The world of aviation is full of excitement, discovery, and adventure. Unsurprisingly, so many terrific movies have been made about this ever-evolving industry. Whether you’re an aspiring pilot hungry for inspiration or just simply looking for a good aviation-themed movie, here are our top picks for you.   You may also like: 13 of the Best Aviation Podcasts for Those Into Flying    At Knisley Welding Aircraft Exhaust System, we believe in the value of being able to make exhaust repairs that don’t compromise safety.

Top Gun (1986)

When Top Gun came out in 1986, it was one of the first-ever movies to depict the life of fighter pilots. Since then, dozens of movies about aerial warfare have followed its lead, making Top Gun a true trailblazer in its niche.   The sheer thrill and excitement that Top Gun captured was unlike anything anyone’s ever seen before. The plot follows hotshot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (portrayed by Tom Cruise) as he begins training at the Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School. His daredevil attitude puts him at odds with the rest of the pilots, especially the level-headed but equally as smug Iceman (played by Val Kilmer).   At this point in filmmaking, CGI was not yet as advanced or even used much outside of the sci-fi genre, so the in-air battles you’ll see between the U.S. F-14 Tomcats and the Russian MiG-28 fighter jets are real. They were shot in real-time over the Naval Air Station in Fallon, Nevada.   These aerial shots were so iconic, not only in the name of cinematography but in the fact that they fueled a huge boom in military enlistments in 1986. The Navy even set up recruiting tables outside cineplexes to catch moviegoers coming out of a showing. This strategy proved extremely effective, as the Navy would see a whopping 500% increase in enlistments that year.  

Sully (2016)

In this film, Tom Hanks plays Sully, a pilot who pulls off the impossible feat of successfully landing a damaged plane on the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 people aboard. Though Sully is heralded as a valiant hero by the public and the media, an investigation ensues, as officials consider that the case may have resulted from pilot error.   This is based on the true story of retired pilot Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, who, in January 2009, performed an emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River after a bird strike disabled the engines. The movie depicts the subsequent publicity and investigation that followed the incident and Sully’s affliction with PTSD as a result of the event.  

Amelia (2009)

Directed by Mira Nair, Amelia is a biographical film about the life of Amelia Earhart, famed aviator and pioneering pilot who was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. It follows Earhart’s life from her early days as a pilot, through her many achievements and record-breaking flights, and eventually to that fateful day when she set out to fly around the world in 1937.   The film portrays the spirit of Earhart’s life and achievements, encapsulating her incredible strength and determination as she makes strides in a male-dominated industry. To this day, she remains a significant figure in aviation.   Hilary Swank plays Amelia Earhart, with supporting performances from Richard Gere as publisher George Putnam (who was also Earhart’s husband) and Ewan McGregor as Earhart’s friend and fellow pilot, Gene Vidal.  

The Aviator (2004) 

The Aviator is a biographical film that depicts the life of one of the richest and most influential people in the world, business magnate, philanthropist, record-breaking pilot, and film producer Howard Hughes.    Directed by Martin Scorsese, the story is set in the late 1920s to the mid-1940s, covering a significant portion of Hughes’ life. We follow Hughes (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) as he produces elaborate films, tries to build Trans World Airlines into a major airline, and works to develop troop-transport aircraft for the Army Air Forces. Over the course of the movie, he becomes increasingly isolated and erratic due to his worsening obsessive-compulsive disorder.   Actual replica planes were designed and built especially for the film, such as the Hughes H-1 Racer airplane, the Hughes XF-11, the Spruce Goose, the 14 ft. Gotha Bomber, and more.  

One Six Right (2005)

This film explores the history of Van Nuys Airport, a small airport located in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, California. Documenting the daily operations of the airport and the people who work and fly there, it features interviews with aviation experts, historical airport footage, and stunning aerial photography of the surrounding region.    One Six Right received positive reviews upon release and has been praised for its phenomenal cinematography and authentic celebration of the joy and freedom of flight. Because of this, it has become a popular choice among aviation enthusiasts and is even often used as an educational resource in aviation training programs.   You may also like: 13 of the Best Aviation Podcasts for Those Into Flying   

Aviation Movies

This list of critically acclaimed aviation movies is a diverse and exciting collection of films that are sure to be enjoyed by aspiring pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike. From dramatic retellings of real-life events to thrilling action movies, these films offer a wide range of perspectives on the world of aviation and the people who have dedicated their lives to it.   Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or just starting your aviation journey, these movies are sure to inspire and entertain you with compelling stories and high-flying action. So if you’re looking for a great way to celebrate your love of all things aviation, check out these must-see movies!

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