Travel Movies That Inspire Wanderlust 2024

Nearly 100 of the best movies about travel to inspire your next travel adventures around the world. Includes travel films and documentaries!

Travel movies are a great way to experience travel vicariously.

Whether you want to be left breathless by the beauty of the Swiss Alps in “The Sound of Music” or find yourself laughing at the antics of two friends trying to make their way through India, there is something for everyone on this list.

What are the best travel movies about travel?

Travel is more than just seeing new places, it’s also experiencing different cultures. You can find inspiration for your next trip in some of these great movies about traveling.

We hope this collection of the best travel movies inspires wanderlust and helps people start searching for dream destinations to travel to next!

180° South

(2010 documentary)

This documentary tells the story of Patagonia's evolution, through surfing and climbing. Adventurer Jeff Johnson retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins.

Watch this adventure travel film: 180° South

127 Hours

(2010 Biography Drama Film)

This film tells the true story of a mountain climber who cut off his arm to free himself after being pinned by a boulder for more than five days in BlueJohn Canyon, Utah. One for the adventurous, perhaps not one for the squeamish.

Watch this outdoor adventure movie: 127 Hours

A Good Year

(2006 Comedy, Drama, Romance Film)

A British investment banker finds himself drawn into a world of French wine and food when he inherits his uncle's villa in Provence. Stars Russell Crowe, Marion Cotillard, Albert Finney.

Watch here: A Good Year

A Map for Saturday

(2007 Documentary)

Ever wondered what it would be like to travel the world? This documentary shows the nitty gritty from a unique angle that makes you think it might not all be roses.

Watch this travel film: A Map for Saturday

Any James Bond Film

(Various years Film)

James Bond is a fictional character created by the English author Ian Fleming. He is a British Secret Service Agent and Naval Intelligence Officer, usually found in exotic locations with a drink that's shaken and not stirred. Great storylines, and normally stunning settings mean you get to travel from the comfort of your armchair while Bond does the hard work of saving the world!

Any Indiana Jones Film (Except the Crystal Skull)

(Various film)

Indiana Jones is a fictional character in the Indiana Jones franchise. He is played by Harrison Ford and has been featured in films released from 1981 with a new film scheduled for release in 2022. The first 2 or 3 films were gold, mixing history, mythology and off the beaten path locations. The less said about the dreadful Crystal Skull film the better!

Australia

(2008 Comedy, Adventure, Drama Film)

Australia is a 2008 epic-adventure comedy film directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman and David Wenham. The movie follows an English woman (Nicole) who inherits her father's cattle ranch in northern Australia. Lovers of the outback will like the scenery in this one.

Away We Go

(2009 Adventure, Comedy, Drama Film)

Away We Go is a 2009 comedy-drama film directed by Sam Mendes. The screenplay was written by Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida. It stars John Krasinski, Maya Rudolph and Maggie Gyllenhaal as the protagonists who travel across America in order to find out what state they want to raise their child.

Watch this journey movie: Away We Go

Baraka

(1992 Documentary)

Filmed over nearly five years in twenty-five countries on five continents, Baraka is a non-narrative documentary that reflects man's spiritual dimension. At least we think that's what it means.

Watch here: Baraka

Before Sunrise

(1995 Drama, Romance Film)

Before Sunrise is a 1995 romantic drama film starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. The two meet on a train from Budapest to Vienna, spend the night together in Vienna's Parliament building, and talk about their lives before they part ways the next morning. There's another two films in this series.

Watch here: Before Sunrise

Brooklyn

(2015 Drama, Romance Film)

Brooklyn is a 2015 American romantic drama film directed by John Crowley and written by Nick Hornby, based on Colm Tóibín's 2009 novel of the same title. The film stars Saoirse Ronan as Eilis Lacey, a young Irish immigrant navigating her way through 1950s Brooklyn.

Watch here: Brooklyn

Related: Brooklyn Instagram Captions

Catch Me If You Can

(2002 Biography, Drama Film)

This film would be called far-fetched if it wasn't for the fact it was based on a true story! Frank W. Abagnale, Jr., known as “Confidence man” Frank William Abagnale, Jr., is a con-artist who successfully passed himself off as an airline pilot, doctor or lawyer and swindled millions of dollars before he was 21 years old. The real Frank W. Abgagnale gave a really interesting presentation to Google a few years ago which you can check out on YouTube.

Watch here: Catch me if you can

Crocodile Dundee

(1986 Action, Adventure, Comedy Film)

We'll go with the original film as our favourite Dundee outing, taking an outback character from the bush in Australia and putting him in the USA. Hollywood rumour has it the film was made as something of a joke in order to present a tax loss to its investors, but it went on to become a smash hit around the world! Dundee's rise to fame has been described as “one of the most spectacular overnight sensations” in cinema history. Classic line: That's not a knife!

Watch here: Crocodile Dundee

Easy Rider

(1969 Adventure, Drama film)

Motorbikes + road trip across America= lots of adventure in this late 60s film. Easy Rider stars Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper on a journey from Los Angeles to New Orleans, in search of the American Dream. This is one of the classic road trip movies of all time.

Eat Pray Love

(2010 Drama, Romance, Film)

This Julia Roberts vehicle is based on the memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert. The book was a huge success and sold over 12 million copies worldwide, so it's no surprise that this movie adaptation has become one of the most successful movies in history. Eat Pray Love tells the story of Liz as she travels to Italy, India and Indonesia to find herself after her life falls apart from an unsuccessful marriage and divorce. A side effect if the film, was that it spawned a seemingly endless amount of travel blogs that had words like ‘Travel Love Eat', ‘Eat Love Travel' etc. Just to clarify, “Dave's Travel Pages” pre-dated the release of the book by one year, so I'm not part of that trend!!

Everest

(2015 Adventure, Biography Film)

Everest is a 2015 American adventure drama film directed by Baltasar Kormákur. The story follows the 1996 Mount Everest disaster, and depicts one of its survivors' account of what happened in an expedition led by Rob Hall (Jason Clarke). The movie stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Josh Brolin, John Hawkes, Robin Wright and Keira Knightley. A tale of struggle and adversity, making it something of an emotional rollercoaster and epic tale of adventure and tragedy. One of my favorite travel movies.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

(2014 Adventure, Comedy Film)

The Grand Budapest Hotel is a 2014 comedy film written and directed by Wes Anderson. It stars Ralph Fiennes as the concierge of a European hotel with a host of other well known names. It can be difficult to get your head around at first, so probably deserves more than one sitting.

Hector and The Search for Happiness

(2014 Adventure, Comedy Film)

Hector and The Search for Happiness is a 2014 adventure comedy film starring Simon Pegg as the title character. A psychiatrist from London sets out on an incredible journey around the world to answer that question, but with only limited success.

Hit the Road: India

(2013 Documentary)

Follows the exploits of a 12 day rickshaw race across India!

Hunt for the Wilderpeople

(2016 Adventure Comedy Film)

A new release from 2016, Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a comedy about two misfits on the run in New Zealand. It stars Sam Neill and Julian Dennison (the kid from Deadpool 2) as a young boy who goes missing with his foster uncle in the bush in New Zealand, sparking a nationwide manhunt. A fun travel film for all ages.

In Bruges

(2008 Comedy Crime Drama Film)

This is a surprisingly layered film, and while not travel orientated itself, does present some beautiful shots of Bruges.

Into the Wild

(2007 Adventure Biography Film)

The true story of Christopher McCandless, a bright student who leaves his family and lifestyle to travel across North America. His adventures in nature are legendary and he is fortunate enough to have survived for 112 days before succumbing to starvation while living the Alaska wilderness by himself. The story neatly sums up the Gen X zeitgeist of the time, and was one of the longest awaited travel films made some years after the original events of the tale.

Lawrence of Arabia

(1962 Adventure Biography Film)

Widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, Lawrence of Arabia is a classic. Told in an epic fashion with incredible detail and scope, it's not hard to see why this film has endured for so long. Sweeping desert scenery and the highs and lows of adventure make this a classic Sunday film.

Life in a Day

(2011 Documentary)

This film is a great example of how travel can be life changing. Life in A Day compiles video submissions from people all over the world to create an insightful and moving documentary about what we do, where we go, and who we become when our lives are put on display for one day each year.

Lion

(2016 Drama Film)

Lion is the story of a young man who got lost on the streets of India, and is adopted by an Australian family. After 25 years was able to find his way back home. The film features some beautiful scenery, and culture comparisons.

Little Miss Sunshine

(2006 Comedy Drama Film)

This is a comedy, and what might be the best family film of all time. The story follows an optimistic young girl on her long-distance road trip to enter in a beauty pageant she hopes will save their dysfunctional lives. The movie features some great music for your next playlist as well!

Lord of the Rings Trilogy

(2001 – 2003 Action Fantasy Film)

Based on perhaps the best fantasy books ever written, the Lord of the Rings Trilogy combines a fantastical road trip filmed in the beautiful surrounds of New Zealand. Whether the story of Bilbo and the others inspires you to hit the road, or the scenery of New Zealand makes you want to visit, this is a sure collection to inspire your wanderlust.

Lost in Translation

(2003 Comedy Drama Film)

This is a quiet and relaxing film that features the great Bill Murray. Lost in Translation tells the story of two people who meet by chance at a Tokyo hotel, while both seeking one another's help for their own personal problems – only to find they have no idea how to communicate with each other. One reviewer said it best: “Lost In Translation is about what happens when you travel abroad without knowing where you are going or why”. This movie will make you want to visit Japan more than ever before!

A Map for Saturday

(2007 Documentary)

Documenting a world of long-term solo travel, this is a film like no other. It follows the adventures of four men and women on their trips to different parts of the globe, as they share some very interesting stories about themselves along with what life has bestowed upon them so far. A Map For Saturday will inspire you for your next long-term travel adventure!

Related: Benefits of solo travel

Mamma Mia!

(2008 Musical, Comedy, Romance Film)

If you’ve always wanted to visit the Mediterranean, this is your chance! This film will take you to a beautiful Greek island and bring tears of joy as well.

A story about love, friendship and identity has never been more emotional than in MAMMA MIA!, which also features ABBA songs throughout. Sophie's Wedding is a memorable scene, and you can visit the church in Skopelos from Mamma Mia very easily.

Looking for more movies about Greece? Check out this collection: Movies about Greece

Also: Songs about travelling

Midnight in Paris

(2011 Comedy, Romance, Film)

If you’ve always wanted to visit Paris at night, this is your chance! This film will take you to a beautiful city in Europe and bring tears of joy as well. A nostalgic screenwriter travels to Paris with his fiancé's family. Every day at midnight he is transported back to the 1920s.

Monsoon Wedding

(2001 Comedy Romance Drama Film)

A father is stressed. A woman who is getting married has a secret. An event planner loves the woman. The woman's family members live all over the world. They are trying to get ready for her wedding in India and it gets very hard because they can't talk about what they are doing with people outside of their family.

Nowhere in Africa

(2001 Biography Drama Film)

A family from Germany who are Jewish moves to Kenya and lives on a farm. They have to adjust their life there. They learn how to speak Swahili. They meet some Africans who are their neighbors and try to teach them about life in Kenya.

On the Road

(2012 Adventure Drama Romance Film)

Sal Paradise has his life changed when he meets free-spirited Dean Moriarty and his girl, Marylou. Traveling together across the American southwest, they try to break from conformity and search the unknown. Their decisions change their lives.

Out of Africa

(1985 Biography Drama Romance Film)

In 20th-century colonial Kenya, a Danish baroness, plantation owner and mistress of the Kurma sheep station had an affair with a free-spirited hunter.

Patagonia

(2010 Adventure Drama Film)

There are two stories unfolding simultaneously in the present day; one of a Welsh couple travelling in Patagonia and the other of an elderly grandmother and her teenage nephew travelling in Wales in search of her mother's farm. Lots of beautiful countryside appeals to the city dweller who wants to escape it all!

Planes, Trains & Automobiles

(1987 Comedy Drama Film)

A man must travel cross-country with an obnoxious slob from New York to Chicago. Hilarity ensues as they battle the elements, vehicles and their own insecurities along the way. One of the best comedy travel movies you need to see!

Related: New York Captions

Romancing the Stone

(1984 Action Adventure Comedy Film)

A touch of Indiana Jones, a touch of heist, this 80s film has aged pretty well, and I'd say it was quite influential in helping me see the adventurous side of travel – even if my travels haven't been quite THAT adventurous!

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

(2011 Comedy Drama Romance Film)

An utterly charming film that tells the story of a scientist who is asked to set up a place to fish in the middle of the desert for a rich Sheik.

Seven Years in Tibet

(1997 Adventure, Biography, Drama, Film)

A dramatisation of Heinrich Harrer's memoir, this is a fascinating watch about an Austrian mountain climber who becomes friends with the Dalai Lama and stays in Tibet for seven years.

The Art of Travel

(2008 Drama Film)

A high school graduate embarks on a solo voyage to Central America, finding adventure with an eclectic group of wayfarers who attempt the impossible—crossing the Darien Gap in record time.

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

(1994 Comedy Music Film)

Two drag queens and a transgender woman travel to a remote Australian town to perform at the opening of an opulent new nightclub. While there, they break through culture and class lines with their outrageousness and wit. One of my personal favorites!

The Beach

(2000 Adventure Drama Romance Film)

An American backpacker travels around Thailand looking for an exotic beach hidden somewhere on Earth with other travelers he’s met along the way. Based on Alex Garland's novel of same name, this is one travel film you cannot miss out on!

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

(2011 Comedy Drama Film)

A group of British retirees travel to Jaipur, India, in search of an affordable retirement home. Despite their less than perfect accommodations, the rooms of the Marigold Hotel eventually start to slowly win over visitors. It deals with aging while traveling and shows that we all get old no matter what country you live in!

The Bucket List

(2007 Adventure Comedy Drama Film)

Two terminally ill men escape their hospital rooms and go on a road trip to fulfill their “bucket lists”. It is one of the few movies that explore what it's like to travel when you're dying. As a side note, this then inspired a series of blog posts from travel bloggers that include destinations on ‘bucket lists'.

The Darjeeling Limited

(2007 Comedy Drama)

This delightful film follows three brothers who set off on a train across India as part of a spiritual journey together. This independent comedy drama will have you laughing and crying – an emotional roller coaster that won’t disappoint those wanting to watch movies about travel!

The Endless Summer

(1965 Sport Documentary)

This documentary is about the surf culture. It was one of the first films to explore surfing and travel abroad in a way that inspired others who watched it – paving the way for movies like Blue Crush (2002) or Endless Summer II (1994).

The Motorcycle Diaries

(2004 Biography Drama Adventure Film)

Ernesto Guevara begins a long trip through South America during which he meets several people that will have influence over him for years to come. He finds himself desiring more than what society tells us is possible: freedom.

The Road Within

(2014 Adventure Comedy Drama Film)

A young man with Tourette's Syndrome embarks on a life-changing road trip with his recently-deceased mother's ashes.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

(2013 Adventure Comedy Drama Film)

This film is all about stepping outside of your comfort zone to find that you are more than you think you are. When Walter finds himself in a difficult position, he takes action by embarking on an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined.

The Terminal

(2004 Comedy Drama Film)

This is a movie about immigration and travel. Viktor Navorski has arrived at JFK airport as his country undergoes a revolution, but he will not be allowed to enter the US because of political turmoil in his country. He then finds himself trapped in the international terminal for months until he can return home on an exit visa.

The Trip

(2010 Comedy Drama Film)

A British comedy starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon in the title roles. The film documents a culinary tour of northern England taken by the two friends, who are imitating Anthony Bourdain's TV show No Reservations on an American cable channel. As they go from restaurant to restaurant, their competitive spirit is matched only by their appetite for food, alcohol (both wine and beer), and cigarettes.

The Trip to Italy

(2014 Comedy Drama Film)

This sequel to the British comedy The Trip, stars Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon as they venture out on another culinary tour of northern Italy. This time with a little more wine not just beer or cigarettes.

Watch here: The Trip to Italy

The Way

(2010 Adventure Comedy Drama Film)

A journey of redemption as a father travels to find the body of his deceased son who died while traveling the “El camino de Santiago,” and decides to take the pilgrimage himself.

Watch here: The Way

Tracks

(2013 Adventure Comedy Drama Film)

A story of a woman who decides to walk the entire length of the Australian continent with her four camels and dog. The journey is both physically and emotionally challenging as she battles extreme weather conditions, difficult terrain, wild animals, loneliness, self-doubt, and depression.

Watch here: Tracks

Under the Tuscan Sun

(2003 Comedy Drama Romance Film)

A New York writer decides to purchase and renovate an old villa in Tuscany. The move is inspired by the recent loss of her husband, which forces her to reassess her life and find ways to heal from the tragedy. She falls in love with not only the house but also with a local businessman. The film is so-so – the real star of this travel film is Tuscany.

Watch here: Under the Tuscan Sun

Up in the Air

(2009 Comedy Drama Romance Film)

Ryan Bingham is an elite corporate “downsizer” who travels the country firing people for a living. He's had his fill of all-night booze and meaningless sex with strangers, but still has to find meaning in life as he approaches 40. This turns out to be more difficult than it sounds when Ryan finds himself torn between two women: Natalie Keener, a young woman whose dreams will only take her so far if she stays on this career path…and Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), the boss' sexy wife, who not only understands him better than anyone else ever could,… they share similar goals.

Watch now: Up in the Air

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

(2008 Comedy Drama Romance Film)

This is the story of Vicky and Cristina, two American girls on a summer break in Barcelona. They are looking for some carefree fun, but they end up finding more than what they bargained for. A holiday romance might lead to something deeper if both women can finally surrender their fears about getting hurt again… or will it just make matters worse?

Watch here: Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Wanderlust Movies FAQ

There's always one or two nagging questions when it comes to facts about so many movies about travel! Here's a few that you might have:

What do you watch when you have wanderlust?

Nothing quite beats watching a Sir David Attenborough documentary when planning the next adventure. The way he narrates combined with the best cinematography really bring the beauty of planet Earth to life.

What should I watch on a trip?

Why not watch Around the World in 80 days starring Steve Coogan? It's a great movie and a fun take on the Jules Verne classic.

What is the coolest movie in the world?

Combine cool with a road trip feel and you might find that Easy Rider will be one of your favorite movies to watch.

Which is the No 1 adventure movie in the world?

The Indiana Jones movies are perhaps the most fun adventure series to watch, although the more recent outings are much poorer than the firs two.

What travel movies are also a true story?

An inspiring travel movie based on real life is Seven Years in Tibet, although it must be said that the film (and probably even the book) deviates away from factual events a few times.

Would you add any more to this list of movies about traveling? Let us know in the comments below! And if you're looking for more travel inspiration, check out our travel quotes and captions collections: