The Best Air Disaster Movie Ever Streamed on Netflix

Posted by Steven Nelson | Published 1 minute ago

If you've ever wondered where the “disaster movie” movie really went, look no further Airport. Streaming now on Netflix, this '70s classic offers a combination of high-quality drama, impressive effects for its time, and a cast that's more packed than your last overbooked flight. Get ready to buckle up and enjoy in-flight entertainment that doesn't involve small screens or questionable headphones!

A Multi-Layered Disaster Flick With a Stacked Stack

Airport it gives us a 24-hour look into the chaotic world of Chicago's airport (which, let's be honest, sometimes doesn't sound like fiction when you're waiting in a real airport). Directed by George Seaton, the film is based on Arthur Hailey's 1968 novel of the same name.

The story revolves around Mel Bakersfeld (played by Burt Lancaster), a jaded, career-driven airport manager. One snowy night, you're dealing with runway closures, angry passengers, a busy wife, and oh, did I mention a bomb on an airplane? Yes, Mel has her hands full.

Our leading man Lancaster is ably supported by Dean Martin, who steps into the shoes of the playboy pilot, Vernon Demerest. Vernon has had his own problems, most notably an unplanned pregnancy with a flight attendant (the iconic Jacqueline Bisset).

However, the real tension in the Airport he smuggles a worried bomb into the plane. He plans to blow up the plane, hoping his wife will get the insurance money (exaggerating, right?). Enter Joe Patroni (George Kennedy), a tough and tough senior mechanic, tasked with getting a stalled plane off a snowy runway and playing the unlikely hero in the climax.

As for our supporting cast, it's a collection to write home about. We have Jean Seberg as Tanya Livingston, Mel's sidekick and chief customer relations agent. There's also Oscar-nominated Helen Hayes who plays the wily old stockman, Ada Quonsett. He's an absolute scene-stealer, popping in and out of the story, leading free flights with his mind.

With an interesting narrative, the film, in a spectacular way, depicts the underworld of aviation in the 1970s. From the technical problems, the personal dramas, to the palpable tension of impending disaster, the film paints a tumultuous (pun intended!) picture of the world of aviation. Overall, Airport a joyride full of drama, suspense, romance, and old-school airport glamour. They certainly don't act like this anymore!

Airport Cleaned Box Office

The '70s began with the popularity of Universal Pictures, as Airport it soared to the top of the box office charts. The film grossed a whopping $128 million, making it one of the top grossers of 1970. That's a lot of tickets and maybe a ton of popcorn. Considering that the film had a budget of around $10 million, Universal must have thrown some great office parties that year.

“Ensure the impact!”—maybe what the producers were thinking when the reviews started pouring in, because, let's face it, critics can be a tricky bunch. The film received mixed reviews, but even the harshest critics could not deny its entertainment value.

While others find it a touch melodramatic (it is something a tragedy, after all), others appreciated the film's careful construction and multi-layered narrative. The highlight? Helen Hayes won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as the sprightly stowaway, Ada Quonsett. I mean, come on, a shy old lady going through airport security? Who wouldn't give him a medal?

Airport it also earned nine Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. It may not have been to all critics' liking, but the Academy sure showed it some love. The film's success also spawned a number of sequels and arguably gave birth to the “disaster movie” of the '70s. So, when Airport it was a positive stir with critics, its legacy undeniably rooted in cinema history.

Alright, let's get this plane down! Airport it may be full of dramatic moments, campy scenes, and iconic performances, but these are the qualities that make it worth watching. Whether you're on a nostalgia trip or curious about the origins of the tragic genre, taking this cinematic flight on Netflix is ​​a trip worth taking. Airport it's streaming now.