Every Airport Movie, Ranked From Worst To Best

May 3, 2024, 5:05 p.m.

Movies

Every Airport Movie, Ranked From Worst To Best

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Summary The Airport franchise, starting in the 1970s, set the template for disaster movies with all-star casts facing catastrophic events.

Over time, the films became more outlandish, with larger budgets, but maintained an impact on popular culture and the disaster movie genre.

The Concorde...Airport '79 faltered due to a convoluted plot, illogical character decisions, and lackluster special effects, tarnishing the franchise's reputation.

The Airport franchise comprises four movies, varying in quality from decent tension to a level of earnestness that invites laughter, thus establishing the franchise as a distinctive time capsule of the 1970s. Based on Arthur Hailey's 1968 novel of the same name, the series kicked off with the eponymous 1970 film, which set the template for the disaster movie genre that would dominate the decade. Each subsequent installment followed a similar formula, featuring an all-star cast facing a catastrophic event aboard an aircraft or within an airport.

One of Hollywood’s biggest movie franchises, the movies’ over-the-top scenarios, melodramatic performances, and sometimes unintentionally humorous dialogue would later serve as fodder for the classic quotable parody film Airplane!. Despite their flaws, the Airport movies remain a fascinating glimpse into the era's cinematic trends and the public's appetite for grand-scale disaster films. As the series progressed, the films became increasingly outlandish, with larger budgets, more elaborate set pieces, and a revolving door of Hollywood stars. While the quality of the films may have diminished over time, their impact on popular culture and the disaster movie genre is undeniable.

4 The Concorde…Airport ‘79 (1979)

Directed by David Lowell Rich

The Concorde...Airport '79 is a movie that exemplifies the pitfalls of a franchise stretched too thin. The plot, centered around an arms-dealing conspiracy, is convoluted and nonsensical, detracting from the survivalist charm that made the previous installments engaging. While the film features plenty of airplane action, the narrative feels haphazard and disjointed, with plot points seemingly designed to pad out the runtime rather than drive the story forward. One of the most glaring issues with The Concorde...Airport '79 is the abundance of characters making illogical decisions. These characters seem to exist solely to keep the movie going.

The special effects in The Concorde...Airport '79 are another point of weakness. While the Concorde itself is an impressive aircraft, the shabby and unconvincing special effects fail to do it justice. The film's climax, involving a harrowing landing on a ski slope, does deliver some excitement, but it is not enough to redeem the film's numerous shortcomings.

Perhaps the most egregious example of the film's narrative failings is the abrupt and unsatisfying resolution of the main villain's storyline. The villain's sudden decision to take his own life at the end of the film feels tacked on and lacks any sense of narrative coherence or emotional impact. This rushed and poorly conceived conclusion further underscores the film's overall lack of quality and attention to detail.

The Concorde...Airport '79 serves as a cautionary tale for the dangers of overextending a franchise. The film's failure, coupled with the release of the best parody movie of all time, Airplane!, the following year, highlights the need for fresh ideas and innovative storytelling in the aviation disaster genre. While the Concorde itself remains an impressive and iconic aircraft, this film fails to do it justice, instead delivering a muddled and unsatisfying cinematic experience.

Rent or buy The Concorde... Airport '79 on Prime Video.

3 Airport ‘77 (1977)

Directed by Jerry Jameson

Airport '77 (1977) Director Jerry Jameson Release Date March 11, 1977 Writers David Spector , Michael Scheff Cast Jack Lemmon , Lee Grant , Brenda Vaccaro , Joseph Cotten , Olivia de Havilland Runtime 114 Minutes

Airport '77 takes the franchise in a wackier direction, embracing the craziness of its premise involving an airliner crashing in the Bermuda Triangle. While the science behind the film is questionable at best, requiring a significant suspension of disbelief, the plot involving hijackers and the resulting underwater situation manages to maintain a level of suspense and intrigue. The film's ability to keep the viewer's attention despite its far-fetched premise is a testament to its engaging storytelling.

The all-star cast, though not given much to work with in terms of character development, adds a layer of nostalgia and star power to the film. Seeing these legendary actors, such as James Stewart, in the later stages of their careers is a reminder of the changing landscape of Hollywood. Despite the limited screen time, the presence of these iconic actors adds a certain charm to the film.

One of the more interesting aspects of Airport '77 is the claimed accuracy of the Navy rescue sequence, which is said to resemble a submarine rescue operation. This attention to detail, even if only in one specific aspect of the film, adds a level of authenticity and realism to an otherwise fantastical premise. It demonstrates the filmmakers' efforts to ground certain elements of the story in reality, even as the overall narrative ventures into more outlandish territory.

However, the film is not without its flaws. The pacing can be dreary at times, with the famous actors seemingly going through the motions for a paycheck. The plot, while engaging in its own way, relies heavily on convenient circumstances and coincidences to move the story forward. These shortcomings prevent Airport '77 from reaching the heights of its predecessors in terms of overall quality and impact.

Airport '77 represents a shift in the franchise towards more outlandish and far-fetched premises. While the film manages to maintain a level of suspense and intrigue, thanks in part to its engaging plot and the presence of iconic actors, it is ultimately held back by its reliance on convenient storytelling and a lack of depth in its characters. Despite these flaws, Airport '77 remains an entertaining entry in the series, offering a glimpse into the evolving nature of the disaster film genre and the enduring appeal of its star-studded cast.

Airport '77 is available to stream on Netflix.

Related 10 Great Disaster Movies That Bombed At The Box Office These disaster movies that did not perform well at the box office are still worth watching for fans of the genre.

2 Airport 1975 (1974)

Directed by Jack Smight

Airport 1975 (1974) Director Jack Smight Release Date October 18, 1974 Writers Don Ingalls Cast Charlton Heston , Karen Black , George Kennedy , Efrem Zimbalist Jr. , Susan Clark Runtime 107 Minutes

In a departure from its predecessor, Airport 1975 embraces a more gonzo approach to storytelling. It presents a series of seemingly far-fetched scenarios in an attempt to keep engagement high through sheer audacity. While the film's premise and execution may be difficult to take seriously, it is precisely this willingness to push the boundaries of plausibility that makes Airport 1975 a compelling watch.

Many of the most memorable moments from Airplane! find their origins in Airport 1975, including the subplot involving a nun and a young girl in need of medical attention. The scene where the nun plays the girl's guitar, which was so effectively parodied in Airplane!, is a prime example of how the film's earnestness can be both endearing and unintentionally humorous. This blurring of the line between drama and comedy is a defining characteristic of Airport 1975, and it is this quality that sets it apart from its more serious-minded predecessor.

Another iconic element of the film is the "no one left to fly the plane" scenario, which has become a staple of the disaster movie genre. While the idea itself may seem far-fetched, the film manages to sell the urgency of the situation through the convincing performance of the stewardess who finds herself thrust into the role of impromptu pilot. However, the film's commitment to this high-stakes premise is somewhat undermined by the curiously mild depiction of the damage to the cockpit, with only a slight breeze entering through the gaping hole in the co-pilot's area.

Despite these shortcomings, Airport 1975 remains an entertaining entry in the franchise, thanks in large part to its star-studded cast and the sheer audacity of its plot. While it may not reach the heights of the original in terms of dramatic weight or technical achievement, the film succeeds in delivering a fast-paced and engaging adventure. Airport 1975 remains a notable example of the enduring appeal of the disaster movie formula, and a testament to the power of a talented ensemble cast to elevate even the most outlandish of premises.

Stream Airport 1975 on Netflix.

1 Airport (1970)

Directed by George Seaton

Airport (1970) Director George Seaton Release Date May 29, 1970 Writers George Seaton Cast burt lancaster , Dana Wynter , Dean Martin , Barbara Hale , Jean Seberg Runtime 137 Minutes

The film that kickstarted the franchise, Airport, delivers a decent amount of white-knuckled suspense and melodrama. While the various subplots involving the personal lives of the characters may not always pay off in full, they serve to add depth and humanity to the overall narrative. The real strength of the film lies in its gripping climax, which is enough to want to see what happens next.

The ensemble cast, including Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, and Jean Seberg, brings a sense of charm to the narrative. Each actor delivers a solid performance, effectively conveying the emotional stakes of their respective storylines. While some of these subplots, such as the various affairs, may not always resolve in the most satisfying manner, they nonetheless contribute to the overall tapestry of the film, creating a rich and complex world that feels alive and authentic.

Where Airport truly shines is in its thrilling final act. The tension builds steadily throughout the film, as the stakes are raised when a bomb threat places everyone in mortal danger. The exceptional pacing and expert building of tension during this final act are a testament to the skill of director George Seaton and the talented cast.

From a technical standpoint, Airport is a decently-crafted film that makes excellent use of its budget. The special effects, while perhaps not as impressive by today's standards, were groundbreaking for their time and still hold up well. Airport's attention to detail, particularly in its depiction of the inner workings of an airport and the procedures involved in air travel, adds a layer of realism that enhances the overall experience.

Airport sets a solid foundation for the films that would follow. It is a strong entry in its own right, offering a compelling mix of drama, suspense, and human interest. Its success at the box office and its impact on popular culture cannot be overstated, as it helped to establish the disaster film genre as a viable and profitable avenue for Hollywood studios. Airport is a well-crafted and engaging film that offers solid entertainment value for its runtime. While it may not be perfect, it remains a strong entry in the Airport franchise.