Backdraft
“Silently behind a door, it waits. One breath of oxygen and it explodes in a deadly rage. In that instant it can create a hero...or cover a secret.”
Synopsis
Two feuding siblings carrying on a heroic family tradition as Chicago firefighters. But when a puzzling series of arson attacks is reported, they are forced to set aside their differences to solve the mystery surrounding these crimes.
Part of the Backdraft Collection
Stream the entire interconnected saga and experience every installment in chronological storyline order.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Backdraft (1991) HD Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2024-02-09
Top Cast
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Kurt Russell
Stephen McCaffrey
William Baldwin
Brian McCaffrey
Robert De Niro
Donald Rimgale
Donald Sutherland
Ronald Bartel
Jennifer Jason Leigh
Jennifer Vaitkus
Scott Glenn
John 'Axe' Adcox
Rebecca De Mornay
Helen McCaffrey
Jason Gedrick
Tim Kirzminski
J.T. Walsh
Alderman Marty Swayzak
Anthony Mockus Sr.
Chief John Fitzgerald
Cedric Young
Grindle
Juan Ramírez
Ray Santos
Kevin Casey
Nightingale
Jack McGee
Schmidt
Mark Wheeler
Pengelly
Richard Lexsee
Washington
Beep Iams
Sean McCaffrey
Ryan Todd
Brian, Age 7
Release History & Theatrical Window
Madrid
Festival / Special Debut
May 24, 1991
Wide Cinema Exhibition
October 28, 1997
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$75M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$152.4M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
2.03x
+$77.4M net gain
Theatrical Status
Profitable
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Ron Howard
- Screenplay & Story
- Gregory Widen, Mark Moore
- Original Score
- Hans Zimmer
- Original Title
- Backdraft
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 17m
- Production Budget
- $75M
- Worldwide Gross
- $152.4M
- Production Studios
- Trilogy Entertainment Group, Imagine Entertainment, Universal Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Ron Howard
Gregory Widen, Mark Moore
Hans Zimmer
Mikael Salomon
Mike Hill, Daniel P. Hanley
Brian Grazer, Richard Barton Lewis, Raffaella De Laurentiis, Pen Densham, John Watson
Department Leadership Roster
Mikael Salomon
Director of Photography
Ron Howard
Director
Richard Barton Lewis
Producer
Mike Hill
Editor
Hans Zimmer
Original Music Composer
Daniel P. Hanley
Editor
Gregory Widen
Writer
Pen Densham
Producer
John Watson
Producer
Albert Brenner
Production Design
Jodie Lynn Tillen
Costume Design
Walter Scott
Stunt Coordinator
Scott Farrar
Visual Effects Supervisor
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.
FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.
Tous publics — Universal audience.
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Backdraft.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Backdraft
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Backdraft about?
Two feuding siblings carrying on a heroic family tradition as Chicago firefighters. But when a puzzling series of arson attacks is reported, they are forced to set aside their differences to solve the mystery surrounding these crimes.
Who directed Backdraft?
Backdraft was directed by Ron Howard.
Who stars in Backdraft?
The principal cast of Backdraft includes Kurt Russell, William Baldwin, Robert De Niro, Donald Sutherland, Jennifer Jason Leigh.
When was Backdraft released and how long is it?
Backdraft was released in 1991 with a total runtime of 2h 17m.
What was the box office and production budget of Backdraft?
Backdraft had a reported production budget of $75M and grossed $152.4M at the worldwide box office (2.03 return on budget, classified as a commercial hit).
Who composed the musical score for Backdraft?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Backdraft was composed by Hans Zimmer.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Backdraft?
Backdraft holds official age classifications: AU: M (Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.); DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); FR: U (Tous publics — Universal audience.); GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).