#1 The Right Stuff (1983)
The story of the original Mercury 7 astronauts and their macho, seat-of-the-pants approach to the space program.
#2 Wings (1927)
Two young men, one rich, one middle class, who are in love with the same woman, become fighter pilots in World War I.
#3 Top Gun (1986)
As students at the United States Navy’s elite fighter weapons school compete to be best in the class, one daring young pilot learns a few things from a civilian instructor that are not taught in the classroom.
#4 The High and the Mighty (1954)
When a commercial airliner develops engine problems on a trans-Pacific flight and the pilot loses his nerve, it is up to the washed-up co-pilot Dan Roman to bring the plane in safely.
#5 The Dam Busters (1955)
The story of how the British attacked German dams in WWII by using an ingenious technique to drop bombs where they would be most effective.
#6 One Six Right (2005)
A documentary film that celebrates the unsung hero of aviation – the local airport – by tracing the life, history, and struggles of an airport icon: Southern California’s Van Nuys Airport. Featuring aerial photography and an original score, the film dispels common misconceptions and opposes criticism of General Aviation airports. Through the love story of one airport, past to present, the film shares the timeless romance of flying with all ages.
#7 Memphis Belle (1990)
In 1943, the crew of a B-17 based in UK prepares for its 25th and last bombing mission over Germany before returning home to the USA.
#8 Airplane! (1980)
A man afraid to fly must ensure that a plane lands safely after the pilots become sick.
#9 Flying the Feathered Edge: The Bob Hoover Project (2014)
WWII veteran, prisoner of war, accomplished test pilot, pace plane for the Unlimited Reno races, air show pilot – Bob Hoover is considered by many to be one of the founding fathers of modern aerobatics. Jimmy Doolittle called him “…the greatest stick and rudder man who ever lived.” Flying the Feathered Edge preserves the stories, the friendships, and the legacy that surrounds this man who quietly touched the trajectory of aviation’s many developments – and who, due to his piloting skills, judgment, decency, luck, and just flat out ability to fly, is considered THE BEST.
#10 Air Force One (1997)
Hijackers seize the plane carrying the President of the United States and his family, but he – an ex-soldier – works from hiding to defeat them.
#11 Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)
In 1941, as Japan prepares to open its war against the USA with a pre-emptive strike on Pearl Harbor, a series of American mistakes threatens to inadvertently aggravate its effectiveness.
#12 Apollo 13 (1995)
NASA must devise a strategy to return Apollo 13 to Earth safely after the spacecraft undergoes massive internal damage putting the lives of the three astronauts on board in jeopardy.
#13 The Spirit of St. Louis (1957)
Charles ‘Slim’ Lindbergh struggles to finance and design an airplane that will make his New York to Paris flight the first solo transatlantic crossing.
#14 Twelve O’Clock High (1949)
A hard-as-nails general takes over a bomber unit suffering from low morale and whips them into fighting shape.
#15 The Aviator (2004)
A biopic depicting the early years of legendary Director and aviator Howard Hughes’ career from the late 1920s to the mid 1940s.
#16 Hell’s Angels (1930)
Brothers Monte and Ray leave Oxford to join the Royal Flying Corps. Ray loves Helen; Helen enjoys an affair with Monte; before they leave on their mission over Germany they find her in still another man’s arms.
I would not have included Top Gun, a poorly written chick flick, I have seen so many better aviator movies.
Every one to their own, but what about Waldo Pepper and Flight of the Phoenix. Two of the very best without a doubt..
And what about ,Piece of Cake,which was more like a sequel series but packed with serious aviation humor.
Anyone interested in realistic combat flying and naval aviation should see “The Bridges at Toko-Ri”
What about Battle of Britain
What about Battle of Britain, Flight 210, Squadron 633?