A Forgotten Film That Launched an Entire Genre Just Hit Prime Video

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Although science fiction and fantasy often dominate movie conversations, disaster films are consistently popular. These movies, focusing on large-scale catastrophes – whether natural disasters, attacks, or major accidents – are often exciting, action-packed, and emotionally resonant as characters struggle to prevent disaster or simply survive it. The genre has roots in early cinema, but truly took off in the 1970s, becoming a major draw for audiences. Now, the film many consider to be the first of its kind is available to stream on Prime Video.

Premiering in 1970, Airport was the first of four films in the Airport series and is often considered the strongest. Adapted from Arthur Hailey’s 1968 novel, the movie essentially established the blueprint for future disaster films. It featured a large cast of famous actors, impressive special effects, and a detailed story that wove together the lives of many characters as a major crisis unfolded. The film was a massive hit with both critics and audiences, earning 10 Academy Award nominations and winning Best Supporting Actress for Helen Hayes.

Airport Is A High Stakes Drama More About the People Than The Planes

The movie Airport takes place at Chicago’s Lincoln International Airport during a blizzard. Mel Bakersfield, the airport manager (played by Burt Lancaster), is struggling to maintain operations when a far greater problem arises: a troubled ex-demolitions expert named D.O. Guerrero (Van Heflin) purchases a large life insurance policy and boards a transatlantic flight with the intention of destroying the plane. The film follows the unfolding events and how the choices of people both on the ground and in the air have significant consequences.

Unlike many disaster movies today that focus on action and explosions, Airport prioritizes the personal stories of its characters. The real drama isn’t just the impending plane crash, but the complicated lives of those involved. Airport manager Mel is struggling in his marriage and appears to be having an affair, while pilot Vernon Demerest is having an affair with a stewardess, Gwen, who is now pregnant. Adding to the mix is a stowaway with a story of her own. Though bad weather and the doomed flight are important, it’s the personal crises – like Gwen’s complicated situation and the bomber’s wife realizing something is wrong – that truly captivate the audience. It’s a bit melodramatic, but ultimately very engaging.

The compelling, human-focused story is what made Airport a great film and changed the disaster movie genre. It was so successful that it led to three sequels: Airport 1975, Airport ’77, and The Concorde … Airport ’79. Airport also influenced other disaster films to focus more on characters, and it helped launch the trend of big-budget franchises with famous actors. Although the popularity of disaster movies declined in the 1980s, the genre never fully disappeared. Films like San Andreas, Geostorm, and even Greenland and its sequel, Greenland 2, still borrow elements from what Airport pioneered.

What’s New This Month on Prime Video?

I’m so excited about all the new stuff Prime Video is adding! Along with the movie Airport, they’ve added a ton of great titles for March 2026. I was thrilled to see Resident Evil, Super 8, all four Shrek movies, Twelve Monkeys, and Teen Wolf were all available starting on March 1st. And apparently, even more shows and movies are coming throughout the month! You can find a full list of everything new here.

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2026-03-05 22:12