Movies That Will Inspire You To See The World
We've all watched movies set in fantastic locations and thought, "Wow, I'd love to go there someday". Quite apart from the exotic locales you might see in James Bond, we thought we'd compile a list of travel-based movies that will feed your soul, entice you to renew your passport, and buy a plane ticket—or, to get out and see more of your own country.
Here are some of the best movies that will inspire you to see the world.
Out Of Africa (1985)
Starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, Out of Africa (1985) tells the story of two lovers who meet while Karen (played by Streep) is traveling through Kenya en route to Nairobi. Redford plays a big-game hunter who struggles with the class system of 20th-century Africa, as Karen is a woman of Danish nobility. The beautiful cinematography showcasing the vast African landscape may have you itching for a journey to far-off places.
Mirage Enterprises, Out of Africa (1985)
True (2004)
If you're not into watching long featurettes, then True (2004) is perfect for you—this French-language short film stars Natalie Portman as Francine and Melchior Beston as Thomas, her former boyfriend. At only 12 minutes long, True takes the reader through a journey of love and loss, as Francine breaks up with our protagonist. Nevertheless, the images of the two lovers in Paris will surely tug the heartstrings and maybe inspire a romantic holiday.
X Filme Creative Pool, True (2004)
Midnight In Paris (2011)
Owen Wilson starring in a movie that isn't a comedy? That's right! Midnight in Paris (2011) is half-fantasy, half-reality that sees Wilson transported back to the 1920s and meeting various key historical figures, such as Hemingway and F Scott Fitzgerald. While you can't travel back in time, you may get an itch to travel to parts of Paris that will make you feel like you're in the previous century.
Mediapro, Midnight In Paris (2011)
Up In The Air (2009)
Another travel romance is brewing in Up In The Air (2009), which sees George Clooney play a traveling HR consultant who's usually stoic and cold to human interaction, exhausted from his many hours a week at 30,000 feet. He eventually finds love aboard an aircraft, with a frequent flyer like himself. If you're a frequent flyer, this may be your cue to settle down. If you're not a flyer, this may be your cue to get on a plane.
DreamWorks Pictures, Up in the Air (2009)
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
This one's a real feel-good film starring Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, and Bill Nighy as a group of British expats who decide to move into a retirement hotel in India. Immersing the viewer in the colors, sights, sounds, and culture of India, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) is a stunning piece of film artistry that tells a wonderful tale.
Blueprint Pictures, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
The Beach (2000)
Starring a young Leonardo Di Caprio, The Beach (2000) isn't exactly an idyllic travel movie, as the young backpacker discovers that on a secluded island, things are not always as they seem. But, it's still chock full of adventurous youngsters seeking something more and may inspire you to grab the backpack and go trekking—just not to a "secret" island, perhaps.
Figment Films, The Beach (2000)
Away We Go (2009)
Starring a young(er) John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph, Away We Go (2009) sees two parents-to-be traveling across the United States, searching for the perfect place to raise their incoming little one. The film explores the trials and tribulations of travel, as well as the endurance of the human spirit to search for better, always. If you're considering a move with your family (or family-to-be), then this film will inspire you.
Neal Street Productions, Away We Go (2009)
Under The Tuscan Sun (2003)
We've all made impulsive buys while traveling—you're on vacation, why not? Well, maybe none of us has impulsively purchased a Tuscan villa while freshly divorced. That's what Diane Lane's character, Frances Mayes, does in Under The Tuscan Sun (2003). While this may not entice you to buy a Tuscan villa, it may encourage wanderlust to explore central Italy. Or, maybe it's just the excuse you've been searching for to buy a cheap property in Europe.
Touchstone Pictures, Under The Tuscan Sun (2003)
The Holiday (2006)
Ever done a house-swap over Christmas with a near-total stranger? No? You'll want to after watching The Holiday (2006). Starring Cameron Diaz as Amanda and Kate Winslet as Iris, each agrees to swap houses for Christmas, with Winslet coming to the United States and Diaz visiting Surrey in England. The Holiday is a rom-com, but its themes of exploring a new place are rich and plentiful, giving you the impetus you need to take that Christmas vacation.
Columbia Pictures, The Holiday (2006)
Coming To America (1988)
While this Eddie Murphy comedy might not be your classic travel movie, it does feature the all-too-familiar scenes of a man trying to navigate his way around a new city. If you've ever traveled somewhere you didn't speak or read the local language and weren't familiar with local customs and culture, then Coming To America's (1998) humorous take on stranger-in-a-foreign-land will surely bring back memories—and maybe inspire the creation of new ones.
Paramount Pictures, Coming to America (1988)
Easy Rider (1969)
This indie travel film starring Jack Nicholson, Peter Fonda, and Dennis Hopper is all about finding yourself on the open road with some friends. Initially involved in a drug deal in southern California, Easy Rider sees the two biker friends (Hopper and Fonda) riding coast to coast in search of something better. They encounter the full scope of the American experience in the film, which may have you itching to turn your car/bike/motorhome west or east and just drive.
Raybert Productions, Easy Rider (1969)
The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty (2013)
One of Ben Stiller's best films sees him play the role of a photographer and developer for Life magazine, who is sent on an epic adventure to produce an image for the final print issue after the new owners make some big changes at the mag. Stiller's portrayal of Walter Mitty will have you reaching for your camera and backpack in no time.
Samuel Goldwyn Films, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Into The Wild (2007)
The tale of Christopher McCandless is a heartbreaking tragedy that's told in Jon Krakauer's book, Into The Wild. The film adaptation of the book is a fantastic coming-of-age movie about Christopher McCandless' life—and death. Nevertheless, Into The Wild (2017) is a movie rich with themes of the human experience, coupled with glorious visuals that will have you wanting to disappear into the wild, too.
Paramount Vantage, Into the Wild (2007)
A Good Year (2006)
Ever wanted to live in a winery on the French Riviera, where your only job is to drink wine and be merry? Yes? We understand. A Good Year (2006) tells the story of Max, a London-based banker who inherits his uncle's vineyard in Provence, France, only to realize that the property may belong to his uncle's illegitimate daughter, according to French law. A Good Year plays out as a romantic drama when the unattached Max becomes very much attached to a French woman. It's a great movie that will have you yearning for France and wine.
Scott Free Productions, A Good Year (2006)
Romancing The Stone (1996)
Romancing The Stone (1996) stars Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner as two lovers who meet while the latter is on the hunt for her sister's kidnappers. Turner plays Joan Wilder, a successful New York-based novelist whose romantic novels and personal life become inextricably intertwined following the kidnap of her sister. She meets and enlists the help of Jack Colton (played by Douglas), an exotic bird smuggler. While you may not be falling in love with an exotic bird smuggler, the movie will fill you with a sense of urgency to see the world.
El Corazon Producciones S.A, Romancing The Stone (1984)
The English Patient (1996)
Another film from 1996 that'll have you wanting to travel the world by motorcycle, meet a handsome fellow or gorgeous gal, and fall in love is The English Patient. Based on a novel by Michael Ondaatje, a crashed pilot during WWII falls in love with the nurse who's treating him in the Sahara Desert. Widely viewed as a classic movie, The English Patient may well have you reaching for your passport.
Miramax, The English Patient (1996)
Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
The ultimate girls' holiday to Barcelona? What more could a gal want? Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008) sees Scarlett Johansson and Penelope Cruz play the main characters in a movie all about a girl's summer vacation. What happens in Barcelona, stays in Barcelona, right? You'll want to explore Barcelona after watching this flick.
Mediapro, Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
Lost In Translation (2003)
Friendship can happen at any age, as is shown in Lost In Translation (2003). This insightful film stars Bill Murray and Scarlet Johansson as two people separated by age in Tokyo, but drawn together as friends after bonding over the trials of living in a foreign land. The beautiful depiction of friendship knowing no bounds will have you wanting to explore a far-off place and find new friends while doing so.
American Zoetrope, Lost in Translation (2003)
Amélie (2001)
If you've ever envisioned yourself as a young, carefree spirit living in a major European city, then Amélie (2001) might well be the movie for you. Shot in over 80 locations in Paris, the movie explores modern Parisian life through the eyes of Amélie, and you'll want to explore it through your own eyes after you finish watching it.
Claudie Ossard Productions, Amélie (2001)
Before Sunrise (1995)
A young Ethan Hawke stars as Jesse, an American traveling through Europe, who meets Celine, a French lady who's also traveling through Europe. The pair step off the train in Vienna and spend the entire night wandering around the city, romancing—as one does. If this doesn't sway you to book that Euro Rail ticket, we don't know what will.
Castle Rock Entertainment, Before Sunrise (1995)
The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) is based on the real-life of Ernesto Guevara—you may otherwise know him as "Che" Guevara, the revolutionary. Based on the true tales of Guevara and his friend Alberto Granados's travels from Peru to Brazil during their semester break from medical school, this film may not inspire you to revolution, but it will inspire you (hopefully) to motorcycle your way around South America.
Film4 Productions, The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
This one's a fantastic family movie about a little girl named Olive who learns she's qualified for the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant in California. Since her family lives across the country from the pageant, they travel in a little 1980s VW van to get her there for the pageant. The film stars Steve Carrell and Abigail Breslin and is a feel-good movie with some great messaging about the strength of family. If you've ever wanted to VW it across the country with the fam, Little Miss Sunshine (2006) is your inspiration.
Searchlight Pictures, Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Eat Pray Love (2010)
Eat Pray Love (2010) is based on a memoir of the same name by Elizabeth Gilbert. Played by Julia Roberts, Eat Pray Love depicts Gilbert's quest for self-discovery through India, Italy, and Bali, following her divorce. If you've ever gone through a seismic event like that in your life, Eat Pray Love may well be the inspiration you need to disconnect with life for a moment and reconnect with yourself.
Columbia Pictures, Eat Pray Love (2010)
The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
Another feel-good film with much comedy, in line with The Most Exotic Marigold Hotel, sees Adrien Brody, Owen Wilson, and Jason Schwartzman star in this comedy-drama about three brothers who reunite for a trip to India after not speaking in over a year. If you've not spoken to family members in a long time, The Darjeeling Limited (2007) might well be the watch you need to reopen communication. Not saying you have to take a train trip through India, but it's an option.
Searchlight Pictures, The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
Almost Famous (2001)
Starring Patrick Fugit as William Miller, a 15-year-old aspiring music journalist, and Kate Hudson as Penny Lane, a groupie following rock bands around America, the 15-year-old finds himself touring with Stillwater, an up-and-coming band, while on assignment for Rolling Stone. Almost Famous (2001) is a fantastic coming-of-age film that may inspire you to travel across the country to see your favorite band, or simply see America by hopping in a VW camper.
Columbia Pictures, Almost Famous (2000)
Wild (2014)
If you've ever felt the need to escape from life, or at least, reinvent yourself, then Wild (2014) starring Reese Witherspoon may be exactly what you need. It's based on the autobiography of Cheryl Strayed, a woman famous for hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail. Cheryl's inspirational story is fantastically told by Witherspoon's acting in a movie that will inspire you to get out there and hit the trail, whether for yourself, or someone else.
Searchlight Pictures, Wild (2014)
Endless Summer (1966)
This 1960s tale of a surfing kind follows Bruce Brown, former surfer and filmmaker, making a movie about two surfer friends: Michael Hynson and Robert August. Hynson and August leave California in search of surf elsewhere, traveling to Hawaii, Australia, and South Africa in the process. If you're ever tired of surfing the same waves, riding the same trails, or just the general monotony of life, Endless Summer (1966) may be the impetus to change something.
Bruce Brown Films, Endless Summer (1966)
Roman Holiday (1953)
Here's a classic romantic movie starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. The former stars as Ann, a European princess intent on discovering a new lease on life from a day of adventure in Rome, followed by American reporter, Joe Bradley. While Roman Holiday (1953) is a black-and-white classic, its themes of living life with abandon and taking chances are just as relevant today as they were in the 1950s.
Paramount Pictures, Roman Holiday (1953)
Carol (2015)
Starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, Carol (2015) follows two women in New York City in the 1950s who come from very different backgrounds, yet find themselves inextricably in love. This tale of forbidden love in the 1950s may inspire you to travel to a foreign city, and perhaps find an unexpected acquaintance there.
Film4 Productions, Carol (2015)
To Catch A Thief (1955)
Set in the French Riviera, To Catch A Thief (1955) stars John Robie as a retired burglar who's suspected of a series of robberies, but they're the work of an imposter. Eager to prove his innocence, Robie's character becomes romantically involved with an American socialite, Frances, believing that she may be the key to the mystery. While we don't expect you to become a retired cat burglar in the French Riviera, To Catch A Thief may well inspire you to visit that beautiful region of France.
Paramount Pictures, To Catch A Thief (1955)
Murder On The Orient Express (2017)
As the Orient Express winds through Europe, an overnight murder becomes the plot of the Agatha Christie novel of the same name, upon which the movie is based. The gorgeous scenery depicted in the movie may have you longing through Europe—unfortunately, the Orient Express is no longer operational, but there are other options to explore.
Scott Free Productions, Murder On The Orient Express (2017)
The Adventures Of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert (1994)
In this hilarious musical drama, three drag queens—Anthony, Adam, and Bernadette—drive a bus called Priscilla across Australia, from Sydney to Alice Springs. The movie is a comedy/musical and something of a cult classic that may inspire you to buy a van or a bus and drive it across a country. Whether or not you perform drag shows along the way is entirely up to you.
PolyGram Entertainment, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
Two For The Road (1967)
Two For The Road (1967) stars Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney as Mark and Joanna Wallace, who travel to Italy to meet with one of Mark's clients in the hopes that the trip will reinvigorate their banal and boring marriage. Two For The Road has some gorgeous imagery of Italy and a compelling enough storyline. We're unsure as to whether a good vacation will help with marital strife or boredom, but Two For The Road may inspire you to try it.
20th Century Studios, Two For The Road (1967)
Thelma And Louise (1991)
Starring Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, Thelma and Louise (1991) becomes an ultimate game of cat-and-mouse when this girl power pairing becomes involved in a murder, after Sarandon's character is assaulted at a bar, and Davis takes revenge. If you've ever felt the need to run from the law, then Thelma and Louise might just be the getaway vehicle you've been searching for.
The Way (2010)
Martin Sheen stars in this action/comedy, in which an estranged father travels to Europe to collect the body of his son, who passed on while trekking the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Sheen's character resolves to finish what his son started and undertake the journey himself. You may have heard of the pilgrimage known as "El Camino", an 800-kilometer journey through France to Southern Spain—for some, a religious retreat, for others, a test of endurance and a cleansing of the soul. The Way's (2010) touching take on the journey may inspire you to make the trip yourself, even if you're not particularly religious.
The Bucket List (2007)
Starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, The Bucket List (2007) tells a hilarious (and at times heartbreaking) tale of two strangers-turned-friends, Edward Cole (Nicholson) and Carter Chambers (Freeman), on a quest to complete a 'bucket list' before death comes for them, as they're both terminally ill. A feel-good movie most of the time, The Bucket List may inspire you to start working on your bucket list, as life is often far too short.
Warner Bros, The Bucket List (2007)
Tracks
Starring Adam Driver and Mia Wasikowska, Tracks (2013) sees the former undergo a 1,700-mile journey across Australia, from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean, accompanied only by her dog and four camels. In the search for solitude, Robyn (played by Wasikowska) instead finds friendship and the self-discovery she so craved. If you're searching for solitude, then Tracks might well be worth the watch.
180° South (2010)
This 2010 documentary follows Jeff Johnson as he hikes from Ventura, California to Patagonia, Chile, following in the footsteps of his heroes, Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins (friends and founders of the Patagonia clothing brand). He sets out with the goal of climbing the Corcovado Volcano and making a documentary about the founders of Patagonia and all they've done for conservation in South America. If you've been searching for a film to give you inspiration for long-haul hiking, 180° South is it.
Woodshed Films, 180° South (2010)
One Week (2008)
Diagnosed with terminal cancer, Ben Tyler (played by Joshua Jackson) rides his motorcycle from Toronto, Ontario to Tofino, British Columbia. Stopping at some iconic Canadian landmarks, the drama reveals the reevaluation of one's life that typically comes with a diagnosis like that. If you're at a point in life where you're reevaluating (though hopefully not with a terminal illness), One Week (2008) may give you the impetus to just do whatever you're contemplating.
Telefilm Canada, One Week (2008)
Encounters At The End Of The World (2007)
Encounters At The End of The World (2007) is a documentary produced by Werner Herzog, which follows his journey to (and life at) McMurdo Station in Antarctica, one of the most remote places on earth. He documents the lives of the people who choose to spend time in the brutal climate of Antarctica. While it may not rouse you to travel to some of the harshest climates on earth, it may pique your interest enough to give it a watch.
Discovery Films, Encounters At The End Of The World (2007)
The Last Tourist (2021)
While the above movies may inspire you to see the world, this last one should encourage you to do so with respect and reverence for where you're visiting. The Last Tourist (2021) showcases the effects of mass tourism on the world, including the destruction of property and the environment where tourists travel, the effects on the local population, and much more.
What's your favorite movie that inspired you to travel? Where did you go because you'd seen a movie about it? Tell us your travel tales in the comments below.
Skin and Bones Film Company, The Last Tourist (2021)
