Seeing the sights. Meeting new people. Tasting the local dishes. Soaking up the atmosphere in an old city square at sunset. There’s nothing quite like travel to keep life interesting. But even the most adventurous travellers need moments to put their feet up and chill. After a long day stomping across a big city or snorkelling in the sea, there’s nothing better than collapsing in front of a great film.
As a Netflix UK user, you have a huge choice of on-the-go entertainment. But when you’re busy planning a trip, there’s not much time to hunt for the best travel-friendly films and TV shows to watch. That’s why we’ve taken this job off your hands. We’ve analysed the Netflix library, including new films on Netflix in 2024. We’ve organised these into three categories to help you choose.
This article covers:
If you’re planning a short trip, it might not be the right time to start that new nine-season box set. But there are some fantastic miniseries on Netflix UK. These are single-season shows with ten episodes or fewer.
Maniac (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 85%
This miniseries has ten episodes, ranging from 26-47 minutes long. Featuring Jonah Hill and Emma Stone, Maniac is a super-surreal genre mash-up. It’s an unusual but compelling mix of psychological drama, sci-fi, dark comedy, and fantasy. Set in an alternate world with no internet, Maniac tells the story of two characters who agree to a drug trial for a new medicine. The medicine can cure their emotional pain, they’re told. Then things get increasingly weird. You could easily work your way through this in two or three evenings before bed. Just don’t blame us if your dreams are a bit more bizarre than usual.
Transatlantic (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%
This miniseries has seven episodes, all around 50 minutes long. Transatlantic stars Gillian Jacobs. She's best-known for playing Britta Perry in Community and Mickey Dobbs in the Netflix show Love). Set during World War II, Transatlantic tells the story of heroes beyond the battlefield. It spotlights the Emergency Rescue Committee. This was a real group of civilians who smuggled European artists and academics to safety through the ports of Marseille in 1940. You can expect beautifully-realised period sets and costumes, and a celebration of the best sides of humanity. Bonus points if your trip happens to be in the South of France.
Inside Man (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 67%
This miniseries has four hour-long episodes. The cast stars David Tennant as a vicar with a dark secret and Stanley Tucci as an evil genius death row inmate who loves the sound of his own voice. It’s written by Steven Moffat (Sherlock, Doctor Who), so you can expect crackling dialogue and twist-filled plotting. In the words of Mashable film editor Kristy Puchko,
]“the most frustrating thing about Inside Man is just that it ends so soon.” But for those cosy evenings on a whirlwind weekend away, it’s just right.
Want a film you can watch after dinner without falling asleep before it ends? Here are two films on Netflix UK with a runtime under 90 minutes.
Tramps (2017)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%
Tramps is a romantic comedy. It follows Danny, a young man tasked with delivering a mysterious briefcase, and Ellie, his getaway driver who needs money for a fresh start. After mistakenly exchanging the briefcase in a subway mix-up, they go on an adventure to correct the error. Tramps is set in modern-day New York, but has a
“laid-back, '70s soul” according to film critic Matt Patches.
She’s Gotta Have It (1986)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%
Also set in New York, and also a romantic comedy, this was Spike Lee's debut film. It centres on Nola Darling, a young, good-looking graphic artist in Brooklyn. She’s balancing relationships with three different men. Each man desires her exclusively, while Nola values her independence. Tarantino has cited the low-budget production as an inspiration for Reservoir Dogs. Trigger warning: the film includes a rape scene with Spike Lee has since described as “stupid” and “immature”.
Netflix hosts some brilliant anthology-style shows. You can enjoy each episode as a standalone experience. Here are three Netflix anthology shows perfect for just watching an episode or two:
Love, Death & Robots (2019-2022)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%
This is an imaginative anthology series blending sci-fi, horror, and comedy in bite-sized, animated tales.
Black Mirror (2011-)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
Charlie Brooker’s thought-provoking series explores the dark implications of technology on society.
Easy (2016-2019)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
Set in Chicago, Easy explores the complexities of modern love, sex, and relationships.
Just because you’re visiting one corner of the world doesn’t mean you can’t explore another on your flight, or after a full day of activities.
Here are a couple of cinematic escapes that will transport you to another place or time…
Kodachrome (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%
This film unfolds on a road trip from New York to Kansas. Jason Sudeikis stars as Matt, a record label executive. Ed Harris plays Ben, his estranged, dying father and famous photographer. And Elizabeth Olsen is Zoe, Ben's nurse. The characters set off aiming to reach the last shop that can develop Kodachrome film before it closes permanently. This film may well inspire you to get your camera out and capture some special moments on your own trip.
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%
This film is set in the summer of 1983 in Northern Italy. Think idyllic, sun-drenched landscapes. A perfect setting for the carefree romance between Elio (Timothée Chalamet) and Oliver (Armie Hammer). Luca Guadagnino, the director, made the film in the region where he lives, adding a personal touch to the setting. And Timothée Chalamet actually played the piano pieces you hear in the film.
Just want to enjoy some amazing scenes from the natural world whilst on your travels? Here are three titles to add to your list:
Fantastic Fungi (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%
This visually stunning documentary explores the magical world of fungi. It reveals their power to heal us and contribute to the regeneration of life on Earth. Through the eyes of renowned scientists like Paul Stamets, it showcases the beauty and intelligence of fungi.
Chimp Empire (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%
This dramatic documentary series is all about chimpanzee societies. You’ll learn about their intricate social structures and their emotional lives. You’ll discover how these intelligent primates cooperate, compete, and navigate their environments. And you’ll maybe see human affairs with fresh eyes after watching.
Our Planet II (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 96%
Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, this four-part series unravels the mystery of how and why animals migrate. Expect epic cinematography and serious drama as migrating animals navigate a world shaped by climate change. Prepare to be astonished, but also to confront the terrible impact humans have had on the natural world.
You can easily stream films or TV shows from your Netflix UK on your phone, laptop, or tablet while travelling. Or you can sign into Netflix on a smart TV in your accommodation. If you’re travelling from the UK to a country outside of the European Union, the content available to you may be different. If you’re travelling within the European Union, Netflix provides the same content as usual for a limited period of time.
Before you travel, follow this checklist:
- Update the Netflix app on any portable devices.
- Download any Netflix films or TV shows you want to watch on your flights.
- Add any other content you want to watch during your trip to your watchlist.
If you’re starting a new Netflix subscription or upgrading your account, a
prepaid credit card is a super-convenient way to pay for it. You can also use prepaid credit cards during your trip. Prepaid cards are great when travelling because you don’t need to worry about carrying cash and you can control your budget easily.
To ensure reliable mobile internet during an overseas trip, many travellers buy an eSim (virtual Sim card) for the local country. If you decide to do this, you can
top-up your eSim here. Again, this is a great way to stay on top of your spending.
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