The world is a magnificent place, and as humans, we are fortunate to witness its splendor in various ways. However, our ability to perceive the world with the naked eye is quite limited; much of the electromagnetic spectrum, which encompasses all the radiation in the universe, is beyond our perception. How much of the electromagnetic spectrum can we actually see? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the entire rainbow of radiation visible to the human eye makes up only about 0.0035%, meaning there is an incredible kaleidoscope of wavelengths surrounding us that remain unseen.
Ever adaptable, humans have developed technologies that extend our visual perception, such as infrared. Normally invisible but felt as heat, infrared is electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light but shorter than microwaves. Infrared technology (such as infrared cameras or thermal optics) allows us to “see” this heat, opening up a whole world of applications in the military, emergency services, medicine, and even in creative fields such as film and photography. Infrared cinematography has made a striking impact in many movies and shows, both as an integral part of the story and in its ability to capture unique scenes. The team at Pulsar is proud to present this guide to the most iconic uses of thermal optics in fiction:
Early Examples of Thermal Optics in Movies
One of the earliest and most iconic examples of infrared in movies happened in the Terminator franchise. Terminators are a type of Hunter-Killer, an artificially intelligent autonomous war machine produced by automated factories under the command of SkyNet (a highly advanced AI system that gained awareness). Terminators are equipped with Termovision, a heads-up display (HUD) that provides data, analyses, decision options, and various vision modes on the screen. One of these modes is infrared, meaning that they can track targets via heat signatures, making Terminators all the more formidable and terrifying. While the red point-of-view of Terminators has become an iconic example of infrared in fiction, it also serves a purpose, according to James Cameron himself. To answer the frequently asked question, “Is the Terminator’s vision infrared-only?” he states: “No. The reason we see him using infrared-only is because it saves him energy, but he also has a ‘normal’ vision.”
Infrared in Military Movies
Many military movies have infrared scenes because thermal optics have played a pivotal role in countless military operations throughout history. To truly capture the intensity of these missions, filmmakers have incorporated infrared cinematography to create an immersive first-person experience. Zero Dark Thirty is a prime example of this, with the final scenes masterfully crafted with a blend of infrared light and night vision cameras.
Thermal optics have proved crucial for emergency services and first responders. Check out these compelling true stories about how thermal imaging cameras have helped save lives.
Monsters That Can See Infrared
There is something deeply terrifying about monsters that are impossible to hide simply because you have a pulse. That is why fictional creatures that can see infrared are abundant in thrillers, horror movies, and science fiction. Examples include Predators (or the Yautja), an extraterrestrial species that pride themselves in hunting and conquering “challenging” creatures, such as humans. Predators’ vision operates primarily in the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, allowing them to distinguish heat signatures in their surroundings easily. However, this can be used against them; Dutch disguises himself with mud to avoid detection, and Royce uses a wall of fire as an invisibility “cloak” to gain the upper hand. Another example of a monster that can see infrared is the Indominus rex of Jurassic World; the genetically engineered dinosaur was created with thermal vision by including pit viper snake DNA.
Movies That Were Filmed With Infrared
Infrared has made a striking impact in film and television beyond being a part of the storyline. One of the first examples of movies filmed with infrared is Fort Apache from 1948. Cinematographer Archie Stout chose infrared photography to capture the drama and intensity of the film’s final showdown while showcasing the otherworldly splendor of its setting in Monument Valley. Another recent example of films made with infrared is Dune: Part Two. Giedi Prime is the homeworld of House Harkonnen, an entity feared for its brutality, malevolence, and cutthroat ambition. To plunge viewers into such a cold, ruthless place, filmmaker Denis Villeneuve made the risky and revolutionary choice to film Giedi Prime scenes solely with infrared cameras. The risk paid off, leading to what is now known as the “Harkonnen Effect.”
Thermal Optics in Real Life
Fortunately, there are (currently) no known apex predators with infrared out to get us. In fact, we are the creatures that can “see” and hunt in the dark thanks to advances in infrared technology. Whether you are an avid wildlife enthusiast, a determined rifle hunter, an epic outdoor adventurer, or a dedicated search and rescue professional, there are thermal optics options for every scenario.
The Most Iconic Uses of Thermal Optics in Fiction
| Date & Film | Example |
|---|---|
| Superman Franchise (1938) | Superman and other Kryptonians can detect heat signatures, aiding in night vision. |
| Terminator (1984) | Terminators have infrared vision, with the T-900 capable of deep thermal scans. |
| Predator (1987) | The Predator species uses thermal vision for hunting. The protagonist hides his heat signature with mud. |
| RoboCop (1987) | RoboCop utilizes multiple vision modes, including thermal and infrared, to detect hidden threats. |
| Navy SEALs (1990) | A Barrett M82A1 sniper rifle with a thermal imaging scope is used in the mission. |
| The Silence of the Lambs (1991) | Buffalo Bill uses night vision goggles to stalk his victims. |
| Patriot Games (1993) | Assassins use PVS-7 night vision goggles for a home invasion. |
| Judge Dredd (1995) | The Judges’ helmets have infrared vision, helping Dredd detect cloaked Predators (from the 1997 crossover). |
| Tremors 2: Aftershocks (1996) | Shriekers track prey by sensing infrared radiation from warm-blooded creatures. |
| Jurassic World (2015) | Indominus rex, a bioengineered dinosaur, has infrared vision and can mask its heat signature. |
| Daredevil (2015) | Matt Murdock’s "radar sense" lets him perceive temperature variations, akin to thermal optics. |
| The Terminal List (2022) | Navy SEAL James Reece uses a Heckler & Koch HK416D with a thermal scope. |
| Secret Invasion (2023) | Nick Fury uses discreet infrared glasses to track thermally marked bags. |
| My Hero Academia (2024, Episode 148) | All For One uses the Infrared Quirk to compensate for his blindness. |
Thermal Optic Use in Filmmaking
| Date & Film | Example |
|---|---|
| Fort Apache (1948) | Cinematographer Archie Stout used infrared photography to enhance contrast in Monument Valley. |
| Predator (1987) | Filmmakers used an Inframetrics thermal video scanner to depict Predator’s vision. |
| Zero Dark Thirty (2012) | The final raid scene was filmed using infrared and night vision cameras. |
| The Enclave (2013) | Director Richard Mosse used Aerochrome infrared film to document war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. |
| Sicario (2015) | A high-intensity raid scene was shot entirely with a FLIR X8580 infrared camera. |
| Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018) | A FLIR Star SAFIRE 380-HD, mounted on a helicopter, captured the opening scene. |
| Zone of Interest (2023) | Infrared cinematography was used to depict nighttime resistance efforts during the Holocaust. |
| Dune: Part Two (2024) | Infrared filming was used to create the eerie "Harkonnen Effect" for Giedi Prime. |
Sources:
Motion Picture Association (motionpictures.org)
IndieWire (indiewire.com/features/craft/dune-2-cinematography-infrared-denis-villeneuve-1234967060)
Internet Movie Firearms Database (imfdb.org)
No Film School (nofilmschool.com/zone-of-interest-night-vision)
Photo credits:
Cuatro de Fort Apache. Foto E. Viciano by Eduardo.seligra (CC BY-SA 4.0)
