Airplane! 1980
"What's slower than a speeding bullet, and able to hit tall buildings at a single bound?"
In Jim Abrahams' 1980 cult comedy classic "Airplane!," chaos reigns when an ex-fighter pilot is thrust into the cockpit after the entire flight crew is laid low by a bout of food poisoning.
Director: Jim Abrahams
Cast
Robert Hays
Ted Striker
Julie Hagerty
Elaine Dickinson
Leslie Nielsen
Dr. Rumack
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Roger Murdock
Lloyd Bridges
Steve McCroskey
Peter Graves
Capt. Clarence Oveur
Robert Stack
Captain Rex Kramer
Lorna Patterson
Randy
Jill Whelan
Lisa Davis
Ann Nelson
Hanging Lady
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Airplane! (1980) about?
This zany comedy follows an ex-fighter pilot who must land a passenger plane after the entire crew falls ill from food poisoning. The flight becomes a battleground of absurd gags, puns, and over-the-top humor as the passengers scramble to keep the plane in the air.
Who directed Airplane!?
Jim Abrahams directed this comedy gem, co-writing the script with the legendary Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker team behind many iconic spoofs of the era.
Who stars in Airplane!?
The film features Robert Hays as the reluctant hero, Julie Hagerty as the flight attendant, and the legendary Leslie Nielsen in a role that redefined his career. Lloyd Bridges and Peter Graves also deliver standout performances.
Is Airplane! (1980) worth watching?
Absolutely—this comedy remains a masterclass in slapstick and parody, still fresh and hilarious decades later. Its sharp script, iconic one-liners, and relentless humor make it a must-watch for fans of classic comedies. Whether you're revisiting or discovering it for the first time, "Airplane!" delivers nonstop laughs.
How long is Airplane!?
The runtime is a brisk 88 minutes, making it perfect for a quick but unforgettable comedy fix.
🎥 Trailer
About Airplane! (1980) — The Ultimate Flight Full of Laughs and Gags
In Jim Abrahams' 1980 cult comedy classic "Airplane!," chaos reigns when an ex-fighter pilot is thrust into the cockpit after the entire flight crew is laid low by a bout of food poisoning. What follows is a delirious, gag-filled disaster-in-the-skies that turns a routine transcontinental flight into a high-stakes comedy of errors. With rapid-fire jokes, absurd visual gags, and a cast of over-the-top characters, the film transforms the familiar trope of the in-flight emergency into a relentless parade of hilarity. The sharp wit and slapstick energy create an atmosphere that's equal parts frenetic and heartwarming, as the passengers and crew navigate a nightmare scenario with escalating absurdity.
At its heart, "Airplane! (1980)" is a love letter to the golden age of slapstick comedy, blending aviation thrillers with the irreverence of the Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker team. The film's razor-sharp script and iconic performances—especially from Leslie Nielsen's deadpan delivery—elevate it far beyond mere parody, making it a timeless comedy that continues to inspire generations of filmmakers and tickle funny bones worldwide.
