10 movies to keep your wanderlust alive

I am putting together the best travel movies that I have personally watched or are there on my to-watch list. Through this, I hold the feeling of hope that in one way or another, it would keep your wanderlust alive during the coronavirus outbreak.

DISCLAIMER: This is based on my preference alone. Movies below are listed as of 2020 and are in no particular order.

These 10 best travel movies will have you ready to set off on your own Eat Watch(Travel) sleep journey.

1. Into the Wild (2007)

Still from the movie “Into the Wild”

The real-life story of  Christopher “Alexander Supertramp” McCandless’s who went on a road trip through the US ended up in Alaska. McCandless rides the rails, kayaks the Colorado River, summits snowy peaks, races into the Pacific, and embodies a classical vision of unchecked wanderlust.

  • Where: Alaska
  • IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
  • Available On: Netflix and Amazon Prime

2. Zindagi Na Milegi Dubara(which translates to “You Won’t Get A Second Life”) (2011)

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is the story of three old friends who go on a long-promised trip to Spain. The movie highlight the stunning locations of Spain. Each frame looks like it belongs in a postcard, from the majestic shots of the ocean to the picturesque towns, and the favorite shot of horses running along a meadow.

  • Where: Spain
  • IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
  • Available On: Netflix and Amazon Prime

3. The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

The Motorcycle Diaries

This is a story on the early life of the young revolutionary CheGuevara, just a medical student then, who travels up South America on a motorbike with a friend Alberto Granado.

In his entire South American voyage, he learns about poverty, politics, and philosophy. This movie will stir your soul as it is both a political and personal journey.

  • Where: Western South America
  • IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
  • Available On: Amazon Prime US (rental $3.99)

4. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

The Secret Life of walter Mitty

This is the story of a man who hates his job and goes on a journey of self-exploration to Iceland, Greenland, and Afghanistan, filming for all three locations was done in Iceland. The breathtaking scenery and the fun activities can all be found there. It shows how taking a risk and getting out of your comfort zone can lead to great things.

  • Where: Iceland
  • IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
  • Available on: Amazon Prime US (rental $3.99)

5. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

Under the Tuscan Sun

This is a story about a San Francisco based writer who discovers her husband is cheating on her. She gets out of the marriage, and a friend gives her a ticket to Italy tour.  After buying a villa in Tuscany, her life is renewed by the country’s charming locals and jaw-dropping atmosphere.  This movie leaves you dreaming of good wine, great food, and the romance of the Italian countryside.

  • Where: Italy
  • IMDB Rating: 6.8/10
  • Available on: Amazon Prime US (rental $3.99)

6. Before trilogy – Before Sunrise, Before Sunset and Before Midnight (1995, 2004, 2013 )

The Before Trilogy

This celebrated trilogy manages to make the romantic appeal of Europe even stronger than it already is. You will surely get immersed in the conversations of Céline and Jesse as they stroll through the streets of Vienna, Paris, and Messinia. These films will take you virtually to every hidden crevice of these cities with someone you love. 

  • Where: Vienna, Paris, Messinia
  • IMDB rating: Before Sunrise – 8.1/10, Before Sunset- 8.0/10, Before Midnight – 7.9/10
  • Available on: Before Sunrise available on Netflix

7. Forrest Gump(1994)

Forrest Gump

This is the best travel movie to watch if you’re heading to the USA. Forrest Gump travels all over the country taking us, and his magnetic zest for life, with him.

If you are in or around Monument Valley(Utah Border), you can easily drive to the Forrest Gump point. The location is known most notably as the spot where Forrest Gump ended his cross-country run in the movie.

  • Where: USA
  • IMDB Rating: 8.8/10
  • Available on: Netflix

8. Tamasha (which translates to “Spectacle”)(2015)

Tamasha

This Imtiaz Ail khan directed movie introduced Corsica in our lives and how beautifully so. Breathtaking landscapes, quaint locales, and bright sunny views make Corsica a very, very enticing place to visit. Not just this, the storyline, the chemistry between the lead actors, and the perfect blend of emotions will take on the edge of the seat.

  • Where: Corsica and France
  • IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
  • Available on: Netflix

9. Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit Trilogies (2001 – 2003)

The Lord of the Rings

The entire trilogy was filmed in various locations around New Zealand and the set of Hobbiton still remains there today for tourism. If you haven’t watched any of the LOTR movies you still have time to save yourself from embarrassment. 

  • Where: New Zealand (Mordor, Hobbiton, Rivendell and more)
  • IMDB Rating: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring(2001)- 8.8/10, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)- 8.7/10, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King(2003)- 8.9/10
  • Available on: Netflix

9. Anjaana Anjaani (which translates to Strangers) (2010)

Kiara and Akash are pretty adamant about committing suicide.  With a few failed attempts they set an end date for themselves. In their last days, they decide to fulfill their wishes and take a journey together. They embark on the ultimate road trip to Las Vegas. The adventure of the road and the thrill of the destination makes them feel alive again and they also end up falling in love.  

Anjaana Anjaani
  • Where: Las Vegas, New York, Michigan
  • IMDB Rating: 5.8/10
  • Available on: Netflix

10. Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani (2013)

Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani

This is a story of four school friends who meet on a trekking trip to Manali. The journey, set in the picturesque backdrops of Himalayas (originally filmed at Gulmarg), brings them close. They meet again for Aditi’s (Kalki) wedding in Udaipur and there Naina (Deepika) and Bunny (Ranbir) fall in love. The Manali trip and the later life of Bunny as a traveling cinematographer for a travel show motivate one to travel across the globe.

  • Where: Gulmarg(Manali), Udaipur
  • IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
  • Available on: Netflix

Over to you

I would love to keep updating this list time and again and keep adding to it. Let me know if you have watched them, if you liked them (or not) and if I missed your favorite one… Do let me know in the comment section below.

Amid this uncertainty, this is our constant: We’re going to keep talking about travel because this too shall pass 🙂