Top 10 Comedy Films About Airplane Hijackings

Description: While more of a drama, this film includes elements of comedy and tension as passengers on a trans-Pacific flight deal with a potential hijacking and engine failure, showcasing the human spirit in crisis.

Fact: The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and its theme song became a hit.

Description: This classic spoof film takes the cake for airplane hijack comedy. It parodies the disaster film genre, with a plot involving a former fighter pilot who must land a commercial plane after the crew becomes incapacitated by food poisoning.

Fact: The film was initially titled "Flying High!" in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, and the Philippines. Also, the movie was made on a budget of just $

Description: Following the success of "Airplane!", this sequel continues the hijinks with a plot involving a space shuttle hijacking, keeping the comedic spirit alive.

Fact: Despite not matching the original's success, it still managed to entertain with its absurd humor and featured a cameo by William Shatner.

Description: While primarily a parody of spy films, "Top Secret!" includes a sequence where the main character, Nick Rivers, must deal with a hijacking, providing some of the film's most memorable comedic moments.

Fact: The film was directed by the same team behind "Airplane!" and features Val Kilmer in his first starring role.

Description: This action-comedy film features Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr. as pilots involved in covert operations in Laos, including a comedic take on a hijacking scenario.

Fact: The film was loosely based on the real-life CIA-backed airline Air America, which operated in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.

Description: A direct parody of "Top Gun" and other action films, "Hot Shots!" includes a sequence where the protagonist, Topper Harley, must deal with a hijacking situation on a plane, adding to the film's comedic chaos.

Fact: The film was directed by Jim Abrahams, one of the creators of "Airplane!" and features a cameo by Charlie Sheen's father, Martin Sheen, playing a character named "Admiral Benson."

Description: While not exclusively about a hijack, this sequel features a scene where Detective Frank Drebin must save the day on an airplane, making it a perfect fit for our list. The film continues the slapstick humor and absurdity of the original.

Fact: The film was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy. Also, the scene where Drebin is on the airplane was inspired by real-life events involving hijackings.

Description: Although not a comedy about hijacking per se, "The Terminal" involves a man stuck in an airport due to a political coup in his home country, leading to humorous situations and a light-hearted take on the theme of being stranded.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life story of Mehran Karimi Nasseri, who lived in Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport for 18 years.

Description: Although not centered around a hijack, "Rat Race" includes a memorable scene where a group of characters must navigate through a hijacked plane to reach their destination, adding to the film's comedic mishaps.

Fact: The film features an ensemble cast including Rowan Atkinson, Whoopi Goldberg, and John Cleese. It was also one of the last films to feature a cameo by the late comedian, Chris Farley.

Description: This parody of "Lethal Weapon" and other buddy cop films includes a scene where the protagonists deal with a hijacked airplane, adding to the film's comedic elements.

Fact: The film features numerous cameos, including Bruce Willis, Whoopi Goldberg, and even a brief appearance by Samuel L. Jackson.