Need something to watch over a long Flight? Get comfortable and throw on one of these classic flicks. These are some of the best aviation movies to watch based on appeal to general moviegoers, based on popularity and critical acclaim, to ensure broad entertainment value. This approach ensures that they resonate general viewers.
1. Top Gun (1986) and Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
“Top Gun” the iconic aviation movie that shows the life of a fighter pilot. Starring Tom Cruise as Maverick, this film explores the missions of the U.S. Navy’s elite fighter pilots and the intense training involved. For Lieutenant Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell and his friend and co-pilot Nick ‘Goose’ Bradshaw, being accepted into an elite training school for fighter pilots is a dream come true. But a tragedy, as well as personal demons, will threaten Pete’s dreams of becoming an ace pilot.
“Top Gun: Maverick,” is a thrilling sequel to the iconic 1986 film “Top Gun.” Tom Cruise returns as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy’s top aviators, and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell finds himself training a detachment of TOP GUN graduates for a specialized mission the likes of which no living pilot has ever seen. Featuring breath-taking aerial combat sequences, stunning cinematography, and a powerful soundtrack.
2. Sully (2016)
“Sully: Miracle on the Hudson” tells the incredible true story of Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, played by Tom Hanks, an airline pilot who performed an emergency landing on the Hudson River, becoming one of the world’s most famous pilots. The movie depicts the intense drama and heroism surrounding US Airways Flight 1549, focusing on how Sullenberger’s quick thinking saved all 155 passengers and crew aboard. However, even as Sully was being heralded by the public and the media for his unprecedented feat of aviation skill, an investigation was unfolding that threatened to destroy his reputation and career.
3. The Aviator (2004)
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes, “The Aviator” is a biopic depicting one of aviation’s most influential figures filmmaker and aviation pioneer Howard Hughes from 1927 to 1947. It focuses on Hughes’ early years as a film director and aviator, highlights his innovations and struggles with mental illness. The movie’s themes of innovation, ambition, and personal struggle, combined with stunning visuals of historical aircraft and flight innovations, make it a compelling story for anyone passionate about aviation history.
4. Memphis Belle (1990)
“Memphis Belle” narrates the true story of the final bombing mission of the crew of a B-17 bomber during World War II. The film highlights the bravery and determination of the soldiers as they face life-threatening risks high above enemy territory. The movie gives a realistic account of the challenges and fears that come with being part of a bombing mission. Rich in historical detail and character development, “Memphis Belle” is a heartfelt tribute to the courage of World War II aviators.The “Memphis Belle” is a World War II bomber, piloted by a young crew on dangerous bombing raids into Europe. The crew only have to make one more bombing raid before they have finished their duty and can go home. In the briefing before their last flight, the crew discover that the target for the day is Dresden, a heavily-defended city that invariably causes many Allied casualties
5. Flight (2012)
Robert Zemeckis’s “Flight,” featuring Denzel Washington, delves into the complexities of a pilot’s life and the consequences of addiction. The movie’s themes of redemption and accountability, combined with Washington’s powerful performance, make it a compelling drama set against the backdrop of aviation. The film’s realistic depiction of aviation crises and the protagonist’s journey of redemption make it a must-watch for aviation enthusiasts.
