Not just Top Gun: the best aviation movies

Aviation has always attracted people with its spirit of freedom, risk, and extraordinary stories. Many filmmakers have found their inspiration in the sky, creating films that reveal the lives of pilots, their victories, defeats and the romance of flying.

From classic aviation dramas to dynamic action movies and documentary stories, films about pilots open the door to a world of incredible adventures. OBOZ.UA has collected the best movies that will help you immerse yourself in this exciting atmosphere.

Lift Force (Pidyomna syla)

A Ukrainian documentary dedicated to the heroic deeds of Ukrainian military pilots and aviators during the full-scale Russia-Ukraine war. The film tells about the difficult and dangerous work of the army aviation, which plays a crucial role in the defense of Ukraine.

The film is based on real events and interviews with military pilots, flight engineers and other specialists. Viewers have the opportunity to hear their stories firsthand, to learn about their feelings, fears and motivation. The film demonstrates the complex combat missions performed by Ukrainian pilots, such as evacuating the wounded, delivering humanitarian aid to besieged cities, and directly participating in combat operations.

Pearl Harbor (2001)

This is a 2001 American war drama directed by the famous Michael Bay. The film tells the story of the events that preceded the Japanese air attack on the American naval base Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

The plot revolves around two pilot friends who are in love with the same woman. Against the backdrop of their love triangle, events unfold that lead to a tragic Japanese attack. The film combines elements of romantic drama and military epic, showing large-scale battle scenes and touching moments.

Sully (2016)

This is a touching biographical drama directed by Clint Eastwood and released in 2016. The film tells the story of the real-life events of 2009, when Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger crash-landed a passenger plane on the Hudson River in New York City.

The plot centers on the dramatic events of that day, when the pilot was forced to make an unconventional decision and land the plane on the water due to the failure of both engines. The film depicts in detail both the crash landing itself and the subsequent events: the investigation, controversy and recognition of Sullenberger's heroism.

The film stars Tom Hanks, who skillfully portrayed the image of an experienced pilot in an emergency situation.

Mission of Honor in the United States, 2018)

This is a 2018 military historical drama that tells the story of the heroism of Polish pilots during World War II. The film focuses on the fate of the 303rd Squadron of the Royal Air Force, which consisted mainly of Polish pilots. This squadron was one of the most successful in the Battle of Britain, shooting down a large number of German planes.

The main roles were played by Iwan Rheon, known for the Game of Thrones series, and Milo Gibson, son of Mel Gibson. The film shows not only the military exploits but also the difficulties of adaptation of Polish pilots in the UK, their struggle for respect and dignity. The film was directed by David Blair, who created a touching and dynamic story of courage and self-sacrifice.

The Aviator (2004)

A biographical drama that tells the story of Howard Hughes, the legendary American aviator, film producer and entrepreneur. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film spans the period from the 1920s to the 1940s, focusing on Hughes' achievements in aviation and film, as well as his struggle with mental illness.

Leonardo DiCaprio brilliantly played the lead role and received an Oscar nomination for it. The film also stars Cate Blanchett, who won an Oscar for her role as actress Katharine Hepburn, as well as Alec Baldwin and Jude Law. The film impresses with its scale, realistic recreation of historical events and technical effects.

The Aviator received 11 Oscar nominations and won 5 of them, including Best Cinematography and Best Production Design. The film demonstrates not only Hughes' achievements but also his obsession with perfection and the fears that influenced his life.

Flight (2012)

An American drama directed by Robert Zemeckis that explores complex moral dilemmas and personal tragedies through the lens of an airplane crash. The protagonist, Captain William "Whip" Whitaker, brilliantly performs an emergency landing of a damaged airplane, saving most of the passengers.

Denzel Washington played the main role, whose performance earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. The movie also stars Don Cheadle, Kelly Reilly and John Goodman. The film not only depicts a heroic act but also delves into the problems of alcoholism, addiction and moral responsibility. Despite Whitaker's heroism, his personal demons jeopardize his reputation and life.

Amelia (2009)

A biographical film directed by Mira Nair, which tells the story of the life of the legendary American pilot Amelia Earhart. The film stars Hilary Swank as Earhart and Richard Gere as her husband George Putnam.

The film tells the story of Earhart's early life, her passion for aviation and her many record-breaking flights. It also explores her complicated relationship with Putnam and her eventual disappearance during her 1937 attempt to fly around the world.

Midway (2019)

A war drama directed by Roland Emmerich, dedicated to one of the most important naval battles of World War II. The film tells the story of the Battle of Midway, which became a turning point in the war in the Pacific between the United States and Japan.

The film shows the heroic actions of the American military - pilots, sailors and scouts - who made a decisive contribution to the victory. Among the key characters are pilots Dick Best (Ed Skrein) and Jimmy Doolittle (Aaron Eckhart), Admiral Chester Nimitz (Woody Harrelson) and others.

The film is characterized by large-scale special effects, realistic battle scenes and a dramatic depiction of military strategy. It is a story not only about the battle but also about the human spirit, self-sacrifice and determination in the most difficult circumstances.

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