Backdraft (1991)

Backdraft poster
Theatrical Performance
Domestic Box Office $77,868,585Details
International Box Office $74,500,000Details
Worldwide Box Office $152,368,585
Further financial details...

Metrics

Opening Weekend:$15,723,480 (20.2% of total gross)
Legs:4.95 (domestic box office/biggest weekend)
Domestic Share:51.1% (domestic box office/worldwide)
Theater counts:1,852 opening theaters/1,983 max. theaters, 6.5 weeks average run per theater
Infl. Adj. Dom. BO $194,763,933

Latest Ranking on Cumulative Box Office Lists

RecordRankAmount
All Time Domestic Box Office (Rank 1,101-1,200) 1,104 $77,868,585
All Time International Box Office (Rank 1,401-1,500) 1,457 $74,500,000
All Time Worldwide Box Office (Rank 1,201-1,300) 1,257 $152,368,585
All Time Domestic Box Office for R Movies (Rank 201-300) 263 $77,868,585
All Time International Box Office for R Movies (Rank 301-400) 322 $74,500,000
All Time Worldwide Box Office for R Movies (Rank 201-300) 291 $152,368,585

See the Box Office tab (Domestic) and International tab (International and Worldwide) for more Cumulative Box Office Records.


Watch Now On

iTunes:iTunes
Google Play:Google Play
Netflix:Netflix

Movie Details

Domestic Releases: May 24th, 1991 (Wide) by Universal
Video Release: June 28th, 2011 by Universal Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R for language and a scene of sensuality.
Running Time: 136 minutes
Franchise: Backdraft
Comparisons: vs. Jurassic Park
Create your own comparison chart…
Keywords: Firefighter, Arson, Crime Thriller, Government Corruption, Surprise Twist, Revenge, 1970s, Young Child Dealing with the Death of a Parent, Set in Chicago, Death of a Sibling, Filmed in Chicago, IL, Filmed in Illinois, United States, Filmed in United States
Source:Original Screenplay
Genre:Thriller/Suspense
Production Method:Live Action
Creative Type:Contemporary Fiction
Production/Financing Companies: Trilogy Entertainment Group
Production Countries: United States
Languages: English

Ranking on other Records and Milestones

RecordRankAmountChart
Date
Days In
Release
Independence Day (All Movies, 3-Day, Inflation Adjusted) 326 $7,543,914 Jul 5, 1991 45
Memorial Day (All Movies, 3-Day) 94 $15,723,480 May 24, 1991 3
Memorial Day (All Movies, 3-Day, Inflation Adjusted) 70 $42,203,161 May 24, 1991 3
Memorial Day (Opening, 3-Day) 53 $15,723,480 May 24, 1991 3
Memorial Day (Opening, 3-Day, Inflation Adjusted) 49 $42,203,161 May 24, 1991 3

Compare this performance with other movies…

Domestic Cumulative Box Office Records

Weekend Box Office Performance

DateRankGross% ChangeTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossWeek
May 24, 1991 1 $15,723,480   1,852 $8,490   $15,723,480 1
May 31, 1991 1 $9,118,395 -42% 1,859 $4,905   $28,249,555 2
Jun 7, 1991 2 $6,425,100 -30% 1,947 $3,300   $38,513,490 3
Jun 14, 1991 3 $5,205,375 -19% 1,983 $2,625   $46,639,365 4
Jun 21, 1991 5 $4,514,250 -13% 1,950 $2,315   $53,900,070 5
Jun 28, 1991 6 $3,630,565 -20% 1,829 $1,985   $59,743,885 6
Jul 5, 1991 8 $2,810,610 -23% 1,503 $1,870   $64,545,270 7

Daily Box Office Performance

Weekly Box Office Performance

DateRankGross% ChangeTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossWeek
May 24, 1991 1 $19,131,160   1,852 $10,330   $19,131,160 1
May 31, 1991 1 $12,957,230 -32% 1,859 $6,970   $32,088,390 2
Jun 7, 1991 2 $9,345,600 -28% 1,947 $4,800   $41,433,990 3
Jun 14, 1991 3 $7,951,830 -15% 1,983 $4,010   $49,385,820 4
Jun 21, 1991 5 $6,727,500 -15% 1,950 $3,450   $56,113,320 5
Jun 28, 1991 6 $5,621,340 -16% 1,829 $3,073   $61,734,660 6

International Cumulative Box Office Records


Worldwide Cumulative Box Office Records


Supporting Cast

Kurt Russell    Stephen McCaffrey
William Baldwin    Brian McCaffrey
Scott Glenn    John Adcox
Jennifer Jason Leigh    Jennifer Vaitkus
Rebecca De Mornay    Helen McCaffrey
Donald Sutherland    Ronald Bartel
Robert De Niro    Donald Rimgale
Jason Gedrick    Tim Krizminski
J.T. Walsh    Marty Swayzak
Clint Howard    Ricco
Cedric Young    Grindle
Tony Mockus Sr.    Chief John Fitzgerald
Jack McGee    Schmidt
Mark Wheeler    Pengelly
Juan Ramirez    Ray Santos
Kevin M. Casey    Nightengale
Richard Lexsee    Washington
Beep Iams    Sean McCaffrey
Ryan Todd    Brian Age 7
John Duda    Stephen Age 12
Robert Swan    Willy, Bartender
Ron West    Alan Seagrave
Kevin Crowley    Candidate
Carlos Sanz    Candidate
Harry Hutchinson    Candidate
David A.C. Saunders    Candidate
J.J. Chaback    Woman Psychiatrist
Tim Grimm    Man at Parole Board
David Crosby    70's Hippie
Mike Mangano    Firetruck Driver
Rick Reardon    Paramedic
Leslie A. Ford    Paramedic
W. Earl Brown    Paramedic
Robert F. Byrnes Jr.    Paramedic
Kathryn Jaeck    Mannequin Fire Reporter
David Westgor    Mannequin Fire Reporter
Joe Guastaferro    Donald Cosgrove
Don Herion    Repairman
Tony Mockus Jr.    Jackson
Gregory Widen    Engine Lieutenant
Andrew Lipschultz    Man on Party Boat
Walter Williams    Security Guard
Bob Krzeminski    Captain
F. Pat Burns    Battalion Chief at Tenement Fire
Wandachristine    Mother at Tenement Fire
Anthony C. Ellis Jr.    Gasping Child at Tenement Fire
Peter C. Hobert Jr.    Probie
Zita Visockis    Grandma Vaitkus
Razz Jenkins    Photographer on Boat Party
James Ritz    Mannequin Fire Reporter
Irma P. Hall    Nurse
Nydia Rodriguez Terracina    Nurse
Hollis Resnick    Sally
Don Rimgale    Party Crony
Dennis Liddiard    Party Brawler
David Luckenbach    Security Officer
Neil J. Francis Jr.    Cop
Andre Melchor    Cop
Karel King    Swayzak Aide
Scott Baity    Swayzak Aide
Gretchen Erickson    Bar Patron
Joan Esposito    Television Reporter
Bob Rice    Detective
Marcella DeTineo    Nurse
Tom Clark    Retirement Party Schmoozer #1
Jane McIver    Retirement Party Schmoozer #2
Burton Stencel    Retirement Party Schmoozer #3
Robert Martell    Retirement Party Roaster
Tony G. Chrisos    Politico
Cay DeVos    Politico
Gregory Lundsgaard    High Rise Fireman
Charles Burns Jr.    Battalion Chief at Mannequin Fire
Louise Woolf    Falling Chair Lady
Ian A. Nevers    Nervous Probie
Kelsey E. McMahon    Child Rescued at 70's Fire
Fidel Moreno    70's Onlooker
Zan Heber    Reporter
Ilene Kwitny    Reporter
Jane Alderman    Reporter
Kevin Petersen    Doctor
Thomas A. Senderak    Fireman
Mark Allen Michaels    Fireman

For a description of the different acting role types we use to categorize acting perfomances, see our Glossary.

Production and Technical Credits

Ron Howard    Director
Richard B. Lewis    Producer
Pen Densham    Producer
John Watson    Producer
Gregory Widen    Screenwriter
Mikael Salomon    Director of Photography
Albert Brenner    Production Designer
Daniel Hanley    Editor
Michael Hill    Editor
Brian Grazer    Executive Producer
Raffaella De Laurentis    Executive Producer
Larry DeWaay    Co-Producer
Todd Hallowell    Associate Producer
Hans Zimmer    Composer
Aldric La'auli Porter    Assistant Director
Todd Hallowell    Second Unit Director
Larry DeWaay    Unit Production Manager
Carol Winstead Wood    Art Director
Don Burgess    Second Unit Camera
George E. Dougherty    Additional Photography
Scott Farrar    Visual Effects Supervisor
Allen Hall    Special Effects Coordinator
Clay Pinney    Special Effects Supervisor
Jodie Tillen    Costume Designer
John Casey    Costume Supervisor
Glenn Williams    Sound Mixer
Gary Summers    Re-recording Mixer
Randy Thom    Re-recording Mixer
Gary Rydstrom    Re-recording Mixer
Tom Johnson    Re-recording Mixer
Richard Hymns    Supervising Sound Editor
Ken Fischer    Sound Effects Editor
Tim Holland    Sound Effects Editor
Frank Eulner    Sound Effects Editor
Rob Fruchtman    Sound Effects Editor
Vivien Gilliam    Sound Effects Editor
Marilyn McCoppen    Sound Effects Editor
Gary Rydstrom    Sound Effects Editor
Gary Rydstrom    Sound Designer
Michael Silvers    Dialogue Editor
Sara Bolder    Dialogue Editor
Laura Perlman    Music Editor
Robert N. Norin    Make up
Linda R. Rizzuto    Hairstylist
Jerome H. Turnage    Hairstylist
Lance Anderson    Make-up and Prosthetic Effects Designer
Tim Sexton    “Set Me in Motion”
Becky Mancuso    "Set Me in Motion"
B.R. Hornsby    Composer
John Hornsby    Composer
Jane Jenkins    Casting Director
Janet Hirshenson    Casting Director
Walter Scott    Stunt Coordinator
Christopher Boyes    Foley Recordist

The bold credits above the line are the "above-the-line" credits, the other the "below-the-line" credits.

DVD and Blu-ray Releases for January 4th, 2011

January 3rd, 2011

The first week of the year and this year starts the same way last year ends, without a whole lot of must have choices. Machete is topping the chart, and it's a good movie, but there are not enough extras on the DVD / Blu-ray to rate as Pick of the Week material. On the other hand, Howl's DVD and Blu-ray are loaded with extras, but the movie didn't live up to expectations with critics. After going over the list for a third time, I have to conclude that there are no Pick of the Week releases this time around. That should change next week. More...


  1. Summary
  2. News
  3. Box Office
  4. International
  5. Video Sales
  6. Cast & Crew
  7. Trailer

Metrics

Opening Weekend:$15,723,480 (20.2% of total gross)
Legs:4.95 (domestic box office/biggest weekend)
Domestic Share:51.1% (domestic box office/worldwide)
Theater counts:1,852 opening theaters/1,983 max. theaters, 6.5 weeks average run per theater
Infl. Adj. Dom. BO $194,763,933

Latest Ranking on Cumulative Box Office Lists

RecordRankAmount
All Time Domestic Box Office (Rank 1,101-1,200) 1,104 $77,868,585
All Time International Box Office (Rank 1,401-1,500) 1,457 $74,500,000
All Time Worldwide Box Office (Rank 1,201-1,300) 1,257 $152,368,585
All Time Domestic Box Office for R Movies (Rank 201-300) 263 $77,868,585
All Time International Box Office for R Movies (Rank 301-400) 322 $74,500,000
All Time Worldwide Box Office for R Movies (Rank 201-300) 291 $152,368,585

See the Box Office tab (Domestic) and International tab (International and Worldwide) for more Cumulative Box Office Records.


Watch Now On

iTunes:iTunes
Google Play:Google Play
Netflix:Netflix

Movie Details

Domestic Releases: May 24th, 1991 (Wide) by Universal
Video Release: June 28th, 2011 by Universal Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R for language and a scene of sensuality.
Running Time: 136 minutes
Franchise: Backdraft
Comparisons: vs. Jurassic Park
Create your own comparison chart…
Keywords: Firefighter, Arson, Crime Thriller, Government Corruption, Surprise Twist, Revenge, 1970s, Young Child Dealing with the Death of a Parent, Set in Chicago, Death of a Sibling, Filmed in Chicago, IL, Filmed in Illinois, United States, Filmed in United States
Source:Original Screenplay
Genre:Thriller/Suspense
Production Method:Live Action
Creative Type:Contemporary Fiction
Production/Financing Companies: Trilogy Entertainment Group
Production Countries: United States
Languages: English

Ranking on other Records and Milestones

RecordRankAmountChart
Date
Days In
Release
Independence Day (All Movies, 3-Day, Inflation Adjusted) 326 $7,543,914 Jul 5, 1991 45
Memorial Day (All Movies, 3-Day) 94 $15,723,480 May 24, 1991 3
Memorial Day (All Movies, 3-Day, Inflation Adjusted) 70 $42,203,161 May 24, 1991 3
Memorial Day (Opening, 3-Day) 53 $15,723,480 May 24, 1991 3
Memorial Day (Opening, 3-Day, Inflation Adjusted) 49 $42,203,161 May 24, 1991 3

Supporting Cast

Kurt Russell    Stephen McCaffrey
William Baldwin    Brian McCaffrey
Scott Glenn    John Adcox
Jennifer Jason Leigh    Jennifer Vaitkus
Rebecca De Mornay    Helen McCaffrey
Donald Sutherland    Ronald Bartel
Robert De Niro    Donald Rimgale
Jason Gedrick    Tim Krizminski
J.T. Walsh    Marty Swayzak
Clint Howard    Ricco
Cedric Young    Grindle
Tony Mockus Sr.    Chief John Fitzgerald
Jack McGee    Schmidt
Mark Wheeler    Pengelly
Juan Ramirez    Ray Santos
Kevin M. Casey    Nightengale
Richard Lexsee    Washington
Beep Iams    Sean McCaffrey
Ryan Todd    Brian Age 7
John Duda    Stephen Age 12
Robert Swan    Willy, Bartender
Ron West    Alan Seagrave
Kevin Crowley    Candidate
Carlos Sanz    Candidate
Harry Hutchinson    Candidate
David A.C. Saunders    Candidate
J.J. Chaback    Woman Psychiatrist
Tim Grimm    Man at Parole Board
David Crosby    70's Hippie
Mike Mangano    Firetruck Driver
Rick Reardon    Paramedic
Leslie A. Ford    Paramedic
W. Earl Brown    Paramedic
Robert F. Byrnes Jr.    Paramedic
Kathryn Jaeck    Mannequin Fire Reporter
David Westgor    Mannequin Fire Reporter
Joe Guastaferro    Donald Cosgrove
Don Herion    Repairman
Tony Mockus Jr.    Jackson
Gregory Widen    Engine Lieutenant
Andrew Lipschultz    Man on Party Boat
Walter Williams    Security Guard
Bob Krzeminski    Captain
F. Pat Burns    Battalion Chief at Tenement Fire
Wandachristine    Mother at Tenement Fire
Anthony C. Ellis Jr.    Gasping Child at Tenement Fire
Peter C. Hobert Jr.    Probie
Zita Visockis    Grandma Vaitkus
Razz Jenkins    Photographer on Boat Party
James Ritz    Mannequin Fire Reporter
Irma P. Hall    Nurse
Nydia Rodriguez Terracina    Nurse
Hollis Resnick    Sally
Don Rimgale    Party Crony
Dennis Liddiard    Party Brawler
David Luckenbach    Security Officer
Neil J. Francis Jr.    Cop
Andre Melchor    Cop
Karel King    Swayzak Aide
Scott Baity    Swayzak Aide
Gretchen Erickson    Bar Patron
Joan Esposito    Television Reporter
Bob Rice    Detective
Marcella DeTineo    Nurse
Tom Clark    Retirement Party Schmoozer #1
Jane McIver    Retirement Party Schmoozer #2
Burton Stencel    Retirement Party Schmoozer #3
Robert Martell    Retirement Party Roaster
Tony G. Chrisos    Politico
Cay DeVos    Politico
Gregory Lundsgaard    High Rise Fireman
Charles Burns Jr.    Battalion Chief at Mannequin Fire
Louise Woolf    Falling Chair Lady
Ian A. Nevers    Nervous Probie
Kelsey E. McMahon    Child Rescued at 70's Fire
Fidel Moreno    70's Onlooker
Zan Heber    Reporter
Ilene Kwitny    Reporter
Jane Alderman    Reporter
Kevin Petersen    Doctor
Thomas A. Senderak    Fireman
Mark Allen Michaels    Fireman

For a description of the different acting role types we use to categorize acting perfomances, see our Glossary.

Production and Technical Credits

Ron Howard    Director
Richard B. Lewis    Producer
Pen Densham    Producer
John Watson    Producer
Gregory Widen    Screenwriter
Mikael Salomon    Director of Photography
Albert Brenner    Production Designer
Daniel Hanley    Editor
Michael Hill    Editor
Brian Grazer    Executive Producer
Raffaella De Laurentis    Executive Producer
Larry DeWaay    Co-Producer
Todd Hallowell    Associate Producer
Hans Zimmer    Composer
Aldric La'auli Porter    Assistant Director
Todd Hallowell    Second Unit Director
Larry DeWaay    Unit Production Manager
Carol Winstead Wood    Art Director
Don Burgess    Second Unit Camera
George E. Dougherty    Additional Photography
Scott Farrar    Visual Effects Supervisor
Allen Hall    Special Effects Coordinator
Clay Pinney    Special Effects Supervisor
Jodie Tillen    Costume Designer
John Casey    Costume Supervisor
Glenn Williams    Sound Mixer
Gary Summers    Re-recording Mixer
Randy Thom    Re-recording Mixer
Gary Rydstrom    Re-recording Mixer
Tom Johnson    Re-recording Mixer
Richard Hymns    Supervising Sound Editor
Ken Fischer    Sound Effects Editor
Tim Holland    Sound Effects Editor
Frank Eulner    Sound Effects Editor
Rob Fruchtman    Sound Effects Editor
Vivien Gilliam    Sound Effects Editor
Marilyn McCoppen    Sound Effects Editor
Gary Rydstrom    Sound Effects Editor
Gary Rydstrom    Sound Designer
Michael Silvers    Dialogue Editor
Sara Bolder    Dialogue Editor
Laura Perlman    Music Editor
Robert N. Norin    Make up
Linda R. Rizzuto    Hairstylist
Jerome H. Turnage    Hairstylist
Lance Anderson    Make-up and Prosthetic Effects Designer
Tim Sexton    “Set Me in Motion”
Becky Mancuso    "Set Me in Motion"
B.R. Hornsby    Composer
John Hornsby    Composer
Jane Jenkins    Casting Director
Janet Hirshenson    Casting Director
Walter Scott    Stunt Coordinator
Christopher Boyes    Foley Recordist

The bold credits above the line are the "above-the-line" credits, the other the "below-the-line" credits.

DVD and Blu-ray Releases for January 4th, 2011

January 3rd, 2011

The first week of the year and this year starts the same way last year ends, without a whole lot of must have choices. Machete is topping the chart, and it's a good movie, but there are not enough extras on the DVD / Blu-ray to rate as Pick of the Week material. On the other hand, Howl's DVD and Blu-ray are loaded with extras, but the movie didn't live up to expectations with critics. After going over the list for a third time, I have to conclude that there are no Pick of the Week releases this time around. That should change next week. More...

Compare this performance with other movies…

Domestic Cumulative Box Office Records

Weekend Box Office Performance

DateRankGross% ChangeTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossWeek
May 24, 1991 1 $15,723,480   1,852 $8,490   $15,723,480 1
May 31, 1991 1 $9,118,395 -42% 1,859 $4,905   $28,249,555 2
Jun 7, 1991 2 $6,425,100 -30% 1,947 $3,300   $38,513,490 3
Jun 14, 1991 3 $5,205,375 -19% 1,983 $2,625   $46,639,365 4
Jun 21, 1991 5 $4,514,250 -13% 1,950 $2,315   $53,900,070 5
Jun 28, 1991 6 $3,630,565 -20% 1,829 $1,985   $59,743,885 6
Jul 5, 1991 8 $2,810,610 -23% 1,503 $1,870   $64,545,270 7

Daily Box Office Performance

Weekly Box Office Performance

DateRankGross% ChangeTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossWeek
May 24, 1991 1 $19,131,160   1,852 $10,330   $19,131,160 1
May 31, 1991 1 $12,957,230 -32% 1,859 $6,970   $32,088,390 2
Jun 7, 1991 2 $9,345,600 -28% 1,947 $4,800   $41,433,990 3
Jun 14, 1991 3 $7,951,830 -15% 1,983 $4,010   $49,385,820 4
Jun 21, 1991 5 $6,727,500 -15% 1,950 $3,450   $56,113,320 5
Jun 28, 1991 6 $5,621,340 -16% 1,829 $3,073   $61,734,660 6

International Cumulative Box Office Records


Worldwide Cumulative Box Office Records