As a frequent flyer and someone who has experienced my fair share of turbulence and anxiety during flights, I can’t help but cringe at the thought of watching certain movies in the air. Having gone through security checks, boarded planes, and endured long hours cooped up in a metal tube, I understand the importance of finding comforting distractions to make the journey more bearable. However, some movies are better left watched on the ground.
I’ve had my fair share of anxiety when it comes to flying. The thought of being thousands of feet in the air, enclosed in a metal tube, can be downright terrifying for someone like me who doesn’t fly frequently. So, I understand if you’re someone who feels the same way. And trust me, there have been plenty of movies and TV shows that have only added fuel to my fear.
As a nervous flyer myself, I can understand how certain movies might not be the best companions during a flight. While many titles on this list are fantastic projects and definitely worth checking out, for those with a fear of flying, they could potentially worsen anxiety levels in-flight. Here’s a list of films that might be better avoided if you want to keep your nerves at ease while traveling by air:
Snakes on a Plane
The 2006 movie “Snakes on a Plane” is known for its cheesy action thrills, generating countless quotable lines and memes after its debut. However, it might be best to avoid watching this comedic flick during a plane ride.
Gravity
Although not actually filmed on a plane, the thrilling movie “Gravity” with Sandra Bullock would make me feel uneasy if I were on a plane. The fact that her character is aboard an aircraft soaring in the sky and eventually crashes in the third act adds to this sensation. It might be more enjoyable to watch it in a theater instead.
Flightplan
In 2005, I had the chance to see “Flightplan” at the movies, an exhilarating psychological thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. The story revolves around a mother whose child inexplicably vanishes during a lengthy flight. Jodie Foster delivers another remarkable performance, but be prepared for some nerve-wracking moments if you’re flying soon after watching this film.
Red Eye
Wes Craven’s “Red Eye” film features Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy in leading roles, with the latter expressing some reservations about the movie. This suspenseful story primarily takes place aboard an airplane, making it a potentially unsettling choice for individuals with aviophobia (fear of flying).
Final Destination
In the original “Final Destination” film, Devon Sawa’s character Alex Browning experiences a premonition that his plane will explode. Despite evacuating with a few classmates before the explosion, death pursues them, claiming their lives in grisly fashion.
United 93
The film “United 93” was released in 2006, not long after the tragic events of September 11th. Since this movie is based on the factual and moving account of United Airlines Flight 93, it may be best to avoid watching it while traveling by air.
Donnie Darko
I absolutely adore the enigmatic 2001 film “Donnie Darko,” starring Jake Gyllenhaal in the titular role. For me, it’s a fascinating journey where Donnie grapples with the complexities of space and time. It all begins when an unexplained event transpires – a jet engine crashes into my bedroom! This bizarre incident is intricately woven into the narrative fabric of this captivating story.
Plane
In the 2023 thriller “Plane,” starring Mike Colter and Gerard Butler, the action unfolds when a lightning strike causes the aircraft they’re on, carrying both law enforcement officers and a wanted criminal, to crash. With their unexpected partnership, these two must collaborate to survive after the plane comes down – an opening scenario that may not be ideal for those with a fear of flying.
Sully
I was totally engrossed in the film “Sully,” where I played the role of Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the brave pilot who miraculously landed a plane on the Hudson River back in 2009 after hitting a flock of birds. It’s an amazing story and a great watch, but honestly, it’s not the kind of thing I’d want to experience firsthand while actually flying!
The Mountain Between Us
In my gaming experience, “The Mountain Between Us” is yet another intriguing movie where things take a drastic turn during a plane journey. This time around, it’s not just any aircraft, but a tiny one carrying Kate Winslet and Idris Elba’s characters. Unfortunately, the pilot, who happens to be with us in this virtual adventure, suddenly suffers a stroke mid-air.
Cast Away
Among the films featured in this list, there are several starring Tom Hanks. Notably, “Cast Away” stands out as his most renowned role in a plane-related story. In this captivating film, Hanks’ character finds himself deserted on an island following a plane crash. The ensuing journey results in a heartfelt experience and an unforgettable bond with Wilson, a volleyball companion.
Society of the Snow
In 2023, I became captivated by the survival drama “Society of the Snow,” based on a chilling true event. Back in 1972, Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 tragically struck a glacier. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I learned that a Uruguayan rugby football team was stranded in the merciless Andes Mountains as a result. As days turned into weeks, they were left with no choice but to resort to cannibalism in order to survive.
Fight Club
The enigmatic “Fight Club”, featured in this collection, recounts the unsettling journey of Tyler Durden as he spirals into insanity and undergoes therapy. The narrative begins with the protagonist encountering Tyler for the first time on a plane, following disturbing hallucinations of an avian disaster and a chilling discussion about air travel safety that would send shivers down the spine of even the bravest flyer.
World War Z
In “World War Z,” Brad Pitt portrays Mitch Buchannon as he battles an endless horde of zombies in this apocalyptic film. A particularly terrifying sequence unfolds on a plane, where the cramped confines amplify the fear for the hapless passengers as they face the relentless zombie onslaught.
The Incredibles
In “The Incredibles,” a cherished Disney-Pixar production, there’s a scene that might not sit well with individuals uneasy about flying. During this part, the malevolent Syndrome launches Elastigirl and her children from great heights. Fortunately, their unique abilities prevent disaster.
Flight 666
In simpler terms, “Flight 666” is a 2018 horror film where fearful flyers will find their worst nightmares coming to life. The story unfolds when a zombie infestation breaks out in-flight, causing utter chaos for passengers hoping to reach their destination safely.
Air Force One
The 1997 film “Air Force One” portrays a hijacking of the plane carrying the President (played by Harrison Ford). While in flight, the President must thwart the hijackers and ensure the safety of those aboard. Despite my enjoyment of the movie, it may not be your first choice for in-flight entertainment.
Moon
The moon orbits around as Sam Rockwell’s character, Sam Bell, completes his three-year isolation living on the moon’s secluded side. For those with a fear of solitude or enclosed spaces, the thought of being alone in a vessel drifting through the cosmos could be quite unsettling.
Black Hawk Down
As a gamer, I can tell you that “Black Hawk Down” is a highly praised 2001 film often hailed as one of the greatest war movies ever made. However, its title might give you unwanted flashbacks when you’re already uneasy about flying – it’s based on a helicopter crash, which isn’t exactly the kind of content you want to think about while in an actual aircraft.
Con Air
Nicolas Cage’s film “Con Air” is among several movies where a plane is hijacked, and while some aspects of the movie may seem illogical, it’s a timeless classic – not ideal for those with a fear of flying.
Jurassic Park III
The third installment of the Jurassic Park series, Jurassic Park III, may not reach the heights of other films in the franchise, yet it offers several appealing aspects. However, a plane crash scene is included, making it more advisable to view this movie while safely on the ground.
Passengers
Among the films on this list, several feature space themes. The feeling of being adrift in the vast cosmos bears some resemblance to the apprehension experienced by anxious flyers during air travel. In 2016, the movie “Passengers” was released, focusing on two main characters (Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt). They are inadvertently awakened from their hibernation long before their scheduled arrival at a new planet.
No Way Up
In the chilling 2024 thriller “No Way Up,” two classic horror themes collide: plane wrecks and menacing sharks. As terrorized passengers struggle to stay alive after their plane crashes into the depths of the ocean, they face a harrowing predicament.
Alive
The movie “Alive” is among the survival films listed here. Released in 1993, it’s based on a true story about Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 that crashed in the Andes carrying a rugby team.
Non-Stop
I once saw the edge-of-your-seat thriller Non-Stop, which came out in 2014, where Liam Neeson plays an ex-NYPD officer turned Federal Air Marshal. In this film, my character is on a mission to find a deadly killer aboard a flight from New York City to London. Trust me, it’s not the kind of in-flight entertainment you’d wish for.
7500
In 2019, the movie titled “7500” became available on Amazon Prime. This film stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a pilot who encounters an attempted hijacking, making for a tense and suspenseful experience. However, individuals with a fear of flying may prefer to avoid this production during their flights.
Alien
As a huge fan of “Alien,” I can attest to its status as a horror classic. Yet, I’d caution fellow travelers, especially those with a fear of flying or suspenseful stories, that this masterpiece might not be the best in-flight companionship. Just as Ripley is helplessly stranded on the Nostromo, some anxious flyers may find themselves sharing her claustrophobic, terrifying experience during the movie’s screening in an enclosed cabin.
The movie “Airplane!” is known for its comedic antics set on a plane, filled with unexpected and humorous situations. Despite being entertaining, some viewers might find certain scenes distressing if they’re watching it while actually flying.
Flight
In 2012, I discovered the gripping movie titled “Flight.” This film is centered around Denzel Washington’s character, Captain William “Whip” Whitaker, who bravely pilots an aircraft while battling alcohol addiction. These tense scenes, coupled with the unsettling thought of a pilot under the influence, can leave even the most fearless flyers feeling uneasy.
Turbulence
In 1997, the movie “Turbulence” made its way to cinemas, leaving even the posters capable of instilling fear in apprehensive air travelers. The film includes mid-air gunfights, unexpected landings, and a host of other unsettling situations that one would prefer to avoid in real life.
Wall-E
Wall-E, produced by Pixar, is among my preferred films. However, I wouldn’t recommend watching it during a flight due to the confined seating, which may bring to mind the film’s characters and their predicament.
Fearless
In 1993, the film “Fearless” showcases one of Kurt Russell’s finest acting jobs. However, be prepared for an heart-stopping opening scene of a plane crash, which might not be suitable for those with a fear or dislike of flying.
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2024-07-18 18:38