On my journeys from NZ to the UK, I do a lot of long haul flights.
Usually, even if it's daylight and the window screens are open, there isn't much to see, except for clouds.

Because of that, I try to time my flights so that the majority of flying is done at night time. A meal is served and then the lights are dimmed and most people sleep.
No one is forced to sleep, but the cabin is quiet for those who wish to do so. You can turn on the reading light if you want to read or do other activities.

About 2 hours before arrival at the next airport, the lights are turned up again, people open their shades, and a meal is served. You can often see land as the plane starts its descent.

On one daytime transatlantic flight (AMS to JFK) may people slept, but no one was forced to close the shades. It was a beautiful day and I had a wonderful view of Greenland as we flew over. It was so good that the Captain actually announced it, so people would not miss this spectacular view.

I have also flown over SE Asia and had a great view of Vietnam's Mekong delta.

However, in most of my flights, either the plane is too high up or the cloud cover is too thick for anyone to have a great view.