Your Guide to the Best Travel Films Ever Made
Travel movies are, not surprisingly, a passion of mine. Here’s my guide to the best travel films ever made!
It may not surprise you that while I adore travel films and travel movies, I don’t always have the patience to actually sit down and watch them.
There are some travel movies which show me a destination, but then I just get taken by the idea of going where they went as opposed to actually wanting to follow the story.
But, conversely, there are some movies where I feel I’m actually embarking on the journey with the characters and I’m transported entirely.
And so, I made the decision to write about the best travel films, and to highlight those travel films I actually do feel do the travel experience justice, and offer genuine value and food for thought. It was a bit time sensitive, as I wanted t to be able to shoot an email to my email subscribers to let them know which travel movies they should watch if they’ve got some extra time heading into the holiday season.
Before I started writing this, I posted to my Facebook group, “travel talk with travelingmitch” to ask everyone what they thought needed to be on the list. The response was amazing, and it also confirmed that many of my favourites were other peoples’ favourites as well!
I want to give a massive shoutout to all who contributed to that thread on TTWT (travel talk with travelingmitch) - it was a huge help in filling in the gaps in this list for me!
What Constitutes a “Good Travel Movie?”
The old saying, of course, is that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” and so what I think is a “good travel movie” may not be your cup of tea, and vice versa.
What I’ll look to highlight here are some of the films which I think can be effectively canonized as “travel films worth watching,” whether you’re a fan of travel or not. I’ll try to focus on the travel films that I feel transcend even travel itself with their message or themes.
There is no archetype of a great travel movie. Many of these films made the list precisely because they’re unique and don’t fit in naturally to preconceived notions around movies that deal with travel or journeys.
One last note - the movies listed below are not ranked or in any particular order under the subheadings.
I hope this list serves you well, and happy viewing, my friends.
Inspiring Travel Movies
1. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2003)
To me, this is one of the most inspirational travel movies around, and that’s because it touches upon one of the most classic tales surrounding travel. It’s the quintessential “travel as escape from the monotony of daily life” story, but it somehow manages to tell that tale without being mawkishly sentimental.
In this movie, Walter Mitty (played by Ben Stiller, who is perfect for the role) essentially sets out on an action packed journey that perfectly captures the romanticism of adventure. I honestly just get filled with a certain warmth just thinking about this movie and, as travellers, I believe we can all resonate with Walter’s desire to do some unabashed exploration.
Also, fun fact - this movie is based on a short story by James Thurber that I’ve read, and it’s literally only a page and a half long!
2. Midnight in Paris (2011)
Gil comes to Paris with his significant other for a bit of a vacation as he’s trying to finish his first novel, and he discovers there’s more depth to the city that he had imagined. He’s taken on a journey into the past, where he meets some figures that history, art, and literature lovers will identify immediately.
It’s a fairly fun-loving, feel good sort of travel movie, and with Midnight in Paris, you’ll be travelling to a different destination (Paris), but also to different eras, and I like that.
As with The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, it also challenges the notion that money alone equals happiness, and actually challenges that in a fairly direct way.
3. Up (2009)
Just writing about Up brings me back to how inspired and engaged I felt by this film. To me, Up is a deceptively simply narrative, but it’s filled with so many applicable lessons, and so much magic and light.
It follows Carl, a grumpy old widower, as he goes off on an adventure in his flying house in search of “Paradise Falls.” However, he’s also accompanied by "Russel,” who his a boy scout who takes his position quite seriously, though may not have the skills to back it up.
It’s endearing. It’s so damn endearing.
And, in the end, aren’t we all on our own hunt for “Paradise Falls?”
4. Seven Years in Tibet (1997)
A young and vivacious Brad Pitt plays Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer during the period in which he was in Tibet during World War II, and shortly thereafter. I won’t give too much away, but somehow, someway, he ends up becoming a close confidante to the 14th Dalai Lama, who is a child at the time.
This story is inspiring to me because this could have gone wrong at so many turns, and in fact did go as wrong as it could have in many respects, but through sheer force of will and perseverance, both the main character and the Tibetans maintain their honour and integrity in the face of devastating challenges.
5. Chef (2014)
Jon Favreau wrote, directed and starred in Chef, and the film really does come together nicely, so kudos to Jon. Essentially Chef Carl Casper (Jon Favreau) loses his job at restaurant and goes on a journey to figure out what makes him tick and what really matters, and perhaps also why he became a chef in the first place.
This journey ends up taking him far away from where he started, both in terms of location and outlook. It was a relatively small budget film (11 million USD) that ended up developing a bit of a cult following and clocking close to 50 million at the box office.
What I take from it (and I’m intensely biased) is that when your chasing your real purpose in life, everything else seems to come together around it like a rising tide.
6. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
Okay, I’m going to be honest here and let you know that I’ve never actually seen this movie, but I had a number of people mention it in my “travel talk with travelingmitch” Facebook group, and it seems to really fit the bill in terms of an inspiring travel flick.
From what I understand, it follows a woman who gets a divorce and travels to a new place to get some perspective and reinvent herself.
I adore Tuscany, so it’s nice to see that a movie is seemingly exploring part of what makes that region of Italy delightfully reinvigorating. While I can’t be absolutely sure, my guess is that even know it deals with a difficult divorce, it’s going to end with a happy bow wrapped all around it, but if you’ve seen it, let me know if I’m wrong!
7. The Way (2011)
This is a movie that I haven’t seen either, but when I posed the question of what movies needed to be on this list, this one came up over and over.
I’ve watched some trailers and done a little research, and just from that alone, I can tell that Martin Sheen’s performance in this is something special. In short, the movie centres around an American father (Martin Sheen) who decides to walk the Camino De Santiago after his son lost his life doing the very same journey. It’s his way to honour his son, and gain clarity on his son’s life as well as his own.
This has definitely risen to the top of my bucket-list of movies to watch.
If you’re a fan of this style of content, you’re definitely going to want to join my newsletter, which is packed full of travel content recommendations!
Quirky Travel Movies
1. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
This isn’t your classic travel movie, but when the dust settles, Little Miss Sunshine is ultimately a fun, quirky movie with an extended cross-country journey at its core.
Book lovers like me will enjoy the fact that it’s actually based loosely on Grapes of Wrath, a novel which many will know is depressing as it is long. Yet, despite the hardships you can find in Little Miss Sunshine, I think it’s a deeply enjoyable movie. For me, it qualifies as a “quirky travel movie,” simply because I’ve never seen anything else like it, and there are many scenes in this movie that remain so vivid in my mind largely because they’re so different.
It’s all about taking chances, sticking together with the people who truly love and care about you, and understanding that life isn’t always perfect, but life also isn’t about attaining perfection.
2. Lost in Translation (2003)
In my humble opinion, this is Sofia Coppola’s best film, so it was an easy choice for me to add this here. As with Little Miss Sunshine, this isn’t necessarily something you’d classify first as a “travel film,” and yet it does take place in Tokyo, Japan.
It showcases the journey (or lack thereof) of American actor Bob (played by an unforgettable Bill Murray), who ends up meeting the eccentric Charlotte (played by the equally talented Scarlett Johansson who, believe it or not, was 17 when she shot this movie!).
It’s this strange brilliant mix of comedy, drama, and romance all under this quirky travel umbrella. I, for one, am a huge fan of this flick, but you might have already gathered that.
3. In Bruges (2008)
In Bruges - what a movie.
I don’t even know what genre to place this under - perhaps a dark comedy with hints of action, crime and drama? I’m taking all that and calmly filing it under “quirky travel film,” since it takes place in Bruges, Belgium, a place that Ray (played by Colin Farrell) absolutely detests.
It’s kind of the antithesis of the inspiring travel films listed up above, so I get great joy out of adding In Bruges to the list at large - of mixing things up a bit. That’s the joy of being the writer and editor of travelingmitch, I suppose.
In Bruges showcases the adventures (or misadventures) of Ray and Ken, two hitmen who get caught in Bruges and await orders which, when they arrive, complicate the situation just a tad.
You’ll have to watch to see what I mean.
4. Up in the Air (2009)
It’s funny, Up in the Air kind of came and went and few people noticed it ever arrived. Or maybe that’s just my memory, since records suggest it clocked almost 85 million at the box office.
Either way, Up in the Air chronicles the eccentric existence of a corporate frequent flier by the name of Ryan Bingham (played by the terrific George Clooney). When he’s close to his target of 10 million frequent flyer miles, everything around him begins to shake up, and he’s forced to consider what actually matters in life.
As with many of the other movies on the “Quirky Travel Movies” list, I just can’t think of too many other movies like it.
Funny Travel Movies
1. Euro Trip (2004)
To me, this is a travel comedy that was really a product of the times. It comes on the heels of movies like American Pie, Road Trip, and Not Another Teen Movie. Basically, Scott, who you’ll quickly learn is called “Scotty,” (very early 2000s, I know) travels across Europe in search of his German pen pal, Mieke, and he basically goes to all the major capitals and touches upon every European stereotype in the book.
It’s hard to say how well this movie has aged, or whether it’s just downright culturally insensitive, but it’ll likely invoke a laugh or two. It was definitely a movie that was mentioned a few times when I asked about what travel movies came to mind for people in “travel talk with travelingmitch,” so I at least know it’s memorable!
2. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
This movie is written by John Hughes (who had his hands all over classic like Home Alone, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, the National Lampoon’s series, and the Breakfast Club) and has Steve Martin and John Candy. Honestly - what more do you need to know?
Planes, Trains and Automobiles focuses on Neal’s three-day adventure to get home in time for Thanksgiving after his flight gets cancelled, and happens to be accompanied by Del, who is ridiculous in the best kinds of ways.
3. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
To not include this movie on my list of funny travel films would be nothing short of blasphemous.
If there was a more hilarious protagonist in 1980s comedy than Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, I’m certainly unaware of them.
It’s that classic National Lampoon’s narrative. It’s all supposed to be a happy go lucky sort of affair with the family, but absolutely nothing can go right, and the situations just get more and more absurd. I know that I’ve been on trips before where I felt the same, and it’s always worth knowing that those stories often are best to bring back home and tell your friends.
Bri was the one who got me into the National Lampoon’s series and I’m forever grateful that she did.
If you like funny travel movies, then you’ll definitely want to check out my list of the Top Funny Travel Books Ever Written
Foreign Language Travel Films
1. The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) - Spanish
Ernesto “Fuser” Guevara, just a run of the mill medical student, sets out on a motorcycle road trip with his friend Alberto, a biochemist. It’s the journey that in many ways lays the foundation for Ernesto Guevara to become the great Che Guevara.
This is essentially a biopic from Che’s written memoir from when he was 23 years old, during and after this epic motorcycle trip. Obviously, this is a whole lot larger than just travel, but I do think it goes to show you how setting out on a journey with a loose destination can often lead you exactly where you need to go.
2. 303 (2018) - German
If I’m not mistaken, this is the most recent release that I’ll include on any list today.
Julie find out she’s pregnant , and she heads out to Portugal to try to find her boyfriend who is apparently working at a commune somewhere in the country. She makes the mistake/has the good fortune of picking up a hitchhiker named Jan.
What follows is some intense dialogue between the two of them on life’s biggest questions and quandaries, and it all ends up being enlightening for both characters in the film, and the audience itself.
3. Call Me By Your Name/ Chiamam Coi Tuo Nome (2017) - Italian
This film, set in northern Italy, takes us all the way back to the mid 1980s. It’s a tale of a forbidden love in a foreign land as Elio, a 17 year old, falls for his father’s assistant Oliver who is 7 years his senior. As you can imagine, in a land as religious as Italy during this time, there could be some complications around that.
My friend Christopher, a fellow blogger (Trip & Trail) based in Cyprus, also wanted me to make sure I mention that the cinematography is exceptional and does an incredible job of showcasing the beauty of the region.
I also didn’t realize this, but this film even features music from the likes of some juggernauts like Sufjan Stevens, who happens to be one of my favourite artists.
4. Y Tu Mamá También (2001) - Spanish
The two protagonists here are 17 year old boys who are keen to be adults as soon as possible, so you know it’s going to get a little spicy.
The two best friends set out on a cross-country journey that is full of exploits, but also full of learning and life experiences. They begin to connect more deeply with each other, with travel, and with the people that they meet along the way.
As far as travel films go, or at least films that denote a journey go, this is very much a cult classic. Even if you’ve never heard of it, You wouldn’t believe how many people adore this film. It’s got a 4/4 from Roger Ebert, a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and over 100,000 votes cast on IMDB.
5. L’Auberge Espagnole/Pot Luck (2002) - French
My long time friend Alix recommended this to me, and noted that it was about a French university student that moves to Barcelona for a year away on Erasmus, and is totally transformed by the international environment - particularly with interacting day in and day out with people from all over the world.
That’s precisely the experience that both Alix and I actually had during our third year in University when I believe she went to Grenoble, France and I went to Oslo, Norway. It was an utterly transformative experience for both of us, so I’m not surprised that a film popped up to document just how life-altering the experience can be.
Intense Travel Movies
1. Babel (2006)
I’m sure even calling Babel a “travel film” causes Roger Ebert to shudder just a little, but, however you want to look at it, Babel’s plot ultimately takes place across three continents and shows the way in which the struggles and plight of people can be so very different around the world, and yet contain the essence of the same thing.
This is a film that was once up for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, and it’s 2.5 hour journey that will stay with you. It’s worth the time investment, trust me.
2. Interstellar (2014)
Hey, travel into outer space is still travel, alright? Plus, if you’ve seen this movie, you’ll know there’s all kinds of “travel” going on, including with time.
I’d also just like to point out my shock that this movie was produced back in 2014! I remember this being released like it was yesterday, so I suppose it’s just the sign that I’m getting old, or perhaps it’s an indication of just how much this movie has stuck with me. Seeing this movie in theatres was a downright visceral experience.
You could probably argue that every movie Christopher Nolan has touched is a “travel movie” to some extent, simply because he always takes your mind for a loop! Please see Inception for more details.
3. Into the Wild (2007)
If you’ve seen Into the Wild, my guess is that it’s had a lasting impact on you, or at least that’s the case with me. It’s a travel film that, like only a handful of others on this list, is biographical in nature, and it recounts the life of Christopher McCandless.
McCandless, also known by his pseudonym “Alexander Supertramp,” renounced his worldly possessions and hitchhiked across America. He was increasingly looking for the places that were untouched or unspoiled by humanity and that led him to Alaska. It was there that he ultimately encountered situations that deeply changed him as a person, and, as you’ll see in the movie, some of those changes were for the better, and some very much for the worse.
It’s intense, but it’s just a gorgeous film.
4. Wild (2014)
Many people would suggest that this is the role of Reese Witherspoon’s life, and my friend Rebecca, who recommended this film be on this list would likely agree.
Much of the film your face to face with Reese (who is playing a woman named Cheryl Strayed who wrote a memoir called From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail), and she seems utterly dedicated to perfecting that role.
I thought of putting this under the “Inspiring Travel Movies” section, but, from what I can gather, I think it ultimately it deserves to be in the “Intense Travel Movies” grouping because this is not an easy journey to take. Of course, Rebecca can correct me if I’m wrong!
If you loved this article, you may also want to check out my article on the Definitive List of Travel Subreddits. Yes, I’m admittedly a huge Reddit nerd!
Some Travel Films Still On My “To Watch” List
I mentioned before that I was totally blown away by the outpouring of recommendations on travel movies from “travel talk with travelingmitch."
It certainly affected my list up above, but there were a few that I couldn’t fit into my categories above that I still want to give an honourable mention to. Mainly, it’s because I haven’t seen all the movies that were recommended, but I’m going to watch them in due time, my friends - and when I do, I’ll add them them as I watch them to the categories above.
Some people were so creative with what constituted a “travel film,” and I just want to honour there contribution by adding this additional list, and who is to say that you don’t find your favourite travel film from the list below. Funny enough, that’s the way it works sometimes.
So, some other films which were recommended to me include:
A Room with a View (1985)
Eat Pray Love (2010)
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Raiders of the Ark (1981)
The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)
Home Alone 2 (1992)
Shirley Valentine (1989)
Two for the Road (1967)
Two-Lane Blacktop (1971)
The Accidental Tourist (1988)
The English Patient (1996)
Transsiberian (2008)
Amelie (2001)
An Education (2009)
A Walk in the Woods (2015)
The Sheltering Sky (1990)
A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
A fair amount of Bond movies!
Time to Break Out the Popcorn!
Good movies, for one reason or another, stick with me almost like memories from childhood. They form an indelible imprint on what I’m thinking, or how I’m thinking about certain things.
Some of these movies have inspired me greatly, and others are just good for a laugh, but almost all of them are about a journey. As you might have guessed, I live for journeys.
It makes sense to me that there would be such a variety of genres and approaches when it comes to travel movies. I mean, the feeling I had when I first laid eyes on Machu Picchu is different than the feeling I had floating down the river in Vang Vieng, Laos. The feeling I had flying in a little plane over Everest is different than the feeling I had bar-hopping in Dublin.
Travel, in short, is so wonderfully varied. There are just so many stories to tell, and it’s worthwhile to remember that so many of those stories tend to be so memorable and so transformative.
I hope you enjoyed this list of travel movies. If there are any you especially love, let me know below. More importantly, if there are any you feel I missed, let me know below and I’ll see where I can fit them in!