The Rise of Jet Plane Movies in the 1980s
The 1980s saw a rise in movies featuring jet planes. This was largely due to advancements in technology that allowed for more realistic and thrilling aerial scenes. These movies often featured fighter jets, with the most iconic being the F-14 Tomcat from the movie Top Gun.
Top Gun (1986)
Top Gun, released in 1986, is perhaps the most famous movie featuring jet planes. The movie starred Tom Cruise as a fighter pilot named Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. The movie showcased the F-14 Tomcat and made the plane an iconic symbol of the 1980s. The aerial scenes in the movie were groundbreaking and paved the way for future aviation movies.
Iron Eagle (1986)
Iron Eagle, released in the same year as Top Gun, also featured fighter jets. The movie starred Louis Gossett Jr. as a retired Air Force pilot who helps a group of teenagers steal fighter jets to rescue one of their fathers who is being held hostage in the Middle East. While not as critically acclaimed as Top Gun, Iron Eagle was still popular amongst aviation enthusiasts.
Flight of the Intruder (1991)
Flight of the Intruder, released in 1991, starred Danny Glover and Willem Dafoe as pilots during the Vietnam War. The movie showcased the A-6 Intruder, a twin-engine jet used by the United States Navy. The movie was based on a novel by Stephen Coonts and was praised for its accurate depiction of the Vietnam War.
Firefox (1982)
Firefox, released in 1982, starred Clint Eastwood as a pilot who steals a Soviet fighter jet capable of Mach 6. The movie showcased the fictional MiG-31 Firefox, which was equipped with thought-controlled weapons. While not as successful as Top Gun, Firefox was still popular amongst aviation enthusiasts.
Blue Thunder (1983)
Blue Thunder, released in 1983, starred Roy Scheider as a police helicopter pilot who is tasked with testing a new helicopter equipped with advanced surveillance equipment. While not featuring a fighter jet, the movie still showcased advanced aviation technology and was praised for its thrilling aerial scenes.
Conclusion
The 1980s saw a rise in movies featuring jet planes, with Top Gun being the most iconic. These movies showcased advanced aviation technology and paved the way for future aviation movies. While not all of these movies were critically acclaimed, they were still popular amongst aviation enthusiasts and helped to create a new genre of cinema.
