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How do you travel without leaving the comfort of your couch? How do you decide where to travel next? Well, we binge-watch movies about travel when we can’t travel in reality. In fact, many a time a good travel film inspires our next adventure. We always have some of the best travel movies downloaded to be watched during long flights, layovers, or road trips.
So, here I rounded up the best travel movies of all time for you. Our list of the best wanderlust movies is sure to give you some serious inspiration.
Most of these travel movies are easily available on Amazon Prime or Netflix.
Note: This list of best travel films includes R-rated and PG-13-rated movies. If you are looking for the best travel movies for kids (G-rated and PG-rated), check out our list of the 50 best movies for kids that inspire wanderlust. For Bollywood movies, check out our round-up of the 30 Bollywood travel movies.
The Ultimate List of Best Travel Movies of All Time
Eat Pray Love
PG-13 | 2010
Adaptation of a travel memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat Pray Love takes a look at the life of Elizabeth who travels to find herself. She leaves behind her troubled married life, well-paid job, and comfortable Manhattan lifestyle to embrace the journey of self-discovery.
She travels to Italy, India, and Indonesia. The movie artfully encapsulates Italy’s vibrant food culture, India’s spiritualism, and Indonesia’s tranquility.
Eurotrip
R | 2004
Eurotrip is a frolicsome story about a lovelorn Ohio high school grad named Scott who embarks on a backpacking trip to Europe with friends in search of his German pen pal, Mieke.
Scott travels through London, Paris, Amsterdam, Bratislava, Berlin, and Rome in a quest to meet Mieke. The hilarious, awkward, and sometimes crude situations along the way keep the audience entertained.
Into the Wild
R | 2007
Based on Jon Krakauer’s book, Into the Wild narrates the story of Christopher, an ace student, and athlete who gives his entire savings to charity to set off on an expedition across North America into the Alaskan wilderness.
Nature and loneliness remain his constant companions as he comes to terms with the fact that true happiness is being close to family and friends.
This is one of the most captivating travel movies I’ve ever watched in my life. A timeless classic!
Under the Tuscan Sun
PG-13 | 2003
Based on a travel memoir by Frances Mayes, Under the Tuscan Sun narrates the story of a divorced writer who while on a trip to Italy impetuously buys a villa in Tuscany thinking that it’ll change her life for good.
Formulaic at its core, it’s a feel-good film and promises the breathtaking scenery of Tuscany.
In Bruges
R | 2008
After a job gone wrong, two hitmen, Ray and Ken set out to Bruges (as instructed by their boss), a charming medieval town in Belgium to hide out until things settle down. Ken loves Bruges to the core while disheartened (the first job gone wrong) Ray doesn’t enjoy it.
A funny, heartfelt, bittersweet dark comedy, In Bruges, beautifully showcases the charm of Bruges. It leaves you with a craving to visit Bruges soon.
Already planned a visit to Bruges? Need some inspiration? Here’s how to spend an amazing one day in Bruges!
A Walk in the Woods
R | 2015
Based on Bill Bryson’s book, A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail, the movie is all about how Bill Bryson along with his partner, Stephen Katz, hikes The Appalachian Trail.
The Appalachian Trail stretches (about 2,180 miles) from Georgia to Maine covering some of the most stunning terrain in America. A hiker’s paradise it is!
A Walk in the Woods entertains as well as makes you yearn for the great outdoors!
Life is Beautiful
PG-13 | 1997
Roberto Benigni as Guido stars alongside Nicoletta Braschi as Dora for this classic movie. Set in the 1930s in Arezzo, Tuscany, Life is Beautiful is about how Guido, a Jewish-Italian waiter, protects his son, Giosue, from the perils of the Holocaust while in the concentration camp.
It’s better for teens to know a bit about WWII and the Holocaust to grasp the beauty of the film.
The Beach
R | 2000
The Beach is a story about a young American backpacker who arrives in Thailand seeking adventure and sets out for an uninhabited and restricted island with Etienne and Francoise, a French couple he met in a hotel in Thailand.
The backdrop of the Thai Island of Ko Phi Phi Le is to die for. The islands in Thailand are some of the best islands in Asia.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
R | 2013
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty features the destinations I long to travel to – Greenland and Iceland. Walter Mitty, the protagonist sets on an extraordinary adventure to save his job at Life Magazine.
The movie is beautiful and uplifting. The stunning scenery and flawless acting make it worth a watch!
Ocean’s Eleven and Ocean’s Twelve
PG-13 | 2001 and 2004
In Ocean’s Eleven, Danny Ocean (George Clooney) with his crew of thieves (10 in number) robs three casinos (Bellagio, the Mirage, and the MGM Grand) in Las Vegas. In Ocean’s Twelve, Danny with his 11 thieves plans a heist in Amsterdam.
The star-studded heist flicks, Ocean’s Eleven, and Ocean’s Twelve are entertaining and good value-for-money films.
Out of Africa
R | 1985
Best Picture Oscar Winner, Out of Africa is a timeless classic where a baroness, Karen Blixen falls for a hunter, Denys in the wilderness of Kenya.
The movie is so good that it’ll be a crime to not include it in the list of the best travel movies!
The White Masai
R | 2005
Based on an autobiographical book by Corinne Hofmann, The White Masai is sure to get you planning a trip to Africa.
It narrates the story of a Swiss girl who travels to Kenya where she meets a Masai warrior and can’t help but fall in love with him. She decides to stay back to live a life Masai way.
The Tourist
PG-13 | 2010
A romantic thriller, The Tourist stars Johnny Depp as Frank and Angelina Jolie as Elise. The movie follows the story of Frank, a math teacher who travels to Italy to get over his break-up and falls into a trap orchestrated by Elise.
With a timeless backdrop of Paris and Venice, it’s a charming and beautiful movie.
Midsommer
R | 2019
An American couple (Dani and Christian) along with two of the Christian’s friends travels to Scandinavia to attend a midsummer festival in a remote village in Sweden that turns out to be a nightmare for them.
Ablaze by the midnight sun, the Swedish village is chock-a-block with strange and scary traditions and rituals that claim the lives of travelers.
A well-crafted cult horror film, Midsommer inspires wanderlust while urging you to intuit about the place you are heading to.
The Motorcycle Diaries
R | 2004
Based on a memoir, The Motorcycle Diaries: Notes on a Latin American Journey, this coming-of-age film unfolds the story of Ernesto Che Guevara and his friend who rides across South America.
A road trip that aims to satisfy the adventurer in Ernesto changes his perspective towards life forever. He transforms and evolves into a different person.
With breathtaking scenery and thoughtful storytelling, The Motorcycle Diaries is stellar.
The Way
PG-13 | 2010
An American father, Dr. Thomas Avery, travels to France to recover the body of his estranged son, Daniel, who died due to the storm in the Pyrenees while trekking the Camino de Santiago and decides to take on the pilgrimage as a homage to his son.
Otherwise, a heartfelt emotional ride, The Way stirs wanderlust with breathtaking mountain scenery and ancient architecture.
The English Patient
R | 1996
Adaptation of the 1992 novel by Michael Ondaatje, The English Patient recounts the story of a badly burned man tended by a young nurse at the end of WWII.
The boundless stretches of the Sahara will get you dreaming of Africa.
The Before Trilogy
R | 1995, 2004, and 2013
The Before Trilogy includes three films – Before Sunrise (1995), Before Sunset (2004), and Before Midnight (2013). Before Sunrise takes you to Vienna, Before Sunset makes you enjoy Paris, and Before Midnight lets you explore Greece.
The most celebrated three-part romance beautifully captures the love life of Céline and Jesse.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
PG-13 | 2011
Seven British retirees travel to India to stay at a highly advertised newly restored hotel to find out that it’s not what they imagined it to be. Shot in Rajasthan (Jaipur and Udaipur), The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a virtual tour of Incredible India.
The vibrant Indian setting, the storyline, and top-notch veteran actors – everything about the movie is great! It leaves you with a lesson that it’s never too late to find yourself.
Amélie
R | 2001
I long to visit Paris every time I watch Amélie. Set in Montmartre, the movie tells an inspiring story while taking you to the most inspiring locations in Paris.
Amélie successfully captures the charm and magnificence of Paris.
Wild
R | 2014
Based on a best-selling memoir by Cheryl Strayed, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, Wild is a story of a young woman with no hiking experience who undertakes a 1,100-mile-long solo trek as a way to recover from the grief of personal tragedy.
One of the best adventure movies, Wild is a journey that’s as inward as it is outward.
Lost in Translation
R | 2003
Bob Harris, an American movie star is having a midlife crisis when he travels to Tokyo to promote Suntory whisky. There, he becomes close to another American named Charlotte, a young woman, and recent college graduate.
Lost in Translation explores themes of romance and comedy against a backdrop of Japan.
Midnight in Paris
PG-13 | 2011
Midnight in Paris catches Woody Allen at its finest. A story-driven film at its heart, it gives you a chance to see Paris, a Woody Allen way!
Copenhagen
R | 2014
Copenhagen is the movie that made me fall in love with the city of Copenhagen even before I visited. I planned a trip to Copenhagen much before the movie ended.
An enjoyable romantic adventure with a slight twist, the film follows the story of William and Effy who fall for each other despite the age gap. William, a half-Danish man, reaches Copenhagen in search of his grandfather whom he wants to deliver a letter written by his father. Effy, a local guide and translator helps him find his grandfather and fell in love along the way.
Love Actually
R | 2003
Love Actually shows ten separate stories of love involving a variety of individuals, many of whom are interlinked as the tales progress. The story sets off five weeks before Christmas and is played out into a weekly countdown till Christmas finally arrives, followed by a little epilogue that takes place a month after the holiday.
This is a Christmas-based romantic comedy, mostly filmed in parts of London.
Sideways
R | 2004
Based on Rex Pickett’s book, Sideways chronicles the story of two not-very-successful middle-aged men, Miles, and Jack, who embark on a week-long trip to California wine country to celebrate Jack’s upcoming wedding.
This is a brilliant road trip movie with loads of fun and a dash of emotions.
Eight Below
R | 2006
A heartwarming, exhilarating, and inspiring action-adventure film, Eight Below is the rip-roaring tale of incredible bonding between 8 amazing sled dogs and their guide Jerry.
Stranded in Antarctica during the most unforgiving winter on the planet, Jerry’s beloved sled dogs must learn to survive together until Jerry (who will stop at nothing) rescues them.
Hector and the Search for Happiness
R | 2014
Hector, a psychiatrist, in Hector and the Search for Happiness, takes you on an adventurous journey around the world in search of happiness.
The movie is shot in South Africa, Canada, Germany, China, India, and the UK.
Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood
R | 2019
Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood transports you back to Hollywood of 1969. It’s your chance to see what L.A. was like in the late 1960s.
The Grand Budapest Hotel
R | 2014
The Eastern European town of Zubrowka in the movie might be fictional but you can certainly visit the filming locations. The Grand Budapest Hotel was shot in the Czech Republic, Germany, and Switzerland.
Here’s how you can visit the Grand Budapest Hotel filming locations.
Africa United
PG-13 | 2010
An uplifting and honest film, Africa United tells the story of a group of Rwandan kids who walk three thousand miles across Africa to the Soccer World Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa. The movie tackles some serious issues (with a humorous touch) like HIV, prostitution, poverty, and others along the way.
Africa United beautifully celebrates the spirit of childhood and the beauty of Africa.
The Darjeeling Limited
R | 2007
If you haven’t taken a train trip across India, you haven’t really seen the real India. The Darjeeling Limited follows three brothers who reunite for a train trip across India to visit their mother.
The Darjeeling Limited is a ride worth taking!
Braveheart
R | 1995
Winner of five Oscars, Braveheart is a story of the 13th-century Scottish warrior, William Wallace, who motivates and unites the Scottish to fight against the English monarch.
Breathtaking Scottish and Irish landscapes will inspire you to get out off your couch and book a trip to Scotland and Ireland.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
R | 1987
Yet another stellar performance by Steve Martin! Insanely funny, heartfelt holiday classic – Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is all about how Neal with a forced companion, Del, struggles to reach his home in Chicago to celebrate Thanksgiving with his wife and kids.
Australia
PG-13 | 2008
Set in northern Australia before World War II, Australia recounts the story of Sarah who travels from Britain to Australia to convince her husband to sell a cattle ranch and come back to England. She inherits the ranch after her husband’s murder by an Aboriginal elder and joins hands with Drover, a stockman to save her ranch from the takeover.
The movie has a great plotline and gorgeous cinematography. It’s wonderfully shot. The awe-inspiring scenery of the Australian outback will get you planning a trip to Australia.
Two for the Road
R | 1967
Two for the Road is a delightful and thoughtful story of a husband and wife who reflect on their decade-old relationship while on a road trip to Southern France.
The scenic locations and Audrey Hepburn’s charm will keep you glued to the screen.
Roman Holiday
R | 1953
A quintessential chick flick, Roman Holiday is set in Rome, Rome of 1953, and stars Audrey Hepburn as Ann, a princess, and Gregory Peck as Joe, an American Reporter.
From Spanish Steps to Colosseum to the iconic Trevi fountain – you fall in love with the Eternal City as Ann and Joe fall for each other.
Seven Years in Tibet
PG-13 | 1997
Seven Years in Tibet is a true-life tale of a self-centered Austrian mountaineer, Heinrich Harrer, who learns selflessness from the young Dalai Lama, little by little.
Set at the time of China’s takeover of Tibet, the movie lets you explore the nature and culture of Tibet.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
R | 1997
Set in Savannah, Georgia, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is an adaptation of a book by John Berendt. A New York reporter, John, comes to Savannah to cover the Christmas celebrations in the city and befriends a millionaire, Jim, who later murders his male lover. The movie focuses on the murder trial.
From the iconic Forsyth Park, Churchill’s Pub, and Telfair Academy to Bonaventure Cemetery and Mercer Williams House Museum – there are many Savannah locations in the movie that you can visit.
The Talented Mr. Ripley
R | 1999
Based on a classic book by Patricia Highsmith, The Talented Mr. Ripley is a psychological thriller. Herbert Greenleaf, a shipping magnet, hires Tom Ripley to bring back his playboy son, Dickie, from Italy to New York City. Ripley starts enjoying the lavish lifestyle and tries to make Dickie’s privileges his own.
The movie was shot in New York City and various exquisite locations in Italy like Rome, Positano, and quite a few villages on the islands of Ischia and Procida.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
R | 2008
A perfect blend of raunchy comedy and romance, Forgetting Sarah Marshall is the story of Peter, a musician, who travels to Hawaii to get over his recent breakup with TV star Sarah Marshall. The fun starts as he finds Sarah and his new boyfriend in the same hotel in Hawaii.
The Pianist
R | 2002
Based on an autobiography, The Pianist: The Extraordinary True Story of One Man’s Survival in Warsaw, 1939-1945, The Pianist is centered on Wladyslaw Szpilman, a Polish-Jewish pianist and composer who survives the Holocaust.
Set in Warsaw, it’s one of the finest movies I’ve ever watched.
Up in the Air
R | 2009
Up in the Air is a story of Ryan, a corporate downsizer who’s always on the move.
Airport lovers will adore the movie!
The Descendants
R | 2011
Set in Hawaii, The Descendants traces the journey of Matt, a land baron, who deals with his wife’s illness while trying to be a good father to his two daughters. The story is so beautiful that it moves a piece of your heart in a way you’d never thought.
The movie was filmed at various locations on Kauai and Oahu. The fascinating cinematography will get you dreaming of a vacation in Hawaii.
The Art of Travel
R | 2008
Conner travels to Central America, alone, after calling off his wedding and finds adventure with a group of fellow travelers.
The Art of Travel embraces the joy and spirit of wanderlust.
Paris je t’aime
R | 2006
Paris je t’aime is a literally virtual tour of the City of Light, Paris. The movie artfully celebrates the most romantic cities in the world! It narrates 18 short stories set in different arrondissements (districts) of Paris.
The Fall
R | 2006
Roy Walker, a bedridden movie stunt man tells the story of five mythical characters to a hospitalized girl, Alexandria whose vivid imagination gives life to the characters.
An imaginative adventure that turns into a real adventure…that’s the power of good storytelling.
How Stella Got Her Groove Back
R | 1998
Stella, a 40-something single mom and a stockbroker in San Francisco, goes on a vacation to Montego Bay, Jamaica with her best friend Delilah and falls in love with a boy 20 years younger than her. You’ll have to watch the movie to know if their love survives the distance and the age gap!
The mountains, rain forests, and breathtaking beaches of the Caribbean Island will get you planning a trip to Jamaica.
The Hangover
R | 2009
The Hangover is a hilariously funny movie set in Las Vegas. It showcases four buddies – Doug, Alan, Phil, and Stu, on a road trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to celebrate Doug’s bachelor party. Doug vanishes after the bachelor party and the three groomsmen set on a search mission around Sin City.
What happens in Vegas, remains in Vegas!
Oh! And if the movie tickles you enough, you can watch more in the series: The Hangover Part II (2011) and The Hangover Part III (2013).
127 Hours
R | 2010
Based on an autobiographical book, Between a Rock and a Hard Place, the movie tells the true story of a mountain climber, Aron Ralston. It’s how he spends an agonizing 127 hours saving his life as he becomes trapped under a boulder while canyoneering near Moab, Utah.
127 Hours is a thrilling, emotional, scary, gut-wrenching, and inspiring tale of survival against all odds.
What a jugalbandi (entwining) by Danny Boyle and James Franco!
The Inbetweeners Movie
R | 2011
Based on a British TV comedy, the Inbetweeners Movie is all about four uncool British teens who go on a holiday to Malia, Crete to enjoy the sun, sand, and girls.
After a huge commercial success, its sequel, The Inbetweeners 2, was released in 2014.
L’auberge Espagnole
R | 2002
L’auberge Espagnole follows the story of Xavier, a French student who moves to Barcelona for a year and shares an apartment with six fellow students from Spain, England, Belgium, Germany, Italy, and Denmark. Everyone speaks a different language and has different traditions and cultures. Well, the language of love and friendship is the same 🙂
Opened under the title Pot Luck in the UK and as The Spanish Apartment in Australia, the movie was followed by two sequels – Russian Dolls (2005) and Chinese Puzzle (2013).
Little Miss Sunshine
R | 2006
A beautiful film that showcases a family on a cross-country trip in their VW bus to attend a Little Miss Sunshine Contest to cheer their daughter. The epic situations along their trip amuse you to no end.
Sin Nombre
R | 2009
Literally translating to nameless, Sin Nombre narrates two stories. One is about Sayra, a Honduran girl who along with his father and uncle is on a journey through Guatemala and Mexico to New Jersey in a quest for a better life.
The other is about Casper, a Mexican gangster who along with his master and a young gangster is on a mission to rob the train carrying the immigrants. The two, Sayra and Casper stumble upon each other, and the story proceeds.
With the dash of everything from violence, emotion, romance, and heartbreak, to adventure, thrill, drama, and humor – this is one of the rawest and most stirring movies I’ve seen in a long time.
The movie was filmed mostly in Mexico.
Una Noche
R | 2012
A drama-thriller set in Havana, Cuba, Una Noche is a story of the three teenagers – Raul, Elio, and Lila who board a raft (put together by Elio using tires) to escape to Miami 90 miles across the ocean to find Raul’s father.
With a gripping storyline, a wonderful cast, and a strong ending, the movie is an emotional ride. It’s your chance to see Havana beyond the tourist domain.
About Time
R | 2013
Tim Lake lives in Cornwall with his mom, dad, uncle, and sister. He, at the age of 21, learns about a secret from his father, that the men of his family can travel back in time, to their past. The twists and turns caused in Tim’s love life, by this gift will have you laugh, smile, and even cry.
Trying to make changes in his love life, Tim realizes that time travel may take him back to make amends, but it can’t change someone’s mind.
The wild coastline and the stunning beaches of Cornwall will get you thinking that it’s About Time you plan a trip to this beautiful peninsula in South West England.
National Lampoon’s Vacations
R | 1983
Clark Griswold along with his wife Ellen and two kids, Rusty and Audrey, take on an American cross-country road trip from Chicago to Walley World (America’s Favorite Family Fun Park) in California. Their misadventures along the way make you laugh your socks off while the destinations featured in National Lampoon’s Vacations feed your wanderlust.
Whooshing through the US states of Illinois, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and California, the movie takes you through some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes of the USA.
It’s an exciting and fun movie to enjoy with your family.
If you love this movie, there are more in the series – European Vacation (1985), Christmas Vacation (1989), Vegas Vacation (1997), Christmas Vacation 2 (2003), and Vacation (2015).
The Peanut Butter Falcon
PG-13 | 2019
An adventure comedy-drama film, The Peanut Butter Falcon is about two people who travel in search of a better life. Zak, a 22-year-old boy with Down syndrome escapes his care home to pursue his dream of becoming a wrestler by joining The Salt Water Redneck wrestling school in North Carolina. He meets and forms a special bond with Tyler, an outlaw. Later, Eleanor, Zak’s amiable caretaker, joins them on their journey.
The film was shot in North Carolina and Georgia. With a timeless story, great cast, and a pulsating heart – the movie crawls up on you and tugs on your heartstrings in every possible way.
I hope you enjoyed our list of the best travel movies of all time. How many of these travel films make it to your Amazon Prime or Netflix queue? How many of them have you already watched? Which one’s your favorite movie about travel?
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Movies about travel are my favourite ones, especially if they’re based in Europe. I’m happy to report that I’ve seen a large majority of the ones on your list! But I also see a couple that I hadn’t heard about before so I might watch them this weekend! Thanks for the great list.
I know..its the same feeling here. Every time I see a movie, the beautiful locations, new culture make me want to travel to that destination and experience it myself. I am glad that you liked the list and amazing that you have seen quiet a few. It’s always great to get a list of movies for weekend watch. I also have shortlisted a few. Happy watching. Do tell me which one you liked the most.