If you enjoyed the suspense and intrigue of 'Murder on Flight 502' (1975), this article is for you. We've curated a list of 10 thrilling movies and shows that share similar themes of mystery, danger, and high-stakes drama. Whether you're a fan of classic whodunits or modern thrillers, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The High and the Mighty (1954)
Description: A classic disaster film about a trans-Pacific flight facing mechanical failure, highlighting the bravery and resourcefulness of the crew and passengers.
Fact: The film's score won an Academy Award and became iconic in the disaster genre. It was one of the first films to focus on the drama of a potential plane crash.


Airport (1970)
Description: A disaster film set in an airport, featuring a high-stakes crisis involving a bomb threat on a commercial flight, blending suspense with ensemble drama.
Fact: The film was based on Arthur Hailey's novel and was the first in a series of disaster films that became popular in the 1970s. It won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.


Skyjacked (1972)
Description: A tense thriller about a hijacked commercial flight, focusing on the psychological and physical struggles of the passengers and crew.
Fact: The film was based on the novel 'Hijacked' by David Harper. It was one of the early films to explore the theme of airline hijacking in a dramatic context.


Airport 1975 (1974)
Description: Another installment in the disaster film genre, focusing on a mid-air collision and the desperate attempts to save the passengers, emphasizing tension and survival.
Fact: This film features a mid-air collision between a 747 and a small plane, leading to a dramatic rescue attempt. It was one of the highest-grossing films of


Passenger 57 (1992)
Description: A high-stakes action film about a security expert who must outwit terrorists who have hijacked his flight, combining suspense with hand-to-hand combat.
Fact: The film popularized the phrase 'Always bet on black.' It was one of the first action films to feature a protagonist battling terrorists on a commercial flight.


Executive Decision (1996)
Description: An action-packed thriller about a special ops team attempting to thwart terrorists who have hijacked a passenger plane, blending suspense with military strategy.
Fact: The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of counter-terrorism operations. It featured a dramatic mid-air transfer sequence that was technically challenging to film.


Air Force One (1997)
Description: A gripping thriller about the U.S. President fighting terrorists who have hijacked his plane, blending political drama with intense action sequences.
Fact: The film's iconic line 'Get off my plane!' became a cultural reference. It was one of the highest-grossing films of 1997 and featured groundbreaking special effects for its time.


Turbulence (1997)
Description: A high-octane thriller set on a commercial flight where a deranged killer takes control, creating a claustrophobic and intense atmosphere.
Fact: The film was notable for its use of practical effects to simulate turbulence and in-flight chaos. It was one of the few 1990s films to focus solely on a plane-based thriller.


Airport '77 (1977)
Description: A disaster thriller where a luxury plane crashes into the ocean, trapping passengers underwater, combining suspense with survival drama.
Fact: The film used extensive underwater filming techniques and was one of the first to depict a plane crash into the ocean. It featured an all-star cast typical of 1970s disaster films.


Zero Hour! (1957)
Description: A suspenseful drama about a flight crew and passengers dealing with food poisoning that incapacitates the pilots, leading to a tense rescue effort.
Fact: The film was later parodied in the comedy 'Airplane!' due to its dramatic dialogue and intense scenarios. It was based on a real-life incident involving a flight crew incapacitated by food poisoning.
