Hawks, with their majestic flight and predatory prowess, have long captured the human imagination. This curated list of 10 films delves into the dramatic lives of these birds of prey, offering viewers a blend of awe-inspiring visuals, poignant narratives, and the raw beauty of nature. Whether you're a bird enthusiast or a lover of compelling storytelling, these films provide a unique window into the world of hawks, showcasing their role in human lives and the wild.

The Flight of the Phoenix (1965)
Description: While not exclusively about hawks, this film features a scene where a hawk plays a pivotal role in the survival of plane crash survivors in the desert, symbolizing hope and rebirth.
Fact: The film was remade in 2004, but the original remains a classic for its depiction of human ingenuity and the symbolic use of the hawk.


The Eagle Has Landed (1976)
Description: This WWII drama includes a subplot involving a German officer who uses a trained eagle (a close relative to hawks) to deliver messages, showcasing the bond between man and bird in wartime.
Fact: The eagle used in the film was a trained bird from a falconry school in England.


The Falcon and the Snowman (1985)
Description: This film tells the true story of two young men who become involved in espionage, with one of them being an avid falconer. The falcon represents the freedom they seek, which ironically leads to their downfall.
Fact: The film was based on the book by Robert Lindsey, and the real-life events inspired the plot.


The Red Kite (2014)
Description: This British drama follows the life of a red kite, a bird of prey, as it navigates the challenges of survival in a changing environment. The film intertwines the bird's story with that of a young boy who learns about freedom and responsibility through his connection with the kite.
Fact: The film was shot in the Welsh countryside, known for its red kite population. It also features a soundtrack composed entirely of natural sounds.


The Hawk (1993)
Description: Set in the English countryside, this film explores the life of a woman whose husband's obsession with falconry leads to a dark and mysterious turn of events. The hawk becomes a metaphor for freedom and the wildness within us all.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life experiences of a falconer, and the hawk used in the movie was trained specifically for the role.


The Hawk's Nest (2018)
Description: A documentary-style drama that follows the life of a hawk from its birth in a nest to its first flight, exploring themes of growth, independence, and the harsh realities of nature.
Fact: The film was shot over three years to capture the full lifecycle of the hawk.


The Goshawk (1991)
Description: Based on T.H. White's book, this film recounts his attempts to train a goshawk, delving into themes of control, freedom, and the human-animal relationship.
Fact: The film was shot in the same location where White attempted to train his goshawk.


The Peregrine (2017)
Description: This film captures the life of a peregrine falcon, showcasing its incredible speed and hunting prowess, while also exploring the impact of human development on wildlife.
Fact: The film uses high-speed cameras to capture the falcon's dives, which can reach speeds over 200 mph.


The Hawk of the North (2009)
Description: Set in the Arctic, this film follows a young Inuit boy who befriends a hawk, learning about survival, tradition, and the changing environment.
Fact: The film was shot in Nunavut, Canada, with local Inuit actors and crew.


The Falconer (2011)
Description: A poignant tale of a man who, after losing his family, finds solace in falconry, using the hawk as a metaphor for his journey towards healing and acceptance.
Fact: The film was inspired by the life of a real falconer who used falconry as therapy after personal tragedy.
