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34 Movies That Will Make You Want to Get Off the Couch and See the World

From "The Holiday" to "Romancing the Stone" to "Eat Pray Love," these travel movies will inspire some serious wanderlust.

adventure and travel movies

There's nothing like an epic on-screen adventure to get you acquainted with some place new and dreaming up an enviable vacation itinerary. For me (and basically all my childhood friends), this first happened following a viewing of Disney's "The Lizzie McGuire Movie" back in 2003, when Hilary Duff's character traveled to Rome to live out every teen's parent-free European fantasy. Though I've graduated to more mature travel movies over the last 18 years, one thing hasn't changed: films with gorgeous backdrops give me an unruly case of wanderlust.

From classics like "Around the World in 80 Days" and "Roman Holiday" to modern masterpieces such as "Wild" and "Crazy Rich Asians," travel films tend to ignite a longing for freedom and excitement. Maybe it's the sight of beaches on your screen triggering a phenomenon known as Blue Mind , or maybe watching a couple of pals take to the open road for a life changing road trip just makes you want to feel unconfined. Whatever it is, sometimes a travel film is all you need to provoke that feeling. That's why we've rounded up, in no particular order, 34 of the best travel movies that inspire wanderlust. Maybe they'll be cause for a change of scenery — or maybe they'll incite the adventure of a lifetime.

'Thelma & Louise' (1991)

Widely regarded as one of the best road trip movies of all time, this buddy film follows best friends Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon) as they drive through the American Southwest after Louise kills a man in Arkansas.

'The Holiday' (2006)

A Hollywood movie trailer producer (Cameron Diaz) and a London reporter (Kate Winslet) decide to switch homes for a few weeks after finding out their respective boyfriends have been cheating on them. The results offer enough glamor shots of Los Angeles and cozy footage of England's countryside to make you want to pack up and head to either city immediately.

'Crazy Rich Asians' (2018)

Though this movie revolves around the conflict between New Yorker Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) and her boyfriend's wealthy family, "Crazy Rich Asians" could pass as a tourism film for Singapore . If the Southeast Asian country wasn't on your bucket list before, this film's dazzling shots of Singapore, specifically the acclaimed Marina Bay Sands Hotel , may convince you.

'Wild' (2014)

Based on a true story, "Wild" sees Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) hike more than a thousand miles from California to Washington on the Pacific Crest Trail following her divorce and the death of her mother. On her journey, Cheryl treks through the Mojave Desert , the Sierra Nevada, and Mount Hood National Forest while reflecting on her life.

'Eat Pray Love' (2010)

After her divorce, Elizabeth (Julia Roberts) sets off to explore the world with hopes of finding herself in the process. Elizabeth's inspiring and uplifting journey takes her — and viewers — to Italy , India , and Indonesia where she discovers the pleasure of nourishment, prayer, and romance.

'La La Land' (2016)

Admittedly, this musical doesn't feature much traveling (save for a brief road trip to Mia's hometown in Nevada), but the dreamy, oversaturated shots of Los Angeles in nearly every scene are enough to make anyone want to book a flight to the City of Angels.

'Before Sunrise' (1995)

Two strangers meet aboard a train from Budapest. Jesse (Ethan Hawke) is hoping to catch a flight home to the United States while Céline (Julie Delpy) is en route to Paris . Instead of sticking to their plans, the two disembark in Vienna and spend the entire night exploring the city and falling in love. A viewing of this movie will leave you longing for an epic adventure in the picturesque Austrian capital .

'National Lampoon’s Vacation' (1983)

National Lampoon 's classic comedy series is now six films strong, but it was 1983's "Vacation" that started it all. Unlike the franchise's most famous film, "Christmas Vacation," the original movie sees the Griswolds actually hit the road for a trip to Walley World, an amusement park several states away. After you watch Chevy Chase's hilarious hijinks unfold in this film, let sequels "European Vacation" and "Vegas Vacation" inspire further travels.

'The Darjeeling Limited' (2007)

After the death of their father, three estranged brothers (Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman) decide to hop aboard a train in India called The Darjeeling Limited to reconnect and experience spiritual self-discovery. Viewers catch glimpses of the Indian countryside, Hindu temples, and eventually the Himalayas — but not without a few jokes along the way.

'Up' (2009)

Arguably the most heart-wrenching animated film of all time, "Up" earns a spot on our list thanks to adorably grumpy widower Carl Fredricksen's determination to fulfill his own wanderlust. With the help of thousands of balloons and a young sidekick named Russell, Carl and his house soar across the world on an incredible journey that culminates at Paradise Falls (based on Angel Falls in Venezuela).

'Raiders of the Lost Ark' (1981)

"Raiders" kicks off the iconic Indiana Jones series with a quest to find the fabled Ark of the Covenant. On his journey, Indy (Harrison Ford) makes stops in Nepal , Egypt , and the Aegean Sea , and, of course, famously runs from a giant rolling boulder in a temple in Peru . Follow up this film with its sequels, "Temple of Doom" (1984), "Last Crusade" (1989), and "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" (2008), to see Indy travel to Jordan , the Amazon jungle, and beyond.

'Mamma Mia!' (2008)

Few movies offer the kind of gorgeously colorful beach imagery "Mamma Mia!" and its 2018 sequel, "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again" provide. If you haven't seen the films, you likely know them as "the movies with all the ABBA songs." But if you have seen them, you know they're actually about three men who travel to the impossibly beautiful, albeit fictional, Greek island of Kalokairi, each believing they're the father of a young bride-to-be.

'Nomadland' (2020)

After losing her job in the town of Empire, Nevada, Fern (Frances McDormand) decides to sell her belongings, buy a van, and drive across the country working odd jobs. Fern travels through deserts, small towns, and nomad communes where she works, makes new friends, and learns about life. If you've ever fantasized about dropping everything and taking to the open road, "Nomadland" will probably either convince or deter you.

'Romancing the Stone' (1984)

When New York City-based romance novelist Joan Wilder's sister is kidnapped in Cartagena , Joan (Kathleen Turner) ends up on a rescue-mission-turned-treasure-hunt with adventure-seeking Jack T. Colton (Michael Douglas). Don't be surprised if a viewing of this movie makes you want to trade in your annual beach vacation for a wild ride through the Colombian jungle .

'Paris, Je T’aime' (2006)

Paris, Je T'aime is different from the other films on this list in that it's not one film — it's 18 short films that all feature Paris as a central theme. Because the project is made up of 18 different stories in 18 different arrondissements around the city, viewers get a true, unfiltered sense of Paris, and may even find themselves inspired to visit lesser-known locales in the City of Light.

'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert' (1994)

If you've ever longed to take a laughter-fueled road trip with your best friends, this film is worth a watch. In the flick, pals Tick (Hugo Weaving), Adam (Guy Pearce), and Bernadette (Terence Stamp) head out on a cross-country road trip through the Australian outback to perform their successful drag act in a new town. The trio takes up residence in an oversized tour bus called Priscilla, Queen of the Desert in this fun, ahead-of-its-time dramedy.

'RV' (2006)

While plenty of road trip movies have been made over the years, "RV" might be the only one that takes place in, well, an RV . Though the main characters in this movie face more bad luck than fun, family bonding, the film does feature generous desert , mountain , and wilderness scenery, as well as an all-star cast (Robin Williams, Kristin Chenoweth, Cheryl Hines, and Josh Hutcherson are just a few that appear).

'Point Break' (2015)

Yes, we're talking about the "Point Break" remake rather than the original film from 1991, but hear us out: the imagery in this movie inspires some serious wanderlust. The story takes viewers to several of the wildest places on Earth (Mexico's Cave of Swallows, Venezuela's Angel Falls, etc.) and though the plot is slightly different from the original (think eco-terrorism rather than bank robberies), it is quiet possibly the most visually stimulating travel movie ever made.

'Girls Trip' (2017)

When was the last time you took a trip with just your core group of girlfriends? A quick watch of this comedy will have you planning your next gal pal getaway faster than you can say "PTO." In the film, a group of friends (Queen Latifah, Tiffany Haddish, Regina Hall, and Jada Pinkett Smith) head to New Orleans , but you'll be ready to travel anywhere with your best buds after watching "Girls Trip" — even if it's just to the next town over.

'The Way' (2010)

After his son is killed walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route to Galicia, Spain, Tom Avery (Martin Sheen) sets out on the trail himself to retrieve his son's body. Along the way, Tom meets several other travelers who are walking the trail in hopes of changing their own lives for one reason or another. This inspiring film may just persuade you to make the famed pilgrimage yourself, or to book a similarly reflective trip.

'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' (2005)

If you were a teen or pre-teen in 2005, you have likely seen this movie and its 2008 sequel, and can attest that both inspire major wanderlust. The first film follows best friends Carmen, Lena, Bridget, and Tibby (who share a magical pair of jeans that fits them all perfectly) as they spend a summer in different parts of the world. Lena (Alexis Bledel) travels to Santorini, Greece , which makes for some seriously dreamy backdrops. In the sequel, the whole gang heads to Greece, but not before Bridget (Blake Lively) spends some time in Turkey .

'Up in the Air' (2009)

This George Clooney-led comedy-drama makes business travel and airports look glamorous — hospitable, even. Boasting just as many cityscape shots as it does plane scenes, "Up in the Air" will have you longing to be in the skies, jet setting off to some place new. Anna Kendrick and Vera Farmiga also star in this critically-acclaimed film about a man who lives out of a suitcase.

'Around the World in 80 Days' (1956)

If this classic adventure film doesn't inspire daydreams of traveling somewhere new, we're not sure what will. In 1872, Englishman Phileas Fogg makes a bet with several members of his gentleman's club that he can travel around the globe in just 80 days. On his journey, he and sidekick Jean Passepartout bring viewers along as they travel by gas balloon to France , Spain , Italy , India, Hong Kong , the United States , and more.

'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York' (1992)

The Home Alone movies usually fall under the comedy or holiday categories, but if you think about it, the second installment in the series is totally a travel movie. The film does a fantastic job of showing off the glamorous side of New York City , the place young Kevin McCallister accidentally ends up while the rest of his family vacations in Florida. From shots of the Rockefeller Christmas tree to the Manhattan skyline , this film is sure to inspire a trip to the Big Apple.

'Under the Tuscan Sun' (2003)

You won't find shots of northern Italy as serene as the ones in this feel-good film about independence, love, and friendship. After losing everything in her divorce, American writer Frances Mayes (Diane Lane) suddenly finds herself beginning a new life in the small Tuscan town of Cortona. And if you're anything like us, Googling "Tuscan villas for sale" will become a regular part of your life after watching this film.

'Angels & Demons' (2009)

Though "Angels & Demons" is classified as a thriller, it'll definitely make you want to head to Rome and dig up some history, both figuratively and literally. Based on the Dan Brown novel of the same name, the story follows Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) as he discovers secrets of the Vatican and faces off against the supposed Illuminati. If you're a fan, check out other Dan Brown adventure travel films, "The Da Vinci Code" (2006) and "Inferno" (2016).

'Easy Rider' (1969)

Our list features travel by plane, train , RV, and even hot air balloon , but "Easy Rider" is the only movie that follows a journey via motorcycle. In the film, drug smugglers Wyatt (Peter Fonda) and Billy (Dennis Hopper) ride from Los Angeles to New Orleans in hopes of reveling at Mardi Gras to celebrate their latest score. On their journey, they stop in several small towns, make a few friends, and unsuccessfully try to evade trouble.

'Out of Africa' (1985)

If Africa doesn't currently have a spot on your bucket list, this film might make you rethink that. Meryl Streep and Robert Redford star in this true story about Karen Blixen, a Danish woman who moves to Nairobi with her new husband, and builds a life there despite their many marital issues. "Out of Africa" features sweeping panoramic shots of Nairobi in nearly every scene, leaving it no wonder the drama won seven Academy Awards, including one for Best Cinematography.

'Johnson Family Vacation' (2004)

This family comedy starring Cedric the Entertainer, Vanessa Williams, and Solange Knowles follows the mildly dysfunctional Johnsons as they road trip to their family reunion in Missouri. On the drive, the family hilariously encounters just about every road trip cliché, from picking up a problematic hitchhiker to running out of gas, before making it to the reunion and performing a musical number to nab the coveted Family of the Year trophy.

'Midnight in Paris' (2011)

Set in present-day Paris , this Oscar-winning film is typically a favorite among art and literature lovers. At midnight each night, screenwriter Gil (Owen Wilson) is transported back in time through different eras of Paris, where he befriends Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Pablo Picasso, and even strikes up a romance with a 1920s woman named Adriana. The film offers plenty of inspiration for a culturally rich trip to France.

'The Parent Trap' (1998)

"The Parent Trap" is another film that may not immediately stand out as a travel flick, but once you take into account the film's many settings ( London , San Francisco, Napa Valley , and the northeastern U.S.), it's easy to see that this family classic has been a travel film all along. Plus, the main characters spend lots of time on planes, boats, and camping trips throughout the movie.

'The Talented Mr. Ripley' (1999)

Carefully spliced between disturbing revelations and suspenseful plot twists are luxurious shots of Italian beaches in this Matt Damon-led film. When Tom Ripley (Damon) is paid to travel to Italy and bring Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law) back to the States by Dickie's father, Tom ends up befriending — and later becoming obsessed with — Dickie. Despite the plot quickly darkening, viewers are treated to bright, colorful scenes in Rome and glamorous seaside villages .

'Roman Holiday' (1953)

Romance? Check. Stunning visuals of Rome ? Check. Audrey Hepburn? Check. This classic travel comedy lands at the top of many movie buffs' all-time favorite lists, and for good reason. Bored with her mundane life as a European princess while on a trip to Rome, Ann (Hepburn) ditches her duties and hits the town with journalist Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck). The two take viewers on a tour of the Eternal City and fall in love in the process.

'Pee-wee’s Big Adventure' (1985)

Before you roll your eyes, take a moment to acknowledge that this film essentially sends happy-go-lucky Pee-wee Herman (Paul Reubens) on the great American road trip in search of his stolen bicycle. In this comedy for adults and children alike, Pee-wee stops at the Alamo, the Cabazon Dinosaur park in California , and Hollywood . Traveling by car, truck, and train, Pee-wee befriends a biker gang, competes in a rodeo, and of course, famously dances to "Tequila" before his journey is through.

Hillary Maglin is a digital editor who splits most of her time between New York City and Pittsburgh. You can find her on Instagram @hillarymaglin , where her DMs are always open to discuss travel gear, wine bars, and Taylor Swift's latest record.

The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog

60 Best Travel Movies to Inspire Wanderlust

Written By: The Planet D

Travel Movies

Updated On: February 14, 2024

What makes for great travel movies? We feel it is when the destination becomes the star. A movie that showcases beautiful cities , landscapes, and culture is a movie that inspires us to visit a destination or relive our time there when we get home. Dave and I love movies. We worked in the film business in our previous careers and lived for the cinema. So when we chose our list of the best travel movies, we took it seriously. 

Table of Contents

The Best Travel Movies

Our choices for the best travel movies are probably very different than yours, so leave a comment and let us know what you think the best travel movies are. We are always looking for new travel films to ignite our wanderlust. To rent or buy one of these travel films to inspire wanderlust right now, check out Amazon Instant Video

The Best Travel Movies to Inspire Wanderlust

1. in bruges.

best travel movies in bruges

This is by far the best travel movie. One of the characters actually carries around a guidebook! If you love a good caper set in an exotic location, you’ll love In Bruges. Collin Farrel and Brendan Gleeson star as two hit men who are sent to Bruges, Belgium to hide out after a job goes bad.

The more Colin Farrell’s character complained of hating Bruges (in Belgium), the more you took in the surroundings of Bruges and noticed just how picturesque the city is. While the film is primarily a crime drama and dark comedy it intertwines the city’s picturesque locations and cultural aspects with the narrative seamlessly.

Rent or Buy In Bruges on Amazon

2. banshees of inisherin trailer

best travel movies banshees of inisherin

I was so excited to see Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson reunite and this time, they share screen time in one of the newest travel films on our list, the Banshees of Inisherin. The movie takes place on the Aran Islands of Ireland and showcases the beauty of that destination as two friends go through some very dark times.

Gleessan’s character Colm decides he has wasted his life and cuts ties with his lifelong best friend Pádraic (Farrell) and all kinds of darkness begins. It had some of the best acting I’ve seen in years, and every one of the four main cast was nominated for Acadamy Awards.

3. One Week

best travel movies one week

One of our favorite travel movies of all time. And not because it is set in Canada. One Week follows a young man driving a motorcycle on a cross-country road trip across Canada after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. No movie has made me want to explore a country more than One Week. It showcases Canada beautifully.

I didn’t want to see this movie because of its morbid subject, but it ended up being an uplifting and enlightening film of self-discovery. It truly is the ultimate Canadian road trip movie. Rent One Week Here on Amazon

4. Secret Life of Walter Mitty

best travel movies secret life of walter mitty

I had to watch this most popular of all travel films twice before deciding I liked The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and I can understand why it is at the top of most lists of best travel movies. This movie takes you from New York, to Iceland, Greenland and the Himalayas.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty shows how taking a risk and getting out of your comfort zone can lead to great things. The ending was my favorite, but I won’t spoil it for you. Rent it now .

5. Before Sunrise Trilogy

best travel movies befor sunrise trilogy

We have three of our favorite travel movies in one package! And each showcases the destination they are in. The Before Sunrise movies are about love but they are also very much travel films. They were filmed 10 years apart and they take place in three different locations around Europe – Vienna , Paris , and Greece .

The Before Sunrise trilogies capture the essence of each destination. And here’s a cool fact – Dave and I stayed at  Costa Navarino  in Greece where After Midnight took place!

It is probably the best of all romantic travel movies out there that literally spans three decades. (They film a movie every 10 years). Watch Before Sunrise and Sunset on Amazon Prime

6. Planes Trains and Automobiles

adventure and travel movies

John Candy and Steve Martin take an unexpected cross country road trip from New York City to Chicago. This is Dave’s pick for the best travel movie.

This is considered one of the great comedy travel movies, but I look at it as a drama. John Candy’s character breaks my heart. You may think of it as a holiday film but it is also one of the funniest travel films out there. If you’re in the mood for a good heartfelt comedy,  rent it today.

7. Julie & Julia

best travel movies julie and julia

Not only does Julie and Julia star the great Meryl Streep but this travel movie is based on blogging. It’s like it was made for us! I was surprised by how much I loved this movie based on the true story of Julia Child and I didn’t go in expecting much.

Julie & Julia follows the life of Julia Child during her time in Paris and cuts throughout to the present day in New York . It makes you crave French cuisine and a life of decadence in France. When it comes to choosing a  favorite travel movie this one is right up there. Rent it now

8. The Big Year

best travel movies the big year

The Big Year follows Jack Black (who doesn’t love Jack Black?), Owen Wilson, and Steve Martin traveling around the United States with hopes of becoming the number 1 bird watcher in the world. It ended up being one of the most surprising travel films I’ve seen.

They are obsessed with spotting more species of birds than any other person in 365 days. I related to this movie because it is more about the journey and how having a great adventure can change a life. Rent it Now

Best Travel Movies for Adventure Lovers

9. into the wild.

best travel movies into the wild

The real-life true story chronicles the journey of  Christopher McCandless who went on a cross country road trip through the US and ended up in Alaska .

I read Into the Wild years ago and was mesmerized trying to figure out how someone could give up everything to go and live off the grid. John Krakauer dug into the psyche of McCandless and what motivates people to take risks.

Things don’t turn out as he hoped, and it is a lesson learned for would-be adventurers. Enjoy it now !

adventure and travel movies

Wild is an adaptation of Cheryl Strayed’s travel memoir, From Lost To Found On The Pacific Crest Trail. Based on a true story, it follows her journey about putting a life back together after it all falls apart.

Pushing the limits physically on the Pacific Crest Trail and stepping out of her comfort zone take her on a journey of self-discovery. A struggle and journey can change a life and Reese Witherspoon is excellant as usual. Check it out on Amazon

11. Everest

best travel movies everest

Everest by John Krakauer is the true story of the catastrophe that happened on Everest in 1996. It’s a first-hand account by Krakauer who was on Everest at the time. While the movie focuses on the events, it does showcase the psyche of why people climb mountains and it shows the culture and beauty of the Everest Region.

As far as travel movies go, even though it is based on a dark subject, it does make me want to go to Everest. So we did! Plus, it stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Josh Brolin, so how can you go wrong?

  • You can rent this movie made in Hollywood
  • You can also check out the documentary.

best travel movies tracks

Tracks is another travel movie base on a true story and I really enjoyed it. It’s a film about a young woman who walks across Australia from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean with four camels and her pet dog.

What I really liked is how the lead character Robyn Davidson learns the skills needed to survive. She is visited by a photographer from National Geographic who shared her story and was led through the sacred lands of the Outback by an Aboriginal elder. Watch this Amazing true story on Amazon ! 

13. World’s Fastest Indian 

best travel movies world's fastest indian

From New Zealand to America, Anthony Hopkins takes his Indian Motorcycle to the salt flats to see how far he can go. The World’s Fastest Indian is one of my favorite performances by Hopkins and it is one of the great underrated travel movies.

He is vulnerable, lovable, and inspiring. This true story takes you on a fun road trip along the way until he reaches the Salt Flats of California and that is when you really start rooting for him to win! Rent it on Amazon Prime

14. Adventures of Pricilla Queen of the Desert

best travel movies pricilla queen of the desert

Adventures of Pricilla Queen of the Desert follows a group of drag queens taking a cross country road trip in a van named “Pricilla” from Sydney to Alice Springs where they are going to perform their drag show.

They meet a lot of characters along the way and this film introduced us to superstars Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce who joined the already-established Terrence Stamp.

15. Motorcycle Diaries

best travel movies motorcycle diarieas

Ever since watching one of the best travel movies about South America, (you guessed it, the Motorcycle Diaries) wanted to do a road trip through South America. (PS. I’m still dreaming of that road trip through South America one day)

Gael García Bernal stars as Che Guevera and it follows his journey on a motorcycle trip through South America before he became a part of the revolution. This movie is based on a true story where Che traveled through the continent and I believe it was traveling through South America that Che saw what people were going through and that is what sparked him to take action in his own way.

  • Check it out for yourself
  • Rent it on Amazon

16. The Way

best travel movies the way

Dave and I have always wanted to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain. This movie is a bittersweet tribute to the epic hike. Acting legend Martin Sheen walks the trail to honor his son Emilio Estevez (also director) who died on the walk. This movie explores themes of grief, regret, and understanding.

Sheen’s character finishes what his son started helping him connect and understand his son while examining his own life and is one of the most moving travel movies on our list. You can watch it on Amazon

Best Classic Travel Movies

17. lawrence of arabia.

best travel movies lawrence of arabia

Lawrence of Arabia made us dream of the Arabian Desert and that is what travel films are meant to do. I would say that this is often considered one of the best travel movies of all time. It’s the original travel movie for sure and it really does capture the majesty of the Arabian Desert.

When we got the chance to visit Jordan and walk in the footsteps of the real Lawrence of Arabia, we couldn’t believe we were living our own travel movie. This will make you want to go on an adventure and spend the night in a Bedouin tent. Rent it on Amazon Prime Now

18. Out of Africa

best travel movies out of africa

If you want another Meryl Streep vehicle that is often considered one of the best travel movies, you should try  Out of Africa. Out of Africa takes place in a different time, but it captures the heart of Africa beautifully.

Based on a true story, Meryl Streep stars as a married baroness in love with big game hunter Robert Redford. Their chemistry is unmistakable. She falls in love with Africa and you will fall in love with it too.

The cinematography is outstanding. It won 7 Oscars including Best Picture and Best Cinematography. Rent Out of Africa

19. Romancing the Stone

best travel movies romancing the stone

Who didn’t fantasize about an adventure in Colombia after watching Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas in Romancing the Stone? As a kid I always thought about the line “ I need to get to Cartagena ” and while I had no idea where Cartagena was,(It’s in South America by the way) I knew it was exciting.

In the most romanticly fun of travel movies, Kathleen Turner transformed from a scared writer who merely writes about adventure, to a woman encountering an adventure and meeting a rugged mysterious man in exotic Columbia. Watch Romancing the Stone today

20. The Bucket List

travel movies the bucket list

With two of my favorite actors and a message to live life to the fullest, the Bucket List is one amazing movie and one of the best travel movies. I think it actually invented the term, The Bucket List. The phrase has been overused in recent years, but the message never gets old. The Bucket List is the original “live your dreams now” travel movie.

It’s beautifully acted, heartfelt, and showcases how life should be lived to the fullest. Rent or buy it here!

travel movies amelie

Most people say that Amelie is one of the best travel movies of all time. So this list wouldn’t be complete without it. I did love the views of Paris and the everyday life showcased in Montmartre.

I also enjoyed the uplifting message of a quiet young woman named, Amelie helping the people around her in the lovely district of Montmartre in Paris. If you want to watch sweeping scenes through Paris streets and if you love Paris, you can’t help but like Amelie. So check it out !

22. Roman Holiday

best travel movies roman holiday

This did not age well in our opinion. We watched it recently and it is just downright bad. Many people will probably disagree. But as far as travel movies go, it is fun to see a princess posing as a regular young Woman zipping around Rome.

They should remake Roman Holiday, it would be fun. Rent it on Prime

23. Sideways

best travel movies sideways

I admit it. After this movie came out, I didn’t drink Merlot for years! Sideways takes us on a road trip through California wine country and it really is filled with amazing performances by Paul Giamatti, Sandra Oh, Virginia Madsen, and Thomas Hayden Church.

We have been to Santa Maria, California, and this movie captures the feel of wine country perfectly. Rent or buy on Amazon Prime 

24. Up in the Air

best travel movies up in the air

Up in the Air makes you love the idea of travel but it shows the emptiness that the life of a vagabond can lead to if you don’t stay grounded with your family and friends. It’s not in the genre of typical travel films out there, but travel is the main theme.

I cannot go through airport security anymore without thinking of George Clooney as his character has the art of travel down to a science.

This movie also has a great message that Dave and I can relate to. We all become so consumed with our careers and our lives that we forget about what is important. Get it on Amazon Instant Video

Best Travel Movies Highlighting Destinations

25. ticket to paradise.

best travel movies ticket to paradise

Our newest addition to our travel movies is from two legends, George Clooney and Julia Roberts who take us to Bali for their daughter’s wedding. The two divorced years ago, but agree that their daughter is too young to get married and decide to sabotage the wedding.

This movie showcases the culture and beauty of Bali while showing us once again how travel can be transformational and can change your life.

I love these two together, George and Julia, and great friends in real life and have amazing on-screen chemistry.

26. The Beach – Thailand

best travel movies the beach

The Beach is the original backpacker slacker travel film. The Beach captures what Thailand was like before tourists started flocking to it en-masse. At one time, it was an off-the-beaten-path backpacker destination. We enjoyed the book more, but you can never go wrong with Leo.

If you want to get a sense of what it was like to travel to Thailand before mass tourism, this is a good movie for you. Plus it is beautiful and as far as travel movies go, it will make you want to go to Thailand. Not only are the people beautiful, but the scenery of southern Thailand is also out of this world.

Take in the journey as they search for a hidden beach that is pure perfection.

27. Lost in Translation – Tokyo

best travel movies lost in translation

Tokyo is a bit strange. It is unlike anywhere else on earth, and Lost in Translation showcases the culture shock that one feels when staying in a different city.

There are different customs in Japan and the culture is much different than anywhere else and this movie captures that odd feeling you get when traveling there. Lost in Translation highlights some of the best spots in Tokyo.

The hotel where the movie takes place still has one of the best views in the city! And who doesn’t love Bill Murray? He is priceless and it’s one of Scarlett Johanson’s best performances. Check it Out

28. Slumdog Millionaire – India

bes t travel movies slumdog millionaire

We traveled to India in 2010 and Slumdog Millionaire seemed to capture the true slums of India while showcasing the heart of the people. Many of the rich cities are modern, but when traveling through rural India and the poorer areas, this is what it’s like.

Dev Patel stars as a young Indian boy who gets on a game show that could change his life. It’s heartbreaking, raw, and sometimes uncomfortable which is exactly what travel can be too hence why it made the list of our favorite travel movies. Download it here on Amazon

best travel movies lion

If you are a fan of Dev Patel (as we are) you will love him in another of our favorite travel films, Lion. Lion is based on a true story and is an emotional journey that takes audiences across India and Australia spanning cultures, and decades.

Patel plays Saroo Brierley, a young Indian boy who gets lost on a train in India at the age of five. After surviving several challenges on the streets of Kolkata and eventually being adopted by an Australian family, Saroo, as an adult, uses Google Earth to find his birth mother and the journey begins. The movie also stars Nicol Kidman.

30. Vicky, Cristina Barcelona – Spain

best travel movies vicky christina barcelona

Admit it, we all want to go to Spain and run into beautiful people like Penelope Cruz and Javier Barden. I think this movie did so well because it inspired everyone to go to Barcelona. (That’s our criteria for choosing the best travel movies, how they inspired travel)

Vicky Cristina Barcelona makes us dream of the cities in Spain , the passion of the Spanish people and getting away for a summer in Spain.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona definitely is an inspiring travel movie and one of the best travel films out there. It really captures the energy and passion of Spain in Barcelona . Rent Vicky Christina Barcelona on Amazon

31. Under the Tuscan Sun – Italy

best travel movies under the tuscan sun

For the romantics out there, Under the Tuscan Sun is one of the best travel movies. Wouldn’t you just love to buy a villa in Tuscany and fall in love with a stranger?

This is one of my favorite romantic travel films and Under the Tuscan Sun based on a true story. After a bad divorce, her character takes a trip to Italy courtesy of her best friend, (The incredible Sandra Oh!) and buys a house!

This travel movie is based on a true story where our star shares the trials and tribulations of renovating a Tuscan villa. You can rent Under the Tuscan Sun on Amazon

32. Best Exotic Marigold Hotel – India

best travel movies best exotic marigold hotel

We always preach that you are never too old to try something new and you are never too old to travel and that is the premise of one of the most beloved travel movies, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. It’s chock full of great legendary actors including Dame Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, and Maggie Smith.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel follows a group of retirees who travel to India to live out their days at a crumbling retirement hotel. All mayhem and madness ensue as things can only in India. There’s romance, tragedy, and hope. Rent it now

33. A Good Year – Provence France

best travel movies a good year

A Good Year made me want to go to Provence and live a simple life…on a multi-million dollar vineyard estate. That’s reasonable, right? And that’s what travel movies make you want to do…Pick up and go somewhere.

A Good Year makes life in Provence look like the Garden of Eden and I want a piece of it. Everyone is beautiful, everyone is a wine connoisseur, and everyone is pure and good. Who wouldn’t want to go to the south of France after seeing A Good Year? Rent it now.

34. Midnight in Paris – Paris

best travel movies midnight in paris

Looking for travel movies that combine time travel this movie night? Midnight in Paris captures the golden years of Paris as Owen Wilson walks through the streets at night in search of that romantic nostalgia of the city.

Blending time travel with traditional travel, this film showcases Paris’s rich history and examines how different eras appeal to different people.

He ends up meeting the famous patrons of the 1920s including Cole Porter, Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, and more! This travel movie makes me want to hop on a flight to Paris every time! Watch it on Amazon Prime or get it on DVD

35. Australia – Australia

best travel movies australia

This movie was crucified by the critics, but I loved it and its one of the best travel movies showcasing the beauty of Australia’s landscape. Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman take her cattle across the Outback.

It also touches on the injustices of how Australia treated the Aboriginal People, reminding me of what Canada did with residential schools to our own indigenous communities.

It’s beautifully shot and is a love letter to Australia while highlighting the true story of the Aboriginal struggles. I think it deserved more love than it got. Check it out on Amazon

36. The Impossible

best travel films the impossible

It took me forever to finally watch the impossible because it is based on the true story of surviving the devastating Tsunami in Southeast Asia. It follows a family from England who are vacationing in Thailand and are impacted by the Tsunami.

It showcases the huge hearts that the Thai people have. Even while going through their own trauma, they play a huge role in helping this family get back together and survive.

The movie stars Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor and Tom Holland and it is one of the best performances I think Naomi Watts has ever done.

Lighthearted Travel Movies

37. eurovision.

best travel movies eurovision

This is one of the funniest travel movies out there. The movie kicks off (after a brief flashback) in Iceland showcasing its beautiful landscapes and waterfalls with sweeping drone shots of the stars performing.

It has all the stereotypes and cliches of Iceland, but it is done with heart and fun. It really is a love letter to Iceland. Follow Lars and Sigrit as they try to fulfill their dream of competing in Eurovision in Edinburgh. The movie gives a nice showcase of that city too making it two travel movies in one. Rent it on Amazon

38. Darjeeling Limited

best travel movies darjeeling unlimited

This quirkiest of travel movies takes Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, and Adrian Brody across India one year after their father’s death starting on the Darjeeling Express train. It’s strange, heartbreaking, hilarious, and pure Wes Anderson.

When they visit their mother in an Ashram, it makes me think of the strange people that run away to India to find themselves. Oh yeah, he gets it. Check it out on Amazon Prime

39. Forgetting Sarah Marshall

best travel movies forgetting sarah marshall

Set in the very real Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu this pick on our travel movies list stars Jason Seigel as a Hollywood Writer who goes to Hawaii to heal his wounds after getting dumped by his girlfriend Kristen Bell. It turns out, she is there on vacation with her new boyfriend and shenanigans ensue.

This movie makes you want to book a plane to Hawaii and have your own stay at Turtle Bay which has now become very popular. Rent it on Prime

40. Last Holiday

best travel movies last holida

If you are searching for comedy travel movies, this should be at the top of your list. This is the ultimate fairytale on how travel can change a life. And how we should all strive to live a better life. It’s too short to wait.

Queen Latifa is priceless as a woman who is diagnosed with a terminal disease, so she takes her life savings to enjoy her final holiday at a luxurious resort. She does everything from base jumping to snowboarding and indulging in decadent French cuisine.

If everyone took a holiday like this, we’d all live happier lives. Rent, Buy or Watch on Amazon Prime

41. The Holiday

best travel films the holiday

It may be a Christmas movie, but The Holiday is one of the best travel movies out there. We watch it every year and it shows how travel is transformational. Starring Kate Winslett, Jack Black, Jude Law and Cameron Diaz, The Holiday flips back and forth between Los Angeles and England.

The two female stars have very different vacations as they house swap, but both have their lives changed through travel.

42. French Kiss

best travel movies french kiss

Meg Ryan plays a woman named Kate who is afraid to travel. When her fiance falls for another woman in France, she vows to win him back and travels there despite being terrified. Hilarity ensues when she meets con man Kevin Kline and they venture across the country together following the formula of travel movies galore.

My favorite scene is when she is indulging in cheese on the train. It’s that French moment that made me daydream about traveling by train across the French countryside. Watch French Kiss for yourself

43. My Life in Ruins

best travel movies my life in ruins

While not as good as My Big Fat Greek Wedding, My Life in Ruins is a nice comeback for Nia Vardalos in a fun-loving travel film.

She plays a tour leader taking stereotypical tourists through the sites of Greece. It’s fun, it’s romantic and the setting is beautiful. It’s not going to win any Academy Awards, but for a fun Saturday afternoon movie, this will transport you to Greece. Rent it or buy it on Amazon

44. The Hangover 2

best travel movies hangover 2

The First Hangover was far better and it too is a travel movie taking you to Vegas. But when choosing travel movies from this trilogy, I had to choose the setting of Bangkok. It captures the crazy energy of the city.

My favorite scene is when Bradly Cooper has to go to the hospital and comes out with an absurdly low hospital bill. Dave and I have been to the hospital in Thailand and can attest, it is cheap. Rent it now! 

Blockbuster Travel Movies

45. star wars: the rise of skywalker & the last jedi.

best travel movies the last jedi

One wouldn’t think of a movie based in outer space to be a travel movie that inspires wanderlust, but the last Star Wars Trilogy featured one of our favorite destinations on Earth, Skellig M ichael

This 6th-century monastery was a star unto itself as Luke trained Rey in the ways of the Force. It has now inspired many travelers and film buffs to take the hair-raising boat ride out to these rocky islands 12 km off the coast of Ireland. Check it out

46. Mama Mia

best travel movies mama mia

We actually learned where Mama Mia takes place while visiting the location where it was filmed, Pelion, Greece. The Greek islands are paradise, and Mama Mia follows the story of Meryl Streep who runs a hotel on the coast. We thought it was filmed somewhere like Santorini or Mykonos.

When her daughter becomes engaged, she invites three men who might be her father. It’s a rip-roaring good time of music, fun and beautiful scenery.

The Santorini blue and white houses, the crystal clear blue sea, and the music of Abba become those who watch to travel to Greece! Watch it on Prime today

47. Once Upon a Time in Mexico Trilogy

best travel movies once upon a time in mexico

How sexy are Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayak together? You must watch the entire trilogy to really appreciate this series by Robert Rodrigues. Once Upon A Time In Mexico ends the trilogy with Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, and Cheech Marin. El Mariachi started it all starring Carlos Gallardo. My favorite of the 3 is Desperado , but they are all entertaining.

Once Upon A Time In Mexico is a fantasy and it is a stereotype of Mexico, but it makes you want to go to Mexico and have a great adventure. The scenery is gorgeous, the film is filled with cool style, and the music is fabulous. Watch the Trilogy today!

48. The Legend of Tarzan

best travel movies legend of tarzan

The $180 million dollar budget makes sure to showcase the beauty of the African Savannah, the dense jungles, and the majestic wildlife. You feel as if you have entered the heart of Africa. Seriously, rent it, you’re going to like it a lot more than you think! Rent it on Amazon

49. The Tourist

best travel movies the tourist

It’s a little indulgent, and Angelina Jolie is a bit annoying to watch with how amazing she thinks she is in this, but it does capture taking an international trip to Europe beautifully.

It makes you want to have a romantic tryst in Venice . It makes you want to ride a train and have a mysterious encounter. It gives you a glimpse into how the rich live and travel the world.

50. The Thing

best travel movies the thing

Recently we had someone write to us with a list of their favorite movies about travel. He mentioned the first Alien vs. Predator took place in Antarctica and I remember that being a pretty entertaining film. Then I thought about the classic Kurt Russel movie, The Thing .

This thriller takes place at a scientific base camp in the Antarctic and really lets you feel how claustrophobic and isolated researchers must feel when spending the winter at the bottom of the world. Watch it now!

51. Thelma and Louise

best travel movies thelma and louise

Who would have thought that Thelma and Louise would be heralded as one of the best travel films of all time, but it has. When researching this article, I saw that everyone had it on their list, so I had to include it. Besides, I love this film. I saw it at the theatre when it came out and it blew me away.

Brad Pitt makes his debut in this dark road trip adventure. Susan Sarandon and Geena Dave about female empowerment, friendship, and the transformative power of travel.

52. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

best travel movies sisterhood of the traveling pants

Yes, this was a blockbuster film for teenagers. I remember working at YTV and this movie was going mad in the teen realm so I had to add it to my best travel movies list. The premise of the story revolves around four friends—Lena, Tibby, Bridget, and Carmen—who find a pair of jeans that, despite their differing body types, fits each of them perfectly. They decide to share these “magical” pants as they embark on their separate summer adventures, thus maintaining their connection with each other.

Where does the traveling come in? Well, Lena travels to Greece , Bridget goes to Mexico , Carmen visits her father in South Carolina, and Tibby stays in Maryland.

While not a “travel movie” in the traditional sense—where the main characters are often journeying together or the narrative revolves solely around their travel experiences—”Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” embodies elements of travel movies by incorporating different cultures, locations, and the concept of journeying (both physical and emotional) into its narrative.

53. Bourne Movies, James Bonds, Mission Impossible & Indiana Jones Movies

The Bourne movies, James Bond, Indian Jones, and Mission Impossible take us around the world with each movie and really are the best travel films to showcase the globe. These epic travel movies take audiences to a whole new level of taking an international trip with decadence, wealth, espionage, and romance.

I wanted to include them because if you are looking for some beautiful scenes from Europe and the Middle East, these travel films fit the bill. They are so good at taking you away to exotic places .

Our Favorites of These Epic Travel Movies are

54. the bourne identity.

best travel movies bourne identity

The original takes us on an international trip from Switzerland through Paris. It’s the car scene in Paris that really captures the city but the entire movie is one big travel movie.

55. Casino Royal – James Bond

best travel movies casino royal

This makes us dream of living with the high rollers in Montenegro the beautiful people in the Bahamas. It’s as epic as epic travel movies get riding on trains, planes and yachts and it’s the best James Bond with Daniel Craig.

56. Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol

best travel movies mission impossible

It’s not often that sequels are better than the original, but when it comes to the Mission Impossible series, each one out does the other. Tom Cruise loves to travel and push the limits creating the most epic travel movies on the planet. I chose Ghost Protocol because of its setting in Dubai and Cruise scaling the walls of the Burj Khalifa. (The tallest structure in the world)

Best Travel Movies in Fictional Settings

57. grand budapest hotel.

best travel movies Grand Budapest Hotel

I can’t help it, I love Wes Anderson movies. He is offbeat and quirky. Grand Budapest Hotel is one of the best travel movies that isn’t set in any real place. This is all in a fictional setting.

I like this for a travel movie because it reminds me of the grand old hotels from another era. Well, it should because it is set in another era. The hotel is fictional, but it does take you away to another world. Rent it on Prime

58. Black Panther

best travel movies black panther

Wakanda may be a fictional place in Africa, but this movie captures the spirit of East and South Africa. It embraces the African culture and many of the movie’s scenes were filmed in Africa.

We have been to Africa numerous times and this movie transported us there again. It may be fictional, but Black Panther is one fo the best travel movies to make you want to discover the culture and beauty of Africa. watch it now!

59. Lord of the Rings and Hobbit

best travel movies lord of the rings

They may be set in Middle Earth, but the Lord of the Rings movies are a love letter to New Zealand. As far as setting go, the trilogy makes for epic travel movies! Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit Movies make us want to go to New Zealand and these films capture its beauty perfectly.

Rent the trilogy on Amazon today

60. Eat Pray Love

best travel movies eat pray love

And let us end with the mother of all travel movies, Eat Pray Love. Who doesn’t love Julia Roberts? However, Eat Pray Love wasn’t my favorite travel movie at all. But The book was okay but the movie starring Julia Roberts is dreadful. If you liked it, let me know. Maybe I’ll give it another watch in case I missed something. Rent it on Amazon

We’ll be updating this list regularly and we love finding new travel movies to watch. So, if you have suggestions for your favorite travel movies, leave them in the comments below and we’ll be sure to give them a watch!

Awesome Travel Movies to Inspire Wanderlust

Tell me what you think are the best travel movies and we will compare notes.

You May Enjoy these other inspiring posts:

  • 44 of the Best Road Trip Songs
  • Best Travel Songs Playlist
  • Best Travel Books to Inspire Travel
  • 60 of the Best Road Trip Songs to Rock the Long Drive
  • 101 Best Travel Quotes in the World with Pictures

Disclosure:  The links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. We receive affiliate commissions, but it’s no extra cost to you!

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Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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107 thoughts on “60 Best Travel Movies to Inspire Wanderlust”

Very interesting and thought-provoking list. Another film I think belongs in this company is “A Month by the Lake,” a 1995 work starring Vanessa Redgrave, Edward Fox, and Uma Thurman. Its setting, at the Villa del Balbianello on a peninsula in Lake Como, was used in scenes from a number of other movies, but here it gets starring role.

one of my favorite travel movies is “If it is Tuesday it must be Belgium”. it captures the travels and travails of some very uninformed American tourists on a guided tour. One of the wives, tired of the endless strings of cheese shops they visit heads back to their tour bus. The problem is it is the wrong tour bus. Hilarity ensues …

Thanks for the thoughtful list. Might I add a few more wanderlust-inducing movie recommendations/destinations that I have a hunch you will love?

Enchanted April (Italy) Shirley Valentine (Greece/Mykonos) Everything is Illuminated (Russia/Ukraine) Summer Lovers (Gene Siskel’s ‘guilty pleasure) (Greek Islands/Santorini) The Hundred Foot Journey (India/France) Local Hero (Scotland — and perfectly depicts how an enchanting location can change your view of what’s important in life) Anne of Green Gables — Kevin Sullivan version (Price Edward Island) Outsourced (India) Jean de Florette/Manon of the Spring (Provence France) The Quiet Man (Ireland) A Passage to India (India)

These are fantastic suggestions, thank sfor sharing! I’ve been wanting to see The Hundred Foot Journey. I think that will be my weekend watching!

Hi , thanks for sharing the best travel movies.

I love to watch 72 hours is my best travel movie all time.

Brilliant! Some of my teal favourites and now a list to watch. …many, many thanks. Allison

Great movies list all movies are best and all movies have a good rating on IMDb actually my favorite movie is LORD OF THE RINGS AND HOBBIT. and next, I would like to watch Star wars series.

Great choices of movies you have given a big list a great work

Great article! I will definitely choose a few movies that I haven’t seen yet. I could add a movie called “The Hundred-Foot Journey”. This film is about a Hindu family who moves to France, where they open a restaurant.

I’ve been meaning to watch that one. I think I will have to check it out this weekend and add it to the list! Thanks for the reminder.

Very comprehensive list! lots of great movies, and some of my favourites such as Seven Years inTibet and Walter Mitty.

I have to disagree with you about The Darjeeling Limited though: “When they visit their mother in an Ashram, it makes me think of the strange people that run away to India to find themselves. Oh yeah, he gets it.”

I felt the most important scene in the movie is when the guys rescue the boys in the river, and one doesn’t make it. They take part ion the family grieving and funeral, and have a very life-changing, profound experience. I felt the movie actually validates people “running away to India.”

In these difficult times especially, finding a sense of purpose, or meaning, or spirituality, or whatever you want to call it, is more important than ever. I think we will see a lot more people “running away to find themselves” and in fact, I am working on offering spiritual itineraries.

How about Red Eye and Flight Plan? I think they both portrait (fear of) commercial flying experience pretty good!

We have already watched quite a few of these ? gotta love a great movie night! Thanks for a great list, that we will start to work our way through ?

Great choices for movies! Others that come to mind are “Before Sunrise” and “Into the Wild.”

LORD OF THE RINGS AND HOBBIT is my favourite. i had watch so many times but always loved

This list couldn’t have come at a better time as we currently shelter in place and travel only through our TVs! Thank you.

All movies are great and my fav <3

great films..i watched some movie

OOH Julie and Julia is one of my all time favorites! And Eat Pray Love…It’s a good time for movies at home for sure!

Love the list. Thank you for sharing. As a classic movie buff, however, you are so wrong about Roman Holiday. This movie is a classic. I recently saw it on the big screen for the millionth time and it was amazing. How can you not love Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn?! His voice alone is worth a listen! And the old scenes of Rome are wonderful. Have to truly disagree about this one. LOVE this movie.

Anyway, thanks again!

SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY movie motivates people to dare to make a decision.

I love this list!! You hit some of my favorite movies. I’ve watched a lot of these but I have a feeling I’ll be rewatching some of them in the coming weeks. Thanks for remind me!

GREAT list, thank you! I’ve seen some Bollywood films and loved them, and would love a best of list of them!

Great site for everything

Great list, guys — you really dug deep. If you love The Sounds of Music, you have to visit Salzburg, where you can see the actual places where they shot many of the scenes, including the palace in the middle of town. You can even stay in the Von Trapps’ house. And I may have missed it in your list, but The Year of Living Dangerously absolutely captures the exotic atmosphere and the beauty of Southeast Asia — the gamelan music stays in your head for days. Also, Gandhi for a virtual trip to India.

Very well collections, Really some of the names are not heard. This type of movies are oxygen for any traveler.

Great list of movie i like slumdog millionaire once upon a time in mexico

Secret Life of Walter Mitty for sure, this movie made me so pumped to travel while ‘into the wild’ made me a little depressed and not wishing to become a mentally ill person who goes eating dead animals and rejecting society

Lovely idea, great movies! Love your blog!

I really love this movies.

Each movie is an exciting adventure, felt from the film, emotions, as well as an impressive moment. Thanks for your collection!

Thank you for your list! Lawrence of Arabia for certain, but almost any film by Werner Herzog, especially Aguirre:The Wrath of God. But I am partial to “art” or “foreign” films over Hollywood.

I loved a movie I watched and I can’t remember the name and I can’t find it. It was about a woman, maybe in her 40’s maybe 50’s that traveled to India to meet up with her husband. Her husband was detained by work and sent his male Indian assistant to meet her. While waiting for her husband to arrive, the assistant showed her the sites of India. A romance developed with the assistant over many days, but never crossed the line. Would love to watch this again….

Maybe you’re thinking of the movie ‘Cairo Time’. It’s set in Egypt, not India, but has the exact plot you’re referring to.

All are attractive and I will watch each movie

I shared the movies I shared. The movie content is very interesting and interesting, I like it very much.

This is also a very good post which I really enjoy reading

For me Motorcycle diaries is best.Thanks for list. I will check other movies too.

Nice list, you got almost all of my favorite travel films! A couple additions I would make are “The Sheltering Sky”, and “Voyager”.

The Painted Veil – gorgeous!

I hope it will be show at CGV

Definitely a great list of movies that gets us thinking about travel. Everest was one that really took our breath away and told an amazing story. In Bruges is still one of my favorite. Thanks for sharing!

Loved the post and the films. I still didn’t see 9 films and already want see. Will try found they for this weekend. But the best is to see Indiana Jones in the list.. it’s my prefer film of life <3

the beauty of this movie list is that this in includes movies in Malayalam, Hindi English and believe me these movies are the very best travel movies I have seen . kudos?

Great Choices !

Always on the lookout for movies to watch on the plane!!! Thanks for the recos!!!!

Great choices for movies

I hate you after watching only 2 of these movies from your list i feel like travelling but unfortunately my my academics. By the way best list of travel movies I have seen on internet. Good going brother. wish to see more content in future.

Mr. Bean’s Holiday. A very ridiculous movie, but the cinematography is amazing, and it’s very inspiring.

Great article and awesome collection of movies. Red balloon is my favorite movie and it’s amazing storey

Film is called Before Midnight. Not after.

Thanks for the correction. I mixed up the Trilogy in my head, thinking “the one after Before Sunset.” – There is Before Sunrise, Before Sunset and Before Midnight.

Great article, many good informations

I love watching movies ahead of travelling and often find them inspirational. For Western Australia I found ‘Rabbitproof Fence’ a very good movie. You’ve chosen some good ones!

Great collection of movies to watch. I absolutely loved The Bucket List. As usual Morgan Freeman was awesome. Great movies about travel and for when traveling.

Can you believe that I never saw Stealing Beauty? Now I am going to have to check it out. I agree with Sideways too. Loved that show. It made me want to drink Pinot Noir.

Wild is a great book and the movie is pretty true to the book. Reece Witherspoon is really good in it. Based on true story of a troubled woman who decides to hike one of Americas longest trails with little money and not enough experience. Humbling and left me feeling the wanderlust pretty hard.

The Bucket List and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty are the best travel movies in my opinion. Iceland is on my travel bucket list, hope I can visit that place.

Best Movie Collection. my favorite movies also include in these. love to see the collection of movies thanks to sharing this information with us.

Nice article! inspiring people for Traveling

Thanks for compiling this list. It’s interesting to know the place where the movie was shot. I absolutely agree on what you said about James Bond movies.

Thanks for the post. Some I have seen and some I haven’t, and looking forward to (Especially ONE WEEK)

I’d like to add LOCAL HERO. There are some melancholic moments in the film accompanied by Mark Knopfler’s beautiful soundtrack. Would make anyone jump off the couch, dump all the COMFORTS OF CITY and visit rural Scotland and walk the beaches and witness the Aurora Borealis. One of my favourites alongwith The Motorcycle Diaries and Into the Wild.

Great choices

Excellent list, but Indiana Jones really is a wonderful trip. Note 1000.

Under a Tuscan sun is my favorite!!!! Been to Tuscany because of that movie!! 🙂 Jotted down a few to watch from your list! Thanks!

thank you guys. Into the wild is my favourite one on the list.

You named quite a few of my favorites but the two I’d like to recommend are Hector and the Pursuit of Happiness starring Simon Pegg, and The Way starring Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez.

The Way inspired me to walk the Camino de Santiago which turned into an incredible trip.

Great list of best all time travel movies. I must admit that there are still so many movies I have not yet seen. I need to work on that sooner rather than later!

Great list but would certainly add :

– The way (with Martin Sheen) , very inspiring movie about Camino de Santiago – Motorcycle diaries, simply a great movie about travel and life

Fantastic films, thanks for making this kind of film! Many people should watch it! Thanks for sharing this list.

Wow! This list is great! I will surely add these in my playlist. Hopefully, I will be able to watch most of these travel movies. I plan to travel soon, I’m juts looking for more inspiration and travel tips. Glad I came by your blog!

Whoa! You gave me a completely new set of movies to add to my list here! Into the Wild is one of my favorites and the Everest is a spine-chilling movie. A great list Dave & Deb!

Check out Maindentrip, the story of the youngest girl to sail around the world, Laura Dekker. I think my wife finally believed we could do it if a 13 year old can.

Thanks for the recommendation!

These ultimate travel tips for when they have a desired of lust.

What about “Blue Hawaii” and any of the Jurassic Park videos for Hawaii?

Thank you for your list – I am constantly looking for good travel movies.

Till the date bucket list is one of my favourite movie 🙂 Thank you for the information about other movies too

Thank you for this great list. I see some old favorites on the list but also a number of movies I need to see. I’ve added them my list. You’re right about movies inspiring travel. After seeing, Under the Tuscan Sun, I’ve always wanted to visit Tuscany. I’m finally making it there soon.

What a fantastic list full of excellent movies! There’s no doubt that these titles can help to light the spark of wanderlust in anyone. I was actually lucky enough to stumble upon the making of Ridley Scott’s upcoming Alien Covenant movie in New Zealand’s Milford Sound. I’m very much looking forward to its release so I can see the spectacular panning shots of that breathtaking landscape. Movies are a great medium to translate the beauty of travel.

No way! That is so cool. I’m such a fan of Alien, it would be amazing to see them filming it. I love seeing landscapes of places I’ve been in movies.

Slumdog Millionaire and Secret Life of Walter Mitty are Good Movies

Nice list – a few of my favourites there: Everest, Into The Wild, Slumdog Millionaire, The Bucket List, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Nothing like a good movie for inspiring travel.

A few others to consider: The Beach, Midnight Express, Kundun, Seven Years in Tibet…

“Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all of one’s lifetime.” – Mark Twain

Hi, Oh wow I really love this list, seriously is so right! Holidays is another good one that invites you to discover surrey :), I enjoyed so much Amelie, unfortunately I cannot say the same of Paris, Je t’aime, which is other of the “must seen movies”, honestly… overrated… anyways, nice list I really enjoy it.

Great list… something a lot of people leave off the list is Julia and Julia. That movie is HUGE to foodies, chefs, etc… Makes me want to hop on a flight every time I see it! Julia Child was a machine, so glad you guys included that movie on this list!

I am a movie addict person, and I loved to travel. I enjoyed all of these films. Very Inspirational lists. Thank you, Dave, for this excellent Article. Loved it:)

A lots of movies that needed to add here. I watched a few of then not all and find very inspirational and heart touching. Slumdog millionaire is one of my favourite and very heart touching.

I love this list, but I’d add almost any movie filmed in San Francisco, even if they weren’t that good (like “The Wedding Planner” or the “The Rock”). They’d actually have to be filmed there and not just set there, like the last “Godzilla” movie 😉

Thanks for the additions. I loved the wedding planner. Although I just watched it again recently and realized what a schmuck Matthew Macoughnay’s character is. He totally led Jennifer Lopez’s character on and was a jerk to his fiancé. haha. But it’s a good lighthearted romantic comdey. They don’t make enough of those anymore..

I came to this article to ensure you had Romancing the Stone..and you didnt let me down. I used to love that movie growing up. I am totally with you, on thinking about Cartagena as some exotic far away place that I had to visit. I eventually found out the movie wasn’t actually filmed in Cartagena or Colombia because of the dire security situation at that time…but when i finally visited Cartagena, i found it even more magical and exotic than the film…love the film, and love the city even more now.

I am so glad we didn’t let you down! I am also so glad that you felt the same way about Cartagena. I always envision Kathleen Turner saying “come to Cartagena with me” It was such a grand adventure. We need more movies like that!

Cool list! I would add:

– Before Sunrise (Vienna) – Waking Ned Devine (Ireland, though filmed in the Isle of Man) – Lost in Translation (Tokyo)

Great additions. I loved Before Sunrise, I can’t believe I forgot about that one. I saw it in the 90s and then watched the whole trilogy. I haven’t seen Waking Ned Devine, I’m going to check that out and yes, Lost in Translation is a good one for Tokyo. I have to watch that again. I barely remember it, but I do remember loving Bill Murray

Just what I needed, thank you guys. Into the wild is my favourite one on the list.

I don’t think any movie has made us want to travel more than Amelie.

2 Days In Paris, on the other hand, was kind of a turn off.

Amelie celebrated Paris, but 2 Days kinda made fun of it. .-= The Jetpacker´s last blog .. UFO Hotspots — 11 Best Places To See UFOs In The World =-.

I don’t need a movie to inspire me to travel. I always want to travel, but some movies make me want to travel more I guess is how to put it. BTW. I thought Up in the Air stunk and don’t get why it was so popular. I loved In Burges which many people have never seen. Guess I’m just weird. .-= Gwen´s last blog ..Kids Grease Costumes =-.

You’re not weird at all! That is what makes watching movies so great. Everyone has different opinions on them all. We didn’t love Amelie and I have never met another person that didn’t like it. We were more into the quirkiness of Two Days in Paris and nobody liked that one:-)

Great choice, I never really fancied visiting Bruges until watching the hilarious In Bruges (and I agree the film also did Colin Farrell a huge favour). Tuscany is still on my must see list after the gorgeous ‘Stealing Beauty’ and being from the UK, Sideways and Swingers always made me want to go to California.

OK, I obviously need to get myself to the nearest pirated DVD place since I’ve only seen 3 of these movies! Thanks for the advice. .-= Audrey´s last blog ..Couch Surfing with KGB Agents =-.

Fantastic post, though most of these movies I haven’t seen (yet) but Vicky Christina Barcelona has really made me want to see Barcelona. I’m really bad for being easily suggestible when it comes to travel. If a place is featured on a movie or tv have a sudden desire to go there. Like I watch a John Waters movie and I wanna go to Baltimore, or the way Shirley Valentine made me really want to go to Greece. Even places that were never really on my travel to do list, like watching Dexter has made me want to visit Miami (even though most of the show is filmed around LA). .-= Alouise´s last blog ..List 9 – How To Have A Cheesy Time At West Edmonton Mall =-.

Wonderful list! I’ve seen a few of these and just loved them (Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Julie & Julia, In Bruges, Up in the Air, and Romancing the Stone)…..and I still dream of someday going to Cartagena, Columbia because of that movie! There are so many great movies that inspire travel that I’m sure it must have been hard to winnow it down to just eight. The rest of your list I’ll have to add to my Netflix queue! .-= Trisha´s last blog .. PR-Blogger Relations Manifesto =-.

I love that you think of Cartagena because of Romancing the stone. There were so many movies that I had on a list. I could have just listed about 50 and that could have been good enough. Maybe I will do that for a post one day when I am out of ideas:) It was very difficult to narrow it down to eight, we were trying to be a little unique in our choices, but then again, it is hard to be unique when it comes to choosing great travel movies. I guess, it was more of a reminder post. Everyone thinks of the choices like The Beach, The James Bond Movies and the Bourne Movies, but we haven’t thought about Romancing the Stone or Once Upon a Time in Mexico in a while.

Great list! We think movies and books add so much to travel that we brought a bunch with us on our open ended world tour. We’re in France now, so tend to watch French ones here and ones that are family friendly since we travel with a kid. 😉 I think we love the Red Balloon and Chocolate best for France.

Two that really stick out on our trip were Troy ( watched again and again through out Greece while reading Homer, including also while we were in Troy in Turkey) and “The Medici, Godfathers of the Renaissance” a thrilling PBS special series that we watched in Florence before we toured. .-= soultravelers3´s last blog .. Captivating Colliore- France on Bastille Day =-.

Thanks for the additions. I forgot about Chocolate. I loved that movie and Johnny Depp and Juliet Binoche were both so charming. I haven’t seen Red Balloon, I will check it out. It is wonderful to watch movies for inspiration before, after and while you are at that place.

Great choices for movies! Others that come to mind are “Before Sunrise” and “Into the Wild.”

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25 best travel movies to inspire your own adventures

A list of our favorite travel movies, from classics to lesser-known films, plus tips to live your own real-life adventures.

adventure and travel movies

Worldpackers Worldpackers

Nov 23, 2023

travel movies

Feel like going on an incredible excursion without leaving the house? That's the magic of travel movies. Picture this: one moment you're exploring sun-soaked vineyards in Italy, then you're navigating bustling markets in Morocco. All without leaving home!

Travel movies let us experience cultures around the globe. They inspire our wanderlust and help plan real-life adventures . And sometimes they offer an escape when we need it most. Ready to dive into cinematic journeys that span continents?

In this article we'll remind you of iconic films that have shaped this genre and discover more recent gems . So, grab some popcorn as we embark on a reel-world adventure.

25 best travel movies that will inspire you

Here’s a list of Worldpackers team’s favorite travel movies, which make us feel like we’re out and about without leaving our couch. Some films take this experience up a notch, offering more than just beautiful locales - they shape our understanding of travel itself.

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

We start this list of travel movies with a great example of that power of broadening perspectives: The Motorcycle Diaries isn't simply about two friends exploring South America on a motorcycle. It's the story of Che Guevara, discovering social injustices that would later ignite his revolutionary spirit. It has inspired many travelers who crave authentic experiences over typical tourist attractions.

As Ernesto Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado travel through various countries, the film portrays their interactions with diverse cultures, people, and landscapes. They witness the disparities in wealth and healthcare, which ignite Ernesto's desire to bring about social change. 

The Motorcycle Diaries is a coming-of-age story that traces the evolution of Guevara from a carefree medical student to a passionate advocate for the oppressed. It's an inspiring story combined with beautiful cinematography that encourages us not just to see new places but also understand different cultures better.

best travel movies

Around the World in 80 Days (1956)

Feel like going for a classic? This film is based on the novel by Jules Verne and follows the journey of Phileas Fogg, an eccentric and wealthy Englishman who bets that he can circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days.

The plot of the movie revolves around Fogg's race against time as he embarks on an adventure across the globe, accompanied by his loyal French servant, Passepartout. They go on a daring journey using various means of transport - from hot air balloons to elephants - and encounter a series of comedic and sometimes perilous situations.

Eat Pray Love (2010)

You've probably heard of Eat Pray Love, a romantic drama film based on Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir of the same name. The movie follows the life-changing journey of the protagonist, Liz Gilbert, played by Julia Roberts, after going through a divorce.

She sets out on an expedition to find herself through food, spirituality, and love while traveling through Italy, India, and Bali respectively. This film emphasizes the healing power of travel and how it can help you find your inner self.

eat pray love takes you to indonesia

Into The Wild (2007)

Another book turned into film, this biographical drama directed by Sean Penn is based on the non-fiction book by Jon Krakauer. It tells the true story of Christopher McCandless , a young man from a well-to-do family who decides to abandon his conventional life and venture into the wilderness of North America in pursuit of a more meaningful existence.

He renames himself “Alexander Supertramp”, cuts ties with his family and embarks on a journey across the USA, eventually reaching Alaska . Throughout his journey, Christopher encounters various people who impact his life.

Wild (2014)

For those who love biographical tales, here’s another one: Wild is based on Cheryl Strayed's memoir, which chronicles her 1100-mile solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. 

It’s not just about stunning landscapes but also self-discovery and healing, since the character starts the hike after a series of destructive behaviors and the loss of her mother to cancer.

Throughout her journey, Cheryl encounters many challenges, including harsh weather, injuries, and the weight of her emotional baggage . Her journey becomes a test of her inner strength, determination, and resilience.

pacific crest trail

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

A modern classic, this film follows the life of Walter Mitty, a man who escapes his mundane existence through elaborate daydreams. He works as a photo negative manager at Life magazine, a job that involves processing photographs for publication.

One day he misplaces a crucial photograph negative taken by a renowned photographer and sets off to find the missing negative. This journey takes him on an adventure around the world, from Greenland to Iceland , going far beyond his comfort zone.

The Way (2010)

Dream of doing the Camino de Santiago, in Spain? The Way portrays one man’s pilgrimage along the Camino after his son's death.  

The main character is Tom (played by Martin Sheen), who encounters a diverse group of fellow travelers, each with their own reasons for walking the pilgrimage. Together, they share stories, hopes, and struggles.

As Tom travels through picturesque landscapes and faces physical challenges, he not only learns to honor his son's memory but also discovers profound insights about life, faith, and the power of human connections.

camino de santiago

Thelma and Louise (1991)

A road trip movie classic, Thelma & Louise tells the story of two women who set out on a weekend getaway but find themselves on the run from the law after a traumatic incident. Their journey becomes a symbolic escape from societal constraints, leading to a series of events that challenge the roles they've been assigned as women.

With every scene, more beauty unfolds as they drive amidst vast American landscapes in their iconic convertible. The film is a thrilling and thought-provoking exploration of friendship, empowerment, and the consequences of defying societal norms.

Roman Holiday (1953)

Another classic, Roman Holiday transports viewers back in time while offering picturesque views around Rome's historic cityscape - perfect for those wanting both cultural immersion and vintage vibes.

The film revolves around the story of a young European princess named Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn), who is on a diplomatic tour of Europe and becomes overwhelmed by the constraints of her royal duties and her sheltered life. 

It’s a love story that captures the magic of a whirlwind romance against the backdrop of the Italian capital.

one of the best classic travel movies

The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

Directed by Wes Anderson, the movie follows the journey of three estranged brothers who reunite for a train trip through India . They board the Darjeeling Limited, a luxury train, each dealing with his own personal struggles and unresolved issues.

As the train journey progresses through the picturesque Indian landscape, the brothers encounter many  challenges and quirky situations . Along the way, they engage in both humorous and poignant interactions with fellow passengers and locals, leading to moments of self-discovery and reflection.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)

Another treat for those longing to visit India, this heartwarming film tells the story of a group of British retirees who decide to spend their retirement years in a hotel in Jaipur . They face a variety of personal challenges and cultural adjustments as they settle into the vibrant and colorful environment of India.

The hotel is far from the luxurious paradise the retirees were expecting, but through their shared experiences and interactions with the local community, they find renewal, purpose , and unexpected opportunities for love and personal growth.

many good travel movies take place in india

Lost in Translation (2003) Loneliness, connection, and cultural dislocation are the main themes of this drama-comedy directed by Sofia Coppola, which takes place in Japan. The story revolves around Bob Harris, a middle-aged American actor who is in Tokyo to shoot a whiskey commercial, and Charlotte, a young college graduate accompanying her photographer husband. Both Bob and Charlotte are feeling adrift in their lives and marriages , grappling with feelings of isolation and purposelessness in the bustling and culturally unfamiliar capital of Japan. Their chance encounter leads to a deep and platonic connection. The Holiday (2006)

This romantic comedy follows the intertwining stories of two women, Iris (Kate Winslet) and Amanda (Cameron Diaz), who are experiencing relationship troubles during the Christmas holiday season.

Iris is British and Amanda is American. Feeling the need for a break from their lives, they discover each other through a house-swapping website and decide to exchange homes for the holiday season . While their lives take unexpected turns, we feel like we're exploring the English countryside and sunny California along with them.

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

This travel movie follows the story of Frances (played by Diane Lane), a recently divorced writer who impulsively purchases a villa in Tuscany, Italy , in an attempt to start anew.

As Frances attempts to restore the villa to its former glory, she forms connections with the local community and undergoes a personal transformation , rediscovering her passion for life, writing, and love. The picturesque landscapes of Tuscany provide a stunning backdrop to the story.

tuscany makes a great scenery for travel movies

Tracks (2013)

Based on the true story of Robyn Davidson, this travel movie chronicles her remarkable journey across the vast Australian desert with a dog and four camels . She went on a solo trek of over 1,700 miles from Alice Springs to the west coast of Australia, motivated by a desire for solitude and a deep connection with the land.

Along the way, she faces various obstacles, including encounters with curious locals, harsh weather conditions, and the emotional toll of isolation . The film is a visually stunning and introspective portrayal of an extraordinary real-life adventure.

Before Sunrise (1995), Before Sunset (2004), Before Midnight (2013)

The "Before" trilogy, directed by Richard Linklater and starred by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, starts with the movie Before Sunrise , which follows the chance encounter of two strangers on a train traveling through Europe. They strike up a conversation and decide to spend the night together in Vienna, Austria, before Jesse's departure the next morning.

Before Sunset , its sequel, takes place in Paris, where Jesse and Celine meet again 10 years later. Finally, Before Midnight takes the same characters to Greece, almost two decades before their first encounter.

The trilogy is celebrated for its realistic and emotionally charged dialogue . Each film captures a different stage in Jesse and Céline's lives, offering insights into the complexities of love and human relationships, while they walk around beautiful cities.

vienna is the setting of before sunrise

Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

This New Zealand adventure-comedy film follows the unlikely friendship between a rebellious young boy and his reluctant foster uncle as they become the subjects of a nationwide manhunt in the New Zealand wilderness.

As they navigate the rugged terrain, their relationship grows stronger, and they become unlikely partners in a wild adventure to evade capture by the authorities. Along the way, they encounter various colorful characters and face numerous challenges.

Patagonia (2010)

Probably one of the lesser-known films in this list of travel movies, Patagonia interweaves two distinct but interconnected stories that take place in different parts of the world, both involving characters on personal journeys of self-discovery.

One storyline follows Gwen and Rhys, a Welsh couple who travel to Patagonia in Argentina as part of a photography project. Their journey becomes a catalyst for Gwen's personal exploration as she grapples with her desires and the changing dynamics of her relationship with Rhys.

The second storyline follows Cerys, an elderly Welsh woman who embarks on a pilgrimage to visit her family's ancestral homeland in Patagonia, where there is a Welsh-speaking community. Along the way, she meets a young Argentine named Alejandro who is searching for his Welsh roots.

patagonia

The Bucket List (2007)

This movie tells the story of two terminally ill men , Edward Cole (played by Jack Nicholson) and Carter Chambers (played by Morgan Freeman), who meet while sharing a hospital room. Both men have been diagnosed with advanced stages of cancer and are given limited time to live.

As they grapple with their mortality and impending deaths, Edward and Carter decide to create a list of things they want to do before they "kick the bucket." The two men embark on a global journey to check off the items on their list, forming a deep friendship along the way.

A Good Year (2006)

Directed by Ridley Scott, this movie follows the story of Max Skinner (played by Russell Crowe), a successful and ruthless London-based investment banker who inherits a vineyard in Provence , France, upon the death of his estranged uncle.

Max reluctantly travels to the vineyard with the intention of selling it quickly and making a profit. However, as he spends time in the picturesque countryside and reconnects with his childhood memories, he begins to reconsider his priorities and values.

travel movies

A Walk in the Woods (2015)

This film is based on the memoir of the same name by the well-known travel writer and author Bill Bryson. After living abroad for many years, Bryson returns to the United States and decides to hike the Appalachian Trail , one of the longest continuous footpaths in the world, together with an old acquaintance, Stephen Katz.

As Bryson and Katz traverse the Appalachian Trail, they face a series of humorous and challenging situations, including encounters with fellow hikers and with wildlife, and the physical demands of the trail itself. Along the way, they also engage in conversations about life, friendship, and the beauty of the natural world .

a walk in the woods takes place in the appalachian trail

This list of travel movies wouldn’t be complete without some heartwarming animations . Starting with Up, a Pixar and Walt Disney film centered on the story of Carl Fredricksen, a widowed elderly man who embarks on a remarkable adventure using balloons to fly his house to South America.

It all starts when Carl finds himself facing eviction from his beloved home and missing his late wife, Ellie, who had shared his childhood dreams of adventure, so he decides to fulfill their lifelong dream of visiting the remote Paradise Falls . 

During the trip, he learns to let go of the past, embrace new experiences, and find joy in unexpected places.

Coco (2017)

There are also plenty of animations that take us on a deep dive in foreign cultures. One of the best travel movies of this kind is Coco, an animated musical film which is also produced by Pixar and released by Walt Disney. The movie is set in Mexico and revolves around the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) holiday , a celebration of deceased loved ones.

The plot follows Miguel Rivera, a young boy with a deep passion for music, despite his family's long-standing ban on music due to a past family tragedy. On Día de los Muertos, Miguel accidentally finds himself transported to the Land of the Dead, a vibrant and colorful afterlife realm where deceased family members reside.

animations are great options of travel movies

The impact of travel movies on tourism

Besides being great entertainment, travel movies can wield a remarkable influence over tourism. They can kindle wanderlust, highlight unique cultures, and even steer the course of travel trends.

Movies often inspire personal journeys by portraying transformative experiences tied to specific locales. Take Eat Pray Love, which ignited a Bali tourism boom as fans flocked there hoping for self-discovery adventures akin to Julia Roberts' character.

Into The Wild, based on a true story, was another influential film. Despite its tragic ending, the movie encouraged many to seek their own version of an Alaskan wilderness experience.

Sometimes movies can create entirely new tourism trends. After Peter Jackson's Lord of The Rings, fans began traveling to New Zealand just to see the stunning landscapes that brought Middle-earth to life . This trend even led to unique travel experiences like Hobbiton tours and “Middle-earth” packages designed specifically for Tolkien enthusiasts.

However, this popularity has its drawbacks. When travel movies gain too much traction, they can cause stress on the locations they showcase. One example is the Maya Bay beach, in Thailand, which was made famous in the movie "The Beach”, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and had to be closed to tourists due to the damages caused by overtourism.

maya bay beach

Tips for enjoying your favorite travel movies

We hope you enjoyed our list of travel movies, but luckily there’s much more to watch after you’re done with those films! Unearthing cinematic gems that inspire wanderlust and fuel the desire to explore is an adventure in itself. Here are a few suggestions to keep that habit going:

Talking to other travelers

One surefire way to discover great travel movies is by connecting with fellow globetrotters. They often have a treasure trove of film recommendations based on their own experiences and personal tastes.

You could start these conversations on platforms like Worldpackers , where you'll find a vibrant community of seasoned and newbie travelers alike.

Keeping a travel movie journal

Maintaining a journal dedicated solely for recording memorable travel films can be rewarding too. As you note down details about each movie , it becomes more than just keeping track; it turns into an immersive activity that lets you savor each film long after the credits roll. This method also helps when sharing recommendations with friends or social media followers.

Planning themed movie nights

A fun twist is organizing themed movie nights around different countries or regions. Not only does this make for an entertaining evening but watching several related films in one go might highlight your next dream destination.

For instance, if South American culture piques your interest, consider watching films such as 'The Motorcycle Diaries' and other movies that take place in the continent, whether they’re actually travel-related or not. This is a great way to dive into the richness of this vibrant region. And why not making a themed dinner as well?

watch travel movies with a themed dinner

Traveling to your dream movie destinations

What about visiting some of the destinations portrayed in your favorite travel movies and living your own amazing adventures? It’s easy to do so with Worldpackers , a platform that connects travelers to hosts from all over the world for volunteer and work exchange programs.

In exchange for a few hours of help, you’ll get free accommodation and other perk s, like meals and tours. Besides saving a lot of money, you’ll get to meet other travelers and locals who can give you tips and insights into local culture, while living r eal-life adventures that might as well be turned into film someday.

Keep reading to understand how it works:

  • Our step-by-step guide on how Worldpackers works
  • Traveling with Worldpackers: your top questions answered
  • Collaborative tourism: what are collaborative travel relationships?

adventure and travel movies

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The Packable Life

47 Thrilling Adventure Movies for Travelers & Thrill Seekers

Collage of seven different adventure movie scenes, including: Long Way Round, Into the Wild, Midnight in Paris, The Bucket List, Thelma & Louise, and more

Are you eager to add some adventure to your life? First, use this list to find vicarious inspiration from the best adventure movies out there. I’ve gathered films and documentaries that are travel- and outdoor-themed adventures, to fit with the spirit of this blog.

We’ll kick off this list with movies spanning everything from decades-old classics to modern treasures. And if real-life stories are more your jam, check out the second half of our list, which covers several of our favorite new and exciting documentaries.

You’ll find options similar to my all-time favorites: The Grand Budapest Hotel for its charming world-building, Cloudburst for adventures not bound by age, and Free Solo for staggering real-world accomplishments.

If you’re a traveler or thrill seeker, my list of the best adventure movies definitely has something for your next movie night. It may even inspire you to get off the couch and hit the road running on an adventure of your own.

Best Adventure Movies

This first section of our list will take you through a mix of original screenplays, novel adaptations, and artistic retellings of real-life events. Regardless of your cinematic preferences, you’ll find an adventure movie here that suits your tastes.

Into the Wild (2007)

YouTube video

Based on the real-life story of Christoper McCandless, Into the Wild chronicles his solo attempts to live off the land in the Alaskan wilderness. With this flick, you’re in for an accurate and thoughtful depiction of the joys, sorrows, and costs of trying to make that dream a reality.

Starring : Vince Vaughn, Katerine Keener, Emilie Hirsch Director : Sean Penn Runtime : 2h 28m

Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

YouTube video

The stereotypical idyllic motorcycle trip through South America becomes so much more in this film as it covers the formative early years of Che Guevara through a mix of joyful road-tripping and exploration of social injustices that formed the ethos of the revolutionary figure.

Pro Tip : Read about our founder, Noel’s motorbike adventures through Vietnam to get you primed and ready for a viewing of Motorcycle Diaries.

Starring : Gael García Bernal, Rodrigo de la Serna, Mía Maestro Director : Walter Salles Runtime : 2h 6m

Stand by Me (1986)

YouTube video

Stephen King fans look no further; this adaptation of his novella is a coming-of-age story of four young boys who traverse through forests and over railroad bridges to find a missing boy’s body, but also find themselves on a journey of self-discovery.

Full of whimsy and nostalgia, Stand by Me captures a bygone era of kids striking out to make their own adventures in sleepy American towns. It gets bonus points from this Oregonian for being set in the fictional town of Castlerock, Oregon.

Starring : Will Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman Director : Rob Reiner Runtime : 1h 29m

Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

YouTube video

Taika Waititi’s ability to make quirky, heart-warming movies is on full display in this story about a misfit boy and his reluctant foster uncle traversing through the New Zealand bush while being part of a national manhunt. You might laugh and cry while watching this hidden indie gem.

Starring : Sam Neill, Julian Dennison, Rima te Wiata Director : Taika Waititi Runtime : 1h 41m

Wild (2014)

YouTube video

It’s no secret that hiking and backpacking are big themes on this blog, and Wild is one of Hollywood’s rare depictions of trail life. Reese Witherspoon stars as Cheryl, who, after having her life fall apart, turns to the Pacific Crest Trail to try and pick up the pieces of her life.

This story will resonate strongly for any reader who has turned to nature for healing and free therapy. It might just motivate you to start planning your own through-hike. If you need further inspiration, check out our guides to both the Appalachian Trail and the Inca Trail .

Starring : Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Gaby Hoffmann Director : Jean-Marc Vallée Runtime : 1h 55m

Deliverance (1972)

YouTube video

Our first aquatic entry is a ’70s thriller about the efforts of four friends to canoe down the Cahulawassee River before it’s dammed. The adventure quickly goes awry and would easily rank #1 on our list of real-life worst travel stories .

Starring : Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty Director : John Boorman Runtime : 1h 49m

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

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O Brother, Where Art Thou  is worth watching for the soundtrack alone, as it has the rare distinction of being one of the few original movie soundtracks to win an Album of the Year Grammy award.

Beyond the music, this Coen brother’s film is one of the strongest entries in their filmography. The comedy-drama follows three escaped convicts and their pursuit of freedom and buried treasure on a journey full of escapades and quirky characters.

Starring : George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson Directors : Joel Coen, Ethan Coan Runtime : 1h 47m

On the Road (2012)

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Jack Keruoac’s 1957 novel inspired an entire generation and captured the essence of the longing for the road, going West, and finding purpose in non-conformity. Though the 2012 adaptation is by no means perfect, it’s worth seeing such an iconic piece of American literature adapted to the big screen.

Starring : Sam Riley, Garrett Hedlund, Kristen Stewart Director : Walter Salles Runtime : 2h 4m

The Revenant (2015)

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If a bear fights Leonardo DiCaprio in the woods and no one is there to see it, does he still finally win an Oscar? The answer to that is yes, although the stunning cinematography of the 1820s frontier is just as pivotal to The Revenant’s magic as Leo’s award-winning performance in a brutal story of survival and revenge.

Starring : Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Will Poulter Director : Alejandro G. Iñárritu Runtime : 2h 36m

A Walk in the Woods (2015)

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The second thru-hiking entry on our list jumps cross country to cover an adventure on the other great north-to-south American trek: the Appalachian Trail. Robert Redford and Nick Nolte delight in this buddy comedy-drama of two older and wholly unprepared friends biting off more than they can chew.

Starring : Robert Redford, Nick Nolte, Emma Thompson Director : Ken Kwapis Runtime : 1h 44m

Touching the Void (2003)

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Based on the actual ascent of the Silua Grande by Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, this docudrama captures the terrifying struggle to survive in harsh mountain conditions when things go terribly wrong.

Though climbing documentaries are plentiful nowadays, this film remains a rare Hollywood entry focused on mountain climbers and the dangers they face in pursuing peaks and glory.

Starring : Simon Yates, Joe Simpson, Brendan Makey Director : Kevin Macdonald Runtime : 1h 46m

The Way (2011)

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A grieving father, Tom, takes up the banner of his late son and attempts to complete the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in his honor. Full of beautiful vistas of France and Spain, The Way skillfully captures the camaraderie one can find even amongst strangers when walking together for days on end.

Starring : Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez, Deborah Kara Unger Director : Emilio Estevez Runtime : 2h 3m

Y Tu Mamá También (2001)

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This seminal entry into Mexican cinema is a raunchy Spanish language coming-of-age story of two teenage boys who embark on a road trip with an older woman. The second foreign language film on our list is well worth brushing off your freshman-year Spanish or throwing on the subtitles.

Starring : Maribel Verdú, Gael García Bernal, Daniel Giménez Cacho Director : Alfonso Cuarón Runtime : 1h 46m

One Week (2008)

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After being diagnosed with cancer and facing his own mortality, Ben Tyler decides to take a motorcycle trip across Canada. For those who love to travel, long voyages are often reflective and transformative. One Week poignantly explores those themes against the beautiful backdrop of the Canadian wilderness.

Starring : Joshua Jackson, Peter Spence, Marc Strange Director : Michael McGowan Runtime : 1h 34m

Everest (2015)

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The unfortunate nature of disasters makes for compelling stories, and Everest is the second entry on our list to recount a mountaineering expedition gone terribly awry.

Based on the 1996 climbing season, the movie dramatizes the tale of two expedition groups and the fateful May day that immortalized the unforgiving brutality of the Himalayan mountains.

Starring : Jason Clarke, Ang Phula Sherpa, Thomas M. Wright Director : Baltasar Kormákur Runtime : 2h 1m

The Bucket List (2007)

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Be ready for both laughs and tears in this film about two elderly gentlemen diagnosed with terminal cancer. Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson star as an oddball duo who set off for one hell of a final ride. They’re sure to inspire you to start checking off items on your own bucket list.

Starring : Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean Hayes Director : Rob Reiner Runtime : 1h 37m

Cast Away (2000)

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What would you name your pet volleyball after being stranded on an island and coming close to losing your mind? If your answer is anything besides Wilson, prioritize watching this Tom Hanks classic about a FedEx analyst who is the lone survivor of a plane wreck in the middle of the ocean.

Starring : Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Paul Sanchez Director : Robert Zemeckis Runtime : 2h 23m

The Beach (2000)

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Take a break from the countless forests and mountains covered in our list with this thriller about a young man named Richard, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who sets off to find a hidden paradise on an uninhabited island off the coast of Thailand.

Starring : Leonardo DiCaprio, Tilda Swinton, Daniel York Director : Danny Boyle Runtime : 1h 59m

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

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Ben Stiller will enchant you with a wonderfully bizarre blend of real adventures and daydreaming in his role as Walter Mitty. If you’re feeling bogged down by the constant drone of office life, throw on this movie for just the right amount of surreal escapism.

Starring : Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Jon Daly Director : Ben Stiller Runtime : 1h 54m

Midnight in Paris (2011)

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Paris has long been a classic adventure destination, but what would you do with the chance to explore the city more than a century ago? Woody Allen’s prodigious filmmaking career is highlighted by this delightful tribute to a writer’s (literally) magical journey through Paris in both the past and present.

Starring : Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates Director : Woody Allen Runtime : 1h 34m

Cloudburst (2011)

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Getting older doesn’t mean you have to give up adventuring. Cloudburst is a hilarious and lovely entry about an elderly lesbian couple going to Canada to get married after escaping from their nursing home.

Along the way, they pick up a young male hitchhiker, and all three bond as plenty of hijinks ensue. As far as indie films go, they don’t get much better than this, and it’s a personal favorite of mine.

Starring : Olympia Dukakis, Brenda Fricker, Kristin Booth Director : Thom Fitzgerald Runtime : 1h 33m

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

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Van life presents all sorts of unexpected challenges that are only magnified when you try to shove several generations of dysfunctional families into a yellow Volkswagen bus for a cross-country journey to take your daughter to a beauty pageant.

A great ensemble cast captures the frenetic nature of family road trips and all the ways it can cause squabbles while ultimately bringing the family closer together.

Starring : Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear Directors : Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris Runtime : 1h 41m

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

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One of the finest rag-to-riches stories about a young man from Mumbai trying to make his fortunes on the Indian version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire.” Told through flashbacks, the film expertly weaves multiple timelines toward a satisfying payoff.

Starring : Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Saurabh Shukla Directors : Danny Boyle, Loveleen Tandan Runtime : 2h

The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

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One of the early entries in Wes Anderson’s career follows three estranged brothers who go on a train journey through India in an attempt to reconnect after their father’s death. Wes Anderson’s distinct visual style will have you itching to book your own train ticket.

Starring : Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman Director : Wes Anderson Runtime : 1h 31m

Thelma & Louise (1991)

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A simple fishing weekend getaway for two women becomes far more complicated when they stop midway at a roadside bar. The film is iconic for its feminism and delves into dark, complex issues in a rare way for the often lighthearted travel genre.

Starring : Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel Director : Ridley Scott Runtime : 2h 10m

Lion (2016)

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We’ve all used Google Maps to daydream about our next adventure, but Lion takes it one step further as it tells the real-life story of a young Indian boy named Saroo, who gets lost and adopted at the age of five and 20 years later tries to find his home village by hunting for clues on Google Earth.

Starring : Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara Director : Garth Davis Runtime : 1h 58m

Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

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Our second Wes Anderson entry also takes my personal award as his finest film to date. Set in a fictional luxury hotel in 1930s Europe, the story follows a flamboyant concierge and his young protege who get embroiled in a case of a stolen painting and a family inheritance.

The world-building in the Grand Budapest Hotel is impeccable, and the star-studded cast delivers on all fronts for an eminently rewatchable tale. I can’t recommend this film enough as an intro to Wes Anderson’s unique library of work.

Starring : Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric Director : Wes Anderson Runtime : 1h 39m

Out of Africa (1985)

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Winner of seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Meryl Streep stars in a slow burn that is as much a love story with Africa as it is a romance. With the stunning backdrop of Kenya, the film rewards nature lovers just as much as enjoyers of a dramatic, simmering romance.

Starring : Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, Klaus Maria Brandauer Director : Sydney Pollack Runtime : 2h 41m

The Way Back (2010)

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As a first-generation refugee immigrant from Russia, The Way Back resonates particularly strongly for me as it chronicles the escape of a group of prisoners from a Siberian gulag who traverse thousands of miles to find freedom and safety in India.

Starring : Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris, Colin Farrell Director : Peter Weir Runtime : 2h 13m

Tracks (2013)

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Harsh terrain can play host to some of the world’s most incredible adventures as it innately provides an element of risk and danger, and nowhere does this hold true as much as the desolate stretches of Australia.

The true life story of Robyn Davidson’s solo trek across the Australian desert alongside her camels and dog is both moving and full of phenomenal cinematography that will leave you with a newfound appreciation of desert beauty.

Starring : Mia Wasikowska, Adam Driver, Lily Pearl Director : John Curran Runtime : 1h 52m

7 Years in Tibet (1997)

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A movie about a mountain climber that doesn’t focus on mountain climbing may seem odd, but this true story of Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer and his unlikely friendship with the Dalai Lama is a fascinating historical snapshot.

Starring : Brad Pitt, David Thewlis, BD Wong Director : Jean-Jacques Annaud Runtime : 2h 16m

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

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Take a journey to the Middle East with a film often lauded as one of the most remarkable pieces of filmmaking. Follow along with T.E. Lawrence’s journey through the Ottoman Empire and his conflicting allegiances between his native Britain and the friends he’s made in the Arabian desert tribes.

Starring : Peter O’Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn Director : David Lean Runtime : 3h 38m

The Goonies (1985)

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Being raised in Oregon, it didn’t take long until I was swept up by the cult following of The Goonies , set in the little coastal town of Astoria in my home state.

If you’ve enjoyed the global phenomena of the ’80s nostalgia of Stranger Things , watch one of its inspirations that tells the story of four young boys, an old pirate treasure map, and their quest to find gold and save their neighborhood.

Starring : Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen Director : Richard Donner Runtime : 1h 54m

Jumanji (1995)

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Fantasy and adventure come together in the first Jumanji entry about a magical board game that pits two siblings against wild creatures and challenges in the real world. With so many “serious” adventures highlighted on our list, this classic Robin Williams portrayal provides some very welcome levity as a contrast.

Starring : Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst, Bonnie Hunt Director : Joe Johnston Runtime : 1h 44m

Life of Pi (2012)

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A second entry with heavy overtones of fantasy tells the story of Pi Patel, a young boy stranded at sea after a shipwreck, along with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Is it fantasy? Is it real? Perhaps the answer doesn’t matter nearly as much as the spiritual and emotional journey.

Starring : Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain Director : Ang Lee Runtime : 2h 7m

Nomadland (2020)

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What does it mean to be a nomad? Explore the essence of a community that strives to live outside convention through Fern’s eyes, a woman who distills her life to its simplest form by traveling the American West in her van after her hometown goes under during the recession.

Starring : Frances McDormand, David Strathairn, Linda May Director : Chloé Zhao Runtime : 1h 47m

Indiana Jones Series (1981 – 2023)

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With five entries spanning 40+ years, the Indiana Jones movies are quintessential entries in the adventure genre.

Regardless of which film in the series you pick, you’ll get plenty of Harrison Ford starring in globe-trotting quests for ancient artifacts. Newcomers should start where it all began: The Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Starring : Harrison Ford and others Director : Steven Spielberg and others Runtime : Varies by movie

Best Adventure Documentaries

Fictional or dramatized adventures have their own place, but sometimes you’d prefer to see some real-life footage of the crazy, mind-blowing, first-of-their-kind adventures we humans are capable of. Here are some of the very best to get you started.

Free Solo (2018)

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Alex Honnold is the rare climber who has become a household name alongside such sport greats as Messi, Jordan, and Brady. But what Alex achieved had never been done before: climbing the 3,000-foot face of El Capitan in Yosemite without any safety equipment.

One of the best climbing documentaries ever made has a bit of everything: a gripping narrative, a mind-boggling achievement, and some of the finest cinematography of Yosemite National Park you can find anywhere.

Starring : Alex Honnold, Tommy Caldwell, Jimmy Chin Directors : Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi Runtime : 1h 40m

The Endurance (2000)

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The 1914 attempt by Ernest Shackleton to be the first man to cross the Antarctic continent on foot would be hard to believe if not for the fantastic stories and footage that he brought back and are on full display in this documentary.

If you’re curious about what it takes to survive in one of the coldest and most desolate areas on Earth, or simply love historical accounts of early explorers, The Endurance is the place to start.

Starring : Liam Neeson, Julian Ayer, John Blackborow Director : George Butler Runtime : 1h 37m

180° South (2010)

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Part road trip, part mountain climbing, and part meditation on environmental responsibility, 180° South documents Jeff Johnson’s attempt to recreate the 1968 journey of Yvon Chouinard (founder of Patagonia) and Doug Tompkins to climb the Fitz Roy, in Patagonia.

Rather than glorifying the act of adventuring itself, the documentary dives into the philosophical nature of why we crave adventure and how to make it meaningful on an individual level.

Starring : Yvon Chouinard, Doug Tompkins, Keith Malloy Director : Chris Malloy Runtime : 1h 25m

The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young (2015)

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At one point, medical professionals claimed that even a marathon was too long to be safe. Then came the era of the ultra marathon, which could only be upstaged by the crazed creation of a man named Lazarus Lake: an ultra race that aims to have no finishers.

You probably won’t want to run the Barkleys after watching this documentary (if you’re sane), but you’ll definitely enjoy a deep dive into one of the most daunting American foot races, set in Tennessee’s Frozen Head State Park.

Starring : Lazarus Lake Directors : Annika Iltis, Timothy James Kane Runtime : 1h 29m

Grizzly Man (2005)

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Documentary fans have undoubtedly heard the name Werner Herzog, but if you haven’t, Grizzly Man is one of his crowning accomplishments and a must-watch. The documentary looks at the life of Timothy Treadwell, a bear enthusiast obsessed with living alongside grizzly bears in the Alaskan wilderness.

Starring : Timothy Treadwell, Amie Huguenard, Werner Herzog Director : Werner Herzog Runtime : 1h 43m

Encounters at the End of the World (2008)

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Herzog is so iconic he gets back-to-back entries on this list. Rather than focusing on the landscape or wildlife of Antarctica, he takes a deep dive into the people living and working at McMurdo Station.

A focus on the eccentric population highlights Herzog’s love of people and his intrinsic ability to draw out and dissect the tendrils of their life stories. All of this is juxtaposed against the stark beauty of Antarctica’s desolate surroundings.

Starring : Werner Herzog, Scott Rowland, Stefan, Pashov Director : Werner Herzog Runtime : 1h 39m

Meru (2015)

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Jimmy Chin is a master of filming outdoor adventures, including leading the creative team behind Free Solo. Meru provides an intimate look into his attempts, along with world-renowned climbers Conrad Anker and Renan Ozturk, to be the first humans to scale the Shark’s Fin route up Meru Peak in the Himalayas.

Starring : Conrad Anker, Grace Chin, Jimmy Chin Director : Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai, Vasarhelyi Runtime : 1h 30m

Long Way Round (Miniseries) (2004)

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With so many documentaries providing only a short snapshot into their subject matter, it’s refreshing to dive into the sprawling, in-depth look at the 20,000-mile motorcycle journey taken by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman.

Covering Europe, Asia, and North America, their journey and first-hand footage will take you to rarely-seen places like the wilds of Mongolia and Siberia.

Starring : Ewan McGregor, Charley Boorman, David Alexanian Creators : David Alexanian, Charley Boorman, Russ Malkin Runtime : 5h 15m

A Map for Saturday (2007)

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Could you give up your entire life and travel the world full-time? For many of us, that’s not completely desirable or realistic, but this documentary by Brook Silva Braga captures his year of globe-trotting.

Whether you use his experiences to plan your own grand worldly adventure or vicariously enjoy his nomadic lifestyle, you’ll enjoy this dive into the “why” of long-term travel and backpacking.

Starring : Scott Erikson, Rebecca Filmer, Sabrina Hezinger Director : Brook Silva-Braga Runtime : 1h 30m

14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible (2021)

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Climbing a single 8,000-meter peak would be a monumental lifetime achievement for the average person, but Nirmal Purja set out to climb all fourteen of the world’s tallest peaks in just seven months.

Beyond celebrating one of mountaineering’s most challenging and prized achievements, the documentary is a thoughtful look into the pivotal role of Nepalese Sherpas who so often get overlooked by Western media.

Starring : Nirmal Purja, Suchi Purja, Klára Kolouchová Director : Torquil Jones Runtime : 1h 41m

Time to Make Your Own Adventure Movie

We here at The Packable Life are all about exploration and discovery, so we encourage you to take inspiration from these vivid travel- and outdoor-themed adventure movies. From classic travel journeys to heart-pounding nature documentaries, I hope this list motivates you to schedule your next quest.

Now you know a few of my favorite adventure movies, but your list will likely look very different. By all means, let’s share — use the Comments section, below, to add your own must-sees or to tell me how misguided I am for some of my picks.

Happy trails to you, and may you never stop exploring!

Last Updated on March 19, 2024

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Maks Durayev

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Full Suitcase Travel Blog

21 Best Travel Movies That Will Inspire Your Wanderlust

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: September 8, 2023

21 Best Travel Movies That Will Inspire Your Wanderlust

Are you looking for some good movies about travel to kindle your wanderlust? This article has some great suggestions and some of the best travel films of all time . Find out!

Have you ever found yourself inspired to travel to one or the other location just because you saw it in a movie? It happens to me all the time! So in this article, I share some of my favorite travel movies , the ones that got me googling the filming location and planning a trip before the movie was even over.

If you are looking for a good story or some travel inspiration, then you’ll definitely find it in these films. These are one by one great travel movies and stories that will get you out of the couch and booking a trip to discover new destinations.

Below is my personal selection of some of the best travel movies of all time. Take a look!

Click on the title of the movie to see reviews, get a DVD, or watch it on Amazon Prime . Some of these movies are also available on Netflix.

These are the best travel films:

Into The Wild

Into The Wild is an unbelievable true story of a top student and athlete who abandons everything he has and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. This movie will probably stay with you forever.

It’s an inspiring story taking place in the most incredible landscapes of Alaska. If you choose just a few movies to watch from this list, definitely include this one in your selection!

Into The Wild - one of the best travel movies

The Way is a heart-warming story of a father who heads overseas to retrace the last days of his son’s life who passed away while traveling the Camino de Santiago trail in the Pyrenees (France – Spain). Once he gets there, he decides to take the pilgrimage himself.

This movie is about family, friendships, and life choices. And of course, the beautiful places along Camino de Santiago. It’s a powerful story that will make you think deeper about the difference of the life we live and the life we choose.

The Way - amazing travel film

Under The Tuscan Sun

Under The Tuscan Sun is a romantic story that takes place in rural Tuscany . Lovely landscapes, an Italian lifestyle, and a heart-warming life story make it a perfect choice for a relaxing evening.

This beautiful light-hearted movie will get you planning a trip to Tuscany in Italy sooner than you think.

Under The Tuscan Sun - the movie that will get you planning a trip to Italy

The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty

The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty   is a light-hearted story for a movie night with friends. The movie features some of the most incredible travel destinations all over the world.

A lot of the scenes (even the ones from the Himalayas and Afghanistan) are filmed in Iceland and some in Greenland . The unbelievable adventures of Walter Mitty will leave you longing for an extraordinary adventure of your own.

This film is so good that it has inspired thousands and thousands of people to travel more and discover new places. If you watch just one movie from this list of the best travel films, make it ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’. You’ll love it!

The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty - probably the best travel film ever

A Walk in the Woods

A Walk in the Woods movie is based on a true story and a book by Bill Bryson, A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail .

The famous writer who never hiked much sets on the Appalachian Trail. With a total length of about 2,200 miles (3,500 km), this famous American hiking trail stretches through 14 states along the east coast of the United States, from Georgia to Maine.

I haven’t read the book and the reviews are somewhat mixed (it seems that people either love or hate Bryson and his writing style). But I find that the movie is really funny, entertaining, and the scenery will definitely inspire you to get outdoors and take a hike of your own.

Best travel movies - A Walk in the Woods

Out of Africa

Ok, I know it’s an old one, but Out of Africa definitely deserves a place in the all-time favorite travel movies list.

Filmed in Kenya and the UK, this classic that has won 7 Oscars and countless other prizes will definitely get you dreaming of Africa. It’s one of those movies that you can watch again and again.

Out of Africa - classical movie that will inspire your wanderlust

The Motorcycle Diaries

The Motorcycle Diaries is an awe-inspiring film that is based on the memoirs of Che Guevara.

It will take you to the most beautiful places in South America. A beautiful story in an incredible setting.

The Motorcycle Diaries - great travel movie

In Bruges  is very different from all the rest of the travel movies on this list. But I just had to include this movie in the top-20 of the best travel films because it’s filmed in Belgium, where we live.

It’s a hilarious dark comedy and a great performance by all three main characters in the most fantastic setting in Belgium’s most beautiful fairytale town.

If you haven’t been to Bruges, you’ll definitely want to visit it after watching this movie! Here you can find some inspiration with our insider tips for the best things to do in Bruges .

In Bruges - great travel film

Before Sunrise – Before Sunset – Before Midnight

If you like Europe and deep meaningful dialogues with a good dose of humor, you’ll love this trilogy called Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and Before Midnight . We only discovered these films recently when we accidentally saw the first one, Before Sunrise, on TV. 

Regarded as one of the most significant films of the ’90s, Before Sunrise, was followed by two more sequels. We watched all three films and loved every second of it.

The first movie takes you to Vienna, Austria, the second one – to Paris, and the third – to the Greek Islands.

These travel films are probably not for everyone, but if you can appreciate this style, you’ll love them all!

Movie series Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, Before Midnight

Amélie

If you haven’t been to Paris yet, you will definitely want to plan a trip after watching this movie. If you have, you’ll want to return.

Amélie is a beautiful example of French cinema. It will also take you to the most inspiring locations in Paris. The film is set in the Montmartre neighborhood in Paris and shows you the more local side of living in this fascinating city.

Amelie - good travel movie that will inspire to visit Paris

This travel movie is based on a true story of a young woman who sets on a journey of over 1,000 miles hoping to recover after the passing of her mother.

Wild  is full of beautiful scenes throughout the Pacific Northwest in the U.S. This is one of those travel films that remind you that often the journey is more important than the destination.

Wild - one of the best travel movies ever

Lost In Translation

A beautiful film that shows the fun and unexpected side of traveling in a new country. Lost In Translation is about the many little random travel experiences that stay with you long after you return back home.

The sights and the energy of Tokyo will get you planning a trip to Japan.

‘Lost in Translation’ is considered a real classic and one of the best travel films ever.

Lost in Translation - one of the best travel movies

Midnight in Paris

Midnight in Paris is a bit different travel film than all the rest in this selection. And it’s probably not for everyone…

But if you like Woody Allen, Paris, and the artist lifestyle, then you’ll love this surreal story that takes you back to Paris of the 1920s.

Midnight in Paris - travel film

A Good Year

A Good Year is a light-hearted romantic story that takes place in the most beautiful setting in the Provence region in the South of France.

This movie will not only inspire you to visit France but might also make you reconsider your life choices. It’s a story about leaving the rat race, getting back to your roots, and enjoying the simple things in life.

A truly great film!

A Good Year - great travel film

The Way Back

The Way Back is inspired by an incredible true story of seven prisoners from very different backgrounds who try to escape from a Siberian prison in winter.

This movie is filmed in some amazing locations in India, Morocco, and Bulgaria and features some great actors.

Film The Way Back

The Beach is a great film from the ’90s that has a little bit of everything: good story, beautiful music, and amazing scenery from Thailand. Oh, and the young Leonardo DiCaprio, who once again proves that he deserves the Oscar he finally got recently.

For a while, Thailand even had to close Maya Beach on Koh Phi-Phi due to its increasing popularity which has been attributed mainly to this film. So if you feel inspired to visit Thailand after watching ‘The Beach’, you may want to look for some alternative beaches and beautiful islands.

You can find some inspiration in our Thailand island hopping itinerary .

The Beach - one of the best travel movies

Tracks is a beautiful adventure film of a young woman who crossed 1,700-miles over the deserts of West Australia with four camels and her faithful dog.

It’s based on a true story and featuring some amazing Australian landscapes. A beautiful film that will inspire you to visit the Australian Outback !

Tracks - good travel film

Encounters At The End Of The World

Encounters At The End Of The World is an incredibly beautiful and funny travel film about the people and animals who live in Antarctica.

If Antarctica was not on your travel list yet, it will be after watching this great documentary!

Encounters At The End Of The World

The Bucket List

The Bucket List is sentimental, predictable, and yet a very heart-warming story that will inspire you to tick off your bucket list sooner rather than later.

Filmed in various locations in India, China, Egypt, Tanzania, France, and the U.S., this movie will definitely give you some new ideas for the next trips.

The Bucket List - one of the great movies about travel

Photos: IMDb

So, this is a list of some of my top travel films and favorite movies about travel. Have you seen any of these films? Which one is your favorite travel movie of all time?

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

The best travel movies of all time

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Monday 18th of September 2023

When I’m always about to go on an adventure I keep coming back to this page to get inspired to travel to somewhere new

Thursday 21st of September 2023

What a great way to find some trip inspiration, Joshua. Happy travels!

Sunday 5th of March 2023

They aren’t travel movies, but The Lord of the Rings trilogy inspired me to go to New Zealand! How could those scenes in the mountains not inspire everyone?

Monday 6th of March 2023

Agree! (and New Zealand is absolutely stunning ;))

Thursday 2nd of March 2023

Thank you for sharing! This list is awesome!

Saturday 22nd of October 2022

If you wanna know one more... U can watch "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara". It means "U won't have a second Life again". It's soo good and so inspiring...thank me later.

Sunday 23rd of October 2022

Thanks for the recommendation, Asif! Will see if we can find this movie.

Sunday 10th of April 2022

Thank you for the awesome movie recommendations

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adventure and travel movies

60 Essential Adventure Movies

The adventure is one of the hardest kinds of movie to define, but like certain other genres:  “ You know it when you see it.” Adventures are grand, exciting, and often epic tales, usually focused on people on a mission, whose purposes include fame, fortune, and glory. The best adventure movies can run on the thrill of exploration and discovery, treading deep into jungles, stalking across arid deserts, or sailing across open oceans. The casts of characters feature rambunctious pirates, lordly counts, mercenaries and bounty hunters, big whales, and even bigger apes. And adventure movies can invite their other genre buddies along for the ride, too, including fantasy and science-fiction.

Now we’re embarking on our own journey, plundering gem after gem for a guide to what we’re calling the essential adventure movies if you love the genre. Listing these best adventure movies in chronological order, we begin a century in the past, when the adventure genre was defined by the swashbucklers of  Captain Blood and The Three Musketeers . At the same time, the fantastical elements introduced in King Kong and Wizard of Oz marked adventure movies as the spot to introduce the latest in dazzling special effects.

After World War II, the adventure genre entered its prestige era, with historical epics like Lawrence of Arabia and The Man Who Would Be King , and tales of derring-do in The African Queen and The Great Escape . Here it should be said there is a certain Western-centric viewpoint that cannot be denied as inherent to many adventure movies, one that ‘others’ different countries and cultures. And hopefully what elevates these movies above that are their swaggering sense of playful optimism and lighthearted fun.

That’s certainly evident in Raiders of the Lost Ark , whose retro serial action and intrigue established the adventure formula for a new generation, which marched on through Indiana Jones’ sequels, Romancing the Stone , National Treasure , and The Mummy . During the same ’80s Indy decade, the adventure genre opened itself back up to sci-fi and fantasy, along with spotlighting younger protagonists, leading to The Goonies , The NeverEnding Story , Labyrinth , and more.

Around the turn of the century, the adventure movie successfully aided the resurrection of other genres that common Hollywood wisdom had deemed box office poison: swashbucklers ( The Mask of Zorro ), high fantasy ( The Lord of the Rings ), and even the pirate movie ( Pirates of the Caribbean ), which had been sent to Davy Jones’ Locker after Cutthroat Island sank Carolco Pictures.

And since 2012’s Life of Pi , there’s been another adventure resurgence with The Jungle Book and more Kong and Jumanji movies.

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The Three Musketeers (1921) 92%

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King Kong (1933) 97%

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Captain Blood (1935) 100%

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The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) 100%

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The Wizard of Oz (1939) 98%

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Gunga Din (1939) 92%

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The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) 100%

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The Three Musketeers (1948) 75%

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The African Queen (1951) 96%

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20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) 91%

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Moby Dick (1956) 81%

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The Hidden Fortress (1958) 96%

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Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959) 84%

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Lawrence of Arabia (1962) 94%

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The Great Escape (1963) 94%

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The Three Musketeers (1973) 88%

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The Man Who Would Be King (1975) 97%

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Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) 93%

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Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) 77%

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Romancing the Stone (1984) 86%

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The Neverending Story (1984) 83%

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The Goonies (1985) 77%

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Return to Oz (1985) 58%

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Flight of the Navigator (1986) 84%

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Labyrinth (1986) 77%

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The Princess Bride (1987) 96%

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Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) 84%

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Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989) 76%

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The Armour of God (1986) 71%

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Hook (1991) 29%

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White Fang (1991) 67%

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Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) 51%

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The Last of the Mohicans (1992) 88%

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Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book (1994) 80%

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Jumanji (1995) 51%

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The Mask of Zorro (1998) 84%

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The Mummy (1999) 61%

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The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) 91%

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Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) 20%

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The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) 73%

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Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) 80%

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Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003) 85%

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Big Fish (2003) 75%

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National Treasure (2004) 46%

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King Kong (2005) 84%

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Zathura (2005) 76%

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Duma (2005) 95%

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Stardust (2007) 77%

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Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008) 60%

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Nim's Island (2008) 53%

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City of Ember (2008) 53%

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Alice in Wonderland (2010) 51%

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Life of Pi (2012) 86%

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The Jungle Book (2016) 94%

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Kong: Skull Island (2017) 75%

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Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) 76%

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The Lost City of Z (2016) 86%

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A Wrinkle in Time (2018) 43%

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Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019) 85%

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The Kid Who Would Be King (2019) 90%

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30 Best Travel Movies to Inspire the Wanderer in You

Julie Last updated: January 16, 2024 Travel Inspiration 6 Comments

Best Travel Movies

Have you ever been inspired to visit a new place just because you saw it in a movie? Movies have a way of bringing the world to our TV sets. They can be inspiring, they can be motivational, and they can make us want to go out and explore the world. Here are 20 of the best travel movies to inspire your wanderlust.

Table of Contents

Best Travel Movies

1. the secret life of walter mitty.

I am going to start with our favorite movie on this list. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is brilliant in so many ways.

Walter Mitty Best Travel Movies

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty | Best Travel Movies

Walter Mitty (played by Ben Stiller) works at Life magazine and his uneventful days are filled with daydreams of heroism and adventure. When a film negative goes missing, Walter has to step outside of his comfort zone and travel to remote locations in search of the negative. His adventure takes him to Greenland, Iceland , and Afghanistan. This marvelous journey is a life changing experience for Walter, who ends up becoming a more confident person who abandons the daydreams for real-life adventures.

The movie is inspiring, lighthearted, and comedic at times. This performance is one of Ben Stiller’s best, the cinematography is stunning, and the soundtrack is amazing.

2. Into the Wild

Into the Wild is based on the true story of Christopher McCandless. In 1992, McCandless, who just graduated from college, donates his $25,000 in savings to a charity and steps out into the wild. He backpacks his way around the US and ends up in Alaska. Four months after starting this journey, his remains are discovered in Alaska.

Into the Wild Best Travel Movies

Into the Wild | Best Travel Movies

Even though it has a tragic ending, this is an inspiring, thought-provoking story. This is a story about giving up a cushy lifestyle and stepping out into the unknown and being self-reliant.

3. Under the Tuscan Sun

Have you ever traveled to a place and liked it so much you wanted to live there forever? Well, for Frances Mayes (Diane Lane), that is exactly what happens. While on a 10-day trip to Tuscany, Frances impulsively purchases an abandoned villa.

This movie is filled with humor, romance, and plenty of gorgeous vistas of Tuscany. Under the Tuscan Sun will have you packing your bags for Italy.

Best Travel Movies Tuscan Sun

Under the Tuscan Sun | Best Travel Movies

4. Midnight in Paris

Not only does this movie whisk you away to Paris , but it also travels back in time.

Gil (played by Owen Wilson) is visiting Paris with his fiancée (played by Rachel McAdams) and her parents. He is in the midst of a dilemma about ending his career as a film writer in order to put more time into writing his novel, when, at midnight, he is transported into Paris in the 1920’s. He meets Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Gil finds himself at home during this golden age and returns to 1920’s Paris on a nightly basis and this reshapes what he thinks about his marriage and his future.

In Midnight in Paris, be transported back and forth from modern Paris and 1920’s Paris. The cast and the acting is superb and this is a uplifting, entertaining movie.

Midnight in Paris Best Travel Movies

Midnight in Paris | Best Travel Movies

Everest is a movie that dramatizes the real-life climbing disaster that occurred on Mount Everest in 1996. It is based on the book Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer.

The first part of the movie, from Kathmandu through the trek to Everest Base Camp , is our favorite part. The actual trail to Base Camp was used in the filming of the movie. 

Everest Best Travel Movies

Everest | Best Travel Movies

6. Lion 

Lion is an amazing true story about a young Indian boy who gets lost in Calcutta, far from home. He ends up being adopted by a couple in Australia. As an adult, he sets out on a mission to find his family, which is challenging, since he has very few memories of his original home.

This movie takes place in India and Australia. Dev Patel plays Saroo/Sunny Pawar and Nicole Kidman plays the adoptive mother.

It is a miraculous story, from Saroo surviving on the streets of India as a young boy, moving to a very different set of circumstances in Australia, and then finding and reuniting with his family in India.

Lion is one of the best travel movies on this list.

Lion Best Travel Movies

Lion | Best Travel Movies

7. Touching the Void

Touching the Void is a real-life adventure story that takes place in the mountains of Peru . Joe Simpson and Simon Yates are the first people to successfully climb Siula Grande. During their descent, disaster strikes. Simpson falls a short distance, breaking his leg. This is an amazing story of survival and the dangers that go with mountaineering.

Best Travel Movies Adventure

Touching the Void | Best Travel Movies

The Way is another one of our favorites on this list. It is a heartwarming, inspiring story that just may have you dreaming of walking the Camino de Santiago.

Tom (Martin Sheen) travels to St. Jean Pied de Port, France to collect the body of his son (Emilio Estevez), who was recently killed in a mountain storm. To honor his son, Tom decides to walk the entire Camino de Santiago. Along the way, he becomes friends with three other travelers, each on this pilgrimage for their own personal reasons.

This is a movie about camaraderie and the self-transformation of travel. For those who are dreaming about walking the Camino de Santiago, this movie is a must-see.

The Way Best Travel Movies

The Way | Best Travel Movies

9. The Grand Budapest Hotel

Directed by Wes Anderson and starring a long list of big name actors (Jeff Goldblum, William Dafoe, Ralph Fiennes, Harvey Keitel, Jude Law, Bill Murray, and Edward Norton, just to name a few), The Grand Budapest Hotel takes place inside a famous European hotel between WWI and WWII.

Grand Budapest Best Travel Movies

The Grand Budapest Hotel | Best Travel Movies

This comedy has many outrageous plot twists and mysteries. The cinematography is excellet, the cast and acting are top notch, and this is a wonderful, quirky movie.

The town of Görlitz in Saxony, Germany was a filming location for this movie.

10. I Dreamed of Africa

The first time I saw I Dreamed of Africa I was overcome with an overwhelming desire to visit Africa. The cinematography is gorgeous, filled with the amazing landscapes and wildlife of Africa.

Kuki Gallman (Kim Basinger) leaves her luxurious life in Italy for a rugged existence in Kenya. She lives on a ranch with her husband and son, braving storms, poachers, and wild animals. Hers is a story of adventure, beauty, and personal loss. This is a tragic story, one that will leave you heartbroken in the end, but it is one that is filled with the dangers and the beauty of Africa.

Dreamed of Africa Travel Movie

I Dreamed of Africa | Best Travel Movies

11. 7 Years in Tibet

This movie is based on the memoir of Austrian alpinist Heinrich Harrer.

In 1939, after a failed attempt to climb Nanda Parbat in the Himalayas, Heinrich (played by Brad Pitt) is taken prisoner at a British detention center. Heinrich escapes and goes on a trek through the Kingdom of Tibet. He ends up in Lhasa where the Tibetans welcome him. Heinrich meets the Dalai Lama, renounces Nazism, and begins to practice Buddhism.

7 Years in Tibet is a movie about a beautiful country and the radical transformation of Heinrich Harrer.

7 Years Tibet Best Travel Movies

7 Years in Tibet | Best Travel Movies

12. Paris Je T’Aime

Paris Je T’Aime is a collection of 18 short movies that take place in the different arrondissements of Paris. There is an American woman on her first international trip, a young backpacker who falls in love with a vampire, and a tourist who gets involved in a conflict with a young couple in the Tuileries metro station. Some stories are better than others, some are in English, and some are in French with subtitles.

If you have a love affair with Paris like me, you will love this movie.

Best Travel Movies Paris

Paris Je T’aime | Best Travel Movies

13. The Motorcycle Diaries

The Motorcycle Diaries is a true story based on the life of Ernesto “Che” Guevara. Ernesto and his friend, Alberto Granado, hop on a motorcycle for a road trip through South America.

Filled with mishaps and adventures, it is a life-changing journey as they travel across the continent. As they encounter the social problems and inequalities of South America, Che grows from a naïve young man to the iconic revolutionary we know today.

Best Travel Movies South America

The Motorcycle Diaries | Best Travel Movies

14. The Bucket List

The Bucket List is about Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) and Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson), two men recently diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. They meet and become friends while sharing a hospital room. Over the next three months, Carter and Edward share bucket list adventures around the world, including an African safari, trekking to Everest Base Camp, and flying over the North Pole.

Best Travel Movies Bucket List

The Bucket List | Best Travel Movies

15. The Darjeeling Limited

Directed by Wes Anderson, The Darjeeling Limited is a story about three brothers who are traveling by train through India to find their mother. It’s funny, it’s sad, and it is a beautiful movie with an excellent soundtrack.

Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, and Adrien Brody are the lead actors and Bill Murray makes a brief appearance.

Darjeeling Limited

The Darjeeling Limited | Best Travel Movies

16. National Lampoon’s Vacation

Vacation is the hilarious tale of the Griswold’s road trip across the US. Filled with mishaps and what not to do while on vacation, this movie will have you laughing out loud.

Almost as good is European Vacation , the sequel to Vacation. The Griswold’s win a trip to Europe and leave a trail of destruction through London, Paris, Bavaria, and Rome.

Lampoons Vacation Movie

17. A Map for Saturday

What would it be like to travel the world for a year? A Map for Saturday answers this question.

“A Map for Saturday” is a documentary about around the world travel. It is filled with interviews from other backpackers during their journey. From all stages of the trip, from first leaving your home country, to what it is like to backpack across the globe, to what it is like to finally return home, this movie covers it all.

For those with dreams of traveling around the world , this movie is a must-see. “A Map for Saturday” does a great job accurately portraying what it is really like to travel around the world, mirroring our personal experience.

Best Travel Movies Around the World

18. Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit Trilogy

To see the gorgeous landscapes of New Zealand , put any of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy or the Hobbit Trilogy movies on your list. With an epic storyline and breathtaking landscapes, the Hobbit Trilogy and the Lord of the Rings each make a great series for movie marathons.

Hobbit Best Travel Movies

19. Mission: Impossible Series

The Mission: Impossible collection is a series of six movies which star Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt. In each movie, Hunt and his team stop an enemy force to prevent a global disaster.

This movie series is filmed in locations around the world, from famous cities to more off the beaten path places.

Best Travel Movies Mission Impossible

Mission: Impossible , filmed in 1996, mostly takes place in London and Prague.

Mission: Impossible 2 starts off with Ethan Hunt rock climbing at Dead Horse Point State Park in Utah. Most of the remainder of the film was filmed in Australia, mainly around Sydney.

Mission: Impossible 3 features scenes from the Vatican , Rome, and Shanghai, China.

Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol takes place in Budapest , Red Square and the Kremlin in Moscow, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, and Mumbai, India (although Prague and Vancouver were used as the actual filming locations for Moscow and Budapest).

Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation takes place in London, Vienna, and Morocco.

Mission: Impossible Fallout was filmed on Pulpit Rock in Norway , in Queenstown and the Milford Sound, New Zealand, and in Paris and London.

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1 was released in July 2023 and has scenes filmed in Rome , Venice , Abu Dhabi, England, and Norway (the motorcycle stunt was filmed at Helsetkopen Mountain, not far from Geiranger and Ålesund ).

20. Planet Earth

Planet Earth is a masterpiece. Witness the amazing diversity of this planet, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains to the driest deserts. It’s gorgeous, it’s educational, and it’s perfect for all ages.

Planet Earth Best Travel Movies

The Planet Earth Collection | Best Travel Movies

More Great Travel Movies

Here are several more great travel movies that take place around the world.

Castaway is about a man who is the sole survivor of a plane crash and ends up living on a remote island. Much of this movie was filmed on Modriki Island, Fiji.

The Beach is about a young man, played by Leonard DiCaprio, who travels to Thailand and goes in search of paradise on a hidden, mysterious island.

The Big Year is a funny, inspiring movie about birdwatchers competing to spot the most species of birds in one year. This lighthearted movie stars Jack Black, Owen Wilson, and Steve Martin. 

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil takes place in Savannah, Georgia and is based on a true story about a murder.

The Tourist, starring Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp, is about an American man on vacation in Venice who meets a mysterious woman and gets tied up in a web of deceit. In this movie, Venice is the main character.

Nomadland is a movie about Fern (Frances McDormand) who leaves conventional life behind, living out of her van as she moves from job to job and place to place across the American Southwest. Badlands National Park , Wall Drug Store, Custer State Park , and Scottsbluff all make appearances in this movie.

Amelie , Taken , and The DaVinci Code are all filmed in Paris, France.

Wild is based on a true story about a young woman who walks the Pacific Crest Trail after recovering from a personal tragedy. It is funny, uplifting, and very inspiring. The book is even better than the movie.

Did we miss anything? What do you think are the best travel movies? Comment below!

More Travel Inspiration

TRAVEL BOOKS: Here are 30 great travel books to feed your wanderlust.

TRAVEL INSPIRATION: Here are 10 unique destinations to put on your travel wish list and 15 fairytale destinations from around the world.

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: For more information about the camera gear we carry, check out our Travel Photography Gear Guide. And tips and tricks for taking great photos in our article How to Take Better Photos while Traveling.

EUROPE ITINERARY IDEAS: Let us take the guesswork out of planning your next trip to Europe. Check out our articles 10 Ways to Spend 10 Days in Europe and One Week in Europe: 25 Amazing Itineraries.

Best Travel Movies

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Related Posts

Best Travel Books

100 Foot Journey, La Vien Rose, Bread & Tulips, A Month At The Lake, Enchanted April. Now, I’m going to watch a few of your suggestions!

Avatar for Trish

Meru has become a family favorite viewed several times. Thanks,for the other suggestions

Avatar for Julie

Thanks for the suggestion! I just added it to our Amazon Watchlist (it’s included with Prime!). Cheers, Julie

Avatar for Wanda ZUEGE

Thank you for the 15 Best yravel movies. I look forward to more travel news.

Avatar for Cathy

I would add ‘Meru’. An amazing film with beautiful videography. There are a couple movies you listed that I have not seen, thank you for sharing. Three years into my life of a full time traveler! Love following your adventures as well. Best wishes, -Cathy

Thanks for the recommendation! Happy travels, Julie

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75+ Best Travel Movies to Inspire Your Wanderlust

Home » Blog » Travel » 75+ Best Travel Movies to Inspire Your Wanderlust

 curated a giant list of wanderlust-inducing movies that’ll make you feel as if you are on an adventure far, far away. This list of travel movies covers all genres, from comedies to dramas to documentaries and even a big section of travel series on Netflix!

Best Travel Movies

It’s not always possible to jump on a plane bound for a far-flung destination, but that doesn’t mean your wanderlust just quietly subsides. Nah, that’s when those itchy feet get even itchier. We know the struggle all too well, friends.

There’s no real cure, but sometimes looking at old travel photos does the trick and other times, getting wrapped up in a good travel book makes you almost feel like you did get on that plane after all…

But let’s be real, sometimes you just need to curl up on your couch and turn your brain off for a while. Finding a good travel movie (or Netflix series!) lets you escape reality andexperience the magic of traveling without ever leaving your living room.

We’ve curated a giant list of travel movies including some of our personal favorites as well as some films that are on our to-watch list. Some of these movies are specifically about travel, while others give you a glimpse into places around the world that might inspire your next big trip.

Whether you’re an avid traveler or someone who prefers to “explore” from the comforts of home, these movies will transport you to new and exciting locations around the globe. So bring on the popcorn and cozy slippers and get ready for your next travel adventure!

Types of Travel Movies

We’ve done our best to round up a variety of different kinds of travel movies — from comedic and light-hearted tales to action-packed thrillers to educational series. There is even a section of Netflix-produced films for easy accessibility! Whatever your movie genre preferences, you’ll find pretty much everything on the list.

Psst! Be sure to look for our personal notes, as we’re sharing our favorites on this list as well as a handful that are on our to-watch list!

Jump to the type of movie you prefer and see all the options we’ve gathered just for you:

Action & Adventure

Inspirational travel movies.

Travel & Romance

Outdoor Adventure Movies

Animated Travel Movies

Travel documentaries, netflix original travel series.

If you’re looking for a little comedic relief and some light-hearted travel inspiration, these movies are for you!

The Bucket List

Travel Movies | The Bucket List

Where: Around the world

What: This is the uplifting story of two strangers who decide to make the most out of life while facing their impending deaths. 

Two strangers nearing the end of their lives form a bond while sharing a room in the hospital. They decide to take a journey across the globe together checking off items on a list of things they want to accomplish before they kick the bucket. 

Watch trailer | Purchase | Rent

Crazy Rich Asians

Travel Movies | Crazy Rich Asians

Where: Singapore, New York City

What: A romantic comedy about love exceeding cultural barriers and family and societal pressures. 

TWS Favorite!

In this hilarious and heart-warming film, a girl from New York City, Rachel, agrees to go to Singapore with her boyfriend Nick to meet his family for the first time. She discovers his family is not only crazy-rich but he is also one of the country’s most eligible bachelors and she must fight off the competition – mostly his family – who don’t believe she is good enough for him. 

Watch trailer | Purchase | Rent  

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Travel Movies | The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Where: Iceland, Greenland, New York City

What: An inspiring film about stepping into the unknown and embracing unexpected adventures.  

Based on a short story, this movie is a blend of adventure, comedy and drama. The viewer follows the life of Walter Mitty, a man who is living an ordinary and often boring life but daydreams of more. Adventures begin to unfold when he steps out of his comfort zone, and he follows a hunch that brings him to Greenland and Iceland. A little predictable at times, but we like this movie a lot! The stunning landscapes and inspirational storyline are always a good pick-me-up. 

Psst! When this movie makes you want to pack your bags and travel to Iceland , we’ve got tons of tips and useful info for you!

Lost in Translation

Travel Movies | Lost in Translation

Where: Tokyo, Japan

What: A comedic drama about an unlikely friendship and facing personal challenges.

Bob is an aging American actor on assignment in Tokyo where he meets Charlotte, a young college graduate who’s been left behind by her photographer husband. Gradually the pair forms an unlikely friendship and face the challenges in their lives that they were running away from. 

Inspired to travel to Tokyo after watching this movie? We’ve got a huge list of the best things to do in Tokyo to help you plan a future trip!

The Darjeeling Limited

Travel Movies | The Darjeeling Limited

Where: India

What: A comedic film that examines the role of grief, extravagance and spirituality in the bond of family. 

Three brothers set out on a so-called “spiritual journey” to try and reconnect a year after the death of their father. Their adventure takes them across India on a train called the Darjeeling Limited and forces them into self-reflection. 

Travel Movies | In Bruges

Where: Bruges, Belgium

What: A dark comedy set in a beautiful medieval city in Belgium   

After a job goes wrong, Irish hitmen, Ray and Ken, decide to hole up in Belgium until things cool down. In the medieval city of Bruges, they meet tourists and locals and even find romance. 

Last Holiday

Travel Movies | Last Holiday

Where: Europe

What: A comedic film about breaking out of your shell, throwing caution to the wind and finding true happiness in life. 

After the discovery of a terminal illness, a shy woman (aka Queen Latifah) cashes out her bank accounts and jets off to Europe to live out her last days like a millionaire. Her positive attitude charms everyone she meets, the only thing she is missing is her long-time crush. While this movie might be a bit cheesy and cliché, it’s an uplifting comedy for a light-hearted movie night. 

Midnight in Paris

Travel Movies | Midnight in Paris

Where: Paris, France

What: A comedic film in which Woody Allen mocks the classic American ideals of status and class, set against the backdrop of nightlife in Paris. 

While on vacation in Paris with his fiancee and her family, Gil is having a hard time fitting in with her stuffy, pretentious family. In the midst of trying to finish his debut novel, he is beguiled by the city, which takes him to a time past, away from his fiancee.

The Hangover Part II

Travel Movies | The Hangover Part II

Where: Thailand  

What: The sequel to The Hangover, this movie follows a group of friends on a comedic adventure in Bangkok, Thailand.

If you’ve seen the original, you know this group of friends makes some poor decisions that lead to cringe-y but laugh-out-loud consequences like face tattoos and marrying strangers. Set 2 years after the original movie, one of the friends (Stu) is getting married in Thailand, and all that can go wrong does…

Psst! If all the bad things that happen in this movie don’t scare you away from planning a trip to Thailand , we’ve got all the information you need!

Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Travel Movies | The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

What: An uplifting tale of self-discovery, romance, and second chances.

Seven strangers decide to uproot their lives in the UK and live out the remainder of their golden years in what is promised to be a luxury resort for seniors. They get a lot more than they bargained for when they arrive in India to find the hotel in less than operational standards. However, with the encouragement of the hotel’s enthusiastic owner, they form unlikely bonds and bring the hotel and each other back to life. 

Amelie | Travel Movies

What: Uplifting film about a young woman who sets out on a mission to make other people’s lives better.

This quirky comedy is set in Paris, and brings you on a journey through this iconic city. The story follows Amélie, a young woman with a unique perspective on the world who is making it her mission to bring her own unique sense of justice to the world. As she’s helping others, she embarks on her own love story. 

Watch trailer | Purchase

Up in the Air

Up in the Air | Travel Movies

Where: Airports

What: The ups and downs in the lives of (very) frequent travelers.

This witty comedy starring George Clooney and Anna Kendrick, mostly takes place in airports and in the air instead of the destination itself. While it’s focused on travel for business, most travelers can relate to the “airport life” that you either love or hate, but can’t really escape.

Watch trailer | Watch Movie (Free with Amazon Prime Video)

Note: If you dig the airport setting, then be sure to check out Catch Me If You Can and The Terminal .

Be on the edge of your seat as you journey across the world with these dramatic tales adventures that take place around the globe. No packing necessary! Although you might want to keep the Kleenex box nearby for a few of the movies on this list…

Travel Movies | The Beach

Where: Thailand

What: This drama based on the best selling novel of the same name, examines the idea of self-discovery and limits of a utopian society. 

TWS Favorite! (We also like the book !)

Young American backpacker Richard arrives in Thailand with a thirst for adventure and the desire to discover something new. After hearing rumors about “The Beach”, he sets out to find paradise with his new friends. Soon after they arrive on the idyllic island, they realize that paradise isn’t always what it seems and find themselves in a fight for their own survival. 

The Motorcycle Diaries

Travel Movies | The Motorcycle Diaries

Where: Motorcycle trip around South America

What: A film about two young men on a journey to “forget who they were and discover who they are.”

TWS Favorite! (This is a book too !)

A biopic based on the memoir of 23-year-old Ernesto “Che” Guevara (later known as a Marxist guerilla leader and prominent figure of the Cuban Revolution, Che Guevara) as he finds his calling in life while on a motorcycle road trip across South America with his best friend Alberto. 

Travel Movies | Babel

Where: Morocco, Japan, Mexico and the US

What: This film gives an interesting take on cultural diversity and the barriers that both separate and connect humankind around the world. 

Told non-linearly, this is the story of four disparate groups of people on 3 separate continents whose destinies are intertwined after an accidental shooting leaves an American tourist fighting for her life in a remote village of Morocco. The film depicts the emotional struggles and traumatic situations as each of the characters tries to deal with their problems and winds up making an even greater mess of things. 

Travel Movies | Lion

Where: India and Australia

What: A biographical drama based on the memoir of Saroo Brierley.

At 5 years old, Sarroo is separated from his family in an unlucky series of events that leaves him alone on the streets of Calcutta, facing many challenges while thousands of miles from home. After being adopted by an Australian family, 25 years later he sets out on a journey through India to find his long-lost family. 

Y Tu Mama También 

Travel Movies | Y Tu Mama Tambien

Where: Mexico

What: With a combination of drama, comedy and sex, this coming-of-age film follows two teenage boys on their road trip across Mexico.

Julio and Tenoch, like most 17-year old boys, are driven by raging hormones, intense friendships, and a reckless rush towards adulthood. While on a cross-country road trip over the course of a summer with an older female companion, the two best friends get into plenty of trouble but ultimately find connection with each other, themselves and the world around them. 

Seven Years in Tibet

Travel Movies | Seven Years in Tibet

Where: Nepal, Tibet

What: Based on the memoir, this is the film adaptation of the real life events that lead Heinrich Harrer to spend seven transformational years in Tibet.

Follow legendary explorer, Heinrich Harrer, on his extraordinary journey across the frozen Himalayas. From being imprisoned by the Chinese to becoming one of the first Europeans to enter Tibet and the Forbidden City of Lhasa where his friendship with the young Dalai Lama transforms his life. 

The Impossible

Travel Movies | The Impossible

What: Based on a true story of survival and the desperate drive to be reunited with family. 

In 2004, tragedy struck Southeast Asia in one of the worst natural disasters in human history. The Bennett family is on holiday in Thailand when a tsunami hits without warning, devastating the country and separating the family, leaving them to survive the initial impact and embark on a heart-wrenching search to reunite amongst the chaotic aftermath.   

Memoirs of a Geisha

Travel Movies | Memoirs of a Geisha

Where: Japan

What: A Cinderella story set in a mysterious and exotic world where against all odds a house servant rises to decide her own destiny.

Sold to a geisha house at the age of nine-years-old, Chiyo Sakamoto becomes a victim of unpleasant circumstances, but her fate changes when she meets Mameha. The relationships of two couples become complicated and deceitful and Chiyo blossoms to become the most captivating geisha of her time. 

Half of a Yellow Sun

Travel Movies | Half of a Yellow Sun

Where: Nigeria

What: A drama that brings together the lives of four people during the struggle to establish an independent republic in Nigeria.

On the top of our to-watch list!

Twin sisters from a wealthy Nigerian family, who were educated in England, return to Nigeria to take wildly different paths in life. However, both become swept up in the struggle of the Nigerian civil war.

Watch trailer | Purchase (Free on Amazon Prime Video) | Rent

Slumdog Millionaire

Travel Movies | Slumdog Millionaire

What: Loosely based on a true story, this is one young man’s emotional and uplifting tale of rising above circumstance to fulfill what he believes is his destiny. 

A Mumbai teen becomes a contestant on the Indian version of the show ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’ When he is accused of cheating, he reflects on his childhood in the slums, his struggles and his long lost love, revealing how he knew all the answers.

If your favorite kind of movies usually involve guns, spies, or some kind of action hero who narrowly escapes death multiple times before the credit scene, then these travel movies are for you!

Travel Movies | Sahara

Where: North Africa

What: An action-packed comedy following treasure hunters on an adventure through the most dangerous parts of Northern Africa.

An explorer finds the adventure of a lifetime when he and his wise-cracking sidekick venture through some of the most dangerous parts of North Africa in search of a lost Civil War battleship known as the Ship of Death. Using their wits and clever heroics, they partner up with a beautiful WHO doctor who believes the ship may have something to do with the mysteriously spreading plague she is investigating.

Indiana Jones

Travel Movies | Indiana Jones

Where: US, UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, Jordan, Egypt, India, China, Peru, etc. etc. etc.!

What: A classic action series based on the around the world adventures of Dr. Henry “Indiana” Jones, a fictional professor of archaeology. 

TWS Favorite: These were my favorite movies growing up as a kid, and they still spark a sense of adventure in me today!

Follow the adventures of Dr. Indiana Jones and his unlikely sidekicks as he sets out on assignments to find ancient artifacts and save the world from Nazis and bad guys. Though the original 3 movies were filmed in the 80s, they are filled with action-packed comedy that has stood the test of time and still carry a fan-base to this day.

Raiders of the Lost Ark: Peru, USA, Nepal, Egypt, Tunisia

Temple of Doom: China, India

The Last Crusade: USA, Venice, Jordan

While there was a 4th Indiana Jones (Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) released in 2008, and a 5th set to hit theaters in 2021, we’d definitely recommend starting with the originals!

The Da Vinci Code

Travel Movies | The Da Vinci Code

Where: France, UK

What: An action-packed mystery thriller is based on the best selling novel about a fictional professor of Symbology. 

Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon travels to Paris to investigate a murder inside the Louvre. Once he realizes he’s under investigation, he pairs up with the deceased’s daughter following clues hidden inside Da Vinci’s works to discover a religious secret that could shake the foundations of Christianity. 

Like this movie? Watch the following two films in the series: Angels & Demons and Inferno .

The Italian Job

Travel Movies | The Italian Job

Where: Italy, Los Angeles

What: An action-packed crime drama following a group of professional thieves from Italy to Los Angeles.  

Professional thief Charlie Croker pulled off the heist of a lifetime in Italy, but was betrayed by one of his team members and left for dead. Along with the help of his former boss’s safe-cracking daughter, Croker assembles a team of con artists and formulates a plan to retaliate by stealing back the gold from his former ally. 

City of God

Travel Movies | City of God

Where: Brazil

What: This action-heavy film illustrates the crippling effect of poverty with limited choices for survival. 

Set in the poverty-stricken favelas of Rio de Janeiro in the 1970s, this film follows two young men as they navigate the increasing drug-related violence of their neighborhood. José is an ambitious drug dealer who uses photographer Rocket, and his photos of the crime-ridden slums, as a way to increase his fame while a turf war erupts with his rival. The film was shot on location in Rio’s poorest neighborhoods.

The Tourist

Travel Movies | The Tourist

Where: Italy

What: A romantic action thriller about the dangerous world of espionage. 

An American tourist is seeking solace in Italy after a recent heartbreak finds his life turned upside down when he meets a beautiful woman on a train going to Venice who convinces everyone that he is her lover who is wanted by the police.

Lord of the Rings trilogy

Travel Movies | Lord of the Rings

Where: Middle-earth (aka New Zealand)

What: A series of three epic fantasy adventure films based on the novel written by J. R. R. Tolkien.

Set in the fictional world of Middle-earth, the films follow the hobbit Frodo Baggins as he and his companions embark on a quest to destroy a ring that will ensure the destruction of its evil maker and save the free people of Middle-earth.

This epic fantasy adventure is filmed mostly on location in New Zealand , so while the movie may take place in a fictional land, the landscapes give a peek into the real-world southern hemisphere destination. 

If you are looking to be lifted up and inspired, these feel-good movies will bring you along on transformational journeys and will reignite your wanderlust.

The Art of Travel

Travel Movies | The Art of Travel

Where: Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Bolivia and California

What: A film that explores the very nature of wanderlust, how it informs character and transforms life.

On his wedding day, Connor walks out on his cheating bride-to-be and decides to embark on his honeymoon alone. While on the road in Central and South America he befriends a ragtag group of travelers and encounters both physical and metaphorical obstacles as he learns the art of travel.

Watch trailer | Watch (Free on Amazon Prime Video)

Hector and the Search for Happiness

Travel Movies | Hector and the Search for Happiness

Where: UK, China, Africa

What: One man’s search around the globe for joy and ultimately purpose. 

Disillusioned by his own existence, psychiatrist Hector feels he is a fraud for treating patients who never seem to improve or get any happier. Finally reaching his breaking point, he decides to make a change and embarks on an international quest to find the formula for happiness. 

Travel Movies | Tracks

Where: Australia

What: Based on the bestselling memoir, this drama chronicles the author’s solo journey across the Australian desert.

Mia, a young Australian woman, sets off on a journey to find solitude by embarking on a solo trip across the desert from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean. She is accompanied only by her dog and 4 camels to make the 9-month journey on foot.

Whale Rider

Travel Movies | Whale Rider

Where: New Zealand

What: An uplifting family drama that questions gender roles in cultural traditions. 

When her twin brother dies at birth, Pai decides to fulfill the destiny he was given to become the chief of their Maori tribe in New Zealand. The only problem is, only males are allowed to become chiefs. With the help of her grandmother and the training of her uncle, the 12-year-old strives to win over her ultra-traditional grandfather and claim her birthright. 

Learning about Maori culture is one of the many things you should know before planning a trip to New Zealand .

The Fundamentals of Caring (Netflix Original)

Travel Movies | The Fundamentals of Caring

Where: Road trip across the United States

What: A feel-good movie about overcoming personal challenges and finding hope in friendship. 

After suffering a personal tragedy, retired writer Ben decides to become a personal caregiver to Trevor, a snobby 18-year-old with muscular dystrophy. They take an impromptu road trip across the US to see all of the quirky road-side stops Trevor has become obsessed with when they meet Dot, a runaway, who joins them on their journey and helps them come to understand the importance of friendship and hope. 

Watch trailer | Watch on Netflix

Travel Movies | One Week

Where: Road trip across Canada

What: A humorous and moving film about grappling with one’s own immortality on a search for self-discovery.

When 20-something Ben Tyler is given a terminal diagnosis, he flees from his impending marriage and boring job in an attempt to live out the rest of his life to the fullest. His misguided road trip on a vintage motorcycle becomes an adventure of self-discovery set against the great Canadian landscape.

Queen of Katwe

Travel Movies | Queen of Katwe

Where: Uganda

What: An inspirational story of a young girl who lifts herself out of poverty through the game of chess.

This film from Disney is based off of the real life story of a girl named Phiona who grew up in a slum in Uganda called Katwe. At the age of 10, Phiona is introduced to the game of chess and soon begins competing. Her talent opens doors that she never thought would be possible.

The Hundred-Foot Journey

Travel Movies | The Hundred-Foot Journey

Where: A small village in the French countryside

What: A heart-warming tale of overcoming cultural differences, romance, and following one’s passion.

This story follows an Indian family who moves to southern France and shakes things up in a small village when they open a restaurant across the street from a Michelin-starred French restaurant. When the son decides to go cook for the competition across the street, cultures clash, loyalties are tested, and boundaries are pushed.

Kodachrome (Netflix Original)

Travel Movies | Kodachrome

Where: A road trip across the US

What: An emotional and somewhat humorous film with incredible cinematography. 

When Matt’s estranged father’s nurse shows up at his office out of the blue, asking Matt to drop everything and honor his father’s dying wish, he finds his life turned upside down. Reluctantly, Matt joins his famed bad-boy photojournalist father and the nurse on a journey to the last remaining lab in the country that is still developing Kodachrome film. 

Travel Movies | The Way

Where: The “Camino de Santiago” trail in Spain, France and Portugal

What: A powerful and inspirational film about dealing with loss, family dynamics and unlikely friendships. 

When Tom’s adult son is tragically killed in a storm while walking the The Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of Saint James trail, he sets out to St. Jean Pied de Port, France to collect his son’s remains. But instead of returning home as planned, Tom decides to complete the historical pilgrimage in honor of his son. 

Hunt for the Wilderpeople

Travel Movies | Hunt for the Wilderpeople

What: An adventure comedy-drama film about personal growth and relationships.

TWS Favorite! 

When a rebellious boy is left in the care of tough but loving foster parents, he and his foster uncle become the subject of a nationwide manhunt after they get themselves stranded in the wild New Zealand bush. 

Inspired to travel to NZ after watching this? This film brings you through some beautiful landscapes across Kiwi country, and we’ve got tons of resources to help you plan an epic vacation to New Zealand !

A Dog’s Way Home

Travel Movies | A Dogs Way Home

Where: A journey across Colorado

What: A humorous and moving film about the bonds of love and friendship between man and dog. 

Told from the perspective of Bella, a rescue dog, who gets separated from her human and embarks on a 400-mile journey across Colorado to be reunited with him. Along the way, she encounters people and animals that need her help and help her to reach her final destination. 

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Travel Movies | The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Where: Greece, Mexico and suburban America 

What: A coming-of-age tale that highlights the bonds of friendship when grappling with family relationships, romance, and change.

In this “guilty pleasure”-esque flick, four best friends who couldn’t be more different in personality and style find a pair of pants that miraculously fits each of them perfectly. As they set out on separate adventures spending their first ever summer apart, they agree to share the pants between them in the hope that it will keep their bond strong.

*If you like this movie, check out the sequel , which brings all four friends to Greece!

The Road Within

Travel Movies | The Road Within

What: An inspiring film about grappling with mental health and overcoming personal challenges. 

After the death of his mother, Robert, a young man with Tourette’s Syndrome is sent to an in-patient facility to get help with his condition. There he meets two unlikely friends and together they embark on an adventure across the country in a stolen car. An epic road trip that will change their lives forever. This feel-good movie takes a deeper look at interpersonal relationships and the stigma of mental health, proving that life is truly about the journey and not always the destination. 

Watch Trailer | Watch (Free with Amazon Prime Video)

Travel & Romance Movies

Get swept off your feet (or couch!) with these light hearted tales of romance and adventure that take place around the world.

Eat Pray Love

Travel Movies | Eat, Pray, Love

Where: New York, Italy, India, Indonesia

What: Based on the best selling memoir, Eat Pray Love is one woman’s journey to reignite her passion for life, connect with her spirituality and focus on herself. 

Leaving behind her comfortable life and a marriage she was no longer happy in, Elizabeth Gilbert takes a year-long sabbatical for a journey of self-discovery eating her way through Italy, practicing meditation in India, and finding love in Bali, Indonesia. 

Perhaps one of the most cliched travel + love stories, this one doesn’t resonate with everyone, but those for whom it does tend to be pretty inspired by this true journey. (In our opinion, the book is better, but the movie indulges you with some pretty scenes from Italy, India and Indonesia!) 

Bali dreaming? After watching this movie, you’ll want to plan a trip to Bali (trust me!). Check out our list of top things to do on this island (we lived there for 6 months, so we’ve got quite the list!).

Under the Tuscan Sun

Travel Movies | Under the Tuscan Sun

Where: Tuscany

What: This film is about stepping out of your comfort zone and finding / creating your own happiness.  

Frances Mayes is a 35-year-old writer living in San Francisco, suffering from writer’s block and depression after her recent divorce. When her friend gifts her a trip to Italy, she impulsively decides to buy an abandoned villa in the Tuscan countryside. Restoring the home leads her to new friends and a life-changing adventure filled with unexpected surprises. 

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Travel Movies | Vicky, Christina Barcelona

Where: Barcelona, Spain

What: A Woody Allen film about the nature of love and how it plays out between consenting adults. 

Vicky and Cristina are two friends who are spending their summer vacationing in Barcelona when they meet a handsome artist named Juan Antonio and begin an illicit affair. When his ex-wife Maria Elena comes back into the picture, things get interesting and the girls get more than they bargained for. 

Monsoon Wedding

Travel Movies | Monsoon Wedding

What: This movie follows the complexities, drama, comedy, romance and utter chaos that is an Indian wedding.

Aditi is the only daughter in a modern, upper-middle-class family in Delhi, and her family has arranged her marriage to the son of a family friend who lives in Texas. Their wedding is going to be the event of the year. However, it is not without its twists and turns, hidden family secrets, affairs, and unexpected romance.

Letters to Juliet

Travel Movies | Letters to Juliet

Where: Italy, New York

What: A romantic chick-flick about following your heart and finding true love. 

Sophie is an aspiring writer in New York City who travels to Verona, Italy with her chef-obsessed boyfriend, where she meets the “Secretaries of Juliet” and finds an old love letter hiding in a wall. Sophie sets out on a journey across Italy with the woman who wrote the letter, Claire, and her reluctant grandson, to reunite her with her true love from decades past. 

P.S. I Love You

Travel Movies | P.S. I Love You

Where: Ireland, NYC

What: A tragic story of life after loss and finding new love and happiness.

This movie follows Holly, a young woman who has just lost her husband to cancer. Before his death, he organized a scavenger hunt type of adventure that brings her back to his hometown in Ireland with her girlfriends. 

A Good Year

Travel Movies | A Good Year

Where: Provence, France

What: Set in French wine country, this movie follows a man’s journey to finding love and realizing what is important in life. 

Max is a work-a-holic London banker who makes a quick trip to Provence with the intention of selling his late uncle’s vineyard and estate. But things don’t go as planned. Max unearths secrets, finds romance, and gets a lesson on what’s really important in life. 

Before Sunrise

Before Sunrise | Travel Movies

Where: Vienna, Austria

What: A story of modern-day romance between people from two different worlds.

If you’ve ever had a travel fling, this indie film will grip you. It follows the story of an American traveler, Jesse, who falls for an Austrian student he meets on a train. Their connection is strong and they spend a night exploring Vienna together before Jesse’s flight leaves the next morning. 

Like this one? Lucky for you, there are two more in this 3-part series: Before Sunset (takes place in Paris) and Before Midnight (takes place in Greece).

Outdoor Adventure Travel Movies

To our fellow outdoor adventure lovers, this list is for you. From dramatic mountaineering feats in the Himalayas to transformational treks across the USA, these movies will take you on some epic outdoor adventures around the globe.

Everest 

Travel Movies | Everest

Where: Climbing Mt. Everest

What: Inspired by a true story, this dramatic and thrilling adventure is about overcoming mental and physical challenges to achieve the nearly impossible.

Everest documents the dramatic and awe-inspiring journey of two expeditions to summit Mt. Everest during a devastating snow storm. The climbers battle the elements and face nearly impossible obstacles as their lifelong obsession becomes a breathtaking struggle for survival. 

Want to know more? Read about our 17-day journey to Everest Base Camp !

A Walk in the Woods

Travel Movies | A Walk in the Woods

Where: The Appalachian Trail

What: Based on the best-selling book, this is the story of two friends attempting to hike the Appalachian Trail. 

On the top of our to-watch list (we loved the book )!

Sick of life being all about ailments and funerals, Bill decides to push himself on an adventure hiking the Appalachian Trail. After protests from his wife, he recruits an old friend for the journey. 

This is the light-hearted and humorous story of the ill-prepared friends on their attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail in their later years of life. 

Into the Wild

Travel Movies | Into the Wild

Where: Hitchhiking across North America to Alaska

What: Based on a true story, this is a biographical adventure drama film of a young man’s journey to find meaning, belonging and love on a solo journey. 

Christopher McCandless is a young man who decides to hitchhike across North America to reach the Alaskan wilderness. During his transformative journey, he encounters several people and situations which change who he is as a person. This story is also a book ! 

Travel Movies | Kon-Tiki

Where: Crossing the ocean from Peru to Polynesia

What: A historical adventure-drama about the 1947 Kon-Tiki trans-oceanic expedition.

Norwegian explorer Thor believes that the South Sea Islands were originally colonized by South Americans. He sets out to prove his theory by recruiting 5 companions to set sail from Peru on a wooden raft built from an ancient design with only the stars and ocean currents to guide them. Along the way their moral and physical limits are tested as they encounter more than they bargained for. 

Travel Movies | Wild

Where: The Pacific Crest Trail

What: Based on the best-selling memoir, this is the story of one woman’s transformative journey hiking the PCT. 

When her life feels like it’s hit rock bottom after losing her mother, battling drug abuse, a slew of one-night-stands, and her marriage crumbling, Cheryl Strayed (played by Reese Witherspoon) makes the impulsive decision to hike over 1,000 of the Pacific Crest Trail, with no experience or training, completely solo. 

Get the family together for a cultural experience or a far-flung adventure to another world. These movies will take you on a comedic journey to some interesting places, and hopefully remind you that animated movies are not just for kids!

Travel Movies | Coco

Where: Celebrating the culture of Mexico

What: This light-hearted and comedic tale deals with family dynamics set against the backdrop of Dia de Los Muertos celebrations in Mexico. 

TWS Favorite! We watched this for the first time on a bus to Oaxaca (one of our favorite Mexican cities!), and it taught us a lot about local culture.

Young Miguel has a passion for performing. Despite his family’s generations-old ban on music, he dreams of becoming a singer like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. After a mysterious series of events during the Dia de Los Muertos celebrations, Miguel finds himself in the Land of the Dead where he befriends a trickster and winds up uncovering secrets of his family’s history. 

A delightful and excellent portrayal of the cultural holiday, this animated film is a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about the Dia de Los Muertos celebrations. Plus, it’s great for kids!

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

Travel Movies | Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

Where: Life as an animal in the African bush

What: This is the comedic portrayal of what happens when New York City zoo animals find themselves in the wild African bush. 

In the sequel to the popular Dreamworks hit, Madagascar, this fun bunch of NYC zoo animals find themselves in Africa for the first time in their lives. The characters hilariously portray what it would be like to discover “the wild” for the first time after being raised in a zoo, and the difference between New York City and the African bush. With humor that can span generations, this is a fun film for the whole family. 

Travel Movies | Up

Where: An imaginary adventure in South America

What: A comedic animated film about taking chances and fulfilling one’s dreams before it’s too late. 

78-year-old Carl Fredricksen decides to tie thousands of balloons to his house and flies away on his an adventure into the wild of South America. When he realizes he’s accidentally brought along a 9-year-old Wilderness Explorer as an unwitting stowaway, the two have to make the most of their circumstance and build a friendship. 

Travel Movies | Moana

Where: Polynesia

What: A lovable Disney movie that follows the adventures of a brave young girl on an important mission.

Moana is a high-spirited teenager who is on a mission to save her people  by sailing across the open ocean in search of answers. Along the way, she meets a demigod, fights monsters, defies impossible odds, and discovers her true identity. The whole family will love this movie and its catchy songs, plus, you’ll feel as if you’ve escaped to a tropical island! 

Ratatouille

Travel Movies Ratatouille

What: A story of rising above one’s circumstances and proving once and for all that truly anyone can cook.   

Remy, a resident of Paris, has quite the sophisticated palate and aspires to become a French chef. There is just one problem… he is a rat. When he winds up in the sewer beneath one of Paris’ finest restaurants, Remy befriends a young kitchen worker and together they cook up amazing dishes using Remy’s talents.

Sahara (Netflix Original)

Travel Movies | Sahara

Where: A journey across the Sahara Desert

What: A story of friendship and love takes these characters on a journey out of their comfort zones. 

When his new love is captured by an evil snake charmer, a kind-hearted cobra and his best friend, a scorpion, set out on a wild rescue mission across the Sahara desert. This cute animated film is best for children. 

Find out what life is like around the globe through your own eyes in these compelling documentaries about travel, humanity and the species that share our planet.

Life in a Day 

Travel Movies | Life in a Day

What: A National Geographic feature documenting daily life in 192 countries around the world. 

From National Geographic, Producer Ridley Scott and Oscar-winning director Kevin Macdonald asked the world to chronicle their lives via video in a single day. They took the 4,500 hours of footage submitted from 192 countries — all shot on July 24, 2010 — and created the groundbreaking documentary, Life in a Day.

Watch trailer | Watch for free on YouTube

Losing Sight of Shore 

Travel Movies | Losing Sight of Shore

Where: Rowing across the Pacific Ocean

What: An inspiring documentary about overcoming challenges, both mental and physical, to achieve a common goal. 

Four women set out to make history as they row across the Pacific Ocean, from America to Australia. Covering over 8,000 miles of open ocean, they must overcome extreme mental and physical challenges during their nine months at sea.

Expedition Happiness

Travel Movies | Expedition Happiness

Where: Road trip from Alaska to South America

What: An inspiring documentary about taking chances and following your dreams in the pursuit of happiness. 

A filmmaker and his musician girlfriend leave their lives in Germany behind and buy a school bus which they renovate and move into for their journey driving from Alaska to South America with their dog.

Did this film get you curious about #VanLife?! We’ve got all sorts of content on campervans , from how to build your own to insider advice and epic campervan adventures!

Pedal the World 

Travel Movies | Pedal the World

Where: Around the world by bicycle

A filmmaker and his musician girlfriend leave their lives in Germany behind and buy a school bus which they renovate and move into for their journey driving from Alaska to South America with their dog. 

Planet Earth & Planet Earth II

Travel Movies | Planet Earth

Where: Nature up close around the globe

What: A documentary series and follow up series that takes a close look at nature in our planet’s many ecosystems. 

A BBC-produced television docu-series with breathtaking high-definition footage of some of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders — from the oceans to the deserts to the polar ice caps. Actress Sigourney Weaver narrates the American version, while David Attenborough is the voice of the original production.

Human Planet

Travel Movies | Human Planet

What: A documentary series that takes a close look at humans and their relationship with nature around the globe. 

Filmed in dozens of locations around the world, this awe-inspiring BBC production documents how humans interact with their natural surroundings. Each episode is tied to a particular habitat to showcase humans who have adapted to thrive in these extreme environments by building complex relationships with their animal neighbors. 

A Map for Saturday

Travel Movies | A Map for Saturday

What: A film documenting the emotional arc of extreme long-term travel for everyone who’s ever wondered what it would be like to travel the world. 

“On a trip around the world, every day feels like Saturday.” Long before the time of Travel influencers and vlogging, documentary filmmaker Brook Silva-Braga made a movie documenting his solo travels through four continents by telling the stories of travelers he meets along the way from Thailand to Nepal to Brazil.  

Encounters at the End of the World

Travel Movies | Encounters at the End of the World

Where: Antarctica

What: Documentary that gives you a glimpse into the least-visited continent on earth.

The only film on this list set on the continent of Antarctica, this documentary follows filmmaker Werner Herzog on his journey to the most remote parts of the earth. See the austere beauty of the landscapes and meet the people who have dedicated their lives to studying this unique part of the world.

Travel Movies | Baraka

What: A transcendent global tour that explores the sights and sounds of the human condition.

With no conventional narrative, this is a film about people, places and things from around the world. From chaotic cities to barren wilderness to former concentration camps, the movie takes viewers around the globe and doesn’t shy away from the dark side of humanity when portraying a variety of natural and technological spectacles. Ultimately proving the interconnectivity of the world by both the tragedy and celebrations of life.

Travel Movies

Netflix has made streaming incredibly accessible in homes across the globe. If you’ve already got an account, these series will be free to watch! Also, be sure to look for throughout the rest of this list, as we’ve done our best to make note of all the movies that are available on Netflix as well!

Travels with my Father

Travel Movies | Travels With My Father Netflix series

What: A docu-series following comedian Jack Whitehall as he attempts to introduce his stuffy father to the world of backpacking through SE Asia. 

In the first season, adult comedian Jack Whitehall convinces his aging and reluctant father Michael to join him on a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia in an attempt to strengthen their bond.

They are recreating the “gap year” experience and along the way they take part in unique experiences including attending an elephant polo match in Bangkok and taking a primitive train ride in Cambodia. When their trip is completed, the pair reflect on the impact of their journey. Subsequent seasons take the pair to other parts of the world. 

Watch on Netflix

Travel Movies | Our Planet Netflix series

What: A documentary series about the wild inhabitants of our planet through the lens of climate change.

This is sort of Netflix’s answer to Planet Earth and the increasing concerns of climate change. This series takes an up close look at our planet’s inhabitants — from polar bears to wildebeests to marine life — and how climate change is affecting every living species on earth. 

Tales by Light

Travel Movies | Tales by Light Netflix series

What: A documentary series about photographers and the making of their images to inspire change.

From wildlife photographers in Africa to underwater photographers in the Arctic seas, to photojournalists documenting at-risk children, this captivating Netflix series takes viewers around the world to showcase talented photographers in their mission to use imagery to save the world.

Each episode follows a photographer and shows what happens behind the lens to create their powerful images. 

Street Food: Asia

Travel Movies | Street Food: Asia Netflix series

Where: Streets and food markets in Asia

What: A documentary series exploring street food in some of the world’s most vibrant cities in Asia.

From the hawker stalls of Singapore to food carts in India, this series brings viewers all over Asia to highlight the stories of perseverance and culture that bring life to various countries’ cuisine. Nations visited include Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea and Vietnam.

Psst! If you like this show, you’ll love the late Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations and Parts Unknown . We love binging these shows (you can purchase them to watch on YouTube) before traveling to a new country and then trying out the restaurants he features! We’ve been to a bunch of Bourdain-approved locales around the world.

Extreme Engagement

Travel Movies | Extreme Engagement Netflix series

What: In this reality series, find out if an extreme around the world trip will bring this engaged couple closer together or wind up tearing them apart.

A newly engaged couple embark on a year-long around the world journey, hoping to discover the secret of marriage by exploring marriage customs in cultures around the globe. They hope this journey will help them to know if they are really ready for a lifetime commitment to each other. 

Night on Earth

Travel Movies | Night on Earth Netflix series

What: A documentary series that uncovers the wonders of the nocturnal wildlife around our planet. 

Similar to Planet Earth , but entirely shot at night. All around the planet, the most interesting animals reveal themselves in a completely new light.  Using new night vision technology, this nature series allows viewers to lift the veil of darkness and witness the wonders of the nocturnal world like never before. 

The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes

Travel Movies | Extraordinary Homes Netflix series

What: A reality series that showcases the most unique properties around the world. 

This property series  showcased the most extraordinary homes found all over the world. The hosts travel across mountains, through forests, along coasts and deep underground to find unique properties in every corner of the globe. If you’re a travel enthusiast and also a fan of HGTV, then this one’s for you! 

Restaurants on the Edge

Travel Movies | Restaurants on the Edge Netflix series

What: A reality series that helps struggling restaurants around the world by reinventing their business model. 

Follow a team of three experts — a restaurateur, a designer and a chef — as they travel the world in search of struggling restaurants that need their help. For each episode, they target a restaurant and tap into the surroundings, culture and community to remodel each business for a chance at success. 

Looking for more travel movies?!

While we couldn’t possibly list all the travel movies out there, here are a handful of more honorable mentions to add to your watch list:

The Grand Budapest Hotel , comedy/drama

Away We Go , comedy/drama

Like Father , Netflix original comedy/drama

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert , comedy/drama

Little Miss Sunshine , comedy/drama

Adrift , drama

The Terminal , drama

The Talented Mr. Ripley , drama

Catch Me if you Can , drama

Eurotrip , comedy

Just Married , comedy

National Lampoon’s Family Vacation , comedy

The Holiday , romance/comedy

Tomb Raider , action & adventure

Murder on the Orient Express ,  crime (1974 original, 2017 remake)

Lawrence of Arabia ,  adventure/drama

Nowhere in Africa ,  drama (in German)

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Movies for Travelers | Two Wandering Soles

We want to hear from you!

What travel movies are on your watch list? Did we miss one of your favorites? Comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!

Comments (11) on “ 75+ Best Travel Movies to Inspire Your Wanderlust ”

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing the list, this is very helpful. I will do my best to watch all. Sometimes I write about the movies too. Here’s a handpicked list of movies that make you want to travel and fuel your wanderlust, in case you or any of your readers find it interesting. Keep up the good work. Can’t wait to see something new from you. Cheers!

What a great list. I really like that you have broken it up into genres – makes it so much easier to find what you might be looking for.

Glad to hear you like the travel movie list! Hope you got to add a few to your watch list!

Wow, what a comprehensive list! Netflix’ Street Food: Asia was one of the show I was actively watching prior to going to South Korea. I was even happy to see the lady on the SK’s segment. I had to stop and try her food and yes it was delicious.

Amazing! That’s so cool you got to try her food! I want to go to every one of the street food stalls on that show!

75 movies, I thought, wow there’s no way I’ve seen even half of these… but I was surprised at how many I’ve seen! Great list with some out of the box inclusions, too.

We tried our best to get a big variety of travel movies. We’ve seen a lot of these as well, but definitely have more to add to my watch list!

Wow that’s an awesome list .I have only seen half of them..but I will make sure to see all

Glad you liked the travel movie list, Madhu!

I started watching Travels with my Father but couldn’t finish it, because my American husband just couldn’t get the British humour or the way that Jack and his dad treated each other. I’ll have to finish watching it without him.

Hey Katherine, I can understand, it goes get a little dry at times. But I love the way Jack says "Daddy!" It gets me everytime!

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ONE CHEL OF AN ADVENTURE

41 best travel movies: films that inspire wanderlust.

Looking for some awesome travel films to fuel your wanderlust? Check out this list of 41 of my favorite and best travel movies to add to your watch list:

41+ Wanderlust Travel Movies

Eat, Pray, Love

One of my favorite books and movie, Eat, Pray, Love is the ultimate wanderlust/travel to find yourself kind of movie!

Watch on: Amazon , Apple TV , Google Play

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

“When his job along with that of his co-worker are threatened, Walter takes action in the real world embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined.” – IMBd

Into the Wild

“After graduating from Emory University, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandons his possessions, gives his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters that shape his life.” – IMDb

adventure and travel movies

Photo from IMBd

Midnight in Paris

“This is a romantic comedy set in Paris about a family that goes there because of business, and two young people who are engaged to be married in the fall have experiences there that change their lives. It’s about a young man’s great love for a city, Paris, and the illusion people have that a life different from theirs would be much better.” – Apple TV

adventure and travel movies

“ With the dissolution of her marriage and the death of her mother, Cheryl Strayed has lost all hope. After years of reckless, destructive behavior, she makes a rash decision. With absolutely no experience, driven only by sheer determination, Cheryl hikes more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, alone. WILD powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddens, strengthens, and ultimately heals her.” – Google Play

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“Richard (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a young American backpacker, willing to risk his life for just one thing: the mind-blowing rush he can only get from braving the ultimate adventure. After hearing the improbable tale of a secret island – the perfect beach, unsullied by tourists – Richard sets off on a journey to find paradise on Earth. But Richard soon discovers that what seems like paradise can hide a deadly secret. Now desperate to escape, Richard explores the hidden perils and dark places that lurk just beyond the shores of paradise” – Apple TV

Best Travel Movies - The Beach

Photo from IMDb

The Darjeeling Limited

“A year after their father’s death, three American brothers who haven’t spoken since the funeral embark on a soul-searching journey across India. Their “spiritual quest”, however, veers rapidly off-course and a new, unplanned journey suddenly begins.” – Google Play

adventure and travel movies

“180° South: Conquerors of the Useless follows Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia. Along the way he gets shipwrecked off Easter Island, surfs the longest wave of his life – and prepares himself for a rare ascent of Cerro Corcovado. Jeff’s life turns when he meets up in a rainy hut with Chouinard and Tompkins who, once driven purely by a love of climbing and surfing, now value above all the experience of raw nature – and have come to Patagonia to spend their fortunes to protect it.” – Google Play

adventure and travel movies

“Embark on the adventure of a lifetime in this visual masterpiece from Oscar winner Ang Lee*, based on the best-selling novel. After a cataclysmic shipwreck, an Indian boy named Pi finds himself stranded on a lifeboat with a ferocious Bengal tiger. Together, they face nature’s majestic grandeur and fury on an epic journey of discovery.” – Google Play

adventure and travel movies

Life in a Day

“Life In A Day is a historic film capturing for future generations what it was like to be alive on the 24th of July, 2010. Executive produced by Ridley Scott and directed by Kevin Macdonald.” – on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Lost in Translation

“Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson star in this flat-out hilarious film about two Americans who develop a surprising friendship while venturing through Tokyo.” – Google Play

Traveling Movies - Lost in Translation

Maybe not a movie you’d normally find on a list of best travel movies, but I love Up! “Carl Fredrickson, a retired balloon salesman, is part rascal, part dreamer who is ready for his last chance at high-flying excitement. Tying thousands of balloons to his house, Carl sets off to the lost world of his childhood dreams. Unbeknownst to Carl, Russell, an overeager 8-year old Wildnerness Explorer who has never ventured beyond his backyard, is in the wrong place at the wrong time — Carl’s front porch! The world’s most unlikely duo reach new heights and meets fantastic friends like Dug, a dog with a special collar that allows him to speak, and Kevin, the rare 13-foot tall flightless bird. Stuck together in the wilds of the jungle, Carl realizes that sometimes life’s biggest adventures aren’t the ones you set out for.” – Google Play

adventure and travel movies

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Up in the Air

“Ryan Bingham (Academy Award® winner, George Clooney) is truly living the high life. Flying all over the world on business, he never stops moving…until he meets Alex, a fellow passenger and learns that life isn’t about the journey, but the connections we make along the way.” – iTunes

Travel Movies - up in the air

Out of Africa

“Hoping to forge a better life, Denmark native Karen Blixen (Meryl Streep) enters into a marriage of convenience with a womanizing baron. But when the couple moves to Nairobi, Karen falls in love with a free-spirited hunter (Robert Redford) who can’t be tied down. Director Sydney Pollack’s lush period drama earned seven Academy Awards, including statues for Best Picture, Best Screenplay and Best Cinematography.” – Google Play

Roman Holiday

“Roman Holiday was nominated for ten Academy Awards®, and Audrey Hepburn captured an Oscar® for her portrayal of a modern-day princess rebelling against her royal obligations who explores Rome on her own. She meets Gregory Peck, an American newspaperman who, seeking an exclusive story, pretends ignorance of her true identity. But his plan falters as they fall in love. Eddie Albert contributes to the fun as Peck’s carefree cameraman pal.” – Google Play

Travel Movies - Roman Holiday

Watch on: Sony Crackle (free) , Apple TV , Google Play

“From the producers of THE KING’S SPEECH comes this remarkable true story of Robyn Davidson, a young woman who leaves her urban life to trek through almost 2,000 miles of sprawling Australian desert . Along her journey of self-discovery, she meets National Geographic photographer Rick Smolan, who begins to photograph her life-changing voyage.” – Apple TV

Under the Tuscan Sun

“UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN follows San Francisco writer Frances Mayes (Diane Lane) to Italy as a good friend offers her a special gift — 10 days in Tuscany. Once there, she is captivated by its beauty and warmth, and impulsively buys an aging, but very charming, villa. Fully embracing new friends and local color, she finds herself immersed in a life-changing adventure filled with enough unexpected surprises, laughter, friendship, and romance to restore her new home — and her belief in second chances.” – Google Play

adventure and travel movies

Before Sunrise

“Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy star as two young people who meet–and whose lives are forever changed–on a train from Budapest to Paris. They may have only one night, but when soul mates find each other, anything can happen Before Sunrise.” – iTunes

The Endless Summer

“They call it The Endless Summer, the ultimate surfing adventure, crossing the globe in search of the perfect wave. From the uncharted waters of West Africa, to the shark-filled seas of Australia , to the tropical paradise of Tahiti and beyond, two California surfers, Robert August and Mike Hynson, accomplish in a few months what most people never get to do in a lifetime – they live their dream.” – iTunes

Movies with Travel - The Endless Summer

Watch on: Amazon , Apple TV

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

“Two young American women, Vicky and Cristina come to Barcelona for a summer holiday. Vicky is sensible and engaged to be married; Cristina is emotionally and sexually adventurous.  In Barcelona, they’re drawn into a series of unconventional romantic entanglements with Juan Antonio, a charismatic painter, who is still involved with his tempestuous ex-wife Maria Elena. Set against the luscious Mediterranean sensuality of Barcelona, VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA is Woody Allen’s funny and open-minded celebration of love in all its configurations.” – Google Play

Two For the Road

“ On their third identical voyage from London to the French Riviera , Joanna Wallace (Audrey Hepburn) and husband Mark (Albert Finney) explore their 12-year marriage in a series of wry and illuminating flashbacks. They reminisce about the glorious beginning of their love affair, the early years of marriage and the events that led to their subsequent infidelities. As they try to understand their relationship, they must accept how they have changed if they are to rekindle their original love… The film is arguably one of the most stylistically influential movies from the ’60s.”

Movies with Travel in it - Two for the Road

“From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) meets the once-mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity.” – Disney

Watch on: Amazon , Apple TV , Google Play , or on Disney+

“John Krasinski (The Office) and Maya Rudolph (Saturday Night Live) star in the heartfelt film that explores the comedic twists and turns in one couple’s journey across contemporary America. Anticipating the birth of their first child, longtime couple Burt and Verona embark on an ambitious itinerary to visit friends and family in order to find their perfect home.” – Universal Studios

adventure and travel movies

The Bucket List

 Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman star in the comedic drama The Bucket List, a touching, no- holds-barred adventure that shows it’s never too late to live life to its fullest. “Two terminally ill men escape from a cancer ward and head off on a road trip with a wish list of to-dos before they die.” – IMDb

“A five-year-old Indian boy is adopted by an Australian couple after getting lost hundreds of kilometers from home. 25 years later, he sets out to find his lost family.” – IMDb

Crazy Rich Asians

“This contemporary romantic comedy, based on a global bestseller, follows native New Yorker Rachel Chu to Singapore to meet her boyfriend’s family.” – IMDb

This is another movie that is not necessarily about travel, but after watching it, Singapore jumped to the top of my bucket list so I had to add it to this Best Travel Movie list!

Best Travel Movies - Crazy Rich Asians

Watch on: Amazon ,   Google Play , Hulu

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The Motorcycle Diaries

“Based on a true life story, The Motorcycle Diaries is an inspiring and thrilling adventure that traces the youthful origins of a revolutionary spirit. The film follows two daring friends, Ernesto “Che” Guevara (Gael Garcia Bernal, Y Tu Mama Tambien) and Alberto Granado (Rodrigo de la Serna), who hop on the back of a beat-up motorcycle for a breathtaking and exciting road trip across Latin America.” – Google Play

adventure and travel movies

Letters to Juliet

“In Verona, Italy – the beautiful city where Romeo first met Juliet – there is a place where the heartbroken leave notes asking Juliet for her help. It’s there that aspiring writer Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) finds a 50-year-old letter that will change her life forever. As she sets off on a romantic journey of the heart with the letter’s author, Claire (Vanessa Redgrave), now a grandmother, and her handsome grandson (Christopher Egan), all three will discover that sometimes the greatest love story ever told is your own.” – Google Play

The Art of Travel

“Conner Layne  is about to embark on an adventure – just not the one he had planned. After discovering his fiance is having an affair with his best friend, he leaves her at the altar and heads off on his honeymoon alone. 

While experiencing the wonders that South America offers, he meets a friendly couple – Darlene and her husband, Christopher, who are planning a dangerous trip across the Darien Gap. Along with a ragtag group of foreigners, they venture on a 100-mile long journey through the undeveloped jungle that separates Panama and Columbia. Ready to leave his past behind, Conner joins the unknown for the quest of a lifetime.” – Apple TV

adventure and travel movies

Rio + Rio 2

Laugh if you want, but after seeing this movie in theaters, I have been dying to go to Rio adn explore South America! 

Hector and The Search for Happiness

“Hector is a quirky psychiatrist who has become tired of his humdrum life, yet he’s offering advice to patients who are just not getting happier. So he embarks on a global quest in hopes of uncovering the elusive secret formula for true happiness.”

adventure and travel movies

Couples Retreat

Couples Retreat is another romantic comedy movie that’s set in such a beautiful place, I just had to include it!

A Map for Saturday

“On a trip around the world, every day feels like Saturday. A MAP FOR SATURDAY reveals a world of long-term, solo travel through the stories of trekkers on four continents. The documentary finds backpackers helping neglected Thai tsunami victims. It explains why Nepal’s guesthouses are empty and Brazil’s stoplights are ignored. But at its core, SATURDAY tracks the emotional arc of extreme long-term travelers; teenagers and senior citizens who wondered, “What would it be like to travel the world?” Then did it.”

Watch on: Amazon

“Through the open country and desert lands, two bikers head from L.A to New Orleans , and along the way, meet a man who bridges a counter-culture gap they are unaware of.” – IMDb

adventure and travel movies

“ONE WEEK tells the story of 20-something Ben Tyler (Joshua Jackson), who flees from an impending marriage, a ho-hum job, and a recent diagnosis in an attempt to live life to the fullest. His misguided road trip on a vintage motorcycle becomes an adventure of self-discovery set against the great Canadian landscape.”

Encounters at the End of the World

“Welcome to Antarctica – like you’ve never experienced it. You’ve seen the extraordinary marine life, the retreating glaciers and, of course, the penguins, but leave it to award-winning, iconoclastic filmmaker Werner Herzog (Grizzly Man, Rescue Dawn) to be the first to explore the South Pole’s most fascinating inhabitants…humans. In this one-of-kind documentary, Herzog turns his camera on a group of remarkable individuals, “professional dreamers” who work, play and struggle to survive in a harsh landscape of mesmerizing, otherworldly beauty – perhaps the last frontier on earth.”

adventure and travel movies

“A powerful and inspirational story about family, friends, and the challenges we face. Martin Sheen plays Tom, an irascible American doctor who comes to France to collect the remains of his adult son (played by Emilio Estevez), killed in the Pyrenees while walking The Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of Saint James. Rather than return home, Tom decides to embark on the historical pilgrimage to honor his son’s desire to finish the journey. What Tom doesn’t plan on, is the profound impact the journey will have on him. Inexperienced as a trekker, Tom soon discovers that he will not be alone on this journey.”

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

“An award-winning, all-star cast, led by Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith and Tom Wilkinson, lights up this “buoyant comedy laced with genuine emotion”. When seven cash-strapped seniors decide to “outsource” their retirement to a resort in far-off India, friendship and romance blossom in the most unexpected ways. Smart, life-affirming and genuinely charming, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a “true classic that reminds us that it’s never too late to find love and a fresh beginning at any age”.”

adventure and travel movies

The Tourist

“Frank (Johnny Depp), a mild-mannered American on vacation in Venice, Italy, is befriended by Elise (Angelina Jolie), a breathtakingly beautiful woman with a mysterious secret. Soon, their playful romantic dalliance turns into a complicated web of dangerous deceit as they are chased by Interpol, the Italian police, and Russian hit men in this suspense-filled, international action thriller.”

The Grand Budapest Hotel

“THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL recounts the adventures of legendary concierge Gustave H. and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft of a priceless painting; a raging battle for an enormous family fortune; and a desperate chase on motorcycles, trains, sleds, and skis – all against the back-drop of a suddenly and dramatically changing continent.”

adventure and travel movies

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

“Resplendent in flamboyant ballgowns, looking down over the vast red Australian desert : for three showgirls it was the dream of a lifetime, a four week cabaret engagement in Alice Springs. The problem is simply getting there intact, along with their bus Priscilla.”

adventure and travel movies

Phew! There ya go, my list of the 41 best travel movies to fuel your wanderlust! Any ones I missed?  Drop a comment below or  DM me on Instagram !

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75+ Best Travel Movies To Inspire Your Wanderlust

Best Travel Movie The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclaimer here .

The best travel movies have the ability to shift our mindset, give us permission to dream bigger and inspire our wanderlust for adventure . For me, watching movies about travel is the next best thing to actually travelling.

Travel movies can do more than inspire, they can also inform. The best movies on travel open our eyes to different cultures, alternative life paths that challenge society’s accepted norms and status quo . I didn’t know the Camino de Santiago existed until I watched The Way  (2010). Now it’s on my bucket list. Watching  Brooklyn  (2015) helped me understand that even though moving abroad is painful, the payoff is worth it.

I’m a cinephile and a travel lover and every week (literally) I watch new and favourite world travel movies. I know my stuff. These movies will inspire you to hike that mountain, kiss the beautiful French girl, jump on the Vespa… Whatever you want to do! No matter your age or social background, travel is for you. And sometimes we just need wanderlust-inspiring movies to show us how.

So, enjoy this travel movies list full of hiking, road-tripping, comedic, romantic and adventurous films set around the world. And then  watch  them!

Best Travel Movies That Will Make You WANT to Travel

1. 2  days in paris (2007).

Director:  Julie Delpy  Languages:  English, French  Run time: 101m 88% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: 84 Films set in Paris to Inspire you to Visit

Cultures clash in Julie Delpy’s exploration of a romantic relationship on the brink of ruin. American Jack and French Marion hope to solve their communication issues by returning to Marion’s hometown of Paris, France and visiting her parents for a weekend. Hence 2 Days in Paris. It’s an existential travel comedy that is less in-your-face, American-style comedy and more cocksure French comedy.

Best Travel Movie 2 Days in Paris (2007)

2. A Bigger Splash  (2015)

Director:  Luca Guadagnino Languages: English, Italian, French Run time: 124m 90% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more:  13 Great Films set in Sicily to Inspire you to Visit

Ever wondered what Tilda Swinton would look like as a David Bowie-esque performer? Wonder no more as that’s exactly what she stars as in Guadagnino’s erotic thriller A Bigger Splash . Pal Ralph Fiennes and estranged daughter Dakota Johnson crash her and her partner Mattias Schoenart’s respite on the island of Pantelleria, Sicily . The raw volcanic landscape and pool vibes would make this a dreamy holiday flick if it weren’t for the matter of murder…

Best Travel Movie A Bigger Splash (2015)

3. A Good Year  (2006)

Director:  Ridley Scott  Languages:  English, French, Russian  Run time: 118m 25% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: 23 Films set in France to Inspire you to Visit

So it’s not one of the  best  films, but it’s one of the best  travel  films if you love French countryside/chateaus and wine. And who doesn’t, right?! I love  A Good Year regardless. Russell Crowe’s English financier is having a midlife crisis when he inherits a vineyard in Provence, France from a recently deceased relative. Now, where can I get me a rich elderly relative with a holiday home in Tuscany?

Best Wanderlust Inspiring Movie A Good Year (2006)

4. A United Kingdom  (2016)

Director:  Amma Asante  Languages:  English, Tswana  Run time: 111m 84% Rotten Tomatoes

A lot of the top travel movies star primarily privileged white people. I’m not getting on my soapbox. Just take a quick look down this list and you’ll see, they generally all feature white people on an internal and physical journey. So, I love it when a travel movie breaks the mould! Based on a true story, Seretse Khama is the heir to the throne in Bechuanaland (later Botswana) who falls in love with a white English lady in London.  A United Kingdom  is a story of prejudice, identity and gorgeous Bostwana landscapes.

Best Travel Movie A United Kingdom (2016)

5. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert  (1994)

Director:  Stephan Elliot  Language:  English  Run time: 103m 96% Rotten Tomatoes

One of the best LBGTQ+ travel movies,  The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert  is the story of three drag performers travelling from Sydney to Alice Springs in Australia for a show. Along the way, there are tensions with the locals, tensions between the travellers and tensions within themselves. There’s nothing like a physical journey to trigger an internal one! Plus, epic costumes with many, many feathers.

Best Wanderlust Inspiring Film The Adventure of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)

6. The Beach  (2000)

Director:  Danny Boyle  Language:  English  Run time: 119m 20% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: The Beach Filming Locations in Thailand

This is not one of the best travel movies, I’ll admit that, but it’s a fan favourite and one of my guilty pleasures.  The Beach  follows Leonardo DiCaprio’s American tourist in search of a secluded island in Thailand with promises of paradise. And when he finds that island , things are not as he thought they would be. Sometimes travel might not turn out as you expected, but there are still lessons to be learned from every experience .

Best Travel Movie The Beach (2000)

7. Before Trilogy (1995, 2004 & 2013)

Director:  Richard Linklater  Language:  English  Run times:  101m, 80m, 109m 95-100% Rotten Tomatoes 

Read more: Before Sunset Filming Locations in Paris, France

Hands down, three of the best travelling movies. In my humble opinion. The Before  trilogy consists of  Before Sunrise  (1995) set in Vienna, Austria , Before Sunset  (2004) set in Paris, France and  Before Midnight  (2013) set in Greece . Each film documents how American Jesse and French Celine’s relationship develops in nine-year intervals. With beautiful European backdrops! The dialogue is incredibly articulate and relatable and there’s no way you won’t fantasise about falling in love with someone you meet on a train after watching these movies.

Best Travel Movie Before Sunset (2004)

8. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel  (2011) &  The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel  (2015)

Director:  John Madden  Language:  English  Run times:  124m, 122m 65-78% Rotten Tomatoes

I love travel films that prove that you can travel and find adventure at any age! The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel  and it’s sequel follow a group of Brits that plan to retire in Ravla Khempur near Udaipur in India  where there is a low cost of living. They think they’ve found an amazing deal, but once the oldies arrive at the hotel it’s a little worse for wear. Featuring some of the best British actors, the OAPs in this movie make lemonade out of life’s lemons.

Top Travel Film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)

9. Brooklyn  (2015)

Director:  John Crowley  Language:  English  Run time: 112m 97% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: Brooklyn Filming Locations in Ireland, New York & Canada

Armed with everything she owns in one suitcase, sweet Eilis boards a ferry to Brooklyn, New York  leaving her hometown of Enniscorthy in Ireland behind. Brooklyn faithfully interprets the feeling and challenges of belonging to two places. There’s the place where you grew up , where your friends and family are and your culture, and the second place where you find belonging and purpose. Just an incredibly beautiful film and surely one of the best travel movies of all time.

Best Travel Movie Brooklyn (2015)

10. Call Me By Your Name  (2017)

Director:  Luca Guadagnino  Languages:  English, Italian, French  Run time: 132m 94% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: Call Me By Your Name Filming Locations in Sirmione

One of my favourite travel romance movies, actually one of my favourite movies of all time, is  Call Me By Your Name.  It follows the summer romance between 17-year-old Elio and 24-year-old Grad student Oliver who joins Elio’s academic family at their villa in Lombardy, Italy . You can feel the tepid water of their daily swims on your skin, taste the juicy apricots that grow in the garden and hear the upbeat 1980s pop music. Is there anything more idyllic than an endless summer?

Best Travel Movie Call Me By Your Name (2017)

11. Chalet Girl  (2011)

Director: Phil Traill  Languages:  English, German  Run time: 96m 77% Rotten Tomatoes

If you’ve ever thought about seasonal work abroad,  Chalet Girl  is one of the best travel movies for you! Felicity Jones plays Kim, a former skateboarding star who works a ski season at a luxury ski resort in Tyrol, Austria where she discovers her knack for snowboarding. For a teen-focused, light-hearted drama, Chalet Girl  is surprisingly watchable and very wanderlust inspiring, especially if you’re a winter-lover.

Best Travel Movie Chalet Girl (2011)

12. Chasing Liberty  (2004)

Director:  Andy Kadiff  Language:  English  Run time: 111m 18% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more:  17 Best Films set in Venice, Italy to Inspire Your Trip

Speaking of teen-focused, light-hearted dramas… Here’s another one for you! As a woman around the age of 30, I  loved  the Mary-Kate and Ashely travel movies and  Chasing Liberty  is of the same ilk. Mandy Moore plays an 18-year-old President’s daughter who gives her security detail the slip while travelling in Prague, Czechia . She then travels onto Venice, Italy and Berlin, Germany with a cute British boy who isn’t all he seems.

Best Travel Movie Chasing Liberty (2004)

13. Cites of Love Series (2006 – 2019)

Creator:  Emmanuel Benbihy  Languages:  Various  Run times:  93-120m 8-86% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: 16 Brilliant Films set in Berlin to Watch Before Your Trip

The Cities of Love series includes  Paris, Je T’aime  (2006),  New York, I Love You  (2008),  Tbilisi, I Love You (2014), Rio, I Love You  (2014) and Berlin, I Love You  (2019). Upcoming cities include Shanghai, Jerusalem, Venice, Delhi, Marseille and New Orleans. These travel inspiring movies are cinematic love letters to each focus city , with wild variations in the quality. Each film is built up of vignettes with different casts and directors for each section, and they’re a must-watch if you’re visiting any of the cities in the series listed so far!

Best Travel Movie Paris Je T'aime (2006)

14. Copenhagen  (2014)

Director:  Mark Raso  Languages:  English, Danish  Run time: 98m 88% Rotten Tomatoes

In this movie, a twenty-something Canadian takes a trip to Copenhagen, Denmark (who’d have thunk with a film title like Copenhagen , right?) to track down his Danish Grandfather. He meets a young waitress who essentially becomes his guide and friend. And while the huge age difference between our two leads is unnecessarily gross, it’s a great travel movie that successfully intertwines internal and external journeys.

Best Travel Film Copenhagen (2014)

15. Crazy Rich Asians  (2018)

Director:  John M. Chu  Language:  English  Run time: 121m 91% Rotten Tomatoes

Getting rich and moving to  Singapore  never looked so appealing. When working-class student Rachel is invited to a wedding with her Singaporean boyfriend back in his home country, she learns he is crazy  rich as well as being  crazy  gorgeous.  Crazy Rich Asians  is one of my favourite comedy travel movies and I have a very strong urge to watch it right now.

Best Travel Movie Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

16. The Darjeeling Limited  (2007)

Director:  Wes Anderson  Language:  English  Run time: 98m 69% Rotten Tomatoes

The Darjeeling Limited is one of the best travel films set on a train and it’s steeped in travel-related irony. After the death of their father, three estranged brothers travel through Jodhpur, India to visit their mother who is now a Nun. Owen Wilson’s brother is so obsessed with the brothers having a “spiritual” and “healing” journey so much so that he has meticulously planned every detail so that can happen. Like I said: the irony.

Best Travel Movie The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

17. The Da Vinci Code / Robert Langdon Series (2006, 2009 & 2016)

Director:  Ron Howard  Language:  English  Run times: 149m, 138m, 121m 23-37% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: Angels and Demons Filming Locations in Rome, Italy

Now, these  are guilty-pleasure travel movies . The Da Vinci Code  (2006),  Angels and Demons  (2009) and  Inferno  (2016) all make up the Robert Langdon series. They star Tom Hanks as everyone’s favourite symbologist thrown into the deep end of religious conspiracy theories taking everything way too seriously. The Da Vinci Code primarily takes place in Paris, France as well as London and Edinburgh , Angels and Demons  is set almost entirely in Rome and  Inferno  hops around Florence, Venice and Istanbul .

Best Travel Movie Angels and Demons (2006)

18. Easy Rider  (1969)

Director:  Dennis Hopper  Language:  English  Run time: 96m 83% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: 50 Best American Movies to Inspire a Trip to Every State

The quintessential American road trip movie. Two hippies successfully complete a drug deal and take their new wealth on the back roads (including the historic Route 66) in search of meaning and truth. In Easy Rider, the pair meet several colourful characters along their journey as they ride through smalltown America to New Orleans, Lousiana .

Top Wanderlust Film Easy Rider (1969)

19. Eat Pray Love  (2010)

Director:  Ryan Murphy  Languages:  English, Italian, Portuguese  Run time: 133m 36% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: Eat Pray Love Filming Locations in Rome (and Naples)

If  Easy Rider  was the quintessential American road movie,  Eay Pray Love  is the quintessential “find yourself” movie. Based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s best-selling memoir, she escapes her post-breakup messy New York life for four months in Rome, Italy in pursuit of pleasure, four months at an Ashram in India in pursuit of devotion and four months in Bali, Indonesia pursuing balance.

Best Travel Movie Eat Pray Love (2010)

20. The English Patient  (1996)

Director:  Anthony Minghella  Languages:  English, German, Italian, Arabic  Run time: 162m 85% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: 22 Amazing Films set in Italy to Inspire you to Visit

On the surface,  The English Patient  doesn’t appear to be one of the best wanderlust movies out there. However, it’s still a story of adventure, loss and heartache that spans continents so it still seems fitting. Primarily told in flashbacks, this WWII Oscar-winning drama takes place in a monastery in Tuscany, Italy and the Sahara Desert in Africa .

Iconic Travel Movie The English Patient (1996)

21. Edie  (2017)

Director:  Simon Hunter  Language:  English Run time: 102m 62% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more:  22 Fantastic Films set in Scotland to Inspire you to Visit

Another film demonstrating that you’re never too old, Edie  stars Sheila Hancock as the titular character. After her controlling husband passes on, Edie finds her old hiking backpack in the attic which reignites her dream of climbing Suilven, a mountain in Scotland . She ignores her naysaying daughters and finds help in a young guide , proving that listening to your gut and seeking help when you need it is the best way to live.

Best Travel Movie Edie (2017)

22. EuroTrip (2004)

Director:  Jeff Schaffer  Language:  English  Run time: 92m 47% Rotten Tomatoes

Admit it, who else watched the American Pie  movies growing up?  EuroTrip  is a slightly watered down  American Pie  that’s set in Europe. Four teens take a trip around Europe the summer before college to see the sights and so one of them can meet up with his attractive German pen pal. They travel to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Bratislava, Berlin and Rome . If you’re planning a European interrail trip, this is one of the best travel inspiration movies you could watch.

Best Travel Movie EuroTrip (2004)

23. Falling Inn Love  (2019)

Director:  Roger Kumble  Language:  English  Run time: 98m 65% Rotten Tomatoes

This is one of the best travelling movies on Netflix, for sure! Though if you loath Hallmark-style movies, then  Falling Inn Love  may not be your cup of tea. Christina Milian plays a high-powered San Francisco career woman who unexpectantly wins an Inn somewhere in the countryside outside of Auckland, New Zealand . She, of course, meets a cute local who helps her renovate her dilapidated B&B. One of the best travel movies on Netflix to melt your cold, northern hemisphere heart.

Best Netflix Travel Movie Falling Inn Love (2019)

24. Forrest Gump  (1994)

Director:  Robert Zemeckis  Language:  English  Run time: 142m 71% Rotten Tomatoes

The unbelievable life of  Forrest Gump  has become one of the best adventure travel movies without meaning to be. Forrest (played by Tom Hanks) didn’t have a lot going for him as a youngster, but his heart of gold and lack of shame got him far in life. Literally. The most wanderlust-inspiring part of this Oscar-winning epic is Forrest’s multi-year run around the USA from Alabama , through Mississippi , to Santa Monica Pier in California and even Monument Valley . Want to travel more? If we’ve learnt anything from the great Sage Forrest Gump, just go!

Forrest Gump (1994)

25. The Grand Budapest Hotel  (2014)

Director:  Wes Anderson  Language:  English  Run time: 100m 92% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: 13 Great Movies set in Germany to Inspire you to Visit

This is the first film on this best travel movies list set in a fictional location, and it won’t be the last. And doesn’t mean it’s any less wanderlust-inspiring. The titular ski resort in The Grand Budapest Hotel  is located in Zubrowka where the concierge Gustav H. is framed for murdering one of his guests. It’s the 1930s and a turbulent time, so he befriends the new lobby boy to help clear his name. One of the best adventure travel movies if you like swanky hotels and pastel-coloured European architecture. Oh, and most of the film was shot in Görlitz, Germany if you want to visit the real place.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

26. Hector and the Search for Happiness  (2014)

Director:  Peter Chelsom  Language:  English  Run time: 120m 37% Rotten Tomatoes

Though quite a contrived, simplistic film which doesn’t offer a profound solution,  Hector and the Search for Happiness  might just be the catalyst you need to put yourself first and find what makes you  happy. Starring Simon Pegg as a psychiatrist, he leaves his girlfriend behind to travel the world and find happiness. He visits Tibet, Shanghai, South Africa and California .

Hector and the Search for Happiness (2014)

27. Hideous Kinky  (1998)

Director:  Gillies MacKinnon  Languages:  English, French, Arabic  Run time: 98m 65% Rotten Tomatoes

Hideous Kinky  is something of a hidden gem, and there was another film released in 1998 starring Kate Winslet which overshadowed this one slightly. She plays a recently divorced young mother with two children living in Marrakech, Morocco . Though they are struggling to make ends meet, the kindness of their community helps them pull through.

Hideous Kinky (1998)

28. The Holiday  (2003)

Director:  Nancy Meyers  Language:  English  Run time: 136m 50% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: The Holiday Filming Locations in England & USA

One of the best travel movies to watch around Christmastime, The Holiday stars Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz as unhappy single women who seek a change of scenery for the holidays. After listing their homes in Surrey, England and Los Angeles on a Home Exchange website, they swap houses and lives for the holidays. Now for a serious question. Would you rather live in a quaint cottage in Surrey or a mega-mansion in LA?

Best Travel Movie The Holiday (2003)

29. Holiday In The Wild  (2019)

Director:  Ernie Barbarash  Language:  English  Run time: 86m 38% Rotten Tomatoes

Looking for Christmas/holiday-themed travel movies on Netflix? Luckily, there is one that fits the bill!  Holiday in the Wild  follows a recently-divorced, middle-aged woman who travels to South Africa on Safari. There, she succeeds in rescuing a baby elephant and falls in love with her new lifestyle. That’s the dream, right? To travel somewhere that you love  so  much and aligns with your values  so  well that you never want to leave!

Holiday in the Wild (2019)

30. Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

Director:  Taika Waititi Language:  English  Run time: 101m 97% Rotten Tomatoes

Trees. Birds. Rivers. Sky. Running with my Uncle Hec. Living forever.  The haiku that Ricky Baker wrote in  Hunt for the Wilderpeople  basically sums up the whole film in those three lines. 13-year-old Ricky and his foster father (played by Sam Neill) accidentally become the targets of a manhunt in the Central Plateau and Waitākere Ranges in New Zealand.  It’s hilarious, one of the best travel comedy movies and adventure films. I LOVE unlikely pairings. I’d recommend it to anyone.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

31. In Bruges  (2008)

Director:  Martin McDonagh  Language:  English  Run time: 107m 84% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: In Bruges Filming Locations in Bruges, Belgium

This highly quotable, black comedy is set in the very unlikely medieval city of Bruges, Belgium . Two Irish hitmen are sent to hide out and enjoy the sights after a job gone wrong. One is happy for the break, the other is not effing happy at all. In Bruges  is one part-travelogue and one part-crime film. It’s unlike any other movie I’ve ever seen. If you don’t like romantic, wistful travel movies, this film is for you.

Best Travel Movie In Bruges (2008)

32. If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium  (1969)

Director:  Mel Stuart  Language:  99m  Run time: 99m 60% Rotten Tomatoes

COMING SOON: Films set in Belgium to Inspire you to Visit

Isn’t it so weird to think that  this  is how many Americans used to take a trip around Europe? Travelling by bus to five main cities then flying back home? Wild! If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium  creates a comedy out of the type of characters you’d expect on a coach trip like that. And their charming, scammy tour guide, of course. The group visits London, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Brussels and Bastogne in Belgium, a boat trip from Koblenz to Wiesbaden, Germany and finally Venice and Rome, Italy.

If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium (1969)

33. The Inbetweeners Movie  (2011) &  The Inbetweeners 2  (2014)

Directors:  Ben Palmer, Damon Beesley, Iain Morris  Language:  English  Run times:  97m, 96m 53-68% Rotten Tomatoes

The Inbetweeners  TV show was a HUGE hit in the UK, it’s no wonder that two equally-successful films followed. The Inbetweeners Movie  is the lesser of the two, following the four lads as they head to Crete on a typical lads package holiday. But The Inbetweeners 2  is my personal favourite, as Simon, Neil and Will travel to Australia to surprise Jay on his working holiday there. Hilarious, entertaining and brilliant at poking fun at gap year stereotypes.

The Inbetweeners 2 (2014)

34. Indiana Jones Series (1981, 1984, 1989 & 2008)

Director: Steven Spielberg  Languages:  English, German  Run times:  115-128m 78-95% Rotten Tomatoes

You knew this entry was coming. These are the best travel adventure movies, hands down.  Raiders of the Lost Ark  (1981),  Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom  (1984),  Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade  (2008) and  Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull  (2008) make up one heck of a film series. Harrison Ford plays the titular whip-cracking archaeologist as his vocation takes him to Peru, India, Venice, Berlin and  so  many other places in the USA and around the world.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

35. Into The Wild  (2007)

Director:  Sean Penn  Language:  English Run time: 83m 83% Rotten Tomatoes

Into The Wild  is a travel movie based on a true story of Christopher McCandless. He was a well-off college graduate who decided to leave his cushy life behind without telling his family. He donates and burns his money to live on the road and off the land throughout the USA and Mexico with his sights set on Alaska . The film asks viewers to reach their own conclusions regarding Chris’ actions. Was he a selfish, arrogant man with no care for his family or others less fortunate, or was he a courageous free-thinker who dared to challenge the status quo?

Into the Wild (2007)

36. Italian For Beginners  (2000)

Director:  Lone Scherfig Languages:  Danish, Italian, English  Run time: 118m 88% Rotten Tomatoes

Italian For Beginners  proves that you don’t have to leave your hometown to experience another culture and meet interesting, like-minded people. Six people living in Copenhagen , all at personal crossroads, sign up for Italian lessons to fill the void in their unhappy lives. They each take steps to work out their issues and take a group trip to Venice, Italy to try out their new language skills.

Best Travel Movie Italian for Beginners (2000)

37. Julie and Julia  (2009)

Director:  Nora Ephron  Language:  English  Run time: 123m 77% Rotten Tomatoes

The film Julie and Julia  tells the story of two women living in two separate eras and two separate countries. The first is famous chef and cookbook writer Julia Childs (played by Meryl Streep) as she attempts to bring French cooking to the American masses from her kitchen in Paris, France. Julie is a stuck-in-a-rut New Yorker who starts a blog to document on her personal challenge to cook everything in Julia’s seminal cookbook “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” A wanderlust movie about travelling through your tastebuds!

Julie and Julia (2009)

38. Lawrence of Arabia  (1962)

Director:  David Lean  Language:  English  Run time:  227m 97% Rotten Tomatoes

Though the eye-wateringly long run time would put some people off,  Lawrence of Arabia  is a classic film that documents a long, perilous journey and a clash of cultures. Based on a memoir, the film follows an army lieutenant tasked with communicating with the Bedouin tribes in North Africa so they can join forces in their fights against the Turks. Cinematic, intrepid and impressive.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

39. Last Holiday  (2006)

Director:  Wayne Wang  Language:  English  Run time: 112m 56% Rotten Tomatoes

What would you do if you were diagnosed with a terminal illness and had weeks to live? Georgia Byrd in Last Holiday  had to answer this question. She decides to spend every last cent she has on a luxury trip to Europe, specifically a lavish hotel in Karlovy Vary, Czechia . It’s an endearing, light-hearted film (given the subject matter) about not delaying your life until it’s too late.

Last Holiday (2006)

40. Letters to Juliet  (2010)

Director:  Gary Winick  Languages:  English, Italian  Run time: 105m 42% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: Letters to Juliet Filming Locations in Verona and Tuscany

Letters to Juliet  is about a wannabe writer who takes a pre-wedding trip with her fiancé to Verona, Italy . After finding a 50-year-old love letter, she helps reunite an English woman with her Italian boyfriend that she loved when they were teenagers in  Tuscany.  This is one of the best travel movies for you soppy romantic types out there. And did you know you can actually volunteer to be a secretary of Juliet for a week or so? Yup, it’s a real thing!

Best Travel Movie Letters to Juliet (2010)

41. Little Miss Sunshine  (2006)

Directors:  Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris  Language:  English  Run time: 102m 91% Rotten Tomatoes

Are you a winner? You’d have to be if you’re part of the Hoover family where losing is not an option. When young Olive is accepted into the Little Miss Sunshine  beauty pageant in  Redondo Beach, California,  the whole dysfunctional family packs up their beat-up yellow VW van in  Albuquerque, New Mexico  and hits the road. One of the best trip movies where you’ll learn that being yourself and losing is  much  better than fitting in and winning.

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

42. Living is Easy with Eyes Closed  (2013)

Directors:  David Trueba  Language:  Spanish  Run time: 105m 94% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: 23 Incredible Films set in Spain to Inspire you to Visit

America seems to get all the best road movies, but Living is Easy with Eyes Closed  proves Spain ain’t a bad country for a road trip, either. Set in the 1960s, an unremarkable teacher decides to travel from Madrid to Almería so he can meet his hero, John Lennon. Of course, we know that half the fun is getting there and the journey is often more important than the destination.

Best Travel Movie Living Is Easy With Eyes Closed (2013)

43. The Lizzie McGuire Movie  (2003)

Director:  Jim Fall  Languages:  English, Italian  Run time: 94m 41% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: 19 Films set in Rome to Watch Before Your Trip

Joining a school trip to Rome , meeting a cute Italian pop star and performing live on stage? This is what dreams are made of. And it’s also  exactly  what happens to Lizzie in  The Lizzie McGuire Movie,  the film based on the hit Disney Channel TV show. You might not love this travel movie if you weren’t 10-years-old in 2003, but I love all the nostalgia feels.

Best Travel Movie The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)

44. The Lord of the Rings Series (2001, 2002 & 2003)

Director:  Peter Jackson  Language:  English  Run time:  178m, 179m, 201m 91-95% Rotten Tomatoes

C’mon, we all know and love this film series.  The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring  (2001),  The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers  (2002) and  The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King  (2003) are modern classics and brilliant adventure movies. Set all around  Middle Earth  and filmed in  New Zealand, throwing the ring into the fires of Mount Doom may have saved man (or hobbit)kind, but the journey changed the young hobbits for the better. We can only hope travel does the same for us!

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

45. Lost in Translation  (2003)

Director:  Sofia Coppola  Language:  English  Run time:  102m 95% Rotten Tomatoes

A sell-out, ageing movie star and an unhappily married 20-something form an unlikely friendship whilst staying in the same hotel in  Tokyo, Japan .  Lost in Translation  eases the pain that any solo traveller knows all too well of finding friendship or simply someone to talk to on the road. All it takes is one kind smile and suddenly you’re running around Tokyo performing karaoke, eating sushi and drinking cheap whisky.

Best Travel Movie Lost in Translation (2003)

46. Monsoon Wedding  (2001)

Director:  Mira Nair  Languages:  Hindi, English  Run time: 113m 95% Rotten Tomatoes

Monsoon Wedding  might not be a travel movie in the strictest sense, but it’s about the clashing of cultures and traditional values wrestling with modern sensibilities. Set in  New Delhi, India during monsoon season, Aditi is promised to a young man whose family live in Texas. It’s their arranged marriage and lavish wedding that forms the main setting for the film.

Wanderlust-Inspiring Movie Monsoon Wedding (2001)

47. Mamma Mia!  (2008) &  Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again  (2018)

Directors:  Phyllida Lloyd, Ol Parker  Language:  English  Run times:  108m, 114m 55-79% Rotten Tomatoes

Mamma Mia!  (2008) and  Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again  (2018) are two of the most joyous films I have ever seen and the world would be a brighter place if they were compulsory viewing. The first film stars Meryl Streep as Donna, a single mother running a rundown B&B in Greece trying to plan her 20-year-old daughter’s wedding. Little does she know Sophie has invited her three possible fathers to the nuptials… The sequel is half present-day in Greece, half flashback to Donna’s carefree days in Paris, France and Greece. I mentioned they were ABBA musical comedy films too, yes?

Best Travel Movie Mamma Mia! (2008)

48. Midnight in Paris  (2011)

Director:  Woody Allen  Language:  English  Run time: 94m 93% Rotten Tomatoes

Read next:  Midnight in Paris Filming Locations in Paris

Many people would choose 1920s Paris if a time machine allowed them to live in any time period in any city. Unfortunately, that’s impossible. But Owen Wilson’s screenwriter Gil gets to do just that at the stroke of midnight while enjoying a city break in Paris, France . He meets Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein reviews his work-in-progress novel. Midnight in Paris  teaches us to live with what we  can’t  control and change what we  can. 

Best Travel Movie Midnight in Paris (2011)

49. The Motorcycle Diaries  (2004)

Director: Walter Salles  Languages:  Spanish, Quechua  Run time:  126m 83% Rotten Tomatoes

This biographical film is definitely one of the best travel movies out there. It combines amazing South American locations, a physical and internal journey and using your knowledge/experience/travels for good.  The Motorcycle Diaries  documents the journey Che Guevara took before his last semester of medical school, one that would ultimately change his viewpoint forever. He travels from Brazil to Peru on a motorcycle, also visiting Argentina and Chile .

Best Travel Movie The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

50. National Lampoon’s Vacation Film Series (1983, 1985, 1989, 1997 & 2015)

Directors:  Various  Language:  English  Run time:  93-99m 13-93% Rotten Tomatoes

Off the back of a first successful film, National Lampoon’s Vacation  (1983) was followed by  National Lampoon’s European Vacation  (1985),  National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation  (1989),  Vegas Vacation  (1997) and  Vacation  (2015). The movies all follow this basic premise: family embarks on a trip, things go awry. And it’s comedy gold! Most of the films are set across the USA , but  European Vacation  is set in London, Stonehenge, Paris  and  Rome.  Though they vary in quality, these are some of the best travel comedy movies. And are ideal if you want to watch family travel movies!

Best Travel Movie National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)

51. Night Train to Lisbon  (2013)

Director:  Bille August  Language:  English  Run time: 111m 41% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: 11 BestPortuguese Movies to Inspire you to Visit Portugal

Though it can feel like you’re watching a long, drawn-out obituary,  Night Train to Lisbon  does have some good qualities if you’re looking for an intellectual film set almost entirely in Lisbon. A teacher from Bern, Switzerland spontaneously hops on a train to Lisbon, Portugal (funny that) after a chance encounter with a woman on a bridge and a book he finds in her coat pocket. His curiosity leads him to have the most meaningful experience he’s had in his entire life. It never hurts to  escape the humdrum every now and again.

Best Travel Movie Night Train to Lisbon (2013)

52. Out Of Africa  (1985)

Director:  Sydney Pollack  Languages:  English, Swahili  Run time:  161m 59% Rotten Tomatoes

Another sweeping travel romance drama in the same vein as The English Patient.  But instead of Italy and the Sahara, the two countries that feature in  Out Of Africa  are  Denmark  and  Kenya.  Meryl Streep plays a wealthy, upper-class Dane in the 1910s who marries for convenience. She moves to Kenya to run a coffee plantation and there she falls in love with a hunter who enjoys the simple things.

Best Travel Movie Out of Africa (1985)

53. Paris Can Wait  (2016)

Director:  Eleanor Coppola  Language:  English  Run time: 92m 47% Rotten Tomatoes

Paris receives a lot of love in English-language travel films but anywhere else rarely gets a look in.  Paris Can Wait  highlights how gorgeous the French countryside is featuring Cannes, Vienna, Lyon, Vezelay as well as Paris, France . Diane Lane stars as a woman abandoned in Cannes by her inattentive movie producer husband and is forced to travel with his business partner up to Paris. What should be a 7-hour road trip takes two days as the pair stop to smell the roses, picnic next to lakes and sample local wineries.

Best Travel Movies Paris Can Wait (2016)

54. P.S. I Love You  (2007)

Director:  Richard LaGravenese  Language:  English  Run time:  125m 25% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: P.S. I Love You Filming Locations in Ireland

While I don’t understand why people love this film so much, they really, really do. So it had to be featured on the best travel movies list. P.S. I Love You  is about a young widow who attempts to rebuild her life with the help of some letters that her late Irish husband left for her. Though the film is primarily set in New York, the young woman visits Ireland both in the present day and via flashback.

Best Travel Movie P.S. I Love You (2007)

55. Roman Holiday  (1953)

Director:  William Wyler  Languages:  English, Italian  Run time: 118m 97% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: Roman Holiday Filming Locations in Rome, Italy

Roman Holiday  was one of the first, real wanderlust movies. It featured a charming storyline, an amazing cast and dreamy real-life filming locations all around the eternal city. Hollywood movies were largely studio-based before then. Audrey Hepburn stars as a European princess who escapes her palace to experience the “real” Rome, Italy . Gregory Peck is her willing tour guide who is secretly an American journalist hoping for an exclusive. An utterly delightful, timeless classic film proving it’s possible to have a  lot of fun in Rome with just one day.

Best Travel Movie Roman Holiday (1953)

56. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty  (2013)

Director:  Ben Stiller  Language:  English  Run time: 114m 51% Rotten Tomatoes

Sometimes you need a push to seek adventure, like Walter Mitty, but it’s always worth it when you do. In  The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,  a search for a lost file negative takes the titular protagonist on a quest through Greenland, Iceland and the Himalayas . It’s one of the best adventure travel movies from recent years, and anyone who has worked in an office can relate to Walter’s proclivity for daydreaming.

Best Travel Movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

57. Seven Years in Tibet  (1997)

Director:  Jean-Jacques Annaud  Languages:  English, German, Nepali & More  Run time: 136m 60% Rotten Tomatoes

Brad Pitt’s dodgy accent aside, Seven Years in Tibet  is a story of perseverance and resistance in the face of adversity. Before China occupied Tibet, an Austrian climber began ascending a mountain in the Himalayas only to be interrupted by WWII. His displacement in Tibet allowed him to meet the Dalai Lama and gain perspective by being immersed in another culture for so long.

Best Travel Movie Seven Years in Tibet (1997)

58. Sideways  (2004)

Director:  Alexander Payne  Language:  English  Run time: 127m 97% Rotten Tomatoes

Who says you need to travel abroad to satiate your wanderlust? A quick trip across the country is sometimes all the respite you need! In  Sideways,  a writer takes his engaged best friend on a trip to California’s wine country for a pre-wedding getaway. There, they drink lots of good wine, see some incredible scenery and get into trouble with women.

Best Travel Movie Sideways (2004)

59. The Spanish Apartment  (2003)

Director:  Cédric Klapisch  Languages:  French, Spanish, English & More  Run time: 122m 76% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: 11 Films set in Barcelona, Spain to Watch Before Your Trip

A truly international film, and a must-watch for any exchange student studying abroad.  The Spanish Apartment  focuses on a flat full of international students studying in  Barcelona, Spain.  Being away from home gives the students mental space to think about what they really want from life and whether certain partners/relationships are right for them.

Best Travel Movie The Spanish Apartment (2003)

60. Spider-Man: Far From Home  (2019)

Director:  Jon Watts  Language:  English  Run time: 129m 91% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: Spider-Man: Far From Home Filming Locations in Europe

National Lampoon’s European Vacation  has already made an appearance on this list, but this is essentially Spider-Man’s European Vacation . Peter Parker gets around a bit in this MCU sequel! Actually titled Spider-Man: Far From Home,  our friendly neighbourhood arachnid travels with his classmates to Venice, Austria, Prague, Berlin, Netherlands and finally London on a field trip that’s hijacked by a mysterious, vengeful villain.

Best Travel Movie Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

61. Summertime  (1955)

Director:  David Lean  Language:  English  Run time: 100m 88% Rotten Tomatoes

It’s interesting how many “women travel to Italy to escape their desperately lonely lives” films there are. Summertime,  starring Katherine Hepburn, is one. She appears as an unmarried secretary from Ohio who embarks on her dream trip to Venice, Italy . She proves that it’s never too late to cross items off your bucket list, even if you wish you’d done it earlier. The past is the past.

Best Travel Movie Summertime (1955)

62. The Talented Mr Ripley  (1999)

Director:  Anthony Minghella  Language:  English  Run time: 139m 83% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: The Talented Mr Ripley Filming Locations in Italy

There aren’t many wanderlust-inspiring thrillers out there. Probably because the words “wanderlust” and “murder” don’t pair too well together. But they do in The Talented Mr Ripley  where Matt Damon’s Tom Ripley cons and lies his way around the Italian islands, Rome and Venice . This is the third film in a row that mentions Venice! Best book a trip there sharpish. I hear it’s sinking, too.

Best Travel Movie The Talented Mr Ripley (1999)

63. Thelma & Louise  (1991)

Director:  Ridley Scott  Language:  English  Run time: 129m 84% Rotten Tomatoes

Thelma & Louise  is a badass road trip film filled with such badassery that it practically invented the word. This film shows us just how awesome (and dangerous) it is to travel with our best gal pals. Starring Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, the pair head off on an innocent fishing trip until one bad night in a bar turns them into wanted women. Suddenly, they’re on the run driving between Arkansas and the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA with their sights set on Mexico.

Wanderlust Movie Thelma & Louise (1991)

64. To Catch A Thief  (1955)

Director:  Alfred Hitchcock  Languages:  English, French  Run time: 106m 96% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: To Catch a Thief Filming Locations in the South of France

Cary Grant and the incomparable Grace Kelly star in Alfred Hitchcock’s crime film about a retired cat burglar who has to clear his name when a copycat starts operating in the area. The film is set in the glamourous South of France, particularly Nice, Monaco and Cannes .  To Catch a Thief  shows us that… Actually, I’m not sure. That there’s always time for sightseeing even when you’re trying to thwart a thief? Maybe?

Best Travel Movie To Catch A Thief (1955)

65. To Rome With Love  (2012)

Director:  Woody Allen  Languages:  English, Italian  Run time: 112m 46% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: To Rome With Love Filming Locations in Rome

Granted,  To Rome With Love  is not an amazing travel movie, nor is it even the best movie set in Rome, Italy . But it might be the most prolific, featuring hundreds of streets, monuments and fountains in less than two hours. It comprises of four separate narratives featuring characters either living or visiting Rome and their connection with the city.

Best Travel Movie To Rome With Love (2012)

66. Tracks  (2013)

Director:  John Curran  Language:  English  Run time: 113m 82% Rotten Tomatoes

Some want to run marathons, others want to sail huge oceans and many of us want to undertake a multi-day hike. I’m in the latter category, but I could never do anything so gruelling as what Robyn Davidson accomplishes in Tracks.  Based on a popular memoir, the movie follows Robyn as she treks four camels and one dog across the unforgiving Australian outback from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean in Western Australia .

Best Travel Movie Tracks (2013)

67. Under the Tuscan Sun  (2003)

Director:  Audrey Wells  Language:  English  Run time: 113m 62% Rotten Tomatoes

Though the movie version of Under the Tuscan Sun  is very different from the best-selling book, there’s a lot to love about this travel film. It’s about a newly-divorced American writer who goes on a trip to Italy and spontaneously buys a rundown villa in Tuscany . She has to navigate hiring workers, managing her finances and a new relationship with a handsome Italian man. It highlights the reality (and the huge benefits) of buying property abroad.

Best Travel Movie Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

68. Up  (2009)

Director:  Pete Docter  Language:  English  Run time: 96m 98% Rotten Tomatoes

This is the only animation on this list of best travel movies! But a worthy selection. Up is the universally-loved Pixar film about a retired man who finally fulfils a lifelong dream of travelling to South America by tying hundreds of balloons to his house and taking flight in it. Yet another film that insists it’s never too late to travel. Adventure is out there!

Best Travel Movie Up (2009)

69. Up in the Air  (2009)

Director:  Jason Reitman  Language:  English  Run time: 109m 91% Rotten Tomatoes

One area of travel that doesn’t get a lot of love: business travel. But so many of us have to do it, so why not embrace it and make travelling for work as enjoyable as possible? In  Up in the Air,  George Clooney plays a “downsizer”, meaning he travels around to different companies firing employees. Some of the places he travels to include Omaha in Nevada, Detroit, Miami, Las Vegas and Wisconsin . The film also tackles the impersonal nature of technology and how face-to-face connections are infinitely better than technological ones.

Best Travel Movie Up in the Air (2009)

70. Vicky Cristina Barcelona  (2008)

Director:  Woody Allen  Languages:  English, Spanish  Run time: 97m 81% Rotten Tomatoes

Read more: Vicky Cristina Barcelona Film Locations in Barcelona and Oviedo, Spain

Everyone needs rich family friends with a nice house in Barcelona, Spain like Vicky and Cristina. The two women spend a summer in the Catalan capital tasting the local wine, admiring the local art and sampling the local men. With the arrival of Juan Antonio, their summer in Spain suddenly gets a lot more interesting. Vicky Cristina Barcelona  is a fantastic demonstration of how your holiday-self is unleashed while you’re abroad and caged when you return.

Best Travel Movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

71. The Way  (2010)

Director:  Emilio Estevez  Language:  English  Run time: 123m 83% Rotten Tomatoes

The title of the film, The Way,  refers to The Way of St James or the Camino de Santiago. It’s a pilgrimage through the north of Spain to a city called Santiago de Compostela . Martin Sheen plays an ophthalmologist who learns his son (played by his real-life son Emilio Estevez) died while hiking over the Pyrenees on the Camino, and travels to France to collect his ashes and belongings. He spontaneously decides to walk the Camino in his place. As I said at the top of the post, this film has encouraged me to walk the Camino and all the best travel movies teach you something about the world you didn’t already know!

Best Travel Movie The Way (2010)

72. Wild  (2014)

Director:  Jean-Marc Vallée  Language:  English  Run time: 115m 88% Rotten Tomatoes

Speaking of hiking for a purpose,  Wild  is a film based on the best selling memoir about a woman who hikes the Pacific Crest Trail from the bottom of California to the top of Washington state. Cheryl Strayed is a newly divorced, ex-junkie who is triggered to hike after the devastating death of her mother. It’s a super encouraging film for solo female travellers and anyone who wants to start over.

Best Travel Movie Wild (2014)

73. The Wizard of Oz  (1939)

Director:  Victor Fleming  Language:  English  Run time: 101m 98% Rotten Tomatoes

Wait,  The Wizard of Oz ?! But it’s not set in a real place and all Dorothy wants to do is go home! How is this one of the best travel movies? Well, it makes sense if you think about it. Dorothy’s end destination might be home, but she goes on quite the adventure to get back there. She meets the locals, learns how to assert herself and acclimatises well in Munchkinland and Emerald City . She’s a traveller through and through and we could all learn something from Dorothy.

Best Travel Movie The Wizard of Oz (1939)

74.  Y Tu Mamá También  (2001)

Director:  Alfonso Cuarón  Language:  Spanish  Run time: 106m 92% Rotten Tomatoes

If you want a travel movie to help you reminisce about your carefree teenage years,  Y Tu Mamá También  is the perfect film for you. Julio and Tenoch are friends with different socio-economic backgrounds. While attending a family wedding, they manage to convince an older woman to join them on a road trip from Mexico City to a beach in Oaxaca . It’s a trip that changes all three of them forever.

Best Travel Movie Y Tu Mamá También (2001)

75. Youth  (2015)

Director:  Paolo Sorrentino  Language:  English  Run time: 124m 71% Rotten Tomatoes

Fred (played by Michael Caine), a retired composer, and Mick (played by Harvey Keitel), an almost-retired screenplay writer, convalesce at a luxury Alpine spa resort in Switzerland . They are best friends who are unable to feel hopeful about their futures as they deal with grief, family dramas and the inevitable indignity of ageing.  Youth  is a picturesque, quiet film which teaches us that it doesn’t matter where you physically are, your internal problems will follow.

Best Travel Movie Youth (2015)

And those are the best travel movies and the best movies to watch while travelling! Have you seen any of these good travel movies? Have they inspired you to visit somewhere? Let me know in the comments below!

Read next: 75+ Famous Movie Locations You Can Actually Visit

Best Travel Movies To Inspire Your Wanderlust | almostginger.com

Hey! I wrote this. And I'm the human (and hair) behind Almost Ginger. I live for visiting filming locations, attending top film festivals and binge-watching travel inspiring films. I'm here to inspire you to do the same! Get in touch by leaving a comment or contacting me directly: [email protected] .

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91+ Best Travel Movies of All Time: An Ultimate List | 2022 Updated

Great travel movies are priceless.  They can keep you motivated during those days of the cubicle cage and mundane routine. Unfortunately Googling, “Best Travel Movies” always churns out the same 10. Lucky for you, I’ve kept an ongoing list of the best travel movies that will inspire your next adventure and found a few you likely haven’t seen…yet.

The 10 of the Best Adventure Travel Movies that no one knows of: Bella Vita

Contents of this Best Travel Movies List

  • The 11 Best Travel Movies That No One Mentions!!
  • The Best Pure Travel Movies
  • Best Destination Movies
  • Adventure Travel
  • Action and Spy Movies
  • Romance And “Chick Flicks” (That Anyone Can Love)
  • Nature And Documentaries
  • Comedy And Pure Fun
  • Classic Travel Movies
  • Travel Tv Shows
  • Food Travel Tv Shows
  • Nature Travel Tv Shows

The 11 Best Travel Movies that No One Mentions

  • Bella Vita (2014) 
  • Life in a Day
  • Alamar (2011)
  • Happy People: A Year in the Taiga
  • Point Break (2014) 
  • The Before Trilogy: Before Sunrise
  • The Before Trilogy: Before Sunset
  • The Before Trilogy: Before Midnight
  • Mile… Mile and Half

Each movie on this quick list of my 11 favorite movies for a travel and adventure mood captures the feeling of simply wandering the world, from South America to Asia, and creating and experiencing your own true story. Whether you’re romantic, adventurous, or a little of both, one of these 11 movies will scratch that travel itch.

The Best Adventure Travel movies you've never seen | Best Travel Movies

If you don’t find a movie that perfectly satisfies your travel palet, keep scrolling our click here to jump to our full list of the 91+ best travel movies .

1.      Bella Vita

In the travel documentary Bela Vita, pro surfer Chris del Moror travels through Italy exploring the artisanal culture that fills the country in every way from culinary artists to the high skilled craftsmen, and even the surfers of the budding Italian surf scene. 

The 10 Best Adventure Travel Movies that no one mentions: Bella Vita

Watch the Bella Vita Trailer

This film simultaneously combines the high life experiences of travel with the calming adventure of outdoors sports accented by the loving warmth of Italian culture explored through a cross country road trip -making for a great vicarious experience whenever you’re in a travel mood.

Greatfor: When you’re feeling adventurous yet chill – perfect for a rainy day

Ratings: No rating on Rotten Tomatoes (which means we’ve found an unsung hero)

Where to watch it: Watch Bella Vita (2014) on Amazon

2.      Life in a Day

Why Watch: A pure view of cultures across the world and how we’re all connected by documenting the true story of millions of people’s life in a day

The 10 Best Adventure Travel Movies that no one mentions - Life in a Day

Watch the Life In A Day trailer

On July 24, 2010, thousands of people from every continent uploaded footage of a normal day in their lives as part of a project by Ridley Scott and Youtube.  The result is an astounding masterpiece, beautifully patched together into a very engaging story…of Life on earth, in a single day.

…or watch the entire Life In A Day movie

Why I love this movie: Some of my most adventurous and rewarding travels have been far from risky – more often just making my way into a very foreign place, like Laos, or Vietnam, or Egypt, or Iraq, and then experiencing the culture by simply observing how they live. You would be surprised how rich an experience like this could be, and Life in a Day captures that experience perfectly.  There is no narration, no spin, and no analysis, just normal people and average cultures presenting themselves.  Its beautiful.

If you come away from watching this without feeling like the world is smaller, I’d be surprised.

  • Great for: The feeling exploring the world and other cultures, all from your couch
  • Rating: 80% on Rotten Tomatoes
  • Where to Watch it: WatchLife in a Day free on Youtube

Don’t forget to follow up this movie with Life in a Day (2020) which was recorded exactly 10 years later. The updated sequel movie explores themes all travelers can relate to, life across cultures, and feelings across the world during the confusing times of the pandemic.

3.      180 South

In 1968, Yvon Chouinard (founder of the clothing brand Patagonia) and Doug Tompkins drove a van, some surfboards, and some climbing gear from Ventura, California to the southernmost regions of Patagonia, in Chile and Argentina – and they recorded the entire journey. Present day adventurer, wanderer, surfer, and climber Jeff Johnson found the footage and decided to remake the journey in pursuit of a quintessential Patagonia experience and self discovery.

The 10 Best Adventure Travel Movies that no one mentions: 180 South

The movie 180 South follows Jeff Johnson as retraces the footsteps while creating a new adventure, sailing south, hitchhiking, exploring, climbing, and picking up friends along the way.  At points, Jeff even connects with Yvon Chouinard to talk about travel and the outdoors in a way that could enliven even the most downtrodden wanderluster. 

watch the 180 South trailer

If your brand of travels includes time spent outdoors, as far as possible from civilization, 180 South will be like having a nice conversation about the adventures you live for.

  • Great for: Wanderers, trekkers, and travelers of all breeds
  • Rating: 83% on RottenTomatoes
  • Whereto Watch: Watch 180 South onAmazon or on Netflix

4.      Alamar (“To the Sea”)

Why Watch: To recreate that feeling of discovery

A documentary and true story of how a small boy is about to make the move to the big city of Rome with his Italian mother, but first takes one last “adventure” with his father “alamar” (“To the Sea”). The boy, his father, and his grandfather spend time connecting and living as traditional fishermen and divers so that the boy always remembers his roots and his heritage of the sea.

The 10 Best Adventure Travel Movies that no one mentions: alamar

watch the trailer for Alamar

Why I love this movie: Though the film isn’t in English, you don’t need to understand a word.  You can feel the adventure that the boy is going through, under the loving watch of his father, and how he grows to feel his connection to the ocean.  The experience of watching is partlyentertaining, with the beautiful views, and partly reminiscent of the feeling of discovery that comes when you go into the vast unknown (the world or the sea) and learn to know you had more in common with the “unknown” than you thought – all with the rift of the occasional Spanish guitar in the backdrop

  • Great for: Water lovers and ocean views
  • Rating& Awards: 91% on Rotten Tomatoes
  • Whereto Watch it: Watch Alamar  on Amazon

Why Watch: The feeling of travels started by loss, but ending in gain

Many travelers’ ventures started with a loss, a searching, or a desire for experience that would provide answers or guidance.  That  is exactly what The Way is about – father who lost his son and decides to fulfill his son’s last standing wish, to walk the Camino de Santiago through Spain.

The 10 Best Adventure Travel Movies that no one mentions The Way

The Way is often recommended as an excellent travel movie because of its feel. There is no big budget, the big name actor in the movie (Martin Sheen) doesn’t take himself seriously, and the characters are remarkably human, flawed, and charming – just like the characters you would likely meet on the road.

The Way, and the journey along the Camino de Santiago within, perfectly captures the blend of emotions and the ultimately positive feel that backpacking the world brings.

  • Great for: Just great for the feeling of travel
  • Rating: 83% on Rotten TomatoesWatch The Way onAmazon or on Netflix

6.      Happy People: A Year in the Taiga

Why watch: Transports you to a different place as a welcomed observer of a very different way of life

Though Happy People isn’t exactly about travelers, the epic adventure of following those who live in the “Taiga” of Siberia is such a journey that it feels as though you’ve traveled to Russia and followed them thousands of miles between home and the frozen frontier where they live for months on end.

The 10 Best Adventure Travel Movies that no one mentions: Happy People a Year in the Taiga

watch the trailer for Happy People

If you have travel experiences on your bucket list like “go to Mongolia” or “visit a tribe in the Amazon”, Happy People is a documentary for you.  The filmmaker follows the tough people of the Taiga region, in Siberian Russia, for an entire year.  The result is an interesting portrayal of a tough yet balanced people living in, thriving in, and enjoying one of the harshest environments in the world.

  • Great for: Recreating the immersive cultural education that comes with adventurous travel
  • Rating: 87% on RottenTomatoes
  • Whereto Watch: Watch Happy People: AYear in the Taiga on Amazon or on Netflix

The Best Adventure Travel movies you've never seen | Best Travel Movies

The “Before” Trilogy

(Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, Before Midnight)

Why Watch: Sums up the romantic experiences of travel – which is a one of a kind adventure

No, I didn’t trick you with the title of this article.  At the risk of being misunderstood, I’ll go all in on this one – the experience of love, regardless of how shallow or deep, is an adventure in its own right. 

You have the chance to gain something undefined yet priceless or lose everything (including your sanity). Even more, romance on the road has higher stakes – you know there’s a looming end date, too many unspoken thoughts, and as much pleasure as you’re willing to let yourself have.

Though this kind of pressure could create unimaginable chaos, given how complicated humans are, it usually results in a nothing to lose and “bare all” situation that is refreshing, irreplaceable, and addictive.  If that’s not a risky adventure, I don’t know what is – and the Before Trilogy captures this sentiment perfectly.

7.      Before Sunrise (1995)

The 10 Best Adventure Travel Movies that no one mentions: Before Sunrise

In the first chapter, a young Celine and Jesse meet on a train from eastern European to western Europe, where Celine lives and Jesse is supposed to take aplane home, back to the US.  As theteasing sparks and smiles are exchanged, Jesse has to decide whether to stay,or go…Before Sunrise

Rating:100% on Rotten Tomatoes

8.      Before Sunset (2004)

The 10 Best Adventure Travel Movies that no one mentions: Before Sunset

In the second movie, 10 years after initially meeting, Celine and Jesse are presented to the audience again in the familiar (to most) state of unfinished love, divided by continents.  Through clarified miscommunications and trickled honesty the two finally get to the thing that really connects them…all with Jesse’s depart looming as he flies out at sunset.

Rating: 95% on Rotten Tomatoes

9. Before Midnight (2013)

In the conclusion to the trilogy, like all natural things, love goes through seasons and shades.  20 years after the start (in the storyline and after the release of the actual movies), Celine and Jesse are forced to explore this idea – all against the backdrop of wanderlust and travel

The 10 Best Adventure Travel Movies that no one mentions: Before Midnight

An interesting and artful film project about travel and love that now spans 3 decades in a way that makes you question love, culture, what matters, and (more importantly) what doesn’t matter in just enjoying and being happy.  Each movie takes place at a casual place, using dialogue and though as its hook.  Each movie also takes place 10 years after the preceding movie, and was released 10 years after the preceding movie.

Rating: 98% on Rotten Tomatoes

Great for:  Re-experiencing the rich conversations and interactions that happen while traveling…with your guard down

Where to Watch the Before Trilogy:

  • Watch Before Sunrise on Amazon or Netflix
  • Watch Before Sunset on Amazon or Netflix
  • Watch Before Midnight on Amazon or Netflix

10.      Point Break (2015)

Why Watch: The Feeling of Adventure and a Tribe Culture

A remake on the old 1980’s Point Break, but with a touch of adrenaline and travel that makes it more reminiscent of Redbull TV with a story line.

The 10 Best Adventure Travel Movies that no one mentions: Point Break

A group of extremely  adventurous travelers and criminals chain a string of heists into a”game” to honor the forces of nature, and an undercover FBI agent is sent in to investigate.  The story that ensues is a showcase of extreme sports underlined with that hard to replace tribal  feeling that happens when you travel with a likeminded and equally adventurous group.

Though this movie has low ratings and a storyline most will deem illogical, I love it for the adrenaline infused experiences it recreates, focus on the tribe culture that happens on the road, and the idea of finding your “line”.  The “ Ozaki 8 ” extreme sports feats seem like a nice bucket list to recreate as well.  If you like Redbull TV and wandering then this remake is right up your alley.

  • Great for: Adrenaline chasers and adventurous travelers
  • Rotten Tomatoes: 9% (Meaning this is a love it or hate it movie – don’t worry, I’m prepared for the sneers)
  • Whereto Watch: Watch Point Break 2015 on Amazon or on Netflix

11. Mile, Mile and a Half

Why watch : For hikers and trekkers to appreciate a beautiful view from the couch

The 10 Best Adventure Travel Movies that no one mentions: Mile Mile and a Half

If you love to hike but can’t get outside, this is the documentary for you.  “Mile, Mile and a Half” is a project by photographers, videographers, artists, and hikers to capture the experience of hiking 219 miles of the John Muir Trail.  The result is a visually pleasing and peaceful movie that takes you outside when you can’t be.

  • Great for: Hikers and trekkers that are stuck inside
  • Rating: 80% on Rotten Tomatoes (rated by audience)
  • Where to Watch: Watch Mile, Mile and a Half on Amazon or on Netflix

More of my favorite Best Travel Movies

The secret life of walter mitty.

A daydreaming, introverted, and endearing office worker, played by Ben Stiller, spends part of his days doing what he is told, and most of his days daydreaming about…the secret life of Walter Mitty, the lives inside his mind.

As all wanderlusters do, he daydreams, day in and day out, about the adventures he could have, until one day he’s pushed over the edge to take on that adventure of a lifetime,

adventure and travel movies

  • Wild (2014)

Inspired by a novel and true story, Wild follows the journey of a young woman as she hikes the Pacific Crest Trail and along the way climbs a mountain of self discovery, eventually using the wild to understand the wild in her

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FULL LIST OF THE 91 BEST TRAVEL MOVIES OF ALL TIME

Beyond my 11 favorites, there are hundreds of other travel movie options that inspire wanderlust, trigger that desire for self-discovery and exploration that comes with a good travel film.

In this section, we’ll go even further, sharing the the 91 best movies and TV shows for travel lovers by genre. Whether you’re in the mood for a Rom Com, an action adventure flick, beautiful scenery provided courtesy of nature, a timeless classic, we’ll share great movies from every genre to fill your needs.

Click to jump to your genre of choice

THE BEST PURE TRAVEL MOVIES

  • The Beach (2000)
  • The Way (2010)
  • The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
  • Life in a Day (2010)
  • Life in a Day (2020)
  • The Motorcycle Diaries
  • The Bucket List (2007)
  • Into The Wild (2007)
  • 180 South (2010)
  • Seven Years in Tibet (1997)
  • Endless Summer (1966)
  • Expedition Happiness (2017)
  • The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
  • Catch Me If You Can (2002)

BEST DESTINATION MOVIES

  • The Beach – Thailand (2000)
  • Slumdog Millionaire – India (2008)
  • Vicky, Cristina Barcelona – Spain (2008)
  • Under the Tuscan Sun – Italy (2003)
  • Best Exotic Marigold Hotel – India (2011)
  • Grand Budapest Hotel
  • A Good Year – France (2006)
  • The Last Samurai – Japan (2003)
  • Memoirs of a Geisha – Japan (2005)

ADVENTURE TRAVEL

  • 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible (2021)
  • Point Break (2015)
  • The Way Back (2010)
  • Wild (2014) (88% on Rotten Tomatoes)
  • Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001 – 2003)

ACTION AND SPY MOVIES

  • Skyfall (2012)
  • Casino Royale (2006)
  • The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
  • The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
  • Indiana Jones Movies
  • Captain America – Civil War (2016)
  • Black Panther (2018)
  • Fast Five (2011)
  • The Tourist (2010)

ROMANCE AND “CHICK FLICKS” (THAT ANYONE CAN LOVE)

  • Under The Tuscan Sun (2003)
  • A Good Year (2006)
  • Before Sunrise (1995)
  • Before Sunset (2004)
  • Before Midnight (2013)
  • Vicky Christina Barcelona (2008)
  • Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
  • Eat Pray Love (2010)
  • Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
  • ‘The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’ (2005) 

NATURE AND DOCUMENTARIES

  • Chasing Ice (2012)
  • Mission Blue (2014)
  • Chasing Coral (2017)
  • Captain Fantastic (2016)
  • Encounters at the End Of The World (2007)
  • A Walk in the Woods (2015)
  • Mile… Mile and a Half (2013)

COMEDY AND PURE FUN

  • Eurotrip (2004)
  • Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)
  • The Hangover Part II (2011)
  • National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
  • ‘Pee-wee’s Big Adventure’ (1985)
  • Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (2022)
  • All is Lost (2013)
  • Adrift (2018)
  • Maiden Voyage (2004)
  • Ratatouille (2007)

CLASSIC TRAVEL MOVIES

  • Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
  • Casablanca (1942)
  • Roman Holiday (1953)

TRAVEL TV SHOWS

  • Parts Unknown (12 Seasons, 2001-2013)
  • No Reservations (9 Seasons)
  • A Cook’s Tour (2 Seasons, 2002-2004)
  • Departures (3 Seasons, 2008-2011)
  • Long Way Up (1 Season, 2020)
  • Long Way Down (1 Season, 2007)
  • Long Way Round (1 Season, 2004)

FOOD TRAVEL TV SHOWS

  • Somebody Feed Phil (Netflix) (5 Seasons, 2018)
  • Street Food – Asia (Netflix) (1 Season, 2019)
  • Street Food – Latin America (Netflix) (1 Season, 2020)
  • Eat the World with Emeril Lagasse (Amazon Prime) (1 Season, 2016)

NATURE TRAVEL TV SHOWS

  • Planet Earth (2 Seasons, 2006)
  • Planet Earth II (1 Season, 2016)
  • Human Planet (1 Season, 2011)
  • Win the Wilderness (1 Season, 2020)
  • Our Greatest National Parks (Narrated by Barack Obama) (1 Season, 2022)

BONUS!!! My personal list of 95 MORE well rated travel movies to watch (and rate)

  • 2 Days In Paris (2007)
  • 7 Days in Havana (2012)
  • A Map For Saturday
  • Adventures of Pricilla Queen of the Desert
  • Amélie
  • Around the World in 80 Days (1956)
  • Away We Go (2009)
  • Baraka (1992)
  • Black Mountain Poets (2015)
  • Brooklyn (2015)
  • Call Me By Your Name (2017)
  • Carol (2015)
  • City of God (2002)
  • Doctor Zhivago (1965)
  • Duma (2005)
  • Easy Rider (1969)
  • Eight Below (2008)
  • Encounters at the End of the World (2007)
  • Fitzcarraldo (1982)
  • French Kiss
  • Girls Trip (2017)
  • Gorillas in the Mist (1988)
  • Hector and The Search for Happiness (2014)
  • Hit the Road: India
  • Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)
  • In Bruges (2008)
  • Into the Cold (2013)
  • Julie & Julia
  • Kundun (1997)
  • L’Auberge Espagnole (2002)
  • La La Land (2016)
  • Last Holiday
  • Lion (2016)
  • Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
  • Lost in Translation – Tokyo
  • Meek’s Cutoff (2010)
  • Midnight in Paris
  • Midsommar (2019)
  • Monsoon Wedding
  • Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
  • My Life in Ruins
  • Nomadland’ (2020)
  • Not Without My Daughter (1991)
  • Nowhere in Africa
  • On the Road (2012)
  • One Week (2008)
  • Out of Africa (1985)
  • Paris, Je T’aime (2006)
  • Patagonia (2010)
  • Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
  • Queen of Katwe (2016)
  • Riding Solo to the Top of the World
  • Roma (2018)
  • Romancing the Stone
  • Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2012)
  • The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
  • The Art of Travel (2008)
  • The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
  • The Big Year
  • The Endurance (2000)
  • The English Patient (1996)
  • The Farewell (2019)
  • The Good Lie (2014)
  • The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
  • The Kite Runner (2007)
  • The Lost City of Z (2017)
  • The Road Within
  • The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
  • The Terminal (2004)
  • The Tourist
  • The Trip (2010)
  • The Trip to Italy
  • Thelma & Louise (1991)
  • Tracks (2013)
  • Tracks (2014)
  • Up in the Air
  • Wadjda (2013)
  • Whale Rider
  • Withnail & I (1987)
  • World’s Fastest Indian 
  • Y Tu Mamá También (2001)

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adventure and travel movies

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlos is nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.

Divergent Travelers

30 Best Travel Movies that Inspire Travel

No one can be traveling all the time so why not live vicariously through a great film and maybe even get inspired for your next trip? We love travel movies and are excited to share some of our favorites with you!

Watching a good travel movie gives you that buzz of excitement; the urge to pack your suitcase and head for the open road.

So from the classics to recent blockbusters, here are 30 travel movies to help motivate you to finally take that extra time off and live a full travel life.

30 Best Travel Movies

Table of Contents

Best Travel Movies that Inspire Travel

Secret Life of Walter Mitty – Lina’s Favorite Travel Movie!

As his company, Life Magazine closes down, Walter Mitty realizes he hasn’t been anywhere or done anything in his own life and decides to turn his “zoned out” heroic daydreams into reality as he disappears into a life of the unknown.

A tale filled with adventure and romance as he takes a global trip to several exotic places. No matter your age, this movie will make you feel a childlike thirst for adventure!

Check out the links below. Watch the movie for inspiration and listen to the soundtrack while you pack!

Buy Secret Life of Walter Mitty

The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

adventure and travel movies

Into the Wild – David’s Favorite Travel Movie!

That wilderness is alluring, isn’t it? This film follows a man’s journey after he feels he’s hit rock bottom and travels a rough road to and through the Alaskan wilderness.

Based on a true story, Chris McCandless leaves it all behind and takes the difficult path towards his goal; hitch-hiking, camping, and rafting his way along a journey that will make you feel that it is time to diverge and discover.

Buy Into the Wild

adventure and travel movies

Slumdog Millionaire

If you’ve ever been to India than you’ll understand why this movie is on our list. When it comes to depicting what life is like in the slums, this movie is right on. It follows Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) as he answers questions on the Indian version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” while flashbacks show how he got there.

Part of a stable of young thieves after their mother dies, Jamal and his brother, Salim, survive on the streets of Mumbai. Salim finds the life of crim e agreeable, but Jamal scrapes by with small jobs until landing a spot on the game show.

Buy Slumdog Millionaire

adventure and travel movies

If you’ve ever dreamed of grabbing a backpack and heading for Southeast Asia to live the beach life, this movie is for you.

It was the movie that inspired us to take our honeymoon to Thailand so we could visit the famous Maya Bay that is featured in the movie.

The desire to find something real — to connect with something or someone — is what drives Richard (Leonardo DiCaprio), a young American backpacker who arrives in Thailand with adventure on his mind.

This is one of the most famous travel movies around.

Buy The Beach

adventure and travel movies

Couples Retreat

It’s all about the South Pacific is this hilarious romantic comedy, another one of Lina’s favorite travel movies.

Four couples, all friends, descend on a tropical island resort. Though one husband and wife are there to work on their marriage, the others just want to enjoy some fun in the sun.

They soon find, however, that paradise comes at a price: Participation in couples therapy sessions is mandatory. What st arted out as a cut-rate vacation turns into an examination of the common problems many face.

Buy Couples Retreat

adventure and travel movies

If you like musicals that are set in dreamy locations, this is one that will have you wanting to head straight for Greece.

Featuring the hits of ABBA, Donna (Meryl Streep), an independent hotelier in the Greek islands, is preparing for her daughter’s wedding with the help of two old friends.

Meanwhile, Sophie, the spirited bride, has a plan. She secretly invites three men from her mother’s past in the hope of meeting her real father and having him esco rt her down the aisle on her big day.

This is one of the classic travel movies.

Buy Mamma Mia

adventure and travel movies

A fun one to watch with the kids, Moana gives a beautiful look into like in the South Pacific, through the eyes of the princess Moana. An adventurous teenager sails out on a daring mission to save her people.

During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demigod Maui, who guides her in her quest to become a master way-finder. Together they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and i mpossible odds.

Along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she always sought: her own identity.

This is one of those travel movies that evokes emotion.

adventure and travel movies

Reese Witherspoon takes a daring 1000 mile trek along the Pacific Coast Trail in California to re-discover herself and heal from a recent personal tragedy.

It’s a journey of hardship, adventure, and challenges along with incredible Californian scenery. It will inspire you to strap on that heavy pack and find your nearest hiking trail.

adventure and travel movies

A classic romantic comedy from the 40s starring Humphrey Bogart who plays an American expatriate who runs a nightclub in Morocco . “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship!”

Buy Casablanca

adventure and travel movies

Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Set in the fictional land of Middle-Earth (AKA New Zealand!), we follow Frodo as he steps out of his comfortable life in the Shire and into an adventure that can only be described as, epic.

If you haven’t seen this classic tale, make sure to cast it on the biggest screen available and watch the beautiful landscapes and adventures unfold!

This is one of those epic travel movies.

Buy The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring

Buy  Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

Buy The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

adventure and travel movies

Roman Holiday

Another 50’s favorite! Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn) is sick of her tightly scheduled life and escapes the embassy to discover Rome on her own.

Joining up with an American reporter who she convinces to take a holiday, they explore all the sights as they spend a perfect day of freedom and adventure. Just remember to watch out for that fountain!

Buy  Roman Holiday

adventure and travel movies

Martin Sheen is an American doctor who goes to France following the death of his son to retrieve his ashes and grieve. He ends up swept up along the traditional pilgrimage his son was taking along the Camino de Santiago.

While there, he meets others from around the world who are also searching for answers and ways to make their lives better as he journeys to scatter his son’s ashes.

Buy The Way

adventure and travel movies

Encounters at the End of the World

A Discovery channel film, this movie definitely takes you to an unknown land! In a visually stunning adventure, Herzog and his cinematographer travel to a small community in Antarctica made up of zoologists, divers, biologists, and other adventurers as he starts to experience their rather absurd and breathtaking lives!

Buy  Encounters at the End of the World

adventure and travel movies

The Bucket List

Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman’s characters find out they have terminal cancer and escape the ward to go on a final adventure around the world to check off all the things on their bucket list.

They go skydiving, fly over the North Pole, visit the Taj Mahal in India, ride motorcycles atop the Great Wall of China, visit a Tanzanian Safari, stand at the base of Mt. Everest, and look out at the world from the top of the Great Pyramids.

It is a story of putting everything behind you and truly living while you can.

This is another one of Lina’s favorite travel movies.

Buy The Bucket List

adventure and travel movies

Out of Africa

Ever wonder what Meryl Streep was like as a young Hollywood starlet? Set in early 20th century Colonial Kenya, Out of Africa follows Karen (Meryl Streep) who originally moves to Africa to start a dairy farm.

She then ends up going through various love trials as she explores the wonders of the African wildlife and decides to open a school to teach basic education to local African tribal children.

Buy Out of Africa

adventure and travel movies

The Art of Travel

Leaving his fiancée at the altar, Connor turns his back on the traditional life and embarks on his honeymoon alone, traveling through central and South America , trying to find out how to make his mark.

Buy The Art of Travel

adventure and travel movies

Eat Pray Love

Sick of always either breaking up or getting together with men, Elizabeth (Julia Roberts) decides to take a year off from life to be with herself.

Taking a journey through Italy, India, and Bali, she rediscovers herself on a road of introspection. Gain back your “appetite for life” with this captivating film.

Check out this film  to motivate you to plan your own inner discovery adventure:

Buy Eat Pray Love

adventure and travel movies

Before Sunrise

A romantic comedy about a man and woman who meet on a train from Budapest. He convinces her to skip her flight home to the US and instead explore the romantic city of Vienna.

Buy Before Sunrise

adventure and travel movies

Hector and the Search for Happiness

Hector (Simon Pegg) takes a journey across the world to figure out what makes people happy.

A fantastic British comedy, this film will have you searching for those childhood moments of happiness we all used to feel so free and make you yearn to go out and explore for yourself.

Buy Hector and the Search for Happiness

adventure and travel movies

The Sound of Music

Who isn’t inspired by the hills that are alive with the sound of music? Join Julie Andrews as she escapes the abbey to follow her heart to the stunning hills of Austria during the trying times of WWII.

She falls in love with the Von Trapp family as she becomes governess to the 7 adorable and musically gifted Von Trapp children. She softens the hearts of the entire household with her youthful enthusiasm and imagination.

Buy The Sound of Music

adventure and travel movies

Under the Tuscan Sun

A woman gets divorced and her friends send her on a gay tour in Tuscany to gain back her freedom.

She impulsively buys a rundown Tuscan villa and starts life over. Funny and charming this movie will definitely make you want to go to Italy!

Check out Under the Tuscan Sun  for some Italian travel inspiration:

Buy Under the Tuscan Sun

adventure and travel movies

Maybe more terrifying than inspiring, this epic film follows a group of adventurers to the top of Mount Everest and outlines the perils and challenges of this fantastical feat.

Buy Everest

adventure and travel movies

Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore star in this light-hearted family film about a couple who go on a disastrous blind date and then unknowingly buy one half of the same family vacation package to Africa , which forces them to participate in everything together.

Buy  Blended

adventure and travel movies

A young woman goes on a journey that seems impossible. A 1700 mile trek across the deserts of West Australia with only four camels and her faithful dog.

Buy  Tracks

adventure and travel movies

The Bourne Series

Adventure packed for sure, Jason Bourne travels to a number of beautiful destinations over this multi-movie series, some such as Venice, Budapest, Berlin, Madrid. Just try not to jump on the locals’ roofs when you go there yourself.

Check out this ultimate collection to see all the major sites to inspire your next adventure:

Buy  The Bourne Ultimate Collection

adventure and travel movies

Romancing the Stone

A classic 80s film starring Katherine Turner, Michael Douglas, and Danny Devito about a sheltered and proper woman’s sister getting kidnapped, forcing her to travel to Colombia to rescue her.

She’s helped by a mercenary as they try to find a priceless gem before giving up her sister’s treasure map ransom.

Buy Romancing the Stone

adventure and travel movies

A 60’s British film, this story is about a family who takes in three orphaned lion cubs and attempts to raise and free them into the wilderness of Kenya.

Buy Born Free

adventure and travel movies

Mix it up with an animated movie! This heart-warming kids movie will inspire you for adventure as you watch Carl overcome his grief and take a journey to South America he always dreamed of. You may want to have some tissues close by though.

Buy  Up

adventure and travel movies

The Motorcycle Diaries

This movie follows the journey of two men who leave their home in Buenos Aires and travel for eight months on a rickety motorcycle across Latin America, giving them new perspectives and experiences that change their view of the world.

Buy The Motorcycle Diaries

adventure and travel movies

The Darjeeling Limited

Following the death of their father, three estranged brothers travel across India by train to try to reconnect as a family. An underrated comedy adventure, this movie has made our list!

Buy  The Darjeeling Limited

adventure and travel movies

More on Travel Inspiration:

  • 25 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Africa
  • 54 Travel Quotes to Inspire Your Wanderlust
  • 6 Exotic Places You Can Visit Without a US Passport
  • 2015 Travel Review- 26 Countries on 4 Continents
  • 36 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit the Philippines
  • The World’s Top 100 Travel Adventures
  • Best Travel Gifts for Travelers

What movie has inspired you the most to travel?

Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

3 thoughts on “30 Best Travel Movies that Inspire Travel”

Just loving this post.

Watching a travel movie sure gives an urge to travel. And this post is reminding me of all those travel-urges I got from watching most of the movies you mentioned here. So collectively, it’s a hell lot of travel-urge.

In fact, I’ve already started feeling ‘Fernweh’.

Thanks for the list, Lina.

Eat, pray, love was my favourite!!!

It’s a good one!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Divergent Travelers- Adventure Travel Blog

Wander-Lush

18 Epic Adventure Travel Movies Like Into the Wild

A good travel film can transport you to a far-flung location without the need to leave your living room. But the best travel movies often lead you on a different journey: One of self-discovery.

Here are 18 adventure travel movies like Into the Wild that are guaranteed to leave you feeling contemplative, energised, and ready for your next journey into the unknown.

All of these terrific travel films are available on Amazon Prime and some can be streamed on Netflix. I’ve included a link to access each one – plus, for a bit of fun, I’ve also added my favourite inspirational quote for every movie on the list!

More movie inspiration: 25 travel movies like Eat Pray Love .

Love the 2007 biopic 'Into the Wild'? These 15 travel movies like Into the Wild explore similar themes and are bound to inspire your wanderlust.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Movies like Into the Wild – quick reference

  • The Loneliest Planet
  • The Peanut Butter Falcon
  • 180 Degrees South
  • Inside Llewyn Davis
  • Swiss Army Man
  • Leave No Trace
  • The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
  • The Life of Pi
  • The Way Back
  • Seven Years in Tibet

18 epic adventure travel movies like Into the Wild (biopics, dramas and comedies)

Travel has a way of expanding the limits of your comfort zone – and these 18 movies like Into the Wild prove it. Live vicariously through these spirited, bold protagonists who push themselves to their physical and mental limits in search of something (or in some cases, nothing) beyond the ordinary.

Some of these films are about overcoming adversity ; others are about escaping reality . Some document journeys that must be taken alone while others tell of individuals who are humbled by nature or form unlikely friendships on the road.

If you liked Into the Wild , Sean Penn’s classic biopic about a young man who hitchhiked across the US, chances are you’ll love these 18 travel films like Into the Wild that explore similar themes of escapism, isolation, adventure, and self-discovery .

Jungle movie trailer.

One of my favourite lesser-known movies similar to Into the Wild , Jungle (2017) is a biopic based on true events that unfolded in Bolivia in 1981.

“This is the last frontier on earth. The jungle shows us what we really are.” Karl, Jungle

The film follows Israeli adventurer, Yossi Ghinsberg (played by Daniel Radcliffe), as he attempts to trek deep into the Amazon Rainforest. After a series of unfortunate events leaves Yossi stranded and disoriented, he must fight to find his way back.

Jungle is a story of mental endurance and physical survival in the harshest conditions. Filmed in Colombia and Australia, the majestic backdrop is a reminder of nature’s wild and unpredictable beauty – the very thing that drew Yossi to the Amazon in the first place.

How to watch it: Rent or buy on Amazon Prime .

Wild movie trailer.

One of my favourite films like Into the Wild , Wild (2014), is yet another adventure biopic that brings a seemingly impossible journey to life on the screen. Based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir of the same name, the film follows her quest to walk the Pacific Crest Trail.

“I was amazed that what I needed to survive could be carried on my back. And, most surprising of all, that I could carry it.” cheryl, wild

For Cheryl (played by Reece Witherspoon), it’s a deeply personal voyage of self-discovery and healing. She puts her body on the line, but in the end, her biggest triumphs are all psychological as she overcomes self-doubt and makes peace with her mother’s death and the breakdown of her marriage.

Despite numerous challenges, she digs deep and after more than 90 days, completes what she set out to achieve. This movie also touches on the theme of solo female travel and the particular challenges women often face when travelling alone.

3. The Loneliest Planet

The Loneliest Planet movie trailer.

Instead of a single protagonist, this adventure movie centres on a young couple, Alex and Nica (‎Gael Garcia Bernal‎ and ‎Hani Furstenberg)‎ – both of whom discover a lot about themselves, and each other, as the story unfolds.

The Loneliest Planet (2011) has mixed reviews, but it’s truly one of the most haunting and memorable travel films I’ve ever watched. The plot is simple: Whilst on holiday, the couple hire a guide to take them backpacking through a remote mountain pass.

When things go array, survival mode kicks in, resulting in some unexpected consequences. Both characters are forced to examine themselves (and their relationship) and their priorities.

I watched The Loneliest Planet long before I visited Georgia for the first time, not realising it was filmed in the Caucasus mountains ! The film’s extremely sparse dialogue (no quote to mention for this one!) and slow pace underscores the stunning setting and sharpens the themes it explores.

It’s real, it’s raw, and it’s uncomfortable at times – but hey, that’s what transformational travel is all about.

4. The Peanut Butter Falcon

The Peanut Butter Falcon movie trailer.

One of my favourite travel films of late, The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) is a comedy-drama set in North Carolina. It’s a classic adventure tale with Mark Twain vibes and nostalgic undertones of Americana.

“Yeah, you’re going to die. It’s a matter of time. That ain’t the question. The question is whether they’re going to have a good story to tell about you when you’re gone.” tyler, the peanut butter falcon

In the film, Zak (Zack Gottsagen) and Tyler (Shia LaBeouf) each set out on independent courses not so far from home before they cross paths and strike up an unlikely friendship. Travelling across the state by foot, the two travel buddies come to realise how much they have in common – including the fact that they’re both running away from something. Their journeys were bound to become intertwined.

In the end, both characters have some resolution – although it’s not what you might expect at the outset. This indie film is a bit of a tearjerker and absolutely heartwarming.

It will leave you in awe of travel’s uncanny ability to bring people together through adversity, and is a good reminder to always venture out with an open heart and mind.

5. 180 Degrees South

180 Degrees South movie trailer.

180 Degrees South (2010) is one of only two documentary films like Into the Wild that appear on this list. If you don’t know the names Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins, you’ll surely recognise the name of the brand they founded – Patagonia.

A classic in the canon of adventure films, 180 Degrees South retraces a formative expedition the duo took in 1968 from California to Chile overland.

“The hardest thing in the world is to simplify your life. It’s so easy to make it complex.” yvon chouinard, 180 degrees south

The movie intersperses Chouinard and Tompkins’ home video with new footage filmed when adventurer Jeff Johnson emulated the journey. As he follows in his heroes’ footsteps, Jeff explores the rugged landscape that inspired the duo to found their ethical outerwear brand and invest their savings in protecting the environment for future generations.

Interviews with Chouinard and Tompkins also appear in the film.

This travel movie captures the pure spirit of adventure while recalling the fascinating history behind one of the world’s most recognisable brand names.

6. Inside Llewyn Davis

Inside Llewyn Davis movie trailer.

Written and directed by the Coen brothers, Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) is a black comedy that toes the line between biopic and drama epic. Partially set in Greenwich Village and with energetic nods to Jack Kerouac and Bob Dylan, it’s a gritty film that channels some of Into the Wild ‘s darker undertones.

“In my experience, the world’s divided into two kinds of people. Those who divide the world into two kinds of people…” llewlyn, inside llewyn davis

The movie is partially based on folk singer Dave Van Ronk’s autobiography. Llewyn (Oscar Isaac) is a struggling musician with many mountains to climb in his personal life. The film peaks with his cross-country journey to Chicago by car, a fraught journey that brings yet more dilemmas his way.

Grungy New York City circa-1961 is the perfect setting for this earthy, stirring film.

Lion movie trailer.

I distinctly remember the first time I saw the preview for Lion (2016) at my local cinema. I bawled! In anticipation of the release, I rushed out and bought a copy of the autobiographical novel it’s based on. Although I preferred the book to the film, Lion is still one of my favourite movies of any genre.

“Every night I imagine that I’m walking those streets home and I know every single step of the way, and I whisper in her ear, ‘I’m here’.” saroo, lion

The story is breathtaking – it’s difficult to believe it’s all true. It begins with a young Saroo Brierley (played by Dev Patel), born and raised in a small town in India, who through some very sad circumstances becomes separated from his family after falling asleep on an intercity train.

Saroo tries, but he can’t get back home. In the end, he finds his way into an orphanage and is adopted by an Australian couple.

As an adult, Saroo revisits India to embark on the most important journey of all: The quest to find his hometown and reconnect with the family he lost all those years ago. How he goes about it beggars belief… You’ll just have to watch the film to find out what happens!

8. Swiss Army Man

Swiss Army Man movie trailer.

I have to admit, it took me a couple of tries before I could get through the first 15 minutes of Swiss Army Man (2016). This film is pretty offbeat (especially in the beginning) and won’t be to everyone’s taste, but it’s worth persevering.

“I just had a thought about a thought. How do you hide your thoughts, and why do we have to hide everything?” hank, swiss army man

The story follows a classic plot: Man gets stranded on deserted island (in this case, it’s Hank – Paul Dano) and is ready to throw in the towel when all of the sudden, he discovers he’s not alone. Only it’s not another person, but rather a human corpse with superpowers (in this case Manny – Daniel Radcliffe).

Hank and Manny form a strange and macabre friendship as they navigate together through various trials. Peculiar and unlike any other movie I’ve seen, this one should definitely be on your watch list if you enjoy eccentric indie films.

9. Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace movie trailer.

If complete isolation in the wilderness strikes a chord with you, Leave No Trace (2018) will remind you of Into the Wild and the main character’s quest to go beyond the ‘regular’ world in search of a more idyllic existence.

“They don’t think I was where I was supposed to be… They just don’t understand that it was my home.” tom, leave no trace

This movie focuses on Will (Benjamin Foster) and his daughter, Tom (Thomasin McKenzie), who extricate themselves from their community to live alone in a forest in Oregon. After the duo is spotted one day by a passerby, their reality crumbles around them as they’re forced to return to civilian life.

Father and daughter grapple to hold onto their old lifestyle while realising their beliefs and needs are diverging. If you think it’s too far-fetched to be real, this movie, like Into the Wild , is also based on a true story.

Love the 2007 biopic 'Into the Wild'? These 15 travel movies like Into the Wild explore similar themes and are bound to inspire your wanderlust.

10. Free Solo

Free Solo movie trailer.

The second documentary on this list of movies similar to Into the Wild is Free Solo (2018). Over the course of several months, filmmakers follow Alex Honnold as her pursues his dream of scaling El Capitan, the iconic 3,200-foot vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park.

“I’ve done a lot of thinking about fear. For me the crucial question is not how to climb without fear-that’s impossible – but how to deal with it when it creeps into your nerve endings.” alex, free solo

Alex is a free climber, thus he needs to complete the climb without a safety rope – something that’s never been done before. To reach his personal summit and push himself to the absolute limit, he must overcome other barriers in his personal life first.

As the camera rolls, his blind ambition – and at times, foolhardiness – is captivating to watch. This doco is painful at times, but you can’t look away.

Alex’s off-the-grid lifestyle, comfort with complete isolation, his stoicism and single-mindedness as he works towards the goal he is so fixated on reminds me a lot of Christopher in Into the Wild . Does he achieve his goal? You’ll just have to watch to find out!

Tracks movie trailer.

As far as adventure travel movies go, Tracks (2013) is hard to beat. One of my top choices for movies like Into the Wild , this biopic recites the 9-month overland journey taken by young Brisbane woman, Robyn Davidson (played by Mia Wasikowska), as she attempts to conquer one of the planet’s harshest landscapes: The Australian Outback.

“The two important things I did learn were that you are as powerful and strong as you allow yourself to be, and that the most difficult part of any endeavor is taking the first step, making the first decision.” robyn, tracks

Joined by National Geographic photographer Rick Smolan (played by Adam Driver) and several animal companions (including a troupe of camels and a loyal pup), Robyn ends up walking 2,700km from Alice Springs to Australia’s west coast.

The actual journey took place in 1977; after several failed attempts to turn Robyn’s story into a movie, Tracks was finally put into production and filmed in South Australia and the Northern Territory.

The themes of this movie will remind you of Into the Wild : Solitude, being an outsider in a foreign land, and the unexpected acts of kindness one often encounters on the road.

12. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty movie trailer.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) is a travel film with cult status – and for good reason. Adapted from a pithy short story, the film follows one man on his spirited quest across the planet in search of a photographer and a missing film negative.

“To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life.” walter, the secret life of walter mitty

Walter (Ben Stiller) works a corporate job at Life magazine and daydreams of travel and adventure in his spare time. When he’s accidentally thrust into a real-life treasure hunt, he’s forced to confront his biggest fears, learning many poignant lessons about travel and life in the process.

This movie, like Into the Wild , proves that the greatest journeys of one’s lifetime often come from looking inward, not outward. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a heartwarming and uplifting film – I promise you’ll want to re-watch it at least once!

13. The Way

The Way movie trailer.

While some of the adventure travel movies that feature on this list have an abstract backdrop, the location plays a leading role in The Way (2011). If you haven’t guessed from the title, this film pays homage to the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage (AKA The Way) that stretches across Spain and France.

“Most people don’t have the luxury of just leaving it all behind.” tom, the way

The story begins under tragic circumstances when the lead character, Thomas Avery (Martin Sheen), is forced to travel to France to recover the body of his son (played by his real-life son, Emilio Estevez – also the film’s director) who died while walking in the Pyrenees.

As a salve for his grief, Thomas decides to complete the trail and honour his son’s final wish by carrying his ashes with him.

Thomas falls in with a group of other pilgrims, all with their own personal reasons for attempting the Camino. Some are searching for something; others are trying to escape. Interestingly, aside from the main actors, everyone who appears in The Way is a real-life traveller who just happened to be on the trail at the time of filming.

14. The Life of Pi

The Life of Pi movie trailer.

With four Academy Awards to its name, The Life of Pi (2012) is considered a classic in its genre. This fantastical story follows Pi Patel (played in the film by Suraj Sharma), a young boy stranded at sea.

“To choose doubt as a philosophy of life is akin to choosing immobility as a means of transportation.” the life of pi

After a shipwreck claims his entire family and leaves Pi stranded in the Indian Ocean with only a menagerie of wild animals for company, he must struggle to overcome the various challenges nature throws at him.

This movie is philosophical, introspective and beautifully poetic, with ‘believeability’ emerging as one of the key themes. When Pi is finally rescued, his saviors don’t buy a word of his story – but he doesn’t mind at all. The Yann Martel novel that the film is based on won the Man Booker Prize for Fiction and is definitely worth reading.

15. The Way Back

The Way Back movie trailer.

Not to be confused with the 2020 Ben Affleck basketball flick, The Way Back (2010) is a survival film created by legendary Australian director Peter Weir. Another stranger-than-fiction story, it’s based on the memoirs of Sławomir Rawicz, a Polish lieutenant who was held as a prisoner of war during WWII.

“Survival was a kind of protest. Being alive was my punishment.” mr smith, the way back

The film begins when Janusz (Jim Sturgess) is sent to a Gulag deep in Siberia. When he arrives, he meets several other prisoners who are planning a great escape. After making a break for it, they trek for months across Siberia before finally reaching their destination, the Mongolian border.

Their salvation from communism is short-lived, however, and the group must continue on foot to the Himalayas, eventually finding refuge in Tibet.

Questions remain as to the accuracy of the story – is it truth or fiction? – but the heroism and camaraderie of the characters as they persevere on their walk to freedom is epic.

16. Seven Years in Tibet

Seven Years in Tibet movie trailer.

Seven Years in Tibet (1997) is the oldest adventure movie on this list, yet it’s another absolute classic. As much a historical document as a travel film, it chronicles the traumatic political, social and cultural events that took place in China during the 1940s and 50s.

“The absolute simplicity. That’s what I love. When you’re climbing, your mind is clear and free from all confusions. You have focus. And suddenly the light becomes sharper, the sounds are richer, and you’re filled with the deep, powerful presence of life.” heinrich, seven years in tibet

When Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer (played by Brad Pitt) set out on a climbing expedition, he had no idea he would bare witness to one of the most significant chapters in China’s modern history.

Like The Way Back , the movie begins as a tale of escape when Heinrich and his companion give the guards of the POW camp where they’re being detained the slip.

After an epic journey by foot across the Himalayas, the pair end up in Lhasa where Heinrich forms a bond with a young 14th Dalai Lama (Tibet’s current spiritual leader). As Heinrich witnesses the Chinese invasion, themes of responsibility, loyalty and freedom bubble to the surface.

The movie was filmed in Argentina, Nepal, Austria and Canada – but it features about 20 minutes of ‘secret footage’ shot in Tibet. It was enough to get Brad Pitt, his co-star David Thewlis and the film’s director banned from ever visiting China.

17. Cast Away

Cast Away movie trailer.

We can’t talk about adventure travel movies without mentioning Cast Away (2000) – the original tale of physical and mental transformation through overcoming adversity.

“Now I know what I have to do now. I gotta keep breathing because tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?” chuck, cast away

Like the protagonist in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty , Chuck (Tom Hanks) leads a normal life in corporate America. That’s until a plane crash leaves him stranded on a deserted island, thrusting Chuck into the unknown and pushing him to the brink. He befriends a volleyball, and… Well, you probably know how the rest of the story goes!

Even if you saw it when it first came out, Cast Away is worth a re-watch, if only for the nostalgia factor.

18. 127 Hours

127 Hours movie trailer.

If you’re looking for an adventure film that speaks to mental fortitude and human endurance, look no further than 127 Hours (2010). The plot of this true story is the stuff of legend.

“I’ve been moving towards it my entire life. The minute I was born, every breath that I’ve taken, every action has been leading me to this crack on the out surface.” aron, 127 hours

Described as ‘painfully accurate’, 127 Hours is a film adaptation of Between a Rock and a Hard Place , a memoir by mountaineer Aron Ralston (played in the movie by James Franco).

When Aron’s hiking adventure turns bad and his arm becomes wedged between a boulder and a cliff wall, he grapples with an impossible decision and starts rethinking his life decisions – all the while narrating his inner thoughts in a soliloquy captured on video.

This film is an enriching story of triumph over adversity and a good reminder that even the most pressing trials can shape us into better people. If this movie like Into the Wild doesn’t ignite your passion for the great unknown, I don’t know what will!

Which of these adventure travel movies like Into the Wild is your favourite? Are there any other films you’d like to add to the list?

Movies like Into the Wild: Pin it

Excellent list but for some reason Paris Texas is my fav in this genre.

Thanks for your list

Thank you very much, very good selection for free spirits in quarantine 🙂

Into the wild is quite amazing

Thanks for giving us the best movies list.

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25 Of The Best Travel Movies To Ignite Your Wanderlust

Looking for some great travel movies? We share some of our favorite adventure films.

Any list of the top travel movies is going to be a bit controversial. After all, opinions about what make the best travel movies are as diverse as the people watching.

However, there are some wanderlust movies that are so iconic that it’s hard to argue about their inclusion on our list.

The Best Travel Movies

Each of these movies is on our list for a different reason. Some bring back memories of carefree summer vacations, while others have characters that visit remote and undiscovered lands. Some of these movies are all about adventure, while others are more introspective, and about the inner journey. Still, others show off the filmmaker’s video editing capabilities, and their gorgeous cinematography.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty stars Ben Stiller as Walter. He spends his days daydreaming about an exciting existence, but spends day-after-day developing photos for Life magazine. His life turns around when he takes the chance to travel the world to find the perfect photo for the magazine’s final print issue.

It’s a funny and inspiring adventure movie, full of gorgeous scenery and grand adventures.

Where to watch. Stream: HBO Now, HBO Max. Buy or rent: YouTube, iTunes.

Hector and the Search for Happiness (2014)

Equally touching and funny, Hector and the Search for Happiness stars Simon Pegg as a middle aged psychiatrist who travels the world in his search for happiness.

One NSFW word of caution: You may find yourself saying: “ I want happiness ” in an over-the-top French accent over and over.

Where to watch. Stream: Amazon Prime . Buy or rent: Amazon , YouTube, iTunes.

Lost in Translation (2003)

Lost in Translation is a movie that I’ve watched over and over. It perfectly captures that sense of disconnect that I feel when I first visit a new destination where the language and customs are so different from my own.

Starring Bill Murray and a young Scarlett Johansson, Lost in Translation was directed by Sofia Coppola. The movie follows the relationship of an aging movie star (Murray) and a lonely, adrift young woman (Johansson) against the backdrop of Tokyo, Japan.

Where to watch. Stream: Crave, Starz. Rent or Buy: Amazon , YouTube.

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

Starring Diane Lane, Under the Tuscan Sun tells the story of a midlife woman who finds romance and a new purpose while renovating a run-town Italian villa. It’s equal parts romance, self discovery, wonderful food, and views of the stunning Tuscan landscape.

Where to watch. Stream: Amazon Prime Video . Rent or buy: Amazon , YouTube, Microsoft

Eat, Pray, Love (2010)

Based on the bestselling book by novelist Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love follows Gilbert’s (Julia Roberts) journey of self discovery as she travels the globe.

Where to watch. Stream on Starz. Rent or buy on Amazon , YouTube, Microsoft .

In Bruges (2008)

Love it or hate it, the movie In Bruges captures the charms of Bruges, Belgium perfectly. It’s a grittier choice than many of the movies on this list as it follows the adventures of hit men Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) as they await new orders in Bruges however you can’t fault the Belgium ambience.

Where to watch. Stream on AMC+. Rent or buy: YouTube, Google, iTunes, Amazon.

Wild (2014)

Based on the real-live adventure of author Cheryl Strayed, Wild stars Reese Witherspoon. An inexperienced hiker, Strayed decided to walk the challenging Pacific Crest Trail to face her inner demons, and comes to the end of the hike with a newfound clarity about her life.

Where to watch. Stream: Disney+. Rent or buy: iTunes

Into the Wild (2007)

Into the Wild is a real-life true story of the journey of Christopher McCandless, who disappeared while exploring the wilderness in Alaska.

Because of the sad ending, I resisted seeing this for a couple of years, thinking it would be a sad movie to watch. Surprisingly, I found Christopher’s journey to be inspiring and uplifting. The scenery is gorgeous as well.

Where to watch. Rent or Buy: iTunes, YouTube, Amazon.

The Way (2010)

I’ve always wanted to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain. This movie stars Martin Sheen, who undertakes the walk as a pilgrimage of sorts to his recently deceased son. It’s a sad premise, but the movie is ultimately a perfect showcase for the gorgeous Camino de Santiago journey.

Where to watch. Stream: Amazon Prime . Rent of Buy: YouTube, Amazon, iTunes.

Tracks (2014)

Tracks tells the real life story of Robyn Davidson, who spent nine months trekking across the Australian desert on camels. Starring Mia Wasikowska and Adam Driver, the movie is an inspiration for solo travelers in challenging terrain.

Where to watch. Stream: Amazon Prime . Rent or buy: YouTube, Cineplex.

Before Sunrise (1995) – Before Sunset (2004) – Before Midnight (2013)

I’ll watch anything starring the talented Ethan Hawke. That said, these movies hold their own as is.

I watched these out of order, seeing Before Sunset before the original, Before Sunrise. I think it was a mistake as the original was my favorite. The movie stars a very young Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy flirting and talking philosophy among the charming streets of Vienna, Austria after hours.

There’s a lot of dialogue and relationship talk here, so this might not be the trilogy for you if you’re craving action and excitement.

Where to watch. Stream: Hoopla. Rent or buy: Amazon , YouTube, iTunes.

Out of Africa (1985)

Starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, Out of Africa is one of those iconic travel movies. The scenery is stunning, and Streep’s performance is wonderful. The movie itself won best picture and best cinematography the year it was relieased. The movie tells of the story of Danish author Karen Blixen, who moved to Africa to build a new life for herself.

Where to watch. Rent or buy: Amazon , YouTube, iTunes.

The Beach (2000)

Based on Alex Garland’s book of the same name, this movie tells the story of twenty-something Richard (Leonardo DiCaprio), who is in search of a lost paradise away from the backpacker trail. He finds a strange map, and makes his way to a hidden island.

The Beach was filmed on Maya Beach on Thailand’s Koh Phi Phi Le (or Ko Phi Phi Leh). After the film came out, the beach was overrun by visitors.

When we visited in 2003, once pristine Maya Bay was still beautiful, but covered in a film of oil from boats ferrying visitors like us to the island. It’s since been closed to allow it to recover, and is open in a limited capacity.

Where to watch. Stream on Disney+. Rent or buy: Amazon , YouTube, iTunes.

Roman Holiday (1953)

Starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Pick, this black-and-white classic is set in Rome. It’s a fun, quirky, love story where a princess (Hepburn) meets a reporter (Peck), and they spend a day exploring 1950’s Rome.

Where to watch. Rent or buy: Amazon , YouTube, iTunes, Microsoft Store.

Up in the Air (2009)

If you love airports and flying, then this is the movie for you. There’s not a lot of great scenery here, or adventures across the country though. It stars George Clooney as Ryan, who travels the USA firing people for other companies. He’s about to reach his life’s goal of a million frequent flyer miles, when technology threatens to make his travels obsolete.

Where to watch. Stream: FuboTV. Rent or Buy: Amazon , YouTube, iTunes, Microsoft Store.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)

A handful of older Brits decide to retire in the Marigold Hotel in Jaipur, India, rather than in sterile retirement homes back in the UK.

There’s a great cast with Judi Dench, Celia Imrie, and Bill Nighy, who struggle with day-to-day life in India.

Where to watch. Stream: Roku. Rent or Buy: Amazon , YouTube, iTunes, Microsoft Store.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Starring a young Peter O’Toole, this epic historical drama based on the life of T. E. Lawrence, follows the plight of a British soldier who unites nomadic Arabian tribes to band against the Turks in the first World War. Set against the backdrop of the Arabian Desert, it’s a beautifully shot film and is often considered one of the best movies of all time. Whether you agree with the premise though is up to you.

Where to watch. Stream: Amazon Video . Rent or Buy: Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

The Best Road Trip Movies

The road trip is gold for adventure, fun, and great scenery. These flicks run the gamut from funny road trip movies to more serious explorations of culture and living conditions on the road.

Sideways (2004)

If you’re a fan of California wine country, this is the travel movie for you. It’s the story of two middle aged men on a road trip through wine country.

Where to watch. Stream on Disney+, Crave, Starz. Rent or Buy: Amazon, YouTube, iTunes, Microsoft Store.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)

Starring John Candy and Steve Martin, this is one of the all time classic road trip comedy movies. Trying to get home during a freak snowstorm, control freak Neil Page (Martin), keeps encountering bumbling and talkative Del (Candy). Out of necessity, the two pair up to try to get home on a cross country road trip from New York to Chicago.

I’ve watched this with the kids (beware the R rating if you have little kids), and they thought it was hilarious. Our favorite quote: “Those aren’t pillows!”

Eurotrip (2004)

Definitely the raunchiest of the movies on this list, the R rated Eurotrip is still one of our favorite travel movies. Crossing 8 countries while trying to get the girl of his dreams, a group of friends travel Europe together one summer vacation and fall into one funnier predicament after another. It’s light and fun however there are some iconic shots across Europe in there as well as a few places you likely won’t find on the beaten path. Also one of the most wrong and catchy (and funny once you’ve watched the movie) songs you’ll ever hear in a movie (Scotty doesn’t know.)

Where to watch. Rent or Buy: Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

One of the best movies about family vacations , this 1980s classic starts Chevy Chase as bumbling, but well-meaning Clark Griswold. It’s an over-the-top spoof of the classic American road trip, that incidentally takes them through the Grand Canyon and Death Valley.

Somehow, this movie always inspires me check my road trip packing list , grab a list of the best family audiobooks for road trips , and get on the road.

Where to watch. Stream: Starz, Crave. Rent or Buy: Amazon , YouTube, iTunes, Microsoft Store.

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

The Motorcycle Diaries is based on the journals of Che Guevara, leader of the Cuban Revolution. Starring Gael García Bernal, the movie shows Che and his pal Alberto Granado on a road trip from the Andes to Machu Picchu and other South American Landmarks.

Where to watch. Rent or Buy: Amazon , YouTube, iTunes, Microsoft Store.

Best Travel Movies on Netflix

Choosing the best travel movies on Netflix can be a bit tricky, since Netflix is constantly changing the movies in their catalogue and they can vary from country to country. That said, here are our picks for the best travel movies on Netflix right now.

Seven Years in Tibet (1997)

Brad Pitt is the lead in this epic film based on a true story. Pitt plays egocentric Austrian mountain climber, Heinrich Harrer, who escapes from a WWII prisoner of war camp in India. He makes his way to refuge in the sacred land of Tibet, where he meets the young Dalai Lama.

Where to watch. Stream: Netflix.

Holiday in the Wild (2019)

Ok, I’m fully aware of the incongruity of putting a fun, escapist movie like Holiday in the Wild directly after a classic like Seven Years in Tibet. That said, Holiday in the Wild is both a fun movie, and chock full of absolutely stunning images of South Africa and Zambia landscapes and wildlife.

The movie stars Rob Lowe and Kristin Davis (who played Charlotte York Goldenblatt in Sex in the City). Davis plays a woman who is Jilted by her husband on the eve of embarking on an African safari. She chooses to travel to Africa alone, where she meets Lowe, who plays an elephant conservationist.

IMDB rating: 6.1

Wine Country (2019)

Another lighthearted romp, Wine Country is produced and directed by Amy Poehler, with a great cast that includes Poehler herself, Maya Rudolph,  Kristen Wiig, and Melissa McCarthy.

It’s set in a girls-only vacation to Napa Valley, where a group of longtime friends reunite and revisit past choices.

Other articles you might like:

  • The Best Travel Vloggers on YouTube in 2021
  • The Best Songs about Adventure and Travel
  • 25+ Best Travel Memories Quotes to Inspire Your Wanderlust
  • Five Interesting and Offbeat Travel TV Shows
  • Our Favorite Travel TV Shows

Want to see all of the trailers in one place?

Watching trailers for movies is one of my favorite things in the world. Check out our YouTube playlist with trailers for all of the top travel movies here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsfDUGOZ3UU8OxFOY5kxwxe374BOi_uoF

Do you have any personal picks for the best travel movies that we’ve forgotten? Share them in the comments!

Seven years in Tibet is one of my most favorite travel movies. Even the book is so hypnotizing.

These look like some classics. I’d have nothing to add. Nothing like a good travel movie to motivate one to hit the road.

Wow! What a fantastic list of travel movies! As an avid traveler, I’m always on the lookout for inspiring films that ignite my wanderlust, and this compilation delivers perfectly. It’s refreshing to see a mix of well-known classics and hidden gems, ensuring there’s something for everyone’s taste. I appreciate the brief descriptions provided, giving just enough insight without spoiling the magic. This list has definitely added a few titles to my must-watch list! Thank you for sharing such a captivating collection, it will surely keep me entertained on my upcoming adventures. Cheers! Gary Ford

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My (Current) Ultimate List of Travel Movies

People watching movies

Way back in 2008, I created a list of ten of the best travel movies ever. It was a great list. But 2008 was a long time ago. Since I watch a lot of movies on flights and there have been many wonderful and breathtaking travel movies made since then, watching The Way a few days ago made me realize that we’re long overdue for a list of my all-time favorite best travel movies that will inspire you to get off the couch, pack your bag, and head to unknown lands:  

1. Lost in Translation

lost in translation with Scarlet Johansson

2. Whale Rider

whale rider blue photo with whale

3. Lord of the Rings

lord of the rings movie

4. Into the Wild

into the wild film

5. In Bruges

two men talking in movie in bruges

6. Under the Tuscan Sun

under the Tuscan sun scene

7. Nowhere in Africa

girl in nowhere in Africa reading to African children

8. Crocodile Dundee

crocodile dundee main character

9. Up in the Air

scene at the airport from up in the air with George Clooney

10. The Beach

Leonardo Caprio in the Thai waters in The Beach movie

11. The Motorcycle Diaries

Characters fixing a bike in the travel movie: The Motorcycle Diaries

12. Any Indiana Jones

Harrison Ford playing Indiana Jones in this classic travel film

13. Thelma and Louise

Thelma and Louise riding off famously in their convertible car

14. Lawrence of Arabia

Lawrence of Arabia riding camel back through the desert in this classic film

15. Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

Character in drop clothes in the Australian desert in the film: Priscilla, queen of the desert

16. A Good Year

Russell Crowe riding a motorbike in the vineyard in A Good Year

17. Eurotrip

Backpackers on a European street in the movie Eurotrip

18. Seven Years in Tibet

Brad Pitt in a hat in Tibet staring from the 7 Years in Tibet film

19. The Darjeeling Limited

man running after a train in India movie called the darjeeling limited

20. Midnight in Paris

love scene from Midnight in Paris

21. Monsoon Wedding

rainy wedding scene from the popular Indian movie monsoon wedding

22. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

backpacking scene from the secret life of walter mitty with ben stiller

23. The Way

old man hiking in the way

24. Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Scarlet Johansson lounging in European backyard in Vicky Cristina Barcelona

25. Y Tu Mama También

Main characters splashing in the ocean in y tu mama tambien film

27. Before Sunrise

love scene between two backpackers in Before Sunrise trilogy

28. A Map for Saturday

a map for Saturday documentary logo

30. Roman Holiday

A black and white scene from the film Roman Holiday

31. Queen of Katwe

A young black woman in a classroom, a scene from Queen of Katwe

32. Jiro Dreams of Sushi

A piece of expensive sushi on a plate

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

  • SafetyWing (best for everyone)
  • Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
  • Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.  

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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60 Best Travel Movies that Inspire Wanderlust [2020]

60 Best Travel Movies that Inspire Wanderlust

Last Updated on April 15, 2021

I love movies for so many reasons ― they can move us to tears, make us laugh out loud, and inspire us to travel and explore. And at times when travel isn’t an option , movies are the best escape.

I realized I had a travel obsession when all my favorite films were movies about traveling. Great travel movies like Seven Years in Tibet and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty have always been my greatest source of inspiration.

For movie lovers who are also obsessed with travel, I have compiled the ultimate list of the best travel movies with the help of our community. These travel movies range from Hollywood adventure films to classic wanderlust movies and visually stunning travel documentaries. It’s a long list, so be sure to bookmark it and come back whenever you need a new film to feed your wanderlust! 

movie night to watch the best travel movies

Table of Contents

BEST TRAVEL MOVIES

Raiders of the lost ark (1981), baraka (1992), catch me if you can (2002), the bucket list (2007), eat pray love (2010), the secret life of walter mitty (2013), samsara (2013), out of africa (1985), gorillas in the mist (1988), hotel rwanda (2004), the white maasai (2005), duma (2005), last king of scotland (2006), the good lie (2014).

  • Queen of Katwe (2016)

Buena Vista Social Club (1999)

Y tu mamá también (2002), frida (2002), city of god (2002), the terminal (2004), the motorcycle diaries (2004), into the wild (2007), 7 days in havana (2012), wild (2014), a walk in the woods (2015), the endurance (2000), encounters at the end of the world (2007), eight below (2008), into the cold (2013), kundun (1997), seven years in tibet (1997), anna and the king (1999), the beach (2000).

  •  Lost in Translation (2003) 

Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)

The darjeeling limited (2007), slumdog millionaire (2012), the best exotic marigold hotel (2012), lion (2016), before sunrise (1995), under the tuscan sun (2003), before sunset (2004), eurotrip (2004), a good year (2006), vicky cristina barcelona (2009), the way (2010), midnight in paris (2011), lawrence of arabia (1989), not without my daughter (1991), the kite runner (2007), argo (2012), bekas (2012), salmon fishing in the yemen (2012), theeb (2014), wadjda (2013), crocodile dundee (1986), whale rider (2003), australia (2008), tracks (2014), travel movies set around the world .

I can’t write a list of best travel movies without including the legendary Indiana Jones franchise! In my opinion, this first installment is the best out of the four Indiana Jones movies. The award-winning Hollywood adventure film stars Harrison Ford as archaeologist Indiana Jones, who sets out to South America in search of a golden statue. Dr. Jones meets a museum curator, who tells him about a biblical artifact called the Ark of the Covenant. It is said to hold the key to human existence. Filming actually took place in many parts of the world, including France, Tunisia, Hawaii, and California .

best travel movies - indiana jones

Watch on Amazon Prime

A visually stunning documentary film with no narrative or voice-over, Baraka is a powerful footage of people and places from around the world. It is a transcendent global tour shot in 24 countries on six continents over a 14-month period. From chaotic cities to barren wilderness, the movie takes viewers around the globe to witness both natural and technological realms. A feast for the eyes and a must-watch for travel lovers!

best travel movies - baraka

From three-time Oscar winning director Steven Spielberg, Catch Me If You Can tells the crazy but true story about a 19-year-old man who posed as a lawyer, doctor, and pilot, all while conning millions of dollars in checks. The movie’s main character, Frank Abagnale Jr, is always jetting off to somewhere new, all on other people’s dime! The movie was filmed in three different locations: California , New York City, and Quebec.

best travel movies - catch me if you can

One of my absolute favorite travel movies of all time, the Bucket List is a comedy drama that follows two men on a no-holds-barred adventure as they read the end of their lives. The movie shows that it is never too late to live life to its fullest. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman play the two unlikely friends, who head off on a round-the-world journey to ticket off their bucket lists. They go skydiving , fly over the  North Pole , marvel at the Taj Mahal, ride motorcycles on the  Great Wall of China , go on safari in Tanzania and climb to the top of the Giza pyramids.

movies about travel - the bucket list

An adaptation of the biography of American author Elizabeth Gilbert, this movie actually surprised me and turned out better than the book. Newly divorced and at a crossroads, Gilbert (played by Julia Roberts) embarks on a quest for self-discovery around the world. She discovers the true pleasure of nourishment by eating in Italy, the power of prayer in India, and, finally and unexpectedly, the inner peace and balance of true love in Indonesia .

movies about travel - eat pray love

Definitely one of the best adventure travel movies of all time, this film is beautifully filmed and successfully conveys the message of how adventure is possible for everyone. The wanderlust film follows the extraordinary adventure of an ordinary man, played by Ben Stiller, who finds the courage to discover his destiny and leap into an adventurer that is life. He goes in search of a photojournalist from the streets of Manhattan to Iceland , Greenland, and the Himalayas . Movies like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty make you feel like you’re traveling without leaving your armchair .

movies about traveling - secret life of walter mitty

Samsara reunites the filmmakers of the award winning film Baraka. Filmed over five years in 25 countries and shot on 70mm film, Samsara takes us to sacred grounds, disaster zones, and natural wonders. The global travelogue is brings us across the Himalayas, the American Southwest, European cathedrals, and other beautiful sites. As compared to Baraka, Samsara is more intense and solemn in its tone. The cinematography is flawless and the music arrangement simply mesmerizing. This is armchair travel at its best.

best travel documentary - samsara

Best Travel Movies Set in Africa 

Filmed in Kenya during the 1980s, Out of Africa is a pioneer in the world of exotic movies. The travel film is based loosely on the autobiographical book by Danish author Karen Blixen .  Initially set on being a dairy farmer, Blixen (played by Meryl Streep) travels to Kenya to join her husband who instead spends their money on a coffee plantation. After discovering he is unfaithful, Karen develops feelings for hunter Denys (played by Robert Redford). The two get entangled in a complicated relationship until a series of events force Karen to choose between her love and personal growth.

adventure travel movies - out of africa

Another hugely popular classic movie about travel, Gorillas in the Mist is an adaptation of world-famous wildlife expert Dian Fossey’s autobiography. Fossey (played by Sigourney Weaver) leaves the United States for Africa, where she studies the gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda. As Fossey develops a bond with the animals, she also becomes wary of the poachers who prey on them. Fearing that the gorillas will go extinct if humans continue to hunt them, she organizes a defense league to protect the animals. In doing so, though, she puts herself in a perilous situation.

bets movie about traveling - gorillas in the mist

In my opinion, this is one of the best movies of all time. It might not be a travel film but it is an insightful movie based on the horrifying genocide that happened in Rwanda just 20 years ago. In 1994, the ethnic Hutu militia initiated an ethnic cleansing campaign to decimate the Tutsi population, and killed over 800,000 people. The film tells the true story of Paul Rusesabagina, a Hutu who manages the Hôtel des Mille Collines and courageously allow refugees to take shelter in his hotel. As the U.N. pulls out, Paul must struggle alone to protect the Tutsi refugees in the face of the escalating violence later.

best travel film - hotel rwanda

Based on a non-fiction memoir, this German movie sparked my interest in Africa almost 12 years ago. It tells the story of Corinne’s trip from her home country of Switzerland to Kenya , where she met and fell in love with a Maasai warrior. She decides to stay and build a home with him in the African savanna. Albeit the challenges, she adapts to Maasai life and even gives birth to a baby in the bush. 

best travelling movies - the white masai

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This is a travel movie that not many people know about but I absolutely love (so does my 5-year-old daughter)! The family-friendly movie centers around a little boy named Xan, who lives on a ranch in Kenya with his parents. When the family stumbles upon an abandoned baby cheetah one afternoon, Xan takes the cub in and begins to care for it as if it were his own. Over time, Xan grows incredibly attached to the cheetah, which the family names Duma . But when Xan moves to the city following his father’s death, he learns that Duma belongs to the wild. To get Duma back into the savanna, he and Duma embark on an intrepid journey riddled with danger and adventure.

best movies about travel - duma

Technically this isn’t a movie about traveling, but it sure piqued my interest in Uganda . The Last King of Scotland is an intense thriller set in Uganda during the 1970s. Forrest Whitaker gives an outstanding performance as Idi Amin, the third Ugandan president, who was heavily criticized for human rights abuse. Amin’s savagery is depicted through the eyes of a Scottish doctor who finds himself entangled with Amin in a desperate fight for survival. 

traveling film - the last king of scotland

One of those great movies that inspire, The Good Lie features the true story of a group of Sudanese refugees. After their village is destroyed and their parents killed by Northern militia, Sudanese orphans Theo, his siblings and other survivors make a difficult journey to a refugee camp in Kenya. Thirteen years later, the group gets the chance to settle in the U.S. They are met in Kansas by Carrie Davis (Reese Witherspoon), who has been charged with finding them jobs. However, seeing how adrift they are in 20th-century America, Carrie endeavors to help them in rebuilding their shattered lives. 

travelling movies - the good lie

Queen of Katwe  (2016)

The newest addition to the list of traveling movies based in Africa, Queen of Katwe tells the true story of a young Uganda girl named Phiona Mutsei and how she defies the odds and becomes a chess champion. Born and raised in a slum of Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, the young girl becomes fascinated with chess after meeting a local coach. Under his guidance, she becomes a top player and comes in first place at a competition. It is one of those movies that inspire us not just to travel but also to keep at it.

traveling movies - queen of katwe

Best Travel Movies Set in Americas 

This documentary by lauded German filmmaker Wim Wenders follows renowned guitarist Ry Cooder and his son, Joachim, as they travel to Cuba and assemble a group of the country’s finest musicians to record an album. Eventually the ensemble travels to the United States to perform in front of audiences. This revelatory documentary captures a forgotten generation of Cuba’s brightest musical talents as they enjoy an unexpected brush with world fame.

wanderlust movies - buena vista social club

This exhilarating movie follows three friends as they set out on a Mexico road trip . The emotionally-charged movie also tells the tale of what the boys learn along the way, after they both fall for the same older woman. The movie was filmed in both Mexico City and Oaxaca. It stars two of the most famous Mexican actors, Gael Garcia Bernal and   Diego Luna.

best wanderlust films - y tu mama tambien

Set in Mexico City , this is the biopic of the bold and controversial life of artist Frida Kahlo. Nominated for 6 Academy Awards including Salma Hayek for Best Actress, the visually evocative film traces her lifelong, tempestuous relationship with her mentor, along with her illicit affairs with Trotsky and various women. Her forward-thinking artistic, political and sexual attitudes are explored as we witness a hard-drinking, passionate woman of the early 1900s.

wanderlust movie - frida

Another movie that might not strike some as a traveling film, City of God reveals life in the poverty-stricken favelas of Rio de Janeiro during the 1970s. The movie is centered around two young men from the favelas who choose different paths. Rocket is a budding photographer who documents the increasing drug-related violence of his neighborhood. José “Zé” Pequeno is an ambitious drug dealer who uses Rocket and his photos as a way to increase his fame as a turf war erupts with his rival, Knockout Ned. The film was shot on location in Rio’s poorest neighborhoods.

list of hollywood adventure films - city of god

The Terminal tells the story of Viktor Navorski (played by Tom Hanks), an Eastern European tourist who gets trapped in JFK Airport indefinitely. Upon landing at the airport, war breaks out in his country and he finds himself caught up in international politics. Because of the war, the Department of Homeland Security won’t let him enter or exit the United States. While living at the airport, Viktor falls for a flight attendant (Catherine Zeta-Jones). 

hollywood travel movie - the terminal

For a peek into South America during the revolution days, this movie follows Argentinian revolutionary Che Guevara as he travels the length of South America. This traveling film is highly entertaining and insightful — especially for fans of South America. Famous Mexican actor Gael García Bernal plays Che Guevara in the movie. Definitely one of the best travel movies of all time!

movies that inspire - the motorcycle diaries

Often lauded as one of the best adventure travel movies, Into the Wild tells the remarkable story of a young man’s solo adventure in Alaska. In 1992, he left his well-to-do family, hitchhiked to Alaska and walked alone into the wilderness north of Mt. McKinley. He had given $25,000 in savings to charity, abandoned his car and most of his possessions, burned all the cash in his wallet, and invented a new life for himself. 

movies like into the wild

Filmed on location in Havana , this anthology movie brings together 7 short films produced by 7 different directors. A lesbian, an aspiring actor, an aspiring singer, a marriage, a neighborhood community and 2 renowned directors have memorable less-than-24-hour experiences while living in/visiting the capital of Cuba. I personally enjoyed the movie a lot more than I expected to, mainly because it brings back beautiful memories from one of my favorite cities in the world  and the music throughout the movie is is excellent!

adventure travel movies - 7 days in havana

Based on yet another bestselling travel book , this wanderlust movie follows the journey of Reese Witherspoon as Cheryl Strayed, as she treks 1,100 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail after the devastating loss of her mother. Seeking self-discovery and solutions to her personal grief, Strayed set out on her journey, alone and with no prior hiking experience. One of the best explore movies made in recent years, Wild  is an incredible reminder of how a journey can be pivotal in helping us understand more about ourselves.

explore movies - wild

An adaptation of Bill Bryson’s bestseller, this comedy adventure follows Robert Redford and Nick Nolte on their hike along the 2190-mile Appalachian Trail. The trail stretches from Georgia to Maine and covers some of the most breathtaking terrain in America: majestic mountains, silent forests, sparking lakes. This is one of those light-hearted wanderlust movies that will set you in the right mood!

best wanderlust movies - a walk in the woods

Best Travel Movies Set in Antarctica & Arctic 

A thrilling documentary narrated by Liam Neeson, this adventure travel movie tells the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated expedition to Antarctica in 1914-1916. It features new footage of the actual locations and interviews with surviving relatives of key expedition members, and a generous helping of the footage and still photos shot on the expedition. An excellent wanderlust film for those dreaming about visiting Antarctica.

epic adventure movie - the endurance

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Another artistic and stunning travel documentary set in the world’s final frontier, Antarctica . Film-maker  Werner Herzog  and cinematographer  Peter Zeitlinger  travel to Antarctica to meet people who live and work there and to capture footage of the continent’s unique locations. This movie was one of the reasons why I traveled to Antarctica in 2013.

travel documentary on antarctica - encounters at the end of the world

This Walt Disney film is an adventure travel movie set in Antarctica (but filmed in Svalbard, Greenland, and British Columbia). It is a remake of the 1983 film, Antarctica , based on the ill-fated Japanese expedition to Antarctica that took place in 1958. Three members of a scientific expedition, Jerry Shepard (played by Paul Walker), his friend Cooper (Jason Biggs) and an American geologist (Bruce Greenwood), must leave their beloved sled dogs behind after a devastating accident and increasingly perilous weather conditions. Alone, the dogs struggle to survive the harsh Antarctic winter. 

travel film on antarctica - eight below

Best Travel Movies Set in Asia 

This epic biographical film was one of the first travel movie I’ve ever seen and it  was the reason why I wanted to travel Tibet . Directed by Martin Scorsese, the movie is based on the life and writings of Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama , an exiled political and spiritual leader of Tibet . “Kundun” meaning “presence”, is a title by which the Dalai Lama is addressed. The uniqueness of the Tibetan culture and their distinctive architecture and traditional costumes were what made the movie so interesting for me. With stunning photography and a moving soundtrack, the epic film may be a little slow, but  it is one of the most emotional and spiritual experiences I ever had on film. 

best travel movies set in asia - kundun

  Seven Years in Tibet  is the true story of Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer, played by Brad Pitt. The adventure travel movie covers the escape of Harrer from a British internment camp in India to Tibet. He spent several years in Lhasa , and subsequently became a tutor of the 14th Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Buddhist nation. The Dalai Lama imparts valuable lessons to him, and they build a strong friendship. But nothing will prepare him for the devastation about to descend when Communist China decides to attack, leading to the deaths of over 1 million Tibetans and the destruction of over 6000 monasteries.

best travel movies set in asia - seven years in tibet

One of my personal favorite travel movies set in Asia during the 1860s, Anna and the King is a biographical period drama based on the true story of Anna Leonowen. Anna (played by Jodie Foster) is an English school teacher, a window and mother who moves to Siam (Thailand) to teach the 58 children of King Mongkut. An unexpected romance between Anna and the King, but cultural differences keep their love apart. The movie evokes the old-world charm of Thailand, though it was mostly shot in Malaysia .

best travel movies set in asia - anna and the king

Coming in top on many lists of Hollywood adventure films, The Beach encapsulates the freedom and ecstasy that many of us experience on the road during our youth. I watched this when I was just a teenager, and was completely drawn to the backpackers’ world. An adaptation of Alex Garland’s acclaimed novel, the movie tells the story of Richard (played by the young Leonardo Di Caprio), an American backpacking through Asia. While in Bangkok, he meets a mad Scotsman who gives Richard a crude map to a place in Thailand that he claims is paradise on earth: beautiful, unspoiled, and uninhabited.

best travel movies set in asia - the beach

  Lost in Translation (2003) 

Funny and transformational at the same time, this comedy drama definitely makes you want to travel Japan if you haven’t already been there! Lost in Translation stars Bill Murray  as aging actor Bob Harris, who befriends college graduate Charlotte in a Tokyo hotel. The movie explores themes of loneliness and culture shock against the backdrop of a modern Japanese city.

movies that inspire - lost in translation

While some might not consider this to be a travel movie, I think it put Japan on the map for many and drew attention to this gorgeous country with rich traditions. The epic movie’s main character is Chiyo, who gets sold to a geisha house at the tender age of 9. There, she is forced into servitude, receiving nothing in return. After rigorous years of training, Chiyo becomes Sayuri, a geisha of incredible beauty and influence. Life is good for Sayuri, but World War II is about to disrupt the peace.

movies filmed in japan - memoirs of a geisha

I’m a big fan of comedy films, so a movie that combines comedy and travel has definitely hit the jackpot for me. The Darjeeling Limited follows the adventures of three drug-addicted brothers traveling together across India by train . You may not wish to buy a venomous snake, nor follow in many of the other violent mishaps of these brothers, but this movie definitely made me want to go back to India! Click here for more movies about India .

movies filmed in india - the darjeeling limited

Ranking high on my list of favorite travel movies, this Oscar winner tells the story of an Indian Muslim, Jamal Malik (played by the brilliant Dev Patel) from the Dharavi slum in India. At 18 years old, he is a contestant on India’s version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”. Flashbacks show how he got there. Part of a stable of young thieves after their mother dies, Jamal and his brother struggled to survive on the streets of Mumbai. Salim finds the life of crime agreeable, but Jamal scrapes by with small jobs until landing a spot on the game show. 

movies filmed in india - slumdog millionaire

Another movie set in vibrant South Asia, this wanderlust film follows a group of British retirees (including Judi Dench) as they outsource their retirement to exotic, and less expensive, India. Lured by advertisements for the newly restored Marigold Hotel and imagining a life of leisure in lush surroundings, they arrive and find that the Marigold is actually a shell of its former self. Though their new home is not quite what they had imagined, the retirees find that life and love can begin again when they let go of their pasts.

movies filmed in india - the best exotic marigold hotel

Based on the non-fiction book A Long Way Home , this biographical film is poignant and gripping and tells the true story of Saroo (played by Dev Patel from the Slumdog Millionaire fame). At five years old, Saroo gets lost on a train which takes him thousands of miles across India, away from home and family. Saroo must learn to survive alone in Kolkata, before ultimately being adopted by an Australian couple. 25 years later, armed with only a handful of memories and a revolutionary technology known as Google Earth, he sets out to find his lost family and finally return to his first home. I’m not crying, you’re crying!

movies filmed in india - lion

Best Travel Movies Set in Europe

There is good reason why this movie was so good that they made two sequels (read below). Set in Austria, Before Sunrise is definitely one of the best romance-travel movies. It follows Jesse (played by Ethan Hawke ), a young American man, and a young French lady named Céline ( Julie Delpy ). They meet on a train and disembark in Vienna, where they spend the night walking around the city and getting to know and falling in love with each other.

movies that inspire travel - before sunrise

One of the best movies set in Italy , Under the Tuscan Sun  actually inspired me to visit Italy when I was 20. The travel memoir, written by American author Frances Mayes, describes her experience of traveling to Italy and falling in love with the Tuscan countryside. She and her husband decide to buy and restore an abandoned villa, but the renovations prove to be a long, tedious but rewarding experience.

movies that inspire travel europe - under the tuscan sun

Before Sunset picks up the story of the two protagonists in Before Sunrise , nine years after the events of the first film. Their paths intersect nine years later in Paris, and they spend a beautiful afternoon together. This sequel is better than the first in my opinion, and definitely makes you fall in love with the two characters.  The third sequel,  Before Midnight , picks it up again a further nine years later. The two go on a summer vacation in Greece .

movies that inspire travel europe - before sunset

I know, EuroTrip is slapstick comedy at its worst. But I loved it when I was a teenager and it made me want to jump on a plane to Europe SO badly! The movie follows the journey of lovelorn Ohio teen Scott Thomas, who goes on a quest across Europe to find his sexy German pen pal, Mieke. Joining him are his brainless buddy and a pair of twins. Scott’s quest does not turn out to be easy, and they become embroiled in many absurd situations as they hop from country to country. The movie is a silly and amusing travel film worth watching if you need a laugh!

movies that inspire travel europe - eurotrip

A Good Year  is a romantic comedy film loosely based on the novel, A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle (one of the best travel books in my opinion). The movie follows the story of an investment banker, who moves to France after inheriting a wine estate from his late uncle. He meets a woman there who lays claim to the property and falls in love.

movies that inspire travel europe - a good year

I have to admit this isn’t one of my favorite travel movies. Hear me out: my husband is Spanish, we lived in Spain for over 8 years and Spain is somewhere special for me. Sadly, Hollywood movies don’t do the country much justice. That said, almost every friend I have love this movie, so I decided to include it in this list of best travel movies. The movie revolves around t wo girlfriends, who go on a summer holiday in Spain and become enamored with the same painter. They are unaware that his ex-wife is about to re-enter the picture.

movies that inspire travel europe - vicky cristina barcelona

An incredibly moving film that will resonate with those who have walked the Camino de Santiago ! The movie tells the story of Dr. Thomas Avery ( Martin Sheen ), an American who goes to France following the death of his adult son . In a combination of grief and homage to his son, Tom decides to walk the ancient spiritual trail where his son died. While walking the Camino , Tom meets others from around the world, all looking for greater meaning in their lives.

movies that inspire travel europe - the way

Directed by Woody Allen, this fantasy comedy film is set in romantic Paris, France. The story follows screenwriter Gil Pender (played by Owen Wilson) who is forced to confront the shortcomings of his relationship with his materialistic fiancée. His problems become increasingly exaggerated as he travels back in time each night at midnight.

movies that inspire travel europe - midnight in paris

Best Travel Movies Set in the Middle East 

A classic travel film from 1962 (but restored in 1989), this historical drama film is based on the life of British Lieutenant T. E. Lawrence. Due to his knowledge of the native Bedouin tribes, Lawrence is sent to Arabia to serve as a liaison between the Arabs and the British. With the aid of native Sherif Ali, Lawrence rebels against the orders of his superior officer and strikes out on a daring camel journey across the harsh desert.

exotic movies list - lawrence of arabia

Based on the best-selling travel book of the same name, Not Without My Daughter isn’t exactly a title that inspires you to travel. But it has such an amazing storyline that I had to include it in this list. It tells the true story of Betty Mahmoody, an American woman married to an Iranian living in the United States. When her husband suggests visiting Iran with their daughter, Betty is reluctant because of the country’s harsh treatment of women. When the family arrives in Iran, Betty discovers that her husband plans to stay in Iran for good. He has no intention of letting her or her daughter return to the United States. This movie depicts their harrowing escape.

best biographical films - not without my daughter

Based on my absolute favorite travel book of all time, The Kite Runner tells the story of Amir, a well-to-do boy from Kabul, Afghanistan. He is tormented by the guilt of abandoning his friend Hassan. The story is set against a backdrop of tumultuous events: from the fall of the monarchy in Afghanistan to the mass exodus of Afghan refugees, and the Taliban regime. It’s a deeply heart-wrenching film with all the drama you look for in a great movie, plus interesting bits of culture, history and politics thrown into it.

best adventure travel movies - the kite runner

Based on real events, the dramatic thriller Argo chronicles the life-or-death covert operation carried out in Iran in 1979. Militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, Iran, taking 66 American hostages. Amid the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge with the Canadian ambassador. Knowing that it’s just a matter of time before the refugees are found and likely executed, the U.S. government calls on extractor Tony Mendez (played by Ben Affleck) to rescue them. 

best adventure travel movies -argo

This Kurdish comedy-drama movie gives a light-hearted take on life in Iraqi Kurdistan . Set in Kurdistan during the early 1990s, the movie revolves around two orphaned brothers, Zana and Dana. They catch a glimpse of Superman at the local cinema and decide that they want to go to America to find Superman. Zana, the younger brother, starts to make a list of all people he is going to tell Superman to punish. On top of the list is Saddam Hussein. Dana makes a plan for what they need to get there: money, passports, and transportation. They have neither, but in spite of everything they decide to follow the dream.

best adventure travel movies - bekas

This British romantic comedy is based on the novel of the same name by Paul Torday. Dr. Alfred Jones (played by Ewan McGregor) is a fisheries scientist who one day receives an unusual request. A businesswoman named Harriet Chetwode-Talbot wants his help in fulfilling a wealthy sheik’s request to bring sport fishing to Yemen. Jones declines at first, but joins in when the British prime minister latches on to the project as a way to improve Middle East relations. Romance blooms as Jones and Harriet work to make the sheik’s dream come true. 

best adventure travel movies - salmon fishing in the yemen

If the panoramas from Lawrence of Arabia awed you, this movie will definitely win your heart. The stunning landscapes of Jordan provide an austere but gorgeous setting for this Academy Award nominee. Set in 1916, the film revolves around a young Bedouin boy named Theeb (which translates to mean Wolf). He lives with his tribe in a remote part of the Ottoman Empire. When his older brother has to escort a British officer across the desert, Theeb tags along for the adventure. He encounters revolutionaries and raiders, but tries to survive and live up to the name his father gave him.

best adventure travel movies - theeb

Best Travel Movies Set in Oceania 

Australians might cringe at the crudely drawn Aussie caricature that is Mick Dundee — but who can deny the fact that this classic put Australia on the map for international audiences? Legendary comedian Paul Hogan plays a free-spirited Australian who hunts crocodiles with his bare hands and stares down giant water buffaloes. But he’s about to face the ultimate torture test — a trip to New York City.

best adventure travel movies - crocodile dundee

The only New Zealander movie on this list, Whale Rider is an Oscar-Nominated blockbuster that brings Maori culture and tradition to a mainstream global audience. A Maori village faces a crisis when the heir to the leadership dies at birth and is survived only by his twin sister, Paikea. Though disregarded by her grandfather, 12-year-old Paikea remains certain of her calling and trains herself in the customs of her people. The film is not only gives a great cultural representation of New Zealand , but also an incredible showcase of the country’s spectacular scenery.

movie about traveling - whale rider

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This non-fiction movie is based on the adventure of Robyn Davidson, a young girl who traverses across the rugged landscape of Australia with only four camels and a beloved dog for company. She satisfies her craving for solitude on this solo trek across 1,700 miles (2,700 kilometers) of Australian desert  from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean . Along the way, National Geographic photographer Rick Smolan documents her journey.

best movie set in australia - tracks

Did I miss out on any great traveling movies? Do you prefer real-life travel documentaries or simply wanderlust movies that inspire? Leave me a comment below and let me know which are your favorite movies about travel! 

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy or book something with my links, I’ll get a small commission at no extra cost to you . 

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adventure and travel movies

Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 140 countries across 7 continents. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Her work has appeared in many major publications including BBC Travel, CNN and LonelyPlanet.com. Read more about her here and get more life updates from her on her Facebook and Instagram .

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The Comments

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jessy lipperts

looooove this list!! Thank you! I also loved The Tourist, very juicy with Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie… Lots of love from Rosie and Me xx

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Jessie, thanks for dropping by! Oh yes I remember watching that!

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¡Madre mía tenemos películas para todo el confinamiento!. Gracias Nellie

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Edwina Lee Fort

Nellie … Lots of potential entertainment which will keep us all, hopefully, calmed during this horrid coronavirus time. I always enjoy your website and wish you and yours much health while keeping safe.

hi Edwina, thanks so much for the very kind words! Glad that you’re enjoying my website. Stay safe and healthy!

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Anand Balaji

I never knew we have this much list to watch. I have seen some 10 movies, and my all-time favorites are the secret life of Walter mitty and into the wild. Both movies share a wonderful experience to understand what we are living for. Nice share!!

Thank you, the Secret Life of Walter Mitty is my favorite too! Thanks for dropping by. :)

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Brilliant! Thanks for sharing, this is very helpful. I will do my best to watch all. Sometimes I write about the movies too. Here’s a handpicked list of movies that make you want to travel and fuel your wanderlust, in case you or any of your readers find it interesting. Keep up the good work. Can’t wait to see something new from you. Cheers!

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Top 25 movies about travel and journeys

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1. Sideways (2004)

R | 127 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

Two men reaching middle age with not much to show but disappointment embark on a week-long road trip through California's wine country, just as one is about to take a trip down the aisle.

Director: Alexander Payne | Stars: Paul Giamatti , Thomas Haden Church , Virginia Madsen , Sandra Oh

Votes: 203,535 | Gross: $71.50M

2. The Straight Story (1999)

G | 112 min | Biography, Drama

An old man makes a long journey by lawnmower to mend his relationship with an ill brother.

Director: David Lynch | Stars: Richard Farnsworth , Sissy Spacek , Jane Galloway Heitz , Joseph A. Carpenter

Votes: 97,059 | Gross: $6.20M

3. Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

R | 93 min | Comedy, Drama

A Chicago advertising man must struggle to travel home from New York for Thanksgiving, with a lovable oaf of a shower-curtain-ring salesman as his only companion.

Director: John Hughes | Stars: Steve Martin , John Candy , Laila Robins , Michael McKean

Votes: 159,633 | Gross: $49.53M

4. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

R | 101 min | Comedy, Drama

A family determined to get their young daughter into the finals of a beauty pageant take a cross-country trip in their VW bus.

Directors: Jonathan Dayton , Valerie Faris | Stars: Steve Carell , Toni Collette , Greg Kinnear , Abigail Breslin

Votes: 516,177 | Gross: $59.89M

5. The Beach (I) (2000)

R | 119 min | Adventure, Drama, Romance

On vacation in Thailand, Richard sets out for an island rumored to be a solitary beach paradise.

Director: Danny Boyle | Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio , Tilda Swinton , Daniel York , Patcharawan Patarakijjanon

Votes: 252,922 | Gross: $39.79M

6. EuroTrip (2004)

R | 92 min | Comedy

Dumped by his girlfriend, a high school grad decides to embark on an overseas adventure in Europe with his friends.

Directors: Jeff Schaffer , Alec Berg , David Mandel | Stars: Scott Mechlowicz , Jacob Pitts , Michelle Trachtenberg , Travis Wester

Votes: 222,112 | Gross: $17.72M

7. Seven Years in Tibet (1997)

PG-13 | 136 min | Adventure, Biography, Drama

Heinrich Harrer, an Austrian climber, breaks out of prison and travels to the holy city of Lhasa. He is employed as an instructor to the 14th Dalai Lama and soon becomes his close confidante.

Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud | Stars: Brad Pitt , David Thewlis , BD Wong , Mako

Votes: 155,320 | Gross: $37.96M

8. Lost in Translation (2003)

R | 102 min | Comedy, Drama

A faded movie star and a neglected young woman form an unlikely bond after crossing paths in Tokyo.

Director: Sofia Coppola | Stars: Bill Murray , Scarlett Johansson , Giovanni Ribisi , Anna Faris

Votes: 486,453 | Gross: $44.59M

9. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

PG-13 | 178 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

A meek Hobbit from the Shire and eight companions set out on a journey to destroy the powerful One Ring and save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron.

Director: Peter Jackson | Stars: Elijah Wood , Ian McKellen , Orlando Bloom , Sean Bean

Votes: 1,997,623 | Gross: $315.54M

10. In Bruges (2008)

R | 107 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama

After a job gone wrong, hitman Ray and his partner await orders from their ruthless boss in Bruges, Belgium, the last place in the world Ray wants to be.

Director: Martin McDonagh | Stars: Colin Farrell , Brendan Gleeson , Ciarán Hinds , Elizabeth Berrington

Votes: 460,058 | Gross: $7.76M

11. Into the Wild (2007)

R | 148 min | Adventure, Biography, Drama

After graduating from Emory University, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandons his possessions, gives his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters that shape his life.

Director: Sean Penn | Stars: Emile Hirsch , Vince Vaughn , Catherine Keener , Marcia Gay Harden

Votes: 656,052 | Gross: $18.35M

12. Up in the Air (I) (2009)

R | 109 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

Ryan Bingham enjoys living out of a suitcase for his job, travelling around the country firing people, but finds that lifestyle threatened by the presence of a potential love interest, and a new hire presenting a new business model.

Director: Jason Reitman | Stars: George Clooney , Vera Farmiga , Anna Kendrick , Jason Bateman

Votes: 348,774 | Gross: $83.82M

13. Broken Flowers (2005)

R | 106 min | Comedy, Drama, Mystery

As the extremely withdrawn Don Johnston is dumped by his latest woman, he receives an anonymous letter from a former lover informing him that he has a son who may be looking for him. A freelance sleuth neighbor moves Don to embark on a cross-country search for his old flames in search of answers.

Director: Jim Jarmusch | Stars: Bill Murray , Jessica Lange , Sharon Stone , Julie Delpy

Votes: 106,590 | Gross: $13.74M

14. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

PG-13 | 166 min | Drama, Fantasy, Romance

Tells the story of Benjamin Button, a man who starts aging backwards with consequences.

Director: David Fincher | Stars: Brad Pitt , Cate Blanchett , Tilda Swinton , Julia Ormond

Votes: 693,461 | Gross: $127.51M

15. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

R | 118 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama

An oddball journalist and his psychopathic lawyer travel to Las Vegas for a series of psychedelic escapades.

Director: Terry Gilliam | Stars: Johnny Depp , Benicio Del Toro , Tobey Maguire , Michael Lee Gogin

Votes: 300,634 | Gross: $10.68M

16. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)

R | 119 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

With a plan to exact revenge on a mythical shark that killed his partner, Oceanographer Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) rallies a crew that includes his estranged wife, a journalist, and a man who may or may not be his son.

Director: Wes Anderson | Stars: Bill Murray , Owen Wilson , Anjelica Huston , Cate Blanchett

Votes: 210,417 | Gross: $24.01M

17. The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

R | 91 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama

A year after their father's funeral, three brothers travel across India by train in an attempt to bond with each other.

Director: Wes Anderson | Stars: Owen Wilson , Adrien Brody , Jason Schwartzman , Amara Karan

Votes: 216,312 | Gross: $11.90M

18. Cast Away (2000)

PG-13 | 143 min | Adventure, Drama, Romance

A FedEx executive undergoes a physical and emotional transformation after crash landing on a deserted island.

Director: Robert Zemeckis | Stars: Tom Hanks , Helen Hunt , Paul Sanchez , Lari White

Votes: 636,071 | Gross: $233.63M

19. Stalker (1979)

Not Rated | 162 min | Drama, Sci-Fi

A guide leads two men through an area known as the Zone to find a room that grants wishes.

Director: Andrei Tarkovsky | Stars: Alisa Freyndlikh , Aleksandr Kaydanovskiy , Anatoliy Solonitsyn , Nikolay Grinko

Votes: 144,047 | Gross: $0.23M

20. Go (1999)

R | 102 min | Comedy, Crime

The aftermath of a drug deal as told from three different points of view.

Director: Doug Liman | Stars: Sarah Polley , Jay Mohr , Scott Wolf , Taye Diggs

Votes: 74,924 | Gross: $16.84M

21. Bunny and the Bull (2009)

Unrated | 101 min | Comedy, Drama

A young shut-in takes an imaginary road trip inside his apartment, based on mementos and memories of a European trek from years before.

Director: Paul King | Stars: Edward Hogg , Simon Farnaby , Verónica Echegui , Richard Ayoade

Votes: 5,105

22. Children of Men (2006)

R | 109 min | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi

In 2027, in a chaotic world in which women have somehow become infertile, a former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea.

Director: Alfonso Cuarón | Stars: Julianne Moore , Clive Owen , Chiwetel Ejiofor , Michael Caine

Votes: 527,806 | Gross: $35.55M

23. Everything Is Illuminated (2005)

PG-13 | 106 min | Comedy, Drama

A young Jewish American man, with the help of an eccentric local, endeavors to find the woman who saved his grandfather during World War II in a Ukrainian village that was ultimately razed by the Nazis.

Director: Liev Schreiber | Stars: Elijah Wood , Eugene Hutz , Boris Lyoskin , Jonathan Safran Foer

Votes: 59,853 | Gross: $1.71M

24. The Vanishing (1988)

Not Rated | 107 min | Mystery, Thriller

Rex and Saskia, a young couple in love, are on vacation. They stop at a busy service station and Saskia is abducted. After three years and no sign of Saskia, Rex begins receiving letters from the abductor.

Director: George Sluizer | Stars: Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu , Gene Bervoets , Johanna ter Steege , Gwen Eckhaus

Votes: 43,543

25. Dumb and Dumber (1994)

PG-13 | 107 min | Comedy

After a woman leaves a briefcase at the airport terminal, a dumb limo driver and his dumber friend set out on a hilarious cross-country road trip to Aspen to return it.

Directors: Peter Farrelly , Bobby Farrelly | Stars: Jim Carrey , Jeff Daniels , Lauren Holly , Mike Starr

Votes: 410,229 | Gross: $127.18M

26. Hit the Road: India (2013)

Not Rated | 80 min | Documentary, Sport

Hit The Road: India is a travel adventure documentary about two friends participating in a 12-day rickshaw rally across India, from Mumbai to Chennai, recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the top-10 greatest adventures of 2012.

Directors: Gor Baghdasaryan , Mushegh Baghdasaryan | Stars: Richard Gazarian , Keith King

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Reese Witherspoon in Wild.

20 of the best travel films

From Rome to the Amazon, in these 20 films stunning locations play a starring role – and they’re all on now at a laptop or TV near you

REAL-LIFE ADVENTURES

Wild (2014).

Cheryl Strayed decided to walk the Pacific Crest Trail to face her demons, and her memoirs were turned into this uplifting film starring Reese Witherspoon as the inexperienced hiker who turns her life around. Director Jean-Marc Vallée was adamant that the movie be shot entirely on location: the journey starts in the Mojave Desert, heads up to Mount Hood – the highest point in Oregon – and the magnificent Crater Lake, before culminating in the iconic Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks on the Oregon/Washington border. Netflix , Google Play , Sky Store . Read the Guardian review

Tracks (2013)

Mia Wasikowska as Robyn Davidson Adam Driver as Rick Smolan

Another memoir adaptation, Tracks stars a young Mia Wasikowska as Robyn Davidson, who spent nine months trekking across the Australian desert on camels. Her journey begins in Alice Springs and takes her across scorching outback to the Indian Ocean, via sights such as Uluru and Coffin Bay. It’s an inspiration for would-be solo travellers, given that Robyn was only accompanied by her dog and, at some points, a photographer (Adam Driver). Amazon , Google Play , Sky Store Guardian review

Into The Wild (2007)

2007, INTO THE WILD

Graduate Christopher McCandless gave away all his possessions and money to charity and hitchhiked across Northern America to Alaska, where he attempted to live in the wild. This poignant account of his journey is directed by Sean Penn and stars Emile Hirsch in many of the real locations visited by Christopher, aka “Alexander Supertramp”. Feast your eyes on peaceful Lake Tahoe, camping at Beard’s Hollow, kayaking down the Colorado River and run with wild horses … There’s plenty to envy until things take a darker turn. Sky Cinema , NOW TV , Amazon Guardian review

Lion (2016)

‘Lion’ Film

If you fancy a good cry as well as a virtual trip to India, then Lion is for you. Based on a true story, it tells of a young Indian boy, Saroo (Sunny Pawar) who accidentally boards a train to Kolkata and becomes homeless. After being adopted by an Australian couple, the older Saroo (Dev Patel) searches his memory – and the evolving internet – in an attempt to locate his childhood home and find his family. This is a film with plenty of compassion as well as armchair travel, with locations including Tasmania as well as India. Netflix , YouTube , Google Play Guardian review

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

Under the Tuscan Sun

A cheerful comedy-drama about a divorcee rediscovering herself, this memoir adaptation features scenery as charming as the central performance from Diane Lane. Frances Mayes’ pals send her on a tour of Tuscany, where she ends up falling in love with a ramshackle house and buys it on a whim. She meets a plethora of interesting people, including Polish builders and an eccentric old British actor, and becomes a major fixer-upper. The film was shot in and around the town of Cortona, near Arezzo: think gorgeous little houses cut into the hillside overlooking glistening waters. Amazon , YouTube , Google Play , Sky Store Frances Mayes on writing Under the Tuscan Sun

HIKING TALES

Hunt for the wilderpeople (2016).

Hunt for the Wilderpeople

Go tramping in the New Zealand bush with this adorable comedy-drama directed by Oscar-winner Taika Waititi. A winning family adventure, it sees grumpy foster uncle Hec (Sam Neill) following his cheeky young charge Ricky (Julian Dennison) into the wilderness for a trek that turns into a gripping adventure – and an opportunity for the pair to try out their survival skills. Most of it was filmed around the Auckland area, and includes jaw-dropping scenery that Hec describes as “majestical”. BFI Player , Amazon , Google Play , Sky Store The landscapes behind Hunt for the Wilderpeople

The Way (2010)

Martin Sheen in The Way

Follow in the pilgrims’ footsteps with this touching, meditative drama starring Martin Sheen as a grieving father who decides to walk the ancient spiritual trail after the death of his son (played by Sheen’s son, Emilio Estevez, who also directs). The route to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia takes in sensational landscapes as well as a variety of entertaining characters, including James Nesbitt as an Irish travel writer. Amazon Prime Video , YouTube / Google Play , Sky Store Guardian review

On the Road (2012)

On The Road - 2012

Based on Jack Kerouac’s novel set in the late 1940s/early 50s, literature’s most famous road trip did not make it onto the big screen until 55 years after the book was published. Sam Riley is the writer who heads to Denver, North Carolina, San Francisco and Mexico by car and occasionally bus. Head here to vicariously experience a hedonistic road trip with sexually fluid bohemians played by an array of Hollywood’s hottest, including Garrett Hedlund, Kristen Stewart, Amy Adams, Tom Sturridge and Kirsten Dunst. Amazon Prime Video , Sky Store Guardian review

Captain Fantastic (2016)

George MacKay, Nicholas Hamilton (obscured), Viggo Mortensen, Annalise Basso, Samantha Isler in Captain Fantastic - 2016

This film immediately plunges the viewer into the forests of the Pacific Northwest: you’re greeted by lush green trees, the sound of birdsong and the sight of a deer munching its way through the bush. Said deer is short-lived, however, as a pack of children led by Bodevan (George MacKay) slaughter it and take it home for tea with their father (Viggo Mortensen – who’s also in On the Road). It’s a chance to live out your off-grid fantasies, before the family are plunged back into society on a road trip with entertaining consequences. Netflix / Amazon , Sky Store Guardian review

TRAIN TRIPS

The darjeeling limited (2007).

‘The Darjeeling Limited’

Three brothers have madcap adventures on a train in this quirky, colourful film that could only have been made by Wes Anderson. Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartzman are the warring trio who bicker and bond their way through a scenic rail journey in India. Though the film was shot mainly in Rajasthan, the fictional route also convincingly takes in the Himalayas – and reminds you of the wonders of train travel abroad. Amazon , YouTube / Google Play , Sky Store Guardian review

Before Sunrise (1995)

1995, BEFORE SUNRISE

A train to Vienna is the romantic setting for this cult drama starring Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke. After meeting on the journey, they spend the night walking around the city together. Their frank, naturalistic exchanges are involving and funny, and it’s easy to fall in love with the Austrian capital as the pair jump on trams and ferris wheels along the banks of the Danube. Director Richard Linklater followed this with Before Sunset and Before Midnight, but this remains by far the most romantic in the series. Amazon , YouTube , Google Play , Sky Store Guardian review

LIFE-CHANGING ADVENTURES

The secret life of walter mitty (2013).

2013, THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY

A daydreamer finally lives out his travel fantasies in this whimsical adventure based on James Thurber’s short story. Walter (Ben Stiller) works a dull desk job at Life magazine, and goes on a globe-trotting treasure hunt in search of a missing negative by legendary photojournalist Sean O’Connell (Sean Penn). Walter’s travels take him to Greenland, Iceland and the Himalayas, and although some of the locations are stand-ins, the film captures the wonder of globe-trotting in a cosy, feelgood format. Amazon , YouTube , Google Play , Sky Store Guardian review

Patagonia (2010)

PATAGONIA film still Matthew Rhys

The psychological benefits of travel are at the heart of this tender drama that explores the links between Wales and Argentina. A Cardiff couple travel to Patagonia where they are guided by a Welsh-Argentine guide (Matthew Rhys). Meanwhile, an older woman journeys from Argentina to Wales to discover her roots. It’s a moving watch with a fun backstory: Rhys found out about the production when travelling through Patagonia on horseback , where he bumped into the director, Marc Evans, who was scouting for locations. Amazon , iTunes , Google Play Guardian review

Black Mountain Poets (2015)

Black Mountain Poets - Jolene Films

Rural south Wales provides a handsome setting for this con artist comedy from writer-director Jamie Adams. Alice Lowe and Dolly Wells star as sisters on the run who resort to posing as a pair of famous beat poets at a retreat in the Black Mountains – what could possibly go wrong? As they camp out in nature, the remote location forms a backdrop for their potential redemption, as well as plenty of improvised humour. YouTube , Google Play , BFI Player Guardian review

HISTORICAL TRAVELS

Meek’s cutoff (2010).

MEEK’S CUTOFF, left: Shirley Henderson, right: Michelle Williams

You wouldn’t want to re-live the journey these characters make, but the landscape looks remarkable from the safety of your sofa. Loosely inspired by an infamous incident in 1845, it sees a small group of settlers travelling across the Oregon High Desert and becoming increasingly less confident in their guide, Stephen Meek (Bruce Greenwood). Kelly Reichardt’s western shows the gender dynamic slowly shifting as the stakes get higher, and she’s assembled an excellent cast lead by Michelle Williams, Shirley Henderson and Zoe Kazan. Amazon Prime Guardian review

The Lost City of Z (2017)

2016, THE LOST CITY OF Z

Explorer Percy Fawcett had a compulsion to travel, undertaking hugely risky journeys in the Amazon in to prove his theories about a disappeared civilisation – theories that were ridiculed by his contemporaries in the early 20th century. James Gray’s film stars Charlie Hunnam as Fawcett, Sienna Miller as his wife, and Robert Pattinson as his right hand man, who helps him navigate the rainforest, which looks tantalisingly beautiful despite the dangers that unfold. Amazon , YouTube , Google Play , Sky Store . Also showing on BBC2 Friday 27 March at 11.05pm Guardian review

Fitzcarraldo (1982)

Fitzcarraldo - 1982

An ambitious adventurer makes an eventful jungle voyage in Werner Herzog’s German-language classic inspired by the life of Peruvian rubber baron Carlos Fitzcarrald. Notoriously volatile actor Klaus Kinski’s wild eyes glint with lunatic abandon as he dreams of building an opera house in Iquitos, in the Peruvian Amazon, and navigating the Pachitea river in a huge steamboat. The shoot (famously as troubled as the events it depicts) took place in the wilds of Brazil and Peru, where Herzog and cinematographer Thomas Mauch vividly captured the cast’s period costumes against the sights and sounds of the jungle. BFI Player , iTunes Guardian review

CITY BREAKS

2 days in paris (2007).

2 Days in Paris

Julie Delpy writes, directs and stars in this whipsmart dramedy that puts a humorous spin on the notion of a romantic city break. She plays Marion, a photographer who lives in New York and decides to spend two days in the French capital with her neurotic boyfriend Jack (Adam Goldberg). It takes in plenty of famous spots, including the Père Lachaise cemetery, the Pasteur metro station and – should you be missing the Eurostar – the Gare du Nord. Amazon Prime Guardian review

In Bruges (2008)

IN BRUGES

Who knew a film about a couple of hitmen could showcase a city’s charms so beautifully? The Irish contract killers hiding out in Belgium have very different goals: while Ray (Colin Farrell) just wants to get drunk, Ken (Brendan Gleeson) would prefer to see the cultural sights. And so Martin McDonagh’s bitterly funny black comedy takes in architectural delights such as the Belfry of Bruges as well as canal trips through the medieval city. Amazon , YouTube , Google Play Sky Store Guardian review

Roman Holiday (1953)

‘Roman Holiday’

Take a trip back in time to Rome, circa 1953, where a princess (Audrey Hepburn) is trying to stay incognito. After she’s befriended by an American reporter (Gregory Peck), he realises her identity, but keeps his a secret in an attempt to get a scoop. Romance follows, along with iconic black and white shots of the Eternal City. Look out for a meeting on the Spanish Steps, a tour of Colosseum and Vespa ride through the city traffic. Sky Cinema , YouTube , Google Play Guardian review

Rental prices generally between £1.99 and £3.49 depending on household subscription status. Netflix and BFI Player films are included in a monthly subscription and are subject to change. Most films also available on DVD/Blu-Ray

Anna Smith is a film critic and host of the podcast, Girls On Film

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Esquire

The 30 Best Adventure Movies of All Time

Posted: August 31, 2023 | Last updated: December 10, 2023

<p class="body-dropcap">In a way, <em>every</em> movie is an adventure—an act of transcendence, submitting to the unknown of a story world and all that comes with it. When watching a <a href="https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/g42286117/best-movies-2023/">movie</a>, you latch onto a protagonist’s hand without looking back, agreeing to tag along for the ride. Of course, some <a href="https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/g42246221/best-action-movies-2023/">cinematic adventures</a> are more thrilling than others.</p><p>There comes a point in every <a href="https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a38347152/indiana-jones-movies-in-order/">hero’s</a> journey when they must accept their call to adventure and dive into a new world of wonders and challenges. And, there comes a time in every movie watcher’s viewing experience when they must decide whether the first five minutes seem promising enough to put their phone down and commit. (Look at you, you phone-less vagabond.)</p><p>Whether you prefer rope-swinging through the jungle or setting the open seas, these movies are sure to bring you on the trip of a lifetime. Choose your own adventure from this list of the genre’s best.</p>

In a way, every movie is an adventure—an act of transcendence, submitting to the unknown of a story world and all that comes with it. When watching a movie , you latch onto a protagonist’s hand without looking back, agreeing to tag along for the ride. Of course, some cinematic adventures are more thrilling than others.

There comes a point in every hero’s journey when they must accept their call to adventure and dive into a new world of wonders and challenges. And, there comes a time in every movie watcher’s viewing experience when they must decide whether the first five minutes seem promising enough to put their phone down and commit. (Look at you, you phone-less vagabond.)

Whether you prefer rope-swinging through the jungle or setting the open seas, these movies are sure to bring you on the trip of a lifetime. Choose your own adventure from this list of the genre’s best.

<p>Rob Reiner’s iconic adaptation of Stephen King’s <em>The Body </em>serves as an all-but-ordinary coming of age story, set in 1959. River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Wil Wheaton, and Jerry O’Connell star as a group of young boys determined to uncover the missing body of a local boy for a cash reward. The film is a blend of hilariously crude adolescent humor, saturated scenes of nostalgia, and meditations on innocence, maturity, and friendship. </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8vz3tguoE0">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

Stand by Me

Rob Reiner’s iconic adaptation of Stephen King’s The Body serves as an all-but-ordinary coming of age story, set in 1959. River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Wil Wheaton, and Jerry O’Connell star as a group of young boys determined to uncover the missing body of a local boy for a cash reward. The film is a blend of hilariously crude adolescent humor, saturated scenes of nostalgia, and meditations on innocence, maturity, and friendship.

See the original post on Youtube

<p>Few voyages at sea begin with the shipwreck, but such is the case for <em>Life of Pi</em>, based on Yann Martel’s novel of the same name. Directed by Ang Lee and starring the late Irrfan Khan and Suraj Sharma, the film weaves a spectacular tale of spiritual discovery as a shipwrecked young man navigates the Pacific Ocean while stranded on a lifeboat. (Think <em>Cast Away,</em> but swap the volleyball for a Bengal tiger.) </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mMN693-F3U">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

Few voyages at sea begin with the shipwreck, but such is the case for Life of Pi , based on Yann Martel’s novel of the same name. Directed by Ang Lee and starring the late Irrfan Khan and Suraj Sharma, the film weaves a spectacular tale of spiritual discovery as a shipwrecked young man navigates the Pacific Ocean while stranded on a lifeboat. (Think Cast Away, but swap the volleyball for a Bengal tiger.)

<p>While all the movies in this trilogy are fantastic, you need to start at the beginning to understand the magic behind them. From its illustrious sets to the all-star cast, it's a movie worthy of its lengthy running time. </p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://play.hbomax.com/feature/urn:hbo:feature:GXdu2ZAglVJuAuwEAADbA">Stream It Here</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V75dMMIW2B4">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

The first installment of Peter Jackson’s trilogy adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic epic novels, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring introduces us to the fictional appendix that is all of Middle Earth and its inhabitants. Viewers join the earnest quest of young hobbit Frodo and his caravan of companions, with performances by Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett, and Orlando Bloom.

<p>Another win for Anderson, <em>Moonrise Kingdom</em> follows two kids who flee town and the friends and family who search for them. It’s a cute, fun, coming-of-age story that doesn’t try too hard. The children at the center of the film are as deeply explored, as are the adults who hunt for them. In fact, they’re so intriguing, they’re even more engaging than the sadder protagonists of the much-loved <em>Royal Tenenbaums</em>.</p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/Moonrise-Kingdom-Bruce-Willis/dp/B009HXGD4S/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=moonrise&qid=1634836762&qsid=147-9472645-3972949&s=instant-video&sr=1-1&sres=B009HXGD4S%2CB01CBUGKEQ%2CB00C4QC2DQ%2CB000S0DDG0%2CB00JB3AOEY%2CB074N8RYN1%2CB004LL86QO%2CB00AWSQX24%2CB0091VSGSC%2CB008VVT51U%2CB0011EBDE6%2CB00IDD5HW2%2CB009EE51SY%2CB07C44XMH3%2CB07MSP4Q4G%2CB0916S3V8L&srpt=DOWNLOADABLE_MOVIE&tag=syndication-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C2139.g.37625105%5Bsrc%7Cmsn-us">Stream It Here</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N8wkVA4_8s">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

Moonrise Kingdom

Nothing says adventure like two twelve-year-olds falling in love and running away together to an island off the coast of New England. This whimsical and peculiar comedy is as Wes Anderson as Wes Anderson can get: peak aesthetic pleasure in its set and costume design, obsessively precise cinematography and writing, and, of course an overwhelmingly stacked cast of celebrities.

<p>From the beloved Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, <em>The Hidden Fortress</em> follows two peasants who find themselves on an unexpected quest to escort a man and woman across enemy lines in the midst of a war. The shared journey finds some comical and dramatic speedbumps though when it is revealed that the two men are actually escorting a war general and princess. </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2b4wmZL9uw">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

The Hidden Fortress

From the beloved Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, The Hidden Fortress follows two peasants who find themselves on an unexpected quest to escort a man and woman across enemy lines in the midst of a war. The shared journey finds some comical and dramatic speedbumps though when it is revealed that the two men are actually escorting a war general and princess.

<p>Shia LaBeouf and Zack Gottsagen respectively star as a local outlaw and young man with Down’s Syndrome who, upon finding each other while both on the run, form an unlikely bond. The latter has left his care facility determined to pursue his dream career in professional wrestling, and one of his nurses eventually catches up to the two friends at large. However, she might just end up being a perfect third companion. </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNl9RqjLCwc">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

The Peanut Butter Falcon

Shia LaBeouf and Zack Gottsagen respectively star as a local outlaw and young man with Down’s Syndrome who, upon finding each other while both on the run, form an unlikely bond. The latter has left his care facility determined to pursue his dream career in professional wrestling, and one of his nurses eventually catches up to the two friends at large. However, she might just end up being a perfect third companion.

<p>In the first installment of the famed <em>Indiana Jones</em> franchise, Harrison Ford stars as the titular archaeologist on his quest to prevent a group of Nazis from stealing the precious religious relic, the Ark of the Covenant. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this epic is a classic Hollywood archetype of the hero’s journey, with its Jones donning a signature whip and, of course, an achilles heel for snakes. </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz4crpFaW4M">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark

In the first installment of the famed Indiana Jones franchise, Harrison Ford stars as the titular archaeologist on his quest to prevent a group of Nazis from stealing the precious religious relic, the Ark of the Covenant. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this epic is a classic Hollywood archetype of the hero’s journey, with its Jones donning a signature whip and, of course, an achilles heel for snakes.

<p>Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke’s adaptation of Clarke’s, “The Sentinel,” <em>2001: A Space Odyssey</em> is something of a monolith in itself within film history, still serving as a subject of analysis for us today. The enigmatic sci-fi thriller, amidst its exciting ingenuity in filmmaking, serves as an ominous meditation on man vs. machine that will make you feel like you’re staring straight into the beady red monitor of your own existence. </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR_e9y-bka0">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

2001: A Space Odyssey

Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke’s adaptation of Clarke’s, “The Sentinel,” 2001: A Space Odyssey is something of a monolith in itself within film history, still serving as a subject of analysis for us today. The enigmatic sci-fi thriller, amidst its exciting ingenuity in filmmaking, serves as an ominous meditation on man vs. machine that will make you feel like you’re staring straight into the beady red monitor of your own existence.

<p>Chuck (Tom Hanks) gets stranded on a desert island when the cargo plane he's on goes down in the Pacific. With a girlfriend back at home, Chuck fights to survive, in the hopes of getting rescued from isolation. Wilson steals the show, and Hanks is in top form as a man desperately trying to stay alive against all odds. </p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1553576&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hulu.com%2Fmovie%2Fcast-away-ca846bc0-099a-4f5e-bd9d-a250bae90d04&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.elle.com%2Fculture%2Fmovies-tv%2Fg43416561%2Fbest-beach-movies%2F">Shop Now</a></p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/Cast-Away-Tom-Hanks/dp/B0026NZR98/?tag=syndication-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10051.g.43416561%5Bsrc%7Cmsn-us">Shop Now</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGuOZPwLayY&ab_channel=RottenTomatoesClassicTrailers">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

Tom Hanks stars as Chuck Noland, a FedEx engineer who ends up stranded on a deserted island while on a work assignment. In a true case of man versus wild, Noland’s chalk-tallied days spent with his volleyball companion become more than a test of will. They become a test of humanity and the world as he knows it.

<p>Another larger-than-life blockbuster from Steven Spielberg, <em>Jurassic Park</em> follows the aftermath of what one might expect if a billionaire had come up with a way to recreate dinosaurs for a theme park. Shockingly, even movie billionaires don’t think through the ethics of their latest ventures. What some of the movie characters lack in technological savviness, the filmmaking itself makes up for with special effects and animatronics that made the standards of its time seem prehistoric. </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jKEqDKpJLw">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

Jurassic Park

Another larger-than-life blockbuster from Steven Spielberg, Jurassic Park follows the aftermath of what one might expect if a billionaire had come up with a way to recreate dinosaurs for a theme park. Shockingly, even movie billionaires don’t think through the ethics of their latest ventures. What some of the movie characters lack in technological savviness, the filmmaking itself makes up for with special effects and animatronics that made the standards of its time seem prehistoric.

<p>The prototypical adventure movie, <em>The Treasure of the Sierra Madre </em>is a western-tinged story of two outlaws who encounter a veteran prospector, then travel together into Mexico’s Sierra Madre mountains to strike gold. Though they find treasure, they become quickly beleaguered by bandits and internal strife. Directed by the inimitable John Huston, <em>The Treasure of the Sierra Madre </em>is the film that kickstarted the genre. </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ8Q9mOYJgE">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre

The prototypical adventure movie, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is a western-tinged story of two outlaws who encounter a veteran prospector, then travel together into Mexico’s Sierra Madre mountains to strike gold. Though they find treasure, they become quickly beleaguered by bandits and internal strife. Directed by the inimitable John Huston, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is the film that kickstarted the genre.

<p>In the film that catapulted Ang Lee to directorial superstardom, Lee sets the scene in nineteenth century China, where a warrior entrusts his fabled sword to his beloved, only for the sword to fall into the wrong hands. Come for the adventure through a bygone era in Chinese history, but stay for the breathtaking martial arts sequences, which remain unparalleled even two decades later. </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLpZ_5bHmo8">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

In the film that catapulted Ang Lee to directorial superstardom, Lee sets the scene in nineteenth century China, where a warrior entrusts his fabled sword to his beloved, only for the sword to fall into the wrong hands. Come for the adventure through a bygone era in Chinese history, but stay for the breathtaking martial arts sequences, which remain unparalleled even two decades later.

<p><a href="https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a31897234/alex-garland-devs-hulu-fx-interview/">Alex Garland</a> has established himself as something of a modern sci-fi master, and his latest film was 2018's <em>Annihilation, </em>based on the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Annihilation-Novel-Southern-Reach-Trilogy/dp/0374104093?tag=syndication-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C2139.g.33352561%5Bsrc%7Cmsn-us">book of the same name</a>. Even if you've read that book, don't go into this movie thinking you have any idea of what you're in store for, because you don't. The movie is totally out there, and also probably genius. With a cast led by Natalie Portman that also includes Tessa Thompson and Oscar Isaac, this is a really good one that will have you thinking at the end—in a good way.</p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079Z18D2Z?tag=syndication-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C2139.g.33352561%5Bsrc%7Cmsn-us">Shop Now</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89OP78l9oF0">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

Annihilation

In this adaptation of Jeff VanderMeer’s acclaimed climate fiction novel, five female scientists journey into Area X, a sinister and unexplained ecological phenomenon consuming Florida’s coastline. Featuring an all-star cast including Natalie Portman, Tessa Thompson, Gina Rodriguez, and Oscar Isaac, the journey into the unknown pushes these scientists to the limits of their bodies and their sanity.

<p><em>Thor: Ragnarok</em> enlisted the wild, weird, and wonderful Taika Waititi as its director. The result? A rock n' rollin<em>, </em>planet-hopping <em>Thor </em>adventure.</p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1553576&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.disneyplus.com%2Fmovies%2Fmarvel-studios-thor-ragnarok%2F3XqAT8UV8ojS&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.esquire.com%2Fentertainment%2Fmovies%2Fg32492706%2Fhow-to-watch-marvel-movies-in-order%2F">Shop Now</a></p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/ue80QwXMRHg">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

Thor: Ragnarok

Nothing says “adventure” quite like an intergalactic romp through trash-covered planets, right? The third film in Marvel’s Thor sequence is the series’ loosest, centering on a madcap adventure through outer space, which leaves a powerless Thor stranded on a wacky planet ruled by a sadistic Jeff Goldblum. Directed by Taika Waititi, Ragnarok remains a one-of-a-kind standout in Marvel’s filmology.

<p>Hear me out: <em>Spy </em>is a legitimately good movie, and Melissa McCarthy as a CIA analyst-turned-undercover agent is a comedic genius, trust. </p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/Spy-Melissa-McCarthy/dp/B013EZSI4C?tag=syndication-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10049.g.38901986%5Bsrc%7Cmsn-us">Shop Now</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrY3v1eDmQY">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

Not all adventures have to be serious. Melissa McCarthy makes a feast of her juiciest role yet in this underappreciated gem from Bridesmaids director Paul Feig, featuring an uproarious cast that also stars Rose Byrne, Jude Law, Allison Janney, Jason Statham, and 50 Cent. McCarthy stars as a timid CIA desk jockey catapulted into the field by the sudden death of her partner, sending her on a wild journey for vengeance and self-discovery from the slums of Paris to the casinos of Rome.

<p><em>The Wizard of Oz</em> has all the bells and whistles of the genre—munchkins, witches, and genuinely terrifying flying monkeys. The 1939 musical classic follows Dorothy on her tornado-spurred adventure to the magical land of Oz. While she heads down the Yellow Brick Road on her way to the Wizard, whom she hopes will help her get back home, she makes friends with the Cowardly Lion, Tinman, and Scarecrow, who all have asks of their own for the wizard. While it’s no doubt a trip to a fantasy land, it’ll leave you certain that there’s no place like home. </p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1553576&url=https%3A%2F%2Fplay.hbomax.com%2Ffeature%2Furn%3Ahbo%3Afeature%3AGXdhgdgNOH5uAuwEAADWA%3Fcamp%3DgoogleHBOMAX%26action%3Dplay&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.esquire.com%2Fentertainment%2Fmovies%2Fg35066935%2Fbest-fantasy-movies%2F">Shop Now</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_3T4DGw10U">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

The Wizard Of Oz

One of the essential early cinematic adventures, seeing the land of Oz revealed in gorgeous technicolor will still capture your imagination to this day.

<p>There are no small roles, only small actors, as they say. In 2014 blockbuster Interstellar, a 19-year-old Chalamet plays Young Tom, the counterpart to Casey Affleck’s (Old) Tom. A minor character, he holds his own in a cast of greats, acting alongside Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, John Lithgow, Ellen Burstyn, and Michael Caine, to name a few. Not a bad first movie role to land.</p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.b4a9f7c6-5def-7e63-9aa7-df38a479333e?autoplay=1&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb&tag=syndication-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10054.g.36630235%5Bsrc%7Cmsn-us">Shop Now</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LqzF5WauAw">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

Interstellar

Christopher Nolan’s space epic truly lived up to the hype, with mind-boggling direction and special effects that capture the strange new galaxy the space crew find themselves in.

<p>Mad God is a truly unsettling stop-motion experimental horror film by Phil Tippett, a director and animator known for gorgeous visual effects who has also worked on some iconic creatures for Star Wars and Jurassic Park.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jas8OABbn0Y&ab_channel=Shudder">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

Mad God is a truly unsettling stop-motion experimental horror film by Phil Tippett, a director and animator known for gorgeous visual effects, who has also worked on some iconic creatures for Star Wars and Jurassic Park .

<p>This is equal parts drama and adventure, but the simple ticking clock nature of the story—astronauts stuck in space with a rapidly failing ship—means that the story moves along with the speed of a bullet. The most fun part is that you KNOW the ending to the movie, and you still hold your breath all the way to the very end. Young, adorable Tom Hanks is just one of the incredible actors here. </p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/Apollo-13-Tom-Hanks/dp/B001JI5DRC">WATCH IT</a></p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/KtEIMC58sZo">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

Ron Howard’s historical docudrama adapts the real harrowing tale of NASA’s aborted 13th lunar mission with previously unparalleled technical accuracy. While there were a few narrative and historical quibbles in the end, the filmmakers consulted closely with NASA experts to keep the film somewhat grounded, and filmed space scenes on actual zero-gravity flights to accurately show weightlessness.

<p>This Coen Brothers dramedy turns rural Mississippi in the 1930s into a gorgeous backdrop for a more modern retelling of The Odyssey, but with way more country and bluegrass music than before.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW9Xo2HtlJI&pp=ygUgbyBicm90aGVyIHdoZXJlIGFydCB0aG91IHRyYWlsZXI%3D">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

O Brother, Where Art Thou?

This Coen Brothers dramedy turns rural Mississippi in the 1930s into a gorgeous backdrop for a more modern retelling of The Odyssey , but with way more country and bluegrass music than before.

<p>It’s a dream in a dream in a dream (in a dream!), and it’s a damn fine outing from DiCaprio. Leading an ensemble cast, DiCaprio navigates Christopher Nolan’s mind bending thriller as Dom Cobb, a man who performs mental heists by breaking into people’s dreams and stealing information from their subconscious. He and co-star Elliot Page share a particularly electric chemistry as the two dive deeper into the mental void together, addressing Dom’s own trauma as his subconscious leaks into the minds of others. It’s the DiCaprio version of an action film, but damn if it isn’t a good one. (Also, the top fully fell down.) - <em>JK</em></p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/Inception-Leonardo-DiCaprio/dp/B0047WJ11G?tag=syndication-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C2139.g.39957155%5Bsrc%7Cmsn-us">Shop Now</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoHD9XEInc0">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

Some may classify Inception as just as a sci-fi action thriller, but our cast of dream thieves jets all around the world, even before they sink down into several levels of subconscious to pull off a mind-bending memory implantation process. With so many richly-realized worlds on display throughout the film, it’s hard to argue that the characters haven’t been on an adventure after they’ve woken up.

<p>It's kind of iconic that so many female friendships are compared to these two, who [spoiler alert] together, isn't it?</p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://tubitv.com/movies/604498/thelma_and_louise_espaol?start=true&tracking=google-feed">Watch Now</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iBFmKlO4BY">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

Thelma and Louise

I mean, talk about iconic ending shots. Thelma and Louise showcases the American southwest absolutely beautifully, but is also backed up by a lively script—and of course, the lead performances by Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis.

<p>This post-apocalyptic animated fantasy film is Hayao Miyazaki’s second feature film ever. He imagined a gorgeous world beset by stampeding armored bugs called Ohm, which emerged in response to a massive war between kingdoms of the Valley of the Wind.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zhLBe319KE&ab_channel=CrunchyrollStoreAustralia">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

This post-apocalyptic animated fantasy film is Hayao Miyazaki’s second feature film ever. He imagined a gorgeous world beset by stampeding armored bugs called Ohm, which emerged in response to a massive war between kingdoms of the Valley of the Wind.

<p><em>Almost Famous </em>is Cameron Crowe's love letter to 1970s rock and roll, but it's also a tender coming-of-age story. Based on Crowe's real experiences as a teenage music journalist, the story follows 15-year-old William as he goes on the road with Stillwater and falls in love with a "Band Aid" named Penny Lane (Kate Hudson).</p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.14a9f7c6-4aba-90bb-a8e1-0de266a09aa4?autoplay=1&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb&tag=syndication-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10054.g.31947048%5Bsrc%7Cmsn-us">Shop Now</a> <a class="body-btn-link" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1553576&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fmovie%2Falmost-famous%2Fid292811984%3Fat%3D1001l6hu%26ct%3Dgca_organic_movie-title_292811984&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.esquire.com%2Fentertainment%2Fmovies%2Fg31947048%2Fbest-teen-movies-of-all-time%2F">Shop Now</a> </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQXh_AaJXaM">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

Almost Famous

Almost Famous strikes the perfect balance of being profound, fun as hell, and just a super well-crafted movie. You really feel like a fly on the wall for Stillwater’s big tour, even though Stillwater doesn’t actually exist!

<p>For when Dad is a genius hippie who doesn't want to conform to the norms of society.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1kH4OMIOMc">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

Captain Fantastic

An underrated gem from 2016, Captain Fantastic is a beautifully grounded and meditative journey. The film follows Viggo Mortenson as an isolationist homesteader who has to take his huge family back into society when his wife dies. This film also goes heavily against the “don’t film with kids” mantra, casting not one, not two but six excellent young actors as the huge Cash family.

<p>Immortan Joe keeps himself comfortable in the desert fortress the Citadel, surrounded by his young and beautiful wives. His only goal is to have another son. The only goal of pretty much everyone else is to just get some drinkable water or to die in a fiery blaze of glory. Tom Hardy gets caught up in the conflict when Joe's wives try to escape, becoming an unintentional hero. This post-apocalyptic chase movie is full of action and Charlize Theron is pretty bad a** in it, too.</p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.faa9f7ac-5976-4e98-5da2-838f705141dc?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb&tag=syndication-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10051.g.41617050%5Bsrc%7Cmsn-us">Shop Now</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEJnMQG9ev8">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

Mad Max: Fury Road

Basically the best and most messed-up road trip movie ever, Mad Max: Fury Road has some of the best car chase scenes ever filmed—along with career-great leading performances from Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron.

<p>Leonardo DiCaprio finally won his first Oscar for his performance as Frontiersman and fur trapper Hugh Glass, who's left for dead in a bleak winter landscape. Following a terrifying bear attack, Glass is driven to stay alive in order to exact revenge against those who wronged him.</p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/Revenant-Leonardo-Dicaprio/dp/B01AB7GMB2?tag=syndication-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10056.g.42140706%5Bsrc%7Cmsn-us">Shop Now</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoebZZ8K5N0">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

The Revenant

Every moment of The Revenant is visceral, immersive, and unlike practically anything you’ve seen before. The cinematography, along with Leonardo DiCaprio’s uncompromising performance make Hugh Glass’s epic frontier journey feels all the more grueling.

<p>Nebraska is a bizarre but beautifully simple and focused film about an older man who keeps trying to walk from Montana to Nebraska to collect a sweepstakes prize he believes he won. The core cast of Bruce Dern, Will Forte and June Squibb are a fantastically believable movie family.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuIBvmxIN4w&ab_channel=RottenTomatoesTrailers">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

Nebraska is a bizarre, but beautifully simple and focused film about an older man who keeps trying to walk from Montana to Nebraska to collect a sweepstakes prize he believes he won. The core cast of Bruce Dern, Will Forte, and June Squibb are a fantastically believable movie family.

<p>Love <em>What We Do In The Shadows, Our Flag Means Death</em> and, uhhhhh, THOR? You gotta see Taika Waititi's coming-of-age comedy about a foster child who runs away from his foster home and ends up bonding with his foster dad in the woods. It has Wes Anderson vibes and Waititi's signature dry humor.</p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.netflix.com/watch/80096995">WATCH NOW</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPaU4Gymt3E">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

Hunt for the Wilderpeople

Taika Waititi’s comedy adventure set in the jungles of New Zealand is still visually striking, hilarious, and heartfelt all these years.

<p>This steampunk adventure from 1954 still is one of the coolest underwater journeys captured on film. It had a cache of massive stars at the time, with Kirk Douglas, Paul Lukas Peter Lorre and James Mason all in major roles. Sorry Jake Sully, you’re no Captain Nemo and you never will be.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdHWQOhs1x4&ab_channel=JPBazinet">See the original post on Youtube</a></p>

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea

This steampunk adventure from 1954 still is one of the coolest underwater journeys captured on film. It features a cache of massive stars, with Kirk Douglas, Paul Lukas Peter Lorre and James Mason all in major roles. Sorry, Jake Sully, you’re no Captain Nemo.

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The 10 Best Adventure Movies from the 1980s, Ranked

"Snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?"

After the dark adventures of the 1970s , an awakening of creative and heartwarming epic fantasies marked the 1980s , entertaining audiences of all ages. These movies combine fantasy, magic, and lore meant mostly for all ages; many have raised a lot of today's adults. Moreover, these movies also raised some of Hollywood's biggest stars of today, such as Jennifer Connelly , Josh Brolin , and Ke Huy Quan , to name a few.

This decade also allowed moviemakers and viewers to dream and conjure different worlds . The world hasn't been the same since Star Wars or Indiana Jones , and the 1980s gave the underdogs and "geeks" a chance to come out on top and revel in the popularity of comics, epic fantasies, and video games. The best adventure movies of the 1980s are also some of the greatest adventures ever made. Though the list is long, the ten that marked the decade are still as loved as the first time they were released.

10 'Crocodile Dundee' (1986)

Directed by peter faiman.

The movie that made all non-Australian people call Australians "Crocodile Dundee," this movie is still the highest-grossing Australian production of all time , after nearly 40 years since its premiere. The creators Paul Hogan , John Cornell , and Ken Shadie created a wild comedic adventure about an Australian survivalist from the Outback in New York. Crocodile Dundee follows Sue Charlton (Linda Kozlowski), a NYC-based reporter who travels to the Northern Territory of Australia to interview Mick Dundee (Paul Hogan).

Dundee is thought to be a successful bushmaster who lost half his leg in a fight with a crocodile, but Sue soon realizes that was all hearsay . As she and Mick develop a friendship, she takes him on a journey to New York City, where their friendship turns romantic. Though the romantic aspect is a great addition to the film, the driving point of the movie is Paul Hogan's portrayal of Dundee, a man who isn't used to cities at all , let alone one as huge as New York. His goofy but charming act made Crocodile Dundee the cult classic it is today. Interestingly, Hogan won the Golden Globe for Best Actor for this role in 1987.

Crocodile Dundee

Crocodile Dundee can be streamed on AMC+ in the U.S.

Watch on AMC+

9 'Romancing the Stone' (1984)

Directed by robert zemeckis.

Romancing the Stone and its sequel, The Jewel of the Nile , are among the funniest rom-coms of the 1980s and a direct inspiration for numerous later jungle adventures with damsels in distress and resourceful jungle connoisseurs falling in love . Romancing the Stone was likely the biggest inspiration for Sandra Bullock 's recent feature The Lost City , where she played a similar role to Kathleen Turner 's.

Kathleen Turner plays Joan Wilder, a romance novelist with a mysterious brother-in-law who leaves her a treasure map in the mail one day. After Joan's sister gets kidnapped and the treasure map is the ransom, she travels to the South American jungle and enlists the help of the savvy Jack Colton ( Michael Douglas ) to get out of the treacherous conditions. Romancing the Stone is funny, action-packed, and entertaining, with no lack of chemistry between Douglas and Turner . Douglas almost unexpectedly steps into a comedic role well, while Kathleen Turner feels almost seamless. Kathleen Turner said in an interview that she and Douglas nearly fell in love while filming , with their obvious chemistry giving the movie a special spark.

Romancing the Stone

Romancing the Stone can be streamed on Apple TV in the U.S.

Watch On AppleTV

8 'The Dark Crystal' (1982)

Directed by jim henson and frank oz.

Though there's nothing heavy about The Muppets , Jim Henson dipped his toes into broodier material with The Dark Crystal . It was marketed as a family film and still is, but it's much darker compared to Henson's other work. The famous animatronics king, writer, entertainer, puppeteer, and creative genius wrote The Dark Crystal with Frank Oz , a long-time collaborator.

The movie is filled with animatronic puppets that stood the test of time ; it follows the story of a Gelfling named Jen, who was raised and guided by urSu, the leader of the Mystics; Jen needs to fulfill the prophecy of finding the missing shard of the dark crystal and complete it before The Three Suns meet. If she doesn't, the rulers of everything familiar to the creatures will become the Skeksis, a violent and dominating species. The lore of The Dark Crystal is deep , as can be read in the book titled The World of the Dark Crystal . This book was written together with the original screenplay, so any fan can delve deeper into the movie's universe. This isn't all too necessary, though - The Dark Crystal itself does a great job of explaining the history and significance of each species, with many allusions to human nature , from evil and greed to love and kindness.

The Dark Crystal

The Dark Crystal can be streamed on Apple TV in the U.S.

7 'Escape From New York' (1981)

Directed by john carpenter.

For someone who hasn't seen Escape from New York , the name Snake Plissken should be pretty familiar anyway. One of the most legendary John Carpenter characters (and movies), Snake is an iconic action hero who embarked on, not one, but two escape adventures during the 1980s . He was also the direct inspiration for Hideo Kojima 's complex video game series Metal Gear Solid and its main character, Solid Snake . The references are a pretty obvious homage to Kurt Russell 's Snake.

Escape from New York follows Snake in the future (compared to 1981); it's 1997, and the whole of Manhattan is essentially one big prison . But, it's not just any prison - it's a maximum security facility that harbors some of the most hardcore criminals in the US. When the President's plane gets knocked down in Manhattan, the eye-patch-wearing badass Snake Plissken is asked to get the chief of the country out safely. The movie is an unlikely adventure in the sea of epic fantasies created in the 1980s , but Carpenter was the king of the 1980s, so anything he made was bound for greatness . Kurt Russell is the ideal choice for the role of an aloof, versatile criminal with a knack for both self-preservation and keeping others alive. This might even be his biggest legacy, after The Thing , or any other cooperation (out of five) with Carpenter .

Escape From New York

Escape From New York can be streamed on The Criterion Channel in the U.S.

Watch On The Criterion

6 'The NeverEnding Story' (1984)

Directed by wolfgang petersen.

Fans of fantasy movies from the 1980s could never skip talking about The NeverEnding Story , and, for great reasons - this movie is the full package: it has fantasy, epic world-building, a ton of adventure , and it's fun for the whole family. Movies for people of all ages can border on being childish, but The NeverEnding Story rarely falls into such a trap during its runtime .

The movie follows a young boy, Bastian, who tries to escape the real world (in which his divorced, overly realistic father and his bullies live) by drawing and reading. When Bastian hides in a library while running from his bullies one day, he's introduced to a magical book. Curious, he starts reading it and exploring the fantastical world of Fantasia . Fantasia soon sucks Bastian in, inviting him to become the land's hero; the line between reality and fantasy thins, and Bastian is more and more encapsulated. The NeverEnding Story stands out because anyone who watched it as a child still loves to revisit it, whether they have children of their own or not. This, paired with the memorable soundtrack and art direction, makes The NeverEnding Story a real feast for kids and adults who love to feel like kids once again .

The Neverending Story

The NeverEnding Story can be streamed on Apple TV in the U.S.

5 'Labyrinth' (1986)

Directed by jim henson.

Similarly to The Dark Crystal and The NeverEnding Story , Labyrinth sucks viewers into a fantastical world of magical creatures. The world in Labyrinth is filled with mystical creatures like goblins, ogres, and forest creatures , all ruled by a mystical Goblin King Jareth, played by the irreplaceable David Bowie . The protagonist is Sarah, played by the 16-year-old Jennifer Connelly. Sarah has a baby brother, Toby, who often frustrates her.

One day, while reading the book The Labyrinth, Sarah impulsively wishes Toby to get taken away by the goblins from it . Jareth appears before Sarah, asking her if taking Toby is what she really wants. Though she changes her mind, Jareth takes Toby away anyway, giving Sarah 13 hours to save him by finding the center of a massive labyrinth in his world. Labyrinth was created by Jim Henson, co-written by Monty Python 's Terry Jones , and produced by George Lucas . This epic has stunning musical features (with some written by Bowie himself ), great animatronics, and even lessons - Sarah learns how to be selfless, brave, and responsible for another life, her brother's. Casting Bowie as Jareth was the choice that makes Labyrinth so special; he was always able to embrace fluidity and exude boldness, which came in handy for portraying such a gray character. Though Labyrinth is deemed full of gray and controversial areas today, it keeps a special place in people's hearts.

Sixteen-year-old Sarah must solve a labyrinth to rescue her baby brother when he is taken by the Goblin King.

Labyrinth can be streamed on AppleTV in the U.S.

4 'Willow' (1988)

Directed by ron howard.

Another memorable adventure from the pen of George Lucas and the directing baton of Ron Howard , Willow leaves a legacy similar to Star Wars . It's another slightly darker adventure, tackling motives of greed, nobility, and the common fight of good versus evil. Because of them, together with the vastness of the magical world Lucas created , Willow is still special to its many original fans . Willow takes place in a medieval-esque fantasy world where the queen Bavmorda wants to get rid of an unborn baby that's meant to succeed her.

She traps all the pregnant women, but the mother of the intended heiress, Elora Danan, manages to get her out of the castle. Elora ends up in a small Nelwyn village, where Willow ( Warwick Davis ) finds her. Willow must return Elora to her kind , so she can fulfill the prophecy, and embarks on an adventure with her. Along the way, they meet Madmartigan ( Val Kilmer ), a small-time crook who offers his help. The movie was so loved that Disney decided to give it a series in 2022, but its success (and overall quality) was seemingly disappointing to many hardcore fans . After the first season, the series was canceled , and perhaps for good reason - many people in love with Willow's magic prefer it to stay the intact and innocent epic adventure it was from the start.

Willow can be streamed on Disney+ in the U.S.

Watch On Disney+

3 'The Princess Bride' (1987)

Directed by rob reiner.

"My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die." This iconic replica by Mandy Patinkin is just one of the things that make The Princess Bride so memorable. Besides being one of the most quotable movies of the 20th century, it's a story of love, revenge, chivalry and courage like no other. All the princess stories have these themes, and so the name The Princess Bride suits the story more than well.

Robin Wright plays the farm girl Buttercup, who is in love with Westley ( Cary Elwes ). Westley goes away to get rich, so he can provide for her, but disappears and is presumed dead . Five years later, Buttercup is set to marry the Prince, but she still loves Westley. Before the wedding, she gets kidnapped by a team of misfits, and the adventure of a lifetime begins. Rob Reiner 's Princess Bride is a charming and jolly combination of comedy and tenderness, with several great sword fights which were, undoubtedly, added to give the story a more adventurous spirit. Fans who grew up during the 2000s might see the movie Stardust as a nice homage to The Princess Bride , though the original will never be beaten as the ultimate 1980s feel-good movie .

The Princess Bride

A bedridden boy's grandfather reads him the story of a farmboy-turned-pirate who encounters numerous obstacles, enemies and allies in his quest to be reunited with his true love.

The Princess Bride can be streamed on Disney+ in the U.S.

2 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' (1981)

Directed by steven spielberg.

The first of five installments about the intrepid archeologist Indiana Jones, Raiders of the Lost Ark , changed the adventure genre forever . The people we'd often hear legends and myths about, adventurers that traversed unknown territories, were finally combined into one badass man. According to many stories, George Lucas based Harrison Ford's Indiana Jones on the real-life paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews . The stories of his journey and adventures feel unreal, but as they say, life is often stranger than fiction.

Harrison Ford stepped into the role of Dr. Henry Walton "Indiana" Jones, embodying a man equally charming and clever, sometimes too much for his own good. As Indiana is hired to reach the mystical The Ark of the Covenant, he's instructed to do so before German Nazi forces . If they reach it, it's believed that they will become invincible. With a common enemy like the Nazi Army, it's tough not to cheer for Jones. The story is set in 1936, and it had all the right people behind it for that time - directed by Steven Spielberg and adapted for the screen by Lawrence Kasdan , Raiders of the Lost Ark has the spice that's missing from some of the later Indiana Jones installments ( most recently, the one from 2023 ).

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

Raiders of the Lost Ark can be streamed on Disney+ in the U.S.

1 'The Goonies' (1985)

Directed by richard donner.

Asking anyone between 30 and 50 today "What's the greatest adventure movie of all time?" their answer might unequivocally be " The Goonies ." This movie has more than just shaped the adults of today by giving them an adventurous and curious spirit; it's also raised some of the most beloved Hollywood stars of today, from Josh Brolin and Sean Astin to Ke Huy Quan.

Four kids living in the Goondocks neighborhood in Astoria, Oregon - Mikey, Chunk, Mouth, and Data - find a treasure map in one of their neighbors' attics . As the Docks are intended for foreclosure and demolition, the kids have no choice but to rummage through old memories and gather one last time. But, the four boys - who call themselves The Goonies - find a treasure map that leads to a hidden ship . They embark on the adventure of locating the ship, encountering human and supernatural enemies along the way.

The Goonies are the ultimate 1980s adventure comedy, with a memorable cast that inspired coming-of-age movies to become more entertaining and fun-filled.

This movie's legacy goes far and wide, with the city of Astoria celebrating the movie's 25th anniversary in 2010 . Around 15,000 people gathered at the Goondocks to celebrate their favorite movie; with a legacy like this, it's obvious why child ensembles became the leading inspiration for numerous other epics afterward.

The Goonies

The Goonies can be streamed on Fubo TV in the U.S.

Watch On Fubo TV

KEEP READING: The 25 Best '80s Movies, Ranked

32 Movies Great Movies About Time Travel With Completely Different Rules

Prepare for some serious stipulations.

Marty McFly and Doc Brown in Back to the Future testing out the time machine

Is there ever a bad time to watch a time travel movie? Some of the best sci-fi movies in history have tackled this frequently explored topic, and new wrinkles in the fabric of the concept have made the subject more exciting over time. So why don’t we take a look at the different rules these flights of fancy have introduced? Should you be stuck in a time loop, we apologize if this list is starting to get old.

Back To The Future

Everyone loves to talk about how Back to the Future’s time travel works , but there’s one aspect we take for granted throughout the whole trilogy. Doc Brown ( Christopher Lloyd ) may have given Marty McFly ( Michael J. Fox ) the keys to travel through the past, present, and future; but you seriously need to consider the exact spot you’re traveling to. Otherwise, you might find yourself altering history in some intriguing ways. R.I.P. Twin Pines Mall. 

Time After Time

A novel adventure starring the father of time travel H.G. Wells (Malcolm McDowell), Time After Time actually introduced an interesting mechanic to temporal transport. Let’s just say that if you don’t use the Time Machine properly, you could find yourself stuck in your final destination. Or worse, falling through the time-space continuum, without a way back home.

The Terminator

The Terminator's time travel will forever be a head-scratcher, as the existence of John Connor is the ultimate ontological paradox. How else can you explain Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn) being sent back to the 1980s to save the world…and make sure the person who sent him is born in the first place?

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

The oldest method of time travel in the Star Trek movies, 1986’s The Voyage Home saw Captain Kirk ( William Shatner ) and his crew trying to save the whales through a time heist. This wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the Enterprise crew using a Klingon Bird of Prey, a slingshot orbit around the sun, and a lot of engineering power to do it.

2004’s Primer is still hotly discussed among time travel aficionados, and it’s not hard to see why. The shenanigans in this test case involve multiple versions of a singular traveler (Shane Carruth) existing in a single timeline, which creates one of the most chaotic timelines ever depicted.

The Adam Project

Story-wise, The Adam Project is pretty cozy when it comes to how it handles time travel. But when it comes to traveling in style, the older Adam Reed ( Ryan Reynolds ) has a Time Jet that’s specifically coded to his DNA! Not many temporal travelers HAVE that, and it prevents so many mistakes other adventures of this sort use for story purposes.

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Avengers: Endgame

How Avengers: Endgame’s time travel works is rather unorthodox, to be honest. Instead of overwriting the past into a more pleasing result, the MCU’s finest are only allowed to use it in the name of stealing/returning the Infinity Stones. Timelines can still create tangent histories, and 2014 Gamora takes over for her slain variant in the films, but you can’t stop “The Snap.”

Lost In Space

If all time travelers had the device Older Will Robinson (Jared Harris) built in 1998’s Lost in Space , they’d have it made. While only one person can travel at a time, exact coordinates in time and space are required; so you can go to a very specific spatial location on the timeline. 

The Butterfly Effect

The Butterfly Effect's time travel works on rules similar to that of Quantum Leap . Evan ( Ashton Kutcher ) can indeed change history, but it’s only within his own life’s timeline. Unfortunately, thanks to the multiple trips leading to continued alterations to the fabric of events, it all adds up in terms of severe physical wear and tear. 

Hot Tub Time Machine

Hot Tub Time Machine is a very special case when it comes to time travel. To be fair, the comedy ensemble franchise gets points for having its protagonists travel only within their own bodies. As for how one can actually travel with said titular device, apparently you need an energy drink, the right hot tub with the right temperature, and some convenient writing. 

Real-time bodily damage. That’s probably one of the most unique additions to Looper’s usage of time travel , as we see people incur damage in the past, only for it to show up on their future selves. Poor Seth ( Paul Dano ) demonstrated that lesson the hard way in Rian Johnson ’s sci-fi masterpiece. 

Star Trek: Generations

What if you could wish really hard to create an alternate timeline? Or what if you could send yourself back to your best memory, and never leave? That’s what The Nexus from Star Trek: Generations could do, and both Captains Kirk (William Shatner) and Picard ( Patrick Stewart ) got a taste of that sweet life, before ultimately using their new power to stop the villainous Dr. Soren (Malcolm McDowell). 

Bill And Ted’s Excellent Adventure

If you ever want to bring a figure from history home for dinner in the present, do it in the universe of Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure . There are little to no consequences, especially when it comes to our heroes (Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves) whisking away two medieval princesses to become betrothed in the 1980s. Seriously, how did that not start a war?

The Time Traveler's Wife

“Chrono Impairment” is a seriously rare affliction, but it’s enough of a headache that it prevents Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana’s clock-crossed lovers from ever enjoying a normal life. Such is the nature of The Time Traveler's Wife , which invented that affliction to send Bana’s character Henry on unpredictable trips at unforeseeable intervals throughout his life. 

Indiana Jones And Dial Of Destiny

For Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny's time travel to actually happen, the world of Harrison Ford’s iconic archeologist needed specific hardware. Aided by some very precise calculations to try and take the Nazis to where they were trying to go, it wasn't as simple as jumping into a car and gunning it to 88 miles per hour. 

Star Trek: First Contact

For a franchise that uses temporal transit as much as the Star Trek series does, there sure are a lot of different ways to go back in time. And if you’re not satisfied with The Voyage Home’s method of a slingshot orbit around the Sun, then you can always do what Star Trek: First Contact did. While I wouldn’t personally recommend waiting for a Borg invasion to cause a temporal wake you can just hitch a ride on; you do you. 

Ok, so technically Tenet’s shenanigans involving time is “time inversion,” rather than time travel. Which only makes the journey, and the resulting reality The Protagonist (John David Washington) lives in all the more complicated. It also makes for some classic Christopher Nolan mind melts.

Would this really be a sci-fi party if author Michael Crichton didn’t show up? Timeline’s time travel is a lot of fun, if you consider using a “human fax machine” to send yourself to medieval times “fun.” In which case, try not to abuse it too much, as every trip has the chance to leave you with transcription errors in your reassembled DNA. Again, we’re working with a fax machine here.  

Somewhere In Time

It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for Christopher Reeve fans! Somewhere in Time just had to be on this list, as it's pretty unique in how it sends a person back through the ages. In the case of Reeve’s playwright Richard, all he needs is a really powerful hypnotic focus to zoom back to 1912. 

Star Trek (2009)

It’s kind of fitting that the 2009 Star Trek reboot would use time travel, given that the series has continually danced with that concept on TV and in movies. For this J.J. Abrams-directed venture, the destructive and inexact force of a black hole is what’s used to accidentally alter time so vastly that William Shatner turns into Chris Pine.

Déjà Vu

Tony Scott’s 2006 action-thriller Déjà Vu is a big movie with a relatively limited scope. With intelligence gathering, and ultimately one human transport, that can only go as far back as four and a half days, Denzel Washington’s work was kind of cut out for him on this caper.

The Tomorrow War

The Chris Pratt-starring time travel ensemble adventure The Tomorrow War has some pretty huge stipulations when it comes to recruiting an army for the future. The largest among them was, of course, you had to be dead according to the records of the future hellscape that pitted humanity against some very nasty creatures.

X-Men: Days Of Future Past

Going from here to there in the then and now in X-Men: Days of Future Past requires a serious amount of power. With Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) going back to his past body, the key to how it all happens lies in the phasing abilities of Kitty Pryde (Elliot Page). So this story uses a very physical, and incredibly vulnerable, method to execute its vision.

Out of all the time travel universes we’ve seen on screen, perhaps the one I feel the most sorry for is the one shown in 12 Monkeys . The basic rule of this Bruce Willis epic’s temporal transit is “hope for the best,” thanks to the method of being shot through time and intending to land in the right place going wrong more often than you think.

Midnight In Paris

Reminiscent of many other vehicular-based time travel films like Back to the Future , any character that travels through time in Midnight In Paris just needs to catch the right ride, at just about Midnight. The experience is bespoke to whoever is traveling, as the period of time that suits them best also dictates the method of transportation provided.

The Final Countdown

Dropping an aircraft carrier from the 1980s into the moments before Pearl Harbor, The Final Countdown delivers a moral dilemma plenty of time travelers have tangled with. But the real difference with this underrated sci-fi movie is the fact that the time-traveling storm that is responsible for the trip is inescapable. You’re going home, whether you want to or not.

Sharing a similarity with the romantic classic Somewhere In Time , Richard Curtis’ About Time allows any potential traveler to jump into the past with merely intense concentration. However, certain caveats are in play, like the recommendation of not traveling past certain life milestones, or the fact that only the men of the Lake family can actually use this gift.

Donnie Darko

Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) can’t exactly travel through time in Donnie Darko , but he does have a special temporal ability that’s kind of funny and kind of sad. With the ability to open a wormhole between the present and the past, Mr. Darko can send objects through time; the skill that gives Richard Kelly’s movie its bittersweet ending. 

Kate & Leopold

Kate & Leopold’s usage of a localized time portal is a method as old as time. However, the big difference with this Meg Ryan/Hugh Jackman rom-com is that the journey Leopold (Jackman) takes to the “future” of 2001 robs us all of elevators. Also, there’s a ticking clock on this specific portal’s usage, which only complicates things further.

Groundhog Day

Perhaps the movie that nailed the time loop into the consciousness of the world, Groundhog Day brought us a charming Bill Murray rom-com mixed with a time travel story. Its misanthropic lead needed to change, even as the world around him stayed the same. The rest was sci-fi history in the making. 

Happy Death Day

What happens if you make a Groundhog Day-style time loop into a deadly game? You get a movie like Happy Death Day , in which our initially unlikable lead Tree (Jessica Rothe) is being stalked through a single-day time loop. The big kicker in this variant is that, unlike your standard time loop, Tree has a finite number of cycles before she possibly dies for good.

Where does one start with director Joseph Kahn’s Detention? Well, how about the fact that the teenagers in play (including a pre- Hunger Games Josh Hutcherson) use a stuffed bear as a time travel capsule? Or the fact that a mother/daughter pair can body swap on a permanent basis, and with no consequences? 

And with that, our supreme sampling of time travel trips has come to a close. Which more than likely has left you with a want to watch some of these movies again, or for the first time. That's totally natural, because this is a subgenre that always leaves us with one question: is there ever a bad time to watch a time travel movie?

Mike Reyes

Mike Reyes is the Senior Movie Contributor at CinemaBlend, though that title’s more of a guideline really. Passionate about entertainment since grade school, the movies have always held a special place in his life, which explains his current occupation. Mike graduated from Drew University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, but swore off of running for public office a long time ago. Mike's expertise ranges from James Bond to everything Alita, making for a brilliantly eclectic resume. He fights for the user.

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This Norwegian Cruise sailing takes you on a bucket list adventure: What it's like aboard

adventure and travel movies

For Kylie Herd, an Australian passenger on Norwegian Dawn’s Feb. 25 southern Africa itinerary, cruising has been the best way to check places off her bucket list.

“I just go with whatever cruise line has the itinerary that I want to do at the time that I’m available. It tends to be Norwegian, and when I saw that Norwegian had all these African cruises, I just thought, ‘I’m going to spend summer in Africa,’ because it’s an amazing itinerary,” she told USA TODAY.

When it comes to cruising, most Americans probably think of bopping around the Caribbean or checking out the wilds of Alaska if they’re feeling especially adventurous, but that’s really just scratching the surface. Cruise lines are increasingly offering diverse itineraries including expedition cruises to remote parts of the globe and introductory sailings to help travelers explore countries and regions they might never visit otherwise.

Madagascar was the real draw for months of consecutive cruises on the Dawn for Herd.

“I’ve been trying to go to Madagascar for years. I always wanted to go there way before the movies ever came out. It’s one of those places that’s really difficult to get to,” she said. “When I saw Madagascar on a cruise itinerary I was like, ‘I have to do it.’ ”

Although the Feb. 25 sailing had to skip Madagascar for logistical reasons after a delay departing Mauritius, Herd said she was able to visit the country earlier on her trip and that it was a real highlight.

Norwegian’s Africa itineraries had various changes and missed ports throughout the season. Passenger contracts give cruise lines some leeway to alter itineraries on short notice for reasons including weather or conditions on the ground that prevent ships from reaching or being accommodated safely in a scheduled port. Such changes can be especially common in regions prone to political unrest or that lack sophisticated port facilities.

Even so, Herd said she understood why passengers who missed out would be frustrated, but she encouraged her fellow travelers to keep an eye on the positive. “I understand the disappointment. I was disappointed, too, but we’re still having a great time.”

The Feb. 25 cruise still stopped at Reunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean, which has an active volcano, as well as ports in South Africa where travelers could spot local wildlife.

Safari from a cruise

Norwegian Dawn stopped at four ports in South Africa, three of which offered safari experiences as shore excursions.

▶ From Richard’s Bay, passengers could visit the iSimangasilo Wetland Park , home to elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, zebras and other classic African big game. The park is about an hour and a half drive from the port, and Norwegian’s shore excursion included two game drives, snorkeling and a traditional South African braai, or barbecue.

Just as cruise itineraries can sometimes be subject to last-minute changes, safaris are at the whim of wild animals. Sightings are not guaranteed, but patience and vigilance are often rewarded.

▶ In Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Norwegian Dawn’s passengers had the opportunity to visit Addo Elephant National Park, also about an hour and a half drive from the port.

As the name suggests, Addo is home to a huge and docile population of more than 600 elephants. These animals often congregate around watering holes accessible from well-worn safari tracks.

Even after a strong rainfall the night before the excursion, which allowed elephants to retreat into the bush and temporarily lessen their reliance on overtaxed wells, dozens of the creatures greeted visitors coming from the ship for two-hour game drives.

▶ In Mossel Bay, passengers could also access private game reserves, which often have a higher concentration of wildlife roaming free, but sometimes include animals that are not directly indigenous to the area where they’re located.

Cape Town and the winelands

There’s more to Africa than safaris and Cape Town is an especially good place to experience metropolitan life and other kinds of outdoor activities on the continent.

South Africa’s legislative capital offers excellent hiking, a great foodie culture, beautiful (if slightly chilly) Atlantic beaches, penguins and more.

For travelers willing to explore beyond the city, South Africa’s wine country is close at hand in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and many vineyards offer tastings and meal experiences. One Norwegian excursion took passengers to the Blaauwklippen wine estate in Stellenbosch, which is best known for its Zinfandel.

Is an Africa cruise worth it?

From a financial standpoint, a cruise around Africa can be an excellent way to explore. However, for American travelers, flights to and from the ship are often more expensive than the cruise itself.

For example, a 13-day Norwegian itinerary that begins in Cape Town on Dec. 7 and ends in Mauritius on Dec. 20 has prices that start at $899 per person for an inside stateroom, but flights can be well over $1,000 round trip. The current cheapest itinerary from Detroit, for example, is a 42-hour slog on multiple airlines via Montreal and Dubai to Cape Town. The return trip is a bit shorter, at 31 hours, also via Dubai and Montreal. That routing would cost $1,694 per person in economy as of March 18, according to Google Flights.

Logistically speaking, though, it can be much easier to book a cruise and rely on the line’s shore excursions to expand one's horizons than to coordinate one's own safari.

“With multiple diverse ports of call within one coastal continental area, our Africa voyages provide our guests the opportunity to explore lush rainforests or volcanoes, experience captivating wildlife tours, learn about the rich culture on the South African coastline, indulge in Cape Town’s incredible wine regions, and so much more,” Brian Gilroy, vice president of revenue management and itinerary planning for Norwegian Cruise Line, said in a statement to USA TODAY.

The one thing to keep in mind is that the African cruise market is less mature than the Caribbean – at many ports, there just aren’t comparable facilities to handle big ships. That doesn’t mean the cruises can’t or don’t happen, just that sometimes the operation is a little less fluid than the well-oiled Miami machine.

“Our 11- and 12-day cruises start and end in either Cape Town, South Africa or Port Louis, Mauritius, and include an overnight stay in one of those magnificent cities giving our guests the chance to fully explore what these regions offer. The variety of adventures our guests can experience in these destinations are endless, which makes for a truly unforgettable cruise experience," Gilroy continued.

Travelers may be more likely to encounter a hiccup on their Africa cruise, but that’s all part of traveling to a new and exciting place. A missed port or an extra sea day can be a great time time to take stock, focus on the highlights, enjoy the experience of unlocking a new destination, and maybe take another sip of the wine your onboard sommelier recommended.

Just take a page out of Herd the Australian’s book. Despite some schedule changes, she said, “I’ve loved every single thing.”

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Norwegian. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]

More From Forbes

10 travel myths debunked by a travel pro.

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Travel can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences in life. Whether it’s a road trip to a national park or a trip around the world, seeing new things and getting out of your day-to-day grind can be invigorating.

There are a lot of myths that go along with travel . However, many of these are a sort of “received wisdom” by family and friends… who heard it from their family and friends who heard it from someone else. Some of these myths are fairly harmless, but others could impact where you travel and how much you spend.

I’ve traveled a lot. Over 60 countries so far and every US state. I’ve made some mistakes along the way but I’ve also made great memories that I’ll cherish forever. Here’s a look at some myths I’ve heard I’d like to debunk.

If you’re interested in more of my travel babblings, my book Budget Travel for Dummies is available everywhere including Amazon and Barnes & Noble .

Myth 1) All travel is expensive

Well, yes and no. Travel is basically never free. However, there are lots of ways to spend far less on travel than most people expect. I’ve seen plenty of posts and comments by people who think 2 weeks in Europe couldn’t possibly cost less than $4,000 plus airfare, or that certain countries are impossible to travel to because of the cost. The truth is, there are lots of ways to spend very little on travel. I’ve lived well on less than $50 a day in some of the most expensive cities in the world.

Lake Manley in Death Valley National Park (from my Instagram)

Ukraine Just Blew Up Two More Russian Landing Ships It s Too Late To Matter

The world s best single malt whisky according to the 2024 world whiskies awards, previously obscure attorney lands big payday representing trump in high profile lawsuits, myth 2) travel is dangerous.

Compared to what? Humans, as a species, are pretty bad at judging risk. Looking at the statistics, driving anywhere is vastly more dangerous than any airline flight. Are some places more dangerous than others? Sure, but there are plenty of places that are probably safer than where you live now. Take some basic precautions and you’ll almost certainly be fine.

Myth 3) You need to speak the language

Being able to speak the language of the country you’re visiting is great! It certainly opens the doors to experiences and friendships/relationships that might not have been possible otherwise. That said, in most places it’s fairly easy to get by with just a few words (“please”, “thank you”, and “bathroom” are ideal). Beyond that, a friendly attitude and a translation app on your phone work wonders. In many places accustomed to tourists people often speak English to some degree as a second (or third or fourth) language. Best not to assume they do, but it is fairly common.

Kehlsteinhaus, aka the Eagle's Nest.

Myth 4) Hotels are the only places to stay

This myth is less common since the rise of AirBnB, Vrbo and the like. However, many people still feel that hotels are the only possible accommodations. While homeshares aren’t nearly the deal they were when they first started, they still offer a wide variety of places to stay in many cities.

Another alternative is hostels, which are hugely misunderstood by most Americans. Hostels are a great way to save money while traveling, and in most cities there are gorgeous, clean, and safe hostels available for adults of all ages.

Myth 5) There’s a special day/time/trick to cheap airfare

Nope, sorry. File this one under “received wisdom.” There are certain things you can do to reduce the cost of your tickets or find lower cost airfare, but none of it involves special secret tricks. It’s mostly research on your end and “best practices.”

Hallstatt, Austria

Myth 6) Roaming data charges cost a fortune

It is true that if you have AT&T or Verizon, the standard roaming rates for data while you’re traveling are outrageous. Other cellular providers, like T-Mobile and Google Fi, have plans that let you roam the world and use data for free. Other options, like travel eSIMs and local SIMS, all make using your phone abroad so inexpensive the price is trivial.

Myth 7) You need a camera to document your adventure

I am a photographer (all the photos in this story are mine), and I carry multiple cameras with me everywhere. I love it as part of my profession and as a hobby. I’m also the first person to tell you that you probably don’t need to buy a camera. Learning how your phone’s camera works will yield you far better results than a big, heavy, expensive camera that you don’t know how to use. If you want to take photography up as a hobby, great! But it’s that level of interest that justifies the purchase, not the event. An action camera, like a GoPro or Insta360, is somewhere in the middle, letting you get great photos and videos in situations where your phone might be in unnecessary peril.

Lucerne, Switzerland

Myth 8) You need lots of (or big) luggage

The vast majority of people pack WAY too much. The truth is, you basically never need more than a carry-on’s worth of clothes. The only exceptions are if you’re headed somewhere cold and you need lots of layers or bulky items, or your trip involves multiple climates or specialized gear. If you’re just headed to one spot for 2 weeks, a carry-on is more than enough.

Personally I travel for months with just a travel backpack. I’ve met men and women who travel indefinitely with even smaller bags. Smaller, lighter luggage makes all travel easier and cheaper.

Myth 9) Popular places are “bad”

There’s a weird mindset I’ve seen online and heard in person that popular, or trendy places are somehow “bad” or should be avoided. As if someone’s lifelong dream of standing atop the Eiffel Tower is “cringe.” This is insane. Don’t let people gatekeep travel in any way. As long as you have fun and respect the people and location, it’s all good and all an adventure.

White Sands National Park

Myth 10) There’s a best time for travel

The best time is now. The second best is whenever you can afford the time and/or money. Go for it.

Geoffrey Morrison

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  1. 11 Best Adventure Travel Movies

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  2. 21 Best Travel Movies That Will Inspire Your Wanderlust

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  3. The Best Travel Movies To Inspire Wanderlust

    adventure and travel movies

  4. 50 Best Travel Movies Of All Time

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  5. The 10 Best Adventure Travel Movies You've Never Seen

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  6. 21 Best Travel Movies That Will Inspire Your Wanderlust

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COMMENTS

  1. 25 Best Travel Movies Of All Time (Films That Will Inspire You To

    Experiences, good and bad, make you who you are. And long term travel is FULL of new experiences. The key is to not completely get in over your head (like Christopher did). 2. The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) R | 126 min | Adventure, Biography, Drama. 7.7.

  2. 34 Best Travel Movies for Inspiring Wanderlust

    Though I've graduated to more mature travel movies over the last 18 years, ... If you're a fan, check out other Dan Brown adventure travel films, "The Da Vinci Code" (2006) and "Inferno" (2016).

  3. 60 Best Travel Movies to Inspire Wanderlust

    55. Casino Royal - James Bond. This makes us dream of living with the high rollers in Montenegro the beautiful people in the Bahamas. It's as epic as epic travel movies get riding on trains, planes and yachts and it's the best James Bond with Daniel Craig. 56.

  4. 25 best travel movies to inspire your own adventures

    Movies often inspire personal journeys by portraying transformative experiences tied to specific locales. Take Eat Pray Love, which ignited a Bali tourism boom as fans flocked there hoping for self-discovery adventures akin to Julia Roberts' character. Into The Wild, based on a true story, was another influential film.

  5. 47 Thrilling Adventure Movies for Travelers & Thrill Seekers

    Full of beautiful vistas of France and Spain, The Way skillfully captures the camaraderie one can find even amongst strangers when walking together for days on end. Starring: Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez, Deborah Kara Unger. Director: Emilio Estevez. Runtime: 2h 3m. WATCH THE WAY.

  6. 21 Best Travel Movies That Will Inspire Your Wanderlust

    A Walk in the Woods. A Walk in the Woods movie is based on a true story and a book by Bill Bryson, A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail.. The famous writer who never hiked much sets on the Appalachian Trail. With a total length of about 2,200 miles (3,500 km), this famous American hiking trail stretches through 14 states along the east coast of the United States ...

  7. 60 Essential Adventure Movies

    Synopsis: Actress Ann Darrow (Fay Wray) and director Carl Denham (Robert Armstrong) travel to the Indian Ocean to do location shoots... [More] Starring: Fay Wray, Bruce Cabot, Robert Armstrong, Frank Reicher. Directed By: Merian C. Cooper, Ernest B. Schoedsack.

  8. 30 Best Travel Movies to Inspire the Wanderer in You

    For those with dreams of traveling around the world, this movie is a must-see. "A Map for Saturday" does a great job accurately portraying what it is really like to travel around the world, mirroring our personal experience. 18. Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit Trilogy.

  9. Ultimate List: 65 Travel Movies That Will Inspire You to See the World

    Best Travel Movie for Girls' Night: Sex & The City 2. Best Travel Movie for Family: Up. The 1 Thing We Never Leave Home Without… . Coming from someone who has been traveling the world for the last 8 years AND has been in the hospital 2x, travel insurance is something everyone NEEDS to get. Get a quote below!

  10. 50 Best Travel Movies Of All Time

    This travel adventure documentary follows the pair from Mumbai to Chennai as they encounter travel woes such as a temperamental vehicle, terrible weather, and bureaucratic police. As their initial enthusiasm wears off, we learn how important determination and endurance are, even on our travel adventures. Watch the Movie. In Bruges

  11. 75+ Best Travel Movies to Inspire Your Wanderlust

    Where: Iceland, Greenland, New York City What: An inspiring film about stepping into the unknown and embracing unexpected adventures. TWS Favorite! Based on a short story, this movie is a blend of adventure, comedy and drama. The viewer follows the life of Walter Mitty, a man who is living an ordinary and often boring life but daydreams of more.

  12. 41 Best Travel Movies: Films That Inspire Wanderlust

    180° South. "180° South: Conquerors of the Useless follows Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia. Along the way he gets shipwrecked off Easter Island, surfs the longest wave of his life - and prepares himself for a rare ascent of Cerro Corcovado.

  13. 75+ Best Travel Movies To Inspire Your Wanderlust

    You knew this entry was coming. These are the best travel adventure movies, hands down. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (2008) and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) make up one heck of a film series.

  14. 10 Great Adventure Travel Movies You've Never Seen

    1. Bella Vita. In the travel documentary Bela Vita, pro surfer Chris del Moror travels through Italy exploring the artisanal culture that fills the country in every way from culinary artists to the high skilled craftsmen, and even the surfers of the budding Italian surf scene. Watch the Bella Vita Trailer.

  15. 30 Best Travel Movies that Inspire Travel

    If you haven't seen this classic tale, make sure to cast it on the biggest screen available and watch the beautiful landscapes and adventures unfold! This is one of those epic travel movies. Buy The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring. Buy Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.

  16. 18 Epic Adventure Travel Movies Like Into the Wild

    1. Jungle. Click to watch the Jungle trailer on YouTube. Screenshot via YouTube. One of my favourite lesser-known movies similar to Into the Wild, Jungle (2017) is a biopic based on true events that unfolded in Bolivia in 1981. "This is the last frontier on earth. The jungle shows us what we really are.". Karl, Jungle.

  17. 25 Of The Best Travel Movies To Ignite Your Wanderlust

    The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) The Motorcycle Diaries is based on the journals of Che Guevara, leader of the Cuban Revolution. Starring Gael García Bernal, the movie shows Che and his pal Alberto Granado on a road trip from the Andes to Machu Picchu and other South American Landmarks. IMDB: 7.8.

  18. Best Travel Movies: My Current List of Favorites

    11. The Motorcycle Diaries. Set in South America, this movie follows the life of Che Guevara from doctor to revolutionary. Starring Gael García Bernal, this poignant tale features amazing images of South America, from the deserts to the rainforest. It shows the heartbreaking poverty of the time period, too.

  19. 60 Best Travel Movies that Inspire Wanderlust

    This Walt Disney film is an adventure travel movie set in Antarctica (but filmed in Svalbard, Greenland, and British Columbia). It is a remake of the 1983 film, Antarctica , based on the ill-fated Japanese expedition to Antarctica that took place in 1958.

  20. Travel/Adventure/Road Movies

    66 Metascore. Actors Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon embark on a six-part episodic road trip through Europe. This time they're in Spain, sampling the restaurants, eateries, and sights along the way. Director: Michael Winterbottom | Stars: Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon, Rebecca Johnson, Claire Keelan. Votes: 6,375 | Gross: $1.16M.

  21. Top 25 movies about travel and journeys

    Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. TV Shows. ... Hit The Road: India is a travel adventure documentary about two friends participating in a 12-day rickshaw rally across India, from Mumbai to Chennai, recognized by Lonely Planet as one of ...

  22. 20 of the best travel films

    Photograph: Kobal/REX/Shutterstock. If you fancy a good cry as well as a virtual trip to India, then Lion is for you. Based on a true story, it tells of a young Indian boy, Saroo (Sunny Pawar) who ...

  23. The 30 Best Adventure Movies of All Time

    The prototypical adventure movie, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is a western-tinged story of two outlaws who encounter a veteran prospector, then travel together into Mexico's Sierra Madre ...

  24. Top 10 Greatest Adventure Movies Of All Time

    These adventure flicks will have you itching to go on a quest, journey, or other epic endeavor! For this list, we'll be looking at films where the characters...

  25. 10 Best Adventure Movies from the 1980s, Ranked

    The movie is an unlikely adventure in the sea of epic fantasies created in the 1980s, but Carpenter was the king of the 1980s, so anything he made was bound for greatness. Kurt Russell is the ...

  26. Is 'Arthur the King' a true story? Mark Wahlberg's new movie unpacked

    The real story of the heroic stray dog who inspired the adventure racing movie. Best movies of 2023 🍿 How he writes From 'Beef' to 'The Bear' Our free games U.S. Elections Sports Entertainment ...

  27. 32 Movies Great Movies About Time Travel With Completely Different

    (Image credit: Paramount Pictures) Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. The oldest method of time travel in the Star Trek movies, 1986's The Voyage Home saw Captain Kirk (William Shatner) and his crew ...

  28. 6 Adventure Companies That Are Changing The Way We Travel

    The mission and ethos of Intrepid Travel is to create positive change through the joy of travel. A Certified B Corp, this adventure company has been carbon-neutral since 2010. Utilizing local tour ...

  29. An African safari cruise? Onboard a Norwegian Cruise Line adventure

    Safari from a cruise. Norwegian Dawn stopped at four ports in South Africa, three of which offered safari experiences as shore excursions. From Richard's Bay, passengers could visit the ...

  30. 10 Travel Myths Debunked By A Travel Pro

    Myth 2) Travel is dangerous. Compared to what? Humans, as a species, are pretty bad at judging risk. Looking at the statistics, driving anywhere is vastly more dangerous than any airline flight.