The 35+ Best Plane Crash Movies
- 1Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Valerie Mahaffey
Starring Tom Hanks in a powerful portrayal of the titular character Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, this Clint Eastwood-directed drama recounts the true story of the 2009 "Miracle on the Hudson." Sully goes beyond the dramatic water landing we've all seen on the news, delving into the emotional turmoil and bureaucratic interrogation faced by the hero captain afterwards. Expertly crafted, this film captures the essence of heroism, determination, and the human spirit against all odds.
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- 2Kurt Russell, Halle Berry, John Leguizamo
As far as plane disaster movies go, this gripping film sets the bar high with its adrenaline-fueled story and intense performances from an ensemble cast that includes Kurt Russell, Halle Berry, and Steven Seagal. In this action-packed thriller, a team of specialists must board a hijacked airliner to disarm dangerous terrorists while making life-or-death decisions mid-flight. Executive Decision expertly mixes elements of suspense, drama, and tension, culminating in an explosive, nail-biting finish.
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- 3Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, Jacqueline Bisset
Regarded as the film that started the golden age of air disaster cinema, Airport is a tense, suspenseful saga involving multiple intersecting storylines. Set in the heart of a massive blizzard, a director of aviation (played by Burt Lancaster) must face numerous challenges at his airport, including family issues, personal health problems, and a bomber onboard an outbound flight. With memorable supporting characters such as Dean Martin's dashing pilot and Helen Hayes' hilarious elderly con artist, Airport remains an iconic piece of airplane disaster movie history.
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- 4Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, John Malkovich
In this action-packed thriller, Nicolas Cage stars as Cameron Poe, an ex-Army Ranger and newly released convict who finds himself trapped on a prison transport plane overtaken by dangerous criminals. With John Cusack and John Malkovich delivering memorable performances to round out the cast, Con Air combines the best elements of air disaster movies with exhilarating action sequences and a gripping storyline. This high-octane adventure is perfect for fans seeking adrenaline-pumping drama and non-stop excitement.
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- 5Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman, Glenn Close
In this heart-pounding action film, Harrison Ford stars as US President James Marshall, who finds himself in a high-stakes situation when Air Force One is hijacked by Russian terrorists. Marrying air disaster tension with political drama and breathtaking action sequences, this film showcases Ford's ability to captivate as both a heroic action star and a steadfast political figure. With memorable characters played by Gary Oldman and Glenn Close, Air Force One remains a thrilling and engaging airplane disaster movie.
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- 6Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle, Kelly Reilly
Denzel Washington delivers a captivating performance as Captain Whip Whitaker, an experienced airline pilot who manages to save nearly all passengers after a catastrophic failure sends his plane into a nosedive. As details of the incident emerge, questions about whether Whitaker’s vices played a role in the event shift the focus of the narrative from hero worship to introspection and self-doubt. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, Flight offers a compelling take on the personal troubles that pilots can encounter and how the human element can make or break an emergency situation.
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- 7Ethan Hawke, Vincent Spano, Josh Hamilton
In this survival epic based on a true story, members of a Uruguayan rugby team find themselves stranded atop the Andes after a horrific plane crash. Starring Ethan Hawke and directed by Frank Marshall, the film explores the complex emotions and moral dilemmas faced by those who struggle to stay alive amidst unbearable adversity. Alive balances a tense and sinking atmosphere with profound themes that resonate with audiences.
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- 8Devon Sawa, Ali Larter, Kerr Smith
This unique and thrilling addition to the plane disaster genre, Final Destination spins a terrifying story with a supernatural twist. After Alex Browning (played by Devon Sawa) has a premonition of a deadly plane crash, he warns fellow passengers, saving several lives in the process. However, the ensuing horror reveals that death itself may be hunting those who escaped their fate. This chilling tale employs suspense, psychological thrills, and sharply executed special effects to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience.
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- 9David Alan Basche, Richard Bekins, Susan Blommaert
Told with raw, documentary-style filmmaking, United 93 depicts the harrowing events surrounding the downed Flight 93 on 9/11. Directed by Paul Greengrass, this intense recounting of the passengers' struggle against their hijackers is heart-wrenching and tragically heroic. United 93 offers a hauntingly realistic portrayal of courage and self-sacrifice as individuals come together to fight back in the face of an overwhelming crisis, making it a must-see for airplane disaster film enthusiasts.
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- 10James Stewart, Richard Attenborough, Peter Finch
A gripping desert survival tale meets air disaster film in this enthralling adaptation of Elleston Trevor's novel. The Flight of the Phoenix showcases a diverse group of travelers stranded in the Sahara after their cargo plane crashes during a sandstorm. Led by the unorthodox skills of an aircraft designer (played by Hardy Krüger), the group attempts to build a new plane out of the wreckage. Crash landing, intrigue, and camaraderie make for a compelling storyline as these characters navigate the dangers of both nature and the human spirit.
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- 11Charlton Heston, Susan Dey, James Brolin
In this high-stakes airplane disaster film, Charlton Heston stars as Captain Hank O'Hara, who must navigate a turbulent web of mystery after receiving a chilling bomb threat aboard his commercial flight. As authorities scramble to identify the unknown hijacker, the tension mounts as O'Hara works against the clock to ensure the safety of his passengers. Featuring a thrilling array of twists and turns, Skyjacked is an edge-of-your-seat film that showcases the best of air disaster cinema.
- 12Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, Peter Graves
Although unmistakably a parody, Airplane! has earned its place in air disaster movie history due to its unrivaled blend of wit, zaniness, and spot-on mockery of the genre. With incomparable comedic timing from Leslie Nielsen, Robert Hays, and Julie Hagerty, this eccentric and hilariously absurd film remains a beloved classic. Airplane! not only provides endless laughter but also showcases a strong understanding and appreciation of the airplane disaster movies it pokes fun at.
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- 13Charlton Heston, Karen Black, George Kennedy
A shining example of the early disaster-film era, Airport 1975 picks up where the original left off, introducing a new group of imperiled passengers and crew facing danger above the clouds. With an all-star lineup that includes Charlton Heston, Karen Black, and George Kennedy reprising his role from the original film, this action-packed story centers around a mid-air collision, hijacking, and daring mountain-based rescue attempts. From thrill-seekers to disaster film connoisseurs, there's something for everyone in this dramatic adventure.
- 14Bruce Willis, Bonnie Bedelia, William Atherton
This thrilling follow-up to the original Die Hard packs an explosive punch with its mix of thrilling aerial hijinks, nail-biting shootouts, and John McClane's (Bruce Willis) trademark wit. When terrorists seize control of an airport's traffic control system, stranding flights above Washington, D.C., during a snowstorm, McClane leaps into action to save his wife's imperiled plane. Die Hard 2 delivers non-stop action, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and a compelling storyline that has earned it a place in the ranks of classic airplane disaster movies.
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- 15Jeffrey Nordling, Ty Olsson, Colin Glazer
A heart-wrenching tribute to the passengers and crew of the ill-fated United Airlines Flight 93, this intense drama portrays the courage and resilience demonstrated during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. As the brave souls on board fight back against their hijackers, the film captures their heroism with painstaking detail and emotional depth. Flight 93 is a powerful reminder of the unforgettable acts of bravery in the face of unimaginable horror that unfolded on that fateful day.
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- 16
7 Days in Entebbe
Daniel Brühl, Rosamund Pike, Eddie MarsanBased on true events, 7 Days in Entebbe sheds light on the harrowing 1976 hijacking of Air France Flight 139 en route to Paris from Tel Aviv. The hijackers demand the release of Palestinian and pro-Palestinian prisoners or threaten to kill the passengers. The film showcases the emotional intensity and political turmoil that echoed worldwide during this hostage crisis. With stellar performances from Daniel Brühl and Rosamund Pike, this poignant tale of courage and sacrifice is essential viewing for air disaster film aficionados.
- 17Jack Lemmon, Lee Grant, George Kennedy
Peril strikes again in the third installment of the Airport series, where a luxury private plane carrying elite passengers is hijacked and crashes into the ocean. Trapped underwater, the survivors must attempt to salvage their situation while facing threats of drowning, submerged wreckage, and limited resources. Featuring a star-studded ensemble cast including Jack Lemmon, Lee Grant, and Brenda Vaccaro, Airport '77 offers high-tension thrills and emotionally charged performances, further cementing its place within the iconic legacy of air disaster cinema.
- 18Jodie Foster, Peter Sarsgaard, Erika Christensen
Jodie Foster delivers an intense and gripping performance in Flightplan, where she plays a grief-stricken aircraft engineer traveling with her young daughter from Berlin to New York. When her daughter vanishes during the flight, panic ensues as she faces disbelief and suspicion from both the crew and fellow passengers. This psychological thriller dives deep into the concepts of trust, sanity, and survival, creating a rich and emotionally charged experience for viewers drawn to airplane disaster films.
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- 19
Non-Stop
Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore, Anson MountLiam Neeson delivers a captivating performance as US Air Marshal Bill Marks, who faces an anonymous terrorist threat while onboard a transatlantic flight from New York to London. As paranoia and suspicion grip the passengers and crew, Marks races against time to identify the mastermind behind the menacing plot. Non-Stop expertly weaves mystery, suspense, and explosive action into a visceral airplane disaster movie experience that keeps audiences on edge from start to finish.
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- 20George Raft, Virginia Mayo, Guy Madison
With a plot centered around a disgraced World War II veteran, Guy Bannister (Guy Madison), en route to his execution for a crime he didn't commit, Jet Over the Atlantic offers gripping performances and a thrilling tale. As the international flight catches public attention, various figures conspire to sabotage the journey, setting into motion a tense game of cat-and-mouse that will have viewers at the edge of their seats. This intriguing entry into the air disaster genre delivers suspense, compelling character arcs, and high-stakes action.
- 21Wesley Snipes, Bruce Payne, Tom Sizemore
Wesley Snipes shines as John Cutter, a former police officer and anti-terrorism expert called upon to save his fellow travelers after their plane is hijacked by a dangerous criminal-the same individual responsible for his wife's murder. Passenger 57 blends bone-chilling suspense with jaw-dropping action sequences to deliver a thrilling addition to the air disaster genre. With its high-stakes, high-altitude adventures, this film will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
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- 22Ray Liotta, Lauren Holly, Brendan Gleeson
In this roller-coaster ride of an air disaster film, passengers and crew onboard a transcontinental flight must contend with a dangerous serial killer and crippling turbulence after his escape from custody. With a strong performance by Ray Liotta as the menacing rogue, the movie offers viewers a chilling blend of psychological drama and high-stakes action. Packed with nail-biting suspense and thrilling moments, Turbulence promises an enthralling viewing experience for fans of airplane disaster movies.
- 23Rachel McAdams, Cillian Murphy, Brian Cox
This gripping psychological thriller from director Wes Craven stars Rachel McAdams as Lisa Reisert, whose late-night flight quickly takes a menacing turn when a stranger seated next to her (played by Cillian Murphy) reveals a chilling plan. As threats and tension increase at 30,000 feet, Red Eye deftly weaves suspense, conspiracy, and character drama into an enthralling airplane disaster film heightened by the claustrophobic setting of a commercial airliner.
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- 24Dennis Quaid, Giovanni Ribisi, Tyrese Gibson
A remake of the 1965 classic, this tense survival thriller stars Dennis Quaid as the captain of a cargo plane that crash-lands in the unforgiving Gobi Desert. Stranded and rapidly running out of supplies, the passengers and crew must band together to construct a new aircraft from the wreckage or perish in harsh conditions. The human spirit's strength in overcoming adversity takes center stage in this action-packed tale full of twists, tension, and heart-pounding moments.
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- 25Samuel L. Jackson, Kenan Thompson, Julianna Margulies
Samuel L. Jackson headlines the campy yet entertaining Snakes on a Plane, a film both loved and loathed for its outrageous concept, one-liners, and CGI-infested action sequences. Viewers join an FBI agent (Jackson) as he guards a witness set to testify against a dangerous mob boss -- who responds by unleashing hundreds of deadly snakes aboard their flight. As passengers grapple with fear and survival, this audacious disaster flick offers up equal parts humor and terror for fans seeking a fun, over-the-top experience.
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- 26Kris Kristofferson, Cheryl Ladd, Daniel J. Travanti
Starring Kris Kristofferson and Cheryl Ladd, Millennium offers an innovative twist to the airplane disaster genre with its sci-fi elements and time-travel premise. As a hardened investigator delves into the mysteries surrounding phone calls recovered from the wreckage of a catastrophic crash, he unexpectedly gets caught up in a web of temporal intrigue. Millennium combines compelling drama, otherworldly excitement, and high-stakes stakes aviation suspense into an unforgettable movie experience.
- 27Blake Lively, Jude Law, Sterling K. Brown
In this noir-action film, Blake Lively delivers a captivating performance as Stephanie Patrick, a woman haunted by the deaths of her family in a tragic plane crash. Discovering the crash was not an accident but rather a premeditated act of terrorism, Stephanie finds herself embarking on a mission of vengeance, navigating the complex web of international espionage. Combining intense action sequences with a character-driven storyline, The Rhythm Section adds a stylish and intriguing entry to the air disaster genre.
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- 28Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Omid Memar, Aylin Tezel
Capturing the claustrophobia and terror experienced during a hijacking, 7500 unfolds almost entirely in the cockpit of an ill-fated Berlin-to-Paris flight. Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivers a powerful performance as a young American pilot who faces harrowing choices while grappling with personal loss. This intense thriller expertly utilizes minimalism and atmospheric tension to immerse audiences in the nightmare-like scenario, making it a must-watch for air disaster enthusiasts.
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- 29Sean Penn, Martin Sheen, Sam Wanamaker
Inspired by actual events, Judgment in Berlin features a star-studded cast, including Martin Sheen and Sean Penn, as it tells the story of the politically charged trial that follows East German airplane hijacking during the cold war. This courtroom drama expertly explores themes of freedom, human rights, and morality, transcending the traditional airplane disaster narrative to provoke thought and reflection on events beyond the catastrophe.
- 30Chuck Norris, Lee Marvin, Hanna Schygulla
This action-packed thriller stars Chuck Norris and Lee Marvin as members of an elite special forces unit tasked with rescuing hostages from a hijacked plane. As the situation becomes increasingly dire, the film showcases heroism, expert strategy, and relentless determination to save the innocent victims. Combining high-octane excitement and intense dramatic moments, The Delta Force delivers everything fans could want in an air disaster movie.
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