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The 30 best movies to watch on a plane

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There is nothing that makes a long-haul flight more bearable than the perfect film to accompany it. And there’s nothing worse than picking the wrong one. So, to make sure you make the most of your in-flight entertainment, recline your seat and enjoy ...
 
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It is an eighties classic. It may have a running time of two hours, but it’s so packed with hilarious action that it doesn’t drag. So, if you ever dreamed of playing the perfect day of hooky, now you can from the comfort of your plane seat. 🍿
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
 
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This sweet coming-of-age film stars Rachel McAdams as a mom navigating the process of her daughter becoming a teenager. Based on the 1970 novel of the same name by Judy Blume, it will make you laugh and cry as you fly. 🎬
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (2023)
 
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Starring Daniel Craig, Adam Driver, and Channing Tatum, this heist hit follows the Logan family and their attempt to rob the Charlotte Motor Speedway. It’s so good that Steven Soderbergh actually came out of retirement to direct it! 🍿
Logan Lucky (2017)
 
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Directed by John Krasinski, who stars in it alongside his wife, Emily Blunt, ‘A Quiet Place’ definitely doesn’t require good sound quality! It is, however, a pretty gritty horror, so maybe avoid if you scare easily, because there is nowhere to run wh...
A Quiet Place (2018)
 
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Aaron Sorkin’s directorial debut, ‘Molly’s Game,’ is based on the true story of Molly Bloom, who built an underground gambling empire and became hunted by the FBI for being the “Poker Princess.” Tighten your belt because you’ll be on the edge of your...
Molly's Game (2017)
 
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At only 89 minutes long, this film guarantees you at least a laugh a minute. Packed with dark satirical jokes, the only issue with this cathartic comedy is that you might laugh so loudly that you wake up the other passengers. 🎞
Office Space (1999)
 
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If you’re a fan of ‘The Social Network’ (2010), then ‘BlackBerry’ is a great follow-up. With a similar style and tone, it tells the story of the creation and downfall of the once must-have smartphone. 📱
BlackBerry (2023)
 
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Whichever of the films you decide to watch in the franchise, you will be guaranteed entertaining action sequences, a star-studded cast, an impossible mission, and endless shots of Tom Cruise performing increasingly daring stunts. This one is my favor...
Mission: Impossible movies (1996-2025)
 
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Despite being a film about pro wrestling, this biographical sports drama about the Von Erich family is actually a real tearjerker. Filled with as many action shots as emotional scenes, Zac Efron will have you crying into your neck pillow. 🥂
The Iron Claw (2023)
 
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If you need a nice rom-com to ease you through the flight, then this is the perfect pick. Filled with as much depth as it is humor, it will keep you both gripped and distracted. Plus, there’s now a second and third installment to keep the fun going. ...
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
 
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This film is far less boring than the title suggests, because these accountants have guns, and Ben Affleck uses them a lot. The plot is somewhat overcomplicated, but this allows you to tune out and doze off to the action while you fly. 🚨
The Accountant (2016)
 
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If you’re looking for some predictable comfort watching, then this Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey love-fest has all the laughs, nostalgia, and iconic yellow dress moments that you’re looking for. 🎬
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
 
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If you have time, you could watch all three films in the franchise, but the second should take priority. Not just for kids, this live-action animated comedy could warm the hearts of any passenger, and maybe even inspire them to share their marmalade ...
Paddington 2 (2017)
 
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This movie follows the same predictably comforting structure that most sports films do, making it an ideal plane watch. Throw in a tragic accident, an emotional speech, and Denzel Washington—and it’s an in-flight no-brainer! 🚗
Remember the Titans (2000)
 
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Another coming-of-age comedy and another airplane must-watch. Taking place on the last day of school in Austin in 1976, it's the perfect film to get lost in, with lots of seventies fashion moments to keep you entertained. 🎩
Dazed and Confused (1993)
 
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This is a classic tale of the underdog team winning against all the odds. As if you could want any more, they are led by Kurt Russell, and it's set against the backdrop of the Olympics. Press play for an immediate dose of inspiration. 🏑
Miracle (2004)
 
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This film would indeed benefit from better sound quality than a plane can offer, however, it’s still a great onboard watch, most notably because all the best bits happen in the first hour, so you can safely turn it off midway if the plane is landing....
A Star Is Born (2018)
 
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This nineties action flick is a bad movie in the best possible way. Full of cheesy lines and cheesy scenes, Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, and John Malkovich make it a must-watch, whether you’re on land or in the air. ✈
Con Air (1997)
 
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This biographical drama about Mark Zuckerberg and his fellow founders of Facebook was an instant hit when it was released in 2010. However, now that his story has darkened somewhat in real life, the film has arguably become even more interesting to w...
The Social Network (2010)
 
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For a full dose of in-air serotonin, throw on this jukebox musical immediately. Packed with ABBA hits, questionable singing, and musical suspense, it will have you dancing in the aisles in no time. 🟡
Mamma Mia! (2008)
 
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This gripping American legal drama is packed with intense exchanges between Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore that culminate in an iconic court scene. Just make sure the flight doesn’t land before the case is solved. 🛩
A Few Good Men (1992)
 
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‘Game Night’ is exactly what you would hope for from a film starring Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams—completely hilarious. Following a game night that turns into a real-life mystery, you definitely won’t fall asleep watching this one. 🐶
Game Night (2018)
 
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This film was Emily Blunt’s breakout role, Anne Hathaway's Vogue moment, and Meryl Streep’s chance to be the ultimate icon. It also happens to be a great rom-com with some even greater fashion moments. 👠
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
 
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Directed by the legendary John Woo, all you really need to know about this film is that John Travolta and Nicolas Cage undergo surgery to swap their faces and identities. If that doesn’t make you want to press play, then nothing will. 🎞
Face/Off (1997)
 
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Cozy crime has become a go-to genre for films and books, and this is the ultimate example. With an A-list cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette, Daniel Craig, and Christopher Plummer, this murder mystery has all the suspense without any of ...
Knives Out (2019)
 
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Steven Spielberg directs Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks in a film that truly deserves its place in the top five of this list. And where better to see a movie about a fake and fraudulent airline pilot than on a plane? Watch if you can! 💨
Catch Me If You Can (2002)
 
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With explosive action scenes, this would have been great to see on the big screen, but it’s still worthy of the small screen list. Legacy sequels can be tricky to master, but Tom Cruise manages to combine eighties nostalgia with enough modern twists ...
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
 
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A modern-day Cinderella movie, this luxury escapism is packed with fairy-tale romance, glitzy getups, and gossipy giggles that transport you straight out of Economy and into first class (for two hours and one delightful minute!) 📽
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
 
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It is said that the physical effects of altitude can actually make you have heightened emotions on a plane. So, it’s safe to say that Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill may cause you to shed a few tears in this emotional sports drama. ⚾
Moneyball (2011)
 
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The twists in this movie will keep you on the edge of your seat regardless. George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts are just some of the stars who make this heist movie the ultimate in-flight watch. 🌊
Ocean's Eleven (2001)