I'm downloading a movie onto my ipad and under "downloads" is says movie is "waiting..." what does that mean

Hello there, ctc0801.

If it has remained in that state of waiting, there are a few things we can try. Let's check your downloads queue to make sure there is not an interrupted download per the following Knowledge Base article:

iTunes: How to resume interrupted iTunes Store downloads

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1725

If your download was interrupted using your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

1. From the Home screen, tap the iTunes app.

2. For iPhone or iPod touch, tap More > Downloads. For iPad, tap Downloads.

3. Enter your account name and password if prompted.

4. Tap the blue download arrow to resume.

If you can't complete the download on your iOS device, you can download it in iTunes on your Mac or PC and then sync it to your iOS device. You can also transfer purchases from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to a computer.

For Apps and even downloads, you can also try tapping on the icon to resume the download, as outline in this featured discussion:

App updates won't download on my...: Apple Support Communities

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4111336

Try tapping the App, so that it changes to Paused instead of Waiting, then tap it again to resume the install.

Make sure you don't have any paused downloads in other apps either, like the App Store or iTunes Store.

If that doesn't do it, try resetting or restoring the iPhone.

via whatheck

Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities.

Cheers,
Pedro.