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The Towering Inferno poster

The Towering Inferno (1974)

“One tiny spark becomes a night of blazing suspense.”

7.0/10 · 1,047 votes 2h 45m pg ActionThrillerDrama

#12 of 22 films from 1974 #612 of 2168 in action

Directed by John Guillermin · Written by Stirling Silliphant, Richard Martin Stern, Thomas N. Scortia, Frank M. Robinson

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

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.

Cast

Steve McQueenas Chief O'Hallorhan
Paul Newmanas Doug Roberts
William Holdenas Jim Duncan
Faye Dunawayas Susan
Fred Astaireas Harlee Claiborne
Susan Blakelyas Patty
Richard Chamberlainas Simmons
Jennifer Jonesas Lisolette
O. J. Simpsonas Jernigan
Robert Vaughnas Senator Parker
Robert Wagneras Bigelow
Susan Flanneryas Lorrie
Sheila Allenas Paula Ramsay
Norman Burtonas Giddings

Facts

Release dateDecember 14, 1974
Runtime165 min (2h 45m) — longer as the 1974 average of 117 min
GenresAction, Thriller, Drama
LanguageEN
Budget$14,000,000
Box office$116,000,000 (8.3× budget)
IMDbtt0072308

More from John Guillermin

Death on the NileDeath on the Nile1978 · ★ 7.2 · 2h 20m King KongKing Kong1976 · ★ 6.3 · 2h 14m

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The Taking of Pelham One Two ThreeThe Taking of Pelham One Two Three1974 · ★ 7.5 · 1h 45m First BloodFirst Blood1982 · ★ 7.5 · 1h 33m SorcererSorcerer1977 · ★ 7.5 · 2h 2m ThiefThief1981 · ★ 7.2 · 2h 3m BullittBullitt1968 · ★ 7.2 · 1h 53m Fist of FuryFist of Fury1972 · ★ 7.2 · 1h 48m The GetawayThe Getaway1972 · ★ 7.2 · 2h 3m The Poseidon AdventureThe Poseidon Adventure1972 · ★ 7.2 · 1h 57m

Questions

How long is The Towering Inferno?
The Towering Inferno runs 165 minutes (2h 45m), which is long for a action — plan for it.
Is The Towering Inferno worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7/10 across 1,047 votes, which places it #12 of 22 films released in 1974 in this index (top 50%) and #612 among 2168 action titles.
Who directed The Towering Inferno?
The Towering Inferno was directed by John Guillermin. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Death on the Nile (1978), King Kong (1976).
Who stars in The Towering Inferno?
Steve McQueen as Chief O'Hallorhan; Paul Newman as Doug Roberts; William Holden as Jim Duncan; Faye Dunaway as Susan; Fred Astaire as Harlee Claiborne; Susan Blakely as Patty.
What is The Towering Inferno rated?
It carries a pg certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Towering Inferno?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/5118.

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Best of 1974Best actionAction of the 1970sBest thrillerThriller of the 1970sBest dramaDrama of the 1970sAll lists
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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.