Top Gun
Released in 1986, Top Gun is considered by many as the best Navy jet movie of all time. Directed by Tony Scott and starring Tom Cruise, the film tells the story of a young pilot named Maverick who is sent to the Top Gun Naval Flying School. Along the way, he falls in love with his instructor and battles with his rival, Iceman. With its iconic soundtrack and thrilling aerial scenes, Top Gun has become a classic in the action genre.
Behind Enemy Lines
Released in 2001, Behind Enemy Lines stars Owen Wilson as a Navy pilot who is shot down over enemy territory during a reconnaissance mission. With limited resources and pursued by enemy forces, he must find a way to survive and make it back to safety. The film is known for its intense action sequences and gripping storyline.
Flight of the Intruder
Flight of the Intruder is a 1991 film based on the novel of the same name by Stephen Coonts. Set during the Vietnam War, the movie follows a group of Navy pilots who fly missions over enemy territory. The film stars Danny Glover and Willem Dafoe and is known for its realistic depictions of aerial combat.
The Final Countdown
The Final Countdown is a 1980 science fiction film that takes place on the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. The ship is transported back in time to just before the attack on Pearl Harbor, giving the crew the opportunity to prevent the tragedy from occurring. The movie stars Kirk Douglas and Martin Sheen and features stunning aerial footage of the carrier.
Stealth
Stealth is a 2005 action film that follows a group of Navy pilots who are given a new mission: to fly an advanced, unmanned fighter jet. But when the plane becomes self-aware and begins to act on its own, the pilots must find a way to stop it before it causes a global catastrophe. The movie stars Josh Lucas, Jessica Biel, and Jamie Foxx and features impressive special effects.
Iron Eagle
Iron Eagle is a 1986 film that tells the story of a young pilot who must rescue his father, a pilot who has been shot down and taken prisoner in the Middle East. With the help of his friends and a retired Air Force colonel, he steals two F-16 fighter jets and sets out on a dangerous mission to save his father. The film is known for its exciting aerial scenes and catchy soundtrack.
Midway
Midway is a 2019 war film that tells the story of the Battle of Midway, a pivotal battle in the Pacific theater of World War II. The movie follows a group of Navy pilots who engage in a fierce battle against the Japanese fleet, including the carriers that attacked Pearl Harbor. The film stars Ed Skrein, Patrick Wilson, and Woody Harrelson and is known for its stunning visual effects.
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor is a 2001 war film that tells the story of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The movie follows two childhood friends who find themselves caught up in the war: one becomes a pilot and the other a nurse. The film stars Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, and Kate Beckinsale and features impressive aerial scenes.
Firebirds
Firebirds is a 1990 action film that follows a group of helicopter pilots who are sent to a training camp to learn how to fly advanced attack helicopters. But when they discover that the camp is actually a front for a drug cartel, they must use their skills to take down the criminals. The movie stars Nicolas Cage, Tommy Lee Jones, and Sean Young and features breathtaking aerial stunts.
The Hunt for Red October
The Hunt for Red October is a 1990 thriller that takes place during the Cold War. The movie follows a Soviet submarine captain who defects to the United States with his vessel, the Red October. The Navy sends a group of ships to intercept the sub, but tensions rise when it becomes clear that the Soviet government is willing to go to great lengths to prevent the defection. The film stars Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin and features intense submarine action.
Executive Decision
Executive Decision is a 1996 action thriller that follows a group of Navy SEALs who are sent on a mission to board a hijacked plane and rescue its passengers. But when they discover that the plane is carrying a deadly nerve gas, they must find a way to stop it from being released before it’s too late. The movie stars Kurt Russell, Halle Berry, and Steven Seagal and features impressive aerial sequences.
Memphis Belle
Memphis Belle is a 1990 war film that tells the story of the crew of the B-17 bomber Memphis Belle during their final mission over Germany in World War II. The movie follows the crew as they face intense enemy fire and struggle to make it back to safety. The film stars Matthew Modine, Eric Stoltz, and Harry Connick Jr. and features realistic aerial combat.
We Were Soldiers
We Were Soldiers is a 2002 war film that tells the story of the Battle of Ia Drang during the Vietnam War. The movie follows a group of soldiers, including a group of helicopter pilots, as they fight a fierce battle against the North Vietnamese army. The film stars Mel Gibson, Sam Elliott, and Greg Kinnear and is known for its intense combat scenes.
Red Tails
Red Tails is a 2012 war film that tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African American pilots who fought in World War II. The movie follows the pilots as they face discrimination and battle enemy forces in the skies over Europe. The film stars Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrence Howard, and David Oyelowo and features stunning aerial scenes.
The Great Santini
The Great Santini is a 1979 drama that tells the story of a Marine pilot and his family. The movie follows the pilot as he struggles to balance his military career with his role as a husband and father. The film stars Robert Duvall and Blythe Danner and features realistic depictions of military life.
The Bridges at Toko-Ri
The Bridges at Toko-Ri is a 1954 war film that tells the story of a Navy pilot who is sent on a mission to bomb a set of bridges in North Korea during the Korean War. The movie follows the pilot as he struggles with the dangers of his mission and the separation from his family. The film stars William Holden and Grace Kelly and features impressive aerial footage.
The Right Stuff
The Right Stuff is a 1983 drama that tells the story of the early days of the US space program. The movie follows a group of test pilots, including Chuck Yeager and John Glenn, as they compete for the opportunity to become the first Americans to fly in space. The film stars Sam Shepard, Scott Glenn, and Ed Harris and features impressive aerial footage.
