Common Sense Media Review
By JK Sooja
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intense speed, peril in profile of elite pilot team.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds
What's the Story?
In AIR FORCE ELITE: THUNDERBIRDS, the 2023 Thunderbirds team of six pilots is featured. Still recovering from the last fatal tragedy in 2018, the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron seeks perfection and safety, needing to train and teach three incoming pilots every year or two. If the team reaches certification after 60 days of training, they can continue to perform the 2023 schedule of air shows and flyovers.
Is It Any Good?
This documentary is about the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, also known as the Thunderbirds. Inspiring, jaw-dropping, and terrifying, Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds features the incredible abilities and teamwork of six of the best pilots in the world. Covering just enough science and aerodynamical discussion, this documentary chooses to focus more on the individuals making up the team. Watching the team plan, study, work, train, practice, and learn is inspiring. They show incredible teamwork, communication, and dedication to something greater and bigger than themselves. And after it all, all the hard work, flying routines over and over, they then commit to 62 shows a year, spending over 250 days on the road.
While watching these people work tirelessly to perfect death-defying aerial routines, it's easy to forget sometimes that they are also incredible athletes, able to withstand g-forces that most human beings simply cannot. While the total package is a bit long, the experience does well to leave the viewer wanting more. Viewers might find themselves motivated to go see a show in person.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about striving for perfection under great risk. What part of Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds are you most impressed by?
Do you think the Thunderbirds should continue performing such a dangerous maneuver like the "High Bomb Burst"? Why, or why not?
Do you think you might ever want to learn how to fly a plane? Why, or why not?
What character strengths do the pilots show?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : May 23, 2025
- Cast : Justin Elliott , Lauren Schlichting , Jake Impellizzeri , Eric Tise
- Director : Matt Wilcox
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : June 3, 2025
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