Top 10 Movie Campfire Scenes
Sometimes, just a warm blaze and the universe to ponder is all you need. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Movie Campfire Scenes. For this list, we're highlighting the most memorable moments of big screen campfires from feature film ONLY.
Special thanks to our users kenn1987 and Ariana Taller for submitting the idea on our Suggestion Tool at http://www.WatchMojo.comsuggest
#10: Howl Like a Wolf “Kicking & Screaming” (2005)
As a grown up struggling with the constant presence of an overbearing father, Phil Weston often relives painful childhood memories. But after Big Daddy Buck shames Phil’s own son, he takes control of a little league soccer team and attempts to bond the kids with a motivational campfirespeech. Phil’s scare tactics and black comedy didn’t quite connect with the young athletes, and the location is actually far from remote. Regardless, Phil’s howling capped off a hilarious campfire scene that left him screaming at the neighbors and scrambling from neighborhood pooches.
#9: He’s Out There “Friday the 13th Part 2” (1981)
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Five years after the events of the original “Friday the 13th film,” a group of unsuspecting teenagers gathered for a night of campfire tales. With a slow, zoom-in shot, counselor Paul Holt recounted the frightening legend of Jason Voorhees and the bloody events that shut down the adjacent Camp Crystal Lake. By interrupting the story only with brief reactions shots, the filmmakers allowed viewers to join the campfire and feel the blaze, which ultimately led to… Remember – “Jason’s out there.”
#8: Aspen Delight “Dumb and Dumber” (1994)
After arriving in Aspen to find Mary Swanson, best friends Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne find themselves out in the wild and freezing their tails off. As the campfire burns, and Harry appears ready to unleash a man-cry of pure agony, good ol’ Lloyd unveils his extra set of gloves for his freezing pal. For one brief moment, Harry clearly had trouble on his mind, but the discovery of a suitcase full of money led to a completely different way of life.
#7: What Are You Gonna Do? “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” (2000)
After escaping from a Mississippi chain gang, three men break free of their physical connections and ponder the metaphysical next to a comforting fire. With the group hot on the trail of million-dollar treasure, each man explains what they would do with a load of cash - some detailing their plans in poetic fashion, while others not so much. Cinematographer Roger Deakins took home an Oscar for this classic Coen brothers film, and the characters touched our hearts with dreams we all can relate to. These three men were bound by destiny.
#6: Blue Shadows on the Trail “¡Three Amigos!” (1986)
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They’re silent movie stars turned real-life action heroes. All hell breaks loose when Lucky Day, Dusty Bottoms and little Ned Nederlander lose their jobs and are summoned to a Mexican village. With the trio mistakenly identified as their on-screen personas, they stay in character rather well and even bond for a campfire performance under the stars. We’ve all come to love the wacky hijinks of Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short, but it was nice to hear them each carry a tune written by Randy Newman in this comedy.
#5: Fire Dance “Dances with Wolves” (1990)
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Sometimes we all need to lose ourselves through the power of dance. After surviving the American Civil War, John J. Dunbar’s life of isolation becomes disrupted when he meets a tribe of Native Americans. By embracing their culture, he takes part in a poetic fire dance with his best friend “Two Socks” looking on. Kevin Costner’s project took several years to develop, which made the moment even more special for the actor, and his dedication certainly translated to the big screen.
#4: American Freedom “Easy Rider” (1969)
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This poignant scene on American society featured not one, not two - but three acting legends in Jack Nicholson, Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda. After being ridiculed at a Louisiana restaurant, the hippies rest their heads in the country, and their new friend George Hanson offers an outsider’s perspective on the realities of American freedom. “Captain America” looks on in silence as Billy takes in the lawyer’s words, but soon everything would change just as America continued to transform into the ‘70s.
#3: Man vs. Beast “The Grey” (2011)
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Although a campfire provides warmth, it can also provide safety. This valuable lesson was demonstrated when a group of plane crash survivors are surprised by a bloodthirsty wolf. After launching an attack, the angry and outnumbered Alaskan beast stares down the intruders, who stand behind the almighty protection of the glorious campfire. Although the men survived this battle, they wouldn’t win them all. Even so, this particular scene highlighted the instinct for survival among man and wild animals, and how a well-prepared campfire can save the day.
#2: Fire O’ Flatulence “Blazing Saddles” (1974)
Confucius once said that “silence is a true friend who never betrays,” but perhaps he never led a gang of thugs binging on beans, beans and more beans. In Mel Brooks’ hilarious comedy, Slim Pickens plays a power-hungry man hoping to drive out the local folk but discovers that gang could be too full of gas to get the job done. You might say that the incredible sound design had viewers tearing up, just as the characters probably teared from the devastating smell of their collective gas cloud. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. - Plum Pudding “Almost Heroes” (1998) - Roadie for Mötley Crüe “Beavis and Butt-head Do America” (1996) - I Gave Up on Givin’ Up “Land of the Lost” (2009) - Roasting Marshmallows & Singing “Cheaper by the Dozen 2” (2005)
#1: Wagon Train “Stand by Me” (1986)
In this classic ‘80s coming-of-age-story, four adolescent kids reminded us of a more innocent time and the power of friendship. During a thought-provoking campfire scene, the adventurous Oregon youths take a timeout from their search for a dead body and contemplate life’s mysteries such as the true identity of Goofy, the legitimacy of quiz show questions and Wagon Train’s proverbial road to nowhere. This scene captured the essence of the campfire experience along with youthful curiosity and that’s why it’s at the top of our list. Do you agree with our list? What is your favorite movie campfire scene? For more mind-blowing Top10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.