Join The Community
10. V For Vendetta (2005)
The firework scene: Evey (Natalie Portman) and Finch (Stephen Rea) watch as Parliament is destroyed by an explosives-filled train. Not fireworks, technically, but c'mon, the Guy Fawkes symbolism demands a place in this list.
Don't try it at home: Speaking of Guy Fawkes, the authorities tend to be against this kind of anarchic mayhem.
9. Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix (2007)
The firework scene: The Weasley twins cause chaos for tyrant headmistress Dolores Umbridge by setting off a stash of fireworks from their box of Wizarding Wheezes.
Don't try it at home: Setting off fireworks at school means almost certain expulsion.
8. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
The firework scene: Stung by homophobic insults from two drunken bikers at a 4th of July event, Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) reinforces his masculinity by beating them up as the sky lights up behind him.
Don't try it at home: Just because fireworks are violent and explosive, doesn't mean you have to be.
7. Return Of The Jedi (1983)
The firework scene: Having already caused the biggest explosion in that sector of the galaxy by destroying the second Death Star, the Rebels celebrate their victory by launching fireworks into the sky above Endor.
Don't try it at home: Actually, should you ever bring down the tyrannical forces of interplanetary fascism, do try this at home. If you're lucky, you might even singe an Ewok.
6. The Naked Gun (1988)
The firework scene: Frank Drebin's pursuit of a would-be assassin ends when the criminal crashes into, respectively, a gas tanker, a military missile transporter and a fireworks factory. "Move along, there's nothing to see here," Drebin tells bystanders.
Don't try it at home: Presumably, real-life fireworks factories have bollards outside to prevent this very eventuality.
5. Boogie Nights (1997)
The firework scene: Dirk Diggler (Mark Wahlberg) and chums try to rip-off drug dealer Rahad Jackson (Alfred Molina), but they're put off by Rahad's Chinese friend, who spends the whole time throwing firecrackers at them.
Don't try it at home: In the film, it's funny. In real life, it'd be REALLY annoying.
4. Toy Story (1995)
The firework scene: Woody (Tom Hanks) rescues Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) from being sent into orbit on the back of a rocket and, sure enough, the firework also comes in handy for catching up with Andy.
Don't try it at home: All kids like blowing stuff up... but when you're older, it's just weird.
3. To Catch A Thief (1955)
The firework scene: Fireworks on the Riviera provide the perfect cover for innuendo-filled chat when John Robie (Cary Grant) catches Frances Stevens (Grace Kelly) in a strapless gown, and she tells him, "I have a feeling that tonight you're going to see one of the Riviera's most fascinating sights."
Don't try it at home: On a wet November night in England, you'll feel more like Barbara Windsor and Sid James trying a line like that.
2. Les Vacances De Monsieur Hulot (1953)
The firework scene: Bumbling Hulot (Jacques Tati) discovers a shed full of fireworks beside his holiday hotel. Inevitably, his arrival causes a premature rescheduling for the hotel's planned end-of-season display.
Don't try it at home: Never smoke a pipe near fireworks. Especially if you're a one-man walking calamity like Hulot.
1. The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001)
The firework scene: Gandalf's visit to Hobbiton includes a fireworks-related treat, and not even Merry and Pippin setting them off too soon can dampen the spectacle.
Don't try it at home: Kids, leave the lighting of fireworks to the grown-ups, eh?
