Produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, Thunderbirds: Elite of the U.S. Air Force is an immersive Netflix documentary that takes a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most prestigious air patrols.
Thunderbirds: Elite of the US Air Force will be available on Netflix from May 23, 2025.
The Thunderbirds are the official aerial demonstration team of theUS Air Force, famous for their pinpoint performances at speeds of over 1,600 km/h. The film takes us to the Nevada desert alongside these fighter pilots, who are in the midst of preparing for their 2023 certification season.
Discover the first images of this documentary focusing on leadership, military rigor and the personal challenges of being a Thunderbird pilot.
Synopsis: In Nevada, over the desert, six fighter jets in tight formation race towards the skies, executing loops and plunging vertically. The Thunderbirds of the US Air Force are the rock stars of air shows, a team of pilots with unforgettable acrobatics. Produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, this documentary offers unprecedented access to the cockpits and briefing rooms of the 2023 team as they prepare for their annual certification. We follow Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Elliott, aka "Astro", through an intense 60-day training season. Between spectacular aerial sequences and intimate portraits, the film explores the sacrifices required to belong to this military elite.
Thunderbirds: Elite of the U.S. Air Force could appeal to fans of military documentaries and great sporting performances, as well as aviation and aeronautics enthusiasts. Viewers who enjoyed Top Gun: Maverick or Formula 1: Pilots of Their Destiny might find the same dramatic intensity and taste for challenge here.
Directed by Matt Wilcox, the documentary lasts around 90 minutes and is part of a series of productions supported by the Obama couple via their Higher Ground company. Filming focused on the Thunderbirds' 2023 season, offering rare behind-the-scenes footage of demanding training, from briefing rooms and technical sessions to high-intensity flying.
Thunderbirds: Elite of the US Air Force is a Netflix documentary that offers an unprecedented look into the daily life of the US Air Force's aerial demonstration unit. Between extreme precision, physical demands and personal commitment, the film offers an intense portrait of men and women who push their limits to fly in unison.
This article is based on information available online; we have not yet viewed the film or series mentioned.
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