Airplanes have long played a big role in film. Some scenes are so well done that they put you right in the cockpit. Others… not so much. Here’s our breakdown of some of the best flight scenes. From the most realistic to the most exaggerated cinematic aviation moments ever filmed.

Unrealistic Flight Scenes

Some movies go all-in on action, even if it means bending the rules of physics. These picks stand out for delivering memorable moments, even if they’re far from believable.

Die Hard 2 (1990) – The Jet Fuel Trail Explosion

In one of the film’s most dramatic moments, the protagonist, John McClane, ignites a trail of jet fuel, causing a plane to explode right after taking off. It looks impressive, but in reality, it doesn’t hold up. Jet fuel is difficult to ignite, especially in cold, snowy conditions. It’s a classic case of movie physics, not flight science. Great to watch, just not real.

Fast & Furious 6 (2013) – The Endless Runway

The finale features cars chasing a cargo plane during takeoff, on a runway that seems to stretch for miles. The scene is fun, but wildly unrealistic. That said, it still stands out as one of the most iconic aerial sequences and one of the most memorable moments in the franchise, even if it defies logic more than it defies gravity.

Air Force One (1997) – The Escape Pod

The presidential airplane features a one-person escape pod for emergencies. It’s a cool idea and is part of one of the top airplane movie scenes, delivering pure suspense. But the real Air Force One doesn’t have anything like that. Plus, ejecting at high altitude and speed would take tech that no plane has. Pure movie invention.

Realistic Flight Scenes

Sully (2016) – Landing on the Hudson

This shows the 2009 Hudson River landing after a bird strike. Working with Captain Sully, the movie gets the glide, water landing, and rescue right. It’s not just one of the best flight scenes ever made, but also a respectful look at a moment that could have ended very differently. The scene also delivers some of the most breathtaking airborne visuals in any recent aviation film.

Flight (2012) – The Inverted Dive

While the plot is fictional, the opening emergency landing is based on real flight principles. Denzel Washington’s character rolls the plane upside down to control its descent. Commercial jets aren’t built for that, but the scene’s intensity, timing, and movement reflect some of the most famous flight choreography ever staged for the screen. 

United 93 (2006) – Honest and Unfiltered

This film depicts the events aboard United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11. It shows the cockpit and cabin chaos as passengers fight back, using real details and expert input, featuring one of the most realistic and best flight scenes ever put to screen. It’s a top choice among legendary aviation films for how it honours the passengers with care and realism.

From Screen to Sky

Some flight scenes stay with us because they feel real. Others stick in our memory for the extravagant spectacle. The best flight scenes manage to do both, giving us moments that are intense, emotional, and visually unforgettable. From carefully crafted realism to over-the-top epic sky battles, aviation continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.

Of course, not all the action has to happen on screen. You can experience memorable flying sequences in real life at the Abbotsford International Airshow, coming up August 8–10. With a full lineup of top aerial performers and aircraft on display, it’s an event aviation fans won’t want to miss.