35 Travel Movies That Will Cure Your Wanderlust

When wanderlust is high but you can’t travel, there are movies available that capture the essence of traveling to satiate your desire. Whether it’s a solo trip to find yourself; a trip with friends or family that makes you roll on the floor laughing; a truly inspiring setting or story; or, simply, the art of good conversation that comes from meeting new people on the road, this list highlights some of the all-time best travel movies.

Find these movies streaming on your favorite channels, and you will be traveling across the globe in no time. So, grab some popcorn and a drink to take along with you on the ride!

The Way

Trail to Peak

Release Date: 2010

Emilio Estevez directed this film starring his real-life dad, Martin Sheen, in a movie that captures what makes travel such an experience. Emilio’s character dies minutes into the film, attempting to walk the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage across Northern Spain.

In his grief and attempt to understand his son, Sheen’s character sets off to finish the trek, discovering new people and himself along the way.

National Lampoon’s Vacation

Hollywood Hiccups

Release Date: 1983

By far one of the best of the National Lampoon series of off-kilter comedies may be “Vacation” because every one of us can see some of our own families in the penultimate summer vacation road trip.

It’s difficult not to feel stuck in a car together, experiencing over-the-top travel failures in an attempt to ride the coasters at Wally World with the Griswolds.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Imperio de las Bellotas

Release Date: 2013

Walter Mitty is a quiet man with a boring and safe life. Working for Life magazine, Mitty is sent on a quest to track down the world’s most adventurous photographer and a missing photo negative needed for the cover of the last issue. Pushed beyond his comfort zone, Mitty discovers not only the world, but also his inner strength as he travels to Greenland, Iceland and the Himalayas.

This film was actually an adaptation of the story that was originally published in The New Yorker in 1939 and was made into a film in 1947.

Eat Pray Love

Soundtrack List Covers

Release Date: 2010

Elizabeth Gilbert’s best-selling novel became a lush travel movie starring Julia Roberts. A true-life story of a woman attempting to figure out her life by spending three months in Italy learning Italian (and eating!), in India learning to meditate (and praying), and accidentally finding love in Bali — and viewers go along for the ride.

Warning: Serious wanderlust may ensue.

French Kiss

The Move DB

Release Date: 1995

When Kate’s (Meg Ryan) fiancé dumps her for a Frenchwoman while on a business trip to France, she hops on a plane to Paris hell-bent on winning him back. She encounters Frenchmen thief Luc (Kevin Kline) and things inevitably go wrong before going very right.

Meanwhile, we follow them around Paris through Provence and to the beautiful Mediterranean coastline.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Screenscraft

Release Date: 1987

A John Hughes classic (he also did “Vacation”) brings Steve Martin together with John Candy, an obnoxious shower curtain ring salesman, in this classic. The two men are trying to make it from New York to Chicago for Thanksgiving and anything and everything that can go wrong does — leaving stitches in your sides.

In the end, it’s the struggle of travel that brings the two men together as friends.

Before Sunrise Trilogy

Travelling the World Solo

Release Dates: 1995, 2004, 2015

Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celene (July Delphy) meet on a train in Europe deciding to spend one night exploring Vienna together before they go their separate ways.

A GenX pic with lots of dialogue as they stroll through Austria’s capital romantic setting was so beloved that a sequel, “Before Sunset,” where the duo meet again 10 years later in Paris then led to another, “Before Midnight,” with the couple together yet again 10 years later in Greece.

Into the Wild

Videoload

Release Date: 2007

“Into the Wild” is the true story of Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch) who decides to give up everything to hike across the country into the wilds of Alaska.

Based on his autobiography, the film follows in his footsteps, giving us a glimpse at interesting places and people in America as well as the very real struggle of living in the wild.

Under the Tuscan Sun

Intelliblog

Release Date: 2003

Adapted from Frances Mayes’ autobiography — but practically a rewrite! — the story finds a heartbroken divorcé on a journey across Tuscany, Italy, in an attempt to find happiness. Her emotional state throws her into the purchase of a run-down farmhouse, and she finds herself amongst a new array of interesting characters, a home renovation and a family in the comfort of strangers.

Of course, being Tuscany, the scenery and foods featured in the film are equally mouthwatering.

Wild

Biography

Release Date: 2014

Also based on the true story and autobiography of Cheryl Strayed, “Wild” depicts the hiking journey Strayed (played by Reese Witherspoon) took along the Pacific Crest Trail. Strayed took the months-long trail hike along the West Coast right after her marriage and life fell apart following the loss of her mother.

Even in the most trying moments, it will inspire you to hike as well.

The Bucket List

FanArt

Release Date: 2008

Two men dying of cancer, played by Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, decide to make a bucket list — things they want to do before they kick the bucket.

The inspiring film shows the two older men jumping out of airplanes, racing cars and having the time of their lives, and why not? Isn’t that what life is all about?

Out of Africa

Southern Living

Release Date: 1985

Winning multiple Academy Awards, this romantic drama starring Meryl Streep is based on Isak Dinesen/Karen Blixen’s experiences living in Africa at the turn of the 20th century.

Her love for the country, its people and the rugged Denys Finch Hatton (Robert Redford) makes for 161 blissful minutes.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

UNC-Wilmington

Release Date: 2008

When Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) spend a summer in Barcelona, they meet a handsome artist (Javier Bardem) who is interested in them both.

Alas, he also has a crazy ex-wife (Penelope Cruz) who doesn’t want him to move on, and a host of unfortunate events ensue with Woody Allen’s traditional satire.

The Adventure of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

Movies Over The Rainbow

Release Date: 1994

This crazy comedy takes place Down Under as three drag queens must get from Sydney to Alice Springs by bus (of which they have named “Priscilla”).

Terence Stamp, Guy Pearce and Hugo Weaving play the LGBQT roles with flamboyance and fashion as they traverse across the Australian Outback.

Two for the Road

Film at the Lincoln Center

Release Date: 1967

This throwback romantic comedy released in 1967 stars Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney as a husband and wife traveling across the south of France.

Through the backdrop of lavender fields and beautiful seas, we glimpse a couple trying to determine if their 12-year marriage should continue, as flashbacks show the couple traveling together in happier times. Will they or won’t they?

Midnight in Paris

Videoload / https://www.videoload.de/film/midnight-in-paris/9208205928594656023

Release Date: 2011

Woody Allen created an ode to Paris in this film starring Owen Wilson. Not only do you walk through the streets of Paris, Versailles and Monet’s Giverny, but through unusual time travel, you’ll see the City of Light during the Roaring Twenties and Belle Epoque eras.

It’s wistful and beautiful.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Chrono Score

Release Date: 2011

Taking a cast of England’s best actors and placing them in the throes of India to live out their golden years, this movie awakens the senses for viewers as much as the characters.

Starring Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Tim Wilkinson and Bill Nighly, among others, it was such a colorful and exotic hit that they made two additional films.

In Bruges

Roger Ebert

Release Date: 2008

When two hitmen from Ireland, played by Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, have to go into hiding from their boss (Ralph Fiennes) in Bruges, Belgium, they turn it into a bit of sightseeing.

This dark comedy follows the two bumbling men as they attempt to get to the top of the Belfry of Bruges.

One Week

TMDB

Release Date: 2008

Joshua Jackson’s character finds out he has stage four cancer at the start of this movie.

About to tie the knot, he buys a motorcycle and sets off on a one-week road trip across Canada to discover the meaning of life. We are just along for his ride.

Hector and the Search for Happiness

Dr. Mathochist

Release Date: 2014

Simon Pegg often plays quirky characters, and in this film, he plays Hector, who decides he must travel the world in search of happiness.

From China to Africa to America, Hector may eventually realize that happiness is at home, but what a fun trip around the world first.

Up in the Air

Letterboxd

Release Date: 2009

Business traveler Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) travels so much for work as a corporate down-sizer that he’s about to hit the coveted million-mile mark in frequent flyer miles. With it will be all the perks of travel for which one could ever hope.

But when he’s home, his apartment is empty, as is his life. Which is better: a life on the road with perks or one at home with a family and friends?

Roman Holiday

TMDB

Release Date: 1953

This classic deserves to be revisited again and again. Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck show us the romantic side of Rome.

Hepburn plays a royal princess who pretends to be a commoner for a day while Peck is the reporter who is on to her but keeps his secret to show her around to get a story. Not at all surprising, Hepburn won an Academy Award for her role in this picture.

Lost in Translation

Herald Sun

Release Date: 2003

Bill Murray surprised critics and fans when he starred in this sweet film set in Tokyo.

A business traveler who meets a young Scarlett Johansson, they spend a night together discovering the city — the sushi, the karaoke and the glamor.

Romancing the Stone

Fan Art

Release Date: 1984

Take one uptight romance novelist (Kathleen Turner), pluck her from her boring life and place her in the heart of Colombia.

On a mission to rescue her kidnapped sister, she is aided by a rugged mercenary (Michael Douglas). Of course, you can guess what happens, but it’s a fun adventure to watch anyway — even inspiring a sequel.

A Good Year

TMDB

Release Date: 2006

Russell Crowe plays a powerful stockbroker who must go to Provence to sell his dead uncle’s vineyard. In a series of flashbacks that show Crowe’s character as a young boy with his uncle (Albert Finney), we can feel his sealed up heart begin to open in the French surroundings.

A cast of unique characters helps add to the fun.

Last Holiday

Reviews by V

Release Date: 2006

It may be set at Christmastime, but this Queen Latifah gem definitely inspires wanderlust. When a mousy store clerk is mistakenly told she has just a short time left on Earth, she cashes in everything she has to spend her last few weeks doing everything she missed out on doing — bungee jumping, ordering every special on a Michelin-rated chef’s menu, buying designer gowns.

Isn’t it fun to imagine “what if?”

My Life in Ruins

MBC

Release Date: 2009

Although it isn’t as clever as Nia Vardalos’ “My Big, Fat Greek Wedding,” she takes us to Greece firsthand in “My Life in Ruins.”

A travel guide who hates her job, feeling no one appreciates the beauty of what she is showing, Vardalos takes us on a comedic bus tour across the country, with some poignant words of wisdom from Richard Dreyfuss at the end.

The Motorcycle Diaries

Pet Hates

Release Date: 2004

A young Che Guevara (Gael García Bernal), before he led a revolution, wrote a journal about his motorcycle ride across South America when he was just 23.

Considered both a coming-of-age and road-trip movie, the film takes travelers through Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and other Latin American countries in just over two hours.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Based on the Book

Release Date: 2005

It may stem from young adult fiction, but this coming-of-age story about four friends having to spend their summer apart after graduating from high school gives us a glimpse at the Greek isles, Mexico, South Carolina and Maryland.

Each young woman has her own adventure — while wearing the jeans that magically fit them all. And, yes, there’s a sequel.

Road Trip

Radio Times

Release Date: 2000

The girls aren’t the only ones having adventures after school. In “Road Trip,” four college friends embark on a 1,800-mile race across the United States in order to beat the mail. You see, one of the men found out that an incriminating tape (yes, VHS tape) has been sent to his girlfriend. Hijinks ensue.

As you can imagine, this plot would not hold up in modern-day, but the jokes are timeless.

RV

Dogomovies

Release Date: 2006

And for those families who also find themselves having to embark on a summer road trip, there is the Robin Williams-led RV.

Driving from Los Angeles to the Colorado Rockies, this family comedy features a series of comedic situations.

Away We Go

Aliljoy

Release Date: 2009

Before he was making “A Quiet Place,” John Krasinski played half of an expectant couple traveling across the country in search of the best place to raise a child.

Maya Rudolph plays his wife, and the couple visits friends in Arizona, Wisconsin, Montreal and Miami trying to figure it all out before the baby is born.

The Trip

IMP Awards

Release Date: 2010

Two British friends over 40 go on a trip together, and it is entirely like being a fly on the wall.

Actors Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon have to tour England’s finest restaurants for a story, and the conversations between the friends in the car, at hotels and while dining will have you in stitches and wanting to take a trip with your own best mate soon.

Tracks

IMP Awards

Release Date: 2013

Another true tale of endeavoring a massive journey is this one by Robyn Davidson, played by Mia Wasikowska.

Davidson traveled 1,700 miles across the Australian Outback from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean with just four camels, her dog and a National Geographic photographer, played by Adam Driver.

Long Way Round

Best Ride

Release Date: 2004 to 2005

This is actually a documentary television series, but this trip around the world on motorcycles is worth the binge time. Best buddies Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor live their dream to embark on this worldly adventure.

Realizing they are film stars who could get it paid for if they film it, they allow a cameraman to follow along. You can actually experience their joy, their fatigue and their annoyance with every road they cross.