Travel movies are the best movies for those with a nomadic heart. They inspire us to get out on the road, stay on the road, or visit a particular place. They get us excited about new cultures and whet our appetite for that upcoming trip. Essentially, they rock our world. Here are the best travel movies out there that will have you jumping on the next plane:
The Beach
Released in 2000, the movie follows Alex Garland’s novel about young backpackers who set out to find paradise but end up destroying it, and it had me drooling over Thailand. Those beaches, those parties, those people. It seemed wonderful. Backpackers in Asia are always reading the book, and the movie plays in all the guesthouses. It says something about our hopes for the road- we want to find our own idyllic, romantic paradise. The one we all think won’t be destroyed, but will. The movie has a different ending, characters, and storyline than the book, though the theme is the same.
The Motorcycle Diaries
Set in South America, this movie follows the life of Che Guevara from doctor to revolutionary. Starring Gael Garcia Bernal, this poignant tale features amazing images of South America, from the desert to the rain forest. Beautifully cast and directed, this movie will make you want to jump on a motorcycle and explore the continent. Even if you do not agree with the politics of the movie, its acting is first rate, and this movie transcends the politics of the man it follows.
Any Indiana Jones
Indy made everyone an archaeologist and an adventure seeker. From Egypt to India, Indy showed us the world and the mythology of ancient cultures. The movie brought out the adventurer in me and helped foster a love for history. It also did wonders for Petra, Jordan. Who didn’t want to see the city after watching the Last Crusade!? Despite the lackluster fourth installment, these movies not only remain some of the best of all time, but some of the best in travel.
Thelma and Louise
Released in 1991, this tragic story stars Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis as two woman driving across the American Southwest in search of adventure and friendship while escaping the law. The movie is stunningly acted, winning many accolades, and also features breathtaking shots of the American west that will make you want to get in your car and see the country… unless gas prices keep rising, then we’ll just have to settle for this movie.
Lawrence of Arabia
Released in 1962, this Peter O’Toole classic is set during World War One and follows a British soldier’s interaction with nomadic tribes. O’Toole is T.E. Lawrence who unites Arabian tribes against the Turks. With stunning images of the desert, you’ll soon be wanting to lead your own expedition through the desert, though probably not for war. Lawrence may remain a controversial figure, but there’s no controversy that this a great film set in an amazing place.
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
A movie about Australian drag queens that take a road trip across the desert in order to perform at a lip synching show. It’s funny, it’s heartwarming, it won a bunch of awards. The stars get shocking reactions as they wander across the outback towards their show, stopping often along the way. Most importantly, it highlights two of the best things about Australia: the outback and awesome accents.
A Good Year
Made in 2006 and starring Russell Crowe, this movie features him as an uptight banker who finds his soul again when returns to his uncle’s vineyard following his death. All he wants to do is sell it and make some money, but soon the countryside and a pretty French girl have him changing his tune. (French girls always have you changing your tune!) It’s a great movie for the wine lover, and along with Under The Tuscan Sun, will have you heading off to the nearest vineyard before the credits finish.
Eurotrip
A silly movie about backpacking in Europe, this movie will nonetheless have you wanting to see all the places they filmed. The movie takes you across Europe in a whirlwind of stereotypes, but it’s pretty funny, and anyone who has roamed Europe can probably relate to a few of the situations. The script isn’t great, and some of the situations are goofy, but it does a good job of sending you across Europe and features a very memorable appearance by Matt Damon.
Seven Years in Tibet
This movie is about a German mountaineer Heinrich Harrer and his time with the Dali Lama. Released in 1997 and starring Brad Pitt, it takes a good look at Tibetan culture on the eve of the Chinese invasion. You get an outsider’s perspective on this remote nation and of the ruler who now lives in exile in India.
what about Lord of the Rings!!! or Lost in Translation..
After having watched The Beach, I dreamed about backpacking in Thailand. Well, I still do… sometimes.
The Motorcycle Diaries always makes me wanna travel to South America.
Since I saw my first Indiana Jones movie when I was 9 I can’t get enough of them. Am also a big fan of Thelma and Louise. The first time I watched it, I decided I’d make a road trip across the US someday.
Have only seen Priscilla once, but I love it, it’s such a feel-good movie!
Saw A Good Year a few months ago,
Crowe is one of my favorite actors so I knew I’d love this one. The movie truly gives a brilliant picture of Tuscany.
Still need to watch seven years in tibet and the lawrence of arabia.
Don’t really understand how you can include Eurotrip though
Love love love The Beach & Motorcycle Diaries, both of which are on my favorite list.
How about Elizabeth Town. That’s a good movie too. I love the ending.
i just watched the beach a few weeks ago as i was really desperate about going to thailand hehe.
if you’ve seen the lastest indiana jones movie, they used pyramid of chichen itza from mexico in Peru
such a mix up
@anon #1: Both good movies.
@Erica: Because I like Eurotrip and it is good at showing you all the cities.
@Anon #2: Never say Elizabethtown. What’s it about?
@all: great selections. Keep them coming
All great films. What about the Vacation series?
Lawrence was WWI not WWII, sorry for the nitpick.
Cool list. Woot for Thelma and Louise!
I also love love love Before Sunrise/Before Sunset and Roman Holiday (chick flicks + travel? my dream combo!), and Stand By Me I’d argue could be a travel movie, too.
good choice of movies. indie 4 and motorcycle diaries were definitly inspriational for me!
Hey man, I forget to drop by! But I agree with Motorcycle Diaries. I haven’t seen all of it, but enough of it to get me going. Later man!
Don’t forget Planes, Trains and Automobiles! It has travel built right into the title
Haha, I’m sitting in a hostel in Berlin and watching Eurotrip now.
Just total awesomeness.
I have to see many of them in the list. I actually googled and reached here because i was inspired with two movies.
1. Into the wild
2. The art of Travel.
i loved into the wild and the art of travel! if you liked those two movies, you will LOVE a movie titled Last Stop for Paul
hey, i agree with a few of these movies like motorcycle diaries which is unbelievable and the beach but no so much many of the rest-different folks different strokes i suppose. i was wondering why into the wild wasnt in there?
The Art Of Travel is a movie that should definately be on this list. Anyone who has not seen this really should. It is very inspiring and the ending is priceless.
i just watched The Art of Travel. While inspiring, it was more along the lines of a B movie…but entertaining.
could add Y Tu Mama Tambien to the list also
My wife and I have just completed 20 years of world travel. To celebrate and to share this experience we have completed a series of DVD’s based on our personal experiences & the many people we have met, many of who have become our dearest friends
The first 10 countries are now available on Amazon.com, simply enter Travel with Barry & Corinne DVD’s. We have produced an introductory DVD about ourselves entitled “Around the World to find Happiness.” Also available from Amazon.
Love to hear from others with a passion for travel!
The Beach remains my most favorite movie till date. That movie just inspires me to travel in a way nothing else can…loved this post. Going to watch The Motorcycle Diaries now…will keep a tab on your blog. Keep writing!
I’m sorry guys and gals, but Into the Wild is absolutely one of the worst movies I’ve ever had the nauseating displeasure to watch. I totally, totally hated it. This is strange because I love travel, adventure, survival, Alaska, and all the things that the movie could have been. But it sucked. Really sucked.
The Beach – totally love it. Motorcycle Diaries – beautiful. Y Tu Mama Tambien really belongs on this list, it’s great. Broken English is sort of a travel movie, and decent. Vicky Christina Barcelona – excellent. Lost In Translation – totally love it. Maybe Jeremiah Johnson (sort of?) or Broken Flowers (sort of?)? I’m sure there are a lot more I can’t think of right now, but good list!
So I watched The Motorcycle Diaries and I loved it! I’m now downloading all the movies on this list. You’re pretty awesome. ^_^
Oooh, good list. I haven’t seen a few of these so looks like I’ll be renting some DVDs this weekend! Though my favorite travel movie of all time is Under the Tuscan Sun. Am also excited for the movie version of Eat, Pray, Love. Shit, I’m such a girl.
One of my favorite travel movies is L’auberge Espagnole. Just as essential
if not more than The Beach.
I am surprised you missed Into The Wild, Lost in Translation, The Sheltering sky, or a travel movie par excellence, Pixars excellent animation movie Up.