17 Movies That Will Inspire You to Travel

These comedies, biopics, documentaries, and adventure films made us want to book a flight.

Movies are the perfect escape when you can’t get away–or when you’re looking for a little inspiration for your next adventure. When wanderlust strikes but your travel budget doesn’t cooperate, the right film can transport you across continents from the comfort of your couch.

To help bridge the gap until your next adventure—or to spark ideas if you don’t know where to go next—we’ve curated a collection of films guaranteed to stir up those feelings of wanderlust. From award-winning dramas to cult classics, these movies will have you searching for flights before the credits roll.

Movies That Will Inspire You to Travel

1. “Under the Tuscan Sun” (2003)

When writer Frances Mayes (Diane Lane) finds herself divorced and depressed, she takes an impulsive trip to Tuscany that changes her life forever. After purchasing a dilapidated villa on a whim, she embarks on both a renovation project and personal transformation amid the sun-drenched hills, vineyards, and charming villages of central Italy. The film showcases the breathtaking landscapes of Cortona and other Tuscan towns, along with the region’s wonderful food culture and relaxed lifestyle. By the time the credits roll, you’ll be researching Italian real estate listings and planning your own Tuscan escape—even if just for a vacation rather than a permanent move.

2. “The Beach” (2000)

How can you go wrong with a movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio and a beautiful beach? This film, maybe one of DiCaprio’s most underrated performances, follows Richard as he searches for that untainted slice of paradise that hasn’t yet been corrupted by tourism. Although it doesn’t stay completely true to the popular novel it’s based on, the breathtaking scenery of Thailand’s beaches and islands will have you dreaming of a Southeast Asian adventure.

3. “Wild” (2014)

Starring Reese Witherspoon and based on the bestselling memoir by Cheryl Strayed, “Wild” is arguably one of the most popular (and best) travel movies in recent memory. After years of destructive behavior following her mother’s death, Cheryl decides to hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail in an attempt to find herself. It’s heartbreaking, heartwarming, and occasionally hilarious. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself researching hiking gear after watching, even if you, like Cheryl, have no previous hiking experience.

4. “The Motorcycle Diaries” (2004)

Gael García Bernal plays a young Ernesto “Che” Guevara as he undertakes his history-changing road trip across South America in the 1950s before becoming a famous revolutionary. To ensure authenticity, the film was shot in 30 different locations across Argentina (including Patagonia), Chile (including the Atacama Desert), and Peru (including Machu Picchu). While the movie does explore the political awakening of its protagonist, it can be enjoyed as an adventurous story about two friends exploring a continent on a beat-up motorcycle–and will likely inspire your own South American journey.

5. “Thelma and Louise” (1991)

There’s a reason this movie was so popular and critically acclaimed–it’s really good! This classic follows two women as they road trip across the American Southwest and find more trouble than they were looking for, but also true adventure. The stunning landscapes of Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon serve as the backdrop for one of the best road trip movies ever made.

6. “The Way” (2010)

Each year, over 300,000 people hike all or part of El Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage stretching across Spain. In “The Way,” Tom (Martin Sheen) finds himself on the Camino after flying to Spain to retrieve the remains of his son, who died while beginning his own journey. Instead of returning home as planned, Tom decides to complete the pilgrimage his son started and discovers some profound truths about himself along the way.

7. “The Darjeeling Limited” (2007)

If you’re searching for a movie to inspire you to jump on a train to India, Wes Anderson’s “The Darjeeling Limited” is it. The film follows three estranged brothers (Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman) who haven’t spoken since their father’s funeral as they journey across India by train. Shot mainly in the northwestern state of Rajasthan, between Jodhpur and Udaipur, the film captures all the romanticism of a bygone era of travel with opulent train cars, colorful landscapes, and unexpected adventures. Nothing brings estranged siblings together quite like acquiring poisonous snakes at a local market and attending a sacred funeral.

8. “A Good Year” (2006)

When workaholic London stockbroker Max Skinner (Russell Crowe) inherits his uncle’s vineyard in Provence, his initial goal is to sell it for a profit. However, when he returns to begin the selling process, the beauty of the French countryside and a budding romance complicate his plans. Few things inspire wanderlust like sun-drenched scenes of French vineyards, charming villages, and leisurely meals with plenty of wine.

9. “On The Road” (2012)

Based on Jack Kerouac’s iconic novel, “On The Road” is essential viewing for all travelers. It follows young writer Sal Paradise and his free-spirited friend Dean Moriarty as they crisscross America in search of freedom and self-discovery. Their journey includes encounters with fascinating characters and experiences that exemplify the restless spirit of the Beat generation. This film captures the romantic notion that sometimes the journey itself is more important than the destination.

10. “Lost in Translation” (2003)

Sofia Coppola’s melancholic masterpiece stars Bill Murray as a fading movie star and Scarlett Johansson as a young wife, both feeling adrift in Tokyo. Against the backdrop of a neon-lit, bustling metropolis, they form an unlikely connection as they navigate cultural differences and personal crises. The film beautifully captures the strange, disorienting, yet magical experience of being a foreigner in Japan. From karaoke sessions at Karaoke-Kan in Shibuya to contemplative moments at the New York Bar in the Park Hyatt Tokyo, this film will have you yearning to experience Japan’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.

11. “Before Sunrise” (1995)

Richard Linklater’s beloved romance proves that love can happen anywhere. An American student named Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and a French student named Céline (Julie Delpy) meet on a train and impulsively decide to spend one night wandering the streets of Vienna until Jesse’s flight home the next morning. As they explore the city—strolling through Maria-Theresien-Platz, making fake phone calls at Café Sperl, and sharing a kiss on the historic Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel—they fall in love with both the city and each other. The film’s sequels, “Before Sunset” (2004) and “Before Midnight” (2013), continue their story in Paris and Greece, creating a trilogy that’s a love letter to European cities.

12. “A Map for Saturday” (2007)

This documentary follows Brook Silva Braga as he prepares for his year-long journey around the world and includes stories of other long-term travelers across four continents. Like no other film, it accurately depicts the realities of extended travel—from pre-trip anxiety to the fleeting romances and deep friendships formed on the road. It’s an honest look at both the freedom and challenges of long-term travel that will inspire anyone considering taking a gap year or sabbatical.

13. “Roman Holiday” (1953)

In her breakthrough American role, Audrey Hepburn plays Ann, a sheltered princess who escapes her royal duties to explore Rome with a charming American journalist (Gregory Peck). The film showcases iconic landmarks including the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Mouth of Truth at the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church. Shot entirely on location (a rarity at the time), “Roman Holiday” captures the eternal magic of the Italian capital and the liberating feeling of experiencing a new city for the first time.

14. “Tracks” (2013)

Based on the true story of Robyn Davidson’s 1,700-mile camel trek through the Australian Outback, “Tracks” will inspire courage for any adventure. Mia Wasikowska plays Davidson, who sets out from Alice Springs in the Northern Territory toward the Indian Ocean with just four camels and a dog for company. Along the way, she encounters a National Geographic photographer (Adam Driver) and engages with Aboriginal communities. The film’s stunning portrayal of Australia’s vast, harsh landscapes will draw you to the Outback’s rugged beauty.

15. “Into the Wild” (2007)

Based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, this film follows a young man who abandons his possessions to hitchhike across North America before attempting to live off the land in Alaska. It’s a powerful reminder of how much there is to discover in our own backyards and embodies the idea of traveling to learn something new about a place and test your own boundaries. The breathtaking landscapes of the American West and Alaska serve as both setting and character in this thought-provoking drama about the search for meaning and connection.

16. “The Descendants” (2011)

If you’ve only ever visited the tourist hotspots of Hawai’i, this film will inspire you to explore deeper—especially the lush island of Kaua’i. George Clooney plays a descendant of Hawaiian royalty dealing with family crises against the backdrop of paradise. Shots of Kaua’i’s jagged cliffs and vibrant green vegetation are utterly mesmerizing. The film showcases locations like Kipu Ranch (which you can explore by ATV) and Hanalei’s Tahiti Nui, a legendary spot for live music and mai tais.

17. “Amélie” (2001)

This whimsical French comedy about a shy Parisian waitress (Audrey Tautou) who dedicates herself to improving the lives of those around her will make you want to book a flight to Paris immediately. Set to Yann Tiersen’s enchanting soundtrack, the film showcases the charm of Montmartre and invites viewers to skip stones on the Canal Saint-Martin. The movie has become such a beloved cult hit that the Paris tourism office has created a guide to iconic filming locations, including the Café des Deux Moulins where Amélie works and the vintage carousel at the base of Sacré-Cœur.

There you have it, fellow travel lovers! These movies are the perfect way to satisfy that wanderlust when you can’t hop on a plane. And, that’s the magic of these films. They’re not just about gorgeous scenery (though there’s plenty of that!). They show us how travel changes us, pushes our boundaries, and sometimes even helps us find ourselves when we’re feeling a bit lost.

So, the next time you’re stuck at home but your heart is yearning for adventure, grab some popcorn, curl up on the couch, and press play on one of these gems. Who knows? You might just find inspiration for your next big trip!

What’s your go-to movie when you’re feeling the travel bug? Drop a comment below to let us know which films make you want to pack your bags!

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