"Planning any trip is stressful, to say the least. Picking the perfect itinerary and packing a curation of cute outfits while still being able to zip up your suitcase feels like an impossible feat. When the day finally comes to put on your airport fit and board your flight, you’re ready for some actual relaxation. But now comes the next decision: in-flight entertainment. Especially during longer flights, I can’t help but constantly check the flight tracker when I get bored. But as a self-proclaimed movie buff, I’m here to tell you that the cure-all to your in-flight boredom is finding a good, engaging movie (or two) to watch. I’m drawn to certain movies for longer flights, ones that keep me locked into the story and make hours feel like nothing.
Many flights will have a curated movie selection for you to choose from, and as a frequent flyer, I can vouch that many of the films below are often available. But if there’s one you’re passionate about watching, look into in-flight wifi deals or download films from their platforms to your own devices. So without further ado, here’s my list of the absolute best movies to watch on your next jet-set:
1. Crazy Rich Asians
Those who get it, get it. Crazy Rich Asians has amassed a cult-following as the go-to movie to watch on a plane, and for good reason. It’s a classic rom-com wrapped in designer fabric and ideal if you want a movie that’s both swoon-worthy and visually stunning. You’ll find yourself completely transported to a world of private jets, couture gowns, and family drama that’s way juicier than yours. You might even find yourself looking up “How to play Mahjong” after watching (new hobby unlocked?).
2. Us
If you’re feeling brave, Jordan Peele’s Us is inventive and unsettling in all the best ways. Lupita Nyong’o gives a jaw-dropping dual performance in a story that’s as much about identity and class as it is about creepy doppelgängers with scissors. It’s perfect if you like your horror with a bit of realistic social commentary. Just don’t be surprised if the shadows in the cabin start feeling extra…shadowy.
3. Interstellar
It only feels right to include a few movies that actually involve air travel. Interstellar is the space movie that makes you think twice about the concept of time itself and our own reality. It’s visually stunning, and deeply philosophical—all set to a Hans Zimmer score that makes you feel like you’ve literally ascended from Earth. Clocking in at nearly 3 hours, it’s ideal for passing serious flight time. Bonus points for crying quietly while thinking about quantum physics.
4. Catch Me If You Can
Although I’m happy to watch any young Leonardo Dicaprio film, Catch Me If You Can is the perfect in-flight movie that takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions from excitement to anxiety. Young Leo plays a teenage con artist in this based-on-a-true-story crime movie, with Tom Hanks playing the FBI agent chasing him down in a never-ending game of cat and mouse. It’s entertaining from beginning to end and a great way to channel some energy for your next destination.
5. Arrival
Because who doesn’t love a little sci-fi escape? If you’re in the mood to stare out the window and contemplate your place in the universe, look no further. Arrival isn’t your typical alien movie, so don’t let that turn you away. It’s a beautiful slow burn, with Amy Adams delivering a quiet powerhouse of a performance. The story unfolds like a puzzle, blending science fiction with deeply real human questions—perfect for a long flight when your brain’s ready to wander.
6. Ocean’s Eight
A team of badass women pulling off the ultimate con for some serious bling—what more could you want? This all-female spin on the Ocean’s franchise is pure entertainment, with Sandra Bullock leading a ridiculously star-studded crew (Rihanna, Cate Blanchett, Sarah Paulson…Need I say more?) in a high-stakes Met Gala heist. It’s a wild ride beginning to end and perfect for making airplane time feel like a dream.
7. Black Swan
If you’re ready to disappear into a dark, artistic spiral for two hours, put Black Swan on your in-flight watch list. Natalie Portman’s Oscar-winning performance as a professional ballerina will keep your eyes glued to the screen and fully engaged in what could possibly happen next. Watch as things quickly unravel for a desperate performer who is willing to do anything to stay in the spotlight.
8. Hidden Figures
Looking for a movie that’s equal parts smart, heartwarming, and empowering? Hidden Figures delivers just that. It tells the true story of three brilliant Black women at NASA who helped launch John Glenn into orbit while battling the daily realities of racism and sexism. It’s just the right mix of serious and inspiring to leave you teary-eyed (in a good way) as you fold up your tray table.
9. Whiplash
If you’re boarding an early morning flight, or just need some energy for your activities after landing, Whiplash will give you the shot of adrenaline you need (after your morning coffee, of course). It’s gripping, explosive, and perfect for making time fly by. Miles Teller’s sweaty, desperate drumming will have you questioning every life choice you’ve ever made. Not exactly relaxing, but definitely unforgettable.
10. Cruella
It’s time to channel that main character energy mid-air. Cruella is a Disney origin story with Emma Stone absolutely owning the screen as the couture-clad antihero. It’s visually stunning and packed with energy, with just enough drama to keep things interesting but not too heavy for the in-flight mood. Plus, the fashion montages alone are worth the watch—just try not to envy her wardrobe too much while you’re rocking compression socks and a neck pillow.
11. The Help
No matter how many times I watch The Help, I’ll never, ever get tired of it. Set in 1960s Mississippi, this story dives into the lives of Black maids working for white families, telling their stories with powerful performances from Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer. It balances heavy themes with character-driven moments and a few laugh-out-loud lines, making it ideal for long flights where you want something meaningful but not too emotionally draining.
12. Silver Linings Playbook
This one’s for when you’re in the mood for a little emotional turbulence—but, like, the romantic kind. This offbeat romantic dramedy stars Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence as two deeply flawed people trying to find their way. Here’s your headphone warning, because it’s got a whole lot of shouting. It’s the perfect blend of heartfelt and chaotic, which honestly matches the vibe of most flights.
13. The Parent Trap
Dramas and thrillers aside, maybe you just want something familiar and totally harmless. Lindsay Lohan shines in this beloved ’90s classic about long-lost twins swapping lives to reunite their parents. It’s so wholesome, and endlessly rewatchable—basically a cinematic safe space. Apologize in advance to your seatmates if you can’t help but quote along with the film.
14. Now You See Me
Be warned that this movie will in fact give you the urge to learn some magic tricks. Now You See Me follows a group of incredible magicians pulling off elaborate heists while outsmarting the FBI, full of twists that’ll make the flight feel way shorter. The cast has great chemistry, and the plot moves fast enough to keep you distracted from crying babies or shaky turbulence. If you have time, you can even follow up with the sequel, Now You See Me 2 for back-to-back excitement.
15. Shutter Island
This twisty thriller will have you second-guessing everything—including whether your seatmate is even real. Directed by Martin Scorsese, Shutter Island is intense and packed with enough mystery to keep your brain fully occupied until landing. If you’re into layered stories and dark psychological puzzles, this one’s a top-tier pick.
16. Harry Potter
If you’re buckled in for a long-haul flight, our favorite wizarding world will keep you from thinking about how sore you are from sitting down. Start with the nostalgic first movie for the feel-good vibes, and continue your Harry Potter binge as long as you need. All of the movies in the series have a running time of over two hours, so time will fly by as fast as that pesky golden snitch.
Jenna Piotrowicz, Editorial Assistant
Jenna began working as an Editorial Assistant for The Everygirl in 2024. With her eye for detail, she assists the team with content creation, sourcing products and images, and works behind the scenes to support The Everygirl in uploading and updating content.