Some movies were just made to be watched on a glitchy lcd screen 30,000 feet in the air. Here are 7 of the best movies to watch on a plane.
Little Women, directed by Greta Gerwig, 2019
The film does not feature any car chases or crazy pyrotechnics. It’s mostly just a lotta bonnets. But Jacqueline Durran, the costume designer, makes this movie even more stunning. If you don’t weep at the scene in which Jo turns down Laurie after you’ve had $17 of airplane wine, then you may actually be a Cyborg.
You can stream on Amazon, Apple TV or YouTube to see what’s happening on the ground.
Hustlers, directed by Lorene Scafaria, 2019
Jennifer Lopez’s elaborate pole routine to Fiona Apple’s “Criminal” is undoubtedly the highlight of this movie. But, the entire modern Robin Hood version of the tale of New York City strippers that defrauded multiple men is truly amazing.
How to watch from the ground: Watch on Hulu, Amazon or Apple TV.
Crazy Rich Asians, directed by Jon M. Chu, 2018
Henry Golding and Constance Wu star in this multi-city, megawatt rom-com about an American professor from China who goes to Singapore to marry her boyfriend. Only to discover that his family is the wealthiest on the island. You’ll feel giddy no matter if you fly all the way to Southeast Asia, or just a few states away.
You can stream on HBO Max, Amazon Prime, Apple TV or YouTube.
Ocean’s 8, directed by Gary Ross, 2018
Although the film was not critically acclaimed, it had a stellar cast including Mindy Kaling and Anne Hathaway, Anne Hathaway and Sarah Paulson. It’s hard to not enjoy it, especially if you’re on an air-conditioned plane with a baby who is colicky and you have no other escape options.
You can stream on HBO Max, Amazon Prime, Apple TV or YouTube.
Molly’s Game, directed by Aaron Sorkin, 2017
Although I am not an Aaron Sorkin fan, this film, which stars Jessica Chastain playing real-life poker princess Molly Bloom, is fast-moving and stake-y. This is Sorkin at his post West Wing best. It really does move a delayed flight along as I can attest. Do I love the fact that the main character must have her inner psyche explained by her father as if she were 11 years old? It’s not true, but that’s Aaron. That guy really knows how to write movies to watch on a plane.
How to watch from the ground: Stream on Amazon TV or Apple TV.
Girls Trip, directed by Malcolm D. Lee, 2017
You can’t get an infected booty hole! It’s a hole in your booty!” These immortal words made Tiffany Haddish, comedian and actor, a permanent fixture in our hearts. Girls Trip was a must-see movie (especially when you fly to an exciting get-together with wild college friends). So if you missed it in theaters, add it to your list of movies to watch on a plane.
How to watch from the ground: Stream on Amazon TV or Apple TV.
Eat Pray Love, directed by Ryan Murphy, 2010
Is this movie worth the effort? It’s not good. Even if you ignore the white-savior story that underlies it, it’s still formulaic, and more than a little schlocky. However, I still value schlock in airplane movies and Julia Roberts has a gift for making you care about her character, even when she is working with poor material. You will be tempted to eat even the smallest of the in-flight Italian meals, thanks to the close-up photos. By normal movie standards, it’s hot garbage. But when it comes to movies to watch on a plane, it’s cold, well-bagged garbage.
You can stream these movies on Amazon, Apple TV or YouTube to see what’s happening on the ground.
