6 Favorite Movies About Aviation in Time for the Sundance Film Festival

There are many genres of film, but none more relevant to this publication than the aviation genre. Research conducted by this author has shown that there are, in fact, numerous films related to or at least referencing airports, airplanes, airships or Batwings. And there are equally as many lists detailing which of these films are to be considered the best.

This article will contribute yet another list to the digital fray.

We are weighing in now because the Sundance Film Festival runs from Thursday, Jan 23, to Sunday, Feb 2.

Held annually in Park City, Utah, the largest independent — “indie” for insiders or those with a preference toward colloquialism — film festival in the United States brings an assortment of celebrities, filmmakers (obvious) and cinephiles together to review the latest and oftentimes greatest films submitted from around the globe.

Delta Air Lines offers nonstop service between PIT and Salt Lake City Airport (SLC), which is a little more than 35 miles from Park City. The popular route returned last November after a five-year hiatus, providing the perfect reason to stop procrastinating and attend the Sundance Film Festival.

And in the spirit of Sundance — insider speak — here are our favorite aviation-themed films.

Air Force One

This movie did not receive the acclaim it should have because it was released the same year as “Titanic,” which is not a better movie. Before watching “Air Force One,” I asked myself, “How are they — the people who make movies, I was young — going to make a story about Air Force One exciting?” My cynicism was very much put in check. “Air Force One” has a great cast (Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman and Glenn Close) and peaks with a line that I hope to one day say in the right context: “Get off my plane!”

Apollo 13

Is this movie about an ill-fated mission to space part of the aviation genre? Yes. The crew of Apollo 13 were all aviators, they flew to space and back, and the Saturn V rocket that took them there is a marvel of aerospace engineering, and therefore, flight. The true story on which this movie is based is astonishing. Look it up.

The Aviator

Winner of the most relevant title on this list. That aside, this film illustrates the life of aviation innovator Howard Hughes. Yes, there are some detours into Hughes’ personal life, but other than that, this is a film that features airplanes and the designs for which Hughes was known. Full disclosure: “The Aviator” is my favorite movie on this list.

Planes

This pick is for the children, the families and the young at heart. “Planes” is a story about believing in yourself, overcoming your fears and always trying your best even when you might encounter… rough skies. The fun thing about animated movies like this is matching the characters with the real airplanes on which they were modeled.

The Terminal

This film is about an international traveler who must live in an airport terminal because war breaks out in his country, meaning he cannot return. Friendship and even love ensue throughout this drama/comedy, or dramedy for those who like portmanteau. What surprised me was that this somewhat lighthearted film was inspired by a not-so-lighthearted true story.

Top Gun

Many might disagree, but I do not like this movie. I have my reasons. My editor and everyone else whose opinion I asked said “Top Gun” had to be on this list, so here it is. I will give the movie this: Kenny Loggins put his heart into performing ’80s hard rock anthem “Danger Zone,” which is the most enduring and therefore best part of this film; a statement you know to be true.