The Best Travel Movies to Watch on a Long Flight

Long flight ahead? Queue up these travel-worthy movies, perfect for laughs, suspense or wanderlust-fueled stories that make time in the air fly by.

Does cruising altitude make time move slower? Einstein would argue that the exact opposite is true, but it sure doesn’t feel that way, does it? Long flights have a way of stretching minutes into hours. That is, unless you’ve got the right movie lineup ready to roll.

Whether you’re headed to a vacation or something a little less exciting, your in-flight time can still be a grand escape. Dreamy landscapes, laugh-out-loud hilarity or some high-altitude thrills can turn a long haul into a movie marathon worth remembering. And since 41% of travelers watch movies to pass the time on planes, we figured it was time to put together the ultimate airborne watchlist.

Looking to make time fly? Let’s cue up your next binge!

How to Choose a Movie for Your Flight

In-flight entertainment (IFE) dates all the way back to 1921, when Aeromarine Airways showed a short film called Howdy Chicago to passengers on a Felixstowe F.5 flying boat as it circled Chicago. Since then, the options available to keep passengers entertained have expanded, let’s say, significantly.

Choosing a movie at 35,000 feet isn’t quite the same as picking one from your couch. You’re in a compact space with a tiny screen, spotty Wi-Fi and potentially a curious seat neighbor peeking at your picks. So, what are the top considerations when lining up your in-flight entertainment?

• Download before you go: Not every airline has great in-flight Wi-Fi — and not every streaming app works with it. Download your movies while you’re still on the ground.
• Consider your surroundings: If you’re seated in an aisle seat or next to a stranger, maybe skip the intense horror flick or the ‘90s thriller with a few too many steamy scenes.
• Keep it light (mentally): Cabin noise, interruptions and small screens don’t pair well with slow-burn foreign dramas or nonlinear mind-benders. Go for clear storytelling, good pacing and decent brightness.
• Mind the runtime: That 3.5-hour epic might sound like a good idea, but sometimes two 90-minute crowd-pleasers will feel more satisfying than one never-ending masterpiece.

Top Travel Movies by Mood

We’ve rounded up some sky-high picks for every vibe, with a mix of classic and newer options across streaming platforms. Bring some popcorn, grab an in-flight beverage and get ready for some (small screen) cinema!

For the Lighthearted Traveler

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Visually stunning and quietly inspiring, this story of a daydreaming photo editor who finally takes a real adventure hits the sweet spot between fantasy and self-discovery.

Why It Works: Sweeping scenery, minimal dialogue and a heartwarming message that might just convince you to book that trip you've been putting off.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

Steve Martin and John Candy are the ultimate odd couple trying to get home for Thanksgiving, and everything that can go wrong does — hilariously.

Why It Works: Fast-paced and endlessly quotable. Great for laughing out loud (just maybe warn your seatmate in advance).

Paddington 2 (2017)

The definition of “fit for all ages.” Paddington’s charm is universal, and this sequel is even better than the original. While you don’t need to watch the first film to appreciate everything this masterpiece has to offer, it makes for a great double feature. 

Why It Works: Wholesome, heartwarming and just quirky enough to make anyone smile.

For the Armchair Explorer

Into the Wild (2007)

Based on a true story, this reflective journey follows a young man ditching modern life to explore the American wilderness.

Why It Works: It's meditative, beautifully shot and great for following up with contemplative staring out the plane window. 

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

This Spanish-language gem chronicles the early travels of Che Guevara across South America. Political awakening aside, the landscapes alone are worth the watch.

Why It Works: Subtitled but not difficult to follow. Equal parts road trip and thoughtful, humanist character study.

The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

Three estranged brothers reunite on a train ride across India in classic Wes Anderson style: symmetrical shots, wry humor and emotional baggage galore.

Why It Works:  Weird but wonderful, with just enough plot to keep you engaged while still feeling like a visual escape.
 

For the Rom-Com Enthusiast

Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

Over-the-top weddings, family drama and haute couture collide in this stylish rom-com set in Singapore.

Why It Works: It’s vibrant, funny and fashion-forward: basically, a long flight’s best friend.

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

A freshly divorced writer impulsively buys a villa in Italy. Cue dreamy views, delicious food and a slow-burn personal transformation.

Why It Works: Beautiful to look at, emotionally light and sprinkled with enough romantic tension to keep it interesting.

Always Be My Maybe (2019)

Ali Wong and Randall Park light up the screen in this silly modern rom-com with a legendary Keanu Reeves cameo.

Why It Works: It’s witty, romantic and doesn’t take itself too seriously, serving up easy in-flight comfort viewing.

Tips for Streaming Movies on a Plane 

No one wants to settle into their flight, find out their movie didn’t download and then have to stare at the seatback thinking about their choices. Here’s your checklist to make sure your in-flight entertainment is clear for takeoff:

• Download before boarding from your streaming service of choice and double-check that it downloaded (speaking from experience on this one)
• Come prepared with choices for what to watch (in case you don’t love the first — or second — movie you start)
• Bring comfortable wired headphones (Bluetooth may not connect, or may run out of battery mid-flight)
• Use subtitles to compensate for engine noise or rowdy seatmates
• Pack a power bank in case your seat charger doesn’t work

Bonus Tip: When selecting movies you haven’t seen before, it can be helpful to look up content warnings online before sitting through that scene next to strangers.

Lights, Camera, Cruising Altitude

The right movie can turn a long flight from a dragging blur into a surprisingly pleasant escape. Whether you want laughs, thrills or stunning scenery, having the best movies for long flights queued up makes the hours fly by. Looking for more recommendations? Check out Time’s 15 Best Movies to Watch on a Plane.

Now, get ready to build your download list, pack those headphones and remember: aisle seats may win on legroom, but window seats win when you’re trying to watch your favorite flick without sharing your screen.

Planning a trip soon? Ontario International Airport makes pre-flight prep easy — from spots to grab movie snacks to charging stations so your tablet is ready for takeoff. Save this list for your next big travel day, and send us your movie recommendations on our socials!