Where Was Backdraft Filmed? Ron Howard’s Oscar-Nominated Action Thriller Flick!

The Escape From New York star Kurt Russell and William Baldwin come together in this captivating action thriller movie Backdraft (1991). The action thriller drama film follows two brothers who are firefighters but are always competing with each other. When a notorious arsonist is on the loose, they come together to take him down. In this article, I’ll discuss the movie and tell you where was Backdraft filmed.

Veteran actors Kurt Russell and William Baldwin play the protagonists in the movie, along with other senior A-lister actors like Robert De Niro, Scott Glenn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Rebecca De Mornay, and Donald Sutherland. The 90s was the time when Hollywood produced some great action thriller films like Michael Mann’s Heat, Keanu Reeves’ Speed, Harrison Ford’s Air Force One, and many more. Backdraft was one of those successful films that became a classic action thriller.

Now, to answer your question about where was Backdraft filmed, the classic action thriller movie was filmed in Chicago, Illinois, United States of America. 

From Academy Award-winning director Ron Howard and screenwriter Gregory Widen, Backdraft premiered in Beverly Hills, California, on 22 May 1991, followed by its wide release in the United States on 24 May 1991. The action thriller drama film was made available on digital platforms on 19 April 2016. However, let’s take a detailed look at the filming locations.

Where Was Backdraft Filmed? Backdraft Filming Locations!

Ron Howard’s Backdraft was a massive box office hit and a commercial success, earning over $152 million against a production budget of $40 million. The action thriller movie was well-received by critics. Chicago Tribune’s Gene Siskel and Chicago Sun-Times’ Robert Ebert gave the film positive reviews, praising its exceptional and high-quality special effects. Not to mention, it was also nominated for three Academy Awards.

Howard is one of the most successful and established Hollywood filmmakers with a career that spans six decades. He received two Oscars, two Golden Globe Awards, four Emmy Awards, and a Grammy Award. Backdraft scored 75% on Rotten Tomatoes and a rating of 6.9 on IMDb. However, let’s get down to business and check out where was Backdraft filmed.

Chicago, Illinois, United States Of America

The classic action thriller movie was filmed on location in Illinois, particularly in and around the city of Chicago. Principal photography commenced on 23rd July 1990 and was wrapped up on 8th December 1990. Before the production process began, the lead actors had to undergo serious training at the Chicago Fire Academy. They had to go out on calls with real firefighters and study their behavior and mannerisms.

The production team filmed in different locations across the city. The Chinatown firehouse and Donald Rimgale’s office interiors were filmed at Chicago Fire Station 49 at 1653 W 43rd Street, Chicago. The scenes involving the dorms and locker rooms were shot at Chicago Firehouse Restaurant at 1401 S Michigan Avenue. 

Remember the scene where Brian celebrates after graduating? Well, that scene was filmed at 495 Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago. The funeral parade scenes were shot near Michigan Avenue. The scene in which we see Brian getting ready for his important interview with the Chicago Fire Captain was filmed at White Palace Grill at 1159 S Canal Street.

The other funeral parade scene was shot in front of the Wrigley Building at 400-410 N Michigan Avenue, near the north side of Chicago. Brian’s final Fire Academy interview scene was filmed at the Chicago Fire Department Academy at 558 W DeKoven. The elevator shaft sequence was filmed at Oak Park, Illinois. The scene in which the injured firefighters are taken to the hospital after the high-rise incident was shot at Edgewater Hospital, located at 5700 N Ashland Avenue, Chicago.

Some of the other locations where filming of Backdraft took place include West Side Chicago, West Cermak Road, Chinatown Armour Square, Uptown Theatre at 4814-4816 N Broadway Avenue Uptown, Sacramento Street, DuPage County Illinois, 4244 S Drexel Boulevard, Hinsdale Illinois, Graceland Cemetery at 4001 N Clark Street, and Archer Avenue. 

Plot Of Backdraft (1991) | Meet The Real Heroes!

The story of Backdraft revolves around Stephen McCaffrey, played by Kurt Russell, and Brian McCaffrey, played by William Baldwin. Stephen is Brian’s older brother and Lieutenant of the Chicago Fire Department, whereas Brian is still a rookie trying to figure things out. Both brothers are highly competitive and always try to bring each other down in some way or the other.

Stephen transfers Brian to the arson department to teach him some life lessons, where he works under Captain and Fire Inspector Donald Rimgale, played by Robert De Niro. When the Chicago Fire Department finds out about a corrupt politician and an arsonist planning to cause trouble in the city, both brothers decide to keep their rivalry aside and join hands together to bring them down. 

Final Words

I have mentioned all the filming locations of Ron Howard’s classic action thriller, Backdraft. If you want to check out these filming spots in person, well, feel free to do that. Having said that, the movie is a must-watch for those who are a sucker for good action thrillers. And moreover, the cast of the movie is also brilliant. If you wish to read more filming location articles then keep visiting the Viebly website.