Only the Brave

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Only the Brave

PG-13

2017

2h 14m

Drama

Adventure

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Popcornmeter

87%

Tomatometer

163 Reviews

91%

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10,000+ Ratings

Through hope, determination, sacrifice and the drive to protect families and communities, the Granite Mountain Hotshots become one of the most elite firefighting teams in the country. While most people run from danger, they run toward it -- watching over lives, homes and everything people hold dear, forging a unique brotherhood that comes into focus with one fateful fire in Yarnell, Ariz.

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Critics Consensus

Only the Brave's impressive veteran cast and affecting fact-based story add up to a no-frills drama that's just as stolidly powerful as the real-life heroes it honors.

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David Stratton

The Australian

The fires themselves are frighteningly well staged, and by the film's conclusion the courage and dedication of these firemen has been amply demonstrated. It's a pity that the film that tells their story wasn't a little less clunky.

Rated: 2.5/5

Dec 2, 2017

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Paul Byrnes

Sydney Morning Herald

It deserves credit for the way it tells a difficult story.

Rated: 3.5/5

Dec 1, 2017

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Kristen Lopez

Spectrum Culture

The story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots deserves a better movie.

Rated: 2/5

Nov 20, 2017

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Vadim Rizov

Filmmaker Magazine

This is a fine, illuminating look at a niche culture that bodes surprisingly well for Kosinski’s forthcoming Top Gun 2...

Jan 5, 2023

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Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

All of this relationship building and character development fuels the final act which, despite some predictable narrative setup, has a profound dramatic kick

Rated: 3.5/5

Aug 24, 2022

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Hosea Rupprecht

Pauline Media Studies

While honoring firefighters and their self-sacrifice, the real gift of Only The Brave is the example given through the strength of the community forged by the wildfires...

Aug 24, 2021

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J N.

Fantastic drama film about a true story. Great character development and truly inspiring.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/29/25

Full Review

RaiderRo D.

Great movie. Great story, great acting. Shows true bravery

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/15/25

Full Review

Mate P

Only the Brave is flawed, but amazing. The characters are well-written and layered. These layers get peeled off by dialogues and physical acting. I love how this movie doesn't really have antagonists (except for the fire). The characters have to overcome their inner demons. The themes of responsibility and family surround this film. I've seen people say that the dialogues are terrible, but I disagree with that. There are some cheesy or unnatural lines, but overall I was very satisfied with the writing. I'm five movies (+ one short film) in and I'm still in awe of Joseph Kosinski. I love Claudio Miranda's cinematography in all of the films I've seen from him and I can see how he got more and more precise in his style. The editing on the other hand is mixed. Some transitions are gorgeous, but the pacing in the first two thirds is too slow. This film is a slow burn and in the end it does pay off, but I still wish it was a little tighter. I don't usually talk about makeup, but it was hard for me to distinguish our protagonists from one another. I know they wanted to make them look like the people they're based on, but I wish it was clearer who's who. The visual effects are amazing, I know they combined CGI with practical and I can only guess which is which. The cast is great and the acting performances are spectacular. The standout for me is Jennifer Connelly. SPOILERS from here: I knew where this was going, because I was stupid enough to watch videos of Joseph Kosinski's career. Despite the ending not being surprising, it was still a gut punch. They slowly build up these characters and then kill 19 of them. This is sad on it's own, but it actually happened. It's been a while since I was this emotional because of a movie or a show. Jennifer Connelly's performance at the end, perfect. May the 19 firefighters Rest In Peace!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/01/25

Full Review

Joseph

Celebrates heroes. honors real life. Over all only for the brave.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/20/25

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William S

Treats it's source material with respect. An engaging, moving, and enjoyable film

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/15/25

Full Review

Douglas P.

Incredible character development in slight of the development of only 2 on the crew. Marine mindset behind this production. Still… it’s hard to leave this crew 30yards from the safe zone. In reality they were more lost than it depicts

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/23/25

Full Review

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Joseph Kosinski

Director

Josh Brolin

Eric Marsh

Miles Teller

Brendan McDonough

Jeff Bridges

Duane Steinbrink

Jennifer Connelly

Amanda Marsh

James Badge Dale

Jesse Steed

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Only the Brave: Trailer 3

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Only the Brave: Trailer 2

1:24

Only the Brave: Trailer 1

2:24

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Synopsis

Through hope, determination, sacrifice and the drive to protect families and communities, the Granite Mountain Hotshots become one of the most elite firefighting teams in the country. While most people run from danger, they run toward it -- watching over lives, homes and everything people hold dear, forging a unique brotherhood that comes into focus with one fateful fire in Yarnell, Ariz.

Director: Joseph Kosinski
Producer: Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Michael Menchel, Erik Howsam, Molly Smith, Thad Luckinbill, Trent Luckinbill, Dawn Ostroff, Jeremy Steckler
Screenwriter: Ken Nolan, Eric Warren Singer
Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co: Condé Nast Entertainment, Di Bonaventura Pictures, Black Label Media, Relevant Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Language|Drug Material|Some Sexual References|Thematic Content)
Genre: Drama, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 20, 2017, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 23, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA): $18.1M
Runtime: 2h 14m
Sound Mix: Dolby Atmos
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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