Our list of the 28 best travel movies from around the world. This list is curated to inspire you to travel around the world - some movies will inspire relaxing holidays, while others will tempt you to explore off the beaten track.
There's something magical about a great travel movie. It can transport you to far-flung destinations, introduce you to fascinating cultures, and ignite feelings of wanderlust—all from the comfort of your couch. Whether you're planning your next journey or simply dreaming of distant horizons, these films celebrate the transformative power of travel in ways that will leave you reaching for your passport.
We've assembled the ultimate list of travel movies that capture the essence of exploration, self-discovery, and the sheer joy of venturing into the unknown. From breathtaking landscapes to life-changing encounters, these films remind us why we travel in the first place.
This travel movies list includes more than just Hollywood favorites, but also some lesser known films about travel and international gems that offer unique cultural perspectives on the transformative power of travel.
Jump to:
- Lost in Translation (2003)
- The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
- Before Sunrise (1995)
- The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
- Eat Pray Love (2010)
- The Beach (2000)
- Wild (2014)
- The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
- Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
- My Life in Ruins (2009)
- The Way (2011)
- Midnight in Paris (2011)
- In Bruges (2008)
- The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
- The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
- Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)
- A Good Year (2006)
- The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)
- Call Me By Your Name (2017)
- Cairo Time (2009)
- Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
- Roman Holiday (1953)
- Y Tu Mamá También (2001)
- After the Sunset (2004)
- Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
- The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
- La Dolce Villa (2025)
- After Words (2015)
- Why we love travel movies
- Movies that didn't make the cut
- Final thoughts
Lost in Translation (2003)
Setting: Tokyo, Japan
Sofia Coppola's atmospheric masterpiece follows two lost souls—an aging actor (Bill Murray) and a young woman (Scarlett Johansson)—who form an unlikely connection amid the neon-lit streets and quiet moments of Tokyo. The film beautifully captures that peculiar feeling of being adrift in a foreign culture—disoriented yet exhilarated by the unfamiliar.
What makes it special is how it portrays travel not just as sightseeing, but as a state of mind where unexpected connections become possible precisely because you're removed from your normal context.
The film's dreamy visuals of Tokyo—from karaoke bars to peaceful temples—show both the overwhelming energy and surprising intimacy of one of the world's most fascinating cities.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Setting: Iceland, Greenland, Afghanistan
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty follows Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller), a negative assets manager at Life magazine who escapes his mundane existence through elaborate daydreams. When his job is threatened, he embarks on a global adventure that's more extraordinary than anything he could have imagined.
Iceland's dramatic landscapes steal the show here, from Walter's skateboarding journey down winding roads to an encounter with an erupting volcano! The film illustrates how travel can transform us from observers to participants in our own lives, with a message that resonates with anyone who's ever felt the call of adventure: "To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life."
Before Sunrise (1995)
Setting: Vienna, Austria
Richard Linklater's intimate classic introduces us to Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy), two twenty-somethings who meet on a train and impulsively decide to spend one night wandering the streets of Vienna together.
The film captures that unique traveler's openness—the willingness to engage deeply with strangers when we're far from home. Vienna becomes not just a backdrop but a character itself, with the pair exploring quiet plazas, riverside paths, and cozy cafés while sharing increasingly personal conversations.
It's the ultimate reminder of how travel creates spaces where magical, ephemeral connections can flourish. (And if you enjoyed it, you're sure to enjoy its sequels too!)
The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
Setting: India
Wes Anderson's visually distinctive film follows three estranged brothers (Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman) who embark on a "spiritual journey" across India by train after their father's death. Their planned itinerary of temple visits and meditation quickly derails into a series of misadventures.
With its signature symmetrical shots and vibrant color palette, the film captures India's sensory richness while examining how travel can force us to confront the emotional baggage we bring along. The train itself—with its blue exterior and meticulously designed interior—is a metaphor for how travelers often try to insulate themselves from authentic experiences, only to find that the most meaningful moments come when plans fall apart.
If you've not watched any Wes Anderson films before, this is an excellent entry point to his collection.
Eat Pray Love (2010)
Setting: Italy, India, Indonesia
Based on Elizabeth Gilbert's bestselling memoir, this film follows newly divorced writer Liz Gilbert (Julia Roberts) as she steps out of her comfort zone on a year-long journey of self-discovery. Her quest takes her to Italy for pleasure (eat), India for spirituality (pray), and Bali where she unexpectedly finds love.
What makes this film resonate with so many people is its honest portrayal of using travel as a reset button—a way to rediscover joy, purpose, and balance after life's disappointments.
The lush visuals of pasta being twirled in Rome, vibrant ceremonies in India, and Bali's emerald rice terraces remind us that sometimes the best way to find yourself is to go somewhere new and get thoroughly lost.
The Beach (2000)
Setting: Thailand
This cult classic stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Richard, a young American backpacker who discovers a seemingly idyllic island community hidden from tourists in the Gulf of Thailand. What begins as paradise gradually reveals a darker side as the isolated society begins to unravel.
Despite its cautionary tale, the film perfectly captures the backpacker ethos of the 1990s and early 2000s—the search for "untouched" destinations and authentic experiences away from the beaten path. The stunning shots of Thailand's limestone karsts and crystal-clear waters continue to inspire travelers to seek out their own perfect beaches (albeit hopefully with less dire consequences).
Wild (2014)
Setting: Pacific Crest Trail, USA
Based on Cheryl Strayed's memoir, "Wild" stars Reese Witherspoon as a woman who, following personal tragedy and destructive behaviors, decides to hike 1,100 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail despite having no outdoor experience. Her solo journey becomes a path to healing and self-forgiveness.
What separates "Wild" from many travel narratives is its unflinching honesty about the physical and emotional challenges of the journey. There's nothing glamorous about Cheryl's bloodied feet or heavy pack, yet the film beautifully illustrates how the simple act of putting one foot in front of another—day after day across breathtaking landscapes—can restore a broken spirit.
The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
Setting: South America
Before he became revolutionary Che Guevara, Ernesto Guevara de la Serna was a 23-year-old medical student who embarked on a motorcycle journey across South America with his friend Alberto Granado. This film chronicles that transformative journey, which opened young Guevara's eyes to inequalities and ultimately shaped his political consciousness.
The cinematography captures South America's breathtaking diversity, from the Atacama Desert to the Amazon River to Machu Picchu. What makes this film special is its portrayal of how travel can be radically educational—how encountering different ways of life and witnessing injustice firsthand can fundamentally change someone's worldview and purpose.
Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
Setting: Tuscany, Italy
After a devastating divorce, writer Frances Mayes (Diane Lane) impulsively buys a villa in Tuscany and embarks on a journey of restoration—both of her crumbling new home and her broken heart. Along the way, she builds unexpected connections with locals and fellow expatriates.
The film is a love letter to the Italian countryside, with golden-hued scenes of rolling hills, ancient stone villages, and market days bursting with color. It captures the fantasy that many travelers harbor: not just visiting a place, but being transformed by it so completely that you build an entirely new life there. The message that "life offers you a thousand chances... all you have to do is take one" continues to inspire those considering their own leaps of faith.
My Life in Ruins (2009)
Setting: Greece
Starring Nia Vardalos (of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" fame), this charming romantic comedy follows a disenchanted tour guide who has lost her "kefi" (Greek for mojo) while leading groups of tourists through Greece's historic sites. As she shepherds a particularly eclectic group of travelers around ancient ruins, unexpected connections help her rediscover her passion for both Greece and life.
The film serves as a virtual tour of Greece's most iconic archaeological treasures, including the Acropolis, Delphi, and Olympia. Between historical sites, viewers are treated to postcard-perfect visions of whitewashed villages, azure Mediterranean waters, and sun-drenched landscapes.
The movie celebrates Greek hospitality, philosophy, and cultural traditions, often contrasting American pragmatism with Greek joie de vivre. For anyone considering a Greek vacation, "My Life in Ruins" offers a lighthearted introduction to the country's archaeological wonders while reminding travelers that sometimes the greatest discoveries happen when things don't go according to plan.
The Way (2011)
Setting: Camino de Santiago, Spain
Martin Sheen stars as Tom, an American doctor who travels to France following the death of his son, who died while walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Tom decides to complete the journey himself, carrying his son's ashes. Along the way, he reluctantly gathers a group of fellow pilgrims, each walking for their own reasons.
This heartfelt film captures the unique experience of pilgrimage - how the physical challenge of walking day after day becomes a form of moving meditation. The stunning visuals of northern Spain's countryside and ancient towns are matched by the authentic portrayal of pilgrim culture, from simple albergue accommodations to the camaraderie formed on the trail. It's inspired countless viewers to tackle the Camino themselves.
Midnight in Paris (2011)
Setting: Paris, France
Woody Allen's enchanting film follows Gil (Owen Wilson), a nostalgic screenwriter who, while visiting Paris with his fiancée, finds himself mysteriously transported to the 1920s. There, he meets his literary heroes and begins to question his own relationship and values.
Beyond its time-travel fantasy, the film is a love letter to Paris—both the contemporary city, shown in a golden light that makes every street corner look magical, and the Paris of imagination and history.
It captures how certain places can feel enchanted, as if holding multiple timelines simultaneously, and how travel allows us to experience different versions of ourselves, if only temporarily.
In Bruges (2008)
Setting: Bruges, Belgium
This darkly comic crime film follows two hitmen, Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson), who are sent to the medieval Belgian city of Bruges to lay low after a job goes wrong. While Ken embraces the opportunity to sightsee, Ray finds the picturesque city unbearably dull...until unexpected events unfold.
What makes "In Bruges" a great travel film is how it plays with the contrast between being a tourist and being truly present in a place against your will. The film showcases Bruges' medieval architecture and canals while slyly commenting on the touristy nature of such preserved historic cities.
It's also just very funny.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Setting: Fictional Republic of Zubrowka (inspired by Eastern Europe, but filmed in Germany)
Wes Anderson's visually stunning film recounts the adventures of Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes), a legendary concierge at the famous Grand Budapest Hotel, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his trusted friend. Set primarily in the 1930s, the story involves the theft of a priceless Renaissance painting and battle for an enormous family fortune.
While set in a fictional country, the film captures the faded grandeur of Europe's great hotels and alpine landscapes. It evokes a nostalgic yearning for a lost era of travel - a time when trains had dining cars with proper silverware, hotels employed small armies of uniformed staff, and travel itself was considered an elegant affair.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
Setting: Jaipur, India
This heartwarming film follows a group of British retirees who, for various reasons, decide to "outsource" their retirement to the seemingly luxurious (but actually dilapidated) Marigold Hotel in India. As they navigate cultural differences and personal challenges, each finds unexpected new purpose.
The film beautifully captures India's sensory richness—the colors, sounds, and rhythms that can initially overwhelm Western visitors but eventually become beloved.
More importantly, it's a celebration of travel in later life and how new surroundings can awaken possibilities that seemed long past. The message that "everything will be all right in the end, and if it's not all right, then it's not yet the end" serves as a perfect travel philosophy.
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)
Setting: Spain
This Hindi-language film (whose title translates to "You Won't Get This Life Again") follows three childhood friends who reunite for a three-week road trip across Spain. Each friend chooses one adventure sport that all three must participate in, leading to thrilling experiences. Along the way, they confront personal fears, resolve old conflicts, and learn to embrace life fully.
What makes this film special is how it perfectly captures the liberating power of travel with friends, particularly the way shared adventures can break down walls and reveal truths that remain hidden in everyday life.
The stunning Spanish landscapes - from the vibrant La Tomatina festival to the pristine beaches of Costa Brava - are showcased beautifully. The film's inspirational message about living in the moment has made it a cultural touchstone for an entire generation of travelers.
A Good Year (2006)
Setting: Provence, France
Ridley Scott's sun-drenched film follows Max Skinner (Russell Crowe), a London banker who inherits a vineyard in Provence from his late uncle. What begins as a quick trip to sell the property becomes a journey of rediscovery as Max reconnects with childhood memories and begins to question his fast-paced lifestyle.
The film is essentially a love letter to the French countryside, with golden light bathing ancient stone buildings, rolling vineyards, and lavender fields. The unhurried rhythm of rural French life is portrayed as the perfect antidote to corporate burnout.
For many viewers, the film has sparked dreams of escaping to a simpler existence in the countryside, perhaps with a glass of local wine in hand. It captures that particular travel fantasy of not just visiting but potentially starting anew in a place where quality of life is more important than any career ambitions.
The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)
Setting: Rural France
This charming film tells the story of the Kadam family, who flee political violence in India and settle in a small French village where they open an Indian restaurant directly across from a Michelin-starred classical French establishment. Cultural clashes and eventual understanding unfold as the two culinary traditions find common ground.
The film beautifully contrasts the vibrant colors and spices of Indian cuisine with the refined techniques of French gastronomy, all set against the backdrop of picturesque French countryside.
As a perfect example of culinary travel cinema, this is one for the foodies. The film inspires the kind of travel that centers around markets, ingredients, and memorable meals as pathways to cultural understanding.
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Setting: Northern Italy
Set in the summer of 1983, this coming-of-age romance follows 17-year-old Elio Perlman, who lives with his family in their 17th-century villa in Lombardy, Italy. When a doctoral student named Oliver arrives as an intern for Elio's father, an unexpected and passionate relationship develops between the two young men against the backdrop of sun-drenched Italian summer.
Director Luca Guadagnino captures the languid pace of Italian summer days - bicycle rides through ancient towns, swimming in crystal-clear rivers, and lounging in centuries-old gardens.
It evokes that feeling of a summer that feels suspended in time, where each day stretches endlessly into the beautiful surroundings.
Cairo Time (2009)
Setting: Cairo, Egypt
This gentle romance follows Juliette (Patricia Clarkson), a magazine editor who arrives in Cairo to meet her husband, a UN official working in Gaza. When he's delayed, his friend Tareq (Alexander Siddig) becomes her guide to the city. As they explore Cairo together, an unexpected connection forms between them.
The film is a visual poem to Cairo, showcasing both famous landmarks and hidden corners of the ancient city. Through Juliette's eyes, viewers experience the initial overwhelming nature of Cairo's busy streets before discovering its quieter rhythms and unexpected beauty. The film perfectly captures how travel can create space for deep connections and personal awakenings that might never occur in familiar surroundings. The striking visuals of the Nile at sunset, bustling markets, and desert pyramids create an atmospheric portrait that inspires wanderlust for this complex, historic city.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
Setting: Hawaii
This comedy follows Peter (Jason Segel), who takes a Hawaiian vacation to recover from his breakup with TV star Sarah Marshall, only to discover she's staying at the same resort with her new rock star boyfriend. Awkward encounters and new connections ensue as Peter begins to find himself in paradise.
Beyond the film's humor, it showcases the healing power of travel after heartbreak. The stunning setting of Oahu's Turtle Bay Resort becomes a character itself, with crystal blue waters, lush landscapes, and spectacular sunsets providing the perfect backdrop for Peter's journey from despair to new beginnings.
The film captures that particular travel experience of finding renewal in a beautiful place, where new activities (learning to surf, attending a luau) and new friends can help shift perspective and begin healing. It's inspired many real-life breakup trips to Hawaii, proving fiction can directly influence travel choices.
Roman Holiday (1953)
Setting: Rome, Italy
This classic film stars Audrey Hepburn as a European princess who escapes her royal duties during a state visit to Rome. She meets an American journalist (Gregory Peck) who, recognizing her but keeping her identity secret, takes her on a whirlwind tour of the Eternal City while planning to write an exclusive story about her adventure.
Shot entirely on location, the film is a black-and-white love letter to Rome that captures the city's postwar charm. Viewers follow the pair as they zip through narrow streets on a Vespa, visit iconic landmarks like the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, and enjoy simple pleasures like eating gelato on the street.
The film pioneered the concept of the "holiday romance" and continues to inspire travelers to seek their own carefree day of exploration in Rome, perhaps with a scooter rental and no particular itinerary in mind. No list of the best travel movies can be complete without this holiday classic.
Y Tu Mamá También (2001)
Setting: Mexico
This provocative Mexican road movie follows two teenage boys (Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna) who embark on a journey to a mythical beach called "Heaven's Mouth" with an older woman (Maribel Verdu) they meet at a wedding. As they travel through rural Mexico, their relationships evolve dramatically while the socio-political landscape of the country reveals itself through subtle background details.
Director Alfonso Cuarón masterfully captures the Mexican countryside, from dusty villages to pristine hidden beaches, creating a visual love letter to his home country. The film inspired countless travelers to seek out Mexico's Pacific coast, particularly the beaches of Huatulco where the final scenes were filmed.
After the Sunset (2004)
Setting: The Bahamas
This heist film starring Pierce Brosnan and Salma Hayek might be centered around a jewel thief and FBI agent's cat-and-mouse game, but the real star is the breathtaking Bahamian backdrop. Shot primarily in Paradise Island and Nassau, "After the Sunset" perfectly captures the Caribbean paradise vacation aesthetic that has launched countless travel dreams.
The film showcases the Bahamas' crystal-clear turquoise waters, powder-white beaches, and vibrant local culture - luxurious resorts contrast with colorful markets and island life.
For those seeking a tropical getaway that combines relaxation with adventure, this film presents the Bahamas as the ultimate destination to escape to.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
Setting: Barcelona and Oviedo, Spain
Woody Allen's sultry film follows two American friends, practical Vicky and free-spirited Cristina, who spend a summer in Barcelona and become involved with the same charismatic painter, whose tempestuous ex-wife soon enters the picture. Each woman's experience in Spain becomes a catalyst for self-discovery.
The film is a showcase of Spanish culture, architecture, and landscapes. From Gaudí's buildings to the golden Mediterranean light, vibrant street life, and passionate approach to art and relationships.
Spain is presented as a place where American pragmatism dissolves in favor of emotional authenticity. The movie inspired a significant tourism boost to Barcelona and Oviedo.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Setting: Italy (primarily the fictional Mongibello, filmed in Procida and Ischia)
This psychological thriller follows Tom Ripley (Matt Damon), a young man sent to Italy to retrieve a wealthy playboy named Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law). Instead, Tom becomes obsessed with Dickie's lavish expatriate lifestyle and goes to extreme lengths to assume his identity.
Despite its dark storyline, the film is a stunning visual celebration of 1950s Italian coastal life, with sun-drenched piazzas, crystal blue waters, and stylish resort towns becoming the backdrop for the unfolding drama.
The film's depiction of the Italian coast - particularly the fishing villages of Procida and Ischia - has inspired many travelers to seek out these lesser-known gems beyond the usual tourist circuit.
La Dolce Villa (2025)
Setting: Tuscany, Italy
This light romantic comedy centers on an American father (Scott Foley) who comes to Italy after his daughter (Maia Reficco) spends her inheritance on a dilapidated villa in a fictional Tuscan town. This breezy romcom follows him rediscovering his love for life, and for the town's mayor (Violante Placido), while he and his daughter rebuild the old villa.
Expect to see gorgeous Tuscan views and small town antics in this light and bright film from Netflix.
After Words (2015)
Setting: Costa Rica
Starring Marcia Gay Harden as a disillusioned librarian, "After Words" takes viewers on a rejuvenating journey through the lush landscapes of Costa Rica.
The film showcases Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity—from misty cloud forests and volcanic mountains to pristine beaches and wildlife sanctuaries. Beyond the stunning visuals, "After Words" highlights the country's famous "pura vida" (pure life) philosophy that emphasizes simple living and connection with nature.
For eco-conscious travelers, the film's focus on sustainable tourism and conservation offers inspiration for meaningful travel experiences. This film isn't as well known as many on this list, but it's certainly one worth watching.
Why we love travel movies
Reem and I (it's Riz writing!) have always been big movie lovers. And travel films do more than just showcase beautiful destinations - they remind us why we travel in the first place. Whether it's for self-discovery, cultural immersion, adventure, romance, or simply the joy of experiencing somewhere new, travel changes us in ways we often don't anticipate. The best travel movies find ways to capture those powerful feelings and let us live through them.
These films also let us experience the world during times when actual travel might be challenging. Just as a good book can transport us, movies offer a form of armchair travel that satisfies our wanderlust while inspiring future adventures.
Movies that didn't make the cut
There's no shortage of popular films that inspire travel, however when making a list we had to make a decision to not include some movies (this list is already pretty long!). If we missed something you loved, let us know in the comments below. We tried to keep the list accessible, and to include all sorts of movies - from movies about travel to holiday road trips to movies that inspire you to travel to a new country thanks to the gorgeous vistas in frame.
Movies may not have been included because they left us feeling meh (despite there being a great journey ahead of it), or because the journey takes place in a world that feels too different from our own (whether that's Middle Earth, some place from myth, or simply too far in the past to still apply).
We also avoided including films that just happened to be set outside of North America without any real travel involved (i.e. where the travel/location didn't have any importance, despite being pretty).
Honorary mentions
Here is a long list of notable mentions that didn't quite make the list for one reason or another:
- The Lord of the Rings trilogy
- The Mummy Trilogy (mostly the first two)
- Into the Wild
- Indiana Jones series
- The Hercule Poirot series (Murder on the Orient Express, Death on the Nile, & A Haunting in Venice)
- Highway
- Amélie
- The Last Samurai
- Blended
- Mr Bean's Holiday
- Mamma Mia
Final thoughts
Do you have a favorite film that inspires your wanderlust? Perhaps there's a movie that influenced your choice of destination or changed how you approach travel? Share in the comments below—we'd love to hear which stories have shaped your journey.
Remember, sometimes the best souvenirs are the stories we bring home. Happy travels, wherever your adventures take you!
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