There’s nothing quite like the thrill of watching fighter jets engage in a dogfight on the big screen. These intense aerial battles have been a staple of action movies for decades, and for good reason. From Top Gun to Independence Day, there are countless films that feature unforgettable dogfights that leave audiences on the edge of their seats.
The Classics: Top Gun and Iron Eagle
When it comes to classic fighter jet movies, Top Gun and Iron Eagle are two of the most iconic. Top Gun, released in 1986, stars Tom Cruise as a hotshot pilot who learns the true meaning of teamwork while training at the Navy’s Fighter Weapons School. The film features several thrilling dogfight scenes, including the climactic showdown between Maverick and Iceman.
Iron Eagle, released in 1986, follows a teenager who teams up with a retired Air Force pilot to rescue his father from a Middle Eastern country. While the film may not be as well-known as Top Gun, it features some equally impressive dogfight scenes that make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Modern Classics: Stealth and Battle of Los Angeles
As technology has advanced, so too have the capabilities of fighter jets on the big screen. In 2005’s Stealth, three pilots must take on an AI-powered fighter jet that has gone rogue. The film features some of the most impressive dogfight scenes ever captured on film, with the AI jet pushing the pilots to their limits.
Released in 2011, Battle of Los Angeles takes the dogfight to new heights by pitting fighter jets against extraterrestrial spacecraft. The film features some truly epic battle scenes, with the jets weaving in and out of buildings as they attempt to take down the alien invaders.
The Underrated: Firefox and Sky Fighters
While they may not be as well-known as some of the other films on this list, Firefox and Sky Fighters are two underrated gems that deserve more attention. Firefox, released in 1982, stars Clint Eastwood as a pilot who must steal a top-secret Soviet fighter jet. The film features some tense dogfight scenes that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Sky Fighters, released in 2005, follows two French fighter pilots as they take on a group of terrorists who have hijacked a prototype fighter jet. The film features some impressive dogfight scenes that showcase the capabilities of modern fighter jets.
The Animated: The Wind Rises and Howl’s Moving Castle
While most fighter jet movies are live-action, there are a few animated films that feature impressive dogfight scenes as well. The Wind Rises, released in 2013, is a biopic of Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter plane. The film features some stunningly animated dogfight scenes that are both beautiful and intense.
Howl’s Moving Castle, released in 2004, is a fantasy film that features a memorable dogfight scene between a human pilot and a magical flying castle. While it may not be a traditional fighter jet movie, the scene is still impressive and showcases the versatility of the genre.
The Future: Top Gun: Maverick
Coming soon to theaters is Top Gun: Maverick, the highly-anticipated sequel to the original Top Gun. The film sees Tom Cruise reprising his role as Maverick, now a flight instructor who must train a new generation of pilots. While the film has yet to be released, the trailers suggest that it will feature some incredible dogfight scenes that will make it a worthy addition to this list.
