Airplane! (1980)
Kernel Score: 82% · 4,961 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Comedy
Released: 1980-06-27
Runtime: 88 minutes
Is Airplane! worth watching?
Must-watch. A nervous ex-pilot has to land a plane after the crew gets food poisoning. The gag rate is relentless, deadpan and silly, and a surprising number of jokes still work.
Watch it if you
- love parody and rapid-fire jokes
- enjoy deadpan delivery
- want a short, easy laugh
Skip it if you
- want a clever plot
- dislike silly, dated gags
Best for: Easy laugh night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Airplane!
- Stream: Fubo, Paramount+, YouTube TV
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, YouTube Free
- Rent: JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
An ex-fighter pilot forced to take over the controls of an airliner when the flight crew succumbs to food poisoning.
Airplane! parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that Airplane! is a PG comedy spoofing disaster films with references to alcohol and mild innuendo.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — Includes comedic references to alcohol and food poisoning among passengers and crew.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Airplane!
If you liked Airplane!, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988) — 82%: Same comedy team's police parody, equally gag-packed.
- Young Frankenstein (1974) — 88%: Classic spoof of old monster movies, very funny.
- Top Secret! (1984) — 78%: Spy-movie parody from the same creative team.
- Murder by Death (1976) — 78%: Big-cast spoof of detective stories.
- Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) — 86%: Another classic 80s comedy built on cheeky energy.
- Back to the Future (1985) — 95%: Bright, funny, endlessly rewatchable 80s favourite.
Director
Cast
- Robert Hays as Ted Striker
- Julie Hagerty as Elaine Dickinson
- Leslie Nielsen as Dr. Rumack
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as Roger Murdock
- Lloyd Bridges as Steve McCroskey
- Peter Graves as Capt. Clarence Oveur
- Robert Stack as Captain Rex Kramer
- Lorna Patterson as Randy
- Jill Whelan as Lisa Davis
- Ann Nelson as Hanging Lady
Airplane! FAQ
Is Airplane! worth watching?
Must-watch. A nervous ex-pilot has to land a plane after the crew gets food poisoning. The gag rate is relentless, deadpan and silly, and a surprising number of jokes still work.
Where can I watch Airplane!?
In the US you can stream Airplane! on Fubo, Paramount+ and YouTube TV, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla and YouTube Free and rent it from JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.
Is Airplane! OK for kids?
Airplane! is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that Airplane! is a PG comedy spoofing disaster films with references to alcohol and mild innuendo.
What movies are like Airplane!?
If you liked Airplane!, try The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!, Young Frankenstein, Top Secret! and Murder by Death.