Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tense, star-studded disaster movie; peril, death, cursing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Towering Inferno
What's the Story?
In THE TOWERING INFERNO, a fire chief and an architect must think fast to save 300 party guests at the top of the world's tallest skyscraper when an electrical fire spreads throughout the building.
Is It Any Good?
This 1974 disaster movie is big in every way, from its huge, star-studded cast led by Paul Newman and Steve McQueen to its nearly three-hour runtime. But while the film has standout tense moments and still-impressive special effects, the emotional impact of The Towering Inferno rarely gets beyond a smolder. Designed to be a spectacle, the movie is at its best when it feels like a ride at a theme park. Its well orchestrated thrills ratchet up the excitement and widen the grin. But the gaps between these pulse-racing sequences do feel slow-paced, as the fire takes its time to spread.
In McQueen and Newman, director John Guillermin is blessed with two of Hollywood's most famous leading men. Meanwhile Richard Chamberlain's villain is deliciously unlikable as the cowardly Roger Simmons. Rather than being a reflection of the true terror of a fire, this is a romp of a disaster movie, with some big, fun set pieces, heroes to root for, and villains to boo.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the peril in The Towering Inferno. How did it affect you? Which parts were shocking, and which were thrilling? Why were they different? What's the appeal of disaster movies like this one?
The firefighters in the movie put themselves at great risk to save others. What character strengths do you think are needed to be a good firefighter?
How does the movie highlight the importance of fire and safety measures? Is it ever right for a building developer to downgrade the safety specifications to save money? What reason might they give to do so?
The movie was released in 1974. How did the stunts and special effects compare to those in today's movies? Were they just as convincing? Why, or why not?
Discuss the language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 19, 1974
- On DVD or streaming : May 9, 2006
- Cast : Paul Newman , Steve McQueen , Faye Dunaway
- Director : John Guillermin
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 165 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Awards : Academy Award , BAFTA - BAFTA Winner
- Last updated : September 4, 2025
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