Top 10 Airport Thrillers to Watch

Description: While older, this film captures the essence of suspense in flight with its story of a plane facing mechanical issues, leading to a tense atmosphere among passengers and crew. It's a classic example of how airport-related tension can be portrayed.

Fact: John Wayne, known for his Western roles, starred in this film, showcasing his versatility in drama.

Description: This film, one of the earliest airport thrillers, deals with a hijacking on a commercial flight, showcasing the tension and fear that can grip passengers and crew in such situations.

Fact: The film was based on the novel "Hijacked" by David Harper, which was inspired by real-life hijackings of the time.

Description: A team of commandos must board a hijacked plane in mid-air to neutralize the threat. The film's premise of a covert operation at 30,000 feet adds a unique twist to the airport thriller genre.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use CGI to depict the interior of an airplane in flight, enhancing the realism of the action sequences.

Description: This action-packed thriller features the President of the United States fighting to retake control of Air Force One from terrorists. The film combines political intrigue with high-octane action, making it a standout in the airport thriller genre.

Fact: The film's production involved building a full-scale replica of Air Force One, which was used for many of the interior shots.

Description: Although primarily set on a plane, "Con Air" involves a prison transport flight that goes awry, leading to a high-stakes game of cat and mouse in the air. The film's airport scenes are pivotal to the plot, making it a fitting entry.

Fact: The film's title was inspired by the real-life term for prisoner transport flights, known as "Con Air."

Description: A flight attendant must take control of a plane after the pilots are incapacitated by a serial killer. The film's setting on a plane during a storm adds to the already high tension of the plot.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use digital effects to simulate turbulence inside an airplane, making the experience more visceral for viewers.

Description: While not a traditional thriller, "The Terminal" captures the essence of airport life with its unique premise of a man stuck in JFK Airport due to a bureaucratic mix-up. The tension builds as he navigates life in transit, making it an unconventional yet compelling addition to this list.

Fact: The film was inspired by the true story of Mehran Karimi Nasseri, who lived in Charles de Gaulle Airport for 18 years. Steven Spielberg directed this film, showcasing his versatility beyond sci-fi and adventure.

Description: Jodie Foster plays a grieving widow who wakes up to find her daughter missing on a flight. The tension escalates as she battles disbelief and suspicion from the crew and passengers, turning the airplane into a claustrophobic arena of mystery and fear.

Fact: The film was shot in a real Boeing 747, which was gutted and refitted for filming, providing a realistic setting for the story.

Description: Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy star in this tense thriller about a woman being coerced by a man on a red-eye flight to help with an assassination plot. The film's setting in the confined space of an airplane heightens the suspense.

Fact: The film was shot in just 25 days, with much of the action taking place inside a real airplane.

Description: Liam Neeson stars as an air marshal on a transatlantic flight who receives text messages threatening to kill a passenger every 20 minutes unless a ransom is paid. The film masterfully uses the confined space of an airplane to ramp up the suspense.

Fact: The film was shot entirely on a set built to replicate the interior of a Boeing 767, ensuring authenticity in the portrayal of the aircraft environment.