40 Movies That Spark Wanderlust

This romantic movie makes you want to get lost and explore an unfamiliar city. The movie is set in Vienna, Austria, where two strangers decide to visit the city together. They meet on the train: he is from the USA, and she is from France. Uncertain if they will ever see each other again, they decide to try it.

During the film, you will discover some of Vienna’s most important attractions and fall in love with the city. It is a good wanderlust movie, but it’s also a great film!

IMDb score: 8.1 | Rotten Tomatoes: 100%

Spoiler alert: don’t read this if you haven’t seen Before Sunrise, as this is a sequel to the movie Before Sunrise.

After nine years, the couple meets again, but in Paris, it is a totally unexpected reunion. Jess is there for his book presentation, and Céline, who lives in Paris, decides to attend it. With a deep connection, but having not heard from each other in 9 years, they choose to talk and walk through the streets of Paris.

With the beautiful scenery of Paris, you will hear about politics, work, and personal beliefs. And discover if this time they will stay together.

IMDb score: 8.0 | Rotten Tomatoes: 95%

The Motorcycle Diaries is a memoir of Ernesto Guevara’s 23-year-old journey through South America. It is a fascinating movie that will make you travel through South America. You will pass through the breathtaking landscapes of Argentina, the Andes in Chile, the Atacama Desert, the Peruvian Amazon, and Venezuela.

The movie takes place before Che Guevara became the leader of the Marxist guerrilla. During the film, you will see the transformation of Che Guevara’s personality and his beliefs. It’s an excellent film, even if you aren’t a fan of Che Guevara.

IMDb score: 7.8 | Rotten Tomatoes: 83%

Into the Wild is a biographical film about a young man who travels across the USA. He decides that he doesn’t need money or any materialistic possessions. He works along the voyage, hitchhikes, and relies on the kindness of people.

During the movie, you will travel through incredible places in the USA, like the Grand Canyon, California, South Dakota, and Alaska. It is a beautiful movie that prompts reflection on various life topics while showcasing some of America’s most stunning sites.

IMDb score: 8.1 | Rotten Tomatoes: 83%

This movie unfolds along the Way of Santiago, a famous Catholic pilgrimage route with several branches all leading to the city of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. In this movie, a father follows his son’s footsteps. His son died during the pilgrimage due to a storm. To make peace and grieve his son, he decides to do the Way of Saint James. Along the way, he discovers Spain, makes new friends, and learns new things about himself.

It is a good movie to explore the Way, and it truly allows you to travel through the beautiful and diverse scenery of northern Spain.

IMDb score: 7.4 | Rotten Tomatoes: 83%

Wild is a biographical movie based on the memoirs of Cheryl Strayed. The author changes her life radically and does the Pacific Crest Trail. Without experience, she explores the wild by herself. Over the next three months, she will walk 1,700 km on this long-distance trail, which starts in California and ends in Canada, passing through the Sierra Nevada and the Cascade Range.

The movie has stunning views of the Sierra Nevada and the Cascade Range. It makes you want to leave everything behind and hike the Pacific Crest Trail.

IMDb score: 7.1 | Rotten Tomatoes: 89%

The Beach is an adventure movie set in Thailand, primarily on the famous island of Ko Phi Phi Le. Leonardo DiCaprio plays the role of a US boy who goes to Thailand looking for adventure. In Thailand, he hears about a paradisiacal island that is nearly unreachable. The whole story backfires, and paradise transforms into hell.

This iconic movie was one of the reasons the Ko Phi Phi Le island in Thailand gained such widespread recognition. If you haven’t seen this movie yet, you really should, despite the negative reviews below…

IMDb score: 6.7 | Rotten Tomatoes: 20%

This movie is about an actor who is hired to go to Japan to do an advertisement for Suntory whiskey. During his stay in Japan, he befriends a girl who is discovering who she is. Both embark on a voyage of trying new things in a different country.

It is a comedy that explores the cultural experience of Japan and its travel aspects. That feeling when you arrive in a country and don’t know how everything works and its social rules. One of the best traveling movies ever.

IMDb score: 7.7 | Rotten Tomatoes: 95%

The movie is about a man who works at Life Magazine – he has always wanted to travel but was never able to do so. However, due to work reasons, he travels the world in search of a renowned photographer. The movie is full of imagination, with a thin line between reality and fantasy.

It is one of the most mesmerizing travel movies ever made. It transports you to Greenland, Iceland, and the Himalayas. You will be simply breathless with the stunning scenery.

IMDb score: 7.3 | Rotten Tomatoes: 51%

Easy Rider is a classic 1970s movie about two motorcyclists who travel through the USA. The movie portrays the society of that era, the hippie movement, and drug use. It is a cool movie to see.

One of the most striking aspects of the movie is its soundtrack, particularly the song “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf. The movie made the song one of the most iconic pieces of music ever.

“Get your motor runnin’
Head out on the highway
Lookin’ for adventure
And whatever comes our way
Yeah, Darlin’, go make it happen
Take the world in a love embrace
Fire all of your guns at once
And explode into space.”

IMDb score: 7,3 | Rotten Tomatoes: 88%

Vicky Cristina Barcelona is a romantic comedy by Woody Allen set in Barcelona. The film revolves around two Americans who come to Barcelona on vacation and are seduced by a Spanish artist. But the artist is involved in a violent relationship with his ex-wife.

The film will make you want to travel to Barcelona and spend the day drinking wine and eating tapas. It is well worth seeing, strangely erotic, and comical.

IMDb score: 7,1 | Rotten Tomatoes: 81%

This is a controversial comedy movie with the character Borat, a fictitious Kazakh journalist who travels to the USA. The film exposes society’s preconceptions through a documentary-style comedy. The “journalist” Borat interviews real-life Americans who believe he is from Kazakhstan and doesn’t understand American culture.

The film may be a bit cheesy, but it is also very funny, revealing some personal beliefs that many Americans share.

IMDb score: 7,3 | Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

Little Miss Sunshine is a comedy about a quirky family from New Mexico that embarks on a cross-country road trip to California so their daughter can participate in a beauty pageant contest. During the trip, several setbacks make it a complicated/funny journey.

It is a good travel movie that reveals nobody is perfect and everybody has their own quirkiness. But that’s ok.

IMDb score: 7,8 | Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

Eat, Pray, Love is based on a biography book by Elizabeth Gilbert. The movie portrays a turning point in the author’s life. Unsatisfied with her life, she decides to live in Italy, India, and Indonesia.

It is a quintessential movie about traveling and what it is like to live in different countries. It is a nice, romantic, feel-good movie. Despite the reviews below…

IMDb score: 5,8 | Rotten Tomatoes: 36%

The Way Back is an intense and dramatic survival film based on the memoirs of a Polish prisoner of war during World War II. He was sentenced to a labor camp in Siberia for 20 years. He and a group of people decide to escape, walking 6,000 km through Siberia, Mongolia, and the Himalayas until they reach India, where they will be safe.

Although very intense, you will travel through marvelous places. We are unsure if this is travel-inducing, but the scenery is as good as it gets, and it’s truly about the experience of travel.

IMDb score: 7,3 | Rotten Tomatoes: 74%

Eurotrip is a comedy and a goofy movie. It is about a group of friends who take a trip around Europe. During this trip, they will experience several weird and embarrassing situations, plenty of them related to sex.

It is a fun, light movie to see when you don’t want to think too much.

IMDb score: 6.6 | Rotten Tomatoes: 47%

Tracks is a movie based on a true story about an Australian girl who decides to cross the Australian desert with Camels. This journey spans 9 months, covering a route from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean.

Very hot, with lots of hallucinations. It’s a weird film and a weird story. The suffering shown is so intense that it may not make you want to travel… or maybe it will. You have to see it for yourself.

IMDb score: 7.2 | Rotten Tomatoes: 83%

This movie is a comedy-drama about three brothers who meet in India a year after their father’s funeral. They all decide to embark on a spiritual journey, attempting to reconnect with one another.

The film is rather strange, but it will take you on an expedition through India.

IMDb score: 7.2 | Rotten Tomatoes: 68%

Out of Africa is a romantic drama film based on a true story about a Danish woman who moves to Nairobi after marrying Baron Bror Blixen. She is in charge of a coffee plantation, and her husband doesn’t help. She ends up loving Africa and the African people.

The movie is interesting and has stunning views of Kenya.

IMDb score: 7.2 | Rotten Tomatoes: 58%

One Week is about a boy diagnosed with cancer who travels by motorcycle from Toronto to Vancouver Island in Canada. During his road trip, he meets fantastic people and breathtaking landscapes.

This movie will inspire you to visit Canada on your next trip.

IMDb score: 7.0 | Rotten Tomatoes: 50%

127 Hours is a biographical movie about an adventurous traveler who gets trapped in a slot canyon in Canyonlands National Park in Utah. Unable to get himself loose, and after no success in asking for help, he spends 127 hours stuck.

This isn’t the most wanderlust-inducing movie, but it does raise awareness about some essential safety tips for traveling.

IMDb score: 7.6 | Rotten Tomatoes: 93%

This movie is about a man who, after discovering his fiancée betrayed him on their wedding day, decides to leave everything behind and travel to Nicaragua. He finds a group of foreigners who are attempting to cross the Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia and joins them.

This is a stunning movie about Central America.

IMDb score: 6.4 | Rotten Tomatoes: 63%

Forrest Gump is a cinematic icon, winning six Oscars, including Best Picture in 1994. The movie tells the story of Forrest Gump, a boy with a low IQ but a remarkable ability to run.

Although it isn’t a classic travel movie, the film crosses all of America.

IMDb score: 8.8 | Rotten Tomatoes: 70%

As the title suggests, this movie is set in the city of Bruges, Belgium. It is about an Irish hitman who kills a priest in a church and accidentally kills a small boy. He and a colleague are sent to Bruges to hide and await instructions. During this time, they visit Bruges.

It is an interesting movie in a very charming city.

IMDb score: 7.9 | Rotten Tomatoes: 84%

This is a film about a writer who discovers her husband is having an affair. Feeling depressed, she buys a villa in Tuscany, Italy, hoping it will change her life.

A fantastic travel movie, especially if you love Italy.

IMDb score: 6.8 | Rotten Tomatoes: 62%

A Good Year is about a workaholic trader from London who receives a vineyard in Provence from his uncle. When he was young, he spent his Summers on his Uncle’s property in France. He has very fond memories of that period. He now has to decide if he wants to sell the vineyard or stay and live in it.

A good romantic film in Provence.

IMDb score: 7.0 | Rotten Tomatoes: 25%

Seven Years in Tibet is a biographical movie about an Austrian explorer who, during World War II, was captured and made a POW in the Himalayas. He can escape and cross the border to Tibet, where he meets and befriends the Dalai Lama.

One of the most beautiful travel movies ever made.

IMDb score: 7.1 | Rotten Tomatoes: 60%

Midnight in Paris is a film written and directed by Woody Allen, set in the city of Paris. It is about a screenwriter with different viewpoints from his fiancée. The film portrays the duality between modernism and the nostalgia of the old times.

A good Woody Allen movie, with the bonus of visiting Paris’s main attractions.

IMDb score: 7.7 | Rotten Tomatoes: 93%

Up is an animated movie by Pixar. It is about an elderly widow who, throughout his life, wanted to travel but couldn’t due to life complications. One day, a scout boy knocks on his door, and after some doubts, they both embark on an adventure to Paradise Falls. Turning his house into an airship using thousands of helium balloons

It is an excellent travel movie that teaches us to try to live life with as many adventures as possible at any age.

IMDb score: 8.2 | Rotten Tomatoes: 98%

Thelma and Louise is a road movie about two friends who embark on a road trip through the USA. During the trip, they suffer aggression that makes them run away from the cops. The film won 6 Oscars and is a well-known movie in the cinematic world.

It is a cult film that you definitely must see.

IMDb score: 7.5 | Rotten Tomatoes: 84%

The Gods Must Be Crazy is a South African movie about the “Bushman” or San People. They receive a gift from the Gods (a Coca-Cola bottle). However, the bottle creates plenty of confusion in the community, so they decide to throw it away at the end of the world.

This movie is one of the funniest movies we have seen, and it will make you want to visit the Kalahari Desert in Botswana and Namibia.

IMDb score: 7.3 | Rotten Tomatoes: 85%

Mamma Mia! is a musical movie based on the songs of the pop group ABBA. The movie is set on the island of Skopelos in Greece.

Throughout the movie, you catch fantastic views of the Greek islands while hearing ABBA songs.

IMDb score: 6.4 | Rotten Tomatoes: 54%

The Lord of the Rings is a film series comprising three epic movies based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s books. The three movies are The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Two Towers (2002), and The Return of the King (2003). All of them are amazing and a must. It is about a hobbit traveling through Middle-earth to destroy the One Ring to save the world.

Throughout the movies, you will encounter breathtaking views of New Zealand that will blow your mind. If the lord of the Rings doesn’t make you want to travel to New Zealand (or elsewhere), I don’t know what will…

IMDb score: 8.8 | Rotten Tomatoes: 93%

The Bucket List is a film about two terminally ill cancer patients who decide to complete their bucket list. This will make them embark on a voyage through the world.

This comedy-drama movie will inspire you to seize the moment and make the most of life while you can.

IMDb score: 7.4 | Rotten Tomatoes: 41%

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is about a group of British retirees who decide to spend their retirement in India. They install themself in a restored hotel, the Marigold Hotel, and although it isn’t the most luxurious, they ultimately fall in love with it.

It is a good travel movie that proves that it is never too late to travel.

IMDb score: 7.2 | Rotten Tomatoes: 79%

The Big Year is a comedy film about a group of birders who compete to identify the biggest number of bird species in North America. For that, they have to travel all over the USA to try to spot as many birds as they can

A funny and weird movie that will make you travel to remote places. Oh, we had to search, but that big year contest really exists…

IMDb score: 6.2 | Rotten Tomatoes: 41%

Spider-Man: Far from Home is about a Marvel Comics superhero, Spider-Man. In this film, Spider-Man joins his friends and embarks on a European trip, visiting iconic cities such as Venice and Prague.

It isn’t the most obvious choice for a travel movie, but it actually does visit Prague’s and Venice’s top attractions.

IMDb score: 7.5 | Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

Away we go is about a couple expecting a baby and starts questioning where they want to raise a child and build a happy family. To choose wisely, they travel through the USA and discover where they want to call home.

A travel movie about the USA that makes you think about where you should call home.

IMDb score: 7.0 | Rotten Tomatoes: 67 %

The Martian is about an astronaut who is left alone on Mars and has to learn how to survive. So, it is a travel movie, but set in Space, more particularly on Mars.

It is a fantastic movie with “out of this world” scenery.

IMDb score: 8.0 | Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

#39 Midnight Run

Midnight Run is an action-comedy about a bounty hunter who must escort a fugitive accountant from New York to Los Angeles. Along the way, they travel through different cities and landscapes across the U.S., meeting eccentric people and facing unpredictable situations.

It’s fun, full of road-trip adventures, and offers a different glimpse of America.

IMDb score: 7.5 | Rotten Tomatoes: 83%

#40 The Grand Budapest Hotel

The Grand Budapest Hotel is a comedy-drama directed by Wes Anderson. The film follows the adventures of concierge Gustave H. and his protégé Zero Moustafa, set across several fictional locations inspired by Central Europe.

The movie is visually stunning, with sets and architecture that spark the desire to travel through Europe.

IMDb score: 8.1 | Rotten Tomatoes: 91%