Whether you’re travelling for a business meeting or crossing the country to see friends, figuring out how to pass the time matters in an age of constant anxiety and distraction. A good film is an easy win, but scrolling through hundreds of options on a small screen can feel like work. The picks below are upbeat, easy to follow, and suited to a short train trip.
And remember, if you can’t download films to your devices beforehand, and you plan to stream on the go, it helps to install a vpn free on your phone or tablet before boarding, especially when connecting to shared networks.
Murder Mystery 2
If something light, fast, and reliably entertaining is the goal on your trip, Murder Mystery 2 certainly fits the brief. The sequel brings back Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler as Audrey and Nick Spitz, now leaning into the “real detective” dream, then promptly getting pulled into chaos at a destination wedding. It has energy, jokes that land without much effort, and a plot that stays easy to track even with station announcements interrupting the dialogue. It also runs 1 hour, 38 minutes, which suits a single sitting, and you don’t really need to have seen the original to be in on the fun.
Mamma Mia!
For a feel-good option that does not demand full concentration, Mamma Mia! is hard to beat. The story is simple, the tone is sunny, and the ABBA soundtrack does most of the heavy lifting in the best way. It is ideal for a train ride because it stays uplifting even when watched in short bursts, and it still works if a traveller misses a scene while grabbing a coffee or switching seats. As a bonus, it feels like a mini holiday without adding any extra miles to the itinerary.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
This is a gentle, warm pick with an ensemble cast and a clear premise: a group of British retirees relocate to India expecting a luxurious bargain, then discover the hotel is more of an “optimistic renovation project” than a polished resort. It lands well on a train because it is character-led, easy to follow, and full of small moments that make the journey feel calmer. For anyone who wants something twee and comforting rather than intense, it is a strong choice.
Woman of the Hour
For travellers in the mood for true crime with a sharp edge, Woman of the Hour offers tension without requiring a long runtime. It is based on the real story of Rodney Alcala and Sheryl Bradshaw, who met through a 1970s dating show. Anna Kendrick directs and stars, and the film keeps its focus on how ordinary interactions can carry hidden risk. It is the best fit here for anyone who wants a darker, more unsettling watch that still feels contained and doable during a short trip.
Photo by Clem Onojeghuo.
