There’s something uniquely terrifying about trouble at 30,000 feet. Stuck in a metal tube miles above the ground, with no exit and no pause button, fear takes on a whole new dimension. That’s exactly why Airplane Thriller Movies are so addictive. They combine suspense, danger, and survival instinct in a way that keeps you glued to the screen.
If you love intense drama, shocking twists, and high-stakes action in the sky, this list of Airplane Thriller Movies is perfect for your next movie night. Get ready for a cinematic turbulence like no other.
15 Airplane Thrillers That Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat
1. Flight (2012)
An airline pilot miraculously lands a failing aircraft and becomes an overnight hero. But the celebration is short-lived when an investigation reveals he was under the influence while flying. What follows is a gripping story of truth, addiction, and consequences – emotional and intense, not just action-packed.
IMDb: 7.3 | Where to Watch: Prime Video
2. Airport (1970)
A classic thriller that follows an airport manager handling a brutal snowstorm while facing the threat of a suicide bomber onboard a flight. Old-school suspense with multiple storylines that build tension slowly but effectively.
IMDb: 6.6 | Where to Watch: Prime Video
3. Air Force One (1997)
When the President of the United States boards Air Force One after a trip to Moscow, terrorists hijack the plane, demanding the release of a dangerous general. But they didn’t expect a President ready to fight back. Action-packed and thrilling, this is a must-watch for fans of high-stakes airplane thrillers.
IMDb: 6.5 | Where to Watch: Prime Video
4. Plane (2023)
Pilot Brodie Torrance survives a lightning strike and makes an emergency landing on a dangerous island. But safety is only the beginning – rebels take passengers hostage, and Torrance must team up with an FBI prisoner to survive. Full-speed survival mode.
IMDb: 6.5 | Where to Watch: Apple TV
5. Red Eye (2005)
A casual conversation on a flight turns into a nightmare when Lisa befriends a stranger who is part of a terrorist plot. Trapped mid-air, she must outsmart him before it’s too late. A must-watch for fans of psychological airplane thrillers.
IMDb: 6.4 | Where to Watch: Prime Video
6. Non-Stop (2014)
A US air marshal receives threatening messages mid-flight: transfer $150 million or passengers will start dying. With everyone a suspect, tension escalates minute by minute. A thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end.
IMDb: 6.9 | Where to Watch: Prime Video
7. Flightplan (2005)
Kyle boards a flight with her young daughter and her husband’s coffin. After a nap, she wakes to find her daughter missing, and the crew insists the child was never onboard. Is she losing her mind, or is something far darker happening?
IMDb: 6.3 | Where to Watch: Netflix
8. Snakes on a Plane (2006)
An FBI agent escorts a key witness on a flight that descends into chaos when venomous snakes are released onboard. Wild, dramatic, and exactly what it sounds like – over-the-top entertainment for thrill-seekers.
IMDb: 5.5 | Where to Watch: Prime Video
9. Blood Red Sky (2021)
Terrorists hijack an overnight flight, unaware that one passenger hides a terrifying secret. A mother must reveal her monstrous side to protect her son, blending horror with airplane thriller tension for a unique viewing experience.
IMDb: 6.1 | Where to Watch: Netflix
10. Passenger 57 (1992)
After personal tragedy, John joins an airline anti-terrorism unit – only to board a hijacked flight. Fast-paced and action-heavy, a classic 90s sky-high showdown.
IMDb: 5.9 | Where to Watch: Prime Video
11. United 93 (2006)
Based on real events, passengers of United Flight 93 learn about the September 11 attacks and decide to fight back against the hijackers. Intense, emotional, and deeply moving.
IMDb: 7.6 | Where to Watch: Prime Video
12. Turbulence (1997)
A routine prisoner transport flight turns deadly when a serial killer takes control of the aircraft. A flight attendant must find courage to outwit him and land safely. High-pressure scenarios at their finest.
IMDb: 5.0 | Where to Watch: Prime Video
13. Sully (2016)
Captain Chesley Sullenberger makes an emergency landing on the Hudson River after birds disable both engines. While hailed as a hero, an investigation questions his decisions. One of the most realistic and inspiring airplane thrillers. (Also Watch: Best Biographies You Can’t Miss)
IMDb: 7.4 | Where to Watch: Prime Video
14. Con Air (1997)
A wrongly convicted prisoner gets a chance to go home, but his flight is hijacked by dangerous criminals. Caught in chaos, he must take control and survive. Loud, dramatic, and packed with action.
IMDb: 6.9 | Where to Watch: Prime Video
15. The Langoliers (1995)
Based on Stephen King’s story, a group of passengers wakes mid-flight to find everyone else mysteriously vanished. When they land, the world seems empty and strange. A surreal mystery with suspenseful twists.
IMDb: 6.1 | Where to Watch: Prime Video
Also Read: 25 Must-Watch Movies On The End Of The World
Bonus:
Die Hard 2 (1990)
One year after the Nakatomi Plaza incident, John McClane finds himself in another high-stakes showdown. Terrorists take control of Washington Dulles Airport’s systems on Christmas Eve, putting multiple incoming flights at risk – including the plane carrying his wife, Holly. With time running out, McClane must battle the hijackers and save the passengers in a suspense-filled race against disaster.
Top Gun (1986)
At the elite Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School, the best of the best train to master aerial combat. Hotshot pilot Maverick, with his daring attitude and cocky confidence, clashes with his peers – especially the disciplined and focused Iceman. Between intense dogfights, high-speed maneuvers, and personal rivalries, Maverick pushes his skills and limits to become the ultimate fighter pilot.
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Next time you board a flight, maybe don’t think about these airplane movies too much. But for movie night, these Airplane Thriller Movies deliver suspense, survival, and sky-high drama all in one. Fasten your seatbelt and press play!