Soul on Fire (2025) — Where to Watch, Runtime, Cast, Director & Full Details

,

Soul on Fire — Where to Watch + Runtime + Full Details

Search Description (≤150 characters): Soul on Fire (2025) streaming guide: where to watch, runtime, cast, director, plot, parents info, and a quick rating.

Summary

Soul on Fire (2025) is a faith-forward biographical drama about John O’Leary, a St. Louis boy who survives a devastating fire and grows into a man known for inspiring others to live with purpose. It’s directed by Sean McNamara and features a recognizable supporting cast, including William H. Macy as legendary broadcaster Jack Buck.

If you’re deciding whether to press play, the movie leans hard into hope, family, community support, and perseverance. Expect emotional setbacks and uplifting turns rather than cynicism—making it a natural pick for viewers who like true-story dramas with a motivational, inspirational tone.

Quick Facts (At a Glance)

Title Soul on Fire
Year 2025
Director Sean McNamara
Writer Gregory Poirier
Genre Biographical Drama
MPA Rating PG (thematic content including burn injuries, some peril, and suggestive material)
Runtime About 1h 51m–1h 52m (platform listings vary: 111–112 minutes)

Where to Watch Soul on Fire (United States)

As of January 10, 2026, here are the most common options you’ll see in the U.S. (availability can change quickly based on licensing deals and platform rotations):

  • Netflix (subscription streaming)
  • Amazon Video (rent or buy)
  • Apple TV (rent or buy)
  • Fandango at Home (rent or buy)

If you prefer owning a copy (or gifting it), the film has also been marketed for home release formats (DVD/streaming timing may differ by retailer and region).

Runtime: Why You Might See Two Different Numbers

You’ll commonly see 111 minutes on some streaming guides/platform listings and 112 minutes on certain film databases and reference pages. This usually happens because platforms may display runtime rounded differently or based on a specific cut (for example, a listed runtime that excludes studio logos or has slightly different timing metadata).

Practical takeaway: plan for about 1 hour and 52 minutes, plus trailers if you’re watching on an ad-supported or preview-heavy service.

Full Details: What Soul on Fire Is About (Spoiler-Free)

Soul on Fire dramatizes the early life of John O’Leary, beginning with a childhood accident that leaves him with extreme burns and long odds of survival. The story focuses on recovery, resilience, and the people who keep showing up—family, medical staff, and a wider community that becomes part of the fight. The movie also highlights the role of John’s baseball hero, broadcaster Jack Buck, as a meaningful thread in John’s journey.

Tonally, this isn’t built like a twisty thriller. It’s built like an inspirational true-story drama: hardship up front, steady momentum through setbacks, and a clear emotional “lift” as the message comes into focus.

Cast, Director, and Key Creatives

Main Cast (Top-Billed)

  • Joel Courtney as John O’Leary
  • John Corbett as Denny O’Leary
  • Stéphanie Szostak as Susan O’Leary
  • Masey McLain as Beth O’Leary
  • DeVon Franklin as Nurse Roy
  • William H. Macy as Jack Buck

Key Crew

  • Director: Sean McNamara
  • Writer: Gregory Poirier
  • Music: Mark Isham
  • Cinematography: (commonly credited as Robert “Bob” Hayes)
  • Editing: Gregory Hobson

Is Soul on Fire Based on a True Story?

Yes. The film is presented as a biographical drama inspired by the life of John O’Leary and is connected to his memoir On Fire. The movie’s core is about survival after a childhood fire and the long road of healing—then turning that experience into a purpose-driven life.

Is It Family-Friendly?

The film is rated PG, but parents should still expect some intense material. The rating language and parent guides commonly point to thematic content related to burn injuries and peril. If you’re watching with younger kids, it may help to preview first or be ready to skip especially difficult moments early on.

Mini Review (No Spoilers)

MoviesExplore Rating: 3.7/5

Soul on Fire is built to uplift, and it generally succeeds at that. It’s sincere, community-centered, and emotionally direct. If you enjoy inspirational biopics (especially faith-inflected ones), it’s very likely to land well. If you prefer subtle, ambiguous storytelling, it may feel a bit straightforward.

Pros

  • Clear emotional payoff: the film aims for hope and earns it through persistence and support systems.
  • Strong “supporting cast credibility”: recognizable actors help the story feel grounded.
  • Accessible for groups: works well for family movie nights, church groups, or discussion-based viewing.

Cons

  • Some scenes may be tough to watch: the premise involves severe injury and peril.
  • Not very subtle: the movie’s message is front-and-center rather than open to interpretation.
  • If you dislike inspirational “true-story” formula: you may predict the emotional beats early.

Who It’s For

  • Fans of faith-based and inspirational dramas
  • Viewers who like true-story survival and recovery films
  • Anyone looking for a hopeful, motivational watch (not cynical, not ironic)

Sources

Image Sources