From the decades of the 70s, 80s, and 90s comes some of the most iconic movies of all time. With the advent of the digital age and the CGI effects that we see now, movies from the 80s stand out due to their use of practical stunt work and real special effects. Many of these movies featured fighter jets, which were a symbol of strength, power, and patriotism. Here’s a list of the best 80s movies featuring fighter jets.
Top Gun (1986)
The classic Tom Cruise movie, Top Gun, was released in 1986 and featured a number of fighter jets including the iconic F-14 Tomcat. The movie follows the story of Maverick, a cocky pilot who is sent to the Top Gun academy to hone his skills. The movie was a hit and gained a cult following over the years, with its soundtrack becoming a classic. The movie also features some impressive aerial stunts and dogfights, making it a must-watch for any fan of fighter jets.
The Right Stuff (1983)
The Right Stuff is a biographical drama released in 1983 and based on Tom Wolfe’s book of the same name. It follows the story of the original Mercury Seven astronauts and their journey to becoming the first human spacefliers. The movie features some impressive aerial sequences featuring F-86 Sabre jets, and it is considered one of the best movies of its era. It also won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Iron Eagle (1986)
Iron Eagle is an action movie released in 1986 and starring Louis Gossett Jr. and Jason Gedrick. The movie follows the story of a young pilot who is forced to team up with an experienced fighter pilot to take down an enemy base. The movie features some impressive aerial sequences featuring the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and it was a hit at the box office. The movie spawned three sequels and is considered to be one of the best action movies of the 80s.
Firefox (1982)
Firefox is a sci-fi, action movie released in 1982 and starring Clint Eastwood. The movie follows the story of a former pilot who is tasked with infiltrating the Soviet Union and stealing an advanced fighter jet called the Firefox. The movie features some impressive aerial sequences featuring the MiG-31 fighter jet and it is considered to be one of the best action movies of the 80s. The movie was a hit at the box office and spawned a sequel.
Crimson Tide (1995)
Crimson Tide is a submarine thriller released in 1995 and starring Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman. The movie follows a submarine crew that is sent to intercept a Russian submarine carrying nuclear weapons. The movie features some impressive scenes featuring fighter jets and it is considered to be one of the best submarine movies of all time. The movie was a hit at the box office and won an Oscar for Best Sound Editing.
The Final Countdown (1980)
The Final Countdown is a sci-fi, action movie released in 1980 and starring Kirk Douglas and Martin Sheen. The movie follows the story of an aircraft carrier that is sent back in time to the day before the attack on Pearl Harbor. The movie features some impressive aerial sequences featuring the F-14A Tomcat and it is considered to be one of the best time travel movies of all time. The movie was a hit at the box office and spawned a sequel.
Top Secret! (1984)
Top Secret! is a comedy movie released in 1984 and starring Val Kilmer and Omar Sharif. The movie follows the story of a rock singer who is recruited by the CIA to infiltrate a secret military base. The movie features some impressive aerial sequences featuring the F-16 Fighting Falcon and it is considered to be one of the funniest movies of the 80s. The movie was a hit at the box office and spawned a sequel.
The Hunt for Red October (1990)
The Hunt for Red October is a submarine thriller released in 1990 and starring Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin. The movie follows the story of a Soviet submarine captain who is defecting to the United States with a nuclear missile. The movie features some impressive aerial sequences featuring the F-14 Tomcat and it is considered to be one of the best submarine movies of all time. The movie was a hit at the box office and was nominated for three Academy Awards.
Blue Thunder (1983)
Blue Thunder is an action movie released in 1983 and starring Roy Scheider and Malcolm McDowell. The movie follows the story of a police officer who is tasked with testing a new prototype helicopter called the Blue Thunder. The movie features some impressive aerial sequences featuring the AH-56A Cheyenne helicopter and it is considered to be one of the best action movies of the 80s. The movie was a hit at the box office and spawned a TV series.
Conclusion
The 80s was an iconic decade for movies, and many of them featured fighter jets. From classic movies like Top Gun to cult classics like The Right Stuff, these movies showcased the power and majesty of fighter jets. These movies are all worth watching for fans of fighter jets, and they are a testament to the power of the 80s movie industry.
