Stories that take place aboard aeroplanes are always entertaining to watch, whether they are in war movies, dramas, or thrillers. To the mocking Airplane, from the patriotic Pearl Harbor! They are action-packed and give us a different viewpoint on issues we may have already heard about. The ten greatest air force films ever are presented to you after careful consideration.
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Air Force One (1997)
What it’s about: Wolfgang Petersen’s explosive action-crime drama stars Harrison Ford as the President of the United States. In Moscow, he delivers an energising address about the new Zero-Tolerance approach to terrorism adopted by the USA. The Air Force One carrying him back to his native country is kidnapped by a small group of terrorists, who hold all the passengers—including his wife and daughter—as hostages.
They want to kill one captive every half-hour until their demands are satisfied. The President, though, is a former Medal of Honor recipient who is reluctant to give them complete control.
Reasons to watch it: One of the all-time great air force movies is th is one. It is action-packed, filled with excellent performances, and cramped enough to make you hesitant to board an aeroplane once more.
Airplane! (1980)
What it’s about: Ted Striker, a scarred World War II pilot, chooses to board the aircraft once more in an effort to reunite with flight attendant Elaine Dickinson, the love of his life. Striker will be the one who has to handle everything and safely land the plane when a serious case of poisoning strikes everyone on the plane, including the entire crew.
Reasons to watch it: This film is a must-see even if you are not a big lover of parodies. Leslie Nielsen and Lloyd Bridges have outstanding performances, and it is one of those comedies that will make you laugh even more than 40 years after it was first released. It is hilarious, highly clever, and witty.
Black Hawk Down
What it’s about: This masterful war film from director Ridley Scott tells the story of a nearly disastrous mission in Somalia on October 3, 1993, starring Ewan McGregor, Josh Hartnett, and Eric Bana. A chopper dropped over 100 U.S. Army Rangers into Mogadishu with the mission of capturing two of a Somali warlord’s lieutenants. The Army Rangers, US Special Forces, and Somali militants engaged in a very risky and brutal shooting as a result of which two American Black Hawk helicopters were destroyed.
Reasons to watch it: This is a highly realistic tale that highlights all the issues that pilots could run into while out on missions and was inspired by actual incidents. It is a narrative you won’t soon forget because it is interesting and thought-provoking.
Memphis Belle (1990)
What it’s about: The film is titled after a B-17 bomber whose captain’s lover gave it that moniker. This is the tale of the six enlisted men and four officers who are ready to embark on their 25th mission in this aircraft. One of them desires to make everything public before they have even finished. The crew members use this as a stepping stone even though they all have opposing opinions on the provided idea and are very different from one another.
Reasons to watch it: Some of the speech we see and hear in this fascinating true story is actually from the mission of Belle’s crew. Even though the characters are made up, there are many fascinating moments in this instructive film.
Pearl Harbor (2001)
What it’s about: The bombing of Pearl Harbor, one of the most notorious World War II events ever, is the subject of this narrative. This movie transports us to the 1940s and depicts the life of American pilots, who occasionally loved their country more than their closest loved ones through a beautiful and devastating love story.
Reasons to watch it: This heartbreaking tale of two best friends and a stunning nurse is intense, fascinating, and filled with thrilling flying scenes. You will also gain something from your tragic fates, which were undoubtedly shared by many people at the time.
Sully (2016)
What it’s about: In order to save his crew and passengers, pilot Chesley “Sully” Sulleberger was forced to crash-land his damaged aircraft on the Hudson River. Clint Eastwood is the man behind the camera for this biographical drama. Although he was largely regarded as a hero, he was nevertheless viewed as reckless for choosing to do this exceedingly risky action by some.
Why you should see it: Until the film’s conclusion, you won’t be able to sleep. It is superbly performed and directed, realistically portrays the challenges pilots encounter when flying, and demonstrates how calm and responsive they must be in an emergency.
The Aviator (2004)
What it’s about: This fascinating biopic of Howard Hughes focuses on both his early years as a filmmaker and his development and marketing of a new aeroplane. It’s an intriguing look at his life, which was filled with wealth, women, and claims that he was making money off of the conflict.
Why you should see it: Howard Hughes’ groundbreaking design for the aviation industry makes this a film about the air force even though it isn’t about pilots. With Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, and Kate Beckinsale playing the main characters, it is a fantastic drama directed by Martin Scorsese.
The Right Stuff (1983)
What it’s about: This film tells the development of the US space programme and features the Mercury 7 astronauts who broke the sound barrier. It demonstrates that nobody at the time had any expertise or understanding of what they were doing, whether they were managing a space programme or choosing individuals to take part in it.
Why you should see it: For anyone who is interested in space, space programmes, or travelling, this is one of the best movies from the 1980s. It’s amusing and exciting. It features many top-notch actors that deliver us a captivating plot.
Top Gun (1986)
What it’s about: Top Gun pilots who desire to be the finest in the world and who are there to follow the rules and learn are the subject of this tale. We first meet Maverick, a young and disobedient pilot whose background and his father’s unsolved death still haunt him and will have a significant impact on his adherence to the law. Additionally, a civilian instructor will teach him many crucial lessons that are not covered in the curriculum.
Reasons to watch it: This action drama, which was one of Tom Cruise’s best performances, was directed by Tony Scott and is another unquestionable classic among air force movies. Many people who grew up in the 1980s have come to love it because it is entertaining, bold, and engaging.
Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)
What it’s about: Because of the U.S. embargo on raw materials, relations between Japan and the United States are becoming more and more problematic. A strike against the United States is being planned by Air Staff Officer Minoru Genda. Despite being aware of Japanese plans, American intelligence agencies didn’t think that such an attack could take place on American soil.
Reasons to watch it: This is one of the most accurate and compelling accounts of what happened at Pearl Harbor since it includes all the important events that came before the awful event. The film portrays the story as it actually occurred and is packed with action and genuine detail.
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