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30 Best Travel Documentaries & Series To Watch

• by Jonny Duncan
• October 20, 2023 December 7, 2023

We all need a bit of travel inspiration and these are some of the best travel documentaries that will give you some wanderlust, and understanding, of the regions of the world involved.

These are my favourite travel documentaries and series that have inspired my travels.

Disclaimer: I own none of the images in this post, they are used under fair-usage terms to discuss the travel documentaries.

Himalaya With Michael Palin (2004)

Michael Palin is my all-time favourite travel presenter, writer, and hell, just an awesome person in general and his travel documentaries are some of the best you can watch.

His sense of humour, interest in the places he visits, how he interacts with the local people, and the way he presents himself is what makes this travel journey one of the best.

Add to that epic Himalayan scenery and adventure and you have the perfect combination for the best travel documentary.

You can watch it here as well as some of his other travel documentaries.

The Endless Summer (1966)

Surfs up! And also lots of fun, fun, fun, in the sun.

Set in the mid-sixties it follows two surfers from California as they travel around the world, including countries like South Africa, Australia, and Ghana, in search of the ‘perfect wave’. 

It’s very laid back to watch and entertaining and a good insight into surfer travels in the sixties.

I would love to hit up some of the waves they found! If you want one of the best travel documentaries based around surfing and beaches then watch this.

Watch it online here .

Encounters at the End of the World (2009)

Want some cold weather viewing, beautiful scenery in the vast expanse of Antarctica, and some fun with scientists? This is it.

Filmmaker Werner Herzog tackles this perfectly, exploring the desolate and vast wilderness of Antarctica around the US base of McMurdo Station, and the people who live and work there.

This will make you want to go to a remote and cold place.

Watch it here .

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (2013 – 2018)

Anthony Bourdain was one of my travel heroes. He died in 2018. His style of reporting and meeting the people he visits around the world and coming together around a common theme worldwide, food, brought a personal approach to the travel genre.

Parts Unknown is one of the best travel documentaries to watch for food. 

The other series with Anthony Bourdain exploring world cuisine, such as No Reservations is also worth watching.

See it on Netflix here .

Under An Arctic Sky (2017)

This is a short travel documentary coming in at only 40 minutes, but worth the watch for sure.

I had been recommended this by a fellow travel blogger and was glad about it.

It’s beautifully shot in Iceland in winter, following a group of surfers looking for (as usual) the perfect waves. 

But a storm comes through during this time and they have to outrun it.

The first time surfers have been filmed under the Northern Lights.

This has made me want to return to Iceland again to explore more of the country in the Arctic darkness.

See what it’s like surfing under the Northern Lights !

Sahara With Michael Palin (2002)

Yes, another Michael Palin travel documentary. I can’t help it his journeys are just so good.

This time he’s out exploring the Sahara Desert, getting into remote adventures with tribal nomads, and so much more.

This will inspire you for a desert adventure.

Watch the epic Sahara journey here .

180° South (2010)

180° South follows Jeff Johnson, an adventurer who travels across South America to Patagonia to visit the places that Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins had visited in 1968, two people who had inspired him.

Easily one of the best travel documentaries about South America to see.

Chasing Coral (2017)

Chasing Coral is a documentary for anyone interested in the ocean and, given the title, especially coral reefs.

It follows scientists and divers who explore the coral areas to see why they are disappearing and to explain it all to you. A good conservationist documentary as well as one for travel to these beautiful parts of the world.

Billy Connolly’s World Tour of Australia (1996)

Billy Connolly is one of the great all-time stand-up comedians.

He also travels a lot and his ‘world tour’ series has taken him to lots of different countries around the world, with Australia being the best.

It’s a combination of him exploring Australia and what is there, with a great sense of humour for everything, as well as some short clips of his stand-up performances in each area he visits with views and opinions about his experience in Australia.

A must-see travel documentary for anyone interested in Australia with a very amusing outlook on travel there.

It ain’t cheap but if you’re a Billy Connolly fan, or want to give a gift to someone who is, this is the Billy Connolly box set of all his world tours.

Dark Tourist (2018)

For some people (myself included) there’s a strange and weird fascination with some of the ‘darker’ tourist spots to visit and dark tourism has become more popular.

From nuclear disaster zone tours to death-worshipping cults, this travel documentary covers them all.

It can be disturbing given the tragedy behind some of the events, but it is history, and it is part of humanity. 

To escape the ‘normal’ tourist spots this will give you an idea of an alternative travel experience.

Right or wrong it is fascinating.

See it on Netflix .

Given (2016)

This is such a unique and refreshing take on a travel documentary as it’s narrated by a six-year-old boy.

It follows a family from Kauai (part of Hawaii) on a journey through 15 countries around the world.

This a really good insight into family travel and the life-teaching experiences travel can have on young children.

Watch their website for the documentary.

Stephen Fry In America (2009)

Stephen Fry is one of my favourite comedians and in this travel series, he travels across the U.S. in search of what makes America.

Just like Billy Connolly and Michael Palin, there is lots of humour involved.

It gives a great insight into American culture.

This is one of the best travel documentaries to watch if planning a trip to the United States. 

Watch here .

The Eagle Huntress (2016)

One of those interested in Central Asia travel, this documentary is about a 13-year-old Kazakh girl called Aisholopan who wants to be an eagle hunter, the first female in her family for twelve generations to do it.

Beautiful scenery and an inspiring story make this a spellbinding travel documentary to watch.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2010)

Have an interest in sushi and Japanese food? Then this is the ultimate travel documentary for you.

It follows an 85-year-old sushi master called Jiro Ono and how he makes some of the best sushi in the world and tries to teach his son the way and the family business.

It’s one of the best documentaries about Japan to watch.

Baraka (1992)

Out of all the travel documentaries, this is one of the older ones but it has aged well. It’s also one of the most beautiful travel documentaries to watch.

The tagline is “A world beyond worlds”, and after watching it you will see why.

There is no narrative, just epic films from all over the world showing natural environments, cities and everything else.

Personally, I remember watching this in the 90s and being inspired to see the places it showed.

Happy People: A Year in the Taiga (2010)

Happy People: A Year in the Taiga is another Werner Herzog travel documentary that is absolutely brilliant if you have an interest in cold places and Siberia in particular.

It follows the people in a remote village in the Siberian Taiga region and shows the repeated way of life in how they deal with living in a harsh cold environment. It includes footage of some of the native Ket people as well.

Tawai: A Voice From The Forest (2017)

Out of all the travel documentaries, this is one of the best ones taking a look at indigenous people around the world.

Adventurer Bruce Parry explores the forests of the Amazon and Borneo, as well as the Isle of Skye in Scotland where he looks at the ways the native people get on with the nature around them.

Nomad: In the Footsteps of Bruce Chatwin (2019)

Nomad is yet again another one with Werner Herzog and this time it’s a much more personal one.

His good friend Bruce Chatwin, who was a well-known travel writer, died of AIDS in 1989 he left Werner his rucksack as a parting gift. Thirty Years after his death Werner heads out to explore places inspired by his friend’s travel life.

Maidentrip (2013)

Maidentrip will make you want to get a yacht and go on an adventure around the world! It’s about a 14-year-old sailor who leaves home for a 2-year journey around the world alone to become the youngest person to ever achieve such a task.

This is one of the best travel documentaries not just about yachting and boats but also about the determination of the human spirit to achieve something great.

Travel Man (2015 Onwards)

Travel Man is a great travel documentary series where each episode host Richard Ayoade visits a new city with a different celebrity to explore what the city has to offer in the way of tourist attractions and other things.

Lots of fun to watch and one of the best recent travel documentaries to see.

Fishpeople (2017)

Fishpeople is a group of stories about various individuals who have dedicated their lives to the sea. It includes a long-distance swimmer, surfers, and many more.

This is one to watch if you have an interest in anything related to life with the ocean.

Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands (2013 – 2016)

If you love Scotland or really want to go there then this is the ultimate Scottish travel series for you. The presenter is Paul Murton and he explores all around the Scottish Isles.

He also has other shows such as the Grand Tour of Scotland and Grand Tour of Scotlands Lochs. He really gets into the culture of Scotland.

Backpackingman note: I am of Scottish ancestry with my great-grandfather being a proper Scotsman from Aberdeen and I have visited Scotland a few times now and can highly recommend this series.

Rick Steves’ Europe (2000 – Onwards)

Rick Steves’ Europe is one of the longest-running travel documentary series out there, if not the longest.

Given the title of the show, it follows Rick as he travels around Europe showing everything the place has to offer. The series from 2018 focuses on Scotland so goes nicely with the Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands mentioned above.

Desert Runners (2013)

Desert Runners is the ultimate documentary about people who run in some of the harshest environments and in this case the desert.

But the twist to this story is that it explores a group of people who join the hardest ultra-marathon race series on the planet and none of them are professional runners.

Watch this one if you have an interest in deserts and running.

Down To Earth (2020)

Down To Earth is a travel documentary series on Netflix that follows actor Zac Efron to different parts of the world where he looks at the sustainability efforts of each destination.

For example, in Iceland, he learns about the efforts to use the natural energy of Earth for power.

Magical Andes (2020 – Onwards)

Magical Andes a travel documentary series is set in South America and takes a look at the Andes Mountain range, from the mountains themselves to the deserts, forests, and everything else that surrounds them

Highly recommended if you’ve ever wanted to visit South America and in particular the Andes region.

Expedition Happiness (2017)

Expedition Happiness follows a couple who get an old school bus and then drive throughout North America with their dog.

The couple is so lovely it’s worth watching just to see them and their life.

Free Solo (2018)

Free Solo follows Alex Honnold, a professional rock climber, as he attempts to be the first person to free solo climb El Capitan’s rock face.

It’s set in Yosemite National Park and is thrilling to watch not just for the action but also for the scenery. Watch this documentary if you are interested in mountain travel and rock climbing as a sport.

The Dawn Wall (2017)

Following on from Free Solo, The Dawn Wall is also set in Yosemite National Park, and this time follows Tommy Caldwell, a free climber, who tried to climb the Dawn Wall of El Capitan.

As with Free Solo, watch this one for mountains.

Mountain (2017)

The Mountain is one of the best travel documentaries about mountains and is breathtaking to watch.

It explores mountains around the world and tells at the same time the history between humans and mountains.

Notable Mention: BBC Planet Earth 1+2 (2006 + 2016)

The BBC Planet Earth series is absolutely beautifully filmed and epic to watch.

In each episode, they explore different parts of the planet, such as deserts, mountains, oceans, forests, etc.

There are also other travel documentaries by the BBC, like The Blue Planet, Frozen Planet, and a lot more. Each one shows a different side of our planet.

These will get you wanting to get out and see the world!

The Best Travel Documentaries

And that’s the list of the best travel documentaries that will hopefully give you some inspiration for your own travels.

Interested in more travel-related movies? Check out 10 movies to watch before travelling to Japan .

You can find some of the older travel documentaries on places like YouTube. In fact, YouTube is a great place to find new and old travel documentaries in general.

And for some travel reading 20 books to read set in the Arctic and Antarctic .

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Hi Jonny, this is Christian from Germany I pic you up from Zagreb 2008 and we travel to Germany by car. Later I visit you in Amsterdam. My speciality is Africa. Like to contact you again cause I cannot find you anymore on Couchsurfing. May I ask for your PM adress? see you Christian

Dark Tourist is the best part of this post ..

Oh, It’s too good. I like this blog very much I also bookmark this.

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23 Binge-worthy Travel Documentaries on Netflix (2024)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: April 14, 2024

If you enjoy watching travel shows (whether for inspiration or research) you are in for a treat with this selection of the best travel documentaries on Netflix in 202 4

This eclectic list of Netflix travel documentaries and series will take you across every continent to meet the people, cultures, history and geography, natural wonders and wildlife that make up our beautiful planet.

Chosen by travel bloggers this is a selection of the best travel documentaries available on Netflix around the world.

Please bear in mind that not all these shows may be available on Netflix in your location ! If you would like unrestricted access to 15 Netflix libraries around the world (including Germany/USA/UK) we recommend Surfshark VPN. You only need 1 subscription to cover every gadget in your house. Click here for more information about Surfshark

Taco Chronicles

With surfshark vpn you can, dark tourist, down to earth, grand tours of the scottish islands, expedition happiness.

• Chef's Table

Somebody Feed Phil

Extreme engagement.

• Joanna Lumley's India

Chasing Coral

Magical andes, cuba and the cameraman, jack whitehall travels with my father, restaurants on the edge, tales by light, christiane amanpour: sex & love around the world, the serpent, the dawn wall, my octopus teacher, anthony bourdain: parts unknown, street food series (latin america and asia), more tv shows & movies from countries around the world, 23 best travel documentaries on netflix.

If you didn’t love the idea of eating tacos in Mexico City already, Taco Chronicles will make sure you do! In fact, you’ll discover that there’s even more to authentic Mexican tacos than you ever knew about.

In Taco Chronicles, you’ll go on a taco journey to Mexico City and beyond, to discover the unique types of tacos eaten in Mexico’s various regions and states. The show does start off in Mexico City, with the king of Mexican tacos — the taco al pastor.

From Mexico City, enjoy a virtual Mexican culinary food tour to its neighbouring state of Hidalgo, home of barbacoa (BBQ) tacos. Beyond Central Mexico, this food and travel documentary takes you all over Mexico.

In subsequent episodes of this two-season show, you’ll discover cochinita pibil (slow-roasted suckling pig) tacos in the Yucatan Peninsula, fried fish tacos in Baja California state on the west coast, cabrito (goat) tacos in Northern Mexico, and more.

Places/countries featured – Mexico

Chosen by Shelley of Travel Mexico Solo

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Over recent years, the public’s fascination with dark tourism destinations has boomed. Sites such as Chernobyl and Auschwitz draw in thousands of tourists every year. With so many of the population sharing a fascination for dark history, it is no wonder that so many have tuned into Netflix’s ‘Dark Tourist. 

The show follows journalist David Farrier as he travels around hoping to experience the most macabre destinations that the world has to offer. Farrier’s quest to unearth the morbid takes him to several high profile dark tourism destinations, including the site of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, on a JFK assassination tour and he even witnesses an exorcism in Mexico City.  

Although Farrier sometimes comes across as a mediocre Louis Theroux, this thought-provoking travel show succeeds in its aim and transports you into the unknown. The result is an interesting series that explores the darker side of life (and death).

Chosen by Sheree   of Winging the World

In the Netflix series Down To Earth , actor Zac Efron and wellness author Darin Olien travel across the globe learning about the wellness and sustainability efforts being made in numerous destinations.

Each of the eight episodes focuses on a different location and aspect of sustainability or personal wellness.

In the first episode, you’ll learn all about harnessing the earth’s energy in Iceland. From there, travel to Paris to see their efforts to reduce bottled water impacts, learn about sustainability in Costa Rica, and nutrition in Sardinia.

Also included in the series are food education in Lima, post-hurricane sustainability in Puerto Rico, London pollution reduction efforts, and Iquitos wellness in the Peruvian Amazon.

In one of the most intriguing segments, they learn about tap water differences from a water sommelier. The series lends a glimpse into some beautiful destinations and what locals are doing to keep them beautiful for decades to come.

Chosen by Samantha of PAonPause.com

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Historian and film-maker Paul Murton brings you on a fascinating journey to many Scottish islands over four seasons. He meets with locals; finds hidden gems; and explores the rich, unique, and sometimes tragic history of each of the islands. 

You may be surprised to find yourself binge-watching this relaxing travel documentary series. You will get caught up in Murton’s contagious curiosity about its people and his great admiration for its beauty. Every episode is filled with stunning scenery. The high production quality and engaging soundtrack heighten the enjoyment of the show. Fans can follow this up with his three other Scottish travel series.  

Queue up, Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands to enjoy some dreamy armchair travel or to gain a deeper understanding of the islands as you plan your trip to Scotland .  

Places featured: Isle of Skye , Islands of Loch Lomond, Hebridean Islands, Orkney Islands, and many more

Contributed by Erica at Trip Scholars

Expedition Happiness is a home movie/travelogue that follows the story of a German couple as they give up their life in Germany to do an epic road trip in the Americas with their dog Rudi.

The couple, whose names are Selima and Felix, purchased a yellow school bus in Florida for 9500 USD. After working on it for three months, they transformed it into their “Loft on Wheel”, a comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped adventure bus. 

The itinerary was to start in Alaska near Denali National Park , drive all the way down to Central America, cross over to South America, and finish in Argentina.

On their adventure, they documented all the incredible landscapes they saw, the people they met, and more.

Whether they were able to finish their epic adventure or not, you will have to find out on Netflix! 

Chosen by Sean of Living out Lau

Chef’s Table

Even if you’re not a foodie but love to travel, be sure to watch Chef’s Table on Netflix. This documentary series features renowned Chefs from around the world who are creating inspired culinary experiences.

Now in its 6th season with 30 episodes, the series doesn’t just showcase a chef’s creations, but takes you on a journey through each of their personal stories that has led to their creativity.

World renowned chefs like Italy’s Massimo Bottura will inspire you with how he came from humble beginnings to being on the world culinary stage. But one chef in particular has inspired us to travel for her food — Chef Ana Rôs, owner of  Hiša Franko restaurant  in Kobarid, Slovenia. 

After initially pursuing a career track in business, she spent years honing her craft and experimenting with the local foods of her native Slovenia. Today, she is now one of the top chefs in the world, Hiša Franko is one of the 50 Best Restaurants in the World and newly Michelin-rated — and our dinner there on my birthday might possibly be the best meal of my life.

Watch the series and decide where your next culinary adventure will be.

Chosen by Lori of travlinmad.com

In “Somebody Feel Phil”, the creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” Phil Rosenthal, travels the world to indulge in the scrumptious local cuisine and to learn more about the culture of these destinations.

There are currently four seasons on Netflix and each episode features a different city around the world. This documentary does a great job of portraying local customs and traditions and viewers will feel like they’re actually in that city with the locals.

Phil has a childlike wonder to him when he’s learning about the different cultures and he answers basically any potential questions the viewers could have about the destination. One of the best parts about the documentary is watching Phil turn the strangers he meets into his family. 

Places featured – Bangkok, Saigon, Tel Aviv, Lisbon, New Orleans, Mexico City, Venice , Dublin, Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, Cape Town, New York City, Marrakesh, Chicago, London, Seoul, Montreal, Rio De Janeiro, San Francisco, Singapore, the Mississippi Delta, and Hawaii. 

Chosen by Disha of Disha Discovers

While most people get engaged and then begin planning their perfect wedding, Tim and PJ, stars of the Netflix show Extreme Engagement, do anything but that. Instead, Tim and PJ get engaged and then set out on a worldwide exploration of marital traditions around the world. 

The couple journeys to places such as Mongolia, Brazil, China, Nigeria, and Papua New Guinea facing challenging experiences along the way that has them questioning their relationship and each other. 

You get to see a glimpse inside the cross-cultural challenges associated with a new romance along with an interesting insight into how other cultures celebrate love and marriage. 

Chosen by Michelle Snell from That Texas Couple

International travellers Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach cross the world and push their limits on an expedition to find genuine, unforgettable experiences.

DEPARTURES is an international award-winning and inspiring television travel series that will take you on the journey of a lifetime and beyond. From epic landscapes to unforgettable culture, learn what it takes to make it all happen through personal successes, crushing disappointments and memorable new friendships that could only be made by travelling abroad.

With two episodes for every continent, DEPARTURES will arm and reassure your wanderlust with hours of riveting programming that captures the beauty, drama, wonder and humor of taking a leap abroad.

DEPARTURES covers every aspect of world travel, showing you exactly what to expect at destinations around the globe. From beaches in Bali and cruising in the South Pacific Islands, to trekking on Mt Kilimanjaro and sailing up icebergs off Greenland, DEPARTURES takes you straight into a location’s unique atmosphere… giving viewers insight into a whole new way of life.

Places featured – Nearly 30 countries around the world including Japan, New Zealand and Russia

Chosen by Casandra of Karpiak Caravan Adventure Family Travel

Joanna Lumley’s India

Joanna Lumley is a British actress probably most well-known for her role as the outrageous Patsy of Absolutely Fabulous. What is perhaps less known about her is that she was born in Kashmir, India, in 1946, and the descendent of British colonists in India going back to 1777.

Originally aired in 2017 with three episodes, Joanna Lumley’s India takes viewers on a personal trip across the country where she explores modern India and finds connections to members of her own family and the experience of being and speaking English in India .

Lumley has also hosted travel shows on Japan, the Silk Road, the Caribbean, and the Trans-Siberia express train.

Places featured:  Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Gujarat, Mumbai, Ranthambhore National Park, Delhi, and Srinagar, Kashmir.

Chosen by Mariellen of Breathedreamgo

Chasing Coral is a fascinating documentary about the disappearance of coral around the world. In this chasing coral, a team of divers, researchers and photographers set out on an ocean adventure to document the bleaching of Coral in warming seas. This phenomenon is when corals lose their beautiful and vibrant colors to become white, dying shortly after. 

The point of this documentary is to show that the coral’s death is the result of climate change and the rise in temperatures that are absorbed by the oceans. 

The documentary takes us to some of the most beautiful destinations in the world such as the Florida Keys, Hawaii and the Bahamas. More than that, this documentary also shows the important damage climate change has done to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. 

I definitely recommend this documentary to anyone who wants to really understand the impact of human activity on the ocean’s ecosystem. 

Chosen by Camille from Everything Yoga Retreat

Magical Andes is one of the best travel documentaries on Netflix if you are looking to learn about the natural gems of South America. When searching amongst the 100’s of other documentaries you’ll find this particular docuseries created by Luis Ara and Alexandra Hardorf concentrates solely on the magical landscape of the Andes mountain range. 

This docuseries not only shows you all about the longest continental mountain range in the world, but talks about the wildlife, lakes, and forests, deserts, volcanoes, and other Mother Earth creations that exist in that region. 

Magical Andes focuses on truly stunning imagery and gives you a look into some of the  best places to visit in South America  that you simply wouldn’t see passing through in a car.

Places featured  – In season one, the Netflix documentary features spectacular views from Argentina and Chile. Then from the Aconcagua desert in Bolivia over to some of the more ancient cultures in Peru. The lush mountain of Colombia and Ecuador are also featured.

Chosen by Daniel of LayerCulture.com

If you’ve ever thought of visiting Cuba there are many Cuban movies and documentaries to help you to research your trip, but none are as epic as this one. 

Many people believe that Cuba is a country frozen in time, but this Netflix documentary features Jon Alpert’s travels to Cuba over a span of nearly five decades. 

And while the relationships between the United States and Cuba has been fragmented at times, he visited each time as an American journalist. It starts in 1970s, just over a decade since the Cuban revolution when the country was thriving. 

Instead of giving his perspective on Cuba, he interviews three families who share their own stories of every day life. He continues to visit Cuba to find these families to update their stories. Over the decades the political situation and relationship with the United States changes quite dramatically.

And while he also interviews Fidel Castro, most of the film is really about everyday Cubans and their highs and lows.

Chosen by Ayngelina of Baconismagic.ca

Jack Whitehall is a British comedian who attended private school and has a somewhat disjointed relationship with his father Michael because of this. Jack also never got to take a gap year before going to university so season one of Travels with my Father is all about Jack finally embarking on a traditional ‘gap year’ trip to Southeast Asia. The twist is he takes his father with him so they can strengthen their bond.

The series takes place in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and highlights some of the gap year activities that can be done including full moon parties on the beach and visiting Angkor Wat. By the end of their travels, they reflect on what they have learned about each other and themselves.

The show continues in a similar fashion in the subsequent seasons where Michael takes Jack on a culture and history tour around Europe, Jack shows Michael everything the US has to offer, and both his mother and father join him for a road trip in Australia.

Chosen by Steph from Book It Let’s Go!

If you love travel, design and food, Restaurants on the Edge needs to be on your Netflix list. In each episode, the show highlights a restaurant in a stunning location. 

The restaurants get a makeover from a design expert and the menu often gets an upgrade from the show’s chef, the goal is to take struggling restaurants and make them sustainable for the business owners. 

There are currently two seasons of Restaurants on the Edge on Netflix, with locations throughout the world. 

In season one, you’ll be treated to beautiful ocean views in Malta, as well as stunning architecture. The views continue with a cliff side restaurant in Costa Rica. 

Season two will take you around the world again, with restaurants in Finland, St. Croix and Arizona. 

Not only is it fun to see the upgrades these restaurants go through, but it’s also inspiring to see the impact the changes have on each person’s life making this show a must-watch. 

Chosen by Alenis of seasaltandfog.com  

If you are a fan of Italy, Italian art and History, then watch the gorgeous and surprisingly brutal history of the famous Medici’s of Florence.

The Netflix show is so well done with gorgeous cinematography, beautiful costumes and stage settings. The show includes all the surrounding countryside and historic sites that document the Medici Family and their major influence on Florence, Venice, and even Rome (two popes were related to the Medici family).

It also showcases early Catholic power and greed. The Pope had absolute power and a religious mission that seemed corrupt whichever person was Pope and ruler. 

The Medici focus really hits the major sites of the city and also the start of the Renaissance period in Italy. The crowning of the main dome in the cathedral was a major achievement during this time frame and it was really fascinating to see how this was depicted and shown in development and the struggles of the Medici family to get this undertaking done.

Also, it was interesting to see how easy it was during that time frame to create wealth and also lose it depending on your affiliations and business relationships with the pope and other influential rulers of that time.

Watch the Medici’s on Netflix and if you visit Florence, you’ll gain a better understanding of the Medici fame and fortune in the area.

Chosen by Noel of Oahu Travel Now

Below Deck is a series of reality TV shows. Each show is set on a luxury yacht which is rented out by wealthy charter guests, but the real action is with the young yacht crew, or yachties, who serve them, the characterful captains who lead them and the stunning locations. The original Below Deck was so successful that it rapidly gained two spin offs, Below Deck Mediterranean and Below Deck Sailing Yacht.

The original Below Deck saw the crew sail around Sint Maarten in the Caribbean, followed by seasons in the British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands, Tahiti, Thailand and Antigua.

Below Deck Mediterranean’s locations have included Mykonos in the Greek Islands, Split and Cavtat in Croatia, the Amalfi Coast in Italy, the Cote d’Azur in the south of France and Mallorca in Spain’s Balearic Islands. Below Deck, Sailing Yacht has only had one series, set in Corfu.

Contributed by Helen of HelenOnHerHolidays.com

The documentary series “Tales by Light” follows renowned professional filmmakers and photographers as they visit worldwide destinations and capture fascinating content which highlights different features of the natural world. 

Every episode focuses on a different subject such as wildlife, the oceans, landscapes, adventure activities, or cultural practices and traditions. The distinct approaches of the featured photographers really help to bring the stories to life and this program presents many less well-known countries and regions in a compelling way using panoramic landscapes and stunning visuals. 

The first season explores multiple destinations per episode, with visits to Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Alaska and Colorado in the United States, Vanuatu, the Himalayas, Antarctica, Ethiopia and Uganda.

The second season covers Kenya, Norway, Brazil, the Bahamas, India and Namibia, and the third season highlights Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Australia.

This series presents a journey across the globe and is sure to inspire travellers who are looking for their next adventure.

Contributed by Claire from  Claire Pins Travel  

In this cultural travel show, CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour (who in the past has covered major stories from countries like  Iran , Rwanda, and Pakistan) travels to six different cities around the world to explore women’s love lives across multiple cultures. She talks to experts in the field as well as everyday people — revealing facts and details that give a very insightful glimpse into the culture and values of women around the world. 

Christiane is a natural at asking just the right questions and at shining a spotlight on the stories of the women in each city.

While this show focuses heavily on love and sex, viewers will get to learn a whole lot about the overall mentality and life approach of each country — making this a perfect travel show that fosters deeper cultural appreciation.

Places featured – Tokyo (Japan), Delhi (India), Beirut (Lebanon), Berlin (Germany), Accra (Ghana), Shanghai (China)

Chosen by Jiayi of The Diary of A Nomad

Released at the beginning of 2021, The Serpent is not a travel show in and of itself, but it will inevitably allure travelers into visiting the many places explored by the main characters.

Aired on Netflix, the series tells the real story of Charles Sobhraj, a French serial killer of Indian and Vietnamese origins who in the mid-1970s drugged, robbed and killed a large number of backpackers travelling between Thailand, India and Nepal. 

Sobhraj and his Quebecoise girlfriend Marie-Andrée Leclerc were finally identified as the authors of the crimes thanks to the work of Dutch diplomat Herman Knippenberg, who, albeit the many reservations of the Dutch ambassador to Thailand, set to investigate the disappearance of a Dutch couple and through a series of lead eventually managed to uncover the culprits.

Places featured: Over the course of 8 episodes you will be taken to Bangkok, the coast of Thailand, the peaks of Nepal, the streets of several Indian cities and even to Paris .

Chosen by Claudia Tavani of My Adventures Across The World

When Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson free climbed the Great Wall of the El Capitan rock face in the Yosemite National Park in 2018, the news spread like wildfire.

Dawn Wall is a US documentary about this story of perseverance and adventure.

Cameras follow these legendary free climbers as they undertake this nearly impossible task. It took Cadwell 7 years to reach the goal and we are given a detailed look into the events that led to this decision and the struggles that were involved throughout the journey.

There’s one constant theme that runs throughout the story and that is the strength of the human spirit.

This captivating documentary with great visuals should not be missed. The documentary is in English, but subtitles are available in different languages that include Spanish, French, and Chinese. 

Places featured : Yosemite National Park

Chosen by Rai from A Rai of Light

My Octopus Teacher is an award-winning and very heart-touching documentary on Netflix that covers how a filmmaker spent a year trying to capture a wild octopus on camera and also form a friendship with it. 

For about a year, Craig Foster films a wild octopus he came across while trying out free-diving through an underwater kelp forest in South Africa.

Over the period, Craig and the octopus develop a bond with the octopus almost showing Craig around and not being uninhibited by his presence as he follows it.

Craig watches as it protects itself, loses an arm to an attack and then regrows it too. At the end of the documentary, the octopus naturally passes away after mating and trying to protect its eggs. 

Filmed entirely near Cape Peninsula in South Africa, this beautiful documentary is not to be missed as it covers an offbeat relationship between man and nature. 

Places featured – A kelp forest off False Bay near Simon’s Town in South Africa

Chosen by Lavinia of Continent Hop

For the foodies of the world, who travel the world, and are strident realists about the world, “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” is an absolute must-watch.

Rugged, painfully honest, internationally renowned chef Anthony Bourdain travelled the globe in search of authentic food, people and life experiences. With no time for nonsense and all the time in the world for simple food done to perfection, he takes the viewer to eating establishments from tiny street food stalls to the finest of fine dining.

In his search for amazing food in amazing places, he guides you from the brutality of the Bornean jungle to the madness of Seoul’s foodie nightlife and the pure joy of a perfectly cooked steak in an Argentinian steakhouse accompanied by a glass of locally bottled Malbec. 

Parts Unknown leaves you an appetite for dinner and a bigger one for travel. Wanderlust is baked into every episode.

Chosen by Rosie of the Flying Fluskeys

The Street Food series is one for foodie lovers around the world to enjoy! Each episode follows the story of a local chef and how they started their now-famous street food shops.

From family restaurants to cultural fusions, you learn about a destination through food from the people who make it possible.

Volume one takes place in various Asian destinations, such as Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore, Delhi (India), Seoul (South Korea), and others.

The second volume takes place in Latin America, highlighting food in Salvador (Brazil), Bogota (Colombia), Lima (Peru), Oaxaca (Mexico), and more.

It is a delicious docuseries that will keep you salivating and also inspire you to understand how food and travel are one. Street Food will also encourage you to get out of your comfort zone if you normally avoid street food!

It is the ideal blend of travel and food for everyone to indulge in from home.

Chosen by Sojourner of Sojournies.com

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72 Dangerous Places to Live, Dark Tourist, and more: Sate your wanderlust with the best travel shows and documentaries on Netflix

You'll love these amazing travel documentaries.

Traveling is something that many people wish they could do more of. Whether you lack the time, money, or know-how to travel the world, though, it can be comforting to watch others do it from the comfort of your couch. A great travel show or documentary can be a wonderful escape and a reminder that the world is much bigger than the tiny slice of it you live in every day. What’s even better is that many great travel documentaries on Netflix, if you’re willing to go looking for them.

These documentaries will deliver stunning panoramic shots of the U.S. National Parks , as well as plenty of international wonders, and a little bit of good food as well. If you like all kinds of docs, travel or not, we’ve got you covered with Netflix documentaries (or maybe you’re just really into crime docs and action flicks). We also have an overall guide on the best Netflix movies and the best Netflix shows .

72 Dangerous Places to Live (2016)

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Down to Earth with Zac Efron (2020)

The chef show (2019), street food collection (2020), tales by light (2015), dark tourist (2018), midnight asia: eat dance dream (2022), jack whitehall: travels with my father (2017), lorena, light-footed woman (2019), the world's most amazing vacation rentals (2021), our planet (2019), salt fat acid heat (2018), editors' recommendations.

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The best sci-fi shows are able to capture the imagination of audiences with the perfect amount of realism, while also dissociating from reality enough to entertain and thrill. There are plenty of sci-fi movies on Netflix that are well worth checking out, but if you’re in the mood for something that will take a little bit longer to consume, you may be looking for a series. To find the best show for you, we've done the hard work of looking through all of Netflix's many options to find the best options. Below are the greatest sci-fi TV shows on Netflix. Once you’re done watching any of these sci-fi TV shows, you may want to check out the best sci-fi movies of all time.

Dark (2017)

Have you ever found yourself looking through all the movies on Netflix, only to find that actually choosing one to watch is very taxing? That's not even mentioning all the Netflix shows to dig through. If you know you're looking for a particular kind of movie, that can help, but even then, there can be too many movies to choose from. Luckily, we've been watching tons of great sci-fi movies and have already determined which ones rise to the top of the pile on Netflix. So if you're looking for the best sci-fi movies on Netflix this year, you've come to the right place. If you're looking for Netflix movies that will keep you occupied for a whole weekend or an evening, you can also check out our list of the best sci-fi series on Netflix right now.

What is the definition of an action movie? Can there even really be a complete explanation of the genre? Some feature the kinds of stunts that no mere mortal would ever dare to attempt, while others attempt to be more grounded. Still, others have outlandish premises that take us to new, far-off worlds. It's a genre that contains multitudes, but what makes an action movie great is its ability to thrill and captivate its audience. Over the course of its history as a streaming service, Netflix has been home to a number of great action titles. Some are funny, and others are deadly serious. The only thing we know for sure, though, is that the best action movies on Netflix are sure to please. We've also rounded up some of the best action movies on Amazon Prime worth watching if you've seen all these, as well as a few great action movies available on Hulu. Looking for even more films to stream online? We've found the all-around best Netflix movies, Amazon Prime movies, Disney Plus movies, and movies on Hulu to watch this month.

Uncharted (2022)

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• 15 Travel Documentaries That Tell Inspiring & Compelling Tales Of Wanderers

“The impulse to travel is one of the hopeful symptoms of life.” – Agnes Repplier

How true. For a die-hard traveler, every bend in the road is a new opportunity vying to be explored. The visceral feeling to flee to a new spot and finding the divine sense of joy in ticking a new destination on the map on your bedroom wall, can only be felt by the hopeless traveler.

Unadulterated and unhampered, travel documentaries showcase the chronicles of travelers and focus on their share of perilous and euphoric moments. Whether it is a planned excursion to a beach or an instinctive venture to a remote location, if you are seeking inspiration for your next travel, travel films can act as the fodder for your famished nomadic soul.

Here I bring you a list of best travel documentaries that will push you out of your boring couch (read; routine) and compel you to move out and travel the world.

Top 15 Travel Documentaries From Around The World

Here is a list of the best  travel documentaries from around the world , read on what these contain and add these to your list of must watch films & documentaries.

• Around The World In 80 Days (1989)-  Excitement Of Venturing
• Baraka (1992)-  A Kaleidoscopic Retreat
• Sahara With Michael Palin (2002)-  Explore The Hidden Gems
• A Map For Saturday (2007)-  A Solo Traveler’s Love
• Antarctica-  A Year On Ice (2013)
• K2- Siren Of The Himalayas (2012)
• Sacred Planet (2004)-  Know The Mesmerizing Places
• 180 Degree South (2010)-  An Epic Tour
• Encounters At The End Of The World (2007)-  All About Fascination
• The Maidentrip (2013)-  A Great Watch
• Hit The Road-  India (2013)
• The Edge Of Never (2013)-  About A Group Of Skiers
• Austin To Boston (2014)-  A Musical Documentary
• Life In A Day (2011)-  An Insight To Amazing Things
• Frozen Planet (2011)-  Fall For The Ice

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1. Around the World in 80 Days (1989)- Excitement Of Venturing

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Runtime: 7 episodes of 52 minutes each IMDb Rating: 8.8 Genre: Globetrotting Filming Locations: 17 countries across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia

Synopsis: Around the World in 80 Days is a 7 part BBC travel series written and presented by actor-comedian, Michael Palin, based on the famous adventure novel by Jules Verne with the same name. Similar to the novel, Palin accepts the challenge to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days and closely follows the road and sea route, as taken by the protagonist in the novel.

The 80 days adventurous voyage showcases the excitement of venturing into new lands and filming exotic locations through numerous gridlocks. Considered as one of the best travel documentaries ever, the series broadcasted in 7 episodes follows Michael Palin’s travel and exploration across 17 countries. He takes you across Europe, Africa, Asia and North America through nearly every possible means of transport, except for the aircraft. This is no doubt one of the must watch  best travel documentary.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: The novel was published in 1873 when there was no air travel and Michael Palin and his crew replicate the same sea and land route. From crossing the English Channel, passing through the Alps, traversing through the arid regions of the Middle East, entering Bombay on a dhow to voyaging through the South China Sea and finally arriving in the United States, Michael Palin shares his adventures of traveling the world in eighty days.

Do you really need more reasons?

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2. Baraka (1992)- A Kaleidoscopic Retreat

Runtime: 1 hour 36 minutes IMDb Rating: 8.6 Genre: Nature and philosophy Filming Locations: 150 locations in 23 countries

Synopsis: Baraka, also known as among some of the best travel documentaries ever is non-narrative documentary is a kaleidoscopic retreat into the different hymns of nature and its impact on various cultures. From the cacophonic chants of hundreds of monks huddled together for a cosmic yajna to the frenzied thumping of the whole village, the documentary highlights the phenomena of nature and how it forms the core of various cultures.

Baraka ventures its viewers into the hidden realms of the nature while focusing on the man’s prowess to destroy his countless blessings.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: Baraka is a satirical take on the unabashed human nature with cinematic brilliance featuring the most spectacular pictures, on one hand, would enrich your love for nature and the perils of industrialization and destruction of nature, on the other, move you deeply. Should definitely add this to the best travel documentary series.

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3. Sahara with Michael Palin (2002)- Explore The Hidden Gems

Runtime: 4 episodes of 50 minutes each IMDb Rating: 8.1 Genre: Exploration Filming Locations: 10 countries in Northern and Western Africa

Synopsis: The travel documentary is a colorful account of the various cultures and regions dotting the beautiful Sahara desert. From the arid beaches in Morocco, refugee camps in Algeria, to the mysterious deserts of Timbuktu and spectacular starlit nights in Nigeria, this 4 episode feature also considered as one of the best travel documentaries of all time dwells deep into the seductive African odyssey.

Apart from exploring the various hidden gems of the great desert, the feature also includes Palin’s rendezvous with numerous Muslim scholars, tribes and refugees to highlight the various religious and cultural beliefs which the people of the desert abide by.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: The documentary not only highlights the vastness of the isolated desert locations but also beautifully highlights the various prevalent cultural influences in Africa and practices such as polygamy and female genital mutilation.

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4. A Map for Saturday (2007)- A Solo Traveler’s Love

Runtime: 1 hour 30 minutes IMDb Rating: 7.9 Genre: Backpacking and Solo Travel Filming Locations: Australia, Thailand, India, London, Brazil and Nepal

Synopsis: Every day is like a Saturday when you are on a long travel around the world. Solo traveling is not only about meandering through unknown lanes of a forbidden place. But it is also a great way to delve deep inside one’s own existence. The story brings out the chronicles of trekkers on four different continents. The documentary also includes interviews from other backpackers and highlights how the road can form unbreakable bonds.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: A Map for Saturday is a beautiful insight into the life of a backpacker. A must watch for people who believe that there is more to life than the confined walls of their office or workstation. It also highlights that if the intent to travel is immense, nothing can deter you in your quest. Looking for best online travel documentaries? Try watching A Map for Saturday! It is one of the best travel documentary  that you should definitely add to your list.

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5. Antarctica: A Year on Ice (2013)

Runtime: 1 hour 32 minutes IMDb Rating: 7.6 Genre: Expedition Filming Locations: Antarctica

Synopsis: How is it like living on the coldest place on earth for a year? The harsh climatic conditions make Antarctica almost inhabitable and an enigma for the world. This visual masterpiece highlights the inhabitable features of the continent and traverses the viewers through the lives of technicians and scientists living in isolation on the continent, braving the unforgiving winters. If you are a nature lover, you will appreciate its opulence even in its bitter hardness.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: Traveling is not just about pristine beaches, romantic lanes, and verdant valleys. Living in a place where the sun doesn’t shine for months and when it does, it forgets to set, is something that you ought to experience. Ever heard of Survival of the Fittest? You ought to witness one of the best travel documentaries of all time. Get up, close and personal with it here!

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6. K2: Siren of the Himalayas (2012)

Runtime: 1 hour 15 minutes IMDb Rating: 7.3 Genre: Mountaineering Filming Locations: Mount K2

Synopsis: K2: Siren of the Himalayas is a multilingual travel film shot in English, German, and Nepalese. The travel documentary forays into the dangerous world of high altitude mountaineering and follow a group of mountaineering experts as they venture on this epic journey to mark Duke of Abruzzi’s 1909 expedition. This  best travel documentary is a peep into the mountaineering group as they try to scale the perilous Mount K2 and meander their way through its deathly cliffs, braving the hideous climate.

The spectacularly captured snow-covered mountains pitted against the vast expanse of the blue sky and the exclusive footage from the world’s second highest, yet most challenging peak will leave you out of breath.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: If you want to know why mountaineering is considered as a rewarding activity, then you must watch it.

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7. Sacred Planet (2004)- Know The Mesmerizing Places

Runtime: 40 minutes IMDb Rating: 6.3 Genre: Biodiversity Filming Locations: Malaysia, Sarawak, Mulu

Synopsis: The earth is a queer place and this documentary encapsulates the beauty of the most mesmerizing places, people and wildlife on the planet in straight 40 minutes. Narrated by Robert Redford Jr., this Walt Disney production will take you up on an enchanting roller coaster ride starting from the ancient ruins of Thailand, canyons of Arizona, deserted lands of Namibia to underwater mysteries of Borneo, white sand beaches of New Zealand and many such exceptional places that our good old earth houses. Sacred Planet is one of the best travel documentary films you have seen in awhile.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: The awe-inspiring odyssey not only takes you deep into the magical realms of the earth but also makes you take a stand for preserving our beautiful planet and its biodiversity.

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8. 180 Degree South (2010)- An Epic Tour

Runtime: 1 hour 25 minutes IMDb Rating: 7.7 Genre: Drama, Sport Filming Locations: Chile, Mexico, California, Columbia, Equador, Peru, Pacific, California

Synopsis: 180 Degree South is an assimilation of the memorable journey undertaken by Jeff while recreating the epic tour pulled off by Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins during their road trip in 1968. Jeff’s journey was more adventurous as he chose to surf, sail, and climb before finally making it to Chile.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: Watch it for exciting adventures, gritty traveling, and the proper technique devised before pulling off such endeavors.

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9. Encounters at the End of the World (2007)- All About Fascination

Runtime: 1 hour 39 minutes IMDb Rating: 7.8 Genre: Documentary Filming Locations: Antarctica

Synopsis: Encounters at the End of the World is a further investigation of McMurdo Station in Antarctica. In the documentary, the filmmaker travels all the way to explore the hidden riches and beauty of the pole, and take a peep into the lifestyle of everyone surviving there. While people at the research station had exciting tales to narrate, the plight of living beings there left the director moved.

A powerful travel film, Encounters at the End of the World features some amazing shots taken by the filmmaker.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: The extreme conditions at the poles, lovely escapades, and exciting tale of survivors make this travel documentary a must-watch.

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10. The Maidentrip (2013)- A Great Watch

Runtime: 1 hour 22 minutes IMDb Rating: 7.6 Genre: Adventure, Biography Filming Locations: Netherlands, South Africa, Australia, Ecuador, Panama, French Polynesia

Synopsis: One of the best travel documentary series ever, The Trip is a remarkable journey of a 14-year-old who sets to sail around the world and is a great watch. Laura Dekker’s a year and a half journey takes her to St. Martins, Panama, the Galapagos Islands, Australia, and the Cape of Good Hope before getting back to St. Martins. The youngest person ever to sail around the world, Dekker is a true inspiration for all the aspiring travelers.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: Dekker captured the world in her lens, presenting the beautiful places along with all her experiences thus making it an incredible story.

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11. Hit the Road: India (2013)

Runtime: 1 hour 20 minutes IMDb Rating: 7.8 Genre: Documentary, Sport Filming Locations: India, Armenia

Synopsis: Recognised by Lonely Planet as one of the best travel documentaries of 2012, this film is a story of two friends participating in rickshaw rally from Chennai to Mumbai spanning for 12 days covering over 2000 km.

The uniqueness of the movie lies in the way both the guys pull off this trip, battling adverse climatic conditions in the difficult terrains. Rickshaw being one of the lightest motor driven vehicles in India turns out to be cost effective and an easy drive. Yes, they had to suffer plenty of breakdowns along the way.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: 2 guys racing through the coast and ghats in southern India driving one of the lightest vehicles make it a rally worth a watch.

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12. The Edge of Never (2009)- About A Group Of Skiers

Runtime: 1 hour 41 minutes IMDb Rating: 7.3 Genre: Documentary Filming Locations: USA, Canada, France

Synopsis: Shot in the snow clad mountains in the North America region, this travel documentary is about a group of skiers who scale treacherous mountains in the pursuit of accomplishing what was left incomplete by the mentor’s father, who died skiing in Chamonix, France. Full of adventure, thrill, and surreal landscapes, this documentary is for extreme travelers.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: Skiers challenging the biggest and extreme mountains in the world.

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13. Austin to Boston (2014)- A Musical Documentary

Runtime: 1 hour 12 minutes IMDb Rating: 7.2 Genre: Documentary, Music Filming Locations: USA

Synopsis: The film is a musical documentary, that narrates an exciting tale of a group of bands on the move. They travel thousands of miles from Austin to Boston, and en route live memorable moments. The journey has everything from traveling places, to pulling off adventures, to making memories, and also surviving through the hardships.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: The journey of musical bands spanning over 2 weeks and covering 3000 miles, performing at places, looks like a dream journey. Highly recommended for all the music lovers who travel!

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14. Life in a Day (2011)- An Insight To Amazing Things

Runtime: 1 hour 35 minutes IMDb Rating: 7.7 Genre: Drama Filming Locations: Multiple locations across Earth

Synopsis: This travel film is a jukebox of thousand of hours from the lives of as many people on July 24th, 2010. The submitted videos containing beautiful and personal moments that people lead every day gives an insight into amazing things happening around us and how we choose not to acknowledge and celebrate them. This best travel documentary inspires everyone to be more thankful for things around and cherish beautiful moments.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: The assimilation of thousands of video clips containing precious moments from the lives of people make you realize what a beautiful life you have been leading all this while.

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15. Frozen Planet (2011)- Fall For The Ice

Runtime: 1 hour IMDb Rating: 9 Genre: Documentary Filming Locations: Arctic, Antarctica, Greenland, Russia, Norway, USA, Canada

Synopsis: Primarily focussed on the life and environment in the Arctic and Antarctica, Frozen Planet highlights how the climatic change is affecting the earth and its inhabitants. The winner of 4 Emmy award winner TV show has critically put forward the challenges faced by the polar animals like bears and wolves for their survival. Striking the right chord with a grave environmental issue, this mini-series is a must – watch.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: The engrossing narrative, spectacular locales, and enchanting music are all that it takes to charm a discerning traveler. A perfect set-up for travel-lovers!

For those with an insatiable hunger for exploration and action, documentaries are a way to discover what explorers around the world are living and experiencing. The thrill of venturing into the unknown – exclusively shot, felt, and expressed by real people – has an impact on the mind of the viewers that cannot be measured.

Further Read: 20 Best Travel Movies That Will Ignite The Wanderlust In You

With list of best travel documentaries live the adventures of world’s finest explorers and yes, don’t forget to share your favorites from (or outside of) the list!

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Documentaries

Is it feasible to travel during Covid-19?

As the travel industry is opening up slowly, yes traveling is feasible abroad and across India during Covid-19. But make sure you follow the given guidelines and precautionary measures for Covid. Also, remember to read the latest updates for Covid before making any travel plans.

What are the top 5 best travel films?

Other than the above-mentioned list of 15 best travel documentaries and films, here are 5 best travel films that you should definitely watch: The Way, Lion, On The Road, Captain Fantastic, Into The Wild.

Where can you watch the travel films?

You can watch the travel films on various OTT platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sony Liv, Hotstar, Airtel Tv, and many others. Apart from these platforms you can simply search the films online and find the links on google.

Which are the top locations for film shooting?

Although there are many locations for film shooting, here are the top 8 places for film shooting: Monument Valley, London, Prague, New Zealand, Cape Town, Greystone Mansion, Morocco

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Second-Half Travels

Adventures of a Fifty-Something Cubicle Escapee

13 Best Travel Documentaries on Netflix (2023)

These Netflix documentaries about travel will pacify your wanderlust between trips as you explore the world from the comfort of your couch.

Here are some of the best travel documentaries on Netflix in the US as of July 24, 2023. Many are also available in other countries. Watch them while you can, because content disappears as licensing agreements expire.

Also, don’t miss the bonus list of travel documentaries on Amazon Prime below.

Table of Contents

Netflix Travel Documentaries

1. dark tourist.

Netflix meets Vice in this travelogue by New Zealand filmmaker David Farrier, who sets his sights on the world of dark tourism.

From a nuclear lake to a haunted forest, he visits macabre — and sometimes dangerous — tourist destinations around the world.

Countries : Various

2. Street Food: Latin America

Experiencing street food culture is one of the joys of travel. This mouth-watering docuseries travels to Latin America to meet the local stars of street food.

Countries : Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia

3. Street Food: Asia

This inspiring series from the makers of Chef’s Table is as much about the compelling survival stories of these talented street chefs as it is about their signature dishes.

The first season takes the viewer to nine Asian destinations.

Countries : Thailand, Japan, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, the Philippines, and Vietnam

4. Pedal the World

Over the course of one memorable and adventure-filled year, German-born Felix Starck documents his 18,000-kilometer bicycle journey across 22 countries.

The Oscar-nominated heart-rending true story of the rangers risking their lives to save Africa’s most precious national park and its endangered gorillas.

Country: Congo

6. Chef’s Table

Each episode of this Emmy-nominated docuseries visits a different international location for an in-depth interview with one of the world’s most renowned chefs.

Creator David Gelb also directed the critically acclaimed Jiro Dreams of Sushi , and the two productions share a similar emotional and artistic sensibility hallmarked by compelling narratives and mesmerizingly beautiful cinematography.

7. Magical Andes

No English subtitles available for trailer – but you don’t need them to admire the stunning photography

From Argentina to Colombia, this inspiring documentary follows five characters who share their deep connection to South America’s majestic mountains.

Countries: Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia

8. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Chef David Chang brings his trademark irreverent humor and curiosity to Vancouver, Marrakech, Los Angeles, and Phnom Penh as he explores the culture and food accompanied by various celebrity guests.

Countries : Canada, Morocco, US, Cambodia

9. The Trader (Sovdagari)

At only 23 minutes, this award-winning documentary short provides a fascinating and poignant window into impoverished rural life in post-Soviet Georgia.

The camera follows a traveling trader as he sells secondhand goods in exchange for potatoes. Beautiful cinematography that captures the stark Georgian landscape.

Country: Georgia

10. Ugly Delicious

Smart-ass chef David Chang leads his buddies on a mouthwatering, cross-cultural hunt for the world’s most satisfying grub.

Each episode of this highly original show tackles a topic like tacos, pizza, or dumplings, examining its cultural and culinary history and visiting different countries to compare how it’s made.

Warning: Chang can be obnoxious, and racial and political commentary is liberally sprinkled throughout the show, which may not be to everyone’s taste.

11. Period. End of Sentence.

This Oscar-winning documentary short takes us to rural India, where local women fight the stigma surrounding menstruation by manufacturing low-cost sanitary pads.

Country: India

12. Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat

Based on Samin Nosrat’s best-selling book, this visually stunning series travels to the home kitchens of Italy, the southern islands of Japan, the heat of the Yucatán, and to Berkeley’s Chez Panisse.

Samin’s contagious laugh and genuine passion for cooking inspire as she explores the central principles of what makes food delicious.

Countries: Italy, Japan, Mexico, United States

13. Taco Chronicles

Note: No English subtitles available for YouTube trailer; click to watch subtitled trailer on Netflix Warning: Don’t watch if you’re hungry. Explore the complex histories of the world’s most beloved tacos in this love letter to the iconic handheld food.

Country : Mexico

Travel Documentaries on Amazon Prime

See below for some of the best travel documentaries on Amazon Prime Video. I’ve indicated whether each is free to Prime members or available for rental.

Note that these films may also be found at your local library.

A Map for Saturday

Classic travel documentary that follows a variety of solo budget travelers — from teens to seniors — through 26 countries on four continents.

Young filmmaker Brook Silva-Braga trains his inquisitive lens on backpackers lending a hand to tsunami victims, trekkers forming brief but intense relationships, and fascinating moments of self-discovery and adventure.

Available for rental on Amazon Prime .

This inspiring documentary follows the record-breaking round-the-world voyage of Dutch teen Laura Dekker, youngest person ever to sail around the world alone.

Available for free to Prime members on Amazon Prime.

This beautifully filmed docu follows adventurer Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey to Patagonia of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins, legendary founders of The North Face and Patagonia sportswear and pioneering conservationists.

Along the way Johnson gets shipwrecked off Easter Island, surfs the longest wave of his life, and attempts to climb a Patagonian peak.

Available for free to Prime members on Amazon Prime .

Countries: Mexico, Chile

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About Ingrid

Ingrid left software engineering at age 43 to devote herself to language learning and travel. Her goal is to speak seven languages fluently. Currently, she speaks English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, and is studying Italian.

Reader Interactions

July 5, 2018 at 3:56 pm

Definitely going to start ploughing my way through some of these before I head off next!! 🙂

July 5, 2018 at 10:38 pm

Definitely… Netflix travel shows provide some of my best inspiration! 😉

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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The best travel documentaries to stream right now

By Condé Nast Traveller and Antonia Quirke

There are films that make you want to travel . But that’s easy. Just point a camera at an April meadow or a Sicilian back street and most of us salivate. And then there are films that make you feel like you have actually, physically travelled to a place. That leave you suffused with the sensations of its air and sounds. As though the camera lens has been your own eyes, noting details of light against brick, hills stepping inland, fruit and cigarettes on a table, springs gushing out of rocks, courtyards hanging with people and flowers, shirts on a line across a high, unstable balcony. So much that it can begin to feel spooky: you muddle the movie’s memories with your own.

Passing Stromboli on a boat one summer I thought, ‘Been there.’ I hadn’t. I’d just seen the movie, and more recently Ingrid Bergman’s own cine-film footage of the shoot (see below.) But still, I got off, and walked around. And it was true. I had been there already. The mesmerising, almost drugging déjà vu! Here are some more of the best travel documentary films that have that very singular effect.

My Octopus Teacher (2020)

Be immersed in the wonders of nature with this uplifting Netflix original, which won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature at the 2021 Academy Awards. Directed by Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed, it follows the unexpected friendship between filmmaker Craig Foster and a wild octopus in a South African kelp forest. After swimming in the remote location near Cape Town and discovering this curious marine animal, Foster decided to visit the same spot every day to learn and understand more about the creature and subsequently form a strong bond with it.

In one hour and 25 minutes of beautiful imagery and filmography, this documentary leaves you feeling sentimental about human connections, our extraordinary interactions with other life – and intrigued about what else lies below the ocean’s surface… By Cordelia Aspinall

'My Octopus Teacher' is available to stream on Netflix now

Cher and the Loneliest Elephant documentary (2021)

Watch the trailer below

Released in the USA on Thursday 22 April to mark Earth Day 2021 , this heart-warming wildlife documentary follows singer Cher’s mission to rescue a captive elephant named Kaavan. Kaavan, a Sri-Lankan born elephant, was sent as a gift to the daughter of the president of Pakistan and ended up, confined, in Islamabad Zoo. After a global petition via Change.org and Twitter received more than 400,000 signatures, a five-year fight for his freedom began, with none other than global pop superstar Cher stepping in after she spotted the campaign online. Having been confined for more than 35 years (the duration of its life) and given the title ‘the loneliest elephant in the world’, the five-tonne animal was relocated across Asia to a 30,000-acre Cambodian wildlife sanctuary.

With teary moments and incredible footage of the massive process involved in the transportation of Kaavan to Cambodia, this is a moving story focusing on the unsettling trauma the elephant was forced to experience, yet it has an uplifting end. Not only does the film with Cher’s narration walk you through this elephant’s long struggle of neglect and maltreatment, it also shines a light on the cruelty that so many animals around the world endure every day. It is a moving yet educational documentary hooked on a powerful true story. Cher co-founded the animal rights organisation Free the Wild as a result and even released the song 'Walls' inspired by her experience. By Cordelia Aspinall

'Cher and the Loneliest Elephant' is available on Smithsonian Channel from Wednesday 19 May 2021

MAN ON WIRE (2008)

‘I remember the vastness of New York . The altitude! It was all so alive!’ Was a city ever so breathtakingly captured as in this celebrated account of the mist-swagged August morning in 1974 when French wire-walker Philippe Petit illegally rigged a cable between the twin towers of the World Trade Center and made eight entirely improbable crossings in 45 minutes. Dressed all in black, his slender figure carrying its long balancing pole occasionally kneels on the thin wire (he even lies down – how your stomach heaves!), saluting the dazzling morning, and his own skill and chutzpah, as the startled pedestrians on the streets far below gaze up weeping and gasping while steam filters up through cracks in the pavement in that quintessential NYC way. Even though the crossings themselves are all in fact captured only in stills taken at the time by Petit’s assistants and friends you somehow remember the whole marvellous incident in moving images. It’s the city itself that’s doing that to you: its inherent dynamism, its irrepressible atmosphere of perpetual motion.

Olivia Morelli

Lauren Burvill

CNT Editors

Connor Sturges

We see Manhattan photographed here from so high above (much as we see it in the 1933 King Kong ), the Hudson spreading like glitter – like nitrate itself – in any black-and-white images. And the colour of apricot in colour stills, under blue swags of cloud and summer sky. ‘Everyone was spellbound by the watching of it,’ exhales a policeman dispatched to arrest Petit, who was ultimately charged with trespass and disorderly conduct. But the city embraced him.

Stream on Amazon , Google Play and YouTube

FREE SOLO (2018)

An immense, waning moon stares into a canyon’s abyss of sharp stones. A fierce river below spurts along the valley, wild grasses on the banks rolling in the wind like feathers or fur. All this the free-climber Alex Honnold sees – or does he? Fixed like Spider-Man to the side of a cliff, climber’s white chalk clinging to the back of his blistered hands, as the evening flushes rose right across Yosemite National Park. A film that follows Honnold in 2017 preparing to climb the infamous El Capitan – ‘3,200 feet of sheer vertical granite… the centre of the rock-climbing universe’ – without ropes. You sweat in sickly fear for his safety while also completely revelling in the fresh air every frame seems to blow your way, the bright warmth of sun on boulder, the absurd beauty of distant trees, the sight of a rainbow slicing through the foaming heart of a waterfall. You emerge healthier and freer somehow, just for having watched it. Your own limbs spasm as though you walked all day. Despite it being a compelling story of self-induced terror (what drives the angel-faced Honnold remains a mystery), you remember more the awesome sights, the very visceral sensation of movement.

Stream on All4

SEASPIRACY (2021)

Not one for the faint of heart, this 90-minute Netflix documentary has been hitting audiences hard in quite a few ways. It’s from the team behind C owspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (another in-depth spotlight, this time on the impact of agriculture on our planet), and you can expect to see similar themes, upsetting footage and quite controversial interviews with figures in the global fishing industry. The film, directed and narrated by British filmmaker Ali Tabrizi, sets out to explore the damaging effects of mass-scale commercial fishing on marine life and the levels of pollution in waters around the world. Expect to learn about the importance of dolphins, sharks and whales for our oceans ’ ecosystems, that sustainably sourced seafood might not be all that it seems, and that, ultimately, we should all be reducing our fish consumption. You might very well be off fish by the end, but it’s also worth reading around some more: there are some conflicting views about the film and whether the scientific points it makes are factually out of context. Katharine Sohn

Seaspiracy is available to stream on Netflix now

Chasing Coral (2017)

You may not be able to travel to see the Great Barrier Reef , the subject of this Netflix documentary, for much longer if we don't do something about climate change and ocean warming. The film uses hi-tech camera equipment and time lapses to show the deterioration of the coral as it turns from 'colourful, vibrant ecosystems into barren, lifeless wastelands,' writes Condé Nast Traveler US 's Sebastian Modak. You'll feel truly gutted once the movie's over, but it will have you planning a trip to Australia , and other areas with endangered natural wonders, within minutes of the rolling credits.

Stream Chasing Coral on Netflix

THE WHALEBONE BOX (2020)

Here’s a treat. Andrew Kotting – our most quietly influential experimental filmmaker – released a film online that sweeps us up on a pilgrimage to return a box made of whalebone to a far beach on the Hebridean Isle of Harris, whence the whale bones originally came. So, we cram in a car with Kotting and the psychogeographer Iain Sinclair and rumble north (filming mostly on a camera-phone) all overseen by Kotting’s daughter Eden, who wears a pagan crown of ivy and seems to be conjuring the whole mysterious and somehow healing road trip in a fever-dream. It’s a perfect evocation of that desire to travel. To move, to be en route, to feel twinges of uneasy excitement, to spin out illusionary ideas of a distant location. The place names whirl by: Ardlui, Mallaig. (At one point we suddenly find ourselves in a Templar castle in the Pyrenees.) Inside the car there’s that super-seductive sense of a gang travelling light, seeing what happens and who they might meet along the jagged coastline. ‘There are places you go, to access time,’ Kotting tells us, as the startling white sand of Harris glows in its near-sinister, beckoning way, under racing skies full of clouds like shredded curtains, and sudden glimmers of wet, green Hebridean sunlight.

Streamed exclusively on MUBI

BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB (1999)

A phenomenon as much as a movie, the spectacular success of the Buena Vista Social Club album and film had a limitless impact on the Cuban tourist industry. Some 20 years later, the music you hear on street corners in that city is more likely to be the music of pre-revolutionary Cuba defined in the film, by a cadre of musicians (some in their 70s and 80s) who had long fallen out of favour, only to be made world famous in their dotage.

I especially love when the camera sways out onto the streets of Havana, filming fast and in natural light the life there: the men working on immense old cars observed by stray dogs the colour of a sweet cold beer; the breeze off the sea playing against shirts; children rolling wooden toys before them; the unloading of mountains of bananas; residents of stuccoed tenements easing vast, scratched and defunct Fifties American fridges out of doors past murals of Che, as though demonstrating the very sickness of capitalism that Guevera railed against. Guitarist Compay Segundo recalling how, aged five, he would light his grandmother’s cigars in Santiago. Or baritone crooner Ibrahim Ferrer showing us the wooden carving he has always kept of Lazarus, and the little bowls of honey, rum and perfume he would offer to it, for good luck – which finally came to him after years of penury and shoe-shining in Havana after the film was released. Every frame takes you to that city, that climate. The smoky smell of the pavements as the sun grows stronger.

Stream on Google Play and YouTube

THE BEACHES OF AGNÈS (2008)

‘The North Sea and the sand is the start for me…’ says Agnès Varda, esteemed filmmaker of the Nouvelle Vague and photographer of genius, who aged 80 in this autobiographical collage of personal memory and feeling, takes us to the beaches that shaped her childhood, her marriage, her art and beyond. ‘Time passes, except on the beaches, which are timeless…’ she reasons, remembering with fondness Belgian sands at La Panne and Middelkerke. And especially the port city of Sète in France ’s southern region of Occitanie, where she speaks of seeing fishermen in the 1940s living in rough tents on the dunes, canvas walls slung with storm lamps and old pans. Noirmoutier, the French island in the Bay of Biscay, she recalls her husband Jacques Demy particularly loving, and she films it here in tribute and with such freshness it’s since become a destination for fans of the movie. ‘What is cinema?’ Varda asks, ‘It is LIGHT coming from somewhere…’ We see her sailing up the Seine in a wooden boat, right under the Ponts des Arts, the craft itself painted the sun-flashing yellow of the Provençal sunflowers that Varda always seemed to feature in her movies. I had the good fortune to interview Varda when she was 90, just months before she died, and I took a bunch of sunflowers as a gift – she received them with a yelp of happiness, saying they reminded her of French summers, her wise eyes warm as landing lights.

GRIZZLY MAN (2005)

‘Sometimes images themselves develop their own mysterious stardom…’ narrates German director Werner Herzog, over this his most heart-rending film. Part ‘kind warrior’ part ‘samurai’ the conservationist-activist Timothy Treadwell lived for 13 summers with wild Kodiak bears in remote areas of the Alaskan peninsula, shooting 100 hours of footage of those bears in their natural habitat. Styling himself as a Prince Valiant, his eventual death-by-Kodiak was shockingly violent, and Herzog shapes Treadwell’s sad, strange story as a tribute to ‘wild, primordial nature’ where his subject was truly at home. As you watch, you’re convinced you too can feel the fresh air on your own skin, the nip of mosquitoes, the pelter of rain. The long evenings spent alone, the vast plateau of mountains, the tide flats, the tumbled jags of glaciers, the sensation of Treadwell’s hands calloused like leather, the yelp of light in the mornings, the changing Alaskan sky.

In one scene, little slim foxes (called Ghost and Spirit) wake him by pressing their noses and paws against the walls of his tent, and he runs with them across a flower-studded meadow, delirious with the surprising gift of such companionship and freedom that would make any child’s heart explode. To be friends with the animals! ‘He captures such glorious improvised moments the likes of which studio directors with their union crews could never dream of,’ says Herzog, with patent admiration, himself an absolute master of putting not just nature, but the profound euphoria of travel on film. Think of those moments in Herzog’s Nosferatu the Vampyre, when the hero walks the High Tatra mountains of northern Slovakia, or the Partnach Gorge in the Reintal valley in southern Germany . Rhapsodic.

JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI (2011)

Even though this documentary is almost entirely set inside a 10-seater Tokyo restaurant with no view, its location somehow comes to feel as though the whole history of Japan might be contained within its temple-like walls. Jiro Ono (now 94) is Japan’s most famous sushi master. He left home aged nine to become an apprentice, opening his own restaurant in the 1960s that now has a three-Michelin-star rating, which means (says one food critic) ‘It’s worth visiting that country just to visit the restaurant.’ Jiro is modest and stern, and we glimpse snatches of his past – anecdotes about his harsh infancy or an alluring black-and-white photograph of his father formally seated in 1927 wearing a sheeny kimono, an image with unforgettable resonance and romance, that seems to far, far predate the Taisho era.

Inside the restaurant – a capsule of absorption, firmly sealed in its own private weather – every day proceeds without alteration. The rice is steamed and hand-fanned, the halibut and squid and eel finely sliced and pressed together. ‘Press the sushi like you’re pressing a little chick,’ Jiro advises. ‘The world has turned outside, but he has remained the same,’ someone says, as the camera occasionally takes us outside to the brooding, energetic Tokyo streets, where it always seems to be raining and the crowds hurry. Down to the fish market full of tottering porters and barrow-pushers rhythmically going to and fro, where the best tuna trader drags frowningly on his hand-cupped cigarette, his hair slicked like Elvis, dreaming of the days when the fish were fat as pianos.

Stream on Amazon , and Netflix (US)

THE EPIC OF EVEREST (1924)

Not just one of the most important travel films ever made, but a precious artefact. A time capsule, a relic. If the third attempt to ascend Everest culminated in the sad deaths of the determined English climbers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine, the moving image of their expedition (shot by Captain John Noel with a hand-cranked camera sometimes using high-powered telescopic lenses) has thankfully survived. Some of the earliest filmed records of life in Tibet are here, and several frames have been tinted in the original reds and purples of the first screenings in 1924, thanks to meticulous restoration by the BFI.

Every second is a marvel, the images profound. Mallory and Irvine facing the climb of their lives in modest tweed jackets. Tibetan babies in stone villages, their skin slathered in yak butter, lying out happily in the sun. A Tibetan gentleman showing his glimmering ear to the camera, dangling its pendant earring of gold and aquamarine. A baby donkey born during the long march west, expected to walk 25 miles on its first day of life, collapsed in the mud (‘How tired and sleepy he is!’). Ancient castles and monasteries stud the mountains, hermit lamas dwelling in cliff-built cells predicting doom for the mission, climbers snow-blind and in states of collapse or trudging past ice-caves and picking off stalactites, as though they were great jags of lickable sugar on a fairy palace.

The mountain itself – Tibet’s Goddess Mother of the World – seems to physically pulsate with (as a title card tells us) ‘lofty solitude. Grand, solemn and unutterably lonely.’ And then the image of Mallory and Irvine ascending up, and up, and up, only to disappear, eternally out of sight. ‘We may think of ourselves and nature,’ warns the original text on screen, with what feels like definitive prescience. ‘We spring from nature. In life, we defy her.’

Stream on BFI Player

JAZZ ON A SUMMER’S DAY (1959)

Perhaps the ultimate concert film, made during the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival on Rhode Island, headlined by (among others) Thelonious Monk and Dinah Washington, Gerry Mulligan and Chuck Berry. How many times you wish yourself into the frame! To be among that happy, confident, peanut-crunching crowd. Because the camera has such a lovely, casual eye, it’s like a friend describing little moments and scenes, interested, curious, relaxed.

We see Monk take the stage with his bamboo-rimmed dark glasses. Sal Salvador on guitar with a buzz cut, eyes closed in bliss. Anita O’Day singing Tea for Two in a black hat fringed in white feathers, snapping her fingers as she sings, her gloves immaculate. The crowd sways and giggles and sighs, a jewel-box of capri pants and Breton tops. Strappy yellow sundresses and cat-eyed shades, baked shoulders and freckled clavicles draped with hipster cardigans. Well-fed babies are passed down rows to be greeted with kisses by mothers waving choc-ices. Beyond, the water of Narragansett Bay is a sparkling blur dotted with pretty racing boats called Nomad and Pixie. ‘The weather out here is summery, with a smoky haze on the horizon,’ someone thrills over a tannoy, as the camera picks out brown, sandalled feet dangling from a crow’s nests during a race.

Sometimes it feels like everything is reflected in the glistering water of the movie; all of the USA’s post-war reach and ambition. It has the optimism of a Cadillac. The ‘Dionysian potential of American life,’ as John Updike put it; that ‘carnival under the dome of heaven, every fair day.’ To me, this film captures precisely that gorgeous, lost moment in time and place, when Ted Hughes was gazing at his new and glamorous wife, Sylvia Plath, recalled in the poem 18 Rugby Street, ‘So this is America, I marvelled. Beautiful, beautiful America !’

60th-anniversary edition available on DVD

INGRID BERGMAN: IN HER OWN WORDS (2015)

‘I don’t want any roots. I want to be free.’ Ingrid Bergman’s will to travel came from deep within her. Sweden , California , Italy , France, London – she was able to up and move, reinvent herself, leaving lovers and children behind, documenting it all with a cine-camera – and her own footage occupies the majority of this powerfully alluring film. ‘I wanted desperately to get out in the world,’ she said, in letters to friends. ‘It’s as if a bird of passage is living with me.’

And so we follow her through the various stages of her life, with different husbands, and all her pretty infants blowing about like bright petals across the terraces of various villas and hotels (Hotel Raphael in Paris was her favourite). She’s here, driving around Rome in a white convertible, laughing at the paparazzi. Or clambouring with fishermen about the Aeolian island of Stromboli, sweeping shining hair from out of her tear-filled eyes. Or knitting topless in the powerful sunlight, all broad shoulders and witty expression. Diving into a pool in Hollywood, using a magnum of Champagne as a life buoy. And best: her robust, salty skin tanned the colour of rosewood against an unglamorous raincoat on the isolated, harshly granite island of Dannholmen off the Swedish west coast, where she joined the local sailing school, and where her ashes were scattered after she died. ‘I love your island,’ she’d said to her third husband, seeing his modest wooden house in 1958, with its rusted anchor sitting sentinel off the grey and merciless rocks. ‘Good,’ he’d nodded. ‘Let’s get married, then.’

Stream on Amazon

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat (2018)

Chef and food writer Samin Nosrat’s four-part series focuses on the four ingredients she thinks makes food delicious. In Italy she explores fat, in Japan she finds salt, in Mexico it’s acid and in the USA there’s heat. Her smile and spontaneous dancing are irresistible viewing, not to mention the sizzling close-ups of her adventurous, elemental cooking. Meredith Carey

Stream Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat on Netflix

Chef’s Table Pastry (2018)

This is a four-episode-only spin-off from the Emmy award-winning Chef’s Table. The show kicks off with Christina Tosi and her New York Milk Bar empire, an instant hit into the series. Also on the menu: Jordi Roca, Will Goldfarb and Corrado Assenza. Mesmerising and delicious – don't think about watching without sweet snacks to hand. MC

Stream Chef's Table Pastry on Netflix

Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories (2016)

Set in a tiny Tokyo diner that's only open from midnight to 7am, the fictional show follows the Midnight Diner's owner and clientele as they share their trials and joys, all while eating whatever the owner, called Master, dishes up. In the diner, pork miso soup is the go-to, but Master will cook visitors anything they order, as long as he's got the goods to make it. Episodes are a little more than 20 minutes long, so it's the most bingeable of the bunch. Watch with subtitles and don't - seriously, don't - watch while hungry. MC

Stream Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories on Netflix

Travels with My Father (2017)

Follow stand-up comedian Jack Whitehall and his father, Michael, in this six-episode Netflix original across Southeast Asia . The series tracks the duo as they finish the gap year Jack never got to complete, just a few years late (eight, to be exact). MC

Stream Travels with My Father on Netflix

Stephen Fry in America (2012)

In this six-part mini-series, Stephen Fry drives around all 50 US states in a London cab. Football games at the University of Alabama and lobster fishing in Maine are on the menu. Expect a lot of laughs and a surprise appearance from Morgan Freeman. MC

Stream Stephen Fry in America on Netflix

Chef's Table (2015)

If you've ever raised an eyebrow at food as art, set aside some time to watch this Netflix original docu-series. Each 50-minute episode profiles one of the world’s most extraordinary chefs (such as Peruvian Virgilio Martínez, pictured, the owner of Lima's Central restaurant, and Swede Magnus Nilsson) as they create impossibly complicated dishes. MC

Stream Chef's Table on Netflix

Like this? Now read:

23 travel films that will make you feel like you're on holiday

By Antonia Quirke

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By Condé Nast Traveller

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By James Medd

Our Favorite Travel Documentaries and Where to Watch Them

By CNT Editors

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

While we love the dramas, comedies, and rom-coms that recount epic journeys and bring beloved destinations to life, there’s something especially transportive about documentaries. But when it comes to travel films, it’s clear: the truth is often as wild and wonderful as fiction. Luckily, it seems that the golden age of documentaries is upon us (and it’s certainly the time of the docuseries , at the very least)—thanks to the rosters available on Netflix, HBO, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. Want to be inspired and watch some travel documentaries yourself? Here are a few of our favorite films that you can watch online right now that take you from the Mongolia steppe to Japan's Ise Bay.

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Kedi (2016)

I am a self-proclaimed cat person—and Kedi lets me indulge in that even more. Many animal documentaries (ahem, Tiger King ) regard their subjects as accessories to human drama, while others talk about them via voiceover so scientifically that it sounds as if they’re inanimate objects. Not so, here. Kedi follows seven specific stray cats through the streets of Istanbul from their points of view, letting the cats stand as the film’s characters. The audience gets an up close and personal look at the secret lives of these cats: their interactions with humans and other animals; the mileage and route each covers through the ancient city; and the ordeals they overcome daily. —Alex Erdekian, assistant editor, City Guides

Watch now: Rent from $1, amazon.com

Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)

I was so excited to watch this movie, and specifically made sure I had reservations at a sushi restaurant afterward because I knew I'd be craving it after 90 minutes of watching it on screen. I love the attention to detail that Jiro showcases throughout the film, and how it shows just how technical a beautiful sushi omakase can be. I still think of the film whenever I eat tamago—sweet Japanese cooked egg that often ends an omakase—given how hard it was for the apprentice to master that specific dish. I've still never visited the original restaurant, but I'd love to try and get in on my next trip to Tokyo . — Stephanie Wu, articles director

Watch now: Free with Netflix subscription, netflix.com

Amazona (2016)

I discovered Amazona on a flight to Colombia , which is apt, given that it takes place in the lush Colombian Amazon. The travel documentary follows the filmmaker Clare Weiskopf, whose mother Val Weiskopf left her and her siblings behind and moved to the Amazon when they were still children. Weiskopf, now pregnant, confronts her mother about the choices she made and tries to come to terms with what motherhood will look like for her given her own unusual upbringing. The documentary, while centered on a unique experience, is still relatable to anyone who's thought about leaving it all behind and living off the grid—and then factored in the loved ones worth staying, or moving, home for. — Megan Spurrell, associate editor

Watch now: Rent from $4, amazon.com

Alex Erdekian

CNT Editors

Jesse Ashlock

Charlie Hobbs

Maiden (2018)

This incredible film follows the first all-female crew competing in the late '80s in the Whitbread Round the World Race—an absolutely insane yachting competition that lasts nine months and sails from Southampton, England, to Uruguay, New Zealand, Australia, around and up to Florida , and then back to the U.K. This movie tracks the yacht's skipper and team’s mastermind, Tracy Edwards, and mixes incredible archival footage of the race with modern day interviews with the underestimated crew and their doubters. Get ready for your heart to swell a few sizes. — Meredith Carey, associate editor

Watch now: Buy from $7, amazon.com

Endless Summer (1966)

It's hard to tell whether this travel documentary on this type of list feels obligatory or cliche. I put it in the former bucket; I can't think of any other documentary that I saw as a young kid, I must have been just six or seven, that could have possibly stayed in my mind the way Endless Summer has. The 1960s journey across the globe by two California surfers to locate and popularize new swells brought them to places off the mass travel radar at the time, including Ghana, Nigeria, and New Zealand. This past summer, I surfed one of the beaches featured in Dakar (well, attempted to surf, I fall squarely in the “aspirational surfer” category). Sequels have been made, but the appeal of that first release—when surfing was used as travel currency, an exploratory lens, and bond between cultures—remains. —Erin Florio, travel news director

Lorena, La De Pies Ligeros (2019)

This 28-minute documentary is unexpected, gorgeous, and quick, just like the athlete it features: ultra-marathon runner Lorena Ramírez. Ramírez hails from the Rarámuri indigenous community in northwestern Mexico , a group that has been known for their excellence in long distance running. But watching her go from her daily life—where she lives in the remote countryside and where the women in her family aren’t able to attend school—to urban marathons where she powers past other athletes in a handwoven skirt and sandals, is absolutely moving. The entire film is a peek inside a Mexican community most travelers wouldn't otherwise be exposed to. — M.S.

The Eagle Huntress (2016)

This tale of a 13-year-old Kazakh girl named Aisholpan who trains to become the first female eagle hunter in her family's 12-generation history is nothing short of inspiring. The story is set in Mongolia’s stunning landscape, unfolding among snowy mountains, pink ombre horizons, and dry, grassy steppes. But it’s Aisholpan’s spirit and charisma that really make the film. The Eagle Huntress was so impactful that it prompted increased tourism to Mongolia, specifically for The Golden Eagle Festival, which is shown on screen. —A.E.

Virunga (2014)

A stunning mix of investigative journalism and nature documentary in one of the most extraordinary places in the world, this film cuts to the heart of the global conservation crisis. It's about the fight to protect the world's last mountain gorillas and the stunning biodiversity of Virunga National Park from the complex swirl of politics and economics in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which encroaches on their habitat through war, poaching, and the threat of oil exploration. It's heartbreakingly beautiful and just plain heartbreaking. — Jesse Ashlock, U.S. editor

Fishpeople (2017)

As the Traveler team can attest, I've become obsessed with the idea of spearfishing, largely thanks to women like Kimi Werner and the Jeju and Ama divers (of Korean and Japan respectively). I have such a deep love of both eating and preparing seafood, so the natural next step is to catch it myself, right? I watched this documentary on a flight to Hawaii this winter, and it further stoked the fire. It highlights a handful of people around the world, including Werner, who spend their lives in the sea . And trust me, you don't have to crave picking up your own spear to enjoy the beautiful ocean shots and the wise words from its sea-enamored cast. — M.S.

Watch now: Rent from $3, youtube.com

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The 10 Best Travel Documentaries on Netflix

Here are the best travel documentaries on Netflix, allowing you to see the world from the comfort of your own couch.

Maybe you've caught the travel bug. Maybe you have returned home from a big trip abroad and are wondering where to go next. Or maybe you're an aspirational traveler who partakes in wanderlust from the comfort of your own sofa.

No matter what your motivations are, Netflix has you covered. In this article we list the best travel documentaries you can watch on Netflix right now. All of which are guaranteed to make you long for a week (or two) experiencing new sights and sounds.

1. Expedition Happiness

What is life’s purpose ? To be happy, sure, but how? In Expedition Happiness, a couple tries to find out. What is happiness after all? Is happiness a wedding? A loft overlooking a great view of the city’s chaos? A monotonous routine just to maintain a healthy bank balance?

After all, what is the point of living if you do not break the routine. Sit back and stream the Alaskan mountains to the Mexican beaches with the "Loft on Wheels" created by Mogli and Felix with their dog Rudi. Let your soul travel as these three try to figure out what happiness is.

Get to know the ups and downs of executing a moving residence, and to turn an old school bus into happiness.

If you love this one, you might also like these nature documentaries .

2. Street Food

Combining travel with food, this documentary series from the creators of Chef's table will probably leave you hungry after a few episodes. The first season concentrates on Asia, visiting Bangkok, Osaka, and Seoul, among other destinations.

The theme tying all of these locales together is, as you probably guessed from the name, the street food you can find there. While the focus is often on the food itself, the show also focuses on the local heroes who create it.

3. Somebody Feed Phil

This is hands down the most fun you'll have watching a food and travel documentary. The way that Phil approaches new food, new places, and new people is a breath of fresh air.

He’ll take you to places you never thought of. Places you’ll end up adding to your bucket list. After watching this I ended up adding to my list: coffee in Vietnam, vegetarian food in Israel, dragon fruit in Thailand, and hot dogs in Copenhagen, to name a few.

As Phil says, "If you like a dish, go to the source." Get delighted, get amused, get amazed and definitely get hungry while somebody feeds Phil.

4. Dark Tourist

Not all of the best travel documentaries have to be about the beautiful and the serene. If you’re in the market for a slightly twisted travel story, Dark Tourist is for you. David Farrier, a New Zealand based filmmaker and journalist travels around the world looking for unusual and often morbid tourist spots across the world.

This documentary explores a new phenomenon called dark tourism. This is where tourists intentionally travel to places associated with death and destruction. A war-torn country? Sure. A dangerous border crossing? Why not. A quick trip around radioactive environments? Don’t mind if I do.

5. National Parks Adventure

The US National Parks Service is more than 100 years old. That’s more than a century of protecting natural wildernesses in the United States.

This breathtaking documentary by filmmaker Greg MacGillivray will make you want to go visit a national park right away. Between the beautiful montages is a story of three artists as they revisit Roosevelt and Muir's camping trip, where the Parks Service began.

6. Pedal the World

Some titles are artistic, hinting at a deeper meaning. Others are starkly literal. Pedal the World belongs in the second group. Why? This is a documentary following one man's trip around the world by bicycle.

That man is Felix Starck, who also happens to be the director of Expedition Happiness. If you enjoyed that documentary, you'll likely enjoy this one as well. Keep in mind that this is an earlier effort, so it may be a little rough around the edges compared to the newer movie.

This is a must watch for bicycle enthusiasts and anyone obsessed with world travel.

7. Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father

Father-son bonding is a different experience for everyone. When comedian Jack Whitehall was young, he and his father Michael never really bonded.

Now, Whitehall wants to bring that spark back by taking a gap year and traveling with his father. Watch as this comedian trades the stand-up stage (see the best stand-up comedy specials on Netflix ) for a tuk-tuk in Thailand.

What better way to spend time with your parent than by going on a trip. But what happens when you have a slightly grumpy father and you are the overly energetic one? Quite a blast, actually, Watch as this father-son team gets into accidents, goes to odd places, and attempts to open up to one another.

8. Paul Hollywood’s Big Continental Road Trip

For most people, where you travel is the important part. For others, it's how you get there that matters. Car enthusiasts definitely fall into the latter group. If you count yourself among them, Paul Hollywood's Big Continental Road Trip should be next up in your Netflix queue.

This documentary follows the actor, baker, and part-time racing driver across a large swathe of Europe. The series sees Hollywood visit Italy, Germany, and France. In each hour-long episode, he chronicles the cars and culture of a given country.

If you're a fan of cars as well as the Great British Baking Show, don't miss this one.

9. Mountain

Feeling contemplative? Are you looking for a documentary that features breathtaking locations but takes a slower, more meditative approach? Mountain could be exactly what you're looking for.

Directed and produced by Jennifer Peedom, Mountain explores peaks around the world. Willem Dafoe narrates the film, occasionally reading passages from Robert Macfarlane's Mountains of the Mind.

Much like that book, the film examines the human fascination with mountains. Even if you never visit a mountain in your life, this film will give you a greater appreciation of them.

10. Night on Earth

Whether you're a night owl or you're afraid of the dark, night can a fascinating time. Night on Earth is a documentary in the style of Planet Earth that focuses on what happens at night across the world. Thanks to new camera technology, this is the best look at night you've probably ever seen.

Each episode has its own focus. The first episode follows predators and their prey, while other episodes touch on nighttime in the ocean or even cities. One episode even takes you behind the scenes to see how the crew captures such amazing footage.

Keep Going With Food Documentaries on Netflix

Travel and food often go hand in hand. But what if you're more of a foodie than a traveler? Now that you know about the best travel documentaries to watch on Netflix why not check out the best documentaries about food .

Want more? Here's how to find the best documentaries online .

• Travel Updates

11 Best Travel Documentaries To Watch From Home

If you want to be inspired and watch some travel documentaries, here are a few of the best travel documentary films that you can watch online right now.

You may not be able to travel right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t live vicariously through other people. Thanks to the power of the internet and streaming services, we have the world at our fingertips. While travel films are often as wonderful as they are fictitious, there’s something transportive about travel documentaries.

Watching some of these travel documentaries can even inspire you to take steps you might have been afraid of, or discover parts of yourself you never knew existed. So, if you want to be inspired and watch some travel documentaries, here are a few of the best travel documentary films that you can watch online right now that just might inspire you to plan your next trip (whenever that may be). 

Also read: Must-watch travel movies to feel inspired

Here Are The 11 Best Travel Documentaries To Stream Right Now

1 national parks adventure (2016) (for an off-trail adventure).

When the US National Parks Service celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016, it commissioned a documentary from filmmaker Greg MacGillivray. Narrated by Robert Redford, it explores the history and modern landscape of America’s many wonderful natural assets from glaciers in Montana to the spectacle of Utah’s natural arches.

Also read: You can take these virtual tours of National Parks right from home

2 An Idiot Abroad (2010-12) (To Experience A Variety Of People And Cultures)

If you’re looking for a travel documentary show that’ll provide you with endless laughter, then this one’s for you. This hilarious series follows co-creators and comedy actor-writers Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant who send TV actor and comedian Karl Pilkington around the globe to take part in extreme experiences that are completely out of his comfort zone leading to all kinds of hijinks. 

3 Free Solo (2019) (Follow An Attempt To Conquer El Capitan)

This Academy Award-winning film shares the incredible and intimate story of Alex Honnols, a free soloist climber who prepares to achieve his lifelong dream of scaling El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. His unwavering determination to master this 3,200-foot t tall rock (without a rope) makes for a gripping adventure.

4 The Kindness Diaries (2017) (See What It’s Like To Travel The World With Only A Vintage Motorbike And The Kindness Of Strangers)

Next on our list of travel documentaries, is ‘The Kindness Diaries’. In this time of uncertainty, watch this wholesome and inspiring series to remind yourself how connected we all really are. Follow host Leon Logothetis as he travels the world on his vintage motorbike. Without money, food, or a place to stay, he relies totally on the kindness of strangers to make his way and encounters breathtaking landscapes and heartwarming stories on his inspiring journey. 

5 Footprints: The Path of Your Life (2016) (Go On A Modern-Day Pilgrimage)

This documentary follows 10 people who take a trip together along the Camino de Santiago, a famous hiking and backpacking route in Spain (‘Canterbury Tales’-style). Explore the beautiful, yet unpredictable landscapes of northern Spain, as these brave souls walk 500 miles in 40 days along an ancient path that’s been traversed for centuries and discover something about themselves along the way. 

6 Life In A Day (2011) (A Time Capsule From People In 192 Countries)

This collection of films is especially poignant. It follows people from all over the world on the same day – 24 July 2010. Director Kevin Macdonald poses three questions (What do you love? What do you fear? What’s in your pocket?) in an open call and sifts through over 81,000 contributions to create a frank and moving snapshot of life in countries all over the world.

7 FISHPEOPLE (2017) (What Happens When People Dedicate Their Lives To The Sea)

A travel documentary film by Keith Mallory, ‘FISHPEOPLE’ tells the story of six remarkable people who have dedicated their lives to the sea. From swimmers and divers to photographers, these people display the transformative effects of time spent in the ocean. They also talk about how it helped them leave their limitations behind and is sure to make you feel like heading out into the ocean too.

8 Tales By Light (2015) (Explore What Goes Into Capturing A Powerful Image)

‘Tales By Light’ began as a short series from camera-makers Canon, and evolved into a documentary show with National Geographic. It follows one amazing photographer in each episode, taking the viewer along on their journey to capture elusive wildlife, unique communities, and heartfelt themes around the world. This unique look through the lens at another person looking through a lens encourages us all to see the subject matter in a whole new light (pun definitely intended!)

9 Pedal The World (2015) (Travel The Globe By Bike To Find The Meaning Of Life)

This 90-minute self-produced travel documentary film follows Felix Starck, a young cyclist from Germany who spends a year pedalling across 22 countries, and over 20,000 km, in an effort to find the meaning of life. It’ll leave you asking yourself all kinds of questions like — ‘What would you do if you could let go of real-life responsibilities?’.

10 Mountain (2017) (An Exploration Of Our Obsessions With High Places)

From director Jennifer Peedam and photographer/mountaineer Renan Ozturk, this series tries to answer the question—‘Why do we humans consider scaling mountains a recreational activity?’. It showcases the most astonishing peaks and valleys on the planet, all set to the soundtrack of Willem Dafoe reading from ‘Mountains of the Mind’ by Robert Macfarlane. While it’s more inspirational than educational, it gives you a chance to experience humanity’s urge to explore the highest reaches of Earth.

11 The Epic Of Everest (1924) (Revisit The Legendary Everest Expedition Of 1924)

This film is equal parts entertainment and relic, featuring the third attempt to ascend Everest. Unfortunately, it ended in the deaths of the determined English climbers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine, but you can still watch the steps of their expedition (shot by Captain John Noel) that survived. It also includes some of the earliest filmed records of life in Tibet, with ancient monasteries, stone villages, and vast mountains all meticulously re-coloured. 

So, Which Of These Travel Documentaries Will You Watch Next ?

If you’re feeling a bit housebound, and are looking to be inspired, why not watch some of these thrilling travel documentaries yourself? From the tallest mountains to the deepest oceans, these travel documentary videos cover every bit of our planet. So, where do you want to go explore next?

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The 20 Best Adventure Travel Documentaries and Travel Movies To Stream Right Now

Post Summary: The Best Travel Documentaries and Travel Movies 

Don’t have time to travel right now, but still want to be transported somewhere else? Berty and I have found ourselves scrolling through old pictures on our phones, reminiscing about those amazing hiking trails in Glacier from last summer or gorgeous places on the Oregon Coast . 

Sooo, while phone pictures are great reminders of past trips, we’re getting our travel fix now by watching travel documentaries and travel movies ! They are an awesome way to transport yourself into another world and experience the adrenaline rush, culture, or experiences right from the comfort of your own couch.

In this post, we’re sharing our recommended travel documentaries and travel movies across a wide span of streaming services. We’re aware that people may not have all of these (or any!) but we tried to cover as many as we could to share our recommendations.

We hope you can find a new travel series to enjoy alongside us!

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Adventure Travel Documentaries and Travel Movies To Feed Your Wanderlust

Is this a complete list? Absolutely not! We don’t cover much about food tourism, and that’s an entirely different topic with a HUGE range of shows to explore.

In this particular post, we’re sharing more travel documentaries on the adventurous side of things, to inspire epic adventures and maybe even a rush of adrenaline!

We hope you enjoy our travel movie picks, and let us know in the comments if you have any more to add to this list!

NETFLIX TRAVEL DOCUMENTARIES

The dawn wall.

Love climbing? You’ll really love The Dawn Wall . This documentary follows Tommy Caldwell in his attempt to climb Yosemite’s Dawn Wall (the section of El Capital that the sun hits first in the mornings) and the incredible backstory that led him to this monumental feat. 

Follow the world’s adorable animals in this documentary series from the makers of Blue Planet and Planet Earth. Follow exotic animals from over 50 countries and see how they thrive in the wilderness. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, this travel documentary will give you all the warm fuzzies. 

National Parks Adventure

Bummed that your favorite national parks are closed? Experience them in this amazing travel movie narrated by Robert Redford! He shares the history of America’s national parks, from the tall Redwoods to the vast stretches of the Grand Canyon . You’ll be inspired, awe-struck, and ready to plan your next adventure before it ends.

Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father

A traveling comedian takes his risk-averse father around the world . A funny travel documentary about trying new things and bonding with the person you love across the world!

Dark Tourist

David Farrier ventures out into the world of Dark Tourism, which is traveling to unpopular places for their notoriety in death , destruction , or all-around spookiness . From war zones to Chernobyl, David brings you to the places you never want to go…but kind of do. 

Tales By Light

Follow Simon Lister, a photographer that traveled the world with camera in hand, only to soften his heart for the poor and disadvantaged he encountered. He partnered with UNICEF to bring awareness to small communities in need , sharing the unique stories of the people in them. 

This travel documentary is for you if you love feel-good shows , with panning drone shots of the beautiful landscapes he encounters. 

The Alpinist

Following the life of quiet, solitary life of Marc-André Leclerc, you’ll learn about the man who redefined solo climbing by tackling some of the most daunting and dangerous peaks in the world! If you love mountaineering and climbing, this is definitely one of the best travel documentaries to watch.

AMAZON PRIME TRAVEL DOCUMENTARIES AND MOVIES

The secret life of walter mitty.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is one of our favorite travel movies to watch for world inspiration! Following the story of the lifeless day-to-day schedule of photo developer Walter Mitty, he begins to have exciting daydreams about seeing the world.

All this comes to the forefront when he gets an opportunity to travel and track down a photo, to be used for the final issue of the magazine firm in which he works. This movie is filled with gorgeous shots of some of the most beautiful areas of the world – it will definitely give you a little bit of wanderlust!

Idaho The Movie

Tim Woodward narrates this gorgeous travel documentary all about…you guessed it, Idaho! If you’ve ever been curious about all the buzz around this state, whet your travel appetite with the Emmy-Award-winning documentary. (It also has a sequel!)

Love Idaho? You’ll want to plan a trip to the Route of the Hiawatha bike trail in the summertime!

Alone is a reality show that follows the lives of ten individuals, all placed in isolation from the rest of the world on a quest for survival. Their goal is to see who can survive in the wilderness the longest , and some seasons have contestants going for months before the last person is left standing!

The first, second, and fourth seasons are all filmed on Vancouver Island , which is an interesting way to see the wild, less-reached areas of the island. Berty and I love this series because we learn a lot about survival strategies and love hearing the stories of the individuals! 

If you love climbing documentaries like Free Solo, you’re going to love Meru! This documentary follows the attempts of three professional climbers , attempting Mount Meru, one of the riskiest climbs in the world. 

They face all kinds of challenges, ranging from terrible weather, difficult climbs, and mental blocks. If you have been curious about what it’s like to be an elite climber, this is the travel documentary for you!

HULU TRAVEL DOCUMENTARIES

A show by Vice, Abandoned is about exploring abandoned structures all around America . Following the story of pro skateboarder Rick McCrank, he’ll take you to some of America’s most forgotten places and show you the beauty that still lies there. Watch the trailer here.  

Man Vs Wild

Man Vs Wild is a popular and exciting travel documentary series that follows Bear Grylls on his always-exciting adventures into the far reaches of the world. From survival tips to risky quests , he takes you on adventures that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Rick Steves Europe

Rick Steves is one of the most popular and well-known travel writers of our time. He has helped thousands of people plan amazing trips all around the world, but most notably around Europe!

The graphics in this travel documentary series are a little on the cheesy side (recorded in the early 2000s), but you’ll come to the other side of this show with expanded cultural knowledge, history, and a long bucket list of places to explore in Europe !

DISNEY PLUS TRAVEL DOCUMENTARIES AND MOVIES

This adorable feel-good movie is about a grumpy old man and a boy scout that take an unpredictable adventure. Tying thousands of balloons to his home , the dynamic duo fly to South America to fulfill a lifelong dream of seeing Paradise Falls. 

Free Solo is a documentary about US climber, Alex Honnold in his attempt to climb Yosemite’s El Capitan without the aid (or safety) of ropes . Sweaty palms will set in right from the beginning – Alex’s camera crew shoots at angles that make even the most risk-seeking individuals have a pit in their stomach! 

This documentary follows the days leading up to the climb, interviews with his closest friends and family, and the nail-biting climb carefully documented every step of the way!

Read More: How To Spend 24 Hours In Yosemite National Park

Living in an idyllic Polynesian village, Moana is the daughter of the chief who is constantly searching for her purpose and identity. When her community is thrust into danger, she sets out on a mission to the open waters to save her people . Meeting the demi-god, Maui, and other mystical creatures, Moana’s adventure is full of twists and turns as she becomes a master way-finder on the open sea.

Young Miguel dreams of being a musician , despite his family’s aversion to music. Going behind his family’s back to prove he has what it takes to be a famous musician like his idol, Ernest de la Cruz, he stumbles upon the other side of life, the Land of the Dead . 

Funny characters, Miguel’s ancestors, and mystical beasts help Miguel as he navigates his way back home and discovers his true family history. 

Ratatouille

Being a rat in Paris can have its disadvantages, especially if you are an aspiring chef ! Remy the mouse dreams of being a famous chef in Paris and with the help of an unlucky garbage boy (Linguini) he gets to put his skills to the test.

If you are dreaming about visiting Paris, this is a fun way to immerse yourself in the culture of the city, without having to plan your own Paris itinerary!

Want To Plan Your Own Trip? Read Our 3 Day Paris Itinerary!

The Rescue is one of the most miraculous travel documentaries that happened just a few years ago! In 2018, a Thai soccer team of 12 boys wandered into a cave and became trapped by water flooding into the space.

The Thai navy and friends gathered together the best cave divers in the world to plan a rescue mission to save the boys and their coach. Watch the full movie to see this exciting and nerve-wracking story unfold!

Even More Travel Documentaries and Movies To Watch At Home

• Down To EarthThe Goonies
• The Darjeeling Limited
• Into the Wild
• 180 Degrees South
• Interstellar
• Stand By Me
• The Hobbit Series
• Indiana Jones
• Call of the Wild
• Lord of the Rings
• The River Wild
• The Way Back
• Vertical Limit
• Captain Fantastic
• The Revenent

What are some other travel documentaries and travel movies? Anything we missed? Share your favorites in the comments below!

More travel inspiration.

Inspiring Travel Coffee Table Books

Inspiration Photo Locations In Washington State

Adventurous Pacific Northwest Activities To Plan For Future Trips

More Travel Inspiration By Following @TheMandagies on Instagram

Find Me directed by Tom Huang. You can watch it for free on Tubi! Literally one of my favorite movies!

Thanks for the travel movie suggestion, Alexandra!!

Idaho: The Movie is everything! Definitely makes you want to go on an Idaho road trip ASAP. Loved stress-watching Free Solo and the Dawn Wall, will have to check out Meru. And – the Walter Mitty soundtrack is the best adventure music ever. Thanks for this fun movie round up!

Love it Sarah! Yes, we totally recommend Meru. If you loved the Dawn Wall and Free Solo, Meru is the next level!!

Best on Netflix USA

Also check out best on netflix canada, check us out daily to find out what new movies and tv shows are available on netflix usa, highest rated new releases on netflix usa from the past month, best rated tv shows on netflix, best rated movies on netflix, best rated overall on netflix, travel & adventure documentaries on netflix.

Last updated May 06, 2024

Chasing Ice

Environmental photographer James Balog deploys time-lapse cameras to capture a record of the world's changing glaciers, compressing years into seconds to illustrate how these ice mountains are disappearing at a breathtaking rate. Details about Chasing Ice

Inspired by pioneering outdoorsman Yvon Chouinard's freewheeling 1968 van trip to Patagonia, South America, a band of bliss-seeking surfer-mountaineers sets out -- in 2007, by boat -- to remake the journey in this adventure documentary. Jeff Johnson and his buddies hug the coast, stopping at the Galapagos Islands and Easter Island before arriving in Patagonia -- a region that's still breathtaking but is now besieged by environmental threats. Details about 180° South

Ken Burns: The National Parks: America's Best Idea

Trace the history of American national parks with director Ken Burns's rousing documentary, which recounts how remarkable heroes fought to preserve nature for all people and offers striking views from Yosemite, Yellowstone and other stunning locales. Narrated by Peter Coyote, this Emmy-nominated program also features the voices of talented actors like Tom Hanks, Andy Garcia, John Lithgow, George Takei and Sam Waterston. Details about Ken Burns: The National Parks: America's Best Idea

Ghost Adventures

The inspiration for the hit Travel Channel series "Ghost Adventures," this full-length documentary follows paranormal investigators Zak, Nick and Aaron as they bravely explore Nevada's notoriously haunted Old Washoe Club and Goldfield Hotel. Details about Ghost Adventures

The award-winning documentarian turns his insight and cameras to the history and breathtaking splendor of America's national parks. The words of early naturalists and modern advocates accompany panoramas of Yosemite, Glacier, Redwood and other parks. Details about Ken Burns: The National Parks: America's Best Idea

Craigslist Joe

Setting out to explore whether America still has a sense of community where people help each other through hard times, 29-year-old Joseph Garner spends a month depending on the goodness of Craigslist posters for his survival. Details about Craigslist Joe

Michael Palin: Himalaya

Intrepid adventurer Michael Palin treks the majestic Himalayas in this installment of his popular travelogue series. Palin journeys through Afghanistan and across India to the region near Mount Everest's base known as the Death Zone. Details about Michael Palin: Himalaya

Intrepid adventurer Michael Palin treks the majestic Himalayas in this installment of his popular video travelogue. Palin journeys through Afghanistan and across India to the region near Mount Everest's base known as the Death Zone. Details about Michael Palin: Himalaya

Disney Parks: Ultimate Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Resort has plenty of wild action for kids as well as adults. Discover all the speed and adrenalin-pumping fun Disney has to offer in this program, which explores a cool space flight, a 13-story elevator plunge and more. For those who want to "accelerate" their park experience, take a ride on one high-speed roller coaster that journeys into the dark or hop on another that moves backward. Details about Disney Parks: Ultimate Walt Disney World

Stephen Fry in America

Stephen Fry embarks on an odyssey through all 50 states, taking a comic's delight in the vast differences in regional cultures that he finds. From the Deep South to the mountains, he engages cheerily with all sorts of Americans along the way. Details about Stephen Fry in America

National Geographic: Appalachian Trail

Stretching approximately 2,175 miles, the Appalachian Trail is the longest marked trail in the country, hiked in part by some 4 million people each year. National Geographic straps on the boots to explore the splendors of this celebrated route. Marked by challenging climbs, sweeping vistas and dense forests, the mountainous trail is kept healthy and wild thanks to the efforts of countless conservationists, volunteers and scientists. Details about National Geographic: Appalachian Trail

The Endless Summer

The quintessential surf film directed and narrated by Bruce Brown follows summer around the globe in 1966. Mike Hynson and Robert August ride the wild waters of Hawaii, Australia, Africa and other exotic locales in search of the perfect wave. Details about The Endless Summer

Ultimate Predator

Manny "the Shark Man" Puig gets up close and personal with sharks, alligators, bears, snakes and other dangerous critters in this collection of crazy animal encounters from the creators of "Jackass" and "Wildboyz." Details about Ultimate Predator

Pedal-Driven

This documentary delves into the escalating conflict between mountain bikers, hungry to ride the open road, and the federal land managers charged with protecting the public lands that belong to us all. Details about Pedal-Driven

Disney Parks: Walt Disney World Resort: Behind the Scenes

Go behind the scenes at America's all-time favorite vacation destination, Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., and get an intimate look at the technical wizardry, imagination and dedication required to create this wonderland of entertainment. Extraordinary inside access provides a close-up look at the park's many spectacular attractions, including the Haunted Mansion, Mission: Space and The Seas with Nemo and Friends. Details about Disney Parks: Walt Disney World Resort: Behind the Scenes

Disney Parks: Disney's Animal Kingdom

This documentary offers a look at the Walt Disney Co.'s revolutionary Animal Kingdom theme park in Orlando, Fla., which presented unique challenges to the project's designers in combining theme park rides and live animals in the same environment. The program features a fascinating backstage glimpse of the park, including its Dinosaur attraction, as well as the Tree of Life and spectacular Expedition Everest and Kilimanjaro Safari. Details about Disney Parks: Disney's Animal Kingdom

National Geographic: Secret Yellowstone

National Geographic cameras capture unseen aspects of magnificent Yellowstone -- America's oldest national park and among the most visited, though only 10 percent of its massive acreage is known and traveled. Viewers journey through the ecosystem's untamed beauty to sites tourists never see, including a 20-mile-long canyon and newly discovered waterfalls. The documentary also focuses on the effects of restoring Yellowstone's wolf population. Details about National Geographic: Secret Yellowstone

Ride the Divide

Starting in Banff, Canada, and ending at the U.S.-Mexico border, the Great Divide mountain bike race extends 2,700 miles along the Continental Divide. This scenic documentary follows three determined cyclists attempting the grueling ride. Details about Ride the Divide

Beyond the Gates of Splendor

This documentary tells the extraordinary story of five American missionaries who, in 1956, were killed in Ecuador by the indigenous Waodani tribe. After the murders, family members of the slain men take up the missionaries' work with the Waodani. Details about Beyond the Gates of Splendor

Disney Parks: Disney Cruise Line

If you've been to the Disney theme parks but still haven't explored the wonders of the Disney Cruise Line, this virtual behind-the-scenes tour offers a sneak peek at what you're missing -- including Disney's private destination island, Castaway Cay. Once you're aboard, you'll visit the ship's amazing Animator's Palate restaurant, with a décor that gradually changes from black and white to color, among other highlights. Details about Disney Parks: Disney Cruise Line

The Ultimate Wave: Tahiti: IMAX

This lush documentary explores the science of waves and the formation and culture of the beautiful island of Tahiti. Surfing champion Kelly Slater visits to hang with his friend, legendary surfer Raimana Van Bastolaer, and search for huge waves. Details about The Ultimate Wave: Tahiti: IMAX

Discovery Atlas

From the helicopter commuters of Brazil to the gondoliers of Venice this epic documentary series paints indelible portraits of people and places throughout the world. China and Australia are other stops along the gorgeously photographed journey. Details about Discovery Atlas

Touching the Void

This gripping docudrama retells the mountaineering trek gone awry of Simon Yates and Joe Simpson, who falls and breaks his leg while climbing in the Andes. Yates attempts to lower him to safety but fails, forcing him to make a pivotal decision. Details about Touching the Void

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Love and Road

The 20 Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Watch in 2024

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Whether you’ve been missing the thrill of traveling or are currently feeling inspired to pick the destination for your next adventure, travel shows can help. Netflix has no shortage of cool travel documentaries and shows, but we’ve decided to pick 20 of the best travel shows on Netflix.

If you’re traveling right now, or if some of these shows are not available in your country, use a VPN to access them without any restrictions. To play the shows, open up your VPN app and select a server located in a different state. If the show is available in your country, but you’re currently traveling internationally, choose the server of your home country to enjoy the show. 

Now let me tell you why these Netflix travel shows are worth watching and don’t blame me if you get hooked on some (or all) of them.

The best travel shows on Netflix

Before we start, let me tell you that this list is in no particular order. It’s up to you to choose the one you want to watch first, but we recommend watching them all. At home, traveling for a holiday, or at a new destination, these Netflix travel shows and documentaries will set you in the mood for discovering new places, tasting exotic food, maybe even cycling, driving, or just staying at home until you finish all the seasons. Lol 

The list is divided into travel shows or documentaries focused on nature, food, dark tourism, cycling and cars, photography, family travels, and specific destinations. Enjoy it!

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The best travel and nature Netflix shows 

Arguably one of the most famous travel documentaries on Netflix, Our Planet takes you on a world tour of earth’s fascinating creatures. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough and filmed in Ultra High Definition, this show takes you to over 50 countries and perfectly captures the wonders of the earth. 

Our Planet is the perfect Netflix travel show to give you some new ideas for your bucket list. Trust us!

Untamed Romania

While most seasoned travelers deeply appreciate Romania’s natural beauty, it is still overlooked in the mainstream media. Untamed Romania is a feature-length film celebrating the country’s immaculate wildlife.

Untamed Romania is one of the best Netflix travel documentaries for those who love nature and want to discover a new destination to travel to.

The best travel and food Netflix shows 

Down to Earth

Down to Earth documentary follows Zac Efron, the actor, and wellness expert Darin Olien as they explore healthy and sustainable practices across different cultures. This documentary showcases the diversity and creativity seen across the globe to make the most of one’s resources.

It’s intriguing and can be inspiring, not only about travel but how we think of sustainability and health. 

Street Food Asia

Sometimes the most accessible way to connect to a different culture is food. Asian food holds a special place in the world regarding street food and is probably one of the most universally beloved cuisines today. Street Food Asia takes you on a food journey across Asia and Southeast Asia’s best food cities, including Bangkok, Delhi, Osaka, and Singapore.

Street Food Asia is one of our fave travel shows on Netflix. We love Asia and Asian delights you can only find from street vendors. If you have never visited this part of the world, watch this show, and it will open your mind to a new world of flavors, aromas, and ways of life. If you are craving an Asia trip, watch it and plan international travel soon. 

Also, read our guides and articles about Asian destinations as they have many travel and food recommendations. Read our guides about Thailand , Vietnam , Indonesia , Malaysia , The Philippines , China , Taiwan, India , and Cambodia .

Ugly Delicious

Ugly Delicious is another food travel show where a star chef David Chang is looking for the world’s most satisfying grub with his buddies. Despite being a professional chef, Chang isn’t pretentious with his picks and takes us on a cross-cultural food trip filled with laughter.

Another great travel and food show on Netflix about food culture.

Somebody Feed Phil

In this series, we follow the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond, Phil Rosenthal, as he explores world cuisines and meets the locals. Phil’s upbeat attitude is probably one of the best parts of the Somebody Feed Phil travel show together with a lot of food scenes that will help your plan your future trip to incredible destinations including Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

On this Netflix travel show, you will visit cities like Bangkok , spend days in Mexico City , see Lisbon , and many more. Well-known travel destinations are pictured with flavors and a local touch.

High on The Hog: Culinary Journey From Africa to America

This show explores African American soul food and its long journey from Africa to North America. It has been dubbed the most engaging history of African American cuisine. It traces the process of cultivating, harvesting, cooking, and serving the food that enslaved Africans brought with them to the States.

This Netflix cultural travel and food show will take you on a true gastronomic journey. 

Restaurants on the Edge

As you might be able to guess from the name of the show, these hour-long episodes take us to restaurants that are located in some of the most stunning locations in the world but are struggling with their menus and dishes. They are located on the edge of the world but are also on the edge of closing down.

This travel show on Netflix pictures unique locations and a bit of drama, as you can expect. 

Netflix shows about travel, cycling and cars

Biking Borders

This one is for lovers of slow traveling and less-known countries. Two friends go on a 15,000 km bicycle journey worldwide, including the Balkans, Central Asia, and other countries, to build a school in Guatemala.

Rob and I love cycling, so this Netflix travel documentary series is tremendously appealing to us. Biking Borders is also an excellent travel inspiration for those who dream of traveling by bike or going on a cycling holiday. And if this is you, read our article about cycling on Taiwan’s East Coast and cycling in Spain .

Pedal the World

This is another Netflix travel documentary that portrays a world tour on wheels, but this time our protagonist visits 22 countries during his year-long journey, searching for the meaning in life and discovering something new in each country.

Pedal the World is an inspiring and realistic epic road trip that might give you ideas of how you want to spend your life and what really matters. 

Paul Hollywood’s Big Continental Road Trip

Paul Hollywood studies the ties between popular cars in Europe and their local culture and identity as an actor and a baker. In this short but educational Netflix documentary , Hollywood will visit France, Germany, and Italy.

This isn’t your Netflix show if you are looking for food and baking goods. But if you like cars, speed, a bit of history and traveling in Europe, you will enjoy the ride. 

Netflix travel shows about a specific destination

Katla  

This travel series focuses on Iceland, specifically the volcano Katla , which began constantly erupting just recently. The show has eight episodes and does a wonderful job portraying Iceland’s breathtaking beauty . Katla serves as a great reminder of all that we still don’t know about the earth. 

This Netflix travel show is a powerful trigger for wanderlust, and it will make you want to book a trip to Iceland as soon as possible. 

Magic Andes

A documentary following five characters from the Andes, South America’s breathtaking mountains. It is a fascinating series that highlights real people living in communities located under the mountains and paints a nuanced picture of the region of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia .

After watching Magic Andes read our Peru travel guides , and for sure, you will want to visit South América. If you are worried about safety, then read our guide to the safest countries in South America , and you will be surprised. 

Guatemala: Heart of the Mayan World

This documentary focuses on Guatemala’s rich landscape and culture, the territory where 2000 years ago, the fascinating Mayan civilization collapsed. The Mayan influence is still all over Guatemala and Central America, and this documentary does an amazing job of connecting the dots between the past and the present.

Guatemala: Heart of the Mayan World is an inspiring Netflix travel documentary that will add interesting facts to your travel knowledge, and it might make you want to explore more of Latin America. 

Zulu Man in Japan

Starring South African rapper Nasty C, this Netflix travel documentary focuses on Japanese culture. The film takes place in Tokyo, where Nasty C explores the city’s go-to places, culture, sounds, and much more.

Zulu Man in Japan was released in 2019. It’s a 44-minute episode, perfect for those days that you want to have just a little dose of wanderlust knowing that you won’t be addicted to long travel series. 

The best Netflix travel show for unusual tourists

Dark Tourist

Filmed by journalist David Farrier, the author of the 2016 hit documentary Tickled, Dark Tourist takes a different approach to tourism. Farrier travels to places associated with death or tragedies that have turned these destinations into tourist attractions. You can expect anything from haunted places, nuclear lakes, and unusual and weird destinations. Those spots might not be on your travel bucket list, but it is interesting to know that they exist so you can avoid them on your next holiday. 

It’s one of the most-watched travel shows on Netflix, so it’s worth trying.

Netflix show for photography and travel lovers

Tales by Light

Created by Abraham Joffe, this show embraces the art of travel photography and film and the people behind them. This is an Australian documentary/reality travel series on Netflix that follows photographers around the globe as they chase that perfect shot.

This Netflix travel documentary is a good match for those who love photography and travel. It’s perfect for inspiring you to travel and photograph more. 

The best Netflix show about traveling with family

Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

A comedian Jack Whitehall and his uptight father, Michael Whitehall, travel across the world together. The show starts with Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, with the second season focusing on Eastern Europe. The third season explores the American West, the fourth features Australia, and the fifth is all about the United Kingdom, their homeland. On this last season expect everything from dining with Gordon Ramsay to searching for the Loch Ness monster.

A great Netflix travel show for those thinking of traveling with family. It also sparkes a reflection of our relationships with parents and how travel can be a good way to get together or break apart.

Netflix show that combines travel and design

Cabins in the Wild

This show takes place in Wales and follows engineer Dick Strawbridge and craftsman Will Hardie as they inspect eight unique cabins built for a pop-up hotel in Wales. Their final goal is to construct a cabin of their own.

If you like the British Tv series, chances are you will love Cabins in the Wild as well. If you like architecture and construction shows too. This type of Netflix show combines different elements, from traveling to design, making you want to have a cabin in the wild just for you. 

We end our list of the 20 best Netflix travel shows here. Drop us a comment if you have watched any of them or if you have any other good travel series to recommend. 

Love these Netflix travel shows and documentary ideas? Pin it for later!

4 thoughts on “The 20 Best Travel Shows on Netflix to Watch in 2024”

I’m so glad you mentioned The Latchkees! I’ve been obsessed with their adventures since I saw their episode on Netflix. It’s amazing how they make travel look so effortless and fun. I’m definitely adding some of the other shows on your list to my queue 😍

Such a great show!

I can’t believe I never knew about some of these shows! The Travel Diaries is definitely going on my watchlist. 😍

Glad you enjoyed it!

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AT HOME , STAYCATION · May 6, 2020 Last Updated on March 12, 2024

12 OF THE BEST TRAVEL DOCUMENTARIES

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Wondering how you can travel from home without stepping outside your front door? Then look no further than this list of the best travel documentaries and TV shows that will whisk you from your armchair to another country!

1) The Long Way Round

Two men taking motorcycles from London on a journey east all the way around the world might not sound that appealing but trust me, this is one of the best travel series I have ever seen!

Long time friends Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman spend several months planning this epic journey around the world. The Long Way Round journey begins in London and ends in New York – the longest route around the world – and takes you through Kazakhstan, Russia, Mongolia right round to Alaska and more. 

A film crew follows them but is always around a day behind and generally only meets them at border crossings, so you see the real good, bad and ugly of travel by motorbike through some harsh but beautiful landscapes.

2) The Long Way Down

Not satisfied with their journey around the world, Ewan and Charlie return for another motorcycle adventure taking the Long Way Down , starting from the tip of Scotland John O’Groats to the southernmost point in Africa, Cape Agulhas. 

The 15,000-mile bike adventure is an even harder challenge than the previous with extreme temperatures and harsh climate to deal with. But as with the Long Way Round, McGregor and Boorman are hilarious and honest making this series an absolute must watch!

3) The Kindness Diaries

In this series, we follow Leon Logothetis as he travels the world on the kindness of strangers. In the first series, Leon travels from LA through the US, Europe and Asia – hitting countries including Italy, Croatia, Greece , Turkey , India , Cambodia , Thailand and Vietnam , travelling by vintage motorbike with no money in his pockets. Leon relies on the kindness of strangers to give him food and a place to stay each night. 

The Kindness Diaries Series 2 repeats the same idea, but instead Leon travels from Alaska, through the US down into South America in a vintage VW Beetle. 

This show demonstrates the kind hearts of strangers as Leon meets hundreds of people who help him and have also dedicated their lives to helping others. 

4) Street Food

Available on Netflix, this 9 part documentary takes you to a different street market in Asia in each 30-minute episode. If you like to travel for food, then this series is for you! 

Discover the delicacies on offer in Bangkok, Osaka, Delhi, Yogyakarta, Chiayi, Seoul , Ho Chi Minh City , Singapore and Cebu. Each episode comes with a story of the people who make the food, including a Bangkok chef who has a Michelin-star after spending decades making crab omelets and the obsession with chicken rice of the hawkers of Singapore. 

5) Anything By David Attenborough

But seriously, any documentary by David Attenborough is worth watching and he has created several that are country and destination-specific, including ones in The Galapagos , Africa  and Tasmania.

I personally loved watching Galapagos before my trip to the islands to get to learn about the history and emergence of these islands off the coast of Ecuador. 

Once you have made your way through the destination-specific documentaries you can watch Attenborough’s more general documentaries, including Big Pacific , Seven Worlds One Planet , and Wild North .

6) Around The Next Bend

This 12 part documentary follows two young adventurers as they go on a 2,500 km rafting expedition along the famous Ganges river in India. 

Around The Next Bend shows you the colourful, beautiful and often challenging side of India. The two expeditions raft past the Taj Mahal, through Varanasi, through Nepal and into Bangladesh. 

7) March of The Penguins 

Who doesn’t want to spend an hour or two watching penguins making their way through Antarctica to the dulcet tones of narrator Morgan Freeman? 

March of the Penguins is a classic docu-movie set in Antarctica , following the emperor penguins as they go on a quest to find the perfect mate and to start a family.  

8) Figure It Out: On The Hayduke Trail 

This series documents a thru-hike on one of America’s most challenging routes, The Hayduke Trail . The journey is 800 miles through Southern Utah and Northern Arizona. 

If you enjoy hiking or magnificent scenery then you will love following this trail as each episode takes you to a new part of the route, covering places such as Arches National Park, Moab, Escalante, The Wave, the Grand Canyon, Zion and Colorado City. 

The documentary also explores how we can use the lessons that are learned whilst out in the wilderness to improve our day to day lives. 

9) Salt Of The Earth

Salt Of The Earth is an Oscar-nominated 2014 documentary about the life and work of Brazilian photo-journalist Sebastião Salgado. Salgado spent 40 years documenting groups of people in remote corners of South America, Africa and Central Europe. 

The documentary sees Salgado talk about the stories behind the photographs and whilst sometimes difficult to watch it is a fascinating look into some areas of the world we may not ever explore ourselves. 

10) Free Solo

Free Solo is the story of solo climber Alex Hannold climbing 3,200 ft El Capitan in Yosemite National Park with no ropes. Winner of the 2019 Academy Award for Best Documentary, this is a heart pounding story of one man’s obsession to do what has never been done before.

The documentary will keep you on the edge of your seat, with amazing footage and heart stopping moments as you watch Alex’s attempt to climb El Capitan completely solo, sans ropes and all.

11) Expedition Happiness

Follow the journey of Felix Starck and his girlfriend Mogli as they adventure through North America in a refurbished school bus.

Starck is famous for the documentary Pedal The World, where he goes on an 18,000-kilometer journey by bicycle through 22 countries. Arguably Pedal The World is the better of the two documentaries, with Expedition Happiness a nice idea and an easy watch, but a little light on culture or interesting activities. 

12) Anthony Bourdain: A Cooks Tour

In this series, famous food writer and presenter Anthony Bourdain travels the world indulging his passion for trying local cuisines. Along the way, Bourdain meets several eccentric characters bringing life to this docu-series.

Discover foods from the Caribbean, New Orleans, Brazil, Minneapolis, New York , Hanoi , Singapore, Melbourne and more in series 1 of A Cooks Tour .

Other Recommended Travel Documentaries

• Around The World For Free  Alex Boylan circumnavigated the world without a penny in his pockets!
• Mother India Compelling documentary showing the lives of 25 orphans in India living along the railway
• Unbounded A team of twenty-something travellers hike the Greater Patagonian Trail
• DIY Destinations Budget Travel Show Discover the best budget travel destinations around the world
• Rick Steves Europe In the 7 seasons of this series, Rick Steves guides you through Europe showcasing his favourite spots and some off the beaten path destinations  

I hope that this article has given you some ideas for how to travel through documentaries. If you have any other favourite travel documentaries or series not included please leave these in the comments below. 

Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Please visit our Contribute page for guidelines and to submit your article.

Subscribe to get access to our FREE eBook with tips for saving money when you travel!

Read More Stay Home Travel Ideas

• 10 Ways To Have A Staycation At Home 
• 25 Of The Best Travel Movies
• 10 Novels To Inspire Your Wanderlust
• 16 Travel Themed Cocktails To Enjoy At Ho me

We Are Travel Girls Founder Becky van Dijk of  BeckyvanDijk.com Connect with Becky  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  YouTube

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James Cala says

April 20, 2021 at 5:55 am

Amazing list, I love the combination of food & travel as well!

One suggestion is a new travel docu one of my travel buds showed me. It’s on youtube: Same same but different – a documentary about backpacking. Really loved it, beautiful story and depicts for me amazing the backpack culture.

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10 of the best travel documentary films

These documentaries offer journeys of discovery from Antarctica and the Himalayas to Borneo, the Amazon – and even Woodstock in 1969

Do you like mountains, classical music and Willem Dafoe? You’re in luck. This 2017 doc is narrated by the actor and features music by, among others, Vivaldi and Beethoven – performed by the Australian Chamber Orchestra. Jennifer Peedom (Sherpa) directs footage from many locations, much of it captured by mountaineer and photographer Renan Ozturk. In a departure from the typical information-heavy documentary, the meditative script ponders on our relationship with heights and risk – vertigo sufferers will be clinging to the edge of the sofa. Rated PG, on Netflix, Google Play, YouTube

Faces Places

The late, great director Agnès Varda teamed up with street artist and photographer JR for this 2017 arty trip through their home country, France. This isn’t the country’s touristy side, though, and is all the more fascinating for it. The pair travel to small towns and deprived industrial areas, taking pictures of working people and turning the results into murals on the sides of buildings. Their work and their conversations bring a sense of creativity to the communities, and showcase the quiet beauty and dignity found in corners that sometimes get missed. Rated 12, available on Netflix, Rakuten TV, Google Play, iTunes

Encounters at the End of the World

German feature film director Werner Herzog has also made many a strong travel-doc and this one, from 2007, is among his finest. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that the word “encounters” summons thoughts of aliens: the Antarctica footage has an otherworldly quality, as his cinematographer, Peter Zeitlinger, captures remarkable creatures living under the surface of the ice As he does, Herzog is getting to know the equally fascinating people living above it. This is no “fluffy penguin” doc, as his narration states. Rated U, on iTunes (99p), Google Play, YouTube

Salt of the Earth

Brazilian photojournalist Sebastião Salgado spent 40 years documenting groups of people in lesser-known corners of South America, Africa and central Europe, and the results are compelling. This Oscar-nominated 2014 documentary sees Salgado talking about his life and work, sharing the stories behind his monochrome stills, as well as captivating nature footage. The way he captures pain and suffering means this is not always an easy watch, but it’s a richly rewarding one. Rated 12, on Amazon, Google Play, YouTube

Here’s a good one for all the family, to watch on a large screen if you have one. Directed by photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Home (made in 2009) features extraordinary aerial nature footage from 54 countries – from tumbling waterfalls to rich green forests to herds of deer. The narration from Glenn Close veers towards the patronising but has a strong message about biodiversity. Bertrand made the film widely available for free in order to reach as large an audience as possible. Rated U, on Amazon Prime, YouTube and more

With summer festivals around the world either cancelled or postponed, here’s the chance to take a trip to the most famous of them all. This epic, Oscar-winning documentary checks in on performers, hippies, skinny-dippers, fence jumpers and even nuns enjoying the ground-breaking music fest in Bethel, New York state, in August 1969. Opening with Richie Havens and closing with Jimi Hendrix, it captures a significant moment in counterculture history. A party in a movie. Rated 15 (UK, US rated R), on iTunes, Sky Store

Tawai: A Voice from the Forest

Visit tribes in Borneo and the Amazon with explorer Bruce Parry, who shares travel footage in this self-directed film. Parry zeros in on hunter-gatherers in the hope he can learn something from their way of life, and seeks the opinion of experts on the topics raised. Tawai throws up more ideas than it can answer, but the questions about connection and learning from our environment have never felt more timely. Rated U, on Rakuten TV, BFI Player, Sky Store, iTunes, YouTube, Microsoft Store

March of the Penguins

Any time is a great time to revisit this cuddly classic filmed in Antarctica – but now seems particularly good. Morgan Freeman narrates the story of a year in the life of the Emperor penguins, who waddle across glorious but perilous icy landscapes on an annual trek for mating season. Anthropomorphism at its finest. Rated U, on Chill, Google Play, iTunes, YouTube, Microsoft Store

Children of the Snow Land

This multi award-winning film follows young people making a long and emotional trek back to their homes in the mountain villages of the Himalayas. Sent away to school in Kathmandu as children, they’ve spent more than 10 years away from their parents, who lead simple lives in jaw-dropping surroundings. The reunion is an eye-opener to all. Rated PG, on Curzon Home Cinema

Life In A Day

There’s something especially poignant about watching this collection of films made by people all over the world, on the same day: 24 July 2010. What do you love? What do you fear? What’s in your pocket?’ Director Kevin Macdonald posed these three questions on YouTube and, with his team, sifted through more than 81,000 contributions to create a frank, moving snapshot of life in countries all over the world. Rated 12, on YouTube

Anna Smith is a film critic and host of the podcast Girls On Film

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• Documentary films

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The Best Documentaries About Traveling

Vote up your favorite documentary films and series about traveling.

Who doesn’t daydream about travelling around the world in search of the most beautiful places imaginable? Nothing is a better escape for the mind during a long work day than dreaming about the next vacations you’ll have and where you’ll spend them! There are many documentaries out there that show different parts of the world and even provide tips about how to travel safely. This list will answer that burning question, "What are the best documentaries about travel ?"   No matter why you're interested in travel documentaries, there is certain to be the perfect one for you on this list! These films and shows have been ranked as the absolute best to watch for the topic of traveling. Many of these focus on specific countries like Switzerland, Germany, Australia, Africa, Scotland, England, and Ireland, while others feature real-life adventures that people have experienced, like climbing Mt. Everest or taking a cross-country motorcycle ride.   This list has the best travel documentaries, including: An Idiot Abroad, By Any Means, Craigslist Joe, Michael Palin’s New Europe, Don’t Tell My Mother and Madventures . If you’ve seen any of the travel documentaries below, vote up your favorite. Or, add the doc you love, if it is missing from this list.

Long Way Round

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations

An Idiot Abroad

Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days

Rick Steves: European Travel Skills and Specials 2000-2009

Long Way Down

The National Parks: America's Best Idea

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10 best travel shows and documentaries on Netflix and Disney+ Hotstar

International borders are slowly opening up. Time to reawaken your traveler’s spirit!

Now that the global health crisis has subsided, which opens up many borders for international tourism to return, let's wake our traveler's spirit up and revisit what it feels like to hop on board and venture into exciting destinations around the world with these travel shows and documentaries on Netflix and Disney+ Hotstar.

Travel Shows and Documentaries on Netflix

Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby (2018)

Hosts Giles Coren and Monica Galetti check into a hotel in world-renowned locations but with a catch: they go on board as hotel staff to get an insider’s glimpse of the hotel industry in various countries like Singapore, Sweden and Kenya.

Dark Tourist (2018)

Journalist David Farrier braves it out to explore tourist-unfriendly locations and experiences that most of us would avoid. The most intriguing episodes have had Farrier taking part in an exorcism in Mexico, traversing a deserted island in Japan and dining with a “vampire” family in New Orleans.

Expedition Happiness (2017)

Filmmaker Felix Starck and his musician beau Selima Taibi—both free spirits—embark on a one-year expedition around the world aboard a revamped school bus and accompanied by their dog. This one’s a good watch with your significant other!

Twogether (2020)

Lee Seung-gi of South Korea and Jasper Liu of Taiwan team up to discover what Asia has to offer. They shoot the show without a script, and rely instead on “missions” given by fans who help them journey through unfamiliar territory in Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal and many more countries in the region.

The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals (2021)

BFF trio—Jo Franco, Megan Batoon and Luis D. Ortiz—cruise all over the world with a mission to seek out only the best and most wonderful accommodations. So far, they’ve featured an over-water villa in Bali, a floating mansion in Miami, an ice cabin in Finland, a snake house in Mexico City, and a cosy but cheap bungalow in the Bahamas.

Splendid cinematography, useful tips and tricks and the inclusion of reasonably priced places make this show all-around entertaining. There’s no way the travel bug won’t bite after watching it.

Travel Shows and Documentaries on Disney+ Hotstar

Expedition Everest (2020)

A team of scientists climbs 8,000 meters to the top of Mount Everest to find out more about the effects of global warming.

Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted (2019)

Notorious chef Gordon Ramsy sets out on journeys in search of elusive ingredients for his next scrumptious creation. Apart from learning a thing or two about cooking, you’ll find yourself rooting for Ramsay to succeed as he overcomes obstacles in locations such as Peru, Laos, Morocco, Hawaii, Alaska and New Zealand.

India from Above (2020)

India is one of the destinations that has long fascinated many world voyagers. India from Above can help you come up with a thorough itinerary across this extraordinary country, as the team traverses India and captures its fascinating diverse cultures and people.

Inside North Korea (2019)

You’re probably intrigued as we are about the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea aka North Korea, and this insightful documentary may just satisfy your curiosity. The team ventured into the elusive nation and recorded various aspects, from its culture to its history, to how people from all walks of life make a living.

Lost Cities with Albert Lin (2020)

National Geographic explorer and scientist Albert Lin explores ancient archaeological sites across the globe using science and technology. In his quests, he unveils hidden secrets and exciting stories about El Dorado in Colombia, Petra in Jordan and Stonehenge in England.

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The Travel Sisters

Best travel shows to watch right now (on tv, netflix, amazon prime & other streaming services).

by The Travel Sisters | Oct 20, 2020 | Travel Inspiration | 3 comments

And if you are looking for more travel related things to watch, here is a list of the best travel movies of all time .

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Best Travel Shows and Series

Best Travel Shows on Netflix

The following travel shows and series are available on Netflix only.

Ugly Delicious

Recommended by Stephanie from Explore More Clean Less

Ugly Delicious is a relatively new food focused travel show that follows celebrity chef David Chang, founder of Momofuku, as he explores both across the United States and internationally. The episodes are loose and casual, showing Chang investigating the history of different regional cuisines and food rivalries. His guests range widely including other chefs, writers, actors, and artists, but they tend to share similar air time to the restaurant owners and people off the street. The focus blurs between culture and personal, feeling like you’re the fly on a wall while interesting people who love food hang out and chat about it. There’s no way to watch it and not be itching to travel to a new region and try some of the foods they highlight!

Travels With My Father

Recommended by Lee from The Travel Scribes

From the moment they touchdown in Bangkok, Thailand and make their way to the famous Khao San Road, the Netflix series Travels with my Father  will capture your heart, and tickle your funny bone.

Chronicling the experiences of British father and son duo, Jack and Michael Whitehall, this laugh a minute series not only showcases some of the globe’s most famous destinations but features the offbeat, slightly sarcastic relationship between Jack, a 30-something comedian still longing for his backpacker days and Michael, his elderly ever-suffering dad. The drama (and the giggles) are mostly driven by the vastly different travel styles of the two: Jack, the singlet and loud shorts-wearing millennial who is most comfortable in questionable hostels and eating street food and Michael, a slightly uptight luxury traveller who insists on wearing his ‘Sunday best’ on the streets of Southeast Asia and checking into five star hotels.

The show, now in its third season, sees the unlikely pair traverse the globe with jaunts in South East Asia, Europe and, more recently, a tour of the USA. This is must-watch viewing for anyone who loves British comedy and travel, in each measure.

Somebody Feed Phil

Recommended by Amber from Food And Drink Destinations

From the creator of the hit comedy series, Everyone Loves Raymond, comes the Netflix food travel series, Somebody Feed Phil. Following the culinary journeys of Phil Rosenthal, Somebody Feed Phil presents food travel from the “average” travelers perspective. Phil is by no means a food professional like Anthony Bourdain or Andrew Zimmern. Phil is an easy going family man who just happens to LOVE food. Over 2 seasons and 12 episodes, Phil with his mall crew, including his brother, travel to some of the best food destinations around the world. Phil’s childlike enthusiasm for each new destination, cuisine and culinary experience is priceless. His inquisitive nature and ability to connect with people makes Somebody Feed Phil a one of a kind culinary travel show. For those interested in traveling for food, Somebody Feed Phil attempts to alleviate the fear of trying the local food. It’s certainly worth watching. Netflix has also previously announced a season 3 with episodes scheduled to air sometime in 2020.

Dark Tourist

Recommended by Martha from Quirky Globetrotter

Nowadays, travel is often painted as an Instagrammable pastime. Yet, there is a surge of tourists who are looking for quite the opposite and want to see the not-so-glamorous parts of the world. We’re not talking off the beaten path. We’re talking more about what happens behind closed doors and what rumors try to speculate. The trend of traveling and diving into the taboo and unknown comes to life in the Netflix show, “ Dark Tourist .”

Whether it’s visiting radioactive nuclear sites or learning about gruesome assassinations, it’s the sense of forbiddenness or coveted secrets that these tourists ache for. Have you ever wondered why people are so enthralled by serial killer documentaries? The same thrill takes place in these destinations. (Don’t worry, there’s a Jeffrey Dahmer tour for you true crime aficionados.) Dark tourism profits off exposing the occult or veiled history of these locales.

Recommended by Laura from What’s Hot?

Our Planet is one of David Attenborough’s latest documentary series and was made directly for Netflix. Like all his other series, this one is beautifully shot, highly informative and well-loved by all the family. What sets One Planet apart from some of the others however is the focus upon how human life and global warming are destroying these natural havens. Attenborough takes us to some of the most beautiful and peaceful places on Earth before showing us the tragic consequences that have left other, similar areas barren wastelands.

Alternating between land and sea, you’ll go to the desert, the depths of the ocean, the jungles and the coast. This is an important one for avid travellers because it will jointly inspires us to travel more of the world’s secluded locations but also to do so in a way which doesn’t disturb our planet.

Emily in Paris

Recommended by Matilda

Emily in Paris is about a young American woman who lands a job in a Parisian marketing firm. The show was created by the same person as Sex and The City and has a similar vibe only instead of New York heavily features Paris. It is fun, somewhat campy and an easy watch. While I wouldn’t recommend it as an entirely accurate portrayal of French culture, the scenery is absolutely beautiful and reminds me why Paris is one of my all-time favorite cities.

Best Travel Shows on TV, Amazon Prime Video and Other Streaming Services

The following travel shows and series are available on TV, Amazon Prime Video and/or various streaming services (such as Hulu).

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An Idiot Abroad

Recommended by Haley Plotkin, Ready Set Jet Set

An Idiot Abroad is a hysterical British travel docu-series following Karl Pilkington, a man that one could call an “idiot savant”. What everyone has to know about Karl is, he really does not like to travel. Knowing this, his friends Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, who one may know as famous British comedic actors, send Karl on epic adventures all across the world, with some twists and pranks along the way. These are the kind of trips that most people would kill for, but to Karl, he’d rather be home with a cup of tea. One of the highlights of the show is the Karl-isms along the way, such as: “The Great Pyramid is overrated. It’s a bad design. The lounge is going to be huge, but the bedroom is going to be tiny.” This is really not your typical travel show, and that’s what makes it a must-watch!

Where to Watch: This show is a few years old, so it is not currently airing anywhere in the US (it was created for Sky TV in the UK). In the US, you can buy it digitally on platforms such as Amazon Prime , Vudu , and iTunes .

The Layover

Recommended by Paula Morgan from Expert Abroad

The Layover was just one of the many travel shows that featured everyone’s favourite food traveller Anthony Bourdain. It aired for three seasons between 2011-2013 and after watching the very first episode on a 48-hour visit to New York it will likely change the way you travel forever.

No longer will you book the fastest trip to your destination. A stopover is not viewed as a hardship it is now something to embrace. The series covered 20 cities and racing against the clock Bourdain showed the audience the best things to eat, see and do, usually with a knowledgeable local as his sidekick.

The pace at times seems a little exhausting and you may not manage to cover as much in your 24 hours as the pro’s do but they make it easy for you to pick a few things for your next visit.

The team covered almost all of the main transit hubs across Asia, Europe and the USA including Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco and NYC. Next time you find a cheap flight because of a long stopover check the series list and start making some plans.

Where to Watch: You can watch The Layover on Amazon Prime or The Travel Channel . Some episodes are also on YouTube .

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

Recommended by Arrianne Guzman from Travel Habeat

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown is a travel and food show featuring an amazing chef exploring destinations less traveled by. As it inspires you to explore off-the-beaten paths, you’ll delve into intricate cultures, rich history, and beautiful people. You’d realize that a dish is more than what goes in a plate, it’s about tradition, heritage, and way of living. Catch Anthony tries a delectable Filipino dish called sisig and a scrumptious dessert fondly named “halo-halo” while grasping how the Philippines spend an extended Christmas season. Unravel with him the complicated past of Koreatown in Los Angeles and see what it was like to grow up Korean American. Or maybe you’d agree with him how a salad of fermented tea leaves can taste good in Myanmar.

Where to Watch: An original CNN series, it is available in digital media platforms including Amazon Prime , iTunes, and Vudu .

Expedition Unknown

Recommended by Albi from Ginger Around the Globe

Expedition Unknown is a TV show that will sparkle the heart of every traveler, who loves history. Josh Gates will take you around the globe and at the same time, you will see him and other archeologists, solving ancient mysteries. You will get to know about Kruger treasure, where is the tomb of last Inka king and more Indiana Jones mysteries like this. So you will see all kinds of places and at the same time, know their history and local culture. It is very informative, fun and wanderlusty.

Where to Watch: You can watch the show on the Discovery Channel or on the Travel Channel . If you prefer streaming services, you can also find the show on Hulu or Amazon Prime Video .

Rick Steves Travel Series

Recommended by Noel Morata from Travel Photo Discovery

One of my favorite travel shows that turned me onto traveling was watching the PBS travel programs with Rick Steve’s. Primarily focused on travels in Europe, Rick Steve’s showcased an amazing series of places to visit around Europe and each lovely country. He initially visits a destination and hops around with a local expert to show the highlights, enjoy some local food and drink and see some cultural treasures along with connecting with locals, merchants and everyday people. It makes it so fascinating to watch his programs and really shows audiences the connection with people, place, culture and food makes traveling to Europe so wonderful and fun. Rick Steve’s has created a lot of guide books about individual countries that you can purchase or just watch his TV series on PBS for inspiration for planning a trip to a specific country in Europe that has always been on your bucklist of places to visit. So if you are looking for inspiration about a particular country with all the bells and whistles of what makes each area so unique and special, check out any of his programs on TV. You’ll be hooked and wanting to binge watch all of his programs in a row.

Where to Watch: On TV at PBS and Amazon Prime Video

Booze Traveler

Recommended by Megan Starr

One of the best shows to watch for those that love combining travel with beverages and food is Booze Traveler, a show by The Travel Channel that showcases a host traveling around the world in search for special alcoholic drinks in countries that he visits. I actually helped with a couple of the episodes back in the day (Lithuania and Armenia ) and it really brought to light how many unique drinks exist in every place that you travel! They travel across the globe from Hawaii to Armenia to Nepal and beyond. It is a really refreshing show!

Where to Watch: The best way to watch Booze Traveler is to catch reruns on-demand from The Travel Channel in the US. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video .

Recommended by Coni from Experiencing the Globe

Three Canadian friends decide to leave the Great White North behind and explore the world. They pack a bag, say goodbye to friends and family, and off they go. The initial plan is to spend a year traveling, but it quickly transforms into three whole years.

They spend a month in India, another in Japan, another in New Zealand. As they start feeling more comfortable on the road, the push their own boundaries and head to tougher destinations, like Libya and North Korea. They explore Greenland during winter, meet ancient tribes in Papua New Guinea and travel across the different scientific bases of Antarctica .

It’s impossible not to get inspired with the tons of wanderlust Departure sends our way.

Where to Watch: Available on Apple iTunes and Hoopla .

James May: Our Man in Japan

Recommended by Emma from Emma Jane Explores

Top Gear’s James May might seem like a strange choice for a travel show host, but the bumbling Englishman is an endearing host as he takes viewers on a comprehensive trip around Japan from North to South. Always happy to throw himself into any bizarre situation, Our Man in Japan sees May participate in all sorts of activities from dog sledding in Hokkaido to painting Mount Fuji with a renowned Japanese artist. Streaming on Amazon Prime, Our Man in Japan covers a whole lot of unique quirks that make the country a must-travel destination for all kinds of traveller types. Whether you’re a first timer to Japan or a serial visitor, Our Man in Japan will make you all kinds of eager to get back over to the land of the rising sun soon.

Where to Watch: You can watch on Amazon Prime Video only.

Planet Earth

Recommended by Roshni from The Wanderlust Within

The award-winning, BBC documentary series, Planet Earth was first shown in 2006. It took four years to film, using 71 cameramen in 64 different countries. The series was the most expensive nature documentary series ever commissioned by the BBC and the first to be filmed in high definition. The 11 episode series is narrated by David Attenborough and celebrates the natural world in a way you’ve never seen it before. Each episode features a different biome or habitat on Earth and lasts 50 minutes plus an extra 10 minutes of behind the scenes footage showing the challenges of filming the episode.

Ten years after the first series, Planet Earth II was released showing how animals meet the challenges of surviving in the most iconic habitats on earth. A third sequel is planned to air in 2022.

Where to Watch: All 11 episodes of Planet Earth , and all 6 episodes of Planet Earth II are available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.

Samantha Brown: Places to Love

Recommended by Francesca Makana of Homeroomtravel

Samantha Brown has been an icon in the travel world for my entire life. Back in the day, she was best known for her Passport series . Present-day she hosts Samantha Brown: Places to Love. In this show, Brown showcases some lesser-known destinations, like the Texas Hill Country, and covers things to do in that area. Although she does still cover larger, well-known cities, such as Shanghai, she will not just list the main tourist sites. Instead, she interacts with the locals and finds unique things to do in that location.

Where to Watch: Viewers can catch Places to Love on PBS and select episodes on the PBS website .

Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure

Recommended by Emily from Wander-Lush

There are few parts of the world that inspire wanderlust more than Central Asia. In this 2018 miniseries, British actress and supermodel, Joanna Lumley (you may recognize her from the 1990s comedy sitcom Absolutely Fabulous) retraces parts of the fabled Silk Road trading route from the perspective of a tourist.

Over four episodes, she travels from Venice to Uzbekistan via Iran, Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan, visiting caravanserais, fire temples and bazaars along the way. This series brings to life the cross-pollination of ideas and influences that characterizes this part of the world where East intersects with West.

Lumley’s dry British humor and insatiable curiosity make her a terrific host. Even if you’re never considered visiting Central Asia and the Caucasus before, this series will inspire you to follow the footsteps of Marco Polo on one of the most epic overland journeys of all time.

Where to Watch: Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure is currently available to stream via Amazon Prime UK . Some episodes are also on YouTube .

Recommended by Ruby from A Journey We Love

Travel Man is a 30 minute British TV show hosted by Richard Ayoade shown on Channel 4 (UK). Each week, he travels with someone for a quick getaway (48-72 hours) and breaks down tourist sites, what to eat, facts about the city and banters around with his co-presenter for the week. For people living abroad, you can watch some of the shows on Channel 4’s website, and there are also full episodes available on Travel Man’s official YouTube channel . What makes the show interesting is that the host, Richard Ayoade, is not a big traveler nor is he a big fan of trying new things. It makes for a great perspective on how to plan quick weekend getaways for those who are planning trips with people who don’t like to travel and how to make it interesting for them. It also makes the series very funny because watching the host’s reactions and monologues is absolutely priceless.

Where to Watch: For people living abroad, you can watch some of the shows on Channel 4’s website, and there are also full episodes available on Travel Man’s official YouTube channel . You can also find episodes on Amazon Prime Video .

The Amazing Race

Recommended by us

The Amazing Race is our favorite travel show and we have been watching it from the beginning. The American reality competition show has aired 32 seasons on CBS since its premiere in 2001. If you enjoy the drama of reality competition shows and are also a travel lover then you will love The Amazing Race . Each season takes place in a few different countries and in total The Amazing Race has visited over 90 different countries and six continents. Teams of two people (usually couples, friends, or family members) race around the world, solving clues and completing tasks and challenges along the way. Relationships are tested and there are sometimes arguments between teammates and with other teams. The last team to finish each leg is eliminated until three teams race to the finish line in order to win $1 million. Fun fact: We actually applied to be on the show as a sisters team (more than ten years ago and long before we started this blog) but alas we were not chosen!

Where to Watch: You can stream old seasons of the Amazing Race on CBS All Access , Amazon Prime Video and various streaming services such as Hulu .

Did your favorite travel show or series make the list?

Some good recommendations on this list for sure. James May also has some other travel shows that can be found on Netflix, Youtube, etc. Although it’s a Vlog and not a true TV show I would add Kara and Nate’s Vlog show from Youtube. They have visited over a 100 countries and it’s one of the best. If you’ve never watched them, just start with their first show and binge watch it through to today.

Thanks for the suggestion. Will check them out!

I’ll recommend a few new ones. AppleTV has “Long Way Up” from the “Long Way Down” and “Long Way Around” fame. Actor Ewan McGregor and his friend, Charley Boorman from the tip of South America to Los Angeles on electric Harley Davidson motorcycles. I pretty much hate AppleTV+ but this show is so very good. You might check out Max&Lee on Youtube which has recently continued on with Max&Occy. This is one of many Vanlife travel vlogs but it’s better than most. Start at the beginning with Max & Lee and work your way forward for good binge-watching. I will also add in a bonus travel vlog from YouTube and that is Sergio & Rhoda in Isreal. This couple travels around Isreal and shows details about various historical sites with a local flair. Very interesting for those that enjoy this region.

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The Best Documentaries on Netflix that Will Satisfy Your Curious Mind

D ocumentaries offer a captivating glimpse into real-life stories, historical events, and fascinating mysteries, satisfying our curiosity and expanding our understanding of the world. With an array of compelling subjects, Netflix boasts a diverse selection of documentaries that are sure to pique your interest and satisfy your curious mind. Here are some of the best documentaries on Netflix that promise to inform, entertain, and inspire.

1. World War II: From the Frontlines

Dive into the depths of one of the most significant conflicts in history with this gripping docuseries. Through vividly enhanced archival footage and voices from all sides of the conflict, "World War II: From the Frontlines" brings the tumultuous era to life like never before. Featuring narration by John Boyega, this series offers a comprehensive exploration of WWII's pivotal moments and enduring impact.

2. MH370: The Plane That Disappeared

In 2014, the world was stunned when Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 vanished from radar, leaving behind a haunting mystery. Delve into this modern enigma with the docuseries "MH370: The Plane That Disappeared," which explores the baffling disappearance of the aircraft and the ongoing search for answers. Through interviews, archival footage, and expert analysis, this series sheds light on one of aviation's greatest mysteries.

3. The Greatest Night in Pop

Step back in time to a historic moment in music history with "The Greatest Night in Pop." This documentary takes viewers behind the scenes of the iconic recording session for "We Are the World," the legendary charity single produced to raise funds for African famine relief in 1985. With archival footage and insightful interviews, this film offers a fascinating glimpse into the making of a pop culture phenomenon.

4. Curry & Cyanide - The Jolly Joseph Case

True crime enthusiasts won't want to miss "Curry & Cyanide - The Jolly Joseph Case," a gripping documentary that unravels the shocking story of Jolly Joseph and the six mysterious deaths in her family. Through in-depth interviews and compelling reenactments, this film delves into the chilling details of the case, exploring the motives and methods behind the crimes.

5. Unknown: The Lost Pyramid

Embark on an archaeological adventure with "Unknown: The Lost Pyramid," a captivating documentary that follows Egyptian archaeologists as they search for a buried pyramid. Uncovering tombs and artifacts dating back over 4,000 years, this film offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of ancient Egypt and the quest to unlock its secrets.

6. Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones

Discover the secrets to longevity and vitality with "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones." Join author Dan Buettner as he travels the globe to explore five unique communities known as Blue Zones, where people live remarkably long and healthy lives. Through interviews with centenarians and insights from experts, this series offers valuable lessons on how to optimize health and well-being.

7. Ancient Apocalypse

Journey into the past with journalist Graham Hancock as he explores the mysteries of lost civilizations in "Ancient Apocalypse." From submerged cities to enigmatic monuments, this series uncovers evidence of ancient cultures dating back to the last Ice Age. With Hancock's expertise and enthusiasm, viewers are treated to a captivating exploration of humanity's distant past.

8. Mysteries of the Faith

Delve into the world of sacred relics and miraculous phenomena with "Mysteries of the Faith." This intriguing documentary explores the history and significance of Catholic relics believed to possess extraordinary powers. From relics of saints to artifacts of religious significance, this series offers a fascinating look at the intersection of faith, history, and mystery.

9. FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened

Explore one of the most infamous events in recent history with "FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened." This documentary chronicles the rise and fall of the ill-fated Fyre Festival, a luxury music event that descended into chaos and controversy. Through firsthand accounts and behind-the-scenes footage, this film offers a cautionary tale of hubris, deception, and the power of social media.

10. The Deepest Breath

Experience the thrill of freediving and the pursuit of human potential with "The Deepest Breath." This captivating documentary follows a record-setting freediving champion and a heroic safety diver as they attempt a remarkable feat that pushes the limits of human endurance. With breathtaking underwater footage and intimate interviews, this film captures the essence of exploration, determination, and the quest for greatness.

From gripping historical accounts to captivating true crime stories, the best documentaries on Netflix offer a wealth of knowledge, intrigue, and inspiration. Whether you're fascinated by wartime history, unsolved mysteries, or the secrets of longevity, there's something for everyone to explore and discover. So, grab your popcorn and settle in for an enlightening journey through some of the most compelling stories and phenomena of our time.

Best U.S. cities to travel to with your dog

Dog parents know the worst part of a vacation is leaving their pooch behind.

But some cities in the U.S. make it much easier than others to travel with your dog.

Based on certain factors — like dog-friendly hotels, bars, restaurants, beaches, and number of vet offices in the area — USA Today and Blueprint developed a ranking of the best places to visit with your dog.

It found that the top dog-friendly destination in the country is Flagstaff, Arizona.

Flagstaff had the highest concentration of dog-friendly accommodations among all cities in the rankings. The city offers 56 dog-friendly accommodations per 100,000 people.

For comparison, the second-best dog-friendly city, San Luis Obispo, California, offers 32 dog-friendly accommodations per 100,000 people.

Flagstaff earned a perfect score in the rankings, with 132 dog-friendly trails, 382 vet offices, 39 dog-friendly restaurants, 12 dog-friendly beaches and six dog-friendly bars per 100,000 people.

The state with the most dog-friendly destinations was California.

Three California cities made the top 10 most dog-friendly destinations.

In addition to San Luis Obispo, that also includes Santa Barbara and San Diego.

But the city in the U.S. with the most dog-friendly restaurants can be found on the other side of the country.

Key West, Florida, had the most dog-friendly eateries of all cities analyzed in the rankings, with 122 per 100,000 residents.

Other cities that made the top 10 include Austin, Texas; Portland, Oregon; Naples, Florida; Nashville, Tennessee; and Denver.

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The Best True Crime Documentaries to Stream Now

Add these true crime documentaries to your must-watch list

Jacqueline Weiss is a contributing writer at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2022. Her work has previously appeared in Food & Wine, Insider and Apartment Therapy.

Courtesy of HBO

Some documentaries aren't exactly for the faint of heart.

Though many true crime documentaries and docuseries tell a cautionary tale, they can also leave your heart racing and send a chill down your spine. But with so many streaming services to choose from, and several options on each platform, it can be hard to narrow down what to watch.

Among financial crimes, mysterious murders, cults and notorious serial killers, here are some of the best true crime documentaries to stream now.

In HBO's Emmy-winning 2015 docuseries, director Andrew Jarecki sat down with wealthy New York City real estate heir Robert Durst , interviewing him about the three murders he was accused of (to which he shockingly confessed on camera ). Now, nearly a decade later, HBO revisits the aftermath and shares what happened next — chronicling Durst's life sentence and his death at age 78 in January 2022 — in Part Two . The series premiered on April 21, with the remaining five episodes every Sunday through May 12.

Watch The Jinx on Max

They Called Him Mostly Harmless

Courtesy of Max

When an unidentified hiker is found dead in a tent along the Appalachian Trail in Florida, fellow trekkers recall encounters with him but only know him by his nickname, "Mostly Harmless." This Max documentary profiles the internet sleuths who dedicated themselves to uncovering the man's true identity — leading to unexpected twists and turns.

Watch They Called Him Mostly Harmless on Max

Ctrl+Alt+Desire

CBS/Paramount+

Ensnared in an obsession with Bulgarian live cam model Silviya "Silvie" Ventsislavova — even stealing money from his family to spend it on her services — Grant Amato 's infatuation escalates to murdering his parents and brother when he's forbidden from further contact. Learn more about the chilling saga of Grant's crimes and consequential trial in this telling docuseries, ultimately resulting in a life sentence behind bars.

Watch Ctrl+Alt+Desire on Paramount+

Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV

Investigation Discovery

Ever since Jennette McCurdy 's 2022 memoir, I'm Glad My Mom Died , exposed the toxic culture of the Nickelodeon empire and child stardom, other whistleblowers have stepped forward with additional revelations about the behind-the-scenes workings of the children's TV network. In this four-part docuseries (with a bonus episode premiering April 7 ), former child stars — including Drake & Josh 's Drake Bell , Zoey 101 's Alexa Nicolas — and crew members reflect on their experiences working with producer Dan Schneider , inappropriate actions both on- and off-screen and the untold stories of child actors being abused.

Watch Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV on Max

What Jennifer Did

Courtesy of Netflix

On the night of Nov. 8, 2010, a Vietnamese immigrant family in Ontario, Canada fell prey to a random home invasion — resulting in the death of mother Bich Ha and father Huei Hann Pan being shot and later falling into a coma, all while their daughter, Jennifer, was left bound as the sole witness. Netflix's documentary revisits this harrowing event, using police interrogation footage and testimonies to expose the truth behind Jennifer's deceptive eyewitness account.

Watch What Jennifer Did on Netflix

The Synanon Fix

Bruce Levine/HBO

During the late 1950s, Alcoholics Anonymous member Charles "Chuck" Dederich established a rehabilitation program now known as the "Church of Synanon" to aid people with drug addictions. Featuring exclusive archival footage and interviews with former members — including Dederich's daughter — HBO's four-part docuseries, The Synanon Fix , delves into the program's transformation into a cult-like movement, with practices such as forced vasectomies, abortions, divorces and more.

Watch The Synanon Fix on Max

The Outreau Case: A French Nightmare

Back in the early 2000s, the French town of Outreau became the epicenter of one of the nation's most contentious legal battles, where accusations of pedophilia within a single family soon implicated numerous townsfolk — sparking a judicial quagmire traced with investigative mishaps and scant evidence. This limited series delves into the intricacies of the case, unraveling its workings in an effort to explain its divisive conclusion.

Watch The Outreau Case: A French Nightmare on Netflix

The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping

Like Netflix's Hell Camp: Teen Nightmare , The Program explores the disturbing and still-spreading troubled teen industry, which pledges to "rehabilitate" rebellious youth through ruthless tactics: a topic recently brought into public consciousness by figures like Paris Hilton . Director Katherine Kubler — who endured trauma at the hands of a correctional institution, the Academy at Ivy Ridge — confronts her own past while unearthing a wider system of abuse through this docuseries.

Watch The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping on Netflix

American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders

On Aug. 10, 1991, journalist Danny Casolaro was found dead with his wrists slashed in a hotel bathtub. Although authorities classified his death as a suicide, those close to him speculated he was murdered for his investigation into a conspiracy he called "the Octopus" — a clandestine organization linked to government spyware, money laundering, Ronald Reagan ’s Iran-Contra affair and even murder. Decades later, photojournalist Christian Hansen attempts to pick up where Casolaro left off.

Watch American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders on Netflix

American Nightmare

When Aaron Quinn reported the implausible abduction of girlfriend Denise Huskins to the police in 2015, he found himself initially cast as the prime suspect, only to witness a jolting reversal as they — along with the media — shifted the responsibility onto her, accusing her of orchestrating a Gone Girl -style smokescreen . A three-part docuseries, American Nightmare dives headfirst into several thought-provoking issues, such as victim blaming and the glaring inadequacies in our criminal justice system.

Watch American Nightmare on Netflix

Lover, Stalker, Killer

Looking to begin afresh in Omaha, Neb., newly single mechanic Dave Kroupa connects with two promising women, meeting Liz Golyar on an online dating site and Cari Farver at his auto shop. Little did Kroupa anticipate that his budding love triangle would turn deadly , putting him and everyone he cares about in danger.

Watch Lover, Stalker, Killer on Netflix

UPI/Bettmann/Getty

Featuring exclusive interviews with the survivors, the 2023 documentary from CNN Films and Max explores the most bizzare mass kidnapping of all-time . In in Chowchilla, Calif., three masked men hijacked a bus carrying 26 school children — demanding a $5 million ransom — before loading them into soundproofed vans that drove them to the underground chamber where they were buried alive.

Watch Chowchilla on Max

#CyberSleuths: The Idaho Murders

Found stabbed to death in their off-campus residence on Nov. 13, 2022, four murdered students from the University of Idaho sparked the interest of an amateur TikTok sleuth team — spearheaded by @chroniclesofolivia — determined to bring the truth to light. As they combed through digital evidence, visited the crime scene, shared their theories online and surveyed police statements, this crew of true crime content creators is at the heart of this three-part Paramount+ docuseries, which ponders whether their efforts did more damage than good.

Watch #CyberSleuths: The Idaho Murders on Paramount+

Daughters of the Cult

In this five-part docuseries, firsthand accounts from survivors and other eyewitnesses reveal the story of the polygamous religious cult led by prophet Ervil LeBaron — nicknamed the "Mormon Manson" — who was known for mandating mass executions of his rivals. While it explores the brutality of these events, Daughters of the Cult also sheds light on themes of sisterhood and healing as those who managed to escape forge new beginnings.

Watch Daughters of the Cult on Hulu

The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard

Courtesy Lifetime Network

Having served eight years of her 10-year prison sentence for her role in the killing of her mother, Clauddine “Dee Dee,” Gypsy Rose Blanchard — a survivor of Munchausen by proxy — was granted early release on Dec. 28, 2023, catapulting her story back into the limelight. In a six-part Lifetime docuseries , Blanchard candidly shares her story in a tell-all interview conducted before her release. "As a survivor of relentless child abuse, this docuseries chronicles my quest for liberation and journey through self-discovery,” she states in a trailer . “I am unapologetically myself and unafraid to expose the hidden parts of my life that have never been revealed until now.”

Watch The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard on MyLifetime

The Curious Case of Natalia Grace

Investigation Discovery/YouTube

It's the story that left the world in disbelief . This ID documentary series follows Michael and Kristine Barnett , the white-picket-fence couple who adopt a young Ukrainian girl with dwarfism, Natalia , and accuse her of being an adult masquerading as a 6-year-old. However, the saga unearths new layers in the second season — which premiered Jan. 1 — as Natalia shares her harrowing experiences with her adoptive parents and has a face-to-face confrontation with Michael.

Watch The Curious Case of Natalia Grace on Max

Netflix's Bitconned tosses us back into the cryptocurrency circus of the late-2010s, unmasking the saga of Centra Tech: a Photoshop-wielding crypto company masterminded by co-founder Ray Trapani and his cohorts, who scammed millions from eager investors — all in the pursuit of funding their extravagant escapades. Using original interviews with Trapani, his family and his co-conspirators, this documentary untangles the web of lies spun by Trapani as he climbed the ladder to success.

Watch Bitconned on Netflix

Hell Camp: Teen Nightmare

In the rebellious era of the late-1980s, unruly teens nationwide were involuntarily sent to the Challenger Foundation: a two-month wilderness reformatory therapy camp, designed to instill discipline through a blend of aggressive tactics and inhumane conditions. As these misguided youths trekked hundreds of miles through the Utah desert, the shocking methods employed by the organization — founded by Steve Cartisano — are laid bare in this gripping 90-minute documentary featuring survivor testimonies.

Watch Hell Camp: Teen Nightmare on Netflix

Great Photo, Lovely Life: Facing a Family's Secrets

Amanda Mustard/HBO

Filmed over the course of eight years, this HBO Original documentary centers on Amanda Mustard, a photojournalist who returns to her Pennsylvanian hometown to investigate the decades of sexual abuse crimes committed by her grandfather. Featuring interviews with her family, survivors and the perpetrator himself, Great Photo, Lovely Life illustrates Mustard's attempt to confront the past and break the longstanding silence and shame surrounding her grandfather's actions.

Watch Great Photo, Lovely Life: Facing a Family's Secrets on Max

Born in Synanon

Paramount+

Directed by Geeta Gandbhir, this Paramount+ Original docuseries probes into the truth about Synanon , a once-thriving rehabilitation program that spiraled into a full-fledged cult. Spanning four revealing episodes with exclusive archival footage, as Cassidy — who was born into Synanon — and her mother, Sandra Rogers-Hare, reconnect with former members and exchange personal testimonies.

Watch Born in Synanon on Paramount+

Till Murder Do Us Part: Soering vs. Haysom

In 1990, Jens Soering was convicted for the double murder of Derek and Nancy Haysom, the parents of his then-girlfriend, Elizabeth — who faced two counts of accessory. However, this 2023 docuseries takes a deep dive into the lingering mysteries surrounding the case, posing the crucial question: Was the Haysoms' killer really Soering ... or could it have been their daughter?

Watch Till Murder Do Us Part: Soering vs. Haysom on Netflix

Escaping Twin Flames

Directed by Cecilia Peck ( Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult ), this three-part docuseries takes a closer look into the inner workings of the Twin Flames Universe, a controversial online community using coercion and exploitation to manipulate those seeking love. Escaping Twin Flames features exclusive interviews with former members sharing their experiences with the cult run by Shaleia and Jeff Ayan.

Watch Escaping Twin Flames on Netflix

Painkiller: The Tylenol Murders

WBBM/Courtesy of Paramount+

Decades after the 1982 Tylenol poisonings that killed seven people in Chicago, including a child, detectives are still grappling with the challenge of identifying the perpetrator. This five-episode docuseries zeroes in on a potential suspect, James Lewis, and scrutinizes the investigative missteps made by the police in this unsolved case.

Watch Painkiller: The Tylenol Murders on Paramount+

The Matthew Shepard Story: An American Hate Crime

Marking the 25th anniversary of Matthew Shepard's tragic death , ID Discovery's two-hour documentary pays tribute to the life and enduring impact of the gay college student who was brutally attacked and left for dead — a heinous act that ignited a nationwide conversation about the discrimination and violence confronting many LGBTQ Americans. The Matthew Shepard Story: An American Hate Crime features interviews from journalists, Shepard's loved ones and influential figures who were affected by the story, such as Rosie O'Donnell , Andrew Rannells and Adam Lambert .

Watch The Matthew Shepard Story: An American Hate Crime on Max

Who Killed Jill Dando?

Learn about one of the U.K.'s most perplexing mysteries as this three-part docuseries revisits the shocking events of April 26, 1999, when esteemed TV journalist Jill Dando was fatally shot on her own doorstep in broad daylight. With exclusive interviews featuring Jill's brother, Nigel, and Barry George, the man wrongly accused of her murder, the series explores the enigma surrounding her death and the ongoing quest to unmask the true identity of her killer.

Watch Who Killed Jill Dando? on Netflix

The Devil on Trial

In the infamous "Devil Made Me Do It" case, 19-year-old Arne Cheyenne Johnson's claim of demonic influence in the 1981 murder of his landlord, Alan Bono, not only drew public attention but also attracted paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren — the inspiration behind the third Conjuring film . The Devil on Trial unravels the trial and aftermath through reenactments, home videos and firsthand accounts from key figures, including Johnson himself.

Watch The Devil on Trial on Netflix

Scout’s Honor: The Secret Files of the Boy Scouts of America

Directed by renowned filmmaker Brian Knappenberger ( We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists , The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez ), this documentary delves beneath the happy-camper veneer of the Boy Scouts of America. Scouts Honor exposes the organization's history of sexual abuse , as revealed through interviews with former staff members, whistleblowers and survivors. 

Watch Scout’s Honor: The Secret Files of the Boy Scouts of America on Netflix

Never Let Him Go

From ABC News Studios, this four-part docuseries follows Steve Johnson's search for answers about the death of his brother Scott — a gay man found naked at the bottom of an Australian cliff in 1988, revealing a pattern of violent LGBTQ hate crimes in the region. With new evidence, home videos and exclusive interviews, Never Let Him Go captures the killer's confession and sentencing after his wife's tip-off to the police, three decades after the crime. 

Watch Never Let Him Go on Hulu

How to Be a Cult Leader

Ever wondered how people end up leading cults or how to stay steps ahead of getting roped into joining one? Narrated by Game of Thrones ' Peter Dinklage , this six-part docuseries offers an ironic manual to becoming a cunning puppeteer while exploring the tactics of six infamous cult leaders like Charles Manson and Marshall Applewhite .

Watch How to Be a Cult Leader on Netflix

Betrayal: The Perfect Husband

Based on the popular podcast of the same name, this ABC News docuseries reveals the unsettling story of Jennifer Faison and her husband , Spence Herron. Faison bravely tells her story of treachery and trauma as she exposes Herron's hidden sex addiction, extramarital affairs and predatory relationships with students, ultimately leading to his prison sentence for sexual assault.

Watch Betrayal: The Perfect Husband on Hulu

People Magazine Investigates

Check out the gripping world of true crime with PEOPLE's own docuseries as it delves into headline-worthy stories through exclusive interviews and new evidence, uncovering shocking revelations. The show's seventh season kicked off with a compelling episode recounting the 1977 murders of three Oklahoma Girl Scouts .

Watch People Magazine Investigates on Max

Myth of the Zodiac Killer

What if the Zodiac Killer was never caught ... because they never existed in the first place? Peacock's two-part docuseries challenges the notion of the infamous serial killer's mythical existence , looking at the inconsistencies in witness accounts and evidence through interviews and Artificial Intelligence. 

Watch Myth of the Zodiac Killer on Peacock

Last Call: When A Serial Killer Stalked Queer New York

Based on Elon Green's nonfiction book , HBO's gripping docuseries highlights the terror inflicted upon LGBTQ nightlife by a serial killer during the 1990s. This four-part saga delves into the systemic oppression prevalent during the time of the AIDS crisis and the efforts made by queer activists to seek justice for the victims.

Watch Last Call: When A Serial Killer Stalked Queer New York on Max

Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets

Courtesy of Amazon Prime Video

This four-part docuseries takes an in-depth exploration of the Duggars — one of reality TV's most prominent families who were at the forefront of TLC's 19 Kids and Counting — and the cultish practices of their religious organization, Institute in Basic Life Principles . Exposing the household's disturbing secrets that never made it on screen , Shiny Happy People touches on serious subjects such as sexual abuse, child pornography and religious trauma.

Watch Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets on Amazon Prime Video

How to Create a Sex Scandal

Based on a set of Texas Monthly articles written by Michael Hall, this limited docuseries focuses on the town of Mineola, Texas, where children shared horror stories about a sex trafficking ring that took effect at a local swinger's club. With multiple suspects sent to prison, it is later revealed that the children were brainwashed into making the whole thing up, which is further investigated by How to Create a Sex Scandal producer Elli Hakami ( House of Hammer ) and director Julian Hobbs.

Watch How to Create a Sex Scandal on Max

Victim/Suspect

Debuting at the Sundance Film Festival , Nancy Schwartzman's 2023 documentary observes investigative journalist Rae de Leon conducting her years-long research, where she examines the criminal justice pattern of women coming forward regarding their sexual assaults and getting penalized for "false reporting." Produced by de Leon, Amanda Pike, Julie Goldman, Alice Henty and Christopher Clements, Victim/Suspect raises awareness of this flawed system through de Leon's findings and by highlighting women's firsthand testimonies.

Watch Victim/Suspect on Netflix

Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed

This Peacock Original docuseries bridges the notorious murder case of brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez and the popular '80s boy band Menudo . Being charged with the first-degree murder of their parents in 1996, the Menendez brothers accused their Hollywood executive father of physical and sexual abuse — and decades later, one former Menudo member, Roy Rosselló, recounts his traumatic encounter with José Menendez , which may verify the brothers' past allegations.

Watch Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed on Peacock

Amityville: An Origin Story

MGM+ is stepping inside the house where a family of six was murdered , which became a paranormal conspiracy and served as the inspiration behind Jay Anson's popular Amityville Horror book and film franchise. This limited docuseries offers chilling never-before-seen footage, eyewitness testimonies and original photography to help make sense of this multilayered and haunting case.

Watch Amityville: An Origin Story on MGM+

American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing

Timed accordingly to the 10-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing, this 2023 docuseries looks closer into the domestic terrorist attack . Using archival footage, personal accounts and reenactments, American Manhunt discusses the two brothers responsible for the explosions near the finish line that killed three people and injured hundreds of others.

Watch American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing on Netflix

Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal

After Margaret "Maggie" Murdaugh, 52, and her son, Paul Murdaugh, 22, were found murdered at their hunting lodge in June 2021, their family's veiled history of corruption began to surface. This 2023 docuseries centers on the Murdaughs , South Carolina's illustrious legal dynasty, whose members were tied to multiple homicides, financial fraud and other alleged crimes. Eerily timely, shortly after this series came out, Alex Murdaugh was found guilty of Maggie and Paul's murders and sentenced to two life sentences in prison .

Watch Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal on Netflix

Waco: American Apocalypse

Self-declared prophet David Koresh indoctrinated a group of people living in Waco, Texas — notoriously known as the Branch Davidians — to believe the rapture was nearing and how they needed to ambush the U.S. government. Directed by Night Stalker 's Tiller Russell , this three-part limited series narrates the events that lead up to one of the most infamous and fatal police sieges in American history.

Watch Waco: American Apocalypse on Netflix

Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence

Stolen Youth chronicles the disturbing case of Larry Ray , a man who lured his daughter's college roommates into a sex cult. Over three hour-long parts, Hulu gets a closer look with personal accounts and unseen footage from Ray and the survivors.

Watch Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence on Hulu

Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street

Bernie Madoff defrauded global investors for decades, but eventually got caught. Netflix's 2023 docuseries investigates the story of the man behind one of the most notorious Ponzi schemes on Wall Street that defrauded investors of billions of dollars over two decades.

Watch Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street on Netflix

I Am Vanessa Guillen

I Am Vanessa Guillen shows what happened after the 2020 murder of U.S. Army soldier Vanessa Guillén. Her death garnered international attention after reports said she had been sexually harassed multiple times by a supervisor . This 2022 documentary features interviews with Guillén's family and their fight for answers and action, including the passage of the congressional " I Am Vanessa Guillén Act ", which revamped the way sexual harassment and assault cases are investigated in the military.

Watch I Am Vanessa Guillen on Netflix

Capturing the Killer Nurse

Intensive care unit nurse Charles Cullen confessed to killing at least 40 patients across various hospitals in 2003, but he almost got away with it. This 2022 documentary film gives an inside look into how investigators proved their case. After you've watched Capturing the Killer Nurse , watch its equally chilling dramatization , The Good Nurse , starring Eddie Redmayne and Jessica Chastain .

Watch Capturing the Killer Nurse on Netflix

Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey

The rise and fall of Warren Jeffs , the disgraced ex-president of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is chronicled in this four-part docuseries. The show includes stories from survivors and former members of the polygamy-practicing group. (The LDS church has said the FLDS has no affiliation with the wider church.) Jeffs married as many as 78 wives, including 24 underage girls, and oversaw the abuse of other women and children before his subsequent arrest and conviction.

Watch Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey on Netflix

The Real Bling Ring: Hollywood Heist

The Real Bling Ring: Hollywood Heist chronicles the real-life burglaries at celebrity homes in 2008 and 2009. The story was dramatized in Sofia Coppola 's The Bling Ring in 2013. Original group members Alexis Haines (née Neiers) and Nick Prugo recall their experiences in this three-part series.

Watch The Real Bling Ring: Hollywood Heist on Netflix

Ted Bundy: Falling for a Killer

Ted Bundy 's long-term girlfriend Elizabeth Kendall and other survivors came forward for the first time to participate in this five-part docuseries, framing his infamous crimes from a female perspective. With an emphasis on the victims, Falling for a Killer uses archival video footage, original photographs and new interviews to investigate the serial killer's attitude toward women.

Watch Ted Bundy: Falling for a Killer on Amazon Prime Video

The Most Hated Man on the Internet

In 2010, Hunter Moore, now a convicted criminal, started the website Is Anyone Up?, a porn site that primarily featured stolen and hacked photos. The site became a hub for revenge porn and doxing. A three-part docuseries, The Most Hated Man on the Internet follows one mother's mission to take down her daughter's nude photos from the site.

Watch The Most Hated Man on the Internet on Netflix

The Curse of Von Dutch: A Brand to Die For

The Curse of Von Dutch: A Brand to Die For is a three-part documentary series covering the rise and fall of the early aughts fashion brand. The series chronicles the controversy behind the iconic trucker hats, including the company's origins and its shady business practices.

Watch The Curse of Von Dutch: A Brand to Die For on Hulu

The Tinder Swindler

This 2022 docuseries tells the story of conman Simon Leviev (born Shimon Hayut), who swindled an estimated $10 million from people around the world. Presenting himself as the son of a Russian-Israeli diamond mogul, Hayut used Tinder to manipulate women into financially supporting his extravagant lifestyle, all while pretending he needed the money to escape his "enemies."

Watch The Tinder Swindler on Netflix

Our Father begins with one woman's at-home DNA test, which revealed that she had multiple half-siblings, all with the same father. Former Indianapolis fertility doctor Donald Cline inseminated unsuspecting patients with his own sperm in the '70s and '80s and is confirmed to be the biological father to more than 90 children, many of whom were interviewed for this 2022 documentary .

Watch Our Father on Netflix

The Unsolved Murder of Beverly Lynn Smith

Amazon Prime Video

This four-part docuseries covers the decades-long search for justice for Beverly Lynn Smith, who was found murdered in 1974 while her 10-month-old baby slept in the next room. Featuring interviews and firsthand accounts, the series also follows a controversial sting operation, which led to more questions about Smith's death.

Watch The Unsolved Murder of Beverly Lynn Smith on Amazon Prime Video

John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise

Told through the words of the serial killer himself , John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise chronicles his horrifying crimes . Using 1992 interview footage of Gacy — filmed two years before his execution — this docuseries goes into his past and the investigation that led to his arrest.

Watch John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise on Peacock

This 2020 documentary covers the survivors of abuse by former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar and how the investigative team at The Indianapolis Star first broke the story. Through interviews with survivors and journalists, Athlete A reveals how USAG covered up Nassar's abuse for years before it was brought to light.

Watch Athlete A on Netflix

Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal

The 2019 college admissions scandal made headlines with famous names like Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman , who were later charged with fraud for their involvement. This 2021 docuseries covers the criminal acts through interviews, wiretap transcripts and reenactments.

Watch Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal on Netflix

The Way Down : God, Greed and the Cult of Gwen Shamblin

HBO Max/Courtesy Everett

This five-part docuseries follows Gwen Shamblin Lara , founder of the Weigh Down Workshop diet program and the new Christian group The Remnant Fellowship. Shamblin Lara, who died in a plane crash while The Way Down was in post-production, was convinced that God had given her "the key to permanent weight control."

Watch The Way Down: God, Greed and the Cult of Gwen Shamblin on Max

Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives.

This four-part documentary series follows the downfall of Sarma Melngailis , once the chef and owner of the popular New York City vegan restaurant Pure Food and Wine, before she met and married a con artist. Anthony Strangis , who went by Shane Fox, coerced Melngailis into transferring $1.6 million to him from the business so they could become "immortal," leaving the business nearly bankrupt.

Watch Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives. on Netflix

Allen v. Farrow

HBO/Courtesy Everett

The four-part docuseries Allen v. Farrow revisits the allegations of sexual abuse against Woody Allen by his daughter Dylan Farrow , whom he adopted with actress Mia Farrow . The director has denounced the series , which also documents his fallout with Mia and their custody trial, as well as his relationship with Mia's daughter, Soon-Yi Previn , whom he married in 1997.

Watch Allen v. Farrow on Max

Killer Sally

In 1995, Sally McNeil , a former bodybuilder and marine, was found guilty of second-degree murder for the death of her husband, Ray McNeil. In this three-part docuseries, McNeil tells her side of the story after serving almost 25 years in prison and maintaining that she shot her husband in self-defense.

Watch Killer Sally on Netflix

Sins of Our Mother

Lori Vallow was a devoted mother — until she met fifth husband Chad Daybell , who indoctrinated Vallow with extreme doomsday beliefs. Lori and Daybell have been accused of murdering two of her children, Tylee Ryan and J.J. Vallow . In this three-part series, Lori's friends and family, including her son Colby Ryan , open up about the events leading up to Tylee and J.J.'s death.

Watch Sins of Our Mother on Netflix

Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer

In mid-1980s Los Angeles, serial killer Richard Ramirez lurked at night for victims to torture and murder. The crimes and eventual arrest of Ramirez, known as the "Night Stalker," are documented in this chilling four-part series .

Watch Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer on Netflix

Captive Audience: A Real American Horror Story

Produced by brothers Anthony and Joe Russo , this three-part series will leave you feeling spooked. Seven years after disappearing from his California home, 14-year-old Steven Stayner escapes his kidnapper and returns to his family. Years later, the Stayner family were again thrust into the spotlight following the horrific crimes of Steven's serial killer brother, Cary Stayner .

Watch Captive Audience: A Real American Horror Story on Hulu

Related Articles

TV’s Best-Ever Time-Travel Romance Shows, Ranked

What’s a few centuries between meant-to-be lovers? On television, the spacetime continuum is no match for romance, as characters overcome differences of decades and centuries to be with their true loves.

In other cases, time-traveling characters journey through the years with their love interests. Sometimes they change history together. And sometimes, time travelers end up unknowingly doting on a family member! (We call that Back to the Future Syndrome.)

Here are our picks for the best time-travel romances on television — and no, HBO’s version of The Time Traveler’s Wife is not one of them . A word of caution, though: Spoilers abound, and as far as we know, there’s no way to rewind time to un-read them.

The Umbrella Academy

This superhero series introduces decades-spanning romances when Viktor ( Elliot Page ) strikes up a romance with Sissy ( Marin Ireland ) and Klaus (Robert Sheehan) falls for Dave (Cody Ray Thompson) after the two super-powered characters travel to the 1960s.

The shape-shifting Time Lord of this long-running sci-fi drama (played by various actors) has companions but not really companions , though River Song ( Alex Kingston ) becomes his wife in a timeline-repairing wedding. They even spend a 24-year night on the planet Darillum together!

This hit castaway drama features characters traveling through time, either physically or mentally. And Season 4’s “The Constant” sends Desmond ( Henry Ian Cusick ) on a decade-skipping head trip, leading to a phone call with Penny ( Sonya Walger ) that probably ranks as the most romantic moment of the series.

Fans of this sci-fi drama — based loosely on the 1995 film of the same name — shipped the couple dubbed Casserole. That’d be James Cole ( Aaron Stanford ), a time traveler from the future, and Cassandra Railly ( Amanda Schull ), the current-day virologist who helps him try to thwart a global outbreak.

Someday or One Day

In this Taiwanese drama, Yu-hsuan (Ko Chia-yen) is still mourning the death of boyfriend Chuan-sheng (Greg Hsu) when she is transported two decades in the past and finds a boy who looks exactly like him. And it’s a Walkman that triggers her time-traveling — talk about a plot device!

A wormhole in the cave system under a German town’s nuclear power plant fractures this sci-fi series’ storyline into several decades: the 2050s, 2010s, the 1980s, the 1950s, the 1920s, and the 1880s. Romance abounds, though, which leads to some weird and paradoxical relationships: One character dates his own aunt, for example, while another character’s mother is also her daughter.

Dinosaurs aren’t the only ones in the wrong timeframe in this series. Matt ( Ciarán McMenamin ), an Anomaly Research Centre researcher from the future, and Emily (Ruth Bradley), a team member from the Victorian Era, bridge a centuries-long gap with their romance.

When Montego Air Flight 828 lands five and a half years late — the travel delay from hell! — its passengers have to adjust to an unfamiliar world. And one of the biggest shocks is that, for some of them, their significant others are now involved with other people.

This Stephen King adaptation stars James Franco as Jake, an English teacher assigned to travel to 1963 and prevent John F. Kennedy ’s assassination. In that decade, he finds an ally — and a romantic prospect — in librarian Sadie (Sarah Gadon). Eventually, he tells Sarah everything, and they work together to alter history forever.

Goodnight Sweetheart

Over a six-year run in the 1990s — and a TV special in 2016 — this sitcom chronicled the double life of TV repairman Gary ( Nicholas Lyndhurst ) as a portal lets him toggle between the 1940s and the present day. In the former timeframe, he’s dating Phoebe ( Dervla Kirwan , then Elizabeth Carling ). In the latter, he’s married to Yvonne (Michelle Holmes and Emma Amos). That still qualifies as cheating in our books!

How does a guy prove to his skeptical wife he’s a time traveler? In the case of San Francisco reporter Dan Vassar ( Kevin McKidd ), he buries her wedding ring in the backyard in the past and digs it up in the present. But then there’s that pesky fact that his ex-fiancée, Livia ( Moon Bloodgood ), is traveling through time, too…

A Discovery of Witches

In this adaptation of a Deborah Harkness book series, present-day witch Diana ( Teresa Palmer ) unwittingly brings fellow witches, daemons, and a dashing vampire named Matthew ( Matthew Goode ) to her doorstep. As you might expect, Diana and Matthew form a bond in Season 1. As you might not expect, they travel back to 1590 in Season 2.

Life on Mars

You know you’re not watching any old British cop show when the main character is hit by a car and sent from 2006 to 1973. And that timeframe is when detective Sam Tyler ( John Simm ) develops a relationship with the skeptical but sympathetic constable Annie Cartwright (Liz White).

This adventure series follows a Lifeboat team tasked with recovering a time machine from a fugitive (played by Goran Višnjić ) who develops feelings for Lifeboat leader Lucy ( Abigail Spencer ). Lucy. however, only has eyes for teammate Wyatt ( Matt Lanter )… though their timeline-meddling results in her engagement to another man!

A World War II nurse mysteriously travels two centuries in the past, where she meets a Highland warrior who will become her true love. This hit show, an adaptation of Diana Gabaldon ’s historical fantasy novel series, has countless fans swooning for, shipping, and fanficcing Claire ( Caitríona Balfe ) and Jamie ( Sam Heughan ).

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The 10 best new movies on netflix in may 2024.

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Chloë Grace Moretz stars in the action film 'Shadow in the Cloud.'

On the first day of each month, Netflix Netflix never fails—we are guaranteed a wealth of cinematic material that’ll keep us wondering what to watch next for hours. This has certainly been the case over the first few days of May, as the streaming service has gifted us with all sorts of great options. From dark indie dramas about addiction and familiar love to sci-fi reboots that reignite storied romances to a surprise documentary from A24 about conservation, there’s sure to be an option for any kind of movie lover. So...where do you start?

Hopefully I can help. Below, you’ll find my picks for the ten best new movies added to Netflix so far in May 2024. Past that, you’ll find a comprehensive list of every single new film available to subscribers. I’m guessing that you’ll find your next movie night flick in this bunch.

The Matrix: Resurrections (2021)

It’s the reboot we never thought would happen. Twenty-two years after the original film’s groundbreaking introduction , The Matrix: Resurrections picks up right where the story left off, thrusting viewers back into the perplexing virtual reality that captivated a generation. In this latest iteration, Keanu Reeves reprises his role as Neo, now living under the guise of an ordinary software developer, haunted by fractured memories of his past life. Lana Wachowski helms this ambitious sequel (this time without sister Lilly), spinning a tale of illusion and reality as Neo's dormant world begins to crack. Of course Carrie-Anne Moss returns as Trinity, with she and Neo’s chemistry reigniting forgotten passions and pivotal revolutions. Together, they navigate this rejuvenated matrix, challenging viewers to discern truth from illusion in a world that defies the boundaries of human understanding.

Sony Is Making A Truly Terrible Mistake With Helldivers 2 Update Sony Reverses Course

Apple ipad 2024 release date: your final, complete guide to what and when, drake kendrick lamar feud timeline drake denies certified pedophile allegation and claims he fed lamar false info, lola (2024).

Directed by Nicola Peltz Beckham, the daughter of a billionaire businessman, Lola was destined to have its haters. But behind the showbiz kid veneer is a deep, honest story that deserves more respect. Co-directed by Bria Vinaite, this dark drama navigates the precarious existence of its titular character, played with raw vulnerability by Peltz Beckham. Struggling to extricate her younger brother from their deleterious home environment, Lola’s life is irrevocably altered by a single night's tragedy. Beckham's directorial debut showcases a deep empathy for her characters, skillfully peeling back the layers of addiction and familial love, while delivering a compelling exploration of resilience and redemption. Supported by standout performances from Raven Goodwin and Richie Merritt, this film not only marks Beckham as a formidable force in front of and behind the camera but also delivers a powerful story about the bonds that sustain us through our darkest moments.

Hellboy (2019)

Back in 2004, Guillermo del Toro delivered what many people (including myself) considered to be a confident recreation of the Hellboy comic world while also elevating the superhero formula into a higher form of entertainment. In the 2019 reboot of Hellboy , director Neil Marshall, who gave us horror flicks like The Descent and Dog Soldiers, goes a decidedly different direction tonally, yet delivers a successful, modernized version of the wry superhero’s universe. This time, David Harbour dons the iconic red skin and horns, emerging as a conflicted hero wrestling with his demonic destiny while battling ancient forces bent on Earth's destruction. Under Marshall's direction, the film strides into darker territories, blending visceral combat with gothic horror. With Milla Jovovich as his nemesis and Ian McShane as his guide, the narrative arcs into the tumultuous life of Hellboy, exploring his struggle between preordained destruction and the fierce desire to forge his own path.

My Mercury (2024)

The documentary 'My Mercury' follows Yves Chesselet as a conservationist who transforms an island ... [+] into a sanctuary for endangered seabirds.

A surprise documentary is one thing—a surprise documentary from A24, however? That’ll get your attention. A brand new doc from the hottest production company in Hollywood, My Mercury immerses viewers in the passion and perils of Yves Chesselet, a 28-year-old conservationist who abandons the comforts of urban life to make a new home on the remote Mercury Island off Namibia's coast. Under his watch, the island transforms into a sanctuary for endangered seabirds, necessitating the removal of 15,000 seals. Directed by Yves’s sister Joelle Chesselet and co-directed by Pippa Ehrlich, who brought the Oscar-winning My Octopus Teacher , this documentary blends intimate diary entries and extensive video footage, capturing Yves' profound connection with nature against a backdrop of personal and ecological narratives. His journey not only underscores the harsh realities of conservation but also paints a stark portrait of the sacrifices required to reclaim nature's balance in our Anthropocene era.

You can find the trailer for My Mercury on Netflix.

Mortal Kombat (2021)

The original Mortal Kombat from Paul W.S. Anderson has always been a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine. But for anybody who desired a much more polished blockbuster, the 2021 reboot may have been a welcome surprise. Under Simon McQuoid's direction, the new Mortal Kombat resurrects the legendary tournament by introducing Cole Young, portrayed by Lewis Tan, a fighter marked by destiny yet ignorant of his powerful lineage. As he's thrust into a brutal battle that spans realms, the film unleashes a flurry of martial arts mastery and fantastical fatalities that the franchise is known for. Iconic warriors like Sub-Zero and Scorpion return, executing their signature moves in a high-stakes war between Earth and the Outerworld. Starring super watchable all-stars like Tan, Jessica McNamee, and Josh Lawson, this reboot delivers a visceral journey into the heart of combat, where every fight is a dance with death.

Unfrosted (2024)

Jerry Seinfeld has accomplished a great deal during his career. But prior to this moment, he had never directed a movie. But Netflix changed all that with Unfrosted , which catapults us back to the swinging '60s where we delve into the madcap origin story of the Pop-Tart. In Battle Creek, Michigan, a frantic race between Kellogg's and Post unfolds—and not for space exploration, but for breakfast supremacy. From the looks of the trailer, Seinfeld injects his trademark humor into this film in which he also stars, celebrating the absurdity of corporate America's quest to invent a new breakfast classic. The cast, including Jim Gaffigan in a humorously tight suit, along with Melissa McCarthy, Hugh Grant, and Amy Schumer, this comedy aims to deliver a delightful romp that embodies the quirky spirit of the era.

The Best Man Holiday (2013)

Every year, we like to highlight the best Christmas movies, as well as the most underrated ones—and The Best Man Holiday always makes its way onto my personal list. This sequel reunites viewers with the cherished circle of friends from the original film after nearly 15 years, discovering how time and circumstance have shaped their lives. Directed by Malcolm D. Lee, the ensemble cast led by Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, and Nia Long reconvenes over a festive Christmas gathering, where old rivalries and romances reignite amid the joy and camaraderie of the holiday season. The film beautifully balances humor with heartfelt honesty, weaving through themes of forgiveness, growth, and the enduring power of friendship. Every character is rewarded with a compelling story that’s balanced by the electric energy surrounding them. If you’ve never seen the Best Man movies, get on it.

Dark Waters (2019)

Todd Haynes has delivered a number of highly dramatic classics over the years, from his 1990s output of Safe Safe and Velvet Goldmine to his recent work with Carol and May December. But one that went criminally overlooked was the 2021 legal thriller Dark Waters , which delves into the chilling depths of corporate greed and environmental desecration through the relentless pursuit of truth by a dogged attorney, portrayed compellingly by Mark Ruffalo. This Haynes film unfolds a real-life saga of an unassuming lawyer who stumbles upon a chemical leviathan poisoning a small town. Supported by Anne Hathaway and Tim Robbins, Ruffalo's character peels back layers of deceit to reveal a haunting environmental catastrophe. This journey is not just a pursuit for justice but a revelation of how the human spirit can stand firm against a colossal tide of industrial malfeasance.

Shadow in the Cloud (2020)

Each year, we are gifted with all kinds of Oscar-worthy films that capture our hearts with their riveting characters. But...we also get to watch films that aim for something different—something lower ...yet also something transcendent? Any way you shake it, I would argue how-did-this-get-made movies like Shadow in the Cloud , which look and feel like nothing else, deserve our attention. Directed by Roseanne Liang, this ridiculous movie pairs high-altitude thrills with supernatural chills, starring Chloë Grace Moretz as a fearless WWII pilot named Maude on a classified mission. Isolated in the belly of a bomber, she not only faces off against an aerial onslaught but also a sinister presence lurking within the aircraft. The film uses its claustrophobic setting to create a pressure-cooker scenario that forces our protagonist to maneuver through this double threat in delightfully entertaining fashion.

Rather (2023)

Dan Rather is the focus of the 2023 documentary 'Rather.'

Not many people expected Frank Marshall, the director of film like Arachnophbia, Congo, and Eight Below , to become a compelling documentary director. But that’s been the case ever since 2020, as Marshall has delivered several musical explorations, like Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story and The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart . Marshall takes a decidedly different direction with Rather, a reverent documentary that chronicles the storied career of Dan Rather, an emblematic figure in American journalism. Through interviews and historical footage, Marshall paints a portrait of a man whose reporting from global hotspots like Vietnam and the Berlin Wall has defined moments of historical heft. Now, at 92, Rather reflects on his enduring commitment to truth and democracy. This film serves not only as a biography but as a mirror reflecting the transformative power of journalism in shaping public consciousness.

You can find the trailer for Rather here.

Every New Movie on Netflix in May 2024

• May 1 : Airport (1970); Airport 1975 (1974); Airport ’77 (1977); Blended (2014); Blue Mountain State: The Rise of Thadland (2016); Dark Waters (2019); Deaw Special: Super Soft Power (2024); Down the Rabbit Hole (2024); Eat Pray Love (2010); Girls Trip (2017); Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar (2024); Hellboy (2019); Hulk (2003); Jerry Lee Lewis: Trouble in Mind (2022); Jumanji (1995); Liar Liar (1997); Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008); Mortal Kombat (2021); Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005); My Mercury (2024); One More Shot (2024); Patriots Day (2016); Public Enemies (2009); Rather (2023); Ride Along (2014); Shrek (2001); Shrek Forever After (2010); Starship Troopers (1997); The Best Man Holiday (2013); The Edge of Seventeen (2016); The Equalizer (2014); The Gentlemen (2019); The Great Wall (2019); The Matrix: Resurrections (2021); The Nutty Professor (1996); The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000); The Wedding Planner (2001); The Young Victoria (2009); Traffic (2000); White House Down (2013); Woody Woodpecker (2018)
• May 2 : Beautiful Rebel (2024); Lola (2024); Secrets of the Neanderthals (2024); Shadow in the Cloud (2020)
• May 3 : 2 Hearts (2020); Unfrosted (2024)
• May 5 : Larva in Mars (2024); The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)

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The Best, Most Realistic Movie About Time Travel Cost $7,000

"I will show you the most important thing that any living organism has ever witnessed."

The Big Picture

• Primer , created on a budget of $7,000, became a cult classic and won multiple awards.
• The film's complex plot, lack of exposition, and fast-paced editing can make it difficult to follow and understand.
• Primer 's low budget contributes to its realistic feel, making it relatable and believable for viewers.

If ever a film were brought into existence through the sheer force of one man's will, 2004's Primer is it. Over the course of three years, creator Shane Carruth (who was in his late 20s at the inception) wrote, directed, produced, edited, starred in, and wrote the score for the incredibly innovative, super-grounded sci-fi, all on a budget of $7,000. Primer would go on to win the Sundance Grand Jury Prize and Alfred P. Sloan Prize and become a beloved sci-fi cult classic.

Primer is the story of Aaron (Carruth) and Abe ( David Sullivan ), two engineers who accidentally stumble onto time travel while working on other projects in Aaron's garage. The time machine itself is a simple, cramped box made mostly of PVC — no shiny DeLorean , no dimension-hopping T.A.R.D.I.S. — but what makes this version of time travel unique is that in order to travel back in time, the traveler must spend an equivalent amount of time inside the box. In other words, to travel six hours into the past, you must spend six hours in the box.

Immediately after their discovery, Aaron and Abe are ultra careful not to influence the past during their brief trips through time, fearing consequences they can't even guess at. But eventually, the temptation to change history becomes too great, and Aaron in particular becomes obsessed with his ability to dictate the outcomes of events. This creates multiple complex, interwoven timelines and ultimately leads to a rift between the two characters.

Four friends/fledgling entrepreneurs, knowing that there's something bigger and more innovative than the different error-checking devices they've built, wrestle over their new invention.

'Primer' Can Be Tough To Follow

Primer is famously cerebral , refusing to hold the audience's hand at any point. The two leads speak in arcane physics jargon throughout because Carruth was adamant that the dialogue should sound authentic. The tight (and, at times, perhaps over-tuned) editing keeps Primer fast-paced; no one will catch every detail of the complicated plot the first time through . Primer is also very light on exposition — the characters often have long conversations about topics that the audience, at least at first, has no context for. Only in the last third of the movie does the voiceover dip in more heavily and start explaining things, though often cryptically.

Between the complexity of the story, the jargon, and the pacing, Primer can be a challenge to follow ; some critics have even called it "antagonistic" toward the audience. But that wasn't Carruth's goal. Instead, as Carruth told IndieWire , "the information is in there" to create a coherent story; it just might take multiple viewings for you to get it all. But unlike some modern filmmakers who don't trust their audience to make inferences and instead prefer to spell everything out, Carruth trusts not only his audience's intelligence, but their fortitude — perhaps a bit too much at times.

The 21st Century’s Best Time Travel Movie So Far Is a Low-Budget Rom-Com

If Primer was an unlikely hit, then its creator was an equally unlikely filmmaker. Carruth has a degree in math and started his career as an engineer before quitting to pursue writing. (This training would turn out to be useful in the course of writing the script, though Carruth had to learn physics jargon by reading graduate students' papers online .) With no formal background in filmmaking, he taught himself scriptwriting, cinematography, and storyboarding in the process of making Primer . Carruth said during his interview with IndieWire that he never planned on starring in the film; he cast himself as one of Primer 's leads only because he had difficulty finding an actor who played the part the way he wanted it , with subtlety rather than drama, and with his ultra-low budget , he worried that someone else might cut and run in the middle of shooting, leaving them stranded.

Perhaps surprisingly, the acting is one of Primer 's biggest strengths . Either Carruth or Sullivan (who's gone on to have a broad and successful TV career) is in every scene, so the film rests entirely on their shoulders. Both performances are subdued and understated, yet a great deal of subtext lies just beneath the surface.

How Was 'Primer' Made?

After months of rehearsals, shooting took place over five weeks around Dallas, where Carruth lived at the time. Primer was shot on super 16 film; Carruth said during his IndieWire interview that he had considered going digital, but in the early 2000s, the technology wasn't yet there to create the look he wanted. However, this meant there was no budget for multiple takes . Once shooting was complete, Carruth did the editing himself, again learning the process as he went along and often having to edit around lack of footage and continuity errors. He also composed the score, a task he said he'd enjoy handing off to someone else the next time around.

In some ways, the story of Primer mirrors the story of its creation. Before their break-through discovery, Aaron and Abe, like Shane Carruth, are cash-strapped; they even vandalize their own cars and refrigerators for parts in their quest to create something people will want to buy. Carruth, too, had to cut corners due to lack of funds , using friends' and family's houses and apartments for many of the locations, relying on ambient lighting and sunlight, filming only a single take for many scenes because he couldn't afford to waste film.

And like his character, Carruth claims to be a "control freak." Primer starts out following four engineers working on patents in Aaron's garage, but as soon as Aaron and Abe realize what they've stumbled onto, Aaron insists on cutting out their two unwitting colleagues rather than revealing the truth to them. He also doesn't let his wife in on the secret, to Abe's surprise. And Aaron is the first one tempted to use the time machine to change the past, leading to his falling out with Abe. Carruth performed every job in the course of making Primer partly because he couldn't afford to hire anyone else, but also because he couldn't stand to give up control , a quality that he doesn't apologize for, because, as he says during his IndieWire interview, "it’s important to feel strongly about the material you’re working on."

The Low Budget Gives 'Primer' a Documentary Feel

The result? Primer 's ultra-low budget contributes to its grounded realism — there are no Avengers: Endgame or even Back to the Future -style special effects, and the main characters never travel more than a few days into the past, so fancy set pieces are unnecessary. Instead, Primer feels incredibly real, even documentary-like (the fact that the actors clearly haven't had professional hairstyling or makeup and appear to be wearing their own clothes contributes to this). Watching Primer , you can actually believe that if two smart but ultimately ordinary guys happened upon time travel by accident, this is exactly how it would play out.

After Primer 's success at Sundance, it had a very limited theatrical release, playing in no more than 31 theaters at a time over the course of a few months yet still bringing in over $400,000 at the domestic box office . Primer 's DVD release the following year quickly vaulted it to cult classic status, particularly among science fiction aficionados. Its complexity contributes to its rewatchability : after your third, fourth, or tenth viewing, you'll still be catching details you haven't noticed before.

Primer isn't for the faint-of-heart film viewer; it asks more of its audience than most films, and gives less. But serious sci-fi lovers and fans of movies that make you think should consider it a must-watch — and don't feel bad if you have to Google "Primer ending explained" after the fact.

Primer is available to rent on Prime Video and Apple TV+ in the U.S.

Rent on Prime Video