If you enjoyed the high-stakes action and political intrigue of Alistair MacLean's Air Force One Is Down (2014), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 gripping movies and shows that deliver similar thrills, from daring rescues to government conspiracies. Whether you're a fan of military dramas or edge-of-your-seat suspense, these picks will keep you hooked.

Die Hard (1988)
Description: A groundbreaking action film where a lone cop must outwit a group of highly organized terrorists in a confined skyscraper, combining relentless action with clever strategy.
Fact: The film was based on a novel titled 'Nothing Lasts Forever,' which was a sequel to 'The Detective.' Bruce Willis was not the first choice for the role of John McClane.


Die Hard 2 (1990)
Description: A sequel that ramps up the stakes with a terrorist plot to disrupt air traffic control, forcing the protagonist to once again rely on his wits and combat skills in a high-pressure environment.
Fact: The film was inspired by the novel '58 Minutes,' which was unrelated to the first 'Die Hard' book. It was the first major Hollywood film to depict a terrorist attack on an airport.


The Hunt for Red October (1990)
Description: A suspenseful military thriller focusing on a Soviet submarine captain's defection and the ensuing geopolitical tensions, marked by strategic mind games and naval warfare.
Fact: The film was the first to feature the character Jack Ryan, played by Alec Baldwin. It was praised for its realistic portrayal of submarine warfare.


Patriot Games (1992)
Description: Centers around a former CIA analyst who becomes embroiled in a personal vendetta with a terrorist group, blending political intrigue with personal stakes and action-packed sequences.
Fact: Harrison Ford took over the role of Jack Ryan from Alec Baldwin, who played the character in 'The Hunt for Red October.' The film was shot in multiple locations, including London and Maryland.


Under Siege (1992)
Description: A lone hero must outsmart and outfight a group of terrorists who have taken over a U.S. Navy battleship, featuring tight spaces, strategic combat, and a race against time.
Fact: Steven Seagal's character was originally written as a more traditional action hero, but the script was revised to make him a former Navy SEAL. The film was shot on the decommissioned USS Alabama.


Clear and Present Danger (1994)
Description: A gripping tale of covert operations and political corruption, where the protagonist must navigate a web of deceit to uncover the truth, featuring high-tension action and strategic warfare.
Fact: This was the last film in which Harrison Ford played Jack Ryan. The movie's plot involves a fictionalized version of the U.S. government's war on drugs.


Executive Decision (1996)
Description: A tense airborne thriller where a team of specialists must board a hijacked plane mid-flight to neutralize terrorists, combining claustrophobic tension with strategic action.
Fact: The film was notable for its realistic depiction of mid-air refueling and boarding sequences. Steven Seagal's character was unexpectedly killed off early in the movie, surprising audiences.


The Rock (1996)
Description: A fast-paced action thriller involving a rogue military unit that takes hostages on Alcatraz Island, requiring a desperate mission to stop a chemical weapons threat, with explosive set pieces and tactical maneuvers.
Fact: Sean Connery's character was loosely based on a real-life British SAS operative. The film was Michael Bay's first major box office success.


Air Force One (1997)
Description: A high-octane action thriller set aboard the presidential plane, where the commander-in-chief must take matters into his own hands to thwart a hijacking, blending political drama with intense combat.
Fact: The film's iconic line 'Get off my plane!' was ad-libbed by Harrison Ford. The movie was a box office hit, grossing over $315 million worldwide.


The Sum of All Fears (2002)
Description: A high-stakes political thriller involving terrorism and a race against time to prevent a catastrophic event, featuring intense action sequences and a focus on national security.
Fact: The film was originally set to feature a Middle Eastern terrorist group, but the plot was changed to neo-Nazis after the 9/11 attacks. It is based on Tom Clancy's novel of the same name.
