10 Movies & Shows Like On a Wing and a Prayer

Description: A parody of disaster films, this comedy exaggerates the chaos and absurdity of an in-flight emergency. While humorous, it mirrors the tension and unpredictability of aviation crises.

Fact: The film was initially rejected by several studios who didn't understand its humor. It spawned countless imitations and is considered one of the greatest comedies of all time.

Description: An action thriller about an anti-terrorism expert who must thwart a hijacking mid-flight. It features intense aerial action sequences and a cat-and-mouse game between hero and villain at 30,000 feet.

Fact: The film helped popularize the 'Die Hard on a...' subgenre of action movies. Many of the stunts were performed practically, including a dramatic fight sequence on the plane's exterior.

Description: A political action thriller about terrorists hijacking the President's plane. It combines aviation peril with high-stakes political drama and heroic leadership under pressure.

Fact: The film's famous line 'Get off my plane!' was ad-libbed. The production used a combination of real aircraft interiors and elaborate sets to create the airborne White House.

Description: An action-packed thriller about a prison transport plane hijacked by inmates. It combines high-stakes aviation drama with intense action sequences and moral dilemmas.

Fact: The plane used in the film was a real Convair 580, modified for filming. The movie's over-the-top action and one-liners have made it a cult classic.

Description: A biographical drama about Howard Hughes' contributions to aviation and his personal struggles. While not a disaster film, it captures the romance and danger of early aviation history.

Fact: The film meticulously recreated 1920s-1940s aircraft and aviation scenes. It won five Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Cate Blanchett.

Description: A heartwarming story about a man stranded in an airport terminal due to a political conflict. While not a crisis film, it explores the human side of air travel and the resilience of the human spirit.

Fact: The entire terminal set was built from scratch to replicate a real airport. The story was inspired by a real-life refugee who lived in Charles de Gaulle Airport for 18 years.

Description: A high-concept thriller about a plane overrun by deadly snakes, blending horror and aviation disaster elements. It plays on fears of confined spaces and uncontrollable threats at high altitudes.

Fact: The film gained massive internet hype before release due to its outrageous premise. Many of the snakes used were real, though CGI was employed for most attack scenes.

Description: A harrowing real-time account of the events aboard one of the planes hijacked on September 11, 2001. It captures the tension and bravery of passengers and crew in an unprecedented aviation emergency.

Fact: The film was made with the cooperation of many of the victims' families. It was shot in a documentary style to enhance realism, using unknown actors to avoid distraction.

Description: A gripping drama centered around a pilot who performs a miraculous crash landing, but later faces scrutiny over his actions. The film explores themes of responsibility and redemption in aviation.

Fact: The crash sequence was one of the most realistic ever filmed, using a mix of practical effects and CGI. The movie marked a departure from typical action films for its lead actor, focusing more on dramatic performance.

Description: This film is based on a true story of an emergency landing, showcasing the tension and heroism involved in aviation crises. It highlights the human element and decision-making under extreme pressure.

Fact: The film used a combination of real flight recordings and dramatic reenactments to portray the event. It was shot in IMAX to enhance the immersive experience of the flight sequences.