11 Best Movies About Traveling the World to Ignite Your Wanderlust
Cinema possesses a unique power to transport us, not just into narratives but across continents. Certain films capture the essence of exploration so vividly they ignite a desire for adventure deep within us. While many movies feature exotic locations, some truly stand out as catalysts for wanderlust, making viewers yearn to pack their bags and experience the globe. If you’re seeking inspiration for your next journey, look no further. Shocknaue Entertainment News presents a curated selection of the Best Movies About Traveling The World, guaranteed to fuel your desire to explore.
Our Top Picks for Wanderlust-Inducing Films
The films on this list have resonated with audiences for their ability to showcase the transformative power of travel, whether it’s through stunning landscapes, personal journeys of discovery, or thrilling adventures in far-flung places. Prepare to be inspired.
1. Wild (2014)
Based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir, Wild is a powerful story of resilience and self-discovery set against the rugged backdrop of the Pacific Crest Trail. Following Strayed’s 1,100-mile solo hike after personal tragedies, the film is filled with breathtaking footage of the American West Coast, particularly California’s diverse landscapes. It showcases the challenging yet rewarding nature of long-distance trekking and the profound connection one can find with nature. For anyone drawn to the outdoors and stories of personal transformation through physical challenge, Wild offers potent inspiration.
2. Eat Pray Love (2010)
Adapted from Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling memoir, Eat Pray Love follows Liz as she embarks on a year-long journey across the world after a difficult divorce. Seeking pleasure in Italy (Eat), spiritual enlightenment in India (Pray), and finding unexpected romance in Bali (Love), her journey is one of healing and rediscovery. The film beautifully captures the distinct cultures and scenery of each location, from the vibrant streets of Rome to the serene ashrams of India and the lush landscapes of Bali. It’s one of the Best Movies About Traveling The World for anyone contemplating a journey focused on self-care and finding balance.
Serene poolside view at Hotel Tugu in Bali, capturing the essence of self-discovery travel shown in Eat Pray Love.
3. The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
Wes Anderson’s distinct visual style brings India to life in The Darjeeling Limited. The film follows three estranged brothers on a train journey across the country, ostensibly seeking spiritual enlightenment but also confronting their fractured relationships. While the train itself might be more luxurious than reality, the movie brilliantly captures the vibrant colors, unique landscapes, and spiritual undertones of India. It showcases temples, bustling towns, and the countryside, making viewers feel immersed in the journey. If India is on your travel list, this quirky and visually rich film provides compelling inspiration.
Bustling outdoor market scene in Pushkar, India, reflecting the vibrant travel experience depicted in films like The Darjeeling Limited.
4. Before Sunset (2004)
The second installment in Richard Linklater’s beloved trilogy, Before Sunset reunites Jesse and Celine in Paris, nine years after their first encounter in Vienna. The film unfolds in real-time as they wander through the enchanting streets of the French capital, reconnecting and discussing life, love, and their past. Showcasing iconic locations like Shakespeare and Company bookstore, strolls along the Seine, and charming Parisian cafes, the movie acts as a beautiful, intimate walking tour of the city. It’s a must-watch for lovers of Paris and romance, perfectly capturing the city’s alluring atmosphere.
Iconic black and white striped columns at Palais Royal gardens in Paris, a backdrop for romantic walks featured in travel films.
5. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Another Wes Anderson masterpiece, The Grand Budapest Hotel, while set in the fictional Republic of Zubrowka, evokes the charm and elegance of old-world Europe. Partly filmed in Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic and Görlitz in Germany, the movie’s stunning visuals and whimsical narrative transport viewers to a bygone era of grand hotels and Mitteleuropean aesthetics. The meticulously crafted sets and picturesque landscapes inspire a longing for both the specific locations used in filming and the romanticized historical period it depicts. It’s a visual feast that sparks a desire for European adventures.
6. L’Auberge Espagnole (The Spanish Apartment) (2002)
This vibrant film perfectly captures the chaotic, confusing, and ultimately life-changing experience of studying abroad. Following Xavier, a French economics student who moves into a bustling Barcelona apartment shared with other international students as part of the Erasmus program, L’Auberge Espagnole is a celebration of cultural exchange and youthful discovery. It showcases the energy of Barcelona while highlighting the bonds formed and lessons learned when immersing oneself in a new environment. It’s an essential watch for anyone considering studying overseas or reminiscing about their own experiences.
7. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
The Indiana Jones franchise is synonymous with adventure travel, and The Last Crusade is a prime example. Dr. Jones’s quest for the Holy Grail takes him from Venice to Austria and ultimately to the ancient city of Petra in Jordan. The iconic sequence revealing the Treasury carved into the rock face, accessed through the narrow Siq canyon, has single-handedly inspired countless trips to Jordan. This film perfectly blends action, history, and stunning global locations, embodying the spirit of adventure and discovery that drives many travelers.
The magnificent Treasury building in Petra, Jordan, viewed through the Siq, a famous location from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
8. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
Few places evoke wanderlust quite like Tuscany, and Under the Tuscan Sun amplifies that feeling tenfold. Based on Frances Mayes’s memoir, the film follows a recently divorced American writer who impulsively buys a dilapidated villa in the Italian countryside. As she renovates her new home and navigates life and love in Italy, the audience is treated to gorgeous shots of rolling hills, charming towns like Cortona, and the idyllic Tuscan lifestyle. It’s a feel-good movie that makes booking a trip to Italy seem not just desirable, but essential.
Stunning coastal view of the Argentario peninsula in Tuscany, showcasing the beautiful Italian scenery from Under the Tuscan Sun.
9. Amelie (Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain) (2001)
Amelie offers a whimsical and romanticized view of Parisian life, particularly in the Montmartre district. Following the quirky and imaginative Amelie Poulain as she secretly orchestrates small joys in the lives of those around her, the film paints Paris in warm, inviting colors. From the Café des 2 Moulins (a real cafe you can visit) to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the movie captures the charm and magic of everyday life in the city. It’s a visually delightful film that inspires viewers to explore the hidden corners and unique atmosphere of Paris.
10. March of the Penguins (La Marche de l’empereur) (2005)
This stunning documentary offers a different kind of travel inspiration – one focused on the raw beauty and harsh realities of the natural world. Narrated by Morgan Freeman in the popular English version, March of the Penguins follows the incredible annual journey of emperor penguins across the Antarctic ice to their breeding grounds. The breathtaking footage of the vast, icy landscapes and the penguins’ remarkable resilience offers a glimpse into one of the planet’s most remote and challenging environments, potentially sparking interest in expedition travel to polar regions.
11. The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)
Combining delectable food cinematography with charming French countryside vistas, The Hundred-Foot Journey is a treat for the senses. The story centers on an Indian family who opens a restaurant in a quaint village in the South of France, directly across the street from a renowned, Michelin-starred French establishment run by the formidable Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren). The film beautifully contrasts cultures and cuisines while showcasing the idyllic setting of rural France. It’s a heartwarming tale that will inspire foodies and travelers alike to explore the culinary and scenic delights of the French provinces.
Charming stone buildings and greenery in a picturesque village in Provence, France, evoking the setting of The Hundred-Foot Journey.
Let Cinema Guide Your Next Adventure
These eleven films represent just a fraction of the movies that can awaken the travel bug. From epic quests across continents to intimate strolls through European capitals and journeys of self-discovery, cinema offers endless inspiration for exploring our world. Watching the best movies about traveling the world isn’t just entertainment; it can be the first step towards planning your own unforgettable adventure. Let these stories transport you, and perhaps, motivate you to create your own travel narrative.
What movies have inspired you to travel? Share your favorites in the comments below!
