Every Movie and TV Show Featuring the C-17 Globemaster

The C-17 Globemaster III has become one of the most recognizable military aircraft in Hollywood. Its massive cargo hold, distinctive T-tail, and ability to operate from remote locations make it perfect for action sequences. Here’s every major appearance of the C-17 on screen.

Iron Man (2008)

The C-17’s most famous movie moment comes early in the MCU. Tony Stark rides in the back of a C-17 with military personnel before his convoy is ambushed in Afghanistan. The scenes were filmed with a real C-17 at Edwards Air Force Base, and the aircraft’s cavernous interior helps establish the scale of Stark’s world before everything changes.

The production team chose the C-17 specifically because it could realistically transport the military vehicles shown in the film.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

Michael Bay pulled no punches with real military hardware in the Transformers sequel. C-17s appear in multiple sequences, including the dramatic airdrop of Autobots into the Egyptian desert.

The Air Force provided actual C-17 aircraft for filming, and you can see real loadmasters and aircrew in several shots. The airdrop sequence combined real aircraft footage with CGI to create some of the film’s most memorable action.

Lone Survivor (2013)

This film depicting Operation Red Wings features C-17 Globemasters in both transport and medical evacuation roles. The aircraft sequences help establish the logistical scale of special operations missions in Afghanistan.

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016)

Michael Bay’s account of the 2012 Benghazi attack includes C-17 footage showing the aircraft’s role in military response and personnel transport during crisis situations.

American Sniper (2014)

Clint Eastwood’s film about Chris Kyle includes C-17 sequences showing troop movements to and from Iraq. The aircraft scenes help ground the film in the realities of multiple combat deployments.

Captain Phillips (2013)

While not prominently featured, C-17s appear in the logistics and response sequences following the Maersk Alabama hijacking.

World War Z (2013)

Brad Pitt’s zombie apocalypse thriller uses military aircraft extensively, including C-17-style transports for moving personnel and supplies during the global outbreak.

San Andreas (2015)

The disaster film features military transport aircraft in the emergency response sequences following massive earthquakes in California.

Television Appearances

NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles

Both shows have featured C-17s in episodes involving military transport, crime scenes aboard aircraft, and overseas operations. The long-running franchises have used C-17 footage and sets multiple times.

The Last Ship

This post-apocalyptic naval drama included C-17 sequences in episodes involving military logistics and personnel movement.

Valor

The military drama about special operations featured various military aircraft, including C-17 transports.

Six

The SEAL Team Six drama used C-17 footage to establish authentic military operations.

Documentaries

The C-17 stars in numerous military documentaries:

• Modern Marvels: Military Cargo Planes – Dedicated episode on the C-17’s capabilities
• Mighty Planes – Discovery Channel series featuring the Globemaster
• Combat Machines – In-depth look at military airlift
• Air Warriors – Smithsonian Channel documentary series
• Wings – Discovery Channel classic aviation series

Why Hollywood Loves the C-17

Directors keep coming back to the C-17 for several practical reasons:

Real access: The Department of Defense’s entertainment liaison office facilitates access to C-17s for productions that portray the military accurately. Filmmakers can get real aircraft, real crews, and authentic locations.

Scale: The C-17’s cargo hold is large enough to film inside with full crews and equipment. The 88-foot long, 18-foot wide, 12-foot tall cargo compartment provides dramatic visual opportunities.

Versatility: The C-17 can appear in everything from combat operations to humanitarian missions to disaster response, making it useful across genres.

Recognition: Audiences now associate the C-17’s distinctive shape with military operations, giving filmmakers instant visual shorthand for “serious military presence.”

Spotting Real vs. CGI C-17s

Want to know if you’re seeing a real C-17 on screen? Look for:

• Tail numbers: Real C-17s have serial numbers on the tail. CGI versions often skip this detail or get it wrong.
• Interior details: Real C-17 cargo holds have specific red troop seats, cargo rails, and lighting that CGI sometimes misses.
• Engine behavior: Real C-17 engines have distinctive exhaust patterns and sound. CGI versions often look too “clean.”
• Ground equipment: Scenes with real C-17s usually include correct loading equipment and ground crew procedures.

Upcoming Productions

Military aviation continues to be popular in Hollywood. Any major production involving the U.S. military is likely to feature C-17s, as they’re the primary heavy lift aircraft for real-world operations.

Keep an eye on military dramas and action films—if there’s a scene involving troop transport, cargo delivery, or military logistics, chances are you’ll spot a Globemaster.