”, 2018
Director: Edward Zwick
A successful businessman becomes a firefighter after his family dies in a forest fire. The film portrays his fight against the local politics and his efforts to upgrade the fire fighting methods of the local fire department.
Starring: Jack O'Connell, Laura Dern, Emily Meade, Chris Coy, Jeff Perry, McKinley Belcher III, David Wilson Barnes, Darren Pettie, Blake Scott Lewis, Jade Pettyjohn;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: drama, biography, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 127 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Trial by Fire” on the website imdb.com
“Into the Fire”, 1988
Director: Graeme Campbell
This film follows the trial and tribulations of a group of smokejumpers as they battle wildfires at the height of the fire season. The film addresses the danger and intensity of their work, and the inevitable impact on their personal lives.
Starring: Susan Anspach, Art Hindle, Olivia d'Abo, Lee Montgomery, Maureen McRae, Steve Pernie, John Dondertman, Alice O'Neil, Bill Norman;
Production year: 1988;
Genre: thriller, drama, melodrama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 88 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 4,9;
More information about the film “Into the Fire” on the website imdb.com
In conclusion, films about forest fires deliver visually spectacular scenes, intense drama, and profound life lessons that leave a lasting impression on viewers. Exploring themes such as survival, determination, and resilience, these films tap into primal emotions, providing an adrenaline-pumped cinematic experience. Moreover, they shed light on the essential work of firefighters and first responders, while underscoring the need for environmental stewardship. Regardless of their narrative structure, the force and intensity of these films serve as a profound metaphor for human struggle, courage, and the relentless power of nature.
