'Masterpiece in comedy' that is 'most rewatchable movie ever' is on TV tonight

Airplane (1980) classic movie trailer

A classic film, often hailed by fans as 'one of the funniest ever made', is set to air on TV tonight (January 5) and is also available for free streaming.

The film, which played a significant role in popularising parody movies among mainstream cinema, is considered a must-watch for comedy lovers.

Tonight, viewers will have the opportunity to watch Airplane! for free at 9pm on ITV4 or stream it on the ITVX platform.

For those who prefer an ad-free experience, the film can be streamed via Paramount+ or NOW Cinema, both of which are included in a Sky TV package.

Released in 1980, Airplane! parodies the air disaster movies of the 1970s and catapulted Leslie Nielsen to stardom.

Leslie Nielsen became a comedy star after Airplane! (Image: Paramount)

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Nielsen went on to star in numerous other parodies, including the Naked Gun series, Police Squad and Scary Movie 3, reports the Daily Record.

The film's plot centres on Ted Striker, an ex-war pilot turned taxi driver, who embarks on a quest to reconcile with his flight attendant girlfriend by boarding the same flight she's working ondespite his newfound fear of flying and a unique "drinking problem" (the nature of which is a surprise we won't ruin). When the plane's crew succumbs to food poisoning, Ted is thrust into the cockpit to confront his demons.

Empire magazine hailed the movie as one of the 500 Greatest Movies of All Time, and it was similarly recognised by The New York Times.

The film is considered a comedy classic (Image: Paramount)

With a stellar 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the comedy remains beloved four decades on, with one fan proclaiming it "the funniest and most rewatchable movie ever."

Another recommended online: "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."

Yet, they cautioned: "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."

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Another viewer emphasised that the film isn't meant to be taken seriously, remarking: "This movie sacrifices almost everything in the name of comedy, but that comedy is so great you don't even care."

A third chimed in, hailing the cult classic: "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.

'Masterpiece in comedy' that is 'most rewatchable movie ever' is on TV tonight

'Masterpiece in comedy' that is 'most rewatchable movie ever' is on TV tonight

'Masterpiece in comedy' that is 'most rewatchable movie ever' is on TV tonight

'Masterpiece in comedy' that is 'most rewatchable movie ever' is on TV tonight

'Masterpiece in comedy' that is 'most rewatchable movie ever' is on TV tonight