13 Must-Watch Movies That Will Ignite Your Wanderlust
Who says you need to book a flight to have the thrill of exploring new destinations? Certain movies can transport you to other parts of the world, stoke your travel soul, and make your mind race with ideas of where to travel next, all from the coziness of your couch. According to a recent report by Variety, Google searches for “travel-inspired movies” increased by 62% over the last two years. Movies fashion our dreams of traveling and learning about other cultures, landscapes, and lifestyles, and it’s already a trend getting bigger.
These films are stimulating and rousing. They make you ravenous for something new and never adequately fulfilled.
Walter Mitty (2013)
This Visually Stunning and Inspiring film allows you to experience the extraordinary. Ben Stiller plays Walter Mitty, a man who fantasizes about a more exciting life and a more exciting self and wanders off from his boring life to a Himalayan odyssey, stopping at otherworldly glaciers in Iceland. The movie is about breaking out of your comfort zone, mixed with breathtaking landscapes. It’s the perfect reminder to say “yes” to life-changing adventures.
Wanderlust Inspiration: The dramatic terrain of Iceland and the surreal ice-covered wonders of Greenland.
Into the Wild (2007)
Into the Wild is one of the few films that showcases both nature’s beauty and its harshest reality. It is based on the true story of an expedition into the wilderness of America, undertaken by young Christopher McCandless, who abandoned the modern world and everything in it.
His ultimate goal? The Alaskan wilderness. This gripping movie, directed by Sean Penn, beautifully reminds us of how powerfully solitary and natural a connection can be.
Wanderlust Inspiration: Untouched beauty of America’s National Parks.
The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
A whimsical train ride through India is the setting for Wes Anderson’s quirky masterpiece of an all–brothers–reunited escapade. As the siblings reconnect, the film gives us stunning visuals of Rajasthan. Featuring everything from markets to deserts to solitude, the film characterizes the magic of slow travel in India, bringing its chaos to solitude.
Wanderlust Inspiration: The country’s colorful traditions and marvelous architecture.
Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
Romantic and heartwarming, this film will make you want to escape to Tuscany if you’ve dreamed of it. A newly divorced writer impulsively buys a villa in Italy, and Diane Lane plays Frances. With sweeping shots of the Tuscan countryside and idealized Tuscan architecture, the film promises reinvention amid breathtaking backdrops.
Wanderlust Inspiration: Tuscany’s rolling vineyards and Italian living’s charm.
Lost in Translation (2003)
If you’ve fallen in love with part of Japan, Lost in Translation is a love letter to Tokyo’s warp-speed streets. In Sofia Coppola’s film, we follow two strangers making a connection in a foreign land. Capturing Japanese traditions, bustling city life, and serene temples, the movie explores themes of loneliness and cultural clash under the lens of Japanese society.
Wanderlust Inspiration: Tokyo’s neon-lit streets with their rich cultural contrasts.
The Beach (2000)
Have you ever thought that a secret paradise might exist? See Leonardo DiCaprio’s character discover a hidden utopia in Thailand. When things take a darker turn, the film’s gorgeous shots of Maya Bay, with its turquoise waters and lush cliffs, earn a spot in travel movie history.
Wanderlust Inspiration: Tropical getaways and Island Adventures.
Eat, Pray, Love (2010)
This adaptation of the bestselling memoir stars Julia Roberts as Elizabeth Gilbert. Viewers travel with her on these beautiful, soul-nourishing sojourns in Italy, India, and Bali, each featuring delicious food, spiritual exploration, and personal growth. Indeed, this encapsulates the power of travel, what it can heal, and what it can transform.
Wanderlust Inspiration: Italian cuisine, Indian spirituality, and Bali’s superb beaches.
The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
This is a biographical road trip movie about the travels of a young Che Guevara across South America. We view the awareness of inequality and social struggles through rugged mountains, remote villages, and awe-inspiring landscapes. It is ideal for history buffs and those with adventurous hearts.
Wanderlust Inspiration: The natural wonders and rich cultures of South America.
Before Sunrise (1995)
The plot stars two strangers who meet by chance on a train, and the setting of the plot (in Vienna) lends this understated romance the air of a serendipitous travel experience. However, the European cityscapes and intimate conversations prompt viewers to adopt a more thoughtful approach to exploration.
Wanderlust Inspiration: Vienna’s character-filled streets and spontaneous connections
Wild (2014)
Wild is based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir, in which she walks over the Pacific Crest Trail by herself to get over personal hardships. There are phenomenal performances by Reese Witherspoon as Cheryl, and the beautiful cinematography underlines the raw, magnificent beauty of the 1,100-mile-long trail.
Wanderlust Inspiration: The call of the wilderness and epic solo adventures.
The Way (2010)
Based on a true story, this poignant film is set on the Camino de Santiago, where a father honors his late son by completing the pilgrimage his son had started through Spain. We remember the beauty of life and how important it is to keep moving forward.
Wanderlust Inspiration: The sense of community and Spain’s Camino de Santiago.
Midnight in Paris (2011)
Woody Allen’s whimsical film will take you on a trip to the romantic streets of Paris. Owen Wilson slips into the savoir-faire of the city’s 1920s heyday, socializing with the likes of Hemingway or Picasso. From the get-go, the film’s dreamy depiction of Paris will make you want to travel.
Wanderlust Inspiration: The magical kind of charm Paris is most famous for.
Mamma Mia! (2008)
Take ABBA’s infectious tunes along as the soundtrack to a getaway to one of the Greek islands. With whitewashed villas and crystal clear waters, Mamma Mia! is a feel-good movie for Mediterranean dreamers. It tops off a picture that is decidedly carefree and inviting in island life, with gorgeous visuals and plenty of sun.
Wanderlust Inspiration: Greece’s carefree spirit and idyllic islands.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Read More:
