You’ve finally made it to Christmas break, to the airport, and through the labyrinth of security and boarding lines. Now you’re faced with the labyrinth that is 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 create a guide to help you winnow down all those choices.
Our criteria: To 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 them for free as an added perk of your flight.
When You Want to Laugh
Kneecap (R) 1 h 45 min. United, American
Ireland’s 2024 entry for the Academy Award for Best International Film brings an ironic take to one of the most common Oscar-bait genres: musician biopics. Blurring the line between fiction and reality, the film depicts the rise of an actual 
Irish 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 imperial British authorities that banned the Irish language. The three members of Kneecap play themselves, albeit turning the absurdism up to 11, unafraid to poke fun at their ambitions. And you’ll also see familiar Irish actors Michael Fassbender, Jessica Reynolds, and Simone Kirby in supporting roles. 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 release films to pull this off. But the subtitle reading is worth it. It’s good craic! (That’s Irish for great fun.)
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (PG-13) 1 h 48 min. United
Like most Will Ferrell movies of the 2000s, Talladega Nights serves up broad, over the top comedy full of send-ups and light satirical punches. Of course, that’s what makes it so 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 French driver (Sacha Baron Cohen) shows up, and they’re suddenly yesterday’s news. 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 they play the TV and stereo at the same time (“I like to party”), Talladega Nights is the kind of mindlessly laugh-out-loud funny film that won’t ask too much of you during that two hour flight.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (PG-13) 1h, 37m. Southwest, JetBlue, United, Delta
An oldie from a franchise your parents and/or grandparents will remember, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation will make you grateful that your own relatives, as they cannot possibly be this wild. Chevy Chase stars as the hapless Clark Griswold, who’s determined to have the perfect family Christmas. Inviting both sets of parents 10 days before the actual holidays probably wasn’t a great idea, he realizes in hindsight, nor was chopping down his own massive tree or covering his house in lights. At least it’s not as bad as dealing with Cousin Eddie. Oh wait—he shows up too, and with a massive RV, as he needs to drain the toilt. Or as Eddie explains, “Shitter was full.” You may even feel bad for Clark’s yuppie neighbors, whose own holidays are ruined by Clark. It’s a ridiculous holiday classic that works for the cynics and those in need of an antidote to all of the Hallmark holiday hype.
Longer Flights: When You Want to Forget You’re on a Plane
Harry Potter – The entire series (PG & PG-13) 130-160 mins. United, American, Southwest
What better way to forget you’re on a flying bus than to disappear into the world of Hogwarts?
If you want to start from the beginning and need something light and PG, stick to the first two films: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002). They are full of holiday scenes, so you can get in the spirit with Harry and his (then) freckle-faced young pals. The first two will also set you up for a Harry Potter marathon over your break. And if you’ve got a super long flight, you can queue up all eight films in the air.
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 engage your brain on a deeper level and give you plenty to talk about with the teens and adults over the break.
Dune and Dune: Part Two (PG-13, American, United, Southwest)
If you’ve got a flight that’s over five hours, you can escape to Arrakis, the desert planet where most of the action of Dune and Dune: Part Two takes place. The first Dune stars Timothee Chalamet as Paul, whose noble family takes control of Arrakis. Things get chaotic as forces clash over melange, a precious resource in space. Dune: Part Two picks up where the action left of as Paul joins forces with Chani (Zendaya), one of the Fremen, aka locals of Arrakis. Both film’s cinematography is spellbinding, with some critics considering it to be one of the greatest sci-films ever made. That’s an impressive feat! 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 novels the films were based on were written by
Avatar: The Way of Water (PG-13, 3hr 12 min, Southwest)
I’ll admit that I don’t always understand all the mythos in the Avatar movies, but boy, are they sure pretty to look at. Avatar: The Way of Water is the sequel to Avatar, and as the name suggests, this time it takes place in the water (primarily the ocean). The film follows Na’vi Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) as he and his family take refuge with the aquatic Metkayina clan. Once there, they learn to enjoy live along the seashore by learning how to speak whale (which are 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.
When You Want a Little Romance
The Idea of You (R, 115 min, 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 big 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 places that are likely more exciting than your own holiday trip. The film isn’t perfect, but it’s a sweet, escapist, feel-good story that will take you away.
Crazy Rich Asians (PG-13, 112 min, United, Southwest, American)
Considering how beautiful 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. However, at its heart, it is a rom-com, so we’re putting it under that category. Rachel (Constance Wu) is dating Nick, who unbeknownst to her, comes from a “crazy rich” family in Singapore. She 
travels with Nick to his homeland to attend his best friend’s wedding. Upon arrival, Rachel realizes she’s in way over her head–but she doesn’t let those 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 a snob! He sincerely loves Rachel for who she is. Several great comedians 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 that your own mother-in-law isn’t that chilly.
Bonus Track (NR, 1 hour 38 min, American, United)
If Elton John were to produce an episode of Heartstopper, it may 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, 1 hour 40 min, Delta)
Expanding our horizons beyond Hollywood and Bollywood, this film will open your eyes to Nollywood. Although the term “Nollywood” blurs a few lines (it includes Nigerian films, Ghanian-English cinema, and films about the Nigerian diaspora), Isoken represents as a charming love story that offers a fascinating look at Nigerian culture.
Isoken (Dakore Akande) is a beautiful and successful single 30-something in a culture that is obsessed with marriage. So 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 unexpected events, Isoken also meets Kevin (Marc Rhys), who isn’t exactly husband material—and he’s Oyinbo (White). Clever and funny with fabulous fashion—the wedding outfits rival any American rom-com–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) 90 min. 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 first. But I’m partial to the brand new Inside Out 2, which follows Riley at 13 as she tries to fit in in 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 to ever be 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 — and maybe even manage — your own holiday-inspired emotions in a new light.
Babe (G). 90 minutes. 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, 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, Each episode is 7 minutes, 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 adults too. Unlike many preschool shows, Bluey never talks down to its audience. The series follows the titular Bluey, a six-year-old blue heeler puppy as she goes on adventures with her family. Throughout the series, plenty of jokes will go over kids’ heads but crack up adults, like the clearly buzzed aunt and uncle. Also, 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 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.
When You Want A Classic To Connect You To 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 and eat hamburgers). There are a few moments that are not kid-friendly, but they’ll probably go over heads, so it’s safe enough to watch this one with your flight mates.
Wonka (PG) 2 hrs. 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 in this version. 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 rich serving of musical theater.
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