It’s that time of the month when Netflix is set to remove a bunch of movies from its library. I'm pointing out one leaving soon that you need to stream, and that’s “Only the Brave.” This biographical drama tells the true story of an elite wildfire crew, most of whom died in the Yarnell Hill Fire in June 2013.
Set to leave Netflix on April 1, “Only the Brave” features Josh Brolin and Miles Teller in a Joseph Kosinski movie, the director of “Top Gun: Maverick” and “F1.” It may have underperformed at the box office, but those who saw “Only the Brave” over the years were largely impressed. One look at its Rotten Tomatoes score shows a firefighter drama that shines a spotlight on ordinary heroes, honoring the risks they take to protect others.
So, if you need an impactful movie to watch this weekend, here’s why “Only the Brave” should be at the top of your Netflix watchlist before it leaves the streaming service at the end of the month.
What is ‘Only the Brave’ about?
“Only the Brave” is about the real‑life Granite Mountain Hotshots, an elite wildfire firefighting crew from Prescott, Arizona, and their rise to becoming one of the nation’s most respected teams.
Eric Marsh (Josh Brolin) pushes to transform his local fire crew into a certified Hotshot unit, recruiting troubled young applicant Brendan “Donut” McDonough (Miles Teller) and training alongside men like Jesse Steed (James Badge Dale) and Duane Steinbrink (Jeff Bridges). Throughout the film, the crew undergoes grueling preparation and dangerous deployments, forming a tight bond as they battle blazes across the West.
Eric’s wife, Amanda (Jennifer Connelly), struggles with the toll his career takes on their family. The crew earns their Hotshot status and is later sent to fight the fast‑moving Yarnell Hill Fire, where nearly all are caught in the inferno.
Why you should stream ‘Only the Brave’ on Netflix
There’s a lot to admire in “Only the Brave.” For many, the standout moments will likely be the Granite Mountain Hotshots facing massive wildfires. With Kosinski directing, these sequences are crafted with intense energy and cinematic flair. Yet the movie actually excels at showing the men behind the helmets. At nearly two and a half hours, it carefully develops its two leads, a payoff that makes the climactic third act all the more powerful.
Once the Yarnell Hill Fire ignites, the stakes feel real because we know Eric and Brendan not just as figures, but as people we care about. The film’s character-driven focus strengthens the drama, and though some viewers might see the slower moments as a trade-off for action, it proves to be a wise decision, especially with Josh Brolin’s very compelling performance.
Under Joseph Kosinski’s direction, the movie really does emphasize the camaraderie of the team, forged in fire and hard work. He approaches the story with respect for the crew, and the cast delivers vibrant energy in this portrait of courageous, good-hearted men. I’d even suggest keeping tissues nearby, as the final moments of this film are especially heartbreaking.
I’m not the only one who thinks so highly of this drama either, as the movie earned 87% on Rotten Tomatoes (with an impressive 91% rating from viewers). The site's critics consensus reads: “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.” Overall, “Only the Brave” earns its time in the spotlight, giving viewers a real appreciation for the firefighters who risk everything to protect others every day. Don’t miss this one on Netflix.
Stream "Only the Brave" on Netflix until March 31
