If you loved the intimate and immersive documentary 'The Cruise' (1998), which follows the life of a New York City tour guide with poetic charm, you'll adore these 10 similar films and shows. This article curates a list of captivating documentaries and narratives that share the same raw, unfiltered storytelling and unique perspectives on everyday life.

Airport (1970)
Description: A pioneer in the disaster film genre, focusing on the interconnected lives of passengers and crew during a crisis, much like the ensemble casts often seen in cruise-related films.
Fact: The film was based on the novel of the same name and spawned several sequels. It was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.


Airplane! (1980)
Description: A satirical take on the disaster film genre, focusing on the absurdities and chaos that can occur during air travel, much like the humorous and exaggerated scenarios often found in cruise-related films.
Fact: The film is a parody of the 1957 disaster film 'Zero Hour!' and features many of the same plot elements. It was initially panned by critics but has since become a cult classic.


Air Force One (1997)
Description: A high-stakes thriller set aboard the presidential plane, emphasizing the tension and heroism in a confined, high-pressure travel environment.
Fact: The film's famous line 'Get off my plane!' was voted one of the greatest movie quotes by the American Film Institute. The plane set was built on a soundstage and could tilt to simulate flight.


Con Air (1997)
Description: An action-packed thriller set on a prison transport plane, highlighting the confined and volatile environment akin to a cruise ship with a diverse and dangerous cast of characters.
Fact: The film's iconic line 'Put the bunny back in the box' was improvised. It was one of the highest-grossing films of


The Aviator (2004)
Description: A biographical drama about Howard Hughes, focusing on his passion for aviation and the glamour and danger of early air travel, paralleling the adventurous spirit of cruise films.
Fact: The film used a combination of practical effects and CGI to recreate vintage aircraft. It won five Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress.


The Terminal (2004)
Description: Centers around a man stuck in an airport due to bureaucratic issues, highlighting themes of isolation and the microcosm of human interactions within a confined travel space.
Fact: The story was inspired by the real-life case of Mehran Karimi Nasseri, who lived in Charles de Gaulle Airport for 18 years. The film's set was a fully functional replica of an airport terminal.


Snakes on a Plane (2006)
Description: A high-concept thriller that takes place entirely on an airplane, emphasizing the confined and chaotic environment similar to that of a cruise ship setting.
Fact: The film's title became a cultural phenomenon before its release, largely due to internet hype. The script was rewritten to include more over-the-top elements after fan feedback.


Up in the Air (2009)
Description: Explores the life of a frequent flyer who thrives in the transient world of airports and airplanes, mirroring the nomadic lifestyle often associated with long-term travel.
Fact: The film's director used real-life unemployed individuals to play the roles of people being fired in the movie. It was nominated for six Academy Awards.


Flight (2012)
Description: A dramatic exploration of a pilot's life and the aftermath of a miraculous plane crash landing, focusing on themes of responsibility and redemption in a high-stakes travel scenario.
Fact: The crash sequence was based on a real-life incident involving Alaska Airlines Flight 26The film's lead actor performed many of his own stunts.


Sully (2016)
Description: A biographical drama about the 'Miracle on the Hudson' landing, showcasing the tension and heroism involved in a critical moment of air travel.
Fact: The film used actual footage from the real-life event. The director consulted with the real Captain Sully throughout the production.
