Top 10 Best Travel Movies of All Time
Hey, fellow wanderlusters! Some of us are itching to explore, some of us are living vicariously through travel stories, but no matter where you stand, there’s something about a good travel movie that sparks that familiar wanderlust in all of us.
So I’ve put together a list of 10 timeless travel films that have stayed with me over the years. These are movies that make you want to pack a bag, hop on a plane, or at least dream about it for a little while. I’ve watched, rewatched, and treasured each one, and I hope they’ll inspire your next adventure too.
And of course, I know there are countless other amazing travel movies out there, so if you have a favorite that you think should be on this list, drop it in the comments!
Eat Pray Love tells the story of Elizabeth Gilbert who, after a series of failed relationships and a quarter-life crisis, takes a one-year sabbatical from work to travel to Italy, India, and finally Bali, where she eventually finds true love.
This movie isn’t my top favorite on the list, and parts of the romance feel a little idealized. But when I first read the book (and later watched the movie) over a decade ago, I was very young and stuck in a stifling relationship myself, so there was a lot I could relate to.
It was also the film that first opened my eyes to solo travel. Before the book and movie, I never imagined that anyone — much less a woman — could simply pack up and spend a year traveling around the world. Alone.
A must-watch for anyone contemplating solo travel.
2. Wild
Also adapted from a book, Wild is a true story of Cheryl Strayed who embarked on a 1,100-mile hike across the United States on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) following the death of her mother.
In this movie, Strayed takes us on a journey of healing and self-discovery.
Despite all her blunders as a totally inexperienced backpacker, she soldiers on, covering those miles, finishing her journey and finding herself along the way.
An inspiring movie, especially for female travelers or anyone dealing with the grief of losing a beloved family member.
3. Into the Wild
Deemed one of the best travel movies of all time, Into the Wild follows the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young American who, after graduation, left behind his life and possessions to venture into the Alaskan wilderness.
Although it doesn’t have the happiest ending, the film remains a must-watch for anyone who considers themselves a true traveler.
It inspires a spirit of spontaneity and adventure, yet also serves as a reminder to equip yourself with the right skills and knowledge before setting out on such a journey.
4. Tracks
Tracks follows the real-life adventure of Robyn Davidson, who trekked solo across 1,700 miles of the Australian Outback with four camels and a dog.
Like the other films above, it’s a story of self-discovery through solo travel. But unlike Strayed and McCandless, Davidson is genuinely well prepared. She knows exactly what she’s doing and has deep experience with both camels and the Australian wilderness.
I don’t think I’ll ever find the courage to attempt anything half as epic as what she did, but it’s still gratifying to watch someone take that leap and to live vicariously through her journey.
5. A Walk in the Woods
Written by the celebrated travel writer Bill Bryson, A Walk in the Woods follows his attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail, a massive route that runs from Georgia to Maine through some of America’s most beautiful scenery—mountains, forests, and peaceful lakes.
The movie tells his story with plenty of humor, capturing both the highs and the mishaps of the journey, along with the quirky characters he meets on the trail (including a couple of bears).
6. 3 Idiots
This movie follows two old college friends on a quest to find their long-lost buddy, Rancho — an irrepressible free thinker who touched and changed their lives in his own unique way before suddenly vanishing. No one really knows who he is, where he came from, or why he disappeared.
What follows is an eventful journey involving a long-forgotten bet, a wedding they must gate-crash, and a funeral that spirals wildly out of control.
3 Idiots isn’t a travel film, but it was shot in the breathtaking region of Leh and Ladakh in northern India. Watching it makes you want to pack a bag and hit the road with your best friends, cruising along winding mountain roads through unforgettable landscapes.
7. Slumdog Millionaire
In Slumdog Millionaire, eighteen-year-old Ram Mohammad Thomas is arrested after winning one billion rupees in a TV quiz show, having answered all 12 questions correctly.
The producers accuse him of cheating. After all, how could a slum kid with no education possibly know all the answers? This movie details the 12 extraordinary events in his life that gave him clues to all the questions.
Slumdog Millionaire is not a travel film, and it was never meant to inspire travel. It shows all the less-flattering side of India — the filth, overpopulation, corruption, and crippling poverty.
But this honest depiction of the country is what makes the movie special. And it makes India all the more intriguing to visit.
8. The Way
The Way is a poignant story of a father who — though reluctant at first — decides to walk the Camino de Santiago trail in Spain, to honor his son who recently died while hiking the same route.
He walks 800 kilometers from France to Spain in an emotional journey to come to terms with his loss. Along the way, he meets and befriends strangers who are also walking the long trail, each carrying their own private reasons for being there.
This movie was what inspired me to walk my own Camino, from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, in March/April 2019.
9. Everest
On the morning of May 10th, 1996, climbers from two expeditions began their final push to the highest point on Earth: the summit of Mount Everest.
But disaster struck when they were caught in one of the fiercest blizzards ever recorded. In this harrowing struggle against nature, the teams faced some of the most hostile conditions imaginable in an epic fight for survival.
Based on a remarkable true story, this movie captures the courage, resilience, and sheer determination of people driven by the spirit of adventure.
10. The Lion King
This is a photorealistic, computer-generated remake of a Disney’s classic that really needs no introduction.
It’s heartwarming, and at times heart-wrenching. If you thought watching the cartoon Mufasa die was tough, just wait until you see this one. Then again, I tend to go gaga over any animal movie.
This movie inspired my trip to East Africa, where I visited the Masai Mara in search of Simba (and found two of them, along with a lot of Nalas and Pumbas).
The Lion King is a treat for any traveler who loves animals or has a passion for Africa. I wouldn’t be surprised if, after watching it, you find yourself hunting for flight tickets to Kenya or Tanzania.
Now, go watch all these movies and feed your wanderlust! If you prefer books, click here to see a list of travel memoirs to inspire you. Do you know any other movies that you think should be added to this post? Comment below.
i jarang tengok filem hollywood memang xtahu sgt movie yg ada ni. yg 2 filem bollywood dah tengok, memang best 😀
Memang best kan, Tiara? Nanti boleh la tgk yg Hollywood tu pulak. 🙂
It’s been a while I’ve seen your post. Fortunately you included Simba’s movie in the list. I remember I want to watch it but since I was so busy, I can’t even think about it
Oh hi again, LampuHijau. Welcome back! There may have been a lot of new posts since your last visit. Do check them out if you have time; you might find something you like. 🙂 Simba is one of my fav movies, even though i rarely watch animations.
slumdog tu bestt cite dia. wild belum tengok movie. baca buku je nanti nak cari movie plak
Agreed, Bae. Slumdog Millionaire memang menyentuh perasaan, tak sangka ada orang di dunia ni yang hidup dalam keadaan mcm tu. Tapi bila kita sendiri dah pergi ke sana dan tengok depan mata, baru tau rupanya memang wujud, bukan sekadar rekaan. Kalau Bae suka buku Wild tu, wajib la tengok movie dia pulak. Best. 🙂
Pernah tonton Slumdog Millionaire. Best! Lion Kings pun best. Yang lain nak follow ummi! Nak tonton jugak nanti…
Okay, jangan lupa tonton tau, Nina. Then update me which one you like best 🙂
what a beautiful and comprehensive list! i do agree that these are the best movies to watch before going on a trip for that extra motivation!
Thank you, Grace!
Kalau Julia Roberts yang berlakon memang tak pernah miss woo hahahaha.. banyak juga tu Sis tak pernah tengok, nanti nak listkan boleh tengok bila free ni..
Oo, sis minat Julia Roberts, ya? Dia berlakon memang best kan. Nanti tengok la ya, bila2 free. 🙂
I tengok everest and I rasa tak nak pergi travel atau daki gunung Everest sebab sad ending sampai I nangis dekat cinema haha but for 3 Idiots yuppp view dekat Ladakh cantik sangat!
Wow, kalau sampai nangis dekat cinema tu maknanya sangat berkesan la movie tu, kan Farhana? I pun tak rasa i nak cuba panjat Everest (setakat base camp boleh la kot) but the movie taught me about the strength of human will and inspired me to go for my dreams, no matter what it takes. 🙂
my friend played young Latika in Slumdog Millionnaire. She said, although the movie was a big hit and win Oscar and all that, but the Indians hate the movie because the movie showed the bad side of India. Everest is a nice movie, same goes to 3 Idiots.
Oh, I can imagine the Indians wouldn’t be too happy about Slumdog Millionaire — the same way we aren’t happy when movies portray the bad side of Malaysia, although the situation does exist (just because we aren’t personally dealing with it doesn’t mean it’s not happening). It’s as though we refuse to acknowledge the problems that we have in our country and try to sweep them under the carpet.
Ohhh,, the last two movies are my favorite.. The rest i think i watched it too but not sure, need to check it out again… Thanks for sharing this list sis.. Very interesting movie i would say especially for traveler like us..
You’re welcome, Kitkat. Since it’s not possible to travel now, perhaps you could rewatch your old favorites to take you back to those places 🙂
Menarik juga 10 movie yang ummi senaraikan ni. Ada dalam 2-3 movie je yaya sempat tengok. Thank you bagi suggestion untuk tengok movie yang lain hee
You’re welcome, Yaya. Boleh la tengok kalau boring2 kat rumah masa PKP ni. 🙂
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