Top Gun was not the first aviation movie to inspire future aviators. Aviation as a plot device is as old as motion pictures themselves. We’ve selected a few vintage films that set the bar for aviation movies to come, sometimes because of the direction, sometimes because of the storylines, stars or production technique. Get the popcorn and settle back on the couch—and add these movies to your “must watch” list.
Wings (1927)
This action-war picture was made twice. The first time, it was produced in 1927 as strictly a war-action movie, then it was rewritten to add a love interest, re-shot, and re-released in 1929. The movie is set during World War I and depicts the lives and adventures of two pilots and the woman they are competing for. It won the first Academy Award for Best Picture, and the film launched the career of Gary Cooper, who has a bit part as Air Cadet White. The first product placement appears in this movie as Cooper’s character tosses a half-eaten Hershey chocolate bar on his bunk then goes flying.
