17 Films That Could Make Your Next Long Flight Feel Shorter
Long flights can feel endless when you’re stuck in a cramped seat with nothing to do.
The right movie can transform those tedious hours into an enjoyable escape, making time fly by faster than you’d expect.
Whether you crave action, laughter, or something thought-provoking, a great film is your best travel companion.
Check out 17 fantastic movies that will keep you entertained from takeoff to landing.
1. The Martian (2015)
Imagine being stranded on Mars with nothing but potatoes and your wits to survive.
Matt Damon delivers a captivating performance as an astronaut who refuses to give up, even when the odds are stacked impossibly high against him.
His humor and determination make every moment gripping.
The stunning visuals of the red planet will have you glued to your screen, forgetting you’re even on a plane.
2. Knives Out (2019)
Who doesn’t love a good whodunit that keeps you guessing until the very end?
This modern murder mystery brings together an all-star cast in a twisted tale of family secrets and deception.
Every character has a motive, and every clue matters.
Daniel Craig’s Southern accent alone is worth the watch, but the clever plot twists will keep your brain buzzing throughout your flight.
3. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Ever wondered what it’s like to date someone whose family owns half of Singapore?
This romantic comedy takes you on a whirlwind journey through extreme wealth, family drama, and cultural expectations.
The fashion is breathtaking, the humor is sharp, and the love story is genuinely heartwarming. You’ll be swept away by the glamour and forget about airplane food entirely.
4. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Step into a whimsical world where every frame looks like a perfectly composed painting.
Wes Anderson’s signature style transforms a simple hotel caper into a visual masterpiece filled with quirky characters and unexpected adventures.
Ralph Fiennes shines as the charming concierge navigating theft, murder, and pastries.
The vibrant colors and meticulous details create a delightful escape that makes time disappear.
5. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Planning the perfect heist requires style, brains, and a team of smooth-talking criminals.
George Clooney leads an impossibly cool crew as they attempt to rob three Las Vegas casinos simultaneously.
The witty banter flows effortlessly, and the elaborate plan unfolds with satisfying precision.
It’s pure entertainment that moves at a brisk pace, making your flight feel like a quick trip to Vegas itself.
6. Ford v Ferrari (2019)
Two legends team up to build a race car that can beat Ferrari at the world’s most prestigious race.
Matt Damon and Christian Bale bring incredible chemistry as they navigate corporate politics and push engineering limits.
The racing sequences are absolutely thrilling, even at 30,000 feet.
Your heart will race along with those roaring engines, making turbulence feel like part of the experience.
7. The Social Network (2010)
Before Facebook became a household name, it started in a Harvard dorm room with betrayal and ambition.
Jesse Eisenberg captures Mark Zuckerberg’s intensity perfectly as friendships crumble and a billion-dollar empire rises.
Aaron Sorkin’s rapid-fire dialogue keeps the energy high throughout. Even if you know the story, the film’s pacing and performances make it endlessly rewatchable during any journey.
8. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Working for a demanding fashion editor sounds glamorous until you’re the one fetching impossible coffee orders.
Meryl Streep is absolutely iconic as the terrifying Miranda Priestly, while Anne Hathaway navigates the cutthroat world of high fashion.
The costumes are stunning, the one-liners are legendary, and the story is surprisingly relatable.
You’ll be entertained and maybe grateful your boss isn’t quite that intimidating.
9. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Being a superhero is tough when you’re still worried about homework and getting home before curfew.
Tom Holland brings youthful energy to Peter Parker, making him the most relatable Spider-Man yet.
The action is exciting without being overwhelming, and the humor is genuinely funny.
It’s the perfect blend of high school drama and superhero adventure that keeps you engaged without requiring intense concentration.
10. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
A thief, an assassin, a walking tree, and a talking raccoon walk into a spaceship – and somehow save the galaxy.
This Marvel movie breaks the superhero mold with its irreverent humor and fantastic soundtrack from the 1970s.
Chris Pratt’s charm combined with stunning visual effects creates pure joy.
The awesome mix of comedy and action will have you grinning throughout your entire flight.
11. Hidden Figures (2016)
Behind every great space mission were brilliant women whose contributions were overlooked for decades.
This inspiring true story follows three African American mathematicians who helped NASA launch astronauts into orbit during the Space Race.
Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe deliver powerful performances.
The film celebrates intelligence, perseverance, and breaking barriers, leaving you feeling uplifted by landing time.
12. Arrival (2016)
What would you say to aliens if they suddenly appeared on Earth?
Amy Adams stars as a linguist tasked with decoding an alien language before global tensions spiral out of control.
This thoughtful science fiction film focuses on communication rather than explosions.
The emotional depth and mind-bending twist will keep you pondering long after the credits roll, making your flight feel surprisingly short.
13. La La Land (2016)
Dreams and romance collide under the bright lights of Los Angeles in this modern musical masterpiece.
Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling sing and dance their way through a bittersweet love story about ambition and sacrifice.
The gorgeous cinematography and catchy songs create pure magic.
Even if musicals aren’t your usual choice, the stunning visuals and emotional depth make this an unforgettable in-flight experience.
14. Baby Driver (2017)
Music isn’t just background noise for Baby – it’s how he survives as the best getaway driver in the business.
Every car chase is perfectly choreographed to a killer soundtrack that pulses through your headphones.
Ansel Elgort brings cool charisma to the role, while the action sequences are breathtaking.
The rhythm and energy will have your head bobbing along, making turbulence feel like part of the beat.
15. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Dying repeatedly might sound terrible, but it’s surprisingly entertaining when Tom Cruise does it.
Trapped in a time loop during an alien invasion, he must relive the same battle over and over until he figures out how to win.
Emily Blunt is fantastic as the tough warrior who trains him.
The clever premise and exciting action create a film that’s both smart and thrilling, perfect for staying engaged during your journey.
16. The Imitation Game (2014)
Alan Turing’s brilliance helped end World War II, yet his story remained hidden for decades.
Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a remarkable performance as the mathematician who cracked the Nazi Enigma code while hiding his own secrets.
The historical drama is both intellectually stimulating and deeply moving.
You’ll be absorbed by the wartime tension and the tragic personal story, making your flight time disappear into history.
17. Paddington 2 (2017)
A polite bear from Peru teaches London the true meaning of kindness and marmalade sandwiches.
This sequel somehow surpasses the original with more heart, more humor, and more Hugh Grant chewing scenery as a villain.
The animation is gorgeous, the message is uplifting, and the charm is irresistible.
It’s pure joy from start to finish, guaranteed to leave you smiling as your plane touches down.
