Best Aerial Combat, Aviation Movies
These films focus on aircraft and aerial warfare, often featuring spectacular dogfights and tense flying sequences.
1. Top Gun (1986)
A cocky Navy pilot competes to be the best in his class at the Navy’s elite fighter weapons school.
Why it’s great:
- Thrilling aerial combat sequences
- Iconic soundtrack and quotable dialogue
- Tom Cruise’s star-making performance
2. Dunkirk (2017)
Christopher Nolan‘s World War II film features intense aerial sequences as part of its depiction of the Dunkirk evacuation.
Why it’s great:
- Visceral, immersive depiction of aerial combat
- Innovative structure interweaving air, land, and sea narratives
- Minimal dialogue, relying on visual storytelling
3. The Dam Busters (1955)
This British war film depicts the true story of Operation Chastise, using bouncing bombs to attack German dams.
Why it’s great:
- Influential special effects for its aerial sequences
- Tense depiction of the raid’s planning and execution
- Strong attention to historical detail
4. Hell’s Angels (1930)
Howard Hughes‘ World War I epic features some of the most spectacular aerial sequences of early cinema.
Why it’s great:
- Groundbreaking aerial photography and stunt flying
- Massive scale of production for its time
- Blend of silent and sound techniques in its production
5. The Right Stuff (1983)
This epic historical drama follows the Mercury Seven astronauts from the sound barrier to the edge of space.
Why it’s great:
- Spectacular flying sequences, both atmospheric and in space
- Strong ensemble cast portraying the Mercury astronauts
- Blend of historical accuracy with mythic storytelling.