The Towering Inferno
Seen it?1974 | 165 min | Action, Drama, Thriller
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It won 3 Oscars, it made about 15 times its budget and people are still talking about it. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing and action fans. If you loved Cloverfield or Bullitt, start here.
- The mood
- Tense.
- The pace
- Epic and sweeping, at 2 hr 45 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- It's long: 2 hr 45 min.
- Made in 1974: an older pace and style.
At the opening party of a colossal—but poorly constructed—skyscraper, a massive fire breaks out, threatening to destroy the tower and everyone in it.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
68% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.0 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 3 Oscars: Academy Awards: Best Cinematography, Academy Awards: Best Film Editing, Academy Awards: Best Song. Won 2 Golden Globes: Golden Globe Awards: Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture, Golden Globe Awards: New Star of the Year – Actress. Won 2 BAFTAs: British Academy Film Awards: Best Actor in a Supporting Role, British Academy Film Awards: Best Original Music. Also nominated for 5 more Oscars, 3 more Golden Globes and 2 more BAFTAs. Plus 4 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerVery strong
$203 million worldwide on a $14 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 347K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Cloverfield Saturday SpecialAnother survival action film, and a Saturday Special.
Bullitt
Friday Night FlickAlso stars Steve McQueen, in another critically acclaimed action film.
The Lost Bus Saturday SpecialAnother survival drama, and a Saturday Special.
United 93 Saturday SpecialAnother disaster drama.
Panic Room Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
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Cast & crew
Directed by John Guillermin
- Steve McQueenChief O'Hallorhan
- Paul NewmanDoug Roberts
- William HoldenJim Duncan
- Faye DunawaySusan
- Fred AstaireHarlee Claiborne
- Susan BlakelyPatty
- Richard ChamberlainSimmons
- Jennifer JonesLisolette
- O. J. SimpsonJernigan
- Robert VaughnSenator Parker