Top 30 Must-Watch Airplane Movies for Thrilling Entertainment

From thrilling action to romantic escapades, airplane films provide endless entertainment. They can evoke laughter, tears, or a sense of suspense—all while taking audiences high above the clouds.

A variety of things can happen on an airplane or in an airport, giving rise to unique storytelling opportunities. Films that feature air travel often amplify the stakes, providing viewers with heightened emotions, whether through romance, thrill, or hilarious antics.

Airplane Movies Overview

Such films, set at altitudes of 36,000 feet or within bustling terminals, allow for dramatic storytelling. Action-packed thrillers like “Flightplan” and “United 93” capitalize on the inherent tension of crises in the sky. Conversely, lighthearted comedies like “Airplane!” and “View from the Top” provide audiences with delightful humor.

“Turbulence”

This action film features Ray Liotta as a convicted murderer who hijacks a plane. With an overall rating of 16 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, it highlights typical airplane action elements with dramatic flair despite its implausible technical details.

“Non-Stop”

Starring Liam Neeson, this film follows an alcoholic U.S. Marshal who must identify a killer aboard a flight. Viewers can enjoy this action thriller while accepting the film’s occasional loose plot threads.

“View from the Top”

In the comedy “View from the Top,” Gwyneth Paltrow plays a woman from a trailer park aspiring to be a flight attendant. Filled with humorous performances, especially from Mike Myers and Christina Applegate, it is a light-hearted take on ambition and romance.

“Con Air”

This cult classic action film showcases Nicolas Cage in a role filled with memorable quotes and action-packed sequences. It’s regarded as “so bad, it’s good” thanks to its over-the-top performances and numerous explosions.

“Final Destination”

Though not ideal for in-flight viewing, this horror classic revolves around a group of teens who narrowly escape a plane crash, only to find death stalking them. It has gained a respectable audience score of 68 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

“Passenger 57”

Wesley Snipes stars as John Cutter, who must save passengers after a terrorist hijacks his flight, providing a classic ’90s action-thriller experience.

“Flightplan”

This gripping suspense film features Jodie Foster as an aircraft designer whose daughter mysteriously disappears during a flight. The film engages viewers with its hair-raising twists and lively performances.

“The Terminal”

In this charming romantic comedy, Tom Hanks plays a man stuck at JFK Airport due to a coup in his home country. It’s a feel-good film that emphasizes human connection against all odds.

“Alive”

Based on a true story, “Alive” tells the harrowing tale of a Uruguayan soccer team stranded in the Andes after a plane crash. Its gripping narrative highlights resilience in the face of adversity.

“United 93”

This poignant film chronicles the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93 as they fight back against hijackers on September 11, 2001. The emotional performances capture the gravity of the events.

“Home Alone 2: Lost in New York”

This film may not predominantly feature air travel, but young Kevin’s adventures at the airport set the stage for his mischief in New York, capturing the essence of holiday nostalgia.

“Air Force One”

The high-stakes action-drama stars Harrison Ford as the President who fights terrorists aboard his iconic aircraft. It’s a thrilling ride filled with twists and explosive action sequences.

“Executive Decision”

Kurt Russell and Steven Seagal join forces to tackle terrorists on a flight, showcasing suspense and high energy as they attempt to save the passengers.

“7500”

This intense thriller showcases a co-pilot’s fight for control during a hijacking. Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivers a tension-filled performance that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

“Die Hard 2”

In this sequel, Bruce Willis returns as John McClane, who must thwart terrorists at Dulles Airport. Filled with fight scenes and suspenseful stakes, it’s a great thriller to watch.

“The Aviator”

Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this biographical drama that showcases Howard Hughes’s tumultuous life and contributions to aviation, alongside an excellent supporting cast.

“Amelia”

This biopic about pilot Amelia Earhart features Hilary Swank and captures her ambitious journey to becoming a pioneering aviator while navigating challenges in her personal life.

“Planes, Trains and Automobiles”

This classic comedy follows two mismatched travelers facing absurd obstacles during their journey, delivering laughs through mishaps in flight and other modes of transport.

“Catch Me If You Can”

Leonardo DiCaprio plays Frank Abagnale Jr., a master of deception who evades the law by posing as a Pan Am pilot. The vintage appeal and clever storyline create an engaging watch.

“Snakes on a Plane”

This over-the-top action film features Samuel L. Jackson combating serpents released on a flight. While initially panned, it has gained a cult following for its absurdity and humor.

“Flight”

Denzel Washington delivers a powerful performance as a pilot navigating personal demons while saving lives. The film explores complex themes of redemption and consequences.

“Sully”

This biopic recounts the heroic landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River. Tom Hanks portrays Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, providing insight into aviation and human resilience.

“Red Eye”

This thriller from Wes Craven stars Rachel McAdams in a role that thrives on psychological suspense as she confronts a dangerous stranger aboard a red-eye flight.

“Airport”

This classic disaster film captures the urgency of ground and flight crews managing a hijack threat in the 1970s, setting a precedent for future aviation dramas.

“Blood Red Sky”

This horror film features a mother unleashing her monstrous side to save her son during a flight taken over by terrorists, delivering a unique twist on the hijacking narrative.

“Up in the Air”

George Clooney leads a humorous narrative about corporate traveling employees facing personal and professional challenges, underscoring themes of connectivity and isolation.

“Cast Away”

This epic survival film follows Tom Hanks as a FedEx executive stranded on a deserted island, prompted by a plane crash. It delves into the human spirit and resilience against nature.

“The Right Stuff”

This film chronicles the early U.S. astronauts, capturing their training and personal stories while showcasing significant moments in American aerospace history.

“Top Gun”

Tom Cruise stars as a Navy pilot, showcasing aerial combat. Its iconic lines and thrilling aviation sequences have inspired generations to pursue aviation careers.

“Airplane!”

There’s no better airplane film than the hilarious “Airplane!” Its classic one-liners and slapstick comedy have made it a timeless favorite among comedy enthusiasts.

Honorable Mention: “Bridesmaids”

While “Bridesmaids” isn’t primarily about air travel, memorable scenes during a flight to Las Vegas highlight the chaos and humor that ensue while traveling.