In an era where streaming platforms breathe new life into forgotten gems, Jodie Foster’s 2005 psychological thriller Flightplan has soared back into the spotlight. Two decades after its theatrical release, the film has unexpectedly climbed Netflix’s global charts, captivating a new generation of viewers with its tense, claustrophobic narrative. Released on September 23, 2005, Flightplan originally grossed an impressive $223 million worldwide against a $55 million budget, solidifying Foster’s status as a box office draw. Now, in 2025, it’s landed at number eight on Netflix’s Global Top 10 Movies list for the week ending August 3, amassing 6.2 million views. This resurgence highlights how older films can find renewed relevance through streaming algorithms, word-of-mouth buzz on social media, and a shift in cultural context that allows audiences to appreciate its outlandish twists without the baggage of its post-9/11 release.

The story of Flightplan centers on Kyle Pratt, played by the inimitable Jodie Foster, a recently widowed aerospace engineer returning from Berlin to New York with her six-year-old daughter, Julia, and her husband’s casket. Midway through the transatlantic flight aboard a massive, state-of-the-art aircraft that Kyle herself helped design, she awakens from a brief nap to discover Julia missing. What follows is a harrowing descent into paranoia and desperation as Kyle searches the plane frantically, only to be met with disbelief from passengers, crew, and even the air marshal. No one remembers seeing the child board the plane; her name isn’t on the manifest; and suspicions arise that Kyle might be unraveling from grief. As the plot unfolds at 40,000 feet, Kyle must rely on her engineering expertise and sheer willpower to uncover a conspiracy that challenges her sanity and forces her to confront unimaginable betrayal.

Directed by Robert Schwentke in his Hollywood debut, Flightplan draws heavy inspiration from Alfred Hitchcock’s 1938 classic The Lady Vanishes, where a passenger mysteriously disappears on a train, and only one person remembers her existence. Schwentke and screenwriters Peter A. Dowling and Billy Ray adapted this premise to the confined, high-stakes environment of an airplane, amplifying the tension through clever use of the aircraft’s labyrinthine design—complete with hidden compartments, cargo holds, and technical access points. The film’s fictional Elgin E-474 jet, modeled after the Airbus A380, was built from scratch on a soundstage, allowing for intricate set pieces that heighten the sense of isolation and urgency. Composer James Horner’s score, featuring gamelan instruments and prepared piano for an eerie, off-kilter sound, complements the visuals, building suspense without relying on brass-heavy bombast.

Foster’s performance anchors the film, delivering a portrayal of maternal desperation that echoes her Oscar-winning roles in The Accused (1988) and The Silence of the Lambs (1991). At the time, Foster was coming off a diverse 1990s run that included romantic dramas like Sommersby, Western comedies such as Maverick, and sci-fi epics like Contact. She had largely avoided thrillers post-Silence of the Lambs, perhaps to escape typecasting as the vulnerable-yet-resilient heroine. However, Flightplan marked a return to the genre, following her successful collaboration with David Fincher on Panic Room (2002), another confined-space thriller where she protected her daughter from intruders. In Flightplan, Foster’s Kyle is a multifaceted character: a grieving widow, a brilliant professional, and a fierce mother whose expertise becomes her greatest weapon.

The supporting cast adds layers of intrigue and misdirection. Peter Sarsgaard plays Gene Carson, the onboard air marshal whose calm demeanor hides potential ulterior motives, subverting expectations with his subtle menace. Sean Bean, often typecast as villains, appears as Captain Rich, the pilot whose presence reassures audiences only to complicate the narrative. Erika Christensen, Kate Beahan, and Greta Scacchi round out the ensemble as skeptical flight attendants, while a young Marlene Lawston makes a poignant debut as Julia. Matt Bomer, in his first film role, has a brief but memorable appearance as a passenger. Schwentke praised the actors for their naturalistic performances, noting Sarsgaard’s ability to “uncoil like a snake” and Bean’s casting as a deliberate red herring to play against his villainous reputation.

Upon its 2005 release, Flightplan opened at number one in the U.S., earning $24.6 million in its debut weekend and holding the top spot for two consecutive weeks—a rare feat that year. It outperformed expectations, beating out Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride and other contenders, and went on to accumulate $89.7 million domestically and $133.7 million internationally. Adjusted for inflation, that’s equivalent to over $435 million today, underscoring its commercial prowess. However, critical reception was mixed, with a 37% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 175 reviews. Critics praised Foster’s commanding presence and the film’s early suspense but lambasted the screenplay for plot holes “the size of an Airbus” and an escalating ridiculousness that strained credibility. Roger Ebert gave it three and a half stars, commending its “airtight plot,” while others dismissed it as a “disposable B-movie” with unwelcome turbulence in its third act.

The film’s release just four years after 9/11 added a layer of sensitivity. Scenes of in-flight peril and perceived Arab terrorism (addressed clumsily in the script) hit too close to home, leading to controversy. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants called for a boycott, arguing that the portrayal of rude, unsympathetic crew members could erode public trust in airline staff. Despite this, Flightplan resonated with audiences seeking escapist thrills, tapping into post-9/11 anxieties about air travel while offering a cathartic resolution.

Fast-forward to 2025, and Flightplan has found a second wind on Netflix, where it’s not just streaming—it’s dominating. Added to the platform earlier this summer, the film surged into the top 10 in 62 countries, topping charts in three and ranking as high as number four globally on July 29. This “Netflix effect” mirrors revivals of other older titles like The Quick and the Dead (1995), 28 Weeks Later (2007), and Bee Movie (2007), often propelled by algorithmic recommendations and viral social media discussions. On platforms like Reddit and Instagram, viewers are rediscovering the movie, with posts praising its “gripping” tension and Foster’s “top-notch” acting. One Instagram reel described it as “a woman’s daughter goes missing mid-flight, and somehow no one remembers seeing the kid,” sparking debates about its plot twists.

Why now? Two decades removed from 9/11, the film’s outlandish elements feel less problematic and more entertaining. As one analyst noted, “20 years later, its escalating ridiculousness no longer seems tied to real-world trauma; it’s just another wild thriller among many on streaming.” The rise coincides with a broader trend of psychological thrillers gaining traction, fueled by hits like True Detective: Night Country, in which Foster starred earlier this year. Her enduring appeal—bolstered by recent roles in The Mauritanian (2021) and Nyad (2023)—draws viewers back to her earlier work. Additionally, the movie’s themes of gaslighting and maternal instinct resonate in today’s conversations about mental health and women’s empowerment.

Social media buzz has amplified the revival. On Reddit’s r/plotholes, users dissect the “worst evil plot ever,” while others on r/movies laud it as “amazing” despite flaws. Facebook groups recommend it as a “good movie where her daughter gets stolen on a plane and everyone thinks she’s delusional.” Even comparisons to newer Netflix releases like Exterritorial—another parent-child rescue thriller—have driven traffic. FlixPatrol data shows Flightplan outperforming expectations, proving that critical pans don’t always dictate long-term popularity.

This streaming success underscores Flightplan‘s lasting legacy in the thriller genre. It paved the way for similar confined-space stories, influencing films like Non-Stop (2014) with Liam Neeson and The Commuter (2018). For Foster, it represents a pivotal moment in her career transition from child star to directing (she helmed episodes of Black Mirror and Tales from the Loop) while maintaining her acting prowess. At 62, she’s as relevant as ever, with Flightplan‘s resurgence reminding audiences of her ability to carry a film single-handedly.

As Netflix continues to mine its library for hidden hits, Flightplan serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of entertainment consumption. What was once dismissed as a mid-2000s popcorn flick is now a must-watch, drawing in viewers who weren’t even born during its original run. Whether it’s the thrill of the unknown, Foster’s magnetic performance, or simply the algorithm’s whims, this $223 million thriller has proven that some stories, like a well-designed aircraft, are built to endure. In a crowded streaming landscape, Flightplan has taken off once more, inviting audiences to buckle up for a ride that’s as exhilarating today as it was 20 years ago.