Movies have the amazing ability to take us to new places, occasions, and adventures. Few things better than aeroplanes flying across the sky capture the spirit of exploration and exhilaration. Films about aeroplanes have consistently captivated our attention, whether it is through exciting aerial battles, breathless in-flight events, or high-stakes hijackings. We’ll take you on a trip through the sky as we list the best airplane-themed movies, including hijacking to spine-tingling thrillers.
1. Flight (2012)
This movie is directed by Robert Zemeckis which features a story of a commercial airline pilot Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington). The movie is based on a plane crash in which Whip Whitaker as a pilot miraculously manages to land an airplane on the runway after unfavorable events happen midair. He saves the lives of almost every passenger and hence he is celebrated as a hero among the public. However, post accident investigation uncovers the dark truth about the personality of Whip and raises many questions than answers. The film’s thrilling flight sequences are enhanced by its examination of morality, addiction, and personal redemption making this movie a must watch on the list of aviation genres.
2. Con Air (1997)
The movie centers around Cameron Poe (Nicolas Cage) a former US ranger in a lead role who is recently granted parole in a crime committed while defending his wife’s owner. He is heading to meet his wife after a long time but he must travel in an airplane known as ‘Jailbird’ which is also carrying one of the deadliest criminals convicted in horrific crimes. The brilliant serial killer Cyrus “The Virus” Grissom (John Malkovich), along with Diamond Dog (Ving Rhames) and Baby-O (Mykelti Williamson), unleashes a bloody escape plan mid-flight. Cameron tries to thwart Grissom’s plan by covertly collaborating with US Marshall Vince Larkin (John Cusack). Join the action packed flight journey with brutal criminals thousands of feet above the ground.
3. Air Force One (1997)
President James Marshall (Harrison Ford), together with his family (Wendy Crewson, Liesel Matthews), advisors, and others board Air Force One after making a speech in Moscow in which he vowed never to compromise with terrorists. The President’s morals and ethics are put to the test when a bunch of terrorists led by Ivan Korshunov (Gary Oldman) hijack President’s aircraft. Ex-soldier Marshall stows away in the plane while pretending to flee, and now he must work quickly to save his family and everyone else on board. Ford’s captivating appearance, the film’s breathtaking action sequences, and the high stakes tension make it a compelling addition to the list.
4. Up in the Air (2009)
Corporate downsizer Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) receives a proposal from a young, new coworker (Anna Kendrick) that would reduce his continual travel, so he takes her on a trip to emphasize the value of face-to-face meetings with those they must terminate. He arranges connections with another frequent flier (Vera Farmiga) while mentoring his colleague, and as he grows to love her, he begins to view people differently. The movie offers a distinct viewpoint on narrative based on aeroplanes while examining issues of human connection, loneliness, and self-discovery.
5. Non-Stop (2014)
The movie brings about the story of an alcoholic U. S. Air Marshal Bill Marks (Liam Neeson) who was bored of his routine job even though each flight could result in loss of life. But his routine life at the office turns into a serious situation when he receives a series of text messages demanding transfer of $ 150 million into an offshore account by an airline company failing to which kills one passenger every 20 minutes. The film’s suspenseful storyline and commanding screen presence of Neeson keep viewers busy in this midair thriller.
6. Flightplan (2005)
The movie is gripping suspense starring Jodie Foster who played the role of grieving widow Kyle Pratt, an airplane engineer. Jodie along with her six year old daughter Julia and his husband’s coffin travel in a double decker aeroplane flying from Germany to America. The story takes a mysterious turn when she realizes her daughter is missing on board. Mystery even deepens further when everyone on the flight along the crew rejects her daughter’s presence on the flight. The grieving mother takes charge and decides to search for her daughter in a massive double decker plane. The tense investigation in the flight keeps the audience engaged throughout the journey.
7. United 93 (2006)
The movie is based on the actual events that happened on board United Airlines Flight 93 which was one of the four hijacked planes intended to be used in the September 11 attacks. The Director Paul Greengrass emphasizes the bravery and sacrifice of the passengers by portraying their courageous attempts to regain control of the aeroplane.
8. Snakes on a Plane (2006)
In this movie Samuel L Jackson played the role of FBI agent Neville Flynn who is flying from Hawaii to Los Angeles bringing a witness to court together. In an effort to kill the witness an assassin on board releases a box of dangerous snakes. Witness the chaos among the passengers and struggle for survival against the backdrop of venomous snakes in the flight which may raise hair on your skin.
9. Passenger 57 (1992)
The movie showcases John Cutter (Wesley Snipes) who begins his new job with a major airline company under the Anti Terrorism Team. However, the FBI is transporting a terrorist named Charles Rane (Bruce Payne) through the same plane. Rane’s accompliances kill the FBI agents in order to release him from the FBI. Cutter realizes that the entire flight along with passengers and crew are under threat and he must act together with crew members in order to save the life of people on board.
10. Red Eye (2005)
On a regular flight, a stranger abducts a woman named Lisa Reichert (Rachel Macadems). She is entangled in a scheme to help her kidnappers to carry out a political assassination after receiving the death threat of her Father. The movie depicts a close cat-and-mouse game between passengers, which heightens the suspense of the story’s airplane-based scenario.
11. Flight World War 2 (2015)
Do you get thrilled by time travel movies. Then you must land here at Flight Wotld War 2 where an entire modern passenger flight time travels in past straight in the conflict zone of World War 2 during their journey through a mysterious cloud. Hence all the passengers and crew of flight 42 are forced to fight in one of the deadliest battles in human history subsequently they must find a way to return back their original time.
12. Flight 7500
In this film we see a journey of passenger plane who travels smoothly to its destination. Suddenly things starts getting worst when passengers get haunted by the unknown supernatural forces causing passengers to one another. The entire plane run into chaos by the presence of evil spirits making them confront their fears in order to survive.
Conclusion
Cinematic experience involving flight journey takes audiences on a thrilling ride of heart pounding action and suspense.Each movie presents a distinctive viewpoint on the difficulties, perils, and adventures connected to flying. Everyone can enjoy the aviation genre, whether they want heartwarming heroism, tense tension, or suspense. Therefore, if you’re looking for cinematic thrill in the future, think about taking a ride in one of these best films for an exciting trip through the sky.