Travel movies

11 Travel Movies that will Inspire Your Wanderlust

There’s a reason why people stay glued to the big screen for hours, and sometimes, days – wheeling themselves away from the slightest distraction.

And in those moments, all that matters is that extended reel of motion picture, sounds, light and emotions all wrapped together in the form of a story. It doesn’t matter if it’s about lust, love, conquest, betrayal, power play, zombies and monsters!

What’s important is that these movies take you on a journey into distant shores tucked far away in rugged mountains, big guns and exploding cars, power packed punches, sandy coastlines, rolling landscapes, remote outposts bound about by ageless forts and troves of ancient treasures and ruins.

Below are 11 exciting travel movies that allow you stretch your sense of adventure to worlds unknown. ​

#1. One Piece (2000)

Travel movies
Photo Credit: Wikia

Animations may not be your thing, but imagine for a second the thrill of diving into the world of legendary Pirate King Gold Roger and the unending search for the world’s ultimate treasure buried in some mysterious place!

But while you are scratching your head, imagining where this treasure possibly lies, many pirates have entered the fray in a desperate search to claim the iconic title of pirate king, battling vicious enemies and making new friends in the process. One Piece was inspired by an Indian Ocean island where lies a pirate treasure reportedly worth 100m pounds.

For several generations, the islands of La Reunion and Seychelles have been rift with stories of this ancient treasure buried in one of the Indian Ocean islands.

#2. Wild (2014)

Travel movies
Photo Credit: Moda Magazine

Its name alone says it all. This film was inspired by the critically acclaimed Cheryl Strayed’s 2012 memoir Wild: From Lost to found on the Pacific Crest Trail, starring Reese Witherspoon, Gaby Hoffmann and Laura Dern.

It is a fascinating account of 26-years old Cheryl who hiked 1,100 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail, beginning from Mojave in California and completing her 94-day trek at the Bridge of the Gods somewhere in the Oregon-Washington border. Combining adventure and suspense, Wild tells the story of a young woman who undertakes a solo hike in her quest for healing from a personal tragedy.

#3. Eat Pray Love (2010)

Travel movies

Whether you choose to see it as a romantic comedy drama or a moving travelogue by American novelist Elizabeth Gilbert, what you can’t deny is the daring search for the missing puzzle in the life of this young woman. Though married with a dream house and a successful career going for her, the young woman found herself lost, confused and searching for something missing.

Like most adventurous travelers, she jettisons her comfort zone to embark on a journey of self-discovery, journeying through Italy, Indonesia and India and finding her miracle at every destination.  

#4. A Good Year (2006)

Travel movies

Let’s face it, sometimes we just want to escape the giddy, on-the-go life in the city and dive into some exclusive spots to feel whole again. After so many years of toiling hard in chaotic cities of noise and pollution, retiring to a multi-million dollar vineyard estate in Provence, France seems like a deserved reward for Russell Crowe’s unlucky childhood.

There’s no way you will see A Good Year without developing goosebumps for Southern France. In that world, every year is a good year!

#5. The Legend of Tarzan (2016)

Travel movies

When Alexander Skarsgard, who played Tarzan, and Margot Robbie hit London’s Leicester Square for the European premiere of this movie in June 2016, it was not hard to imagine that a new African story was afoot. Not one about polio and malaria. Not one about hunger and food crisis. But the beauty that runs deep in the African spirit, and shining like the firmament of heaven through her undulating landscapes.

This movie makes you want to see Africa for what it is; to feel its pulse, its energy, its charm. One might add its magic!

#6. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

Travel movies, Planes, trains and automobiles

Looking for some heartfelt humor about travel way back in time? Wanting to stare right at the devil in the eye on a road trip from New York all through Chicago? Want to see the alternative travel experience that leaves you both amused and bemused?

This Steve Martin/John Candy classic promises much more than that – from the hassles and tricks of lodging in cheap motels to dozing off at the wheel. It uncovers the gripping narrative of two salesman (well, a salesman and an advertiser) whose destinies are inextricably joined together by fate.

#7. Lord of the Rings (2012)

Travel movies, Lord of the rings

Peter Jackson, in this captivating series, ushers you into the world of high fantasy adventure. This $330million movie gets you thoroughly intoxicated by the rich, rolling landscapes of New Zealand from hilltops to jungles, glaciers and rivers.

#8.  Nowhere in Africa (2001)

Travel movies

Forget that the movie was released in 2001. Forget that African blood does not run in the veins of the screenwriter and director, Caroline Link!

Nowhere in Africa invites you on a journey through time, echoing the story of a German-Jewish family who migrated to Kenya in the wake of the oppressive Nazi Germany. It’s interesting to see how the family traversed these two countries.

#9. Midnight in Paris (2011)

Travel movies

Virtually every movie about Paris comes bold and beautiful, especially when the story centers on romance, history, adventure etc. And Midnight in Paris ticks all the boxes for all the right reasons. It prides in a beautiful blend of incredible acting and powerful storytelling to make your heart melt for this city of romance.

#10. Before Sunrise (1995)

Travel movies, Before sunrise

Love always finds us in unexpected places, and mostly when we are not thinking about it. Two young people, obviously belonging to the Generation X, meet on a train to Vienna.  Even though they have just a night together, it feels like an eternity.

#11. Lost in Translation (2003)

Travel movies, Lost in translation

Sofia Coppola gives us the rare privilege of having our ribs perfectly cracked inside out in this romantic comedy. And to think that this phenomenal movie was only her second is hard to believe, but that explains the level of grit and hard work that went into the making of this multiple award-winning film.

What are your favorite travel movies? Share them with us in the comment section.

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