You’ve finally made it to your holiday break, to the airport, and all the way through the labyrinthine security and boarding lines. Now you’re faced with the labyrinth that is the in-flight entertainment guide. How to decide what to watch based on those tiny synopses? We’ve combed through the airline releases and cross-referenced them with our own recommendations to winnow down all of those choices.
Our criteria: To make you forget you’re on a plane and help you avoid any turbulence of the mind, should you encounter any in the air. We’ve also picked the best new releases you might have missed and focused on the ones that won’t embarrass your fellow passengers. And to save you some money, we’ve added some titles you’ll have to pay for back home on the pay-per-view streaming services. So enjoy the free added perks to your flight!
Short Flights: When You Want to Laugh
Kneecap (R) 1h 45m Airlines: United, American
Ireland’s entry for the Academy Award for Best International Film brings an ironic take to one of the most common Oscar-bait genres: music biopics. Blurring the line between fiction and reality, the film follows the rise of an actual Belfast-based hip-hop trio called Kneecap. If the words “Irish hip-hop trio” seem strange to you, it gets even weirder. The three rap about sex, drugs, and rock and roll in Irish, which allows them to raise a finger at the UK government for banning the Irish language (in fact, the band recently won a legal case against their British overlords). The three members of Kneecap play themselves, albeit turning the absurdism up to 11, and they’re unafraid to poke fun at their ambitions. You’ll also see familiar Irish actors Michael Fassbender, Jessica Reynolds, and Simone Kirby in supporting roles joining this wild ride. But one key note: You will want to turn on the subtitles for Kneecap, as much of the film is in the Irish language, one of the few major releases to pull this off. But the subtitle reading will pay off. It’s good craic! (that’s Irish for great fun)
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (PG-13) 1h 48m Airline: United
Like most Will Ferrell movies of the 2000s, Talladega Nights serves up over the top broad comedy full of lightweight satirical punches. Of course, that’s also what makes this one perfect for plane-watching. You could fall asleep for a half hour and jump back in, and its absurdity is oddly relaxing.
Ferrell stars as Ricky Bobby, one half of a winning NASCAR team that includes his partner Cal (John C. Reilly). Their dominance is threatened when a new fancy French driver (Sacha Baron Cohen) shows up, and they’re suddenly left in the dust. With Ferrell’s signature physical comedy (yes, he does strip down to his underwear), bawdy but still PG-13 humor, and lines to explain why he needs to play the TV and stereo at the same time (“I like to party”), Talladega Nights is the kind of mindlessly laugh-out-loud film that won’t ask too much of you during that two-hour flight.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (PG-13) 1h, 37m. Airlines: Southwest, JetBlue, United, Delta
Now celebrating its 35th anniversary, there’s a reason this one shows up across the airlines. It’s the franchise and family that the grandparents and parents will remember, and the movie that will make you grateful for your own relatives. Determined to have the perfect family Christmas, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase at his finest) invites both sets of in-laws 10 days before the actual holidays, then realizes it probably wasn’t a great idea. Neither was chopping down his own massive tree or drowning his house in lights. But hey, at least he doesn’t have to deal with Cousin Eddie. Oh wait—he shows up too, and with a massive RV, as he needs to drain the toilet. He greets everyone with “Shitter is full!” Watch this one if you’re recovering from too much Hallmark schmaltz, or if you’re feeling the need to head back to the 80s.
When You Need to Forget You’re on a Long Flight
Harry Potter – The entire series (PG & PG-13) 130-160m. Airlines: United, American, Southwest
There are few franchises that are as immersive and expansive as the Potter series. So if you’ve got a long journey ahead, consider disappearing into four or eight films of the Harry Potter universe.
You don’t have to start from the beginning, but the first two films are the lightest: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002). They are also an easy PG watch for kids (roughly 8 on up) and full of holiday scenes that will get you in the spirit.
I’m partial to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, directed by Alfonso Cuaron, which has a more distinctive, moody atmosphere and the best teacher in Hogwarts history: Remus Lupin. Keep in mind that the later films–once he-who-must-not-be-named returns– take a turn toward darker territory. But they will also lure you in on a deeper level and give you plenty to talk about with a few generations over the break.
Dune and Dune: Part Two (PG-13) Airlines: American, United, Southwest
If you’ve got a flight that’s over five hours, consider losing yourself in the world of Arrakis, the desert planet where most of the action of Dune and Dune: Part Two, takes place. Set in a distant future, it’s the story of the Atreides family and their prophesied leader, Paul (Timothy Chalamet), who joins forces with Chani (Zendaya), one of the locals of Arrakis, to save the war-torn planet. What intrigued me about both films—beyond the fascinating worlds—is how the story serves as a metaphor for colonialism, particularly in the Middle East. The Watercooler also dug up interviews with the author behind Dune, Frank Herbert, who explained how JFK, Catholicism, and Tarot inspired his plot.
Avatar: The Way of Water (PG-13) 3h 12m. Airline: Southwest
I’ll admit that I don’t always understand all the mythos in the Avatar movies, but boy, are they stunning to look at. The sequel to Avatar takes place primarily in the ocean and follows Na’vi Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and his family as they take refuge with the aquatic Metkayina clan. Once there, they learn to enjoy living along the seashore by learning how to speak whale (called Tulkuns in Pandora) and developing a spiritual bond with the sea. The mesmerizing ocean backdrop is not just beautiful but soothing, especially on longer flights.
Shorter Flights: When You Want a Little Romance
The Idea of You (R) 115m. Airlines: United, American
Who knew one of the creators of Wet Hot American Summer, Michael Showalter, would direct one of the most romantic movies of 2024? Based on the novel of the same name by Robinee Lee, The Idea of You follows a dejected single mom on the cusp of 40 (Anne Hathaway) who reluctantly agrees to take her teenage daughter to a music festival. When she meets the lead singer of a popular British boy band (Nicholas Galitzine), she has no idea who he is. But the sparks fly, despite the fact that he’s 16 years younger than she is. Hathaway and Galitzine do have palpable chemistry (a necessary ingredient for any successful romcom) and the film will take you to many rock star-worthy places that are likely more exciting than your own holiday trip. It isn’t perfect, but it’s a sweet, escapist, feel-good story that’s perfect for a flight.
Crazy Rich Asians (PG-13) 112 min. Airlines: United, Southwest, American
Considering how gorgeous this film is and how much it makes me want to go to Singapore, Crazy Rich Asians is also a great escape from the drudgery of flying. At its heart, it’s a rom-com wrapped in a travel adventure. Rachel (Constance Wu) is dating Nick, who unbeknownst to her, comes from a “crazy rich” family in Singapore. She 
travels with him back home to attend his best friend’s wedding, and when she arrives, Rachel realizes she’s in way over her head. But she doesn’t let the parade of condescending snobs break her spirit. One of the most cheer-worthy heroines in a rom-com, Rachel is clever, tenacious, and kind. And best of all, Nick’s not “of” the snobbery that surrounds him. He sincerely loves Rachel for who she is. The icing on the wedding cake here is all of the comedians that round out the cast, including Awkwafina, Ken Jeong, and Nico Santos. Also, Michelle Yeoh’s icy portrayal of Nick’s mother will make you grateful for your own mother-in-law.
Bonus Track (NR) 1h 38m. Airlines: American, United
If Elton John were to produce an episode of Heartstopper, it might look a bit like Bonus Track. Set in 2006, Bonus Track follows George (Joe Anders), whose only passion is music. George is about to flunk his GCSEs, his parents are about to get divorced, and his mom tells him he’ll never make it. Just when all seems hopeless, George meets new transfer student Max (Samuel Paul Small), the son of a famous pop star. Much to George’s surprise, Max befriends him and encourages him to participate in the talent show. While Bonus Track is predictable at times, it’s a great comfort watch. And if you were a teen in the 2000s, the soundtrack will hit you right in the feels.
Isoken (NR) 1h 40m. Airlines: Delta
Expanding our horizons beyond Hollywood and Bollywood, this film will open your eyes to Nollywood, although the term blurs a few lines (it includes Nigerian films, Ghanian-English cinema, and films about the Nigerian diaspora). Isoken is a charming love story that offers a fascinating look at Nigerian culture. It’s about a beautiful and successful single 30-something, Isoken (Dakore Akande), and how she faces a culture that is obsessed with marriage. So, naturally, her mother intervenes by introducing her to the ultimate Edo man, Osaze (Joseph Benjamin), who happens to be the ideal Nigerian husband: handsome, successful, and from a good family. But in a turn of events, Isoken also meets Kevin (Marc Rhys), who isn’t exactly husband material—and he’s Oyinbo (White). It’s clever, fun, and has fabulous fashion, but what makes Isoken so interesting is its exploration of Nigerian cultural expectations and racial stereotypes.
When You’re Traveling with Kids…Or Want to Feel Like One
Inside Out 2 (PG) 90m. Airlines: American, Southwest, United
If you haven’t seen the delightful Inside Out, which follows the emotions in 11-year-old Riley’s brain, you’ll want to watch that one first. But I’m partial to the brand new Inside Out 2, which follows Riley at 13 as she tries to fit in at a new school. We meet four new emotions that clash with Riley’s original “team”: Anxiety, Enui, Embarrassment, and Envy. Maya Hawke is the standout as Anxiety, who is the most controlling of the emotions. While the film has some hilarious scenes (particularly Enui’s reaction to anything uncool), it also has one of the most realistic depictions of a panic attack ever captured in a movie. Yet like other Pixar movies, it’s never too adult for the kids or too young for the adults. It perfectly balances mature themes with its playful antics and bright and quirky animated world. Best of all, it will help you to see your own holiday-inspired emotions in a new light.
Babe (G). 90m. Airline: American
The most inspiring movie about a pig (Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web does nothing; Charlotte does all the work), follows the titular Babe, who takes control of his life by becoming a sheep pig. When he’s won by farmer Hodgett (James Cromwell) at the county fair, Babe is adopted by Fly, a sheepdog. While on the farm, Babe meets a duck determined to be a rooster, a kindly old sheep, and one bitchy cat. It’s one of the most endearing films of the 90s—especially when farmer Hodgett breaks into song.
Bluey (G). 7m episodes. Airlines: American, United
Yes, Bluey is technically a TV show for preschoolers. But despite its target audience, this Australian series has much to enjoy for older kids — and even the grownups. And unlike many preschool shows, Bluey never talks down to its audience. The series follows a six-year-old blue heeler puppy as she goes on adventures with her family. There are plenty of jokes that will go over kids’ heads while cracking up the adults, including a clearly buzzed aunt and uncle. And Bluey’s parents are far from perfect. They get annoyed at their kids, argue with each other, and make mistakes. It’s a welcome change from most of the unrecognizable families in preschool shows. And with each episode being only seven minutes long, you can binge watch the entire series or just watch a few until you, or the kids, nod off.
When You Want A Classic To Talk About with the Elders
Grease (PG) 1h, 45 min. United, American
Set in the 50s and released in the late 70s, Grease is a movie that will take you back and help you understand (some of) the worlds of your elders. The delightfully campy musical follows Danny (John Travolta) and Sandy (Olivia Newton-John), who, after a whirlwind summer romance, unexpectedly reunite at Rydell High. While Danny and Sandy are the stars, the real fun comes from the rebellious Pink Ladies led by Rizzo (Stockard Channing) and the T-Birds, Danny’s greaser gang (gang may be an exaggeration; they mostly work on cars, comb their hair, and eat hamburgers). There are a few moments that are not kid-friendly, but they’ll probably go over heads, so this one is safe enough to watch with your flight mates.
Wonka (PG) 2 hrs. Airlines: United, Southwest
Timothy Chalamet might be dominating the Christmas movie marketing push for his new role as Bob Dylan, but its his turn in Wonka that will get you into the holiday mood. A prequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, in this version Wonka isn’t a maniac willing to kill a few bratty kids. He’s a bright-eyed, whimsical chocolatier who just wants to bring magical treats to Londoners. That dream isn’t as easy as it seems, as Wonka has to contend with the chocolate cartel and unscrupulous landlords. While the songs aren’t quite as memorable as those in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, there are plenty of sweet moments, especially between Wonka and his friend Noodles (Calah Lane). Hugh Grant as a resigned Oompa-Loompa and Keegan Michael-Keys as the police chief who just can’t stop eating chocolate make this an especially delicious serving of musical theater.
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