The Best Travel Movies

Our choices for the best travel movies may differ from yours, so we encourage you to share your favorites with us. We’re always eager to explore new films that ignite our wanderlust. Currently, you can explore these travel movies which are sure to inspire good times.

The Best Travel Movies to Inspire Wanderlust

1. In Bruges

This is by far one of the best travel movies available. One of the characters carries a guidebook, highlighting the picturesque allure of Bruges, Belgium. Starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, the film blends crime drama with stunning visuals that capture the essence of the city beautifully.

2. Banshees of Inisherin

Featuring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson once more, this film takes us to the Aran Islands of Ireland showcasing its breathtaking beauty as two friends navigate dark times, resulting in one of the finest acting performances of recent years.

3. One Week

This incredible travel movie follows a young man who embarks on a cross-country motorcycle trip across Canada after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis. The visuals of Canada will inspire you to explore its breathtaking landscapes.

4. Secret Life of Walter Mitty

This film encapsulates the importance of getting out of one’s comfort zone. It travels through spectacular locations from New York to Iceland, Greenland, and the Himalayas, and showcases the beauty of adventure.

5. Before Sunrise Trilogy

Comprising three films shot over a span of 30 years, this trilogy captures love and travel in stunning locations across Europe including Vienna, Paris, and Greece. Each film beautifully intertwines romance with travel, making it a must-watch.

6. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

A comedic yet poignant road trip from New York City to Chicago featuring John Candy and Steve Martin. This film is celebrated for its humor and heartfelt moments that resonate with travelers alike.

7. Julie & Julia

This charming film combines food and travel. Starring Meryl Streep as Julia Child, it illustrates her life in Paris, beautifully merging the joy of cooking with the love of travel.

8. The Big Year

Jack Black, Owen Wilson, and Steve Martin star in this comedy about birdwatching across the United States, making it a whimsical tale about the journey of self-discovery.

Best Travel Movies for Adventure Lovers

9. Into the Wild

This film is based on the true story of Christopher McCandless as he journeys through the United States and ultimately into the Alaska wilderness. It explores themes of freedom and self-discovery.

10. Wild

An adaptation of Cheryl Strayed’s memoir, this film follows her arduous journey on the Pacific Crest Trail as she rebuilds her life after personal tragedy.

11. Everest

Based on the harrowing true story of the 1996 Everest disaster, this movie delves into the psychology behind mountaineering and showcases the breathtaking beauty of the region.

12. Tracks

Another inspiring true story, this film follows a young woman walking across Australia with her camels, highlighting resilience and the beauty of the Outback.

13. World’s Fastest Indian

Starring Anthony Hopkins, this film follows the journey of an aging motorcyclist attempting to achieve his racing dream, capturing the spirit of adventure in a delightful way.

14. Adventures of Pricilla Queen of the Desert

This fun road trip movie features drag queens embarking on a journey across Australia, showcasing acceptance and the joy of travel.

15. Motorcycle Diaries

This poignant film chronicles Che Guevara’s youth and his travels across South America, highlighting the social issues of the continent.

Best Classic Travel Movies

16. Lawrence of Arabia

A timeless classic that depicts the adventure of T.E. Lawrence in the Arabian Desert, capturing the stunning landscapes and epic storytelling.

17. Out of Africa

This Oscar-winning film presents exotic locations in Africa through the eyes of a married baroness, beautifully intertwining love and the allure of the continent.

18. Romancing the Stone

A romantic adventure film set in the striking landscapes of Colombia, following a writer who finds herself in an unexpected journey.

19. The Bucket List

This film starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman reinforces the notion of living life to the fullest while traveling to extraordinary destinations.

20. Amelie

A whimsical journey through Paris seen through the eyes of Amelie, this film presents charming scenes and the beauty of everyday life in the city.

Best Travel Movies Highlighting Destinations

21. Ticket to Paradise

Starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts, this film showcases the beauty of Bali as two parents attempt to disrupt their daughter’s wedding, blending humor with stunning landscapes.

22. The Beach

This film captures the early backpacker scene in Thailand, providing a glimpse of hidden beaches before mass tourism changed the landscape.

23. Lost in Translation

A film beautifully portraying the culture shock in Tokyo, starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, highlights the enchanting aspects of the city.

24. Slumdog Millionaire

A vivid portrayal of life in India, this film captures both the struggles and the resilience of its people while telling a captivating story.

25. Lion

This emotional journey takes viewers from India to Australia, celebrating the power of family and the quest for belonging.

26. Vicky, Cristina Barcelona

This film brims with passion, capturing the allure of Barcelona while telling a story of love and self-discovery.

27. Under the Tuscan Sun

A romantic tale about rediscovering love and life in the enchanting landscapes of Tuscany, making it an ideal watch for lovers of Italy.

28. Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

This charming film follows a group of retirees who embark on a journey to India, challenging the notions of aging and adventure.

29. A Good Year

Set against the backdrop of Provence, France, this film celebrates the beauty of simple living and the allure of vineyards.

30. Midnight in Paris

This whimsical film blends time travel with a nostalgic look at Paris, making it a visual feast for travelers and romantics alike.

31. Australia

A visually stunning exploration of Australia’s Outback, depicting the landscape and the great tales of its history.

32. The Impossible

Based on the true events of the 2004 tsunami, this gripping film showcases the resilience of the human spirit amidst tragic circumstances.

Blockbuster Travel Movies

33. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker & The Last Jedi

This sci-fi epic introduces viewers to stunning locations, including Skellig Michael in Ireland, serving as a fantastic travel inspiration.

34. Mama Mia

This beloved musical takes place in the picturesque Greek islands, showcasing the beauty of the location alongside a charming narrative.

35. Once Upon a Time in Mexico Trilogy

A vibrant fantasy that emphasizes adventure and gorgeous landscapes, prompting a desire to explore Mexican culture.

36. The Legend of Tarzan

This film immerses viewers in the beauty of the African savannah, showcasing stunning wildlife and landscapes.

37. The Tourist

This romantic thriller captures the enchanting secretive ambiance of Venice, offering viewers a glimpse into European charm.

38. The Thing

A chilling thriller set in Antarctica, showcasing the isolation and harsh conditions faced by scientists conducting research.

39. Thelma and Louise

This groundbreaking film follows an adventurous road trip exploring themes of empowerment and friendship, proving how travel can truly transform lives.

40. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

This coming-of-age tale intertwines the adventures of four friends who travel to different countries, highlighting the bonds of friendship and cultural experiences.

41. Bourne Movies, James Bond, Mission Impossible & Indiana Jones Movies

These action-packed films feature stunning global travels, showcasing luxury, adventure, and escapades in beautiful settings.

42. The Bourne Identity

This thrilling film takes viewers on an international adventure across iconic locations, making it a classic travel movie.

43. Casino Royale – James Bond

This film captures the essence of luxury travel as it takes viewers on a thrilling journey to glamorous destinations around the world.

44. Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol

With its stunning visuals and thrilling action sequences, this film showcases some of the world’s most breathtaking locations, making it a top travel movie.

45. Grand Budapest Hotel

This whimsical film, though fictional, draws inspiration from the grandeur of hotels in an artistic way, transporting audiences to a different world.

46. Black Panther

Even though Wakanda is fictional, the film beautifully showcases African culture and landscapes, inspiring viewers to explore the continent.

47. Lord of the Rings and Hobbit

These films are a love letter to New Zealand, showcasing its spectacular landscapes and inviting viewers to embrace its adventure.

48. Eat Pray Love

This beloved film follows a woman’s journey of self-discovery through the beautiful landscapes of Italy, India, and Bali, encouraging viewers to explore the world.

We regularly update this list and look for new travel movies to share. If you have any suggestions for your favorite travel films, we’d love to hear your insights!

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

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