A classic film that is often labelled by fans as ‘one of the funniest ever made’ is on TV tonight while it is also available to stream for free (January 5).
The title is often heralded as the release which helped make the parody movie popular among more mainstream movies. It is also cited as a must watch for those who love comedic films.
Now, those who have never seen Airplane! have a chance to watch it for free as it will be broadcast tonight (January 5) at 9pm on ITV4. Those who can’t wait or miss the start time can also stream as they see fit via the ITVX platform.
Those who wish to watch it free of advertisements can also stream it if they have a subscription to either Paramount+ or NOW Cinema, which is also available via a Sky TV package.
Originally released in 1980, the film aims to make fun of one of the most popular genres from the decade before, that is air disaster movies from the 1970s. It also made a star of Leslie Nielsen, who went on to feature in many more comedic roles. Nielsen would go on to star in many more parodies including the Naked Gun series, Police Squad and Scary Movie 3.
The film’s story follows former war pilot Ted Striker, who has since become a taxi driver. He tries to win back his air stewardess girlfriend by buying a ticket for the same flight she is working, despite his new fear of flying and “drinking problem” (which is not what you think but we won’t spoil the joke). When the plane’s crew are hit with food poisoning, Ted soon finds himself stepping up to help fly the plane and face his fears. The film was named as one of the 500 Greatest Movies of All Time by Empire and featured in a similar list by The New York Times.
Boasting a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, fans are still full of praise for the comic film even 40 years later with one simply declaring it is “the funniest and most rewatchable movie ever.” Another sharing their thoughts online, posted: “Must see for anyone with a sense of humour. If you have not seen it, see it immediately and when you’re done, you’re probably gonna wanna watch it again.”
However they warned: “Some of the youngsters may not get some of the jokes so make sure you have an older person there with you to explain it if you don’t get it, but I believe this film still holds up today. Completely irreverent. Just a joy to behold.” One person underlined that it is not a film to be taken seriously as they said: “This movie sacrifices almost everything in the name of comedy, but that comedy is so great you don’t even care.”
A third added: “One of the two best film spoofs ever made (the other being Spaceballs), Airplane! is a masterpiece in comedy, with slapstick, dark humour and all other kinds of comedy mixed together, creating one of (if not) the funniest film(s) ever made.”
Airplane! is on ITV at 9pm on Sunday, January 5 and is streaming on ITVX, Paramount+ and NOW Cinema.