Executive Decision

Executive Decision (1996)

  • 63% of critics liked it
    (38 reviews)

  • 51% of users liked it
    (40,309 ratings)

In this action thriller, a group of Islamic terrorists, led by Nagi Hassan (David Suchet), highjacks a 747 jetliner with 400 passengers aboard, but Lt. Col. Austin Travis (Steven Seagal), a United States intelligence agent, is convinced that this isn't an ordinary case of air piracy. His… More

Play Trailer

R,
Directed By
Written By
Jim Thomas, John Thomas
Genres
Action & Adventure
In Theaters
Jun 1, 1995 Wide
Warner Home Video

Critic Reviews

  • Desson Thomson, Washington Post

    Satisfying junk food.

  • Janet Maslin, New York Times

    A good, taut movie for red-meat action audiences.

  • Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

    A movie for people who are sophisticated enough to know how shameless the film is, but fun-loving enough to enjoy its excesses and manic zeal.

  • Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee

    It doesn't always work, but there's something inspiring about Baird's unwillingness to follow the usual formula.

  • David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews

    A smart, adult thriller...

Read all 13 critic reviews

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Jens S


    When this film came out it may have looked unrealistic for terrorists to hijack a plane and use it as a weapon against the USA. As we know now that is a pretty terrifying and real scenario, one that even still makes parts of this film hard to stomach. This plot's attempts to stop… More

  • Phil H


    One of the first action films I remember seeing where one of the big name leading heroes bites the dust very early on in the film, this was actually quite surprising at the time as you would have never suspected Seagal to die...at least not so early! As it stands this one… More

  • JY S


    If there is an example of a highly recommendable suspense thriller, Stuart Baird's <i>Executive Decision</i> is it.<p>Pushing through the two hour mark, the story behind this film is intriguing to say the least. Aside from a 15 minute story setup, the rest of… More

  • Emil K


    Overblown thriller that is just way too conventional for its own good. It totally lacks the suspense even thouhg it tries very hard to be suspenseful. Terrorist in plane is not your most original ideas of films, but back in 95 it seemed clearly a good idea.Oh, and talk about absurd… More

  • Universal D


    Terrorists vs. the U.S. of A. at 5 miles high as an international flight is hijacked for nefarious ends. Can it be stopped in time? Typical actioner done well with decent performances.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

Also available on

UltraViolet Retailers

Other Retailers

Subscription Services

Not Available
Not Available
Not Available

Cast

See more (45)

Trailers & Clips