Top 10 Terrific Movies with Airplanes
Movies with Airplanes typically feature aeroplanes as a central element of the plot. These movies may be dramas, comedies, thrillers, or action movies. They often depict the excitement and danger of air travel or explore themes related to aviation such as pilot training, air traffic control, or airline operations. Some Movies with airplanes, such as Airplane! (1980), are primarily comedies that parody the aeroplane disaster genre. Other movies, like Flight (2012), explore more serious themes such as addiction and personal responsibility in the context of a plane crash.
Airplane movies can be entertaining, thought-provoking, and sometimes even inspiring. They offer a unique perspective on the experience of air travel and the people who make it possible. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just enjoy a good movie, these movies are worth checking out.
Serial Number | Movie Name | IMDb Rating | Budget (in $) Million | Total Collection (in $) Million |
1 | Top gun (1986) | 6.9/10 | 15 M | 357 M |
2 | The Aviator (2004) | 7.5/10 | 110 M | 213.7 M |
3 | Non-Stop (2014) | 6.9/10 | 50 M | 222.8 M |
4 | Con Air (1997) | 6.9/10 | 75 M | 224 M |
5 | Airplane! (1980) | 7.7/10 | 3.5 M | 171 M |
6 | Up In The Air(2009) | 7.4/10 | 25 M | 166.8 M |
7 | Flight (2012) | 7.3/10 | 31 M | 161.8 M |
8 | Executive Decision (1996) | 6.5/10 | 55 M | 121.8 M |
9 | Flight 93 (2006) | 6.3/10 | 15 M | 76.3 M |
10 | Snakes on a Plane (2006) | 5.5/10 | 33 M | 62 M |
Movies With Airplanes
10. Snakes on a Plane (2006)

Snakes on a Plane is an action thriller movie released in 2006. The movie with planes follows FBI agent Neville Flynn (played by Samuel L. Jackson) as he tries to protect a key witness in a murder case during a flight from Hawaii to Los Angeles. However, things take a turn for the worse when a crate of venomous snakes is released on the plane, causing chaos and endangering the lives of everyone on board. With the help of a flight attendant (played by Julianna Margulies) and a rookie cop (played by Nathan Phillips), Agent Flynn tries to keep the passengers safe from the deadly snakes while also figuring out who is behind the attack.
Along the way, the group must battle not only the snakes but also their own fears and the rising panic of their fellow passengers. This is one of the movies with airplanes known for its over-the-top action sequences and Samuel L. Jackson’s iconic line, “I have had it with these motherfing snakes on this motherfing plane!” Despite mixed critical reviews, Snakes on a Plane has become a cult classic among fans of the action and horror genres.
9. Flight 93 (2006)

Flight 93 is a drama movie released in 2006, based on the September 11th attacks. This movie with planes tells the story of United Airlines Flight 93, which terrorists hijacked as part of a coordinated attack on the United States. The passengers on the flight, realizing the hijackers’ intentions to use the plane as a weapon, decided to take action and attempt to regain control of the aircraft. One of the best movies with planes follows the passengers’ brave and selfless efforts to overpower the hijackers and prevent them from carrying out their plans.
The story is told in real time and is based on interviews with family members of the passengers and crew, air traffic control recordings, and other sources. Despite the passengers’ heroic efforts, the plane ultimately crashed in a field in Pennsylvania, killing all aboard. One of the best movies with Airplanes that honours the bravery and sacrifice of the passengers and crew. It serves as a reminder of the heroism and resilience of the American people in the face of tragedy.
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8. Executive Decision (1996)

Executive Decision is an action thriller movie released in 1996. The movie with planes story revolves around a group of terrorists who hijack a passenger jet and threaten to release a deadly nerve gas over Washington D.C. unless their demands are met. The US government mobilizes a team of experts to board the hijacked plane mid-flight and neutralize the terrorists and the nerve gas threat. The team is led by Dr David Grant (played by Kurt Russell), a military intelligence expert, and Lieutenant Colonel Austin Travis (played by Steven Seagal), a special forces operative.
Along with a group of highly skilled commandos, they board the plane using an experimental stealth aircraft and attempt to take control of the situation. However, things quickly become complicated when the terrorists discover the team’s presence and begin to retaliate. One of the best movies with airplanes featuring action sequences, impressive special effects, and a strong ensemble cast including Halle Berry, John Leguizamo, and Oliver Platt. Executive Decision received mixed reviews upon its release but is generally considered a solid entry in the action thriller genre.
7. Flight (2012)

Flight is a drama movie released in 2012, directed by Robert Zemeckis. One of the best movies with airplanes follows Whip Whitaker, a commercial airline pilot who saves a plane from crashing during a mid-air malfunction, but faces a crisis of his own when an investigation into the incident reveals that he had alcohol and drugs in his system at the time of the flight. Whitaker struggles to come to terms with his addiction and the consequences of his actions, while also grappling with the legal and personal fallout of the crash.
The movie with planes explores themes of addiction, redemption, and personal responsibility, as Whitaker tries to reconcile his actions with his own sense of morality and the expectations of those around him. The cast also includes Don Cheadle as the lawyer representing Whitaker, John Goodman as Whitaker’s drug dealer and friend, and Kelly Reilly as a fellow addict whom Whitaker meets in the hospital. It received critical acclaim as one of the best airplane movies for its strong performances, compelling storyline, and realistic depiction of addiction and its impact on individuals and their loved ones.
6. Up In The Air(2009)

Up in the Air is a comedy-drama movie released in 2009, directed by Jason Reitman. The movie with planes follows Ryan Bingham (played by George Clooney), a corporate downsizing expert who travels around the country to fire people on behalf of their employers. Ryan is a lonely and detached individual who is obsessed with his frequent flyer miles and the lifestyle of constant travel and anonymity that comes with it. When his company introduces a new technology that could make his job obsolete, Ryan’s carefully constructed world is threatened.
He also forms a connection with a fellow frequent flyer named Alex and starts to question his lifestyle and priorities. One of the best movies with airplanes that explore themes of corporate culture, isolation, and the search for meaning in a fast-paced, interconnected world. Ryan’s journey towards self-reflection and growth is interwoven with the stories of the people he fires, adding a poignant and human element to the movie’s larger themes. Up in the Air was critically acclaimed upon its release, and praised for its intelligent writing, subtle humour, and nuanced exploration of complex themes.
5. Airplane! (1980)

Airplane! is a comedy movie released in 1980, directed by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker. The movie with planes is a spoof of disaster movies, particularly the Airport film series, and follows the story of a passenger plane that suffers a catastrophic mechanical failure, leaving the pilots incapacitated and the fate of the plane in the hands of a former fighter pilot named Ted Striker (played by Robert Hays). One of the best movies with airplanes known for its over-the-top humour, puns, and visual gags, as well as its numerous parodies of popular culture.
The movie’s humour is largely derived from its absurd situations and exaggerated characters, with a rapid-fire pace that keeps the laughs coming. Despite its irreverent tone, Airplane! also features a number of memorable and iconic scenes, including the famous “Don’t call me Shirley” line delivered by Nielsen’s character. Airplane! was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and is now considered a classic of the comedy genre. Its influence can be seen in countless other comedies and parodies that have followed in its wake.
4. Con Air (1997)

Con Air is an action thriller movie released in 1997, directed by Simon West. The movie with planes follows Cameron Poe (played by Nicolas Cage), a former US Army Ranger who is sentenced to prison for accidentally killing a man in a bar fight. After serving his sentence, Poe is released and placed on a plane that is transporting dangerous criminals across the country, including Cyrus “The Virus” Grissom (played by John Malkovich), a notorious criminal mastermind. When the plane is hijacked by the inmates, Poe must use his military training to try and take back control of the plane and stop the criminals from using it as a weapon.
Along the way, Poe is assisted by a fellow inmate named Baby-O (played by Mykelti Williamson), who is in need of medical attention, and a US Marshal named Vince Larkin (played by John Cusack), who is trying to coordinate a rescue mission from the ground. A Masterpiece movie with planes features intense action sequences, including a climactic showdown on the runway, as well as strong performances by its cast. In addition to Cage, Malkovich, Williamson, and Cusack, the movie also features supporting roles by Steve Buscemi, Ving Rhames, and Dave Chappelle.
3. Non-Stop (2014)

Non-Stop is a thriller movie released in 2014, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. The movie follows Bill Marks (played by Liam Neeson), an air marshal who is tasked with keeping passengers safe on a transatlantic flight from New York City to London. However, shortly into the flight, Marks begins to receive mysterious text messages from someone on board the plane, threatening to kill a passenger every 20 minutes unless a large sum of money is transferred into a specific account. As the situation onboard the plane becomes increasingly tense, Marks must race against the clock to figure out who the perpetrator is and prevent any further harm from coming to the passengers.
Along the way, he works with a flight attendant named Nancy (played by Michelle Dockery) and an IT specialist named Jen (played by Julianne Moore) to try and solve the mystery. The movie features intense action sequences and a fast-paced plot that keeps viewers guessing until the very end. Neeson delivers a strong performance as the lead character, who is haunted by personal demons and a troubled past, adding an extra layer of depth to the story.
2. The Aviator (2004)

The Aviator is a biographical drama movie released in 2004, directed by Martin Scorsese. The Movie with planes tells the story of Howard Hughes (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), a wealthy industrialist and aviation pioneer who became one of the most influential figures in the history of aviation. The movie follows Hughes from his early days as a Hollywood filmmaker and aviation enthusiast to his later years as a reclusive and eccentric billionaire. Along the way, the movie explores his many relationships with women, including his romantic involvement with actress Katharine Hepburn (played by Cate Blanchett).
The Aviator features impressive production design and period costumes that help bring the story to life, as well as strong performances by its cast. DiCaprio delivers a particularly noteworthy performance as Hughes, capturing both his brilliant mind and his descent into madness. One of the most amazing movies with airplanes was a critical and commercial success upon its release, praised for its historical accuracy, attention to detail, and strong performances. It was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and won five, including Best Supporting Actress for Blanchett’s portrayal of Hepburn.
1. Top gun (1986)

Top Gun is an action drama movie released in 1986, directed by Tony Scott. The movie follows Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (played by Tom Cruise), a young and talented fighter pilot who is sent to the United States Navy’s elite fighter weapons school, known as “Top Gun.” At Top Gun, Maverick and his fellow pilots, including his rival Iceman (played by Val Kilmer), undergo intense training exercises to become the best fighter pilots in the world. Along the way, Maverick becomes romantically involved with his instructor, Charlie (played by Kelly McGillis), and struggles to come to terms with the death of his father, who was also a fighter pilot.
One of the best movies with airplanes features impressive aerial footage and intense action sequences, as well as a strong soundtrack featuring the hit song “Take My Breath Away” by Berlin. Cruise delivers a charismatic performance as Maverick, who is both cocky and vulnerable, and the chemistry between him and McGillis is a standout. Top Gun was a massive commercial success upon its release and is now considered a classic of the action drama genre.