Throughout history, man has been drawn to the sky, but today it has become a common thing to fly anywhere in the world. The long-held dream of mankind came true, though not learning how to fly like birds, but creating such magnificent and beautiful aircraft that can fly high into the sky and develop great speed. Therefore, in our small selection of the best films about airplanes shot in different genres, from comedy to crime drama. Let's place them in chronological order, because they all deserve to take first place in the ranking.
"Wings". USA. 1927
By tradition, we start with the historical film Wings, shot in 1927. The silent film tells about the heroism of the pilots of the First World War.
Truly, a historical film, the first Academy Award winner in the nomination "Best Film" and "Best Technical Effects." In addition, it was truly the first American blockbuster.
As always, in the center of the plot is a love triangle. Two rivals, handsome pilots, seeking the location of the girl, fall into one flight battalion, and become inseparable friends.
“Only old people go into battle!” THE USSR. 1973
Perhaps one of the best films about military pilots, shot by a talented film director Leonid Bykov. He himself played in his film the main character - the fighter squadron commander, a cheerful but merciless enemy, captain Titarenko, nicknamed "Maestro".
If you say that this film is about war, then it’s bad to understand the cinema. It is about friendship, real, masculine ... It is about love, such that together until death ... It is about the hope that peace will come soon ...
In the beautiful Soviet film, a wonderful cast is assembled, represented by folk artists of almost all the Union republics of the Soviet Union.
Mimino 1977
The sparkling Soviet comedy of the outstanding George Danelia may not be entirely about airplanes, but definitely about the pilot Valiko Mizandali, who is in love with the sky. In the frame you can even see the legendary Soviet supersonic jet airliner Tu-144. there are also beautiful airports in the film: both domestic and international.
Subtle humor, a great play of actors and fiery music will not leave you indifferent, and the phrases from the film have long been divided into quotes, and for many years have been used throughout the post-Soviet space.
The comedy, which critics have identified in the genre of half-tales, has been awarded many national and international awards.
"Crew". 1979
Our list, which includes interesting films about airplanes, continues to the Soviet catastrophe film "Crew", which tells about the heroic work of Soviet civilian pilots who need to save the passengers of their airliner.
The film involves the best actors of Soviet cinema - George Zhzhenov, Leonid Filatov, Elena Yakovleva and many others. And although there are multiple kinolapy in the film, the picture turned out to be interesting and exciting.
In 2016, director Nikolai Lebedev shot a remake of the Soviet masterpiece with Vladimir Mashkov in the title role.
"In the sky," Night Witches. " 1981
These fearless girls and women made their sorties at night, for which they received the nickname "Night Witches."
The film was directed by Evgenia Zhigulenko about the feat of military pilots during the Great Patriotic War, who fearlessly fought for the freedom of their homeland.
Note that Zhigulenko herself served in the 46th Guards Bomber Aviation Regiment, and was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for military merits. Therefore, the picture she got frank, clinging to the living.
"Air prison." 1996
An excellent film with a thoughtful plot and selection of artists was a huge success at the box office, collecting a large box office.
The plot itself is built on the transport of one of the most dangerous criminals in a prison airplane. He has served his sentence, and is heading home, but suddenly terrorists seize another plane, and the main character is involuntarily involved in a special operation.
It is noteworthy that the film, shot in genres such as crime drama and action, is not saturated with unrealistic tricks, and it turned out to be very believable, which impressed the viewer.
"Six days, six nights." 1998
When the name Harrison Ford appears in the credits, it is safe to say that the film will be a success. Films about the fall, in fact, have a common plot, when the main characters, as a result of the crash of an airplane, fall on the island.
This happened with the main characters of the journalist Robin Monroe and the pilot Quinn Harris. Their small plane crashes, and the heroes find themselves on an island in the ocean.
Six days and six nights spent in the jungle are filled with incredible adventures, and a meeting with drug dealers threatens with death.
"Pearl Harbor". 2001
The list of the best films, where the heroes are airplanes, continues the military melodrama "Pearl Harbor", which was shot in 2001 by director Michael Bay.
Amazing special effects, the feeling of a real military battle, a love triangle, all this is present in the film. The director made excellent use of the acting skills of the invited artists, and also did not spare the funds for the scenery. After all, Michael Bay was also the producer of this film.
No wonder the film was awarded the Academy Award for best directing, and was also nominated for a Golden Globe.
"Lost." 2004-2010
According to viewers and experts, Lost, filmed by a group of American directors, is the best crash series ever made in the history of cinema.
Over the 6 years of the project's existence, 6 seasons were filmed, which included 121 episodes. The plot itself is based on the fact that flight No. 815 crashes, and its passengers find themselves on a tropical island full of mysteries and secrets. Once in the jungle, the main task is to survive and not lose the human face.
The series was awarded the prestigious Golden Globe and Emmy awards, and the entire details of the television series were sold at auction for 2 days.
"Aviator". 2004
The biographical film, shot by the talented Martin Scorsese, who invited the young Leonardo di Caprio to the role, took 5 Oscar awards and received other prestigious awards.
The film itself is about a passionate inventor, millionaire Howard Hughes, who has completely devoted his life to aviation. During the war, he receives an order to create a reconnaissance aircraft. New ideas that are born in Howard’s head make it difficult to complete the project.
During the investigation, the protagonist suffers from a severe mental disorder, and it is difficult for him to defend his truth.
"Night flight." 2005
The action-packed thriller, released in 2005, received high marks from both experts and critics.
The script was written and redone for many years, and in 2003 it was bought for $ 26 million. The film was exciting and interesting.
A difficult choice confronts the main character, played by Rachel McAdams, but civic duty is higher than personal sympathy.
"Knights of the sky." France. 2006
Movies about airplanes are usually filmed in an adventure genre. So the French film “Knights of the Sky” is full of adventure and exciting events.
Two pilots regularly serve at a military base. But when the latest aircraft with full ammunition has been hijacked from an air base, it is precisely two comrades who have to save the French capital from air strikes by a terrorist who hijacked the aircraft.
The viewer will appreciate not only the storyline and the game of the actors, but also the magnificent soundtrack of the adventure film about airplanes.
“Lafayette Squadron.” USA-UK. 2006
The film is about the harsh work of military pilots during the First World War. The director and screenwriter tried to raise the complex issues of friendship, racial prejudice, and the place of love in war.
The military drama turned out not only about the war, but also about human relationships. The great play of the actors, special effects and the talent of the director allowed to create a great film.
In 2007, the film Lafayette Squadron received the prestigious Saturn Award, winning three categories at once.
"07 is changing course." Russia. 2007
Russian heroic cinema related to the neutralization of terrorists has long been included in the network of TV programs. But the adventure film "07 changes course" is worthy to be included in our list.
It was shot based on the story “The Hunt for a Ballerina” by Yevgeny Mesyatsev, and is filled with exciting events related to the development of the Russian Gorgon aviation system. This system makes the plane invisible.
Terrorists begin the hunt for Russian military development, and courageous pilots and special services of the Russian Federation are trying to prevent the capture of the aircraft.
"Heaven". India. 2011
Everyone knows that India loves and can make films of any genre. So the dramatic thriller "Heaven" came out surprisingly exciting and exciting.
The plot is simple - the passenger airliner is captured by terrorists, and the crew, together with special services, tries to do everything to protect passengers.
But this is Indian cinema, and new unexpected twists are woven into the storyline, so it is simply impossible to predict the final film.
"Flying fortress". 2012
A film about the legendary aircraft of the Second World War, which took an active part in the bombing of enemy territory and air battles of the Pacific theater of operations.
But this movie is not only about a combat vehicle, but also about human destinies into which the war so cruelly broke. The creators of the picture managed to convey the horror of war, and the bitterness of loss.
In memory of combat pilots, this wonderful picture was shot by American director Michael Phillips.
"Crew". 2012
American directors also removed their "Crew", in which Denzel Washington played the main role. Although in the original Hollywood version the name translates as “Flight” or even “Flight”.
Films with Denzel Washington always have great success and are warmly received by film critics. So this film was twice nominated for an Oscar, and the artist himself was nominated for the Golden Globe.
Films about air crashes are always exciting, and the story itself tells the story of an accident that happened with an airplane, driven by an experienced pilot, William Whitaker. An investigation is underway, and who is to blame will have to decide the court.
"Hugging the sky." Russia. 2014
The twelve-part film directed by Milena Fadeeva takes the viewer into 1985, where two main characters meet in the location of the fighter regiment - Vanya Kotov and Evgenia Lugovaya.
Naturally, young people fall in love with each other, but fate destroys them for a long time. Zhenya's father, a test pilot, dies, and the girl and her mother leave the aviation military camp.
Russian series are sentimental and touching. How was the life of the main characters? Will they meet again? You can find out about this by watching this magnificent movie.
"Ghost". Russia. 2015
A fantastic comedy with elements of mysticism tells about the enthusiastic aircraft designer Yuri Gordeev, who created a magnificent modern airliner.
After death, Gordeev becomes a ghost, and his beloved brainchild, the plane, is on the verge of destruction. Only the schoolboy Vanya, the only one who sees the ghost of Yura, can help him.
We note the magnificent acting of Fedor Bondarchuk and the young, promising artist Semyon Treskunov.
"Fighters." Russia. 2013
Films related to aviation are not so rare, and it is difficult to choose the best film. But the Russian series “Fighters” is definitely among the leaders of films about military pilots and aviation.
The film is about the hard work of military pilots during the Great Patriotic War, who at any moment are ready to sacrifice themselves for the victory over the enemy. As always, a love storyline is woven into the plot, which gives the film a special charm.
The magnificent cast will not leave indifferent the sophisticated viewer, and the crew managed to successfully convey the spirit of that difficult time for the country.
Nirja. India. 2016
Films about airplanes are continued by the Indian film "Nirja", based on real events, without the classics of Indian cinema - songs and dances.
The Indian drama about how terrorists hijacked a plane in 1986, and passengers were confident that they had very few chances to stay alive. But there will always be a man who will interfere with the plans of the terrorists.
Films about stewardesses are almost not made, but this film is about her, the fearless stewardess of the airliner Nirja Bhanot.
"The Miracle on the Hudson." 2016
An exciting biographical film about the life of a pilot who became America's hero on the same day.
For more than 40 years, the pilot Chelsea Sullenberg drove civilian aircraft on air airlines, and now in one flight two aircraft fail at once.
The fearless pilot, in order to avoid the crash of the aircraft and the death of passengers, makes a decision to land the aircraft in the water. He saved the people, but the flight commission thinks differently, accusing Chelsea of the accident.
"Lost in the Pacific." USA-China. 2016
The joint work of the USA and China was highly appreciated by film critics, and the viewer appreciated the fantastic adventure drama.
The main thing is that the creators managed to interest the potential audience with an unusual plot, when the very first flight of a new airliner turns out to be a lot of unexpected consequences.
Heroes find themselves in an extreme situation, and only courage and solidarity will help to overcome all difficulties and stay alive.
"Made in America." 2017
At the age of 27, Barry Seal sat at the helm of a Boeing 747 airliner, and was quite pleased with his life and his beloved job.
But on his life path, the Force meets a CIA agent who radically changes his life. Seal leaves civil aviation, and begins to carry out CIA instructions on a small plane.
At one point, a former pilot, flying to different parts of the globe, understands how to get rich, and contacts drug dealers, delivering dangerous goods to the United States. But what awaits him when everything is revealed?
"Air Marshal." USA-France-UK. 2017
The detective thriller with Liam Neeson and Juliana Moore immediately won the audience’s love after the premiere. The story of an already elderly air marshal captures from the first minutes and does not let go until the end of the film.
The main character is already preparing to leave for a well-deserved rest, but in one of his last flights falls into an extreme situation. All passengers of a flight making a flight from New York to London are held hostage.
At the end of the tape, the viewer will find out if the air marshal, as a representative of the state, can ensure flight safety and save the lives of hundreds of passengers.
We hope our subjective view of feature films and TV shows about airplanes and aviation has pleased the reader. Indeed, no matter in what genre a film about aviation is shot, it always has a place for courage and courage, and planes in such films act as separate acting heroes. Happy viewing!