If you were captivated by the gripping true story and heroic drama of 'Sully' (2016), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that share similar themes of courage, real-life heroism, and high-stakes decision-making. Whether you're a fan of aviation thrillers, biographical dramas, or stories of ordinary people rising to extraordinary challenges, this list has something for you. Dive in to discover your next favorite watch!

The Terminal (2004)
Description: While 'The Terminal' is more lighthearted than 'Sully', both films explore themes of displacement and adaptability in the face of bureaucratic challenges. They share a focus on the human side of aviation and the resilience of individuals in unexpected situations.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life story of Mehran Karimi Nasseri. Tom Hanks learned Bulgarian and Russian for his role. The terminal set was one of the largest ever built at Sony Pictures Studios.


United 93 (2006)
Description: Like 'Sully', 'United 93' is based on a real-life aviation incident, focusing on the heroism of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. Both films use a docudrama style to create a sense of realism and immediacy, immersing the audience in the tension and drama of the events.
Fact: The film was released on the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Many air traffic controllers played themselves in the film. Director Paul Greengrass used handheld cameras to enhance the documentary feel.


Argo (2012)
Description: Like 'Sully', 'Argo' is based on a true story of an unlikely hero navigating a high-stakes situation. Both films blend tension with moments of human connection, and both protagonists must rely on their expertise to save lives against overwhelming odds.
Fact: Ben Affleck grew a period-accurate beard for the role. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Some scenes were shot in the actual locations where the events occurred.


Lone Survivor (2013)
Description: Similar to 'Sully', 'Lone Survivor' is a gripping true story of survival against overwhelming odds. Both films focus on the protagonist's resilience and the life-or-death decisions they must make, with a strong emphasis on realism and emotional impact.
Fact: Mark Wahlberg and the cast underwent intense military training. The real Marcus Luttrell has a cameo in the film. The film was shot on location in New Mexico to replicate Afghanistan's terrain.


Captain Phillips (2013)
Description: Similar to 'Sully', 'Captain Phillips' is a tense, real-life survival story that showcases professional expertise under extreme pressure. Both films highlight the protagonist's quick thinking and leadership in crisis situations, with a strong emphasis on procedural accuracy.
Fact: Tom Hanks' emotional breakdown scene was largely improvised. The Somali pirates were played by first-time actors. Director Paul Greengrass used multiple cameras to capture spontaneous reactions.


The Impossible (2012)
Description: Similar to 'Sully', 'The Impossible' depicts ordinary people surviving an extraordinary disaster. Both films focus on the human aspect of survival, with intense, realistic depictions of the events and their emotional aftermath.
Fact: Naomi Watts received an Academy Award nomination for her performance. The tsunami scene took months to plan and execute. The real-life family consulted on the film.


Deepwater Horizon (2016)
Description: Like 'Sully', 'Deepwater Horizon' is a disaster film based on true events, focusing on professional heroism and survival. Both films use a realistic, immersive style to recreate the events and honor the real-life heroes involved.
Fact: Mark Wahlberg met with survivors to prepare for his role. The explosion effects were created using practical effects. The film was shot on a massive water tank to recreate the rig.


Flight (2012)
Description: Similar to 'Sully' (2016), 'Flight' explores the theme of aviation and the psychological aftermath of a life-threatening incident. Both films focus on the protagonist's struggle with public scrutiny and personal demons following a high-stakes emergency. The storytelling style is intense and character-driven, emphasizing human resilience under pressure.
Fact: Denzel Washington's performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The crash sequence was praised for its realism and technical accuracy. Director Robert Zemeckis used a mix of practical effects and CGI to create the crash scene.


The Finest Hours (2016)
Description: Like 'Sully', 'The Finest Hours' is a true-life rescue story that highlights courage and professionalism in extreme conditions. Both films celebrate unsung heroes and use a blend of action and human drama to tell their stories.
Fact: The rescue boat scenes were filmed in a massive water tank. Chris Pine trained with the Coast Guard for his role. The film is based on the most daring small-boat rescue in Coast Guard history.


Everest (2015)
Description: Similar to 'Sully', 'Everest' is a survival story based on true events, showcasing human endurance and teamwork in the face of nature's power. Both films emphasize the realism and intensity of the situations, with a focus on the protagonists' decision-making under pressure.
Fact: The cast endured extreme cold during filming. Some scenes were shot at real Everest base camp. The film uses a mix of practical and digital effects for the mountain scenes.
