The Towering Inferno

Right now you can watch The Towering Inferno in Australia on HBO Max, and in the UK on Now TV Cinema — and it earns its twists rather than manufacturing them. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. 1,048 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. Steve McQueen anchors it, but the writing does the real work. Put it on tonight on HBO Max and see for yourself.

There is a reason The Towering Inferno keeps coming up in conversation. At its heart, The Towering Inferno understands what makes crime drama work — character first, plot second. 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. Steve McQueen and Paul Newman lead a cast that never lets the mystery feel thin. It was released in 1974. The Towering Inferno is at its best in the quiet scenes between the plot beats, where the character work actually happens. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

If you cannot walk away from a good mystery, The Towering Inferno will keep you hooked. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Steve McQueen's performance is the kind that shows up on best-of lists years later. If you have been looking for something to fill the gap left by a recently finished story, this is a reliable answer.