The Rocketeer (1991) - The Best Movie You Never Saw

Welcome to The Best Movie You NEVER Saw, a column dedicated to examining films that have flown under the radar or gained traction throughout the years, earning them a place as a cult classic or underrated gem that was either before it’s time and/or has aged like a fine wine.
Based on the column created by Paul Shirey and currently written by Chris Bumbray for JoBlo.com, this video version of the column features narration by Bumbray and editing by Lance Vlcek. For our latest episode, we take a look at THE ROCKETEER, starring Bill Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, Timothy Dalton, Paul Sorvino and Alan Arkin.
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#TheRocketeer #DisneyPlus

[@MattSaysHello]

Such a shame this film didn’t perform better at the box office. Massively underrated.

[@JustCallMeMeghan]

When I was a child/tween, I watched The Rocketeer at least 3 times a week for over a year. Love it.

[@Spookynightraven]

I saw it on tv a bunch when I was a kid it was epic

[@LUCKO2022]

It sucks. Watch better movies.

[@steevrawjers]

when i was an adult i watched it the same amount of times on VHS

[@JustCallMeMeghan]

@@steevrawjers yeah, gotta love that VHS. Haha. Glad I never wore that one out, but I sure did wear out Aladdin! 😂

[@steevrawjers]

@@JustCallMeMeghan i think i got it at a garage sale i did see it in theaters once and i loved it

[@Hiraghm]

My favorite line from the movie... I still tear up when I see it... Eddie Valentine: "It matters to me. I may not make an honest buck, but I'm 100% American."

[@rickardkaufman3988]

Same here.

[@allendean9807]

Jennifer Connelly.... Good lord, that woman is still incredible.. Jealous of Paul Bettany...

[@jquiznos2283]

Agreed. She's still a dime.

[@Elnis888]

Oh, dear Lord, you speak the truth, brother ...

[@nathangarcia4522]

I remember seeing Labyrinth as a kid and liking her immediately. My opinion has never changed.

[@onchristieroad]

Maybe this didn't kick start a franchise, but by God did Connelly kick my puberty into overdrive.

[@ckmoore101]

@@onchristieroadI hear ya. For my generation, that was done by Farrah Fawcett, and Lynda Carter...

[@SteveSpikes]

I absolutely love THE ROCKETEER. It is one of my favorite live-action movies from Disney. I totally agree that Joe Johnston's work on THE ROCKETEER influenced CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER -- another of my favorite Disney (Marvel) movies.

[@reikun86]

I also really liked Captain America. Both movies are great for a double-feature.

[@zacharyjochumsen9677]

​@@reikun86 and captain America the frst avenger like thr rocketter was kind thriwvbsck go o,d pulpy adventure aseriesal of thev1930s to 1940s

[@reikun86]

@@zacharyjochumsen9677 I miss those type of films. Another one I had in mind was The Phantom.

[@johngutierrez591]

Plus Jennifer Connelly is 🔥🔥🔥

[@Teelirious]

Serious. Still have not seen a more realistically envisioned depiction of purity/desirability than her in this movie. Also, to me, Timothy Dalton was the most Bond-looking of the Bonds, though his movies were meh. Simon Skinner, though...nailed it.

[@ComicBookGuy420]

@@Teelirious personally I enjoyed it when his Bond went rogue And yeah Jennifer connoly is fit as fuck

[@SwankeyMonkey]

Jennifer Connelly was playing a *Bettie Page* character type who Dave Stevens absolutely loved. Who better at that time to fit that role, than the lovely Miss Connelly.

[@graemehogg7033]

SwankeyMonkey pity she went all skinny mini.

[@SwankeyMonkey]

@@graemehogg7033 Hollywood my friend, Hollywood. She *was* incredible exactly the way she *was.* Sometimes I visit *Career Opportunities* and *The Hot Spot* just to remind me of Miss Connelly's gift to this world.

[@letsgoracing78]

I saw this in the theater with my grandma when I was 12, I loved it then and still do.

[@queenannsrevenge100]

The Rocketeer was a brilliantly crafted adventure movie, and meant a lot to me back then - it helped me through a rough break-up at the time, thanks to the sheer escapism. Later, I came to appreciate how well-crafted the plot was, and the obvious love and care put into the characters and genre. It still holds a special place for me.

[@steevrawjers]

yes the rocketeer is a very well crafted movie

[@marcgaffen]

AMAZING movie. Still holds up. James Horner crafted a classic score for the ages.

[@SCharlesDennicon]

That looked waaaaay too much like The Right Stuff's music, imo.

[@englishatheart]

@@SCharlesDennicon "Looked"? Don't you mean "sounded"?

[@SCharlesDennicon]

@@englishatheart Of course I did, thanks for pointing that out. :D

[@robertjames-life4768]

Never understood why this movie wasn’t a bigger hit upon release. I saw it on opening weekend and have been a fan since.

[@ryanbarker5217]

despite all the marketing it got, it wasn't going to beat 'robin hood' and the other movies it was up against. it's not a sequel, had no big star power in the leads, and no generations of fans (the property wasn't even ten years old at the time). it would seem that aside from 'dick tracy,' the 90's weren't a great time for period super-hero pics. it always does come off as rather kiddie-fare. it didn't deserve to fail, but i can rather see why it did.

[@ryanbarker5217]

@DillyDyson007 it has an old feel to it because of the design, but it was created in 1982 by comic book writers.

[@robertjames-life4768]

DillyDyson007 I wasn’t a fan of it so much. I just couldn’t get past Costner in that role. He was terribly miscast.

[@robertjames-life4768]

DillyDyson007 call me old fashioned but I still prefer the Errol Flynn version much more.

[@englishatheart]

@@robertjames-life4768 I LOVED Robin Hood:PoT as a kid. Haven't watched in it ages but still listen to the soundtrack. Made me fall in love with Bryan Adams' music. And while I personally think Carey Elwes is the best Robin Hood, I still enjoy Kevin Costner in the role.

[@traviskeck3138]

Loved this movie as a youngster. Still love it and watch from time to time. And Jennifer Connelly is absolutely gorgeous!

[@santinojoshuatorre1695]

i loved this movie! i also remember seeing the first avenger and going "hmmm, this really feels like the rocketeer", then knowing the same guy directed it later on made total sense. and yes, this was peak jennifer connelly!

[@k.r.3598]

👍👍👍 I'm so glad to see that I'm not the only one who thought that Captain America overtly resembled The Rocketeer. When I mentioned it to the friend with whom I had gone to see CA, his response was "What's The Rocketeer? I've never heard of it." Well, I managed to procure a copy of it and Movie Night promptly ensued...

[@FantomRick]

Dominic Cooper's Howard Stark in CA was definitely channelling Terry O'Quinn's Howard Hughes from The Rocketeer.

[@ThePoorBoy]

Saw it in theaters when I was 11. Loved it. I still watch it ever couple of years, and it holds up beautifully. A movie I look forward to playing for my little ones one day.

[@tanmanstudios]

Dude this is crazy. Me and my dad literally watched the rocketeer literally last night on Disney Plus. I really liked it for what it was and we had a good time!

[@englishatheart]

My dad and I*

[@igorschmidlapp6987]

@@englishatheart A fellow "Me and" hater! Chaps my ass every time I hear someone say it... That, and "I could care less" when the phrase is "COULDN'T care less"...

[@markoutwithmark]

"...played by an impossibly young (and impossibly gorgeous) Jennifer Connelly."

[@mathieuduval7544]

Yeah WTH does that mean??? i know shes gorgeous (my top 5 of all time) but the impossibly young...i dont get it??

[@joshmciver4847]

@@mathieuduval7544 1991 was 29 years ago. that's a long time.

[@Allangulon]

Try Labrinth she was 14 in that. 19 in the Rocketeer.

[@joshuaewalker]

@@Allangulon Was she really 14 in Labyrinth?! I was 3 when that movie came out; probably didn't see it until I was 8 or 9. I was absolutely in love with her. She had to have been my first on-screen crush.

[@Allangulon]

@@joshuaewalker Yes, she grew into a very beautiful woman in that time! She is also Australian born!

[@nallekalle1]

Me and my father used to watch this all the time when I was a kid, loved then and still do today :)

[@jasonritner9662]

How did this movie not do better!?! It is such an entertaining flick. Such a blast to watch and it still holds up just as well. I love it and it deserves more attention than it has gotten.

[@jj-ph6rz]

Hell I was 9, I didn't have nearly enough give a crap to know anything about what a period movie is or because of the actors. I only cared about action movies and this was by far still one of my favourite cinema memories as a kid.

[@joeverywhere6927]

I was part of that small percent that went to watch it in the movie theater. Love it to this day

[@Devon523]

Loved this movie growing up. Used to strap stuff to my back and pretend to be the rocketeer. It holds a special place in my heart and I watch it every couple of years.

[@tecpaocelotl]

I loved this movie when I was a kid. Had some toys, candy and the read along tape and book.

[@evilspeak5702]

Never seen? Oh come on, this is a solid gold classic. Anybody who hasn't seen it should hang their head in utter shame.

[@CHOOKIE67]

I have completed forgot about this movie but yeah...it is kickass!!! Never see it on TV or demand movies.

[@johnsmith651]

EVILSPEAK !!! It bombed at the box office

[@mercpool0013]

😂😂True so true

[@nickames3808]

Right On!

[@ryanbarker5217]

yeah, it's hardly some movie they never play on cable.

[@reeltimegamer7708]

Some of the best film review narrative on the web. Precise word choice, articulate, and to the point. Thanks for another entertaining and educational review, hats off to you.

[@bigjimbocephus]

Love it. My favorite bit of trivia: Dave Stevens, the creator of the Rocketeer plays the test pilot for the nazi version in the newsreel footage. He was an awesome guy to meet and talk to at conventions back in the day, and was really proud of his cameo. R.I.P. Dave.

[@RealWolfmanDan]

One of my favorite movies growing up, and It's still awesome today

[@goldsea1678]

I saw this playing about 6 or 7 years ago on my living room tv. I asked my dad what he was watching and he said “The Rocketeer.” I’m glad I got to see it all the way through finally

[@SwankeyMonkey]

My parents have Dave Stevens' autograph on their house's bedroom wall from when my brother lived there. Dave Stevens was visiting his family in Boise, when my brother saw him at a comic store and invited him over to see his own artwork inked on his bedroom wall (Rocketeer included) to which Dave Stevens autographed a drawn plaque beside it. I'm just glad Stevens re-introduced *Bettie Page* to the world, of someone who Jennifer Connelly played a character type in Rocketeer.

[@lazydaze3134]

Right.... because we all know how famous comic illustrators love following random strangers they meet at comic stores to their homes.....

[@SwankeyMonkey]

@@lazydaze3134 Welcome to Boise my friend. We're pretty chill here, especially in the 90's before the influx of Californians. Also, Dave's mother lived only three blocks from my mother. Not a big step to visit a scrawny teenager's house who is on the way to his own mother's house, adding when you consider all the teenager friends who also stream in ad nauseam, he was virtually unnoticed but to only my brother. My brother is even still in contact with Dave's sister after Dave had passed away, that is how down to Earth Boise people are.

[@TheEDNC]

I saw this movie with my then 7 year old son... we were blown away! Don Johnston is a fabulous director who has done countless other movies of equal quality. .. Captain America he was born for.

[@ShanGamer1981]

I know this movie quite well. Seen it many times, love the time period

[@gregrogers6886]

I was older than you when the movie was released and I love anything that is retro SciFi or today called Steam Punk and I thought Rocketeer was great great fun. It has been part of my collection in tape and later on in DVD.

[@steevrawjers]

me too i love it

[@devenscience8894]

Yeah, The Rocketeer is one of the quintessential dieselpunk films.

[@Dohsoda]

Out of all those 1990's old-fashioned pulp hero adaptations; Dick Tracy, The Shadow, and The Phantom, The Rocketeer was by far the best one.

[@englishatheart]

1990s*

[@mr.doobsie58]

I saw it in theaters back in the day and it is a MASTERPIECE!!!!

[@WhoWantsToKnow81]

I remember watching this movie back in the day, what a treat! I had a massive crush on Jennifer Connelly... what a gorgeous woman.

[@richardfrei6656]

My son absolutely loved this movie as a kid growing up in the early 90's. Had a VHS tape that he nearly wore out. I love it too. Though not enough to watch it over and over and over again. Great flick that deserves more recognition.

[@englishatheart]

'90s*

[@Stintfang]

One of my alltime favorites. Entertaining like hell with a great cast and one of James Horners best music scores which I often hear.

[@ziploc2000]

Saw this when it came out, because I'd already read the comic. Enjoyable romp but I never thought it could grow into anything beyond a single movie.

[@mch1n118]

Love this movie. Everything about it is fantastic.

[@stevenwatters4669]

This movie will always be special to me because it was the first movie I saw in a theater

[@sithlorddread8721]

Omfg this movie brings back so many memories! I have watched this movie 100s of times and *LOVED* it EVERYTIME!!

[@MutantProductions]

I saw it and I concur. It was a fun movie.

[@reikun86]

I remember I brought the VHS tape to kindergarten for Show and Tell. I still love this movie.

[@laranaarana]

I own both versions of this wonderful movie (VHS and DVD).

[@WillPrather]

I saw it when it came out and loved it. I still want those boots he wore!

[@itsmootdamnitnotmute905]

I was 28 when I saw this. Jennifer Connelly. Sweet Jesus - Jennifer Frickin' Connelly!! She was {and remains) the most stunning woman ever.

[@dbiedny]

The reason this didn't fare well in theaters is that it opened against "Terminator 2: Judgment Day". I remember, because I worked on _both_ of 'em.

[@markbond7314]

So it was YOU who had my dream job! 🙂 What did you do?

[@moc0_o]

I have seen this when young. I did not remember the name and I have been searching it for years thanks

[@jackgrattan1447]

Dave Stevens based the Rocketeer character on the old Republic Studios serial COMMANDO CODY, SKY MARSHALL OF THE UNIVERSE, and his girlfriend was a Bettie Page lookalike. Jennifer Connelly comes mighty close. The deco art direction should have won an Oscar, and I too really liked Paul Sorvino's change of heart near the end. Very patriotic. And as far as Howard Hughes films go, it's better than THE AVIATOR.

[@sparky6086]

The gangster helping to fight a common enemy, the Nazis, along side the Feds, is a hat tip to Lucky Luciano helping the the US Government during World War II.

[@jgregoryj1]

I remember seeing this in theaters when I was 12 and loved it. Very underated movie.

[@wishiwascooler]

Saw it in theatres, fantastic movie! Glad to see it getting some love still

[@TysonHorsewell]

I saw the Rocketeer in the cinema because my cousin took me and they want to see Terminator 2 but I’d already seen it. So we saw the Rocketeer and enjoyed it and literally that’s the only time I’ve ever seen that movie.

[@azairman]

I loved this movie as a kid and just recently watched it again when I got Disney+. Still awesome.

[@aclockworkreview]

One of my favourite movies

[@dirus3142]

I love this movie. A month ago I re watched this decades after seeing it last. This movie was a wonderful experience compared with the garbage Hollywood is putting out today. Especially with the adventure genre like the new Star Wars movies, and DC movies.

[@lucidzfl]

How is this under appreciated???? It was a huge movie in my childhood. I can’t wait to show my own son this movie!

[@ImmortalfireTheMod]

It might not have been a huge hit, but Rocketeer is still a favorite of mine.

[@TheArtOfB]

I saw this on a rerun in the 90s. I remember watching it and being in awe of how cool it was. A couple years ago before disney+ I found a copy on vhs.

[@MegaMagicdog]

LOVE this film! I saw it in theaters during its original release and I always liked its retro qualities; adventure, a powerful score, solid cast, and the Rocketeer costume in an art deco world just appealed to me! I think it deserved better, but it is still a strong film and despite the gun play, you can still let kids watch it! IIRC, at the time Campbell and Connolly were engaged (albeit briefly) after making this film, and not too long afterwards, she really hit it big in films.

[@michaelsasylum]

Still a great movie that holds up to this day. Just rewatched it for the first time in like 20 years and was still entranced. Billy Campbell should have been rocketeered to stardom from this film.

[@elborix7]

I used to watch this movie with my dad A LOT! I constantly ask people if they have seen it and they haven't but damn it is a great movie.

[@TheLadeef]

Always loved this one, the opening airplane scene when Clif buzzes the airfield is great cinema.

[@metabeauk6367]

A very charming retro saturday matinee serialesque cinema classic

[@MatsMovieReviews]

I adore the rocketeer! Such a disposing box office result for a near perfect movie 👍

[@bc1953]

This was a great movie I would have loved to see but I had a single mom at that time. Going to the movies was a big treat so I had to wait so many times for VHS rentals so still contributed

[@videocongrel]

I actually saw this in theaters as a kid. A drive in movie theater. It was a double feature with City Slickers. Which is also a forgotten but awesome movie.

[@plastickhero]

This will always be one of my favorite movies. It began my love of Pulp, and Jennifer Connelly. On recent re-watches, I realized the real star is Alan Arkin's sass.

[@nizarific001]

This was the first film I ever saw in the cinema as a kid.

[@BenSliwa]

One of the best action flicks growing up - great video!

[@myplane150]

Loved this movie. I even bought a bunch of the Rocketman comics in hopes that the movie would make the first issue blow up as so many speculators do nowadays. Still have, like, 50 of 'em. Heck, some of them are even signed by Dave Stevens (RIP). ☻

[@gabrieltorres2882]

Big fan of this movie. Feel in love on VHS.

[@rodgerlang884]

This is one of those movies that I see videos like this and say, “oh yeah, I should check that out” and then completely forget about when I’m actually looking for a movie to watch

[@stuartshannon8561]

saw it as a kid and loved it, always wanted more form that world.

[@brunorosi]

I remember watching this with my parents when it came out!

[@GSmith-cd6ct]

Got it on Blu-Ray today!!!

[@nastyvichavoc8]

I saw it at that time and I enjoyed it very much. Aaaaaaand Jennifer Connelly WOW. what a bombshell.

[@komemiute]

Beautifully written! Seen this movie like you on VHS and literally worn it out!

[@phimuskapsi]

Probably THE favorite of my childhood. Even over such blockbusters as Star Wars. I loved the planes in the movie, like the Gee Bee's.

[@dct223]

one of my favorites. I watched this when I was a kid

[@LouiseKernow2024]

One of my favourite movies of all time...

[@englishatheart]

I have you know I watched this movie multiple times as a kid. Just watched it again yesterday. :-P

[@giorgosioannou4217]

seen it on VHS many times... its a classic

[@jhyland87]

This was definitely one of my favorite movies as a kid.

[@HobGungan]

My very first school lunchbox was a blue plastic Rocketeer thermos. I loved it in the theatre as a kid, but finding it to rewatch has been historically difficult.

[@englishatheart]

Well like said in this vid, if you have Disney+, it's on there. Just rewatched it for the first time in years.

[@HobGungan]

@@englishatheart Which I did before I made this comment, and it had been the first time I had seen it since theatres as a kid because I couldn't find it before then.

[@patrickmike2524]

I saw this in the theatre when I was a kid. It had a really limited run I remember

[@freakshowfilmfestival3591]

I love The Rocketeer, Dick Tracy, The Phantom, and The Shadow.

[@Helgi1979]

Love this movie .. saw it in the theater at the age of 12 :D Good memories!

[@conantigard7038]

This is a fantastic film and I have loved it since it came out. I even had the chance to put on the helmet at the Disney lot. I was overjoyed.

[@SuperBrianMak]

At 36 years old, I finally watched this for the first time in my life just last month (December 2021), and I have to say, for a movie only 30 years old, I actually enjoyed it. I remembered Jennifer Connelly's "The Rock-e-who?" line from the trailer back in '91. I didn't care for the movie at the time, but now, I can't believe it didn't do all that well at the box office. It's a pretty good movie. She and Billy Campbell had great (on-screen) chemistry, too. You can tell a movie is good when it stays with you in spite of its age.

[@englishatheart]

They had off-screen chemistry as well, as they dated for a while. A little off putting when you realize she was 20 and he 31. But I also know not all 20 year olds are the same, so I'm not one of those people that automatically assume he's a predator or something.

[@grassman3455]

I love this movie as a kid and still do

[@painkillerjones6232]

Great movie!! I even watch it on TV from time to time.

[@dougrobinson8602]

"How do I look?" "Like a hood ornament." Gets me every time!

[@ACMCUK]

Love this film . Needed to be a series

[@Shadowace724]

I love this movie! Saw it in an art deco theater in Bar Harbor

[@fredjones2170]

Funnily enough I just saw this movie for the first time a couple days ago - it’s a pretty cute movie, with some cool designs and effects that’ve aged surprisingly well. Kudos

[@Guacamolian]

Good movie, a family favorite. Saw it when I was a kid. Jennifer Connelly beautiful as ever!

[@dustinstephenson7914]

One of my favorites as a kid

[@DaddyOfTheSugarVariety]

I was 17 when this came out and I was a huge fan.

[@TheSybermedic]

I remember going to the movies to see this , it was awesome.

[@MetalTrenches]

Grew up with this movie and it still gives me the feels. Red Letter Media also did a great Re: View on this.

[@sithlorddread8721]

When the Gangsters and Feds teamed up, my mind was blown! At first I thought "Wow we can work together despite our differences." But then I was like "Nah, it's just because their common enemy is the Nazi's"

[@reikun86]

It was still a great scene. Paul Sorvino was great as the mobster. "I might not make an honest buck, but I am 100% American"

[@englishatheart]

Nazis* Apostrophes aren't used to make plurals.

[@Mazelman]

Such a classic from my childhood in the early 90's, an all around great era! An absolute favorite of mine. Glad this made the cut ;)

[@englishatheart]

'90s* I swear no one knows how to properly abbreviate decades. 😝

[@Mazelman]

@@englishatheart Yeah, that was autocorrect, btw. Noticed after hitting send. But thanks for stopping by to correct me.🙄