Black Sunday

Black Sunday

Year: 1977

Runtime: 143 min

Language: English

Director: John Frankenheimer

AdventureDramaThrillerCrime

Haunted by his experiences in Vietnam, Michael Lander descends into instability and joins forces with Palestinian terrorist Dahlia. Together, they plot a devastating attack at the Super Bowl, threatening thousands of lives. As Lander's sanity deteriorates, Israeli agent Kabakov and the FBI race against time to uncover the conspiracy and prevent a catastrophic event.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Black Sunday yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Black Sunday (1977)

Trace every key event in Black Sunday (1977) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Dahlia Arrives in Beirut

On November 12, 1975, Dahlia Iyad arrives at the airport in Beirut, Lebanon. She immediately takes a taxi into the city, navigating through narrow alleys and vibrant bazaars as she makes her way to a secretive rendezvous.

November 12, 1975 Beirut, Lebanon
2

Meeting Nageeb

Dahlia arrives at a gated compound where she meets Nageeb, a conspirator involved in her mission. He shows her a secret film of American POW Mike Lander, urging caution about relying on him due to his unstable nature.

Beirut, Lebanon
3

Dahlia's Message

Confident in her mission's success, Dahlia records a statement for her guerrilla group, Black September. She declares that it's time for America to face retaliation for its support of Israel against the Palestinians.

Beirut, Lebanon
4

Israeli Commando Strike

That night, Israeli commando Major David Kabakov leads a team to strike the compound. After killing Nageeb, Kabakov inadvertently spares Dahlia's life, mistaking her for a local woman, as his team gathers crucial evidence.

November 12, 1975 Beirut, Lebanon
5

Mike Lander at the Coliseum

On November 14, Mike Lander pilots a Goodyear blimp over a football game in Los Angeles. Tensions rise as the television crew grows frustrated with his inability to fly the blimp accurately due to the high winds.

November 14, 1975 Los Angeles, California
6

F.B.I. Investigation Begins

On November 17, F.B.I. agent Sam Corley is briefed on Dahlia's recorded tape at the Israeli embassy. Kabakov expresses suspicion that Dahlia's message suggests a terrorist attack planned for January, recognizing her from the earlier compound incident.

November 17, 1975 Washington, D.C.
7

Dahlia Consoles Lander

Dahlia visits Mike Lander at his apartment, where he is distraught over her absence. She manages to calm him down with a gift designed to aid in their mission, encouraging him to attend Veterans’ rehabilitation meetings.

Los Angeles, California
8

The Coast Guard Intervenes

On November 23, during a clandestine operation at Long Beach harbor, Lander and Dahlia unload crates when confronted by the Coast Guard. They narrowly escape, but the authorities report their suspicious activities.

November 23, 1975 Long Beach, California
9

Dahlia's Attempt on Kabakov

Dahlia, pretending to be a nurse in a hospital, tries to assassinate Kabakov as he recovers from an injury. However, her plan is thwarted when she is caught by Moshevsky, leading to a deadly confrontation.

Los Angeles, California
10

Kabakov's Discovery

After escaping the hospital, Kabakov learns valuable information about Dahlia's identity and her connection to an explosives shipment. The search intensifies as he uncovers the link to Dahlia's planned attack.

Los Angeles, California
11

Desert Testing

On December 3, Lander and Dahlia test explosive devices in the Mojave Desert. Lander demonstrates the potential destructive power of his invention, reinforcing their commitment to execute the attack.

December 3, 1975 Mojave Desert, California
12

Dahlia in Miami

Days later, Dahlia arrives in Miami and checks into a hotel, determined to proceed with her mission despite mounting dangers. She learns from her contacts that her identity has been discovered by Israeli agents.

Miami, Florida
13

Security Prepares for the Super Bowl

On January 1, 1976, as the plan unfolds, the F.B.I. gets news of Dahlia's presence in Miami. They rush to thwart her, but she manages to evade capture and continues with her deadly scheme.

January 1, 1976 Miami, Florida
14

The Final Countdown

On January 17, Lander learns he's been replaced as the pilot for the blimp. In a fit of desperation, Dahlia murders the new pilot to ensure that her plan proceeds without obstruction.

January 17, 1976 Miami, Florida
15

Climactic Showdown

On January 18, during the Super Bowl, Lander and Dahlia attempt to execute their deadly plan from the blimp. As chaos unfolds, Kabakov fights to save the stadium, ultimately sacrificing their explosive device over the ocean, preventing disaster.

January 18, 1976 Miami, Florida

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies like Black Sunday with a race-against-time terror plot

Frantic efforts to stop a catastrophic attack on a public event.If you liked the high-pressure chase in Black Sunday, this list features similar thrillers focused on stopping a terrorist attack. These movies share a tense, fast-paced narrative where agents or heroes work against the clock to prevent a mass-casualty event at a major public gathering, creating a palpable sense of suspense and dread.

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Narrative Summary

This narrative pattern follows a clear, high-stakes conflict: a devastating terrorist plot is set in motion, and a dedicated individual or team must uncover the conspiracy and intervene before it's too late. The story unfolds in a linear, chronological fashion, often cross-cutting between the meticulous plans of the antagonists and the frantic, investigative efforts of the protagonists. The climax is typically a nail-biting confrontation at the final moment.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are grouped by their core premise: a specific, large-scale threat that creates an overarching countdown. They share a fast pace, high intensity, and a tense, often grim tone. The emotional experience is defined by anxiety and the desperate hope that the heroes will succeed against overwhelming odds.

Thrillers with psychologically unstable characters like in Black Sunday

Where psychological instability fuels a high-stakes criminal or terrorist plot.This list is for viewers who enjoyed the complex character of Michael Lander in Black Sunday. It features thrillers and dramas where a protagonist's deep-seated trauma or mental instability becomes a catalyst for, or central component of, a dangerous criminal or terrorist conspiracy, resulting in a tense and emotionally heavy viewing experience.

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Narrative Summary

The journey typically follows a character grappling with significant psychological wounds—often from war, loss, or past trauma—who becomes entangled in a grand, violent scheme. Their instability makes them both a pawn and a wildcard, increasing the plot's volatility. The story explores the manipulation of this fragility by more calculated antagonists, leading to a climax where the character's breakdown is as much a threat as the external conspiracy.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their deep focus on a psychologically compromised central character whose personal demons are intrinsically linked to the main plot. They share a heavy emotional weight, tense tone, and often explore themes of betrayal, manipulation, and the devastating consequences of untreated trauma in a high-pressure environment.

Unlock the Full Story of Black Sunday

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Black Sunday Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Black Sunday, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Black Sunday Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Black Sunday

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Black Sunday. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Black Sunday

Black Sunday Spoiler-Free Summary

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Black Sunday Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Black Sunday

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