Stream the Hilarious 1980 Classic 'Airplane!' for Free - Ranked 3rd Best Comedy Ever

Airplane!, the 1980 comedy classic, streams for free with ads on Pluto TV in the United States, offering viewers access to its rapid-fire humor at no cost. In April 2026, Time Out updated its list of the 100 best comedy movies, ranking Airplane! No. 3 behind Borat and This Is Spinal Tap. The outlet calls it a playful, silly spoof of late-1970s disaster films, packed with visual gags and quotable one-liners. Time Out's selection highlights Airplane!'s influence on contemporary comedies and its enduring appeal across generations.

The piece notes Nielsen's straight-faced performance as the doctor who keeps the chaos in check, while Hays, Hagerty, and Bridges also shine. It argues Airplane! may be the most perfectly crafted spoof, crammed with jokes that stay funny beyond its original era. The piece also observes how the film's tight script and rapid-fire timing keep the energy high.

Airplane! is available free on Pluto TV in the United States with commercials, and Time Out's update underscores its enduring appeal. The film's brisk pace, visual gags, and Nielsen's iconic performance continue to attract new audiences, reinforcing its status as a comedy classic.