If you're fascinated by the gripping investigations and historical mysteries explored in 'WWII Air Crash Detectives' (2014), you'll love these 10 similar shows and movies. This article dives into compelling documentaries and dramas that uncover wartime aviation secrets, offering history buffs and mystery lovers alike a thrilling watchlist.

No Highway in the Sky (1951)
Description: This film revolves around an aeronautical engineer's race to prevent a potential air disaster caused by metal fatigue. It mirrors the technical and suspenseful aspects of aviation safety investigations.
Fact: The movie was one of the first to address the issue of metal fatigue in aircraft, a topic that later became critical in aviation safety.


The High and the Mighty (1954)
Description: A classic film about the tense journey of a trans-Pacific flight facing potential disaster. It shares the suspenseful, high-stakes atmosphere of aviation emergencies and the human stories behind them.
Fact: The movie's theme music became iconic and is often associated with dramatic aviation scenes.


Airport (1970)
Description: A disaster film that weaves together multiple storylines during a snowbound airport's crisis. It shares the multi-narrative approach and the tension of managing aviation emergencies.
Fact: The film spawned a series of sequels and is considered a pioneer of the disaster movie genre.


Air Crash Investigation (2003)
Description: This documentary series delves into the meticulous process of investigating aviation disasters, focusing on the technical and human factors behind each incident. It shares a deep analytical approach to understanding air crashes, similar to the investigative nature of the reference title.
Fact: The series is known for its detailed reenactments of flight incidents and has been praised for its educational value in aviation safety.


United 93 (2006)
Description: A harrowing real-time account of the events aboard United Airlines Flight 93 during the 9/11 attacks. The film's intense, documentary-like style and focus on a tragic aviation event align closely with the investigative and emotional tone of the reference.
Fact: The film was praised for its respectful and unflinching portrayal of the passengers' heroic actions.


Flight (2012)
Description: A dramatic portrayal of a pilot's struggle with personal demons during an in-flight crisis. The movie explores themes of responsibility, survival, and the human element in aviation disasters.
Fact: The crash sequence in the film is considered one of the most realistic and terrifying depictions of an airplane disaster in cinema.


Sully (2016)
Description: Based on a true story, this film highlights the critical decision-making and aftermath of an emergency landing on the Hudson River. It parallels the focus on aviation emergencies and the subsequent investigations.
Fact: The film uses advanced CGI to recreate the 'Miracle on the Hudson' landing with remarkable accuracy.


The Aeronauts (2019)
Description: This film captures the perilous adventures of early balloon flights, emphasizing the dangers and challenges of aerial exploration. It shares a thematic focus on the risks and heroism associated with aviation history.
Fact: The movie combines historical events with fictional elements to create a thrilling narrative about early aviation pioneers.


Zero Hour! (1957)
Description: A suspenseful drama about an in-flight emergency where passengers must land a plane after the crew falls ill. The film's focus on crisis management and teamwork in aviation emergencies is a key similarity.
Fact: This movie inspired the famous parody 'Airplane!' but remains a gripping thriller in its own right.


Surviving Disaster (2009)
Description: A series that explores various disaster scenarios, including aviation accidents, and the survival strategies employed. It mirrors the intense, life-and-death stakes and the focus on human resilience in the face of catastrophic events.
Fact: Each episode is based on real-life disaster scenarios, providing a mix of expert analysis and dramatic reenactments.
