- The Delta Force (1986)
- Air Force One (1997)
- United 93 (2006)
- The Taking of Flight 847: The Uli Derickson Story (1988)
- The Hijacking of Flight 375 (1976)
- Hijacked: Flight 285 (2000)
- The Flight That Fought Back (2005)
- The Hijacking of the Achille Lauro (1989)
- Hijack (2005)
- The Hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 (1973)
The theme of plane hijackings has captivated audiences for decades, offering a blend of high-stakes drama, real-life heroism, and the intricate dance between captors and captives. This curated list of biopic films delves into some of the most notorious and compelling hijacking incidents, providing not just entertainment but also a window into historical events that shaped air travel security. From the tense negotiations to the personal stories of those involved, these films offer a unique perspective on human resilience and the complexities of international crises.
The Delta Force (1986)
Description: While not strictly a biopic, this action film is inspired by the hijacking of TWA Flight 847, showcasing the efforts of an elite military unit to rescue hostages. It's a dramatized account of the real-life event.
Fact: Chuck Norris and Lee Marvin star in this film, which was one of the last roles for Marvin before his death. The movie was filmed with the cooperation of the Israeli government.
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Air Force One (1997)
Description: While not a biopic, this film is inspired by real-life events where terrorists take over the President's plane, showcasing a fictional but plausible scenario of a hijacking.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use CGI to depict the interior of Air Force One, providing a realistic setting for the action.
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United 93 (2006)
Description: This film provides a minute-by-minute account of the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93, who heroically fought back against the hijackers on September 11, 2001.
Fact: The film was made with the cooperation of many of the families of the victims, and it uses real-time to heighten the tension of the event.
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The Taking of Flight 847: The Uli Derickson Story (1988)
Description: This TV movie focuses on the ordeal of Uli Derickson, a flight attendant on TWA Flight 847, who played a key role in negotiating with the hijackers to save the lives of passengers.
Fact: Uli Derickson herself served as a consultant for the film, ensuring the portrayal of events was as accurate as possible.
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The Hijacking of Flight 375 (1976)
Description: This film recounts the true story of the hijacking of Southern Airways Flight 49, where hijackers demanded a ransom and threatened to crash the plane into a nuclear facility. It's a gripping tale of negotiation and survival.
Fact: The film was based on the book "Hijacked" by Thomas Petzinger, which detailed the actual events. The real-life pilot, Captain William H. Haas, served as a technical advisor.
30 Days Free Hijacked: Flight 285 (2000)
Description: This film dramatizes the hijacking of a commercial flight, focusing on the tense negotiations and the personal stories of those on board, including a former Air Force pilot who takes charge.
Fact: The film was shot on location at an actual airport, providing an authentic backdrop for the story.
30 Days Free The Flight That Fought Back (2005)
Description: Another documentary-style film about United 93, this one focuses on the passengers' decision to fight back, providing insights into their lives and the impact of their actions.
Fact: The film includes interviews with family members and uses reenactments to bring the story to life.
30 Days Free The Hijacking of the Achille Lauro (1989)
Description: Although not about a plane, this film details the hijacking of the cruise ship Achille Lauro, which shares themes of hostage-taking and negotiation similar to plane hijackings.
Fact: The film was made shortly after the real event, capturing the public's fascination with the incident.
30 Days Free Hijack (2005)
Description: This film tells the story of a plane hijacking from the perspective of a negotiator, showcasing the psychological warfare between the hijackers and the authorities.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events but takes creative liberties to enhance the drama.
30 Days Free The Hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 (1973)
Description: This film recounts the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi, Pakistan, where the hijackers demanded the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Fact: The film was made for television and aired shortly after the actual event, reflecting the public's immediate interest in the story.
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