Dogfighting or aerial combat in movies isn’t always captured to perfection. However, many Hollywood movies have nailed it. That’s what we’re here for today, as we take a look at 15 of the best movies with or about dogfighting. So, let’s get started.
15. Dunkirk (2017)
Dunkirk is great, and it was well-received by both people and critics. However, it still doesn’t receive as much credit as it deserves for its portrayal of the dogfight. While the film’s pulp is focused on the Battle of Dunkirk, it also has epic aerial combat.
The dogfights in this film take place over the English Channel when a British fighter pilot does his best to protect the minesweeper. There are a couple of other dogfights as well, and the film, shot in IMAX, makes them a treat to watch.
14. Midway (2019)
Midway is based on the infamous Battle of Midway Atoll between the U.S. Navy and the Japanese Fleet. It all began when admirals led an attack on the Japanese Fleet near the Midway Atoll, ultimately leading the U.S. Navy to victory.
The true story element might have been bent in some way, but you can call that creative liberty. Other than that, the film has some great air-to-air and air-to-ground combats. It also has a star cast with actors such as Woody Harrelson, Patrick Wilson, Luke Evans, Aaron Eckhart, Ed Skrein, Dennis Quaid, etc.
13. Behind Enemy Lines (2001)
Behind Enemy Lines might not be an award winner or a critic pleaser, but it’s shot well and offers well-choreographed battle sequences. While there are only two to three air battles, the movie does them justice.
The story is about a surveillance flight led by Officer Chris Burnett (Owen Wilson) to gather intel on mass genocide. But the jet is soon shot down, leaving Burnett and his partner stranded behind enemy lines.
12. Stealth (2005)
Image Source: IMDb
Stealth may not be the most successful at the box office or an award winner, but it’s a good watch if you like air-to-air combat. It has some of the most compelling scenes that are well-made and worth watching.
However, a major part of the film’s story is fantasy as A.I. takes over fighter-bomber jets. Three fighter pilots are then assigned the task of bringing it down without alerting the enemy—or worse, before the rogue bomber starts a nuclear war.
11. Mission of Honor (2018)
Mission of Honor is another great film about the Second World War and the challenges faced by pilots. However, no film is like this, based on true events that led exiled Polish pilots to join the British ranks and fight alongside the Royal Air Force.
The film begins when a group of Polish pilots escapes from Poland after Germany invades it. All they have is an obsolete Hurricane and the will to fight for their country. Soon, they were allowed to fight, and Squadron 303 became immortalized.
10. Flight World War II (2015)
Flight World War II, released in 2015, is a unique film that combines fantasy with aerial combat. The film tells the story of Flight 42, which experiences a storm and seemingly enters a time portal. On the other hand, it finds itself stranded in France during the 1940s, during the peak of the Second World War.
The flight must navigate dogfights and other challenges as it tries to return to its timeline. It may not be historically accurate by any right, but it’s a fun concept.
9. Rescue Dawn (2006)
Rescue Dawn is based on the often understated role of the fighter pilots during the Vietnam War. While most stories or documentaries are about heroic rescues, bombardment, and difficult missions, this one is about the survival of a fighter pilot.
The film’s main focus is on rescue and survival, but the story around the pilot’s life and grit to survive makes it a must-watch for those who love aerial dogfights. It may not have riveting acting, but it surely has a great story.
8. Tuskegee Airmen (1995)
Image Copyright: HBO
Tuskegee Airmen is another true story about black pilots overcoming racial prejudice and segregation during the 2nd World War. Led by Hannibal Lee (Laurence Fishburne), the pilots go through their training and become one of the most respected groups in history.
The Tuskegee Airmen group then takes command of missions that not many other pilots will go through. This leads to some of the best scenes portraying air-to-ground strikes and battle sequences throughout the film.
7. Red Tails (2012)
Red Tails is another take on the Tuskegee program, where black pilots are considered inferior. However, they overcome this racial prejudice when given a chance, and three African-American pilots lead the charge against the enemy.
The premise of this story is the reason we get to see some epic World War Era aerial battles. The film is well-shot and well-choreographed. That’s why it’s yet another must-watch for someone who likes air-to-air combat in films.
6. Soar Into the Sun (2012)
Soar Into the Sun is a Korean film that portrays the dogfights between the North and South Korean air forces. The film’s story doesn’t directly jump into dogfights, however, as it’s a story about personal perseverance and humility.
After being humbled and demoted due to reckless behavior, Tae-hun, a South Korean fighter pilot, must work with lower-tier combat units and work his way up. As a result, we get to see F-15 against MiG-29 epic battles on screen.
5. Pearl Harbor (2001)
Pearl Harbor may not be the most critically acclaimed movie about the 2nd World War, but it does have some epic battle sequences. It rides on the back of a stellar cast and strong direction, which makes it an entertaining movie to watch.
But the reason you’d want to watch this film is the 6+ minutes of epic aerial combat sequences. They are not only compelling but also quite realistic. Thus, this film has made this list because of its epic dogfights.
4. Devotion (2022)
Devotion is one of the films that flew under the radar in 2022, but it’s one that you need to watch. The film portrays the true story of Jesse Brown, who was the first African-American aviator in U.S. Navy History.
The film also focuses on friendship, but what it portrays well is Brown’s abilities in aerial combat. The film focuses on the tirades during the Korean War, where Brown gets into a couple of dogfights, as well as air-to-ground strikes.
3. Flyboys (2006)
The story of Flyboys is based on the true stories of the first American fighter pilots. The First World War saw Americans join late into the battle and support their allies. But what the USA brought with them was their aerial support.
That’s why this film has many great 1st World War aerial combats, including close combat in the final scene of the movie. While it may not be as fast-paced as some of the modern jet fights, the movie is definitely in the top tier of dogfighting films.
2. Battle of Britain (1969)
Battle of Britain is a great movie, and no aerial combat list can be complete without mentioning it. The film portrays the events during the Second World War, when Germany was keen on invading Great Britain. However, the more-than-capable British Royal Air Force was the only thing standing in their way.
They kept the dreaded German Luftwaffe at bay while defending their shores effectively. This film portrays those events accurately on the back of a star cast.
1. Top Gun (1986) & Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Image Copyright: Paramount Pictures
No other films are more iconic or as well-renowned as the Top Gun saga when it comes to dogfighting. Both films have great stories, and some would even go as far as to say that the second film triumphed over the first one.
With better technology and filmography, the second one does look better, but the first one is great, too, considering it was made over 36 years before the second one. However, there’s no denying that no other dogfight or aerial combat movie comes even close to these two installments.
Honorable Mentions
- Memphis Belle (1990)
- Iron Eagle (1986)
- Independence Day (1996)
What are your favorite dogfighting movies? Share with us in the comments!
