Travel movies can come in various forms. Some feature protagonists embarking on journeys from place A to place B, often discovering valuable lessons along the way. Alternatively, there are captivating silver screen adventures where the hero or heroine immerses themselves in new and exotic locations. Here are travel movies to inspire your wanderlust.
Best Travel Movies for Inspiration
#1 Romancing the Stone
New York City romance novelist Joan Wilder's sister gets kidnapped in Cartagena. Joan (played by Kathleen Turner) embarks on a treasure hunt turned rescue mission with Jack T. Colton (played by Michael Douglas), an adventure seeker. Watching this movie might just make you trade your usual beach getaway for an exhilarating journey through the Colombian jungle.#2 Before Sunrise
This marks the beginning of a trilogy, which includes Before Sunset and Before Midnight. In the film, Juliette Binoche and Ethan Hawke's characters meet on a train and ultimately choose to disembark in Vienna. The trilogy spans multiple decades and various countries, making it an ideal exploration of our personal life journeys and the age-old inquiry into the existence of soulmates.#3 Up
"Up" secures a place in our list as one of the most emotionally gripping animated films. It revolves around the determined Carl Fredricksen, a widower with a grumpy demeanor, who embarks on a remarkable journey to fulfill his wanderlust. Accompanied by Russell, a young sidekick, Carl's house soars across the globe with the aid of thousands of balloons. Their adventure culminates at Paradise Falls.
It doesn't matter if you want to watch travel movies about Ventnor or an inspiring journey to a non-existent land like Atlantis, you can watch it all on Amazon Prime online. The only nuance you need to be familiar with is access restrictions. Many movies are not available in certain regions and if you are facing this problem, just use Amazon Prime VPN to change your virtual location. Move to the US or UK, most of the libraries are available there.
#4 Lost in Translation
Sofia Coppola's masterpiece brings together Bill Murray, a once-prominent movie star, and Scarlett Johansson, a young woman experiencing loneliness, in the vibrant city of Tokyo. Lost in Translation captures the energy and chaos of the mega city while exploring the profound sense of disconnection that both characters feel, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. This cinematic work is accompanied by a remarkable soundtrack that deserves appreciation even without viewing the film. Lastly, we cannot overlook the unforgettable farewell scene that has become truly iconic.
#5 National Lampoon's Vacation
The classic comedy series, National Lampoon's, comprises a total of six films, with its inception in 1983's "Vacation." Unlike the franchise's most renowned film, "Christmas Vacation," the original movie features the Griswolds embarking on a road trip to Walley World, an amusement park located several states away.#6 The Holiday
Cameron Diaz, a Hollywood movie trailer producer, and Kate Winslet, a London reporter, agree to swap homes for a few weeks upon discovering their boyfriends' infidelity. The outcome showcases the allure of Los Angeles and the charm of England's countryside, enticing one to swiftly pack their bags for either city. You can watch the movie on Netflix. If you have problems with access, just try the free browser extension. This will be enough to bypass Netflix restrictions on PCs.#7 Up in the Air
George Clooney stars in this comedic drama that presents business travel and airports in a glamorous, even hospitable, light. With an equal number of cityscape shots and plane scenes, "Up in the Air" will make you yearn to be in the skies, jetting off to new destinations. Anna Kendrick and Vera Farmiga also feature in this highly-praised film about a man who lives out of a suitcase.#8 Little Miss Sunshine
The movie "Little Miss Sunshine" is a true treasure, filled with humor, uniqueness, and timeless charm. A delightfully dysfunctional family embarks on an extraordinary road trip in their somewhat functional vehicle to fulfill their 10-year-old daughter's dreams. Each family member has their quirks that will make you laugh and bring a tear to your eye at the same time. As they travel, the initial discomfort fades away, allowing genuine connections to form among the family members.Final Thoughts
How often do we think that the most valuable thing in life is not the goal, but the journey toward it. We spend years of our lives striving for something and with the thought that then we will enjoy it. However, this is how life goes by, goals change, and we forget to enjoy every day. These films inspire travel, help you rethink everyday life, and learn to enjoy the current moment. If you think about it that way, right now that's all we really have.
