Jazmin Li
Airport movies have been a popular genre since the 1970s, when the Airport film series debuted. These films, based on the novel of the same name by Arthur Hailey, blended disaster and comedy to showcase the thrills and dangers of air travel. Since then, numerous films have centred their stories on airplanes and airports, from high-stakes action films like Air Force One to hilarious parodies like Airplane!. Whether it's the suspense of a mid-air crisis or the comedic antics of passengers, airport movies continue to captivate audiences with their unique blend of excitement and drama. With a range of themes and tones, the best airport movie is a matter of personal preference, as each film offers a distinct experience against the backdrop of air travel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport movie series | Airport, Airport 1975, Airport '77, Airport '79/The Concorde |
| Best airport movie | Die Hard 2: Die Harder |
| Best "Airport" feature | Airport 1975 |
| Top 3 airplane movies | Air Force One, Airplane!, Top Gun |
| Other good airplane movies | View from the Top, The Terminal, Sully, Fight or Flight, Money Plane, Flight Risk, In the Line of Fire, Hostage, The Siege, Clear and Present Danger, The Sum of All Fears, The Naked Gun, Police Academy, Hot Shots!, Spaceballs, Ferris Bueller's Day Off |
| Good airport scenes | When Harry Met Sally, Chalte Chalte |
Explore related products
![Airport: The Complete Collection [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81-nvGF8wgL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Airport Terminal Pack [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71tMG0fiDyL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Best airport movies for humour
The Airport film series from the 1970s, consisting of four airplane-themed disaster films—*Airport*, *Airport 1975*, *Airport '77*, and *The Concorde... Airport '79*—are known for their humour and unintentional comedy. The first film, *Airport*, features an all-star cast, including Burt Lancaster, Helen Hayes, and George Kennedy. It's filled with suspense and "hokey dialogue," and Hayes's character, a stowaway, provides some much-needed levity to the tense situation.
The sequel, *Airport 1975*, has its fair share of humour as well, with a singing blind man who dies shortly after finding true love. This film also has a more impressive cast than its predecessor, including legends like James Stewart, Joseph Cotten, Olivia de Havilland, and Jack Lemmon.
While not a direct part of the series, the 1980 comedy *Airplane*! is a parody of the Airport series, spoofing the disaster genre with hilarious results.
For a more feel-good option, try *The Terminal*, starring Tom Hanks as a traveller who gets stuck in an airport due to a lack of documentation. It's a romantic comedy with a unique setting and a heartwarming story.
Lastly, for a more modern take, the 2006 film *Snakes on a Plane* is delightfully absurd and entertaining. It stars Samuel L. Jackson, who delivers one of the most iconic movie lines ever: "I've had it with these snakes on this plane!"
Enhancing Airport WiFi: Tips for a Faster Connection
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Airport [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Dj3FIXrvL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Best airport movies for action
If you're looking for the best airport movies for action, you're in luck. The Airport franchise, which started in the 1970s, offers a range of films with varying quality and suspense. While the first film, "Airport," has been criticised for its poor plot and character decisions, subsequent installments like “Airport 1975” and "Airport '77" have been praised for their suspense and all-star casts. "Airport '77" takes the cake for pure, unfiltered, airplane-centric insanity, with a plot involving a luxury airliner crashing in the Bermuda Triangle and turning into a submarine.
The franchise is known for its disaster themes, with each film featuring catastrophic events aboard aircraft or within airports. However, "Airport '79" or "The Concorde" is considered a disappointment due to its convoluted plot and poor special effects, despite having plenty of airplane action.
If you're looking for other airport-related action films, there are several notable mentions. "Die Hard 2: Die Harder" is considered by some to be the best "airport" movie ever made, even though it's not technically part of the "Airport" franchise. "Passenger 57" is another action-packed film set on a plane, helping to launch Wesley Snipes's career as an action star.
For a more light-hearted take on airport action, the 1980 comedy "Airplane!" is a parody of the "Airport" series, poking fun at the tropes of the disaster film genre. "Airplane!" is followed by other comedic airport films like "View from the Top" and "The Terminal," which offer a mix of humour and Hollywood charm.
Lastly, for some serious airport-related thrills, check out "Flightplan" or "United 93," which showcase the unique suspense that can be created in a confined space at high altitudes.
Exploring Lajes Airport's Island Location
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Airport [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71cxgdLlryL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Ultimate Disaster Pack (Earthquake / Airport / The Hindenburg / Rollercoaster) [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81qQCYLs-ML._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Best airport movies for romance
Airport movies have a unique quality to them. They make rom-coms more romantic, action films more thrilling, and dramas more heart-wrenching. Here is a list of some of the best airport movies for romance:
Sleepless in Seattle
Directed by Nora Ephron, this 1993 film is a classic romantic comedy starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Hanks plays Sam Baldwin, a widower who moves to Seattle with his son Jonah for a fresh start. One night, Jonah calls a talk radio show to find a new wife for his dad. Sam ends up on the phone, talking about how much he loved his late wife. Meg Ryan plays Annie Reed, a reporter working across the country, who connects with Sam's story.
Casablanca
This classic film ends with an iconic airport scene featuring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman's characters. It includes memorable lines such as "We'll always have Paris" and "Here's looking at you, kid."
The Wedding Singer
Starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, this 1998 film features a climactic scene where Sandler's character serenades his crush, Julia (Barrymore), on a plane.
Love Actually
This holiday classic features two airport scenes at London's Heathrow Airport. The film begins with Hugh Grant's character proclaiming that love is everywhere, and it concludes by bringing together all the love stories featured in the movie.
Die Hard 2: Die Harder
While not primarily a romance film, this 1990 action movie is considered by some to be the best "Airport" movie ever made. It stars John McClane, who saves Dulles International Airport from terrorists.
Untitled Tom Hanks Film
In this charming romantic comedy, Tom Hanks plays a displaced Eastern European man who has to wait at JFK Airport until the war in his home country is over. He falls in love with a flight attendant, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones, and changes the lives of those around him.
Showers at BWI Airport: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Best airport movies for suspense
The Airport film series from the 1970s consists of four airplane-themed disaster films: Airport, Airport 1975, Airport '77, and The Concorde... Airport '79. The series has been criticised for its "camp value", hokey dialogue, and lack of depth in its characters. However, it has also been praised for its influence on the disaster genre and for adding suspense and melodrama to the narrative. Airport '77, in particular, has been described as outlandish and far-fetched but still manages to maintain a level of suspense and intrigue.
The first film in the series, Airport, delivers a decent amount of white-knuckle suspense and melodrama. The ensemble cast, including Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, and Jean Seberg, brings a sense of charm to the narrative. The film's gripping climax will keep you on the edge of your seat, wanting to see what happens next.
The sequel, Airport 1975, is another example of the enduring appeal of the disaster movie formula. While it may not have the same dramatic weight or technical achievements as the original, it succeeds in delivering a fast-paced and engaging adventure. The talented ensemble cast elevates the outlandish premise, making it a testament to the power of a strong ensemble in film.
If you're looking for a more light-hearted airport movie, try Airplane!, a 1980 comedy and parody of the Airport series. With a mix of humour and suspense, Airplane! is a fun and entertaining take on the aviation disaster genre.
For pure, unfiltered, airplane-centric insanity, check out Airport '77, the third instalment of the Airport series. This film packs a cast of major stars, including Jack Lemmon, Darren McGavin, and Olivia de Havilland, into a luxury airliner that crashes in the Bermuda Triangle. While the science behind the film is questionable, the plot involving hijackers and the resulting underwater situation will keep you entertained.
Other notable mentions include Die Hard 2: Die Harder, which has been hailed as the "best 'Airport' movie ever made", and Up in the Air, starring George Clooney as a cynical executive who lives out of his suitcase, travelling the country to terminate unwanted employees.
Airport Strategy: Monopoly Board Game Secrets Revealed
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Best airport movies for family-friendly entertainment
The "`Airport" film series from the 1970s consists of four airplane-themed disaster films: "Airport", "Airport 1975", "Airport '77", and "The Concorde... Airport '79". While the series has been criticised for its decline in quality over time, the first film has been praised for its influence on the disaster genre and its humour in defusing tense situations. The "Airport" films are a product of their time, showcasing the allure of air travel and our fears of dying in horrible ways.
The 1980 comedy "Airplane!" is a parody of the "Airport" series, poking fun at the tropes of airplane disaster films. "Airplane!" is a light-hearted and humorous take on the genre, with a cast of well-known Hollywood actors.
"The Terminal" (2004) is another airport-based film that stands out for its heartwarming and feel-good story. Tom Hanks plays a displaced Eastern European man who is stranded at JFK airport, falling in love with a flight attendant and changing the lives of those around him.
"Up in the Air" (2009) offers a different perspective on air travel, showcasing how it can become an enticing way of life through the story of George Clooney's character, Ryan Bingham.
For family-friendly entertainment, "Home Alone" is a classic choice, with its mix of humour and mischief as Kevin navigates being alone in New York and encounters his old nemeses, the Wet Bandits.
While not specifically airport-themed, these movies offer a blend of comedy, adventure, and family-friendly entertainment that can be enjoyed by all ages.
Manchester Airport's PCR Testing: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
