Any action film that features naval forces or fighter jets striking at enemies over sea will invariably also involve an aircraft carrier. These massive vessels act as floating runways, allowing a variety of aircraft to take off and land without the need for a traditional base. They have become an essential part of militaries around the world and can often be seen in war movies as a result, with dramatic footage depicting fighter jets and bombers launching into the air becoming something of a staple of the genre.
Of course, the sheer size of these ships makes it impractical to build sets to replicate them. The biggest aircraft carriers can be over a thousand feet long and displace more than 100,000 tons when fully loaded. Sometimes it is easier and cheaper to use a real-life aircraft carrier for filming. Fortunately for movie studios, the U.S. Navy and other military forces from across the globe are willing to allow directors to shoot movie scenes on their ships in exchange for financial compensation and exposure.
Here are some of the Hollywood films that have filmed scenes aboard aircraft carriers, capturing footage directly at sea.
Stealth (2005)
Released in 2005, "Stealth" is a war film starring Jamie Foxx, Jessica Biel, and Josh Lucas as three pilots training an unmanned aircraft. The film features the USS Carl Vinson and USS Abraham Lincoln. Key facts: The USS Carl Vinson was used for early filming in 2004, with 20 cast and crew aboard for a week. Later, a larger crew filmed on the USS Abraham Lincoln with a stealth jet prop. The film showcases the daily operations of a carrier, including launches and landings.
Behind Enemy Lines (2001)
Owen Wilson stars as a Navy pilot shot down in Bosnia. The film used the USS Carl Vinson and USS Constellation while they were on training exercises off Southern California. Key facts: The U.S. Navy allowed filming during active flight operations, requiring careful coordination with fighter jet landings and takeoffs. Gene Hackman plays the admiral in charge of the carrier group.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
The long-awaited sequel to Top Gun features Tom Cruise reprising his role. Filming took place on the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Theodore Roosevelt. Key facts: Paramount signed a Production Assistance Agreement with the Department of Defense. The Navy supported the shoot while maintaining training objectives. The film captures high-speed flying and carrier deck operations in stunning detail.
Flight of the Intruder (1991)
Directed by John Milius, this Vietnam War film stars Danny Glover, Willem Dafoe, and Brad Johnson. The USS Independence served as the primary filming location. Key facts: The Navy provided full script approval and access to A-6 Intruder bombers. External shots and scenes in the flight deck and ready room were filmed on the Forrestal-class carrier USS Independence, which entered service in 1959.
Pearl Harbor (2001)
Michael Bay's epic romance-war film features an ensemble cast including Ben Affleck and Kate Beckinsale. The USS Lexington, a museum ship, was used to represent both the USS Hornet and a Japanese carrier. Key facts: The ship was renovated with period-appropriate aircraft to depict World War II. It remained open to the public during filming with restricted access to some sets.
Tiger Cruise (2004)
A Disney Channel film starring Bill Pullman and Hayden Panettiere, set aboard the USS Constellation. The story revolves around the 9/11 attacks. Key facts: Filming occurred on the USS John C. Stennis and USS Nimitz. Pullman noted the challenge of filming on an active ship with constant noise from operations. The film provides an authentic look at carrier life during a crisis.
The Final Countdown (1980)
Kirk Douglas stars in this sci-fi war film where the USS Nimitz is sent back in time before Pearl Harbor. Key facts: The film was shot almost entirely on the newly built USS Nimitz. Sailors served as extras, and some appear in the credits. Difficulties included camera operators being thrown by jet engine blast and near-destruction of replica aircraft.
The Hunt for Red October (1990)
Sean Connery plays a Soviet submarine captain defecting to the U.S. The film used the USS Enterprise for exterior shots. Key facts: The Navy approved use of the carrier along with frigates and the submarine USS Houston. Most submarine interiors were sets, but the carrier deck scenes were real. The film boosted Navy recruitment.
Top Gun (1986)
The quintessential naval aviation film features Tom Cruise as Maverick. The USS Enterprise is prominent, along with USS Ranger and USS Carl Vinson for interiors. Key facts: Director Tony Scott paid $25,000 to turn the carrier for better lighting during a dogfight scene. The cast and crew filmed promotion interviews on the USS Enterprise in 1985. The film's success led to increased interest in naval aviation.
Source: SlashGear News