In which movies and television shows can you watch welding?
There are plenty videos and TV shows, both mainstream and a bit off the beaten path, that include an element of welding. From hits like No Country For Old Men and The A-Team to lesser-known shows such as Xtreme Off Road, welding plays a part in a number of programs. We’ve put together a list of movies and shows you can stream to satisfy your craving for entertainment and the desire to include welding in your life. Plus, there’s no welding helmet required.
Welding exists in every part of our lives, from the buildings we live in to the very products we use on a daily basis. So whether you’re (still) working from home or just need something new to watch, we’ve got the list you need to get some much needed entertainment and enjoy welding, too.
In fact, you might consider welding to be unappreciated in most films. Think about the complex sets and dynamic technological aspects most movies feature today. Most of that wouldn’t be possible without good ol’ welding! “While there may not be a famous picture or poster that comes to mind when the average person thinks about welding,” states the American Welding Society, “the fact is . . . There is a long history of welding in film, and the fascination is ongoing.”
Disclaimer: Whether the welding in this media actually follows real life or simply follows the age-old “Hollywood magic” mantra is debatable in many cases. Welder viewing discretion advised.
Where to Find More Welding-Related Media
Besides the typical places where you find your favorite TV shows, there are also plenty of streaming services available as well. Crackle, Pluto TV, Tubi, and IMDb TV are just a few free ones you can take advantage of without an account. You can also visit your local library to check out videos and TV series as well.
Welding Movies
Here’s a list of movies that include some element of welding in them. You’ll probably recognize a few.
Iron Man
This iconic movie first came out in 2008. Starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard among many others, Iron Man brought a dash of attitude to the superhero scene.
Though there’s plenty of action throughout the entire movie, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) does weld his own suit together, both in the original film and the many sequels to follow. It almost makes you want to weld up your own Iron Man suit.
Flashdance
There have been a few films recently that take on the exotic dancer character. Back in 1983, however, that’s what it took—along with a welding career—to make it as a ballet dancer on the professional circuit. At least for Alex Owens, that is. Jennifer Beals certainly brought an element of sexiness to the welding scene, but it doesn’t take a tutu to stack dimes, if you know what we mean.
The Empire Strikes Back
We hardly need to introduce the characters and plot of this one. However, you might have missed the subtle welding scene in this iconic film. Did you know that Chewbacca can weld? In fact, he welded up the Millennium Falcon, but how his Alf-like pelt didn’t catch on fire is a mystery even science fiction can’t solve.
Under Siege
Fans of Steven Seagal will likely have seen this film. It focuses on a ship’s cook that of course has the exact training needed to save the crew of a U.S. battleship. With a cast that includes Gary Busey, Tommy Lee Jones, and Erika Eleniak (Baywatch), Under Siege contains all the elements you’d expect from a Seagal movie. Plus, there’s a bit of welding, too. The bad guys weld up a rail system to offload the nuclear missiles. Other than that, it’s typical action hero sequences that culminate in a ship’s cook saving the day.
No Country for Old Men
Starring heavy-hitters such as Woody Harrelson, Josh Brolin, and Tommy Lee Jones, No Country for Old Men isn’t necessarily a film you’d want to watch with the family. That said, there’s plenty of action, butt-kicking, and mayhem during those 2 and a half hours. While it may not be chock-full of welding scenes, Josh Brolin’s character does say, “If it can be welded, I can weld it.”
Castaway
Quite the opposite of Gilligan’s Island, the plot of Castaway follows the tragic-yet-promising fate of a man trapped on a deserted island. After crashing there alone, his only companion is a volleyball named Wilson.
This is one of those movies that Tom Hanks is known for, but did you know there’s a spot of welding in it as well? In the very beginning, you’ll see a woman welding a pair of angel wings together. It’s not enough to get Tom Hanks off the island, but it is a sign of hope for his character.
The Green Hornet
Originally a TV series, the movie The Green Hornet, starring Seth Rogen and Cameron Diaz, includes your typical list of superhero film characteristics, along with a bit of welding as well. That’s why it made this list of course.
Beyond the storyline of describing a superhero’s origins, The Green Hornet begins and ends with a bit of a poignant gesture. The main character, Britt, decapitates a statue of his late father in an act of drunken rage. Towards the end of the movie, Britt and his sidekick Kato weld the head back on. This signals the end but also the beginning of a new chapter.
K-19: The Widowmaker
Nuclear reactors, submarines, and Harrison Ford. What else could you ask for in a movie?
Yup, there’s welding in this one too. In fact, welding might be at the core (pun intended) of this plot. The submarine’s nuclear reactor breaks down from a burst coolant pipe. Brave men must volunteer—and sign their death certificate—to travel into the reactor. There, they’ll make the welds necessary to rerouting water to cool the reactor down. Based on true events, K-19: The Widowmaker is a film you should definitely check out. This is especially true if you plan on welding in dangerous circumstances.
Robots
Robin Williams may no longer be with us. But the many films he contributed to remind us of his unparalleled talent. Though we may have only heard his voice on Robots, Robin’s character Fender was key to the movie. He introduced us to a world where machines ruled and technological innovations made amazing things possible.
We couldn’t leave this one out. After all, Big Weld’s role is integral to the plot of the movie. And yes, it might be geared towards children. That doesn’t mean Robots can’t cater to all creative people out there who want to change the world around them. Even if it is one gear at a time.
Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle
Though we’re sure Charlie’s Angels are plenty capable of welding, the one time they’re caught in the act is as undercover agents. All spy tricks aside, did you catch the song playing in the background? It’s “What a Feeling,” a song that also featured in Flashdance. A bit of subtle homage there, no less.
Tread
Many of the movies in which you’ll find welding also include more truth than fiction. Tread is one of them. Based on a true story of a man from Granby, Colorado, Tread dramatizes the lengths people will go to in order to get revenge.
The main character in Tread welds together a bulldozer. It’s this machine which he uses to level parts of the town and exact his revenge. Though the welding is used for destructive purposes, there’s still something fascinating about it. You might even find yourself researching the real story for more real-life details.
Welding TV Shows
Sometimes you want to watch a movie, and sometimes you just have a half hour before bed to kill. Here are some series with bits of welding peppered throughout. Take a look and see which ones you’d like to add to your favorites list.
Macgyver
Cue the nostalgia with this show. Known as a classic that taught men and women alike that if you’ve got scrappy ingenuity and the right tools—heck, even the wrong ones, for that matter—anything is possible. Macgyver is a man for whom no task is unconquerable. That said, we’re not sure how much is TV magic and how many stunts can actually be accomplished in reality.
According to the American Welding Society, “Macgyver famously once made a thermite welding torch by scraping shavings from a magnesium racing bike, adding some rust from a paint can and igniting with a roadside signal flair. We do NOT recommend trying this at home under any circumstances: on the contrary, we firmly believe that real welders in the real world should use real equipment.” We do know, however, that you can weld with a car battery and a coat hanger. But again, don’t try this one at home, kids.
The Walking Dead
Beyond zombies and end-of-the-world scenarios, The Walking Dead does include a bit of welding within the action-packed episode list. You might wonder how anyone has time to set up for a good weld when brain-eating zombies are hot on your heels, but how about a strong metal structure to hold all that dead flesh back? Now you’re talking zombie survivor language.
Dexter’s Laboratory
How can you have a laboratory (and a bit of evil genius) and not weld? Dexter’s Laboratory is the very answer to that question. And though the series might bring you back to the days of Cartoon Network, Scooby Doo, and Johnny Bravo, what’s not to love about a mad scientist child with a knack for being a bit too big for his britches?
Mythbusters
There are plenty of theories, hypotheses, and of course, myths to be busted in this iconic series. To say there’s no welding involved in any of it is a lie. Many projects include some sort of welded contraption, whether it’s done by the hosts or the crew. Check out this episode list to see what myths get busted—and which ones might hold more truth than you think.
The A Team
Before you could call the Ghostbusters, you had The A Team, a band of innocent criminals who stay hidden by day and serve justice beneath a disguise. Welding certainly came into play when you need heavy artillery or a scheme to trick the not-so-smart villains. Though the plot of each episode might not hold water these days, it’s nice sometimes to pull yourself out of reality. It takes your mind off current events. And you can take a trip back to a time when things seemed simpler—at least in TV shows. Search for The A Team on your favorite streaming service and watch a few episodes today.
Top Gear
There are plenty of times Jeremy, James, and Richard cobbled parts together to create some type of car to fulfill the requests of the Top Gear produces. Gears and gadgetry make up a large part of the content on this beloved show. We especially recommend this show for those who are into automotive welding. Most of the fancier—read: expensive—cars include roll cages, engine braces, and other instances of chassis welding. These components up the safety of the vehicle in some way. Or, in the case of many vehicles on the show, patches them up. Then it’s time to limp home in more-or-less one piece.
Fast N’ Loud
What would a car show be without welding sparks, squealing tires, and huge transformations? Oh, and beer of course, if you’re Richard Rawlings. Fast N’ Loud is one of those car shows where it’s all about the journey to creating a one-of-a-kind car, not just the price tag and costs associated with restoration. Give Gas Monkey Garage a test-drive and see if you enjoy their silly antics and amazing techniques.
Monster Garage
Jesse James made a name for himself in the industry and shows off his skills in Monster Garage, a short-lived TV series that showcased Jesse and his crew. There’s plenty of crazy projects and actually a lot of know-how to be seen on this series. Though it might be dated and a bit dramatized for TV audiences, there’s a lot of inspiration to be found if you’re looking for a career in the automotive or even motorcycle industries.
Orange County Choppers
Don’t be fooled, this show doesn’t take place in California. Rather, you’ll find the resident New Yorkers quite adamant about where they come from. The show follows a father and his 2 sons as he shows them what it’s like to run a motorcycle shop. You won’t always hear nice words and see hugs from these tough guys, but there’s plenty of welding, fabricating, and amazing designs to admire when it’s all said and done.
Alaskan Steel Men
Nope, welding doesn’t heat the homes in Alaska. It does, however, allow many Alaskans to live the way they do in such a harsh climate. This TV series follows “a team of extreme heavy metal welders.” Husband and wife team Dennis and Theresa work on some of the largest metal rigs you’ll see in Alaskan waters. Some of them are even underwater. But despite the challenge, they come up winners more often than not. That’s a good thing when it comes to the tough odds they face in Alaska’s cruel climate.
Modern Marvels
This one’s from The History Channel but don’t start snoring just yet. Modern Marvels actually brings quite a lot of value to the viewer on topics you might not have heard of before. In one particular episode, the subjects include robotic welding systems as well as explosion welding, “the most powerful method of all,” according to the show. This is one of those episodes where drama doesn’t necessarily play a huge part, but you’ll surely come away with more knowledge of welding than you had before you sat down on the couch.
Xtreme Off Road
Ian Johnson hosts this TV series, which focuses on all things off-road. From “custom crawlers, buggies, diesels and 4x4s,” to everything in-between, Xtreme Off Road takes you where the blacktop ends and the adventure begins.
As you might imagine with anything off-road related, welding becomes a huge asset. Custom roll cages, suspension components, body frames, chasses, winch systems, and more. These all require the ability to melt metal in the correct way. Watch a few episodes of Xtreme Off Road and you’ll start to see just how lucrative it might be to get into this part of the industry.
Grab That Remote and Start (Watching) Welding
Watching movies and TV shows with welding in them might not seem like a hugely useful pastime. But there’s more to it than you might first think. For example, “it can also have a serious impact on inspiring the next generation of welders.” Welding is one of those skills that requires apprenticeships and mentors to pass down the information and knowledge textbooks can only hint at. It’s a working knowledge that requires as much experience as it does technical know-how.
True, technology might be advancing towards automation, but welding still does—and always will—require some sort of human supervision. That’s true for entertainment as well. No matter if you’re “working on something related to the big screen, television or even on-stage at a live event, welders and fabricators have found that a career in the entertainment industry poses unique challenges and rewarding results.” You’ve seen it on TV, but how would you like to be behind the scenes? It could be you in those credits, named as part of the set crew. You could be credited for welding the stage upon which your favorite celebrities perform.