8 Movies and Shows Like The Rocketeer (1991)

Description: 'Flash Gordon' shares with 'The Rocketeer' a sense of swashbuckling adventure and a retro-futuristic aesthetic. Both films feature a heroic protagonist, a damsel in distress, and a flamboyant villain. The campy, over-the-top tone of 'Flash Gordon' is echoed in 'The Rocketeer's' sense of fun and adventure.

Fact: The film's soundtrack was composed and performed by the rock band Queen. Max von Sydow, who played Ming the Merciless, was only 50 at the time, despite playing a much older character. The film was originally intended to be a much darker, more serious adaptation of the comic strip.

Description: 'Dick Tracy' and 'The Rocketeer' both celebrate the visual and narrative style of classic comics, with bold colors, larger-than-life villains, and a strong sense of period authenticity. Both films feature a square-jawed hero who stands for justice and a glamorous love interest. The art deco production design of 'Dick Tracy' is mirrored in 'The Rocketeer's' aesthetic.

Fact: Warren Beatty insisted on using practical effects and makeup rather than CGI. Madonna's performance as Breathless Mahoney was inspired by classic femme fatales. The film's color palette was limited to seven colors to mimic the look of the original comic strip.

Description: The original 'Rocketeer' film is a loving tribute to the pulp adventure serials of the 1930s and 1940s, with a mix of action, humor, and romance. The film's art deco aesthetic, aerial stunts, and sense of nostalgia have made it a cult classic.

Fact: The film was based on a comic book by Dave Stevens, who was heavily influenced by classic serials and pin-up art. The Rocketeer's helmet was designed to resemble the one worn by the original comic book character. The film's climax was shot at the actual Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles.

Description: 'The Shadow' shares with 'The Rocketeer' a 1930s setting and a protagonist who operates outside the law to fight evil. Both films blend action, adventure, and a touch of the supernatural, with a strong emphasis on stylish visuals and period detail. The Shadow's alter ego, Lamont Cranston, mirrors Cliff Secord's dual identity in 'The Rocketeer'.

Fact: Alec Baldwin trained with a voice coach to perfect the Shadow's ominous laugh. The film's art direction was heavily influenced by classic film noir. The Shadow's cloak was designed to appear as if it had a life of its own.

Description: Like 'The Rocketeer', 'The Phantom' is based on a classic comic strip and features a hero with a distinctive costume and a sense of old-fashioned derring-do. Both films are set in the 1930s and feature a mix of action, humor, and romance, with a strong emphasis on aerial sequences and exotic locales.

Fact: Billy Zane performed many of his own stunts, including the famous horse-riding scenes. The film was shot on location in Thailand and Australia. The Phantom's costume was designed to be as faithful as possible to the original comic strip.

Description: Like 'The Rocketeer', 'Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow' is a nostalgic homage to the pulp adventure serials of the 1930s and 1940s. Both films feature a dashing hero, a retro-futuristic aesthetic, and a sense of high-flying adventure. The visual style of 'Sky Captain', with its sepia-toned, CGI-enhanced look, echoes the art deco and dieselpunk influences seen in 'The Rocketeer'.

Fact: The film was one of the first to be shot entirely against a blue screen, with all backgrounds added digitally. Jude Law performed many of his own stunts, including flying the experimental aircraft. The film's distinctive visual style was inspired by vintage comic books and serials.

Description: 'Captain America: The First Avenger' and 'The Rocketeer' both feature a hero who is a product of the World War II era, with a strong sense of patriotism and a desire to do the right thing. Both films blend action, adventure, and a touch of science fiction, with a strong emphasis on period detail and a nostalgic tone.

Fact: Chris Evans initially turned down the role of Captain America three times before accepting it. The film's production design was heavily influenced by classic propaganda posters and wartime imagery. The Red Skull's makeup took over three hours to apply each day.

Description: The 2019 'Rocketeer' is a reboot of the original film, with a new protagonist but the same sense of adventure and nostalgia. Like the original, it features a young hero who stumbles upon a jetpack and uses it to fight evil. The film retains the period setting and art deco aesthetic of the original.

Fact: The film was produced by Disney, who also produced the original 'Rocketeer'. The new Rocketeer is a young African-American girl, adding a fresh twist to the classic story. The film's score pays homage to the original's sweeping, orchestral themes.