10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Flying (1986)

Description: 'The Blue Max' and 'Flying' (1986) both explore the glory and tragedy of aviation, particularly in a military context. They share themes of ambition, rivalry, and the personal cost of pursuing excellence in the skies.

Fact: 'The Blue Max' is set during World War I and focuses on German fighter pilots. The film features spectacular aerial sequences that were groundbreaking for their time. George Peppard, the star, underwent extensive flight training for his role.

Description: Both 'The Great Waldo Pepper' and 'Flying' (1986) are nostalgic looks at the golden age of aviation. They share a similar tone of adventure and romance, with protagonists who are passionate about flying and willing to take risks for their love of the skies.

Fact: The film stars Robert Redford as a barnstorming pilot in the 1920s. Director George Roy Hill aimed to capture the thrill and danger of early aviation. The movie's aerial sequences were praised for their authenticity and excitement.

Description: While 'The Right Stuff' is more of a historical drama, it shares with 'Flying' (1986) a deep exploration of the courage and skill required to be a pilot. Both films celebrate the spirit of aviation and the personal sacrifices made by those who push the boundaries of flight.

Fact: 'The Right Stuff' won four Academy Awards, including Best Original Score. The film is based on Tom Wolfe's book of the same name, which chronicles the early days of the U.S. space program. The movie features a young Sam Shepard in an Oscar-nominated role as Chuck Yeager.

Description: Like 'Flying' (1986), 'Iron Eagle' is a action-packed film centered around aviation and the daring exploits of a young pilot. Both movies feature a rebellious protagonist who defies authority to achieve their goals, and they share a similar tone of adventure and patriotism.

Fact: 'Iron Eagle' was released the same year as 'Top Gun', leading to comparisons between the two films. The movie's soundtrack features several songs by the band Queen. The film spawned three sequels, though none achieved the same level of success as the original.

Description: Similar to 'Flying' (1986), 'Top Gun' is a high-octane aviation film that focuses on the thrill and danger of flying. Both movies highlight the camaraderie among pilots and the intense training they undergo. The visual aesthetics of aerial combat and the emotional tone of personal sacrifice and triumph are key similarities.

Fact: 'Top Gun' was a massive box office success, grossing over $356 million worldwide. The film's aerial sequences were so realistic that the U.S. Navy reported an increase in enlistment after its release. Tom Cruise performed many of his own stunts, including flying in the F-14 Tomcat.

Description: 'Always' and 'Flying' (1986) both blend aviation with emotional storytelling. They explore themes of love, loss, and redemption, set against the backdrop of the aviation world.

Fact: 'Always' is a remake of the 1943 film 'A Guy Named Joe'. The movie was directed by Steven Spielberg and stars Richard Dreyfuss and Holly Hunter. The film's aerial firefighting sequences were inspired by real-life smokejumpers.

Description: Both 'Memphis Belle' and 'Flying' (1986) are war films that focus on the bravery of pilots during combat. They share a similar emotional tone, highlighting the camaraderie among crew members and the perils they face in the skies.

Fact: 'Memphis Belle' is based on the real-life B-17 Flying Fortress and its crew during World War II. The film was directed by Michael Caton-Jones, who aimed for historical accuracy in depicting aerial combat. The movie's production involved the use of real B-17 aircraft, some of which are still flying today.

Description: While 'The Aviator' is a biographical film about Howard Hughes, it shares with 'Flying' (1986) a deep fascination with aviation and the people who are drawn to it. Both films highlight the beauty and danger of flight, as well as the personal obsessions that drive aviators.

Fact: 'The Aviator' won five Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Cate Blanchett. Leonardo DiCaprio spent years preparing for his role as Howard Hughes. The film's recreation of Hughes' Spruce Goose is one of its most memorable scenes.

Description: 'Stealth' and 'Flying' (1986) both delve into the technological and ethical challenges of modern aviation. They feature advanced aircraft and explore themes of human vs. machine, with intense aerial combat sequences that are visually stunning.

Fact: 'Stealth' was a box office flop, grossing only $76 million against a $135 million budget. The film's plot involves an AI-controlled fighter jet going rogue, a theme that has been explored in other movies like 'Terminator'. Jessica Biel, one of the stars, performed many of her own stunts.

Description: Like 'Flying' (1986), 'Flyboys' is an adventure film that celebrates the daring of early aviators. Both movies capture the excitement and danger of flight, with a strong emphasis on the personal stories of the pilots.

Fact: 'Flyboys' is based on the true story of the Lafayette Escadrille, a group of American volunteers who flew for France in World War I. The film's aerial scenes were created using a combination of real aircraft and CGI. James Franco stars as one of the young pilots.