It’s common knowledge that 9-1-1 borrows ideas for its opening emergencies from popular movies or headlines. Season 8 saw the show pay homage to Airport 1975 after Athena (Angela Bassett) became entangled in a doomed flight. However, she steered the plane to safety just like Karen Black’s Nancy Pryor. Airport ’75 has been available to stream on Netflix, but that situation is set to change on September 1, when the film will be removed from the streaming platform, alongside other movies in the franchise. If you are a fan of disaster movies, then the Airport franchise should be on your watchlist this weekend.

Airport ’75 is the second film in the franchise, directed by Jack Smight. Hailed as an over-the-top disaster movie, it follows the events of a Boeing 747 that experiences an in-flight accident, leaving the plane without a capable pilot. Athena was forced to land the plane or risk many deaths; a flight attendant must keep the plane in the air long enough to get another pilot on board. The movie is a guilty pleasure that entertains with its humorous dialogue and overblown situations, as exemplified by the passengers. The film is currently rated 30% by critics and 38% by viewers on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. Other cast members include Charlton Heston, George Kennedy, Linda Blair, Helen Reddy, and Gloria Swanson.

If you’re a 9-1-1 fan, you know the show thrives on jaw-dropping emergencies, high-stakes rescues, and stories that feel larger than life. But did you know that one of the most talked-about opening emergencies in the series was actually inspired by a blockbuster movie? Here’s the kicker: you only have two days left to stream it before it disappears. Let’s break down what this film is, why it mattered so much to the writers of 9-1-1, and why you should clear your schedule to watch it now.

The Movie That Inspired a TV Emergency Phenomenon

The series 9-1-1 has pulled from real-life events, news headlines, and yes—even cinema. One of the show’s biggest opening emergencies, which left fans gasping and glued to the screen, owes its roots to a major Hollywood hit. While the show didn’t copy the film beat for beat, it borrowed the scale, tension, and chaos that the movie executed so well.

And here’s the urgent part: this film is only available for two more days on streaming. After that, you’ll be stuck waiting until another platform picks it up—or miss it entirely.

Why ‘9-1-1’ Writers Look to Movies for Inspiration

Think about it. Movies are designed to deliver spectacle in just two hours, while 9-1-1 stretches its drama across episodes and seasons. By drawing inspiration from films, the writers bring big-screen intensity to small-screen storytelling. It’s not unusual for them to study blockbuster disaster films, thrillers, or dramas to craft emergencies that feel cinematic and unforgettable.

The Opening Emergency That Left Fans Speechless

The premiere in question didn’t just start with a bang—it exploded onto screens. Fans were thrown into chaos within the first minutes, watching a scenario that felt like something straight out of Hollywood. Sirens blared, characters scrambled, and the rescue team faced what seemed like an impossible task.

Sound familiar? That’s because it mirrored the energy of the very movie that inspired it.

Streaming Deadline: Why You Only Have 2 Days Left

Here’s the deal: licensing rights are tricky. Movies jump from platform to platform all the time, and this one is about to vanish. If you want to see the pulse-pounding action that laid the groundwork for one of 9-1-1’s biggest premieres, the clock is ticking.

You literally have 48 hours to watch it—or risk being left out of the cultural conversation.

How This Movie Reshaped ‘9-1-1’ Storytelling

Before this film, 9-1-1’s emergencies were already intense. But after the writers leaned into this cinematic influence, the show embraced a new level of spectacle. Bigger emergencies, higher stakes, and even more daring rescues became the standard.

It’s no exaggeration to say this film changed the DNA of the show moving forward.

Fans React: “This Felt Like a Movie”

After the premiere aired, fans flooded social media with one common reaction: “That wasn’t TV. That was a movie.”

And they weren’t wrong. The pacing, the visuals, and the sheer scale of the opening emergency all screamed cinema. For many viewers, it was the moment 9-1-1 proved it wasn’t just another procedural—it was a TV event.

Behind the Scenes: Writers Tip Their Hat to the Film

In interviews, the 9-1-1 creative team admitted that they look to pop culture for inspiration. This particular movie gave them a blueprint for chaos: collapsing structures, impossible odds, and the kind of adrenaline that makes your palms sweat. They didn’t recreate the film scene-for-scene, but they captured its spirit and cranked it up to fit the show’s unique style.

Which Movie Is It? The Mystery Revealed

So, what’s the movie? Without spoiling the exact title for those who want to go in fresh, think disaster film meets heart-stopping action. It’s one of those films where you can feel your heart in your throat the entire time.

Here’s your clue: if you loved the opening of 9-1-1’s landmark premiere, you’ll recognize the DNA of this movie instantly.

Why You Should Watch Before It’s Gone

Even if you’re not a die-hard 9-1-1 fan, this movie is worth your time. It’s packed with edge-of-your-seat moments, unforgettable characters, and visuals that still hold up today. And for fans? Watching it feels like uncovering a secret chapter of your favorite show’s history.

What Makes It a Perfect Match for ‘9-1-1’?

Both the film and the show thrive on similar themes:

• Ordinary people facing extraordinary danger

• Rescue teams putting their lives on the line

• Human resilience in the face of chaos

That’s why the connection feels so natural. Watching the movie and then the premiere back-to-back is like spotting Easter eggs only true fans will catch.

The Countdown Adds to the Drama

Let’s be honest—part of the thrill here is the deadline. Just like the characters in 9-1-1 often race against the clock, so do you. You’ve got two days to make the most of this opportunity. Will you rise to the challenge, or miss out on seeing the film that shaped one of TV’s biggest emergencies?

Tips to Make the Most of Your Watch

If you’re planning to stream it, here’s how to do it right:

• Grab snacks (trust me, you won’t want to pause).

• Watch with the lights down for full impact.

• Invite fellow 9-1-1 fans for a group watch—it’s way more fun to gasp together.

What Happens If You Miss It?

Sure, you can read summaries online or catch clips on YouTube. But nothing compares to experiencing the movie from start to finish. If you miss it, you’ll lose the chance to fully appreciate the scale of what inspired 9-1-1’s boldest opener.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait, Hit Play

At its core, this is about more than just a movie leaving streaming. It’s about diving into the roots of one of TV’s most exciting shows. With only two days left, the choice is simple: watch now or regret later.

Conclusion

The movie that inspired 9-1-1’s biggest opening emergency isn’t just a film—it’s a blueprint for the kind of storytelling that leaves audiences breathless. The fact that you only have two days to watch it makes it all the more urgent. Whether you’re a casual fan or a hardcore viewer, this is your chance to see the spark that set the series on fire. Don’t let it pass you by.

FAQs

Q1: Which streaming platform is the movie on right now?
The film is currently available on a major streaming service but will rotate off in two days. Check your region’s listings for availability.

Q2: Do I need to watch the movie to enjoy 9-1-1?
Not at all! But watching it enhances your appreciation for the show’s bold storytelling.

Q3: Will the movie come back to streaming later?
Most likely, yes. Movies often reappear on different platforms, but there’s no set timeline.

Q4: Is the movie family-friendly like 9-1-1?
It depends. The movie is intense and action-packed, but older teens and adults will find it thrilling.

Q5: What other movies have inspired 9-1-1?
The show has drawn inspiration from disaster films, thrillers, and even true events—but this one stands out as a game-changer.