Movies and TV Series Every Warbird Fan Should Watch

There’s something about the roar of radial engines, the gleam of polished aluminum, and the daring of pilots who defy gravity that makes aviation movies so unforgettable. Few things can match the thrill of a great aviation movie. Maybe it’s the sound of those old engines, maybe it’s the daring of the pilots, or maybe it’s just the joy of watching a classic warbird dance across the sky. Whatever it is, these films have a way of keeping us glued to our seats, grinning like kids at an airshow.

Here’s our list of Top 10 Aviation Movies & TV Series—a blend of warbird-heavy classics and aerial adventures that the Commemorative Air Force helps keep alive today.

1. Battle of Britain (1969)

A love letter to Spitfires, Hurricanes, and the RAF’s finest hour, Battle of Britain pulls no punches in showing the desperate fight to keep Nazi Germany out of British skies. The aerial cinematography is legendary—no CGI here, just real warbirds in jaw-dropping formation.
CAF Connection: The CAF’s involvement with the Battle of Britain was more than symbolic—the organization supplied Spitfires and Messerschmitts for the film after acquiring rare examples from England and Spain in the mid-1960s. These aircraft, along with CAF pilots, appeared in the production, helping make its flying scenes legendary. Today, the CAF continues to operate a Spitfire, in Southern California, keeping the story of the RAF’s finest hour alive in the skies.

2. Memphis Belle (1990)

Based on the real-life final mission of the famous B-17 bomber crew, Memphis Belle is equal parts action, camaraderie, and heart. The film captures the tension of daylight bombing runs and the bond between crew members who fly into danger together.
CAF Connection: Memphis Belle centers on a B-17, the CAF has long sought to save and restore these iconic aircraft—including launching ambitious efforts to acquire a B-17 in the 1960s. Today, CAF B-17 Sentimental Journey tour nationwide, honoring the crews depicted in the film. The B-17 Flying Fortress known as Memphis Belle, featured in the 1990 movie, is now on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.

3. Twelve O’Clock High (1949)

This Gregory Peck classic isn’t just about flying—it’s about leadership, morale, and the mental toll of command in the skies over Europe. It’s a must-see for anyone who wants to understand the human side of the bomber war.
CAF Connection: Just as this film explores leadership and endurance, the CAF has spent decades ensuring that the legacies of bomber crews remain visible. From early shows at Randolph AFB and Wright-Patterson to today’s tours, CAF bombers offer living history displays reminiscent of the 8th Air Force missions featured in Twelve O’Clock High.

4. The Tuskegee Airmen (1995)

A powerful dramatization of the first African American fighter pilots in the U.S. Army Air Forces, this HBO film combines history, grit, and inspiration. The P-51 Mustangs are the stars, but the human story soars just as high.
CAF Connection: The CAF’s RISE ABOVE: Red Tail exhibit, touring since the early 2010s, directly parallels the film’s mission—sharing the achievements and sacrifices of the Tuskegee Airmen. Just as the movie showcases P-51 Mustangs in action, the CAF’s P-51C Tuskegee Airmen appears at events nationwide to inspire new generations.

5. Baa Baa Black Sheep (1976–1978 – TV Series)

Also known as Black Sheep Squadron, this TV classic dramatizes the exploits of Marine fighter ace Greg “Pappy” Boyington and his squadron of Corsair pilots in the Pacific during WWII. While it takes liberties with history, it’s full of dogfighting action and unforgettable footage of the Corsair.
CAF Connection: Corsairs have been a part of the CAF since the early 1960s, when the group acquired its first FG-1D from Arizona for just $1,800. That aircraft, and others restored since, echo the roar and presence of the Black Sheep Squadron’s fighters, thrilling airshow audiences just like the TV series.

6. Masters of the Air (2024 – TV Miniseries)

Following the 100th Bomb Group—nicknamed the “Bloody Hundredth”—this series takes viewers deep into the world of daylight bombing missions over Europe. With epic B-17 Flying Fortress sequences and emotional storytelling, it’s the modern heir to Band of Brothers.
CAF Connection: To aid in the authenticity of this series. Sounds of the CAF’s B-17 Sentimental Journey were recorded and used to enhance the shows. By touring with Sentimental Journey, the CAF offers a glimpse into the kind of missions Masters of the Air dramatizes and provides the rare opportunity to walk inside and fly aboard the same type of bomber the “Bloody Hundredth” flew.

7. Devotion (2022)

Based on the true story of U.S. Navy aviators Jesse Brown and Tom Hudner during the Korean War, Devotion blends breathtaking aerial combat scenes with a deeply moving story of friendship and sacrifice. While not World War II, its Corsair flying sequences make it a standout for warbird fans.
CAF Connection: The CAF’s Corsairs, which perform at airshows across the country, give audiences a live, roaring connection to the aircraft that star in Devotion. The CAF’s Corsair “530” assigned to CAF Airbase Georgia was used in the filming of Devotion. Additionally, the book which spanned the series, also called “Devotion,” is by Adam Makos. Makos has worked with the CAF on several projects including research and has been a guest on the CAF’s Podcast CAF Warbird Tube.

8. Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo (1944)

This wartime classic tells the story of the daring Doolittle Raid—America’s first strike on the Japanese mainland after Pearl Harbor. This dramatic film humanizes the incredibly risky mission early in the war. With Spencer Tracy as Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle, it’s equal parts tension, heroism, and inspiration.
CAF Connection: The CAF operates multiple B-25 Mitchell bombers—the same type (although not the same variant) used in the Doolittle Raid—including Maid in the Shade, Show Me, Miss Mitchell, Semper Fi, Devil Dog, and Yellow Rose, which tour nationwide.

9. Band of Brothers (2001 – TV Miniseries)

This acclaimed HBO series follows Easy Company 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division from D-Day through the end of the war. While it focuses on ground combat, the series features unforgettable C-47 Skytrain sequences that show the vital role of airborne operations.
CAF Connection: The CAF’s C-47 That’s All, Brother and C-53 D-Day Doll both participated in the historic D-Day invasion and still fly today, honoring the airborne crews depicted in Band of Brothers.

10. Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)

A meticulously researched account of the attack on Pearl Harbor, told from both the American and Japanese perspectives. Filmed using real aircraft, it remains one of the most authentic depictions of the day that brought America into World War II.
CAF Connection: The TORA performing group seen at airshows today began with the aircraft (discarded props) used in this movie. CAF aircraft often appear at Pearl Harbor commemorations, keeping alive the memory of the aircraft and aircrews from that fateful day. Several CAF aircraft types—such as the P-40 Warhawk—were present during the real attack.

Your Turn to Fly the List!

We know we’ve only scratched the surface—there are countless aviation gems out there. What’s your favorite? Whether it’s a nail-biting dogfight, a stirring true story, or an underrated TV gem, we want to hear about it.

Share your favorites and reviews in the comments, or send them to us HERE.
Check out our full list of “Must Sees" on the CAF’s Watchlist on IMDB.