Fly Into The Action With The 17 Best Fighter Jet Movies
Vote up your favorite aerial combat movies with fighter planes that use jet propulsion. Sorry Flyboys, no prop planes allowed.
- Photo: Paramount Pictures
Anticipated as one of the most awaited sequels in recent years, Top Gun: Maverick brings back Tom Cruise as the esteemed naval pilot Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. Set for release in 2022 and directed by Joseph Kosinski, this modern follow-up promises to feature advanced fighter jets such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-35 Lightning II while maintaining the breathtaking aerial dogfights that made its predecessor legendary. The story centers on Maverick's role as an instructor at the Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School and his relationship with Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw (Miles Teller), son of Maverick's late best friend Goose – offering a fresh perspective on camaraderie within this elite group of pilots.
After more than 30 years of service as one of the Navy's top aviators, Pete "Maverick" Mitchell is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him. Training a detachment of graduates for a special assignment, Maverick must confront the ghosts of his past and his deepest fears, culminating in a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those who choose to fly it.More Top Gun: Maverick
- Photo: Paramount Pictures
Top Gun, directed by Tony Scott and released in 1986, is often considered the gold standard for fighter jet movies. With Tom Cruise's charismatic performance as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, this action-packed film showcases thrilling aerial combat sequences, cutting-edge technology of its time, and an engaging storyline revolving around the intense rivalry between Naval Aviators at the prestigious Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School. The movie's exhilarating soundtrack complements its high-octane visuals, further adding to its appeal. Over three decades later, Top Gun remains a classic in the genre and continues to inspire both filmmakers and aviation enthusiasts alike.
In the high-octane film Top Gun, Pete Maverick Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is an audacious naval aviator with an insatiable need for speed. His reckless flying style lands him a spot at the prestigious Fighter Weapons School, known as Top Gun, where he competes against the best fighter pilots in the country. Here, Maverick meets his match in both the air and on ground - rival pilot Tom Iceman Kazansky (Val Kilmer) and astrophysics instructor Charlotte Charlie Blackwood (Kelly McGillis). This 1986 action drama directed by Tony Scott won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and is celebrated for its thrilling aerial sequences and iconic soundtrack.More Top Gun- Dig Deeper...Ranker Rundown: Flying High With 'Top Gun: Maverick'
- #109 of 264 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
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Released in 2001 with John Moore at the helm, Behind Enemy Lines follows Owen Wilson as Navy Navigator Chris Burnett who finds himself stranded in enemy territory after his aircraft is shot down during a reconnaissance mission over Bosnia. Gene Hackman co-stars as Admiral Reigart, tasked with mounting a daring rescue operation amidst political constraints. Showcasing gripping action sequences featuring various military aircraft like F/A-18 Hornets and MiG-29 Fulcrums, this intense war drama successfully immerses viewers in the high-stakes world of military aviation and captures the essence of survival against all odds.
A Navy pilot (Owen Wilson) is shot down over enemy territory, and struggles to survive the relentless pursuit of a ruthless secret police enforcer, a deadly tracker, and countless hostile troops. With time running out, the injured pilot's commanding officer (Gene Hackman) goes against orders to carry out a desperate rescue mission.More Behind Enemy Lines- #90 of 264 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
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- Photo: Iron Eagle
Undoubtedly an iconic fighter jet movie from the 1980s, Iron Eagle follows Doug Masters (Jason Gedrick), a young pilot who enlists the help of veteran Colonel Charles "Chappy" Sinclair (Louis Gossett Jr.) to rescue his father who has been captured behind enemy lines. Directed by Sidney J. Furie, Iron Eagle showcases thrilling aerial dogfights with F-16 Fighting Falcons while exploring themes like friendship, loyalty, and determination amongst its protagonists. Its gripping story and engaging characters have made it a staple for fans of military aviation movies since its inception.
When Col. Ted Masters' (Tim Thomerson) plane goes down in an Arab country and he's sentenced to death for trespassing, his 18-year-old son, Doug (Jason Gedrick), is determined to save him. Unfortunately, Doug isn't the best fighter pilot -- he wasn't accepted into the Air Force because he needs to listen to music in order to hit a target. So he enlists the help of Col. Chappy (Louis Gossett Jr.) to borrow a couple of F-16 planes, fly across the Atlantic and start a rescue mission. - Photo: Flight of the Intruder
Based on Stephen Coonts' novel, Flight of the Intruder (1991) is a riveting portrayal of naval aviators during the Vietnam War. Directed by John Milius, this period piece centers around Lieutenant Jake Grafton (Brad Johnson) who becomes disillusioned with his bombing missions after losing his best friend. Driven by revenge, Grafton teams up with Lieutenant Commander Virgil Cole (Willem Dafoe) to strike a high-value target deep within enemy territory. Featuring impressive aerial combat scenes with A-6 Intruders and F-4 Phantoms, this film delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by pilots during wartime while providing captivating action for aviation enthusiasts.
U.S. Navy pilot Lt. Jake Grafton (Brad Johnson) and his bombardier buddy, Lt. Cmdr. Virgil Cole (Willem Dafoe), are two soldiers embedded in the Vietnam War growing frustrated by the military's constraints on their missions. Despite the best efforts of their commanding officer, Cmdr. Frank Camparelli (Danny Glover), to re-engage them, this disillusioned pair decide to take the war effort into their own hands with an explosive battle plan that could well get them court-martialed.- #6 of 15 onThe Best Movies And TV Shows About Aerial Combat
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- Photo: Stealth
Directed by Rob Cohen in 2005, Stealth is a futuristic action thriller featuring state-of-the-art unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) alongside traditional manned fighter jets like F/A-37 Talons. The story revolves around a group of elite pilots who must deal with an AI-controlled UAV gone rogue that threatens global security. Boasting cutting-edge visual effects and adrenaline-pumping aerial battles, Stealth provides an intriguing glimpse into the potential future of military aviation.
Navy fighter pilots Ben Gannon (Josh Lucas), Henry Purcell (Jamie Foxx) and Kara Wade (Jessica Biel) are tasked with training an unmanned plane to hit important overseas targets. Ben doesn't trust the artificial-intelligence technology, especially after the plane is hit by lightning and rewired. However, the Navy is determined to put the plane in the air -- even after it goes off on a mission of its own. Ben knows he has to stop the technology before it sparks a new world war. - Photo: 20th Century Fox
In this blockbuster sci-fi film directed by Roland Emmerich in 1996, humanity faces an alien invasion on July 4th—a day symbolic for American independence—forcing mankind to unite and defend Earth from complete destruction using advanced fighter jets such as F/A-18 Hornets piloted by both civilian and military personnel alike. With compelling performances from Will Smith as Captain Steven Hiller and Bill Pullman as President Thomas J. Whitmore, Independence Day offers a thrilling combination of science fiction and fighter jet action that remains ever-popular with audiences.
In the groundbreaking sci-fi action film Independence Day, mankind faces the threat of global destruction at the hands of malevolent extraterrestrials. As cities crumble under colossal alien ships, a disparate group of survivors emerges. Among them is President Thomas J. Whitmore (Bill Pullman), hotshot pilot Captain Steven Hiller (Will Smith), and eccentric scientist David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum). Together, they devise a risky plan to repel the invaders and save humanity. Directed by Roland Emmerich, this 1996 blockbuster was applauded for its impressive special effects and won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.More Independence Day- #13 of 50 onThe Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
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This French action film from 2005, also known as Les Chevaliers du Ciel, follows two Mirage 2000D pilots who embark on a dangerous mission after their aircraft is stolen during an airshow. Directed by Gérard Pirès and featuring breathtaking aerial footage captured by actual French Air Force pilots in addition to intricate dogfights between supersonic jets above beautiful landscapes, Sky Fighters offers a thrilling experience for aviation enthusiasts.
Les Chevaliers du ciel is a 2005 French film directed by Gérard Pirès about two air force pilots preventing a terrorist attack on the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris. It is based on Tanguy et Laverdure, a comics series by Jean-Michel Charlier and Albert Uderzo which was also made into a hugely successful TV series from 1967 to 1969, making the characters of Tanguy and Laverdure a part of popular Francophone culture. - Photo: Firefox
Clint Eastwood's 1982 directorial effort, Firefox, is a captivating blend of Cold War espionage and high-octane aerial combat. Eastwood stars as Mitchell Gant, an American pilot tasked with stealing the Soviet Union's most advanced fighter jet: the MiG-31 "Firefox." The movie features intense dogfights showcasing impressive special effects and innovative technologies like cloaking devices and thought-controlled weaponry that make it stand out within the genre.
Mitchell Gant (Clint Eastwood) is a veteran American pilot who becomes involved in a top-secret mission to steal a high-tech Russian fighter plane known as "Firefox." Covertly entering the Soviet Union, Gant receives help from dissidents within the country, most notably a group of scientists who have been working on the plane. As Gant reaches his goal of heisting the aircraft, enemy pilots are quick to follow, leading to a sequence of soaring dogfights as he attempts to elude Soviet jets.More Firefox- #47 of 67 onThe Best Movies Of 1982
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- Photo: Iron Eagle II
Continuing the legacy of its predecessor, Iron Eagle II (1988) sees the return of Louis Gossett Jr. as Colonel Charles "Chappy" Sinclair who is tasked with leading a joint US-Soviet mission to destroy a nuclear missile site in the Middle East. Directed by Sidney J. Furie, this sequel retains the exhilarating aerial combat sequences featuring F-16 Fighting Falcons while introducing intriguing political overtones to its narrative.
In the waning years of the Cold War, Gen. Chappy Sinclair (Louis Gossett Jr.) is charged with assembling a joint U.S.-Soviet operation to take out a weapons plant in the Middle East. He has his old buddy Matt Cooper (Mark Humphrey) on hand, but is surprised to find himself also supervising a feisty Russian woman named Valeri Zuyeniko (Sharon H. Brandon). Sinclair whips his pilots into shape as they overcome their cultural and gender differences in preparation for their climactic mission. - Photo: Air Force One
Harrison Ford takes on the role of President James Marshall in Wolfgang Petersen's 1997 action thriller Air Force One, where he must save his family and fellow passengers after terrorists hijack their aircraft mid-flight. Featuring stunning aerial cinematography that showcases various military aircraft like F-15 Eagles and MiG-29 Fulcrums alongside one of cinema's most iconic planes—the VC-25A (a modified Boeing 747)—this film delivers an edge-of-your-seat experience punctuated by its gripping storyline and remarkable performances.
Air Force One, a thrilling action-drama film, centers on President James Marshall (Harrison Ford), a leader committed to the war against terrorism. Onboard the presidential aircraft, Air Force One, after an international peacekeeping event, things take a dark turn. Russian extremists, led by Ivan Korshunov (Gary Oldman), hijack the flight, holding the president and his family hostage. The stakes are high as this isn't just any passenger - it's the President of the United States. Trapped aboard his own aircraft, President Marshall must rely on his courage and wits to reclaim control, protect his family, and save everyone onboard. The movie is noted for its intense action sequences and compelling performances from its lead actors.More Air Force One- #35 of 50 onThe Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
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- Photo: Aces: Iron Eagle III
The third installment in the popular franchise finds Colonel Charles "Chappy" Sinclair (Louis Gossett Jr.) joining forces with WW2 pilots to take down a drug cartel using vintage fighter planes such as P-38 Lightnings and Spitfires. Released in 1992 and directed by John Glen, Aces: Iron Eagle III adds an interesting historical element to its aviation action while maintaining the spirit of camaraderie that endeared viewers to its predecessors.
Veteran Air Force pilot Charles "Chappy" Sinclair (Louis Gossett Jr.) is drawn into international intrigue when Anna Morales (Rachel McLish), the sister of a recently deceased friend, asks for his help. Anna reveals that her brother died at the hands of Gustav Kleiss (Paul Freeman), an ex-Nazi who runs a drug ring in Peru and is holding her father hostage. Sinclair enlists a number of his air-show buddies to join the mission, and they depart for Peru to take on the ruthless criminal. - Photo: Hot Shots!
This 1991 parody from director Jim Abrahams pokes fun at classic fighter jet movies like Top Gun with hilarious results. Starring Charlie Sheen as Lieutenant Sean "Topper" Harley, Hot Shots! features exaggerated aerial battles involving Folland Gnats painted as American naval fighters while providing side-splitting satire of military aviation tropes. Though lighthearted in nature, the film still pays tribute to its genre inspirations.
In this spoof of "Top Gun," former U.S. Navy pilot Topper Harley (Charlie Sheen) is haunted by an accident in which his father lost control of a fighter jet. When Lt. Cmdr. James Block (Kevin Dunn) asks Topper to come out of retirement and help him complete a classified mission, Topper returns to active duty against the advice of his psychiatrist (Valeria Golino) and soon discovers that he may be a pawn in a devious arms manufacturing conspiracy.More Hot Shots!- #122 of 702 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
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- Photo: Iron Eagle IV
The fourth entry in the beloved Iron Eagle series sees Colonel Charles "Chappy" Sinclair (Louis Gossett Jr.) return once more to lead an elite group of pilots against mercenaries equipped with advanced fighter jets like F/A-18 Hornets. Directed by Sidney J. Furie in 1995, Iron Eagle on the Attack maintains its franchise's trademark combination of exciting aerial combat sequences and themes encompassing loyalty, friendship, and determination amongst its protagonists – making it another notable addition to the ever-popular fighter jet movie canon.
Retired from the Air Force, Chappy Sinclair (Lou Gossett Jr.) now runs a private flight school that happens to cater to misfits and juvenile offenders. Desperate to instill discipline, Chappy hires as an instructor his former protégé, Doug Masters (Jason Cadieux), who had previously been shot down by the Soviets. During training, Doug and the youths encounter drug dealers, toxic chemicals and an insidious conspiracy that threatens to ignite a global war. - Photo: True Lies
James Cameron's True Lies (1994) combines exhilarating action sequences with elements of comedy to create an entertaining espionage adventure starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as secret agent Harry Tasker. Among various high-stakes set-pieces, the film features gripping helicopter combat scenes showcasing Harrier Jump Jets – demonstrating Cameron's ability to seamlessly incorporate military aviation into his larger-than-life narratives.
In True Lies, a high-octane blend of action-comedy and spy-thriller, Harry Tasker (Arnold Schwarzenegger) leads a double life. By day, he's a dull computer salesman married to Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis), but by night, he's a top-secret government agent combating international terrorism. When his two worlds collide following an investigation into illegal arms sales, chaos ensues. Director James Cameron expertly orchestrates this rollercoaster ride of suspense, humor, and explosive stunts. The film scooped up an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, testament to its groundbreaking spectacle.More True Lies- #22 of 50 onThe Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
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- Photo: Stealth Fighter
Directed by Jim Wynorski and starring Ice-T as a rogue pilot who steals a top-secret stealth aircraft, Stealth Fighter (1999) offers viewers an intriguing plot that involves espionage, betrayal, and high-flying action sequences featuring F-117 Nighthawks. The film's unique blend of military aviation thrills with elements of political intrigue makes it a compelling watch for fans of the genre.
Air Force pilot Owen Turner (Ice-T) fakes his death during a mission and goes to work for arms dealer Roberto Menendez (Andrew Divoff). After Owen successfully steals a fighter jet and a powerful satellite, Roberto threatens to destroy Washington, D.C., if he does not receive $10 billion. Owen's former partner, Ryan Mitchell (Costas Mandylor), despite promising his ex-wife, Erin (Erika Eleniak-Goglia), to quit his dangerous work for a safer position, is called in to fight the evil duo. - Photo: Into the Sun
Released in 2005 and directed by mink, Into the Sun follows American CIA agent Travis Hunter (Steven Seagal) as he uncovers an escalating conflict between rival Yakuza factions and the Russian mob in Japan while investigating the assassination of Tokyo's governor. Showcasing intense aerial combat scenes with various fighter jets such as F-15 Eagles, this action-packed film expertly combines elements of espionage and political intrigue within its captivating narrative.
A Hollywood star (Anthony Michael Hall) hangs out with a combat pilot (Michael Paré) for research, followed by action in the Mideast.
