19 Movies About Travel That Make You Book a Ticket Immediately

Movies have a special way of taking us places, letting us experience different cultures from the comfort of our homes. Travel-themed films often show how exploring new places can change us, pushing us beyond our usual routines. These stories can be about everything from challenging solo journeys to exciting romantic getaways. Through stunning visuals, these films capture the world’s beauty and often inspire us to start planning our own trips.

‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’ (2013)

Walter, a shy photo editor, is sent on an incredible journey around the world to locate a lost photograph for his magazine. From the icy landscapes of Greenland and Iceland to the towering Himalayas, he’s pushed far outside his comfort zone, learning to live in the moment instead of escaping into daydreams. This visually stunning film, directed by and starring Ben Stiller, shows how travel can change a person’s life.

‘Into the Wild’ (2007)

Christopher McCandless gives up his life and travels to Alaska, hoping to live in the wild. Along the way, he journeys through South Dakota’s wheat fields and down the Colorado River, eventually reaching a deserted bus. The film, directed by Sean Penn and based on a true story by Jon Krakauer, powerfully portrays McCandless’s quest for total freedom and the harsh challenges of surviving on his own in the wilderness.

‘Eat Pray Love’ (2010)

In the film, Elizabeth Gilbert, played by Julia Roberts, leaves her familiar life to travel the world and find herself. Her journey takes her to Italy, where she enjoys the food, then to India for spiritual growth, and finally to Indonesia, where she finds love. The movie beautifully captures the unique cultures and landscapes of Rome, Delhi, and Bali.

‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ (2003)

After a divorce, a writer spontaneously buys a dilapidated villa in the Tuscan countryside, hoping for a fresh start. As she renovates the house with the help of Polish workers, she also gets to know her quirky Italian neighbors. The film beautifully showcases the idyllic Italian landscape – its hills, vineyards, and sunny town squares – and stars Diane Lane in this heartwarming story about finding peace and healing in a new place.

‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ (2004)

Before graduating medical school, Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara and Alberto Granado take a life-changing motorcycle journey across South America. As they travel through the Andes and the Amazon, they encounter widespread poverty and injustice, experiences that profoundly influence their beliefs. The film, directed by Walter Salles and starring Gael García Bernal as the young Che Guevara, beautifully blends stunning South American landscapes with a moving story of self-discovery.

‘Lost in Translation’ (2003)

A fading film star and a lonely young woman find an unexpected connection during a stay at a Tokyo hotel. As they wander the vibrant, neon-lit city and share karaoke nights, they both grapple with feelings of loneliness and being lost. Directed by Sofia Coppola, this beautifully atmospheric film captures the special mood and subtle moments of Tokyo, making the city feel like a character in itself and highlighting the brief, meaningful connection between the two leads.

‘Midnight in Paris’ (2011)

A screenwriter named Gil travels to Paris with his girlfriend and discovers he’s magically transported back to the 1920s each night. While exploring the city, he encounters famous writers like Hemingway and Fitzgerald. The film is a charming tribute to Paris, showcasing both its present-day beauty and the glamorous atmosphere of the Jazz Age. Directed by Woody Allen, this funny and fantastical story delves into themes of longing for the past and the captivating appeal of a bygone time.

‘Wild’ (2014)

After experiencing a personal loss, Cheryl Strayed embarks on a challenging journey, hiking over a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. Reese Witherspoon plays Strayed, a novice hiker battling harsh weather and intense solitude. The film weaves together her demanding trek with memories of the events that brought her to the trail. Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, it’s an adaptation of her memoir and highlights the stunning landscapes of the American West.

‘Before Sunrise’ (1995)

An American tourist and a French student strike up a conversation on a train and impulsively decide to explore Vienna together. Over the course of one night, Jesse and Celine wander the city, sharing personal stories and thoughts on life and love. Directed by Richard Linklater, this film is a talkative and romantic story that uses Vienna’s beautiful sights as the setting for their honest and heartfelt connection. It beautifully captures the magic of travel and the unexpected bonds we can form with people we meet in new places.

‘The Beach’ (2000)

Richard, a young traveler, journeys to Thailand hoping to find a pristine, secluded island. He discovers a hidden beach community, but soon realizes that even paradise has a dark side. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, this dramatic film – largely shot on the breathtaking Maya Bay in Ko Phi Phi Leh – delves into the dangers of wanting to escape reality and the problems that arise when trying to protect a beautiful place from the outside world.

‘The Darjeeling Limited’ (2007)

After their father’s death, three brothers who haven’t been close for a while embark on a train journey across India hoping to reconnect. They travel on a beautiful, upscale train called The Darjeeling Limited, and their trip is filled with funny accidents, like losing their bags and accidentally using pepper spray. Directed by Wes Anderson, the film is a visually striking comedy known for his unique, perfectly balanced style and bright colors. It captures the wild and often enlightening experience of exploring India.

‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ (2008)

This romantic comedy-drama follows two American friends who find themselves caught up in the complex relationship of a captivating painter and his fiery ex-wife during a summer in Barcelona. Starring Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz, and Scarlett Johansson, the film contrasts different views on love and desire while showcasing the beautiful scenery of Catalonia, including famous landmarks like Park Güell, and the vibrant energy of a Spanish summer.

‘Tracks’ (2013)

Robyn Davidson embarks on an incredible journey, walking across the Australian desert to the Indian Ocean with just her dog and four camels. The film, starring Mia Wasikowska, tells the story of this strong-willed woman who craves both peace and a deep connection with the wild landscape. It showcases the breathtaking beauty of the outback and the difficulties of surviving in such a remote place, highlighting how isolation can change a person and the powerful relationships we can form with animals.

‘Hector and the Search for Happiness’ (2014)

Dr. Hector, a psychiatrist feeling burned out, embarks on a worldwide journey to find the key to happiness for his patients. He travels to places like China, Africa, and Los Angeles, meeting fascinating people along the way who share important lessons about life. Starring Simon Pegg, this funny and heartwarming adventure is based on a novel by François Lelord and blends lighthearted scenes with surprisingly touching moments as Hector explores different cultures.

‘Roman Holiday’ (1953)

A princess, tired of her royal life, slips away for a day to experience Rome as a regular person. She bumps into an American journalist who volunteers to show her around, but he’s secretly hoping to get a big story about her. Starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, this beloved romantic film showcases famous Roman sights like the Spanish Steps and the Colosseum. It’s a classic celebration of Rome and the joy of being unknown.

‘Call Me by Your Name’ (2017)

This film, directed by Luca Guadagnino, tells the story of a summer romance between a seventeen-year-old boy and his father’s young assistant in the beautiful Italian countryside. Based on André Aciman’s novel, the movie is a visually rich experience, and the setting—an old villa among orchards, rivers, and sunny town squares—perfectly captures the slow-burning and intense feelings between the two characters.

‘Mamma Mia!’ (2008)

A bride-to-be invites three potential fathers to her wedding on a beautiful Greek island, hoping to discover who her real dad is. Set amongst stunning scenery – think clear blue water, white buildings, and rocky cliffs – this musical stars Meryl Streep and features the hit songs of ABBA. It’s a cheerful and colorful film that feels like a vacation and reminds us to live in the moment.

‘Crazy Rich Asians’ (2018)

This romantic comedy follows an economics professor who’s surprised to learn her boyfriend’s family is extremely rich when she visits them in Singapore. The movie beautifully captures the city’s luxurious side, featuring iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. Directed by Jon M. Chu, it’s a vibrant celebration of Singaporean food and architecture. Beyond the family story, the film is a visually stunning showcase of fashion and locations, making it feel like a captivating travel experience.

‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ (2011)

This funny and heartwarming film follows a group of British retirees who move to India hoping for a relaxing retirement. They quickly discover their new hotel isn’t quite the paradise they expected, and must adjust to the bustling, colorful energy of Jaipur. Led by Judi Dench and Maggie Smith, the film explores finding new meaning and a fresh start later in life, all set against the backdrop of vibrant Indian culture.

Tell us which movie on this list inspired your next vacation destination in the comments.

2025-11-29 00:16