Here’s a List of the 10 Best Horror Movies to Watch on a Plane

Flying can feel tense with its tight spaces and nowhere to go, making it a surprisingly great setting for a horror movie binge. The hum of the plane and the isolation at 30,000 feet amplify the chills, turning your flight into a thrilling escape.

We’ve picked 10 horror movies that suit a plane ride perfectly, balancing suspense with contained settings that echo the cabin’s confines. From supernatural scares to psychological twists, these films will keep you glued to your screen without disturbing your seatmate.

Shadow in the Cloud (2020)

Release Date: January 1, 2021
Chloe Grace Moretz shines as Maude, a pilot in a WWII-era bomber facing more than just enemy fire. Trapped in a cramped turret, she battles mysterious creatures and human threats, making this a nail-biter that mirrors a plane’s claustrophobia.
The film’s tight setting and fast pace make it ideal for a flight, keeping you hooked without sprawling subplots. Moretz’s intense performance carries the wild ride, blending action and horror for a quick, gripping watch.

Airborne (2013)

Release Date: March 15, 2013
Mark Hamill lends his voice to this creepy tale of a hijacked plane carrying an ancient Chinese spirit that possesses passengers. The confined cabin becomes a battleground as the evil force spreads, creating chaos at 30,000 feet.
With its mix of supernatural horror and a doomed flight, this movie fits perfectly for plane viewing. The dark, tragic ending keeps the tension high, making you forget the in-flight snacks.

Panic Button (2011)

Release Date: August 27, 2011
Four strangers win a dream trip on a private jet, only to find their social media secrets exposed in a deadly game. The plane’s luxurious interior turns sinister as they face brutal consequences, perfect for a confined flight vibe.
This British thriller keeps you guessing with its sharp twists and moral sting about online privacy. It’s a lean, intense watch that won’t let you look away from the screen.

Snakes on a Plane (2006)

Release Date: August 18, 2006
Samuel L. Jackson’s FBI agent escorts a witness on a flight crawling with venomous snakes, unleashed by a crime lord. The cabin erupts into chaos as passengers battle slithering death.

This over-the-top horror-action flick is tailor-made for a plane’s confined thrill, with Jackson’s iconic intensity leading the charge. Its wild, campy energy keeps you glued, making it a cult classic for in-flight fun.

Red Eye (2005)

Release Date: August 19, 2005
Rachel McAdams stars as Lisa, a hotel manager trapped on a flight with a terrorist, played by Cillian Murphy, who forces her into a deadly plot. Wes Craven’s direction keeps the tension sky-high in this coach-class nightmare.
The close-quarters cat-and-mouse game feels tailor-made for a plane ride. Murphy’s chilling performance and McAdams’ desperate fight make this a must-watch thriller that hits hard.

Non-Stop (2014)

Release Date: February 28, 2014
Liam Neeson plays an air marshal facing anonymous threats on a transatlantic flight. As passengers turn on each other, the plane becomes a pressure cooker of paranoia and action-packed suspense.
This high-stakes thriller keeps you glued to your seat with its relentless pace. Neeson’s gritty heroism makes it a great pick for a flight, blending horror’s tension with blockbuster thrills.

7500 (2019)

Release Date: June 18, 2020
Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as a pilot fighting to save a hijacked plane from terrorists. The cockpit setting ramps up the claustrophobia, making every decision a life-or-death struggle in this intense thriller.
The film’s focused, real-time feel suits a plane ride perfectly, keeping you locked in. Gordon-Levitt’s raw performance grounds the chaos, making it a gripping, contained scare-fest.

The Langoliers (1995)

Release Date: May 14, 1995
Based on Stephen King’s novella, this TV miniseries follows passengers waking up on a deserted flight, hunted by a strange force. The eerie, dated vibe adds to the unsettling mystery of their predicament.
Its contained plane setting and creepy premise make it a fun, nostalgic pick for a flight. The slow-burn horror builds tension, perfect for settling in with headphones.

Blood Red Sky (2021)

Release Date: July 23, 2021
A mother, played by Peri Baumeister, hides a dark secret on a hijacked transatlantic flight. When terrorists take over, her monstrous side unleashes, blending vampire horror with a desperate fight to save her son.
This emotional yet brutal film fits a plane’s confined vibe, delivering visceral scares. The mix of heart and horror makes it a unique, engaging watch for your journey.

Final Destination (2000)

Release Date: March 17, 2000
Devon Sawa’s Alex has a premonition of a plane crash, saving a few passengers only to face death’s relentless pursuit. The iconic opening disaster scene sets a terrifying tone for this cult classic.
The film’s plane-centric start and gripping suspense make it a bold choice for in-flight viewing. Its clever twists and relentless pace will keep you hooked, tray table up or not.

Which of these plane-bound horror flicks would you dare watch at 30,000 feet, or is there another scare we missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!