10 Best Movies to Watch on a Plane Instead of Dozing Off

10. The Big Short (2015)

Everyone remembers the good old days of the global financial crisis of 2008, right? But few people understand how it happened — and why, as everyone was losing everything, some people became immeasurably rich. With a runtime of 130 minutes, The Big Short will see you leave the plane a much more financially educated person.

You can watch The Big Short on Max, Netflix, Apple TV, and Prime Video.

9. The Martian (2015)

Becoming the first settler on Mars sounds like a bold adventurous dream… As long as it’s a voluntary decision. After a storm, an astronaut finds himself alone on Mars as his team assumed he was dead and left. Now, he has to survive there for four years before the next mission — and help you survive a 140-minute-long flight.

You can watch The Martian on Netflix, Apple TV, Disney Plus, and Prime Video.

8. The Irishman (2019)

When you have a really long flight, look no further than The Irishman. Martin Scorsese ’s criminal drama tells a mafia member’s entire life story and keeps you invested in his crimes and personal problems. By the end, you feel like you’ve grown old together with him — which is likely considering the movie is 210 minutes long.

You can watch The Irishman on Netflix.

7. Godzilla ( 2014)

Sometimes, you don’t want to understand the stock market or follow a mafioso's life. Sometimes, you just want to watch giant monsters wreak havoc in large cities while humanity is cowering in fear before their might. Godzilla is the optimal no-brainer choice for when you just want to relax and will keep you entertained for 120 minutes.

You can watch Godzilla on Netflix, Apple TV, and Prime Video.

6. Ocean's Eleven (2001)

For some reason, crime comedies hit different when you’re 10,000 feet in the sky. Ocean’s Eleven is the golden classic of the genre: what’s there not to love about a daring simultaneous robbery of Las Vegas’ three most luxurious casinos? The iconic movie’s star-studded cast will be with you for the entirety of your 120-minute flight.

You can watch Ocean's Eleven on Max, Netflix, Apple TV, and Prime Video.

5. Moneyball (2011)

Oakland Athletics fans, rise up! If the Fasten Your Seatbelts sign is off, that is. Moneyball follows a manager of Oakland A’s who, instead of buying the best players, uses math and computer algorithms to deduce which low-league players would work best together. His team becomes unstoppable, and all that in just over 130 minutes!

You can watch Moneyball on Netflix, Apple TV, and Prime Video.

4. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

Romantic comedies work well for plane trips, but a romcom about an obnoxiously rich family spending their money left and right just feels… Much better. At least, for a viewer, because a young American was shocked to learn just how rich her fiance was. 120 minutes of laughter and drama against the posh backdrop of Singapore!

You can watch Crazy Rich Asians on Netflix, Apple TV, and Prime Video.

3. Catch Me If You Can (2002)

The golden classic of airplane movies, Catch Me If You Can is fantastic to watch during a flight — especially, if it’s a PanAm flight! Follow a young and ingenious fraud as he makes waves across the United States and fools the FBI by assuming various identities. With a 140-minute-long runtime, this criminal drama is our go-to on trips!

You can watch Catch Me If You Can on Netflix, Apple TV, and Prime Video.

2. Knives Out ( 2019)

The relatively new murder mystery franchise, Knives Out provides fantastic entertainment on a flight. Whether you’re trying to solve the case faster than Benoit Blanc or are just admiring his brilliance, you’re in for a treat. Both the Knives Out movies are great to watch high in the sky, netting over 130 minutes of pure joy.

You can watch Knives Out on Netflix, Apple TV, and Prime Video.

1. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

With Top Gun: Maverick, you’ll be enjoying two stories at once: that of a fearless piloting genius Maverick who needs to sacrifice everything for the mission and that of one Tom Cruise who, quoting Scorsese, saved Hollywood during the pandemic. Both these stories are amazing, so strap on for the best 130 minutes of double flight!

You can watch Top Gun: Maverick on Netflix, Apple TV, and Prime Video.