Top-Rated Films that Take Place on an Aircraft

The concept of a single-location setting has proven to be a powerful and versatile setup in various movie genres, particularly in the realm of action. Whether it’s the intense scenario of recreating the gripping dynamics of Die Hard across diverse locations such as mountains, buses, or planes, this approach delivers a thrilling surge of adrenaline. Within the confined space of an aircraft, machismo often triumphs over logic, leading to explosive encounters.

However, planes also offer ample opportunities for comedy and drama to unfold. The deep-rooted fear of flying resonates strongly with audiences, making narratives that confine individuals in the air, compelling them to defy the odds of gravity, a beloved Hollywood trope. Naturally, the impact of these films extends beyond what transpires within the plane, as they explore the triumphs and tragedies that occur once the wheels touch the ground. Delve into the very best movies that take place amidst the clouds and witness the captivating journey of overcoming these extraordinary circumstances.

 1.  Turbulence

Despite the potential for trashiness in early-90s Hollywood, Turbulence delivers an intense and thrilling experience driven by the talent of its cast and director. Ray Liotta delivers a standout performance as a prisoner on a mass transport, showcasing his over-the-top acting prowess. With shades of his memorable role in Goodfellas, Liotta’s character takes on a twisted essence reminiscent of Ted Bundy, utilizing his captivating blue eyes to manipulate the staff. The film reaches new heights as Liotta sets fire to bodies on the plane, indulges in rebellious acts like ripping cigarettes, and maintains a chilling laughter until the very end.

 2.  Passenger 57

“Always bet on black!” The 90s witnessed Wesley Snipes embark on an impressive streak, culminating in his iconic portrayal of the vampire-slaying, fearless Blade. Following the success of Die Hard, a wave of imitators emerged, swapping the renowned Nakatomi Plaza for diverse settings. Placing a badass cop amidst out-of-sync terrorists on an airplane proved to be a winning formula for high-budgeted action thrillers. In the midst of this trend, Snipes shone in Passenger 57. Although not all the action unfolds aboard the plane, director Kevin Hooks skillfully maintained the tight, 90s-style action thriller, replete with captivating moments delivered by its villain, portrayed by Bruce Payne. Passenger 57 stands as a testament to the classic Hollywood era, consistently delivering entertaining films suitable for a Saturday matinee.

 3.  Air Force One

From his legendary role as the rebellious Han Solo in Star Wars to his iconic portrayal of Indiana Jones, Harrison Ford established himself as a dependable action star throughout his career, extending well into the 90s. His rugged charisma and gruff demeanor made him a perfect fit for an unforgettable depiction of an American president. In Air Force One, the renowned plane falls into the hands of a terrorist group led by Gary Oldman. Oldman, once again showcasing his versatility by adopting a different accent to embody another memorable antagonist, engages in a gripping showdown with Ford. Beyond a mere test of strength, Ford’s character maneuvers through the labyrinthine plane, determined to rescue the hostages and prevent the flight from descending into chaos.

 4.  Snakes on a Plane

Snakes on a Plane lives up to its absurd title, delivering exactly what it promises. The film revolves around the explosive combination of Samuel L. Jackson and venomous snakes wreaking havoc on a hijacked flight. Amidst the chaos, the film presents a slew of comical characters, including an assassin plotting against Jackson. The escalating kills grow increasingly ludicrous, with Jackson himself delivering the now-famous line that served as a major selling point for the movie. Despite its outlandish plot, Snakes on a Plane provides a delightfully entertaining and action-packed ride.

 5.  Up in the Air

Up in the Air seamlessly blends elements of luxury air travel, romantic comedy, and a poignant workplace drama that delves into the harsh realities of economic downturns and the erosion of the middle class. George Clooney delivers a standout performance, showcasing his acting prowess at its finest. Director Jason Reitman exhibits his filmmaking expertise at its peak, skillfully exploring the privileges and challenges of corporate jobs through Clooney’s character’s unexpected romantic connection with Vera Farmiga. As Clooney traverses various cities, he encounters and ultimately dismisses notable comedic talents such as Danny McBride, J.K. Simmons, and Zach Galifianakis, resulting in a captivating narrative. The film’s exploration of the idiosyncrasies of frequent flyers and the allure of living a nomadic life within the realm of air travel offers a refreshing and unique perspective.

 6.  Red Eye

Red Eye, directed by Wes Craven, showcases a masterful blend of thrills, departing from the slasher horror genre while maintaining an undercurrent of impending doom. This impeccably crafted thriller takes a more action-oriented approach, anchored by a compelling two-person dynamic between Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy. McAdams portrays a hostage trapped with Murphy, a disturbing individual who holds her father accountable for murder. Craven deftly constructs the film around their airborne journey, forcing McAdams to grapple with the decision of whether to comply with Murphy’s twisted game or take a stand, potentially endangering the entire flight. Clocking in at a brisk 90 minutes, Red Eye manages to pack in plenty of suspense and leaves audiences with much to contemplate.

 7.  Con Air

In the same year as Face/Off, Nicolas Cage aimed for action supremacy, delivering one of his trademark, eccentric performances as Cameron Poe in Con Air. Poe, a convict yearning to reunite with his daughter, sports a peculiar Southern accent. The dilapidated plane they’re on falls victim to a hijacking, orchestrated by the ever-intense John Malkovich in another scene-stealing role. The escort mission takes a catastrophic turn, with a star-studded ensemble including Ving Rhames, Dave Chappelle, Steve Buscemi, and John Cusack. Con Air provides a dose of delightfully chaotic entertainment, boasting high-octane action and a formidable cast that still captivates audiences to this day. The film’s blend of grand-scale production values and a muscular ensemble ensures its enduring appeal.

 8.  Fearless

Peter Weir, renowned for his contemplative and almost ethereal filmmaking style, consistently surpasses the confines of reality in which his characters reside. Whether exploring the concept of reality itself in The Truman Show or pushing the limits of resilience in Master and Commander, Weir’s films propel their protagonists to transformative experiences that emerge from the depths of the unknown. Fearless, featuring a remarkable performance by Jeff Bridges as a man who survives a devastating plane crash, follows suit. As Bridges grapples with the aftermath, his existence takes an unforeseen turn, leading him to alienate his family and overlook his own internal struggles. Weir masterfully constructs a gradual crescendo of terror, gradually revealing the horrors of the crash and culminating in a profoundly harrowing depiction, making it one of the most astonishing and spine-chilling plane crash sequences ever captured on film.

 9.  Top Gun

Tony Scott and Tom Cruise’s collaboration in Top Gun, one of their two joint projects, ignites a thrilling collision of vehicular chaos and pure adrenaline, fueled by the actors’ vibrant energy. Cruise embodies the role of a hotshot pilot engaged in a tense rivalry with high-ranking military officials. Top Gun immerses viewers in a military landscape where brotherly bonds run deep. As Cruise’s character strives to dominate the skies as the finest pilot in the field, he clashes with his adversary, Iceman (Val Kilmer), while forming a close friendship with Goose (Anthony Edwards). The film paints a vivid portrait of masculine camaraderie, drenched in sweat and oozing machismo, with Cruise delivering his character’s always charismatic presence. Scott transforms the film into not only a visual spectacle but also an auditory extravaganza, enveloping audiences in the thunderous roar of F/A-18 fighter jets.

 10.  Airplane!

If a plaque were to commemorate a masterclass in brilliantly absurd comedy, it would undoubtedly be dedicated to Jim Abrahams and the Zucker brothers for their groundbreaking film Airplane!. This timeless classic stands as one of Hollywood’s earliest and finest examples of spoof and satire, establishing a blueprint that would influence the genre for years to come. Airplane! relentlessly aims to tickle your funny bone, discarding any semblance of reality and fearlessly delivering gut-busting humor in every scene. From Leslie Nielsen’s unforgettable delivery of the line, “Don’t call me Shirley,” to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s unexpected takeover of the plane, the film hilariously parodies the disaster movies that surged in popularity during the 70s, leaving audiences in stitches. Airplane! boldly charted new territory for comedy, carving its place as a comedic gem that continues to shine brightly.

 11.  Non-Stop

Throughout his illustrious and extensive career, Liam Neeson has established himself as a bona fide action star. In the past 15 years, particularly since the release of Taken, he has expertly portrayed characters who relentlessly eliminate henchmen in pursuit of personal vengeance or justice, leaving behind a trail of memorable films. Among them is Non-Stop, a remarkable collaboration between Neeson and French director Jaume Collet-Serra, resulting in a quartet of gripping cinematic experiences. What sets Non-Stop apart is its unwavering commitment to a breakneck pace, mirroring the urgency of a bomb threatening to detonate aboard a crowded plane. The film unravels a compelling conspiracy, featuring a talented ensemble cast including Corey Hawkins, Scoot McNairy, and Julianne Moore. Even in the face of imminent danger, Neeson’s character exhibits a resilient determination, brilliantly conveyed amidst the chaos.

 12.  Top Gun: Maverick

Elevating the audience to soaring heights, cinematographer Claudio Miranda and his close collaborator Joseph Kosinski spared no expense in capturing the heart-pounding, death-defying spectacle of F/A-18 jets tearing through the daytime skies in Top Gun: Maverick. Building upon the foundation laid by the original film, they crafted a fresh visual aesthetic that paid homage to its predecessor. Following in the footsteps of the esteemed visual stylist Tony Scott is no small task, but Miranda rose to the challenge with ingenious camera setups, while Tom Cruise’s unwavering commitment to remain in the cockpit added an authentic touch. The result was one of the most awe-inspiring and captivating cinematic experiences of 2022. With a warmer color palette than the original and a reverence for Cruise’s Mach-10 flights that bordered on divine, the film’s breathtaking landscapes and meticulously crafted shots created a sumptuous visual feast that was distinctly American in its essence.