Now we are certainly not suggesting that you should book a flight with Icelandair just to watch these movies, but if you already have a flight booked or are contemplating a trip to the land of fire and ice (you really should), then it is a great opportunity to watch some Icelandic films that are either difficult to get hold of or not released yet in the UK – here are 7 Icelandic inflight movies to watch when you fly with Icelandair.

101 Reykjavik

Known as an all-time classic when it comes to Icelandic movies but also perhaps one of the hardest to find and watch (we succeeded by finding a second DVD on Ebay)! Look out for a young Darri and Hilmar Snaer Gudnason being directed by Baltasar Kormákur (who also co-stars). The film sees Hylnur getting involved in an awkward relationship with his mother’s girlfriend.

Driving Mum

We are waiting on the release date for Himar Oddson’s beautiful drama Driving Mum and hope to see it arrive to UK screens in 2024.

The film follows Jon when his mother suddenly dies he takes her body on a road trip to fulfil one of her last wishes. Bresnef the dog comes along for the ride and an assortment of characters are met as Jon embarks on an existential journey.

Read our interview with the director HERE

The County

You can purchase The County quite easily these days but if you aren’t a media person then perhaps consider watching this fanstatic drama by director Grímur Hákonarson which sees a recently widowed farmer, Inga (an excellent performance here from Arndís Hrönn Eglisdottir), who goes up against the establishment who have been exploiting her and the local community.

A Letter from Helga

Perhaps something a little lighter is required? Then 2022’s A Letter from Helga would be a great choice as we follow a passionate affair between young farmer Bjarni and his neighbour Helga.

Be warned though as it might be a little raunchy for a airplane movie!

Raise The Bar

This is an Icelandic documentary that is certainly worth a watch as it is unlikely you will see it over in the UK. It follows an Icelandic girl’s basketball team whose coach used unorthodox methods to help the team ‘raise the bar’ – this was met with much debate, but will it make or break the team?

Read our interview with the director HERE

Summerlight and then Comes the Night

There has been no news of a UK release of this drama comedy which features an all-star Icelandic cast including the likes of Òlafur Darri Ólafsson, Sara Dögg Ásgeirdóttir, Heida Reed, and Atli Óskar (naming just a few)! The film plays out like an Icelandic Magnolia but a lighter and certainly cheekier experience can be expected to be had.

Read our interview with the director HERE

Under the Tree

One of our favourite Icelandic films and hopefully we might get to see the director’s film Northern Comfort (more on that if we ever hear back from the producers).

Halfsteinn Gunnar Sigurdsson’s incredibly dark comedy Under the Tree sees a spat between two neighbours escalate way out of control with both comic and tragic results.

We’re impressed by Icelandair’s inflight offerings. Check out other reasons to fly with Icelandair.

If you’re thinking of experiencing Iceland, get in touch with us and we can help you to organise the right kind of trip for you based on your interests – and then you can enjoy these cinematic treats on your way there!