Aviation can provide an excellent backdrop for cinema. Plenty of movies have been made over the years featuring or focusing on aviation, many of which have been met with critical acclaim. Here are five unmissable aviation-themed movies that every aviation-lover should see.
1“Top Gun” (1986)
“Top Gun,” directed by Tony Scott and starring Tom Cruise, is an undisputed classic of aviation cinema. Its sequel, released last year, may be even better – “Top Gun: Maverick” included plenty of acting in real jets and received a 96% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, compared to the original’s 58%.
The original movie follows the journey of Maverick, a young naval aviator, as he navigates the challenges of the elite Fighter Weapons School known as Top Gun. Known for its thrilling aerial combat sequences and iconic soundtrack, “Top Gun” was not only met with commercial success, but it also inspired a new generation of aspiring pilots and may have even led to a boost in applicants to the US Navy.
2“The Right Stuff” (1983)
“The Right Stuff,” directed by Philip Kaufman, is a drama that delves into the early days of the US space program. Based on Tom Wolfe’s book, the film chronicles the lives of test pilots who became America’s first astronauts. Spanning the era from Chuck Yeager breaking the sound barrier to the Mercury Seven astronauts’ pioneering space missions, “The Right Stuff” captures the bravery, camaraderie, and sacrifice of the first of those to venture into space.
With a 96% “Fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film received critical acclaim for its historical accuracy and exceptional performances, earning four Academy Awards.
3“Sully” (2016)
Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Tom Hanks, “Sully” recounts the remarkable true story of Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, whose heroic actions saved the lives of all 155 passengers and crew on US Airways Flight 1549. After both engines failed following a bird strike shortly after takeoff, Sully made the split-second decision to land the plane on the Hudson River, a feat that came to be known as the “Miracle on the Hudson.”
The film explores the aftermath of the incident and the investigation that followed, delving into the personal and professional challenges faced by Captain Sullenberger. Tom Hanks delivers a compelling performance, capturing the emotional depth of a man thrust into the spotlight as a national hero.
4“Apollo 13” (1995)
Directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, and Bill Paxton, “Apollo 13” is a gripping retelling of the ill-fated 1970 Apollo 13 lunar mission. After an oxygen tank exploded onboard the spacecraft, the crew faced life-threatening challenges in their struggle to return safely to Earth.
The film captures the tension and resourcefulness of NASA’s ground control and the astronauts as they battled against the odds and worked against time with their limited resources. With its meticulously researched portrayal of the events, “Apollo 13” earned critical acclaim, receiving nine Academy Award nominations and winning two Oscars.
5“The Aviator” (2004)
Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, “The Aviator” is a biographical drama that explores the fascinating life of aviation pioneer Howard Hughes. Spanning the 1920s to the 1940s, the film portrays Hughes’ innovative contributions to aviation and his ambitious endeavors in the film industry. DiCaprio’s performance captures Hughes’ brilliance, eccentricities, and struggles with mental health.
“The Aviator” received critical acclaim, earning five Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Cate Blanchett’s portrayal of Katharine Hepburn.
Source: simpleflying.com