If You Enjoy the B-17s in Masters of the Air, Don’t Miss These 7 WWII Movies

The B-17 Flying Fortress is a legendary bomber that played a major role in World War II. Known for its durability and long-range capabilities, the B-17 became a symbol of the Allied air war over Europe. The AppleTV+ series Masters of the Air highlights the incredible story of the 100th Bombardment Group and their B-17 missions in the European Theater. If this series sparked your interest, these seven films offer an opportunity to explore more stories involving the iconic aircraft.

Air Force (1943)

This wartime drama, directed by Howard Hawks, follows the crew of a B-17 nicknamed Mary Ann as they navigate the early days of the war in the Pacific. The film begins with their unplanned arrival at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack. From there, they move to Wake Island and the Philippines, carrying out missions in the face of relentless enemy attacks.

What sets Air Force apart is its use of actual B-17B, C, and D models, which were captured on film during realistic flight sequences. The movie shows the dangers and sacrifices faced by the crews, as well as the teamwork required to operate a bomber in combat. While the film takes some liberties with historical accuracy, it gives viewers a glimpse of how the Flying Fortress contributed to early Pacific operations.

The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress (1944)

This wartime documentary, directed by William Wyler, captures the experiences of a B-17 crew completing their 25th mission over Germany. Wyler joined the crew of the Memphis Belle on five missions, filming real combat footage from inside the plane. The result is a powerful and authentic depiction of life aboard a Flying Fortress during some of the war’s most dangerous bombing raids.

The documentary combines Wyler’s filmed material into a narrative of the crew’s final mission, creating a gripping account of their journey. The real Memphis Belle gained fame as the first B-17 to return to the U.S. after completing its missions, and it is now preserved at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.

Memphis Belle (1990)

A fictionalized retelling of Wyler’s documentary, this film dramatizes the Memphis Belle crew’s 25th mission. Starring Matthew Modine and Eric Stoltz, the movie presents a close-knit group of young men as they face the dangers of anti-aircraft fire, enemy fighters, and the constant threat of mechanical failure.

While the film sometimes relies on clichés, it does capture the intense emotions and camaraderie of bomber crews. The tension builds as the mission unfolds, and the action sequences showcase both the risks and the resilience required to fly a B-17 in combat.

Command Decision (1948)

This film focuses not on the crews flying the missions but on the officers making the decisions. Clark Gable stars as Brigadier General “Casey” Dennis, a commander overseeing bombing raids deep into enemy territory. The story shows the moral dilemmas faced by leaders who must balance mission objectives with the human cost of war.

The dialogue-heavy plot reflects the movie’s origins as a Broadway play, but it offers an interesting perspective on the air war. Scenes of B-17s in flight and real combat footage are woven into the story, illustrating the immense challenges faced by both the men in the air and those on the ground making strategic decisions.

Twelve O’Clock High (1949)

Widely regarded as one of the best WWII films ever made, Twelve O’Clock High tells the story of General Frank Savage, played by Gregory Peck. Savage takes command of a struggling bomb group and enforces strict discipline to improve their performance. His leadership style initially alienates the crew but ultimately prepares them for the challenges of combat.

The film explores the psychological toll of command and the emotional strain on airmen facing constant danger. One standout moment is the belly landing of a real B-17, performed by stunt pilot Paul Mantz. The film inspired a TV series of the same name and remains a powerful depiction of wartime leadership and sacrifice.

The War Lover (1962)

Steve McQueen delivers a memorable performance as Buzz Rickson, a reckless B-17 pilot who thrives on the thrill of combat. The movie examines his complicated relationships with his crew, his co-pilot (played by Robert Wagner), and a woman they both admire.

Filmed with actual B-17s, The War Lover combines thrilling aerial sequences with a darker exploration of the psychological effects of war. McQueen’s portrayal of a pilot torn between heroism and self-destruction adds depth to the story, even as the romantic subplot feels secondary to the main themes.

Fortress (2012)

This modern film offers a smaller-scale story about the crew of a B-17 stationed in North Africa during the war. The movie focuses on the challenges faced by a new pilot stepping into a leadership role after the death of the plane’s previous commander.

While the production lacks the budget of larger WWII films, it effectively conveys the danger and intensity of B-17 missions. The use of computer-generated effects allows for vivid depictions of aerial combat, and the movie highlights the teamwork required to survive in the hostile skies over Europe.