Forget Jason Statham, the Best Action Movie of the Last 30 Years Is Back on Netflix
“Air Force One,” the classic 1997 action film starring Harrison Ford, has returned to Netflix. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, the film remains a standout in 1990s action cinema nearly three decades after its theatrical release. Harrison Ford plays President James Marshall, a commander-in-chief who must fight back after terrorists hijack his aircraft. The film’s premise is essentially “Die Hard” with a presidential twist—the action hero is the President of the United States rather than an ordinary police officer.
Ford’s performance is central to the film’s enduring appeal. He brings his characteristic ability to make wildly implausible scenarios feel believable and grounded. Whether playing an archaeologist outrunning a boulder, a space smuggler battling an empire, or a president fighting terrorists on his own plane, Ford excels at portraying ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances. His natural charisma and screen presence allow audiences to accept the film’s ridiculous premise and spectacular action sequences.
The film’s return to Netflix underscores the enduring appeal of 1990s action cinema and Ford’s status as an iconic action hero. It represents a time when action films prioritized spectacle and character-driven storytelling, with stars like Ford carrying films through sheer force of personality. “Air Force One” remains entertaining and relevant, delivering the high-concept thrills promised by its premise.