19 Movies About Travel That Make You Book a Ticket Immediately
Cinema has the unique ability to transport audiences to distant lands and immerse them in foreign cultures without leaving the living room. Films focused on travel often highlight the transformative power of exploring new environments and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone. These stories range from solitary treks across rugged landscapes to romantic escapades in historic cities. The visual storytelling in these movies captures the beauty of the world and frequently inspires viewers to plan their own adventures.
‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’ (2013)
A timid photo editor stops daydreaming and embarks on a global adventure to find a missing negative for his magazine. Walter travels from the freezing waters of Greenland to the volcanic landscapes of Iceland and the heights of the Himalayas. The journey forces him to step out of his comfort zone and embrace the real world rather than his fantasies. Ben Stiller directs and stars in this visual spectacle that highlights the transformative power of travel.
‘Into the Wild’ (2007)
Christopher McCandless abandons his possessions and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. His journey takes him through the wheat fields of South Dakota and the waters of the Colorado River before reaching the Magic Bus. Sean Penn directs this adaptation of the non-fiction book by Jon Krakauer with a focus on raw nature. The film explores the desire for absolute freedom and the brutal reality of living off the grid.
‘Eat Pray Love’ (2010)
Elizabeth Gilbert leaves her comfortable life behind to embark on a quest for self-discovery across three countries. She indulges in the culinary delights of Italy before finding spiritual peace in India and true love in Indonesia. Julia Roberts portrays the protagonist as she navigates cultural differences and learns to forgive herself. The film showcases the distinct beauty and atmosphere of Rome and Delhi and Bali through vibrant cinematography.
‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ (2003)
A recently divorced writer impulsively buys a run-down villa in rural Tuscany hoping to change her life. She hires local Polish workers to restore the house while befriending her eccentric Italian neighbors. The story captures the charm of the Italian countryside with its rolling hills and ancient vineyards and sunny plazas. Diane Lane stars in this romantic drama that emphasizes the healing nature of a new environment.
‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ (2004)
Two medical students embark on a motorcycle road trip across South America before finishing their degrees. Ernesto Guevara and Alberto Granado witness social injustices that shape their political views while traversing the Andes and the Amazon. Gael GarcÃa Bernal plays the young Che Guevara in this biopic directed by Walter Salles. The film combines breathtaking scenery with a poignant coming-of-age narrative set against the backdrop of Latin America.
‘Lost in Translation’ (2003)
An aging movie star and a neglected young woman form an unlikely bond while staying at a hotel in Tokyo. They explore the neon-lit streets of the city and sing karaoke while navigating feelings of isolation and displacement. Sofia Coppola directs this atmospheric film that captures the unique energy and quiet moments of the Japanese capital. The setting serves as a character itself and amplifies the fleeting connection between the two protagonists.
‘Midnight in Paris’ (2011)
A screenwriter visits Paris with his fiancée and finds himself mysteriously transported back to the 1920s every night at midnight. Gil Pender meets literary icons like Hemingway and Fitzgerald while wandering the cobblestone streets of the French capital. The film serves as a love letter to the City of Lights during both the modern day and the Jazz Age. Woody Allen directs this fantasy comedy that explores nostalgia and the romantic allure of a golden era.
‘Wild’ (2014)
Cheryl Strayed hikes over a thousand miles along the Pacific Crest Trail to recover from a personal tragedy. Reese Witherspoon portrays the inexperienced hiker as she faces extreme heat and snow and loneliness. The narrative alternates between her grueling physical journey and flashbacks to the events that led her there. Jean-Marc Vallée directs this adaptation of the memoir that showcases the rugged beauty of the American West.
‘Before Sunrise’ (1995)
An American tourist meets a French student on a train and they decide to disembark in Vienna together. Jesse and Celine spend one night walking through the Austrian capital talking about life and love and the future. Richard Linklater directs this dialogue-driven romance that utilizes the city landmarks as a backdrop for intimate conversation. The film captures the spontaneity of travel and the deep connections formed with strangers in foreign places.
‘The Beach’ (2000)
A young backpacker travels to Thailand in search of a legendary island paradise untouched by tourism. Richard discovers a secret community living on a hidden beach but soon learns that utopia comes at a dangerous price. Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this drama filmed primarily on the stunning Maya Bay in Ko Phi Phi Leh. The story explores the dark side of escapism and the consequences of trying to keep natural beauty a secret.
‘The Darjeeling Limited’ (2007)
Three estranged brothers take a train trip across India in an attempt to bond with each other after their father dies. They travel on a luxury train called The Darjeeling Limited while getting into various mishaps involving pepper spray and lost luggage. Wes Anderson directs this colorful comedy filled with his signature symmetrical style and vibrant set designs. The film highlights the chaotic yet spiritual experience of traveling through the Indian subcontinent.
‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ (2008)
Two American friends spend a summer in Barcelona where they become entangled with a charismatic painter and his volatile ex-wife. The narrative explores the different attitudes towards love and passion against the backdrop of Catalan architecture and countryside. Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz star alongside Scarlett Johansson in this romantic comedy-drama. The film features iconic locations like Park Güell and captures the sultry atmosphere of a Spanish summer.
‘Tracks’ (2013)
Robyn Davidson treks across the Australian desert to the Indian Ocean accompanied only by her dog and four camels. Mia Wasikowska plays the determined protagonist who seeks solitude and connection with the harsh natural environment. The film depicts the stunning red earth landscapes and the challenges of surviving in the outback. This biographical drama emphasizes the transformative power of isolation and the bond between humans and animals.
‘Hector and the Search for Happiness’ (2014)
A disillusioned psychiatrist travels the globe to research the secret to true happiness for his patients. Hector visits China and Africa and Los Angeles while encountering diverse characters who teach him valuable life lessons. Simon Pegg stars in this adventure comedy based on the novel by François Lelord. The film combines whimsical moments with genuine emotional discoveries in various cultural settings.
‘Roman Holiday’ (1953)
A sheltered princess escapes her royal duties to explore Rome on her own for a day. She meets an American reporter who offers to be her guide while secretly planning to write an exclusive story about her. Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck star in this classic romance featuring landmarks like the Spanish Steps and the Colosseum. The film remains a timeless tribute to the Eternal City and the freedom of anonymity.
‘Call Me by Your Name’ (2017)
A seventeen-year-old student begins a romance with his father’s research assistant during a summer in northern Italy. The story unfolds in a 17th-century villa surrounded by orchards and rivers and sun-drenched town squares. Luca Guadagnino directs this sensory adaptation of the novel by André Aciman. The setting plays a crucial role in the narrative by reflecting the languid and passionate nature of the relationship.
‘Mamma Mia!’ (2008)
A young bride invites three men to her upcoming wedding on a Greek island to figure out which one is her father. The story is set against the backdrop of azure waters and white-washed buildings and rocky cliffs. Meryl Streep leads an ensemble cast in this musical featuring the songs of ABBA. The film serves as a vibrant postcard for the Greek islands and encourages viewers to embrace spontaneity.
‘Crazy Rich Asians’ (2018)
An economics professor travels to Singapore to meet her boyfriend’s family and discovers they are incredibly wealthy. The film showcases the opulent side of the city-state including the Marina Bay Sands and the Gardens by the Bay. Jon M. Chu directs this romantic comedy that highlights the food culture and architectural splendor of Singapore. The visual feast of fashion and locations makes for a compelling travelogue alongside the family drama.
‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ (2011)
A group of British retirees travels to India to stay at a retirement hotel that turns out to be less luxurious than advertised. The characters navigate the noise and colors and chaos of Jaipur while finding new purpose in their golden years. Judi Dench and Maggie Smith lead a stellar cast in this comedy-drama about fresh starts. The film portrays the vibrancy of Indian culture and the possibility of reinvention at any age.
Tell us which movie on this list inspired your next vacation destination in the comments.