Overview
In a remote South American port, love and danger collide amidst the clouds.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- witty
- adventurous
- romantic
- classic movie night
- aviation film marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly regard Howard Hawks's aviation drama as a sharply crafted, emotionally resonant classic built from thrilling aerial peril and strong ensemble characterization.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Geoff Carter and the flyers depend on one another while maintaining a perilous air-freight operation.
Bonnie wants intimacy with Geoff, while Geoff resists any relationship that might interrupt his dangerous flying life.
Barranca's rough runway, isolated hotel, mountain pass, and unreliable communications define the group's daily existence.
Storms, fog, the 14,000-foot pass, damaged planes, and risky landings create recurring visual and dramatic tension.
Films like Only Angels Have Wings, and why
Flight Command
shared aviation adventure, romantic tension, male camaraderie, and high-stakes professional risk
The Big Sleep
shared Howard Hawks-style action drama, rugged professionalism, ensemble camaraderie, and romantic conflict
The Dawn Patrol
shared classic Hollywood adventure, dangerous aviation, romance, and charismatic ensemble dynamics
Movie Details
- Director
- Howard Hawks
- Release Date
- 1939-05-15
- Runtime
- 121 min
- Rating
- 7.3 / 10 (290)
Cast
- Cary Grant
- Jean Arthur
- Richard Barthelmess
- Rita Hayworth
- Thomas Mitchell
- Allyn Joslyn
- Sig Ruman
- Victor Kilian
- John Carroll
- Don 'Red' Barry
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- YouTube TV
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Only Angels Have Wings about?
- A daring air-freight chief and a touring singer collide with danger, loyalty, and old love in a remote South American mountain outpost.
- What is Only Angels Have Wings like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Only Angels Have Wings as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Only Angels Have Wings violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Only Angels Have Wings as moderate.
- What did critics think of Only Angels Have Wings?
- Critics broadly regard Howard Hawks's aviation drama as a sharply crafted, emotionally resonant classic built from thrilling aerial peril and strong ensemble characterization.
- Which films are like Only Angels Have Wings?
- Films with a similar feel include Flight Command, The Big Sleep, and The Dawn Patrol.
- How long is Only Angels Have Wings?
- Only Angels Have Wings runs 121 minutes.
- Where can I watch Only Angels Have Wings?
- In United States, Only Angels Have Wings streams on YouTube TV.
