Peak Cinema: The 7 Best Films to Watch While Traveling in the Air
by Ashlynne Graham
Once on board and settled in on an airplane, it is quite common for travelers to shuffle through the never ending list of films available on the plane’s seatback television and feel just as exasperated as one does when channel surfing on a living room TV. After all, finding the perfect film to watch on a flight is a tricky task. Ideally, you may want a film that is outside the horror/thriller genre to avoid giving yourself a fright while you are thousands of feet into the air, and is also absent of gore or war to ensure you do not lose your appetite for your complimentary beverage and packaged snacks. In essence, to have a satisfactory travel experience, your best bet is to find a feel-good film. If you want to make the most of your flight and be able to cozy up as soon as you are seated, here are 7 films you can select for viewing while you travel this holiday season.
1. Rosaline (Karen Maine, 2022)
While Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is an incredibly popular and enduring story from the sixteenth century, Rosaline is a retelling of the poet’s tale as old as time. The comedic adaptation follows the titular character, Rosaline (Kaitlyn Dever), as she plots to win back Romeo’s (Kyle Allen) affection after his attraction shifts to his sworn enemy, Juliet (Isabela Merced). The film’s reimagined take on Shakespeare’s play feels both familiar and new, and it will have your eyes glued to the screen from takeoff to landing.
2. Love and Monsters (Michael Matthews, 2020)
While traveling on a plane may feel anticipatory, Love and Monsters is a great reminder that it isn’t just about the destination–but the journey as well. Set in a post apocalyptic world, the action-packed film follows lovesick Joel Dawson (Dylan O'Brien) on an 85-mile quest to reconnect with his high school sweetheart Aimee (Jessica Henwick). As one would expect, Love and Monsters is mixed with endearing romantic gestures and battles against giant creatures; yet, the film’s central plot does not unravel as it first seems, and it is what will truly have you on the edge of your seat.
3. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (Susan Johnson, 2018)
If you’re in for a long-haul flight, getting creative with your entertainment of choice can truly enliven your travel experience—To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the perfect film for that. The swoon-worthy, yet comedic film centers on Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor) as she navigates relationships after unknowingly having her private love letters sent out to her past crushes. Since To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is adapted from Jenny Han’s novel of the same name, you can first spend your plane ride reading the story unfold, and then later watch it play out on screen. If you still have more hours to go until landing, because the film is the first of a trilogy, you can add the two succeeding films to your watch-list as well.
4. Crazy, Stupid, Love (Glenn Ficarra, John Requa, 2011)
If you are looking for something both light-hearted and hilarious, Crazy, Stupid, Love is the film for you. Recently divorced after over forty years of marriage, Cal (Steve Carell) learns to get back into the dating scene through the advice of ladies’ man Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling). This star-studded film also includes Emma Stone, Joey King, Julianne Moore, and Marisa Tomei in its ensemble. In the end, Crazy, Stupid, Love will have you laughing out loud and bring a smile to the face of any passengers sitting behind you who have become engrossed in your screen.
5. Monte Carlo (Thomas Bezucha, 2010)
Heading back home for the holidays often means reuniting with friends and family, and Monte Carlo is an adventure-romantic comedy that will remind you of the fun times friends and family bring. Set in the backdrop of Monaco, this film centers around the summer adventures and flings of Grace (Selena Gomez), her best friend Emma (Katie Cassidy), and her stepsister, Meg (Leighton Meester). Their getaway involves glitz and glamor, and above all, drama. No matter the location of the place that awaits your arrival, Monte Carlo will have you excited to touch down at your destination.
6. Life as We Know It (Greg Berlanti, 2010)
Instead of traveling on a plane in a room of strangers, imagine living with one. While that is a jarring image, it is the reality for the characters in Life as We Know It. After a newly-wed couple passes away, their respective friends, Holly Berenson (Katherine Heigl) and Eric Messer (Josh Duhamel) become the caretaker of the deceased couples’ daughter Sophie (Brooke Clagett). While being thrust into parenthood was not in their playing cards, Holly and Eric’s dislike for each other is their biggest hurdle. The romantic comedy will have you completely invested and rooting for the enemies to lovers dynamic, and before you know it, you will have arrived at your destination.
7. Spirited Away (Hayao Miyazaki, 2001)
In case you are catching a red-eye flight and are looking to remain awake, Spirited Away is a fantasy adventure that will surely capture your attention for hours. In this film, Chihiro (Rumi Hiiragi) enters a seemingly abandoned amusement park with her parents (Takashi Naitô, Yasuko Sawaguchi) with the intentions of taking a quick look around, but ultimately they are forced to stay for longer after her parents turn into pigs and Chihiro searches for a way to free them. Not only does this film bring out laughs, but it may even have you shedding a tear. Undoubtedly, the unique and vivid animation will be what keeps you continuously entertained.
