10 aviation movies you must watch

10 aviation movies you must watch

Having trouble deciding which film to watch? We have the solution.

Prepare for takeoff as we journey through the cinematic skies with our ultimate guide to aviation movies! As movie lovers and aviation enthusiasts, we find the thrill of flight encapsulated beautifully in these films.

From nerve-wracking tales of survival to biographical dramas of famous aviators, these movies touch upon various aspects of aviation, leaving us thrilled, inspired, and emotional.

Buckle up as we explore each of these high-flying masterpieces!

Contents

The Flight
Air Force One
The Terminal
Top Gun
Amelia
Flightplan
The wind rises
Sully
Midway
The aviator
Why aviation movies never go out of style?
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The Flight

Whitaker’s character in ‘The Flight’ is a paradoxical mix of heroic and flawed. Skillfully directed by Robert Zemeckis, the movie is a thrilling roller-coaster ride. The film showcases a daring emergency landing after a mechanical failure, bringing attention to the raw skill and decision-making capabilities of pilots under pressure.

Undoubtely, it’s a powerful, emotionally-charged narrative with Denzel Washington’s gripping performance, painting a vivid picture of the ups and downs of life in aviation.

ImageMovers, Paramount Pictures, ParkesMacDonald Productions on Film Affinity

Air Force One

Harrison Ford’s turn as the President in ‘Air Force One’ is iconic, to say the least. This movie injects a dose of high-stakes political drama into the aviation mix.

As Air Force One is hijacked mid-flight, the President’s bravery and determination to save his family and staff are put to the ultimate test. An exciting blend of politics and aviation, this movie keeps you on the edge of your seat from takeoff to landing.

Columbia Pictures, Beacon Communications, Radiant Productions on Film Affinity

The Terminal

‘The Terminal’ (2004) is a delightful film that explores a different side of aviation. This heartwarming drama sees Tom Hanks stranded in JFK airport due to a bizarre political crisis.

Directed by Steven Spielberg, the movie touches on the human stories that unfold within the hustle and bustle of a busy airport. Consequently, it’s a charming tale of resilience, humanity, and the surprising adventures that can happen while in transit.

Top Gun

No list of aviation movies would be complete without mentioning ‘Top Gun’ (1986). This cult classic, starring Tom Cruise, is a high-octane showcase of fighter jet action.

The film immerses us in the intense world of naval aviators, complete with exhilarating aerial maneuvers, competitive rivalry, and a stirring romantic subplot. Top Gun’s thrilling dogfights and memorable quotes are sure to ignite your passion for aviation.

Three decades later, in 2022, the sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick”, was released and our school was present at the premiere! In this post you can see what the premiere of “Top Gun: Maverick” was like.

Paramount Pictures, via IMDB

Amelia

In ‘Amelia’ (2009), we are transported back to the golden age of aviation with the story of Amelia Earhart, the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic.

Hilary Swank’s portrayal of the legendary pilot is inspiring and poignant. This biographical drama is a testament to the indomitable spirit of aviators, their passion for flight, and the risks they are willing to take in pursuit of their dreams.

Want to know more about this aviation icon? We have a post in which we explain what happened to Amelia Earhart.

Flightplan

‘Flightplan’ (2005) is a suspense-filled drama that keeps viewers hooked. The movie, starring Jodie Foster, unravels a mother’s desperate quest to find her missing daughter on a transatlantic flight.

It’s a captivating narrative that explores the complexities of airplane design and the challenges of in-flight emergencies. With its heart-pounding suspense and intricate plot, therefore, Flightplan is a must-watch for fans of aviation and mystery.

Touchstone Pictures, Imagine Entertainment via IMDB

The wind rises

‘The Wind Rises’ (2013) is a unique entry in our list. This animated film by Hayao Miyazaki is a biographical drama of Jiro Horikoshi, designer of WWII Japanese fighter planes.

The film combines historical reality with poetic storytelling, exploring the beauty and tragedy of aviation. It’s a visually stunning, emotional journey that provides a different perspective on the world of flight.

Sully

‘Sully’ (2016) is a remarkable film that retells the real-life Miracle on the Hudson. Tom Hanks shines as Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, who heroically landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River, saving all 155 passengers on board.

Directed by Clint Eastwood, the movie delves into the aftermath of the event, exploring the intense scrutiny Sully faced. This film is a tribute to the professionalism and courage of pilots in extraordinary circumstances.

Village Roadshow Pictures, RatPac-Dune Entertainment, Flashlight Films, The Kennedy/Marshall Company, Malpaso Productions via FilmAffinity

Midway

‘Midway’ (2019) is a war film that offers a gripping account of the Battle of Midway during World War II. The movie focuses on the pilots and soldiers who used their wit, fortitude, and bravery to overcome the odds.

Absolutely, it’s a visually spectacular film that pays tribute to the heroes of the past and provides an intense depiction of air combat.

For this reason, this film is one of the best war and aviation movies you could watch on a saturday night.

The aviator

‘The Aviator’ (2004) is a biographical film about Howard Hughes, a pioneering aviator, and filmmaker. With a standout performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, the movie traces Hughes’s passion for aviation, his filmmaking career, and his struggles with mental illness.

The film is a compelling exploration of the eccentric genius’s life, his significant contributions to aviation, and his relentless pursuit of perfection.

Intermedia via Film Affinity

Why aviation movies never go out of style?

As we make our final approach and prepare to taxi off the runway of this cinematic journey, let’s reflect on the undeniable fact that aviation movies never go out of style.

Undoubtely, these films offer more than just a regular movie experience. They tap into our innate fascination with flight, our admiration for those who navigate the skies, and our curiosity about what happens behind the scenes in aviation. Each of the films we’ve explored, from ‘The Flight’ (2012) to ‘Midway’ (2019), holds a unique lens to various aspects of aviation, offering viewers an exciting and enlightening experience.

So, next time you’re in the mood for a film, why not choose one from our list of high-flying adventures?

To find out more about aviation, don’t miss our aviation blog, where you can learn everything from whether a plane can fly without engines to what an air shuttle is.