Have you ever wanted to visit a place only because you saw it in the movies? It happens to me all the time! So I decided to share a list of Best Travel Movies and my favourite movies that have inspired me to travel.

Of course, this is the time of a global pandemic, which none of us was prepared for. But on the positive side, what better time to finish watching the best travel movies and updating your bucket list for when we can travel again.

If you are a travel buff, then these should be on your list of must-watch movies.

1. Into The Wild (2007)

IMDb: 8.1

Into the Wild is a true story of a student who gives up everything to live alone in the Alaskan wilderness. He hitchhikes and meets many people on the way, all with their different life stories and situations that change him as a person. One of the best movies on Netflix, if you have ever considered full-time travel.

Available on: Netflix, Prime Video

2. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)

IMDb: 8.1

One of my favourites and the best travel movies to watch, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. One car, three best friends and the road trip of a lifetime across Spain with lots of adventure and fun. The movie had everyone writing the Tomatino Festival on his or her bucket list.

Available on: Netflix, Prime Video

3. The Bucket List (2007)

IMDb: 7.4

Who doesn’t have their travel bucket list? And how far can you go to tick off each place on it? The Bucket List story is of 2 oldies who break out of a cancer hospital to live their last days to the fullest. They have a checklist, and their itinerary includes a visit to the Pyramids, the Taj Mahal, Hong Kong, the French Riviera and a trip to the Himalayas. Don’t wait until your last days to fulfil your dreams. Pick your buddy and off you go!

Available on: Netflix

4. The Hangover Series (2009-2013)

IMDb: 6.4

The Hangover is a series of three American comedy movies, which follow the misadventures of 4 friends who go on a road trip to attend their friend’s bachelor parties. One follows them to Las Vegas, another to Bangkok and third is about a road trip where a gangster kidnaps one of the friends. These movie series make you look forward to the next bachelor trip of your group.

Available on: Prime Video (Part 1, 2, 3) Netflix (Part 2, 3)

5. Wild (2014)

IMDb: 7.1

A divorced woman decides to go on an 1100 miles hike to recover from the loss of her mother. Another one on the best movies to watch list based on a true story. While she crosses mountains, snowy fields and muddy trails, she begins to discover herself and gain a clearer perspective on life. Add this to your list of must-watch movies.

Available on: Google Play for rent

6. Dil Chahta Hai (2001)

IMDb: 8.1

Dil Chahta is already on everyone’s list of best movies to watch or rather on their list of favourite movies. Three childhood friends take a road trip to Goa, and you can see the real rustic side of Goa. This fun movie will surely make you take the much-awaited road trip with your best buddies. And if you haven’t seen the movie yet, what world are you living in buddy?

Available on:  Netflix, Prime Video

7. Up In The Air (2009)

IMDb: 7.4

Up in the air, this must-watch movie is about a corporate downsizing expert who is about to reach ten million frequent flier miles when a new co-worker wants to put an end to his constant travels. He takes the young co-worker on his tour to show her the importance of face-to-face meetings with those he must fire. And that is when he meets the frequent flyer women of his dreams.

Available on: Netflix

8. The Way (2010)

IMDb: 7.4

The Way is a story of an American father who flies to Spain, to identify his son’s body. The son died while attempting a centuries-old pilgrimage, and the father plans to complete the journey himself to scatter his son’s ashes along the way and also to understand his son better. It is a heart-touching and another one of the must-watch movies.

Don’t have Netflix or Prime Video subscription? Good news!! Both of these have 30 days FREE trial. That is at least enough to finish watching this list of best travel movies. For a free trial, sign up here – Netflix / Prime Video

9. Lost in Translation (2003)

IMDb: 7.7

Lost in Translation shows how funny and interesting travelling in a country can be. The many random experiences while travelling can be the most memorable ones. One of the best travel movies to watch, it is a story of 2 travellers who happen to be visiting Tokyo at the same time. From the upmarket hotels to the neon-lit karaoke bars and streets, this movie takes you around the beautiful and busy city of Tokyo.

10. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

IMDb: 7.3

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a classic story of a daydreamer who escapes from his anonymous life to his fantasy world filled with heroism, romance and lots of action. One of the best movies to watch as it takes you from the streets of Manhattan to Greenland to Iceland and even to the Himalayas. The adventures of this movie will make you want to have one of your own and to explore new places.

Available on: Google Play for rent

11. Mr. Bean’s Holiday (2007)

IMDb: 6.4

A perfect travel movie, Mr. Bean’s Holiday portrays very well how the journey is more important than the destination. Mr. Bean wins a trip to Cannes, and he starts his trip by missing his train from Paris to Cannes. Everything that can possibly go wrong on a holiday, happens with Mr. Bean. A fun comic Europe trip movie but will surely get you planning a trip to France.

Available on: Netflix

12. The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

IMDb: 7.8

Ever wanted a road trip with your best buddy just like the travel movies? Imagine how that is going to be, with this must-watch movie – The Motorcycle Diaries”. Two friends set out on a four-month, 8000 km long motorcycle road trip across South America. The movie is about their journey, their adventures and all that comes in between.

13. Midnight in Paris (2011)

IMDb: 7.7

Midnight in Paris takes us through the past and present of Paris, and both are equally enchanting. Owen Wilson playing the lead is an aspiring novelist & on a trip to Paris with his fiancée. He finds himself going back to 1920s at midnight and meeting his artistic idols. A fun comedy romance is one of the best movies to watch.

14. Euro Trip (2004)

IMDb: 6.6

Euro trip is a teen comedy where an American teenager accompanied by his friends takes a trip to Europe in search of his pen pal. This trip takes them to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Bratislava, Berlin, and Rome, encountering awkward, humorous, and embarrassing situations along the way. Another Europe trip movie but fun & must-watch movie that will make every teen out there take their own Euro Trip.

Available on: Netflix, Prime Video

15. The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

IMDb: 7.2

India is a beautiful country, and this movie – The Darjeeling Limited makes you want to explore your own country. A year after their father’s death, three wealthy brothers take a train journey across India to bond with each other. The movie is hilarious and beautifully shot and shows the vast open deserts of Rajasthan to the stunning mountain landscapes.

Available on: Google Play for rent

16. Queen (2013)

IMDb: 8.2

Always wanted to go on a solo trip? But something stops you? Queen is the best travel movie and will be your inspiration. A young woman decides to go her honeymoon all by herself after getting ditched by her fiancée. She takes us through the romantic boulevards of Paris and crazy, eccentric avenues of Amsterdam while she transforms into a strong independent woman. These are one of the best solo trip destinations and a Europe trip movie that will make you crave a solo vacation.

Available on: Voot, Google Play for rent

17. Sex And The City 2 (2010)

IMDb: 4.5

A sequel of the HBO series, Sex and the City 2 has a chance for the four ladies to visit one of the most extravagant vacation destinations on the planet, Abu Dhabi for the adventure of a lifetime. This movie is one of the must-watch movies with your girl gang, and I promise you it will make you want to pack your bags immediately and plan a bachelorette vacation for all of you.

Available on: Prime Video

18. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)

IMDb: 7.1

A dialogue in the movie – “Main udna chahta hoon, daudna chahta hoon, girna bhi chahta hoon…bus rukna nahi chahta” and OMG! I could totally relate to that. From the awesome backpacking trek in Manali to the wanderer life of bunny, this movie makes you reconsider your career choices and want to take up that of a photographer. This is my favourite of the best travel movies, among others.

Available on: Netflix, Prime Video

19. Amelie (2001)

IMDb: 8.3

A young woman, Amelie, grows up to be a joyful & happy woman despite her unusual childhood. She takes it upon her to change the lives of those around her and make them happy. A cheerful light-hearted movie will make you want to pack your bags immediately for Paris. This will definitely be one of your best Europe trip movie of all time.

Also Read: Where we travelled in 2019 after getting inspired by these movies?

20. Before Sunrise (1995)

IMDb: 8.1

Before sunrise is about a young man & woman, who meet on a train in Europe and impulsively decide to get off at Vienna. With only one night in hand, they explore the city and each other, knowing very well that they have to go their separate ways. Not a movie everyone might like, but for those who put this on their list of best travel movies, it has 2 sequels – one in Paris (Before Sunset) and then again in Greece (Before Midnight).

Available on: Netflix 

21. Tamasha (2015)

IMDb: 7.3

Tamasha brought the city of Corsica to us Indians. Most of us didn’t know of its existence until we watched the movie. The beautiful landscapes in the movie make you want to book that ticket immediately. But you know what makes me put this movie on the list of best travel movies? The movie perfectly shows how in a new city, nobody would know you, and you would know nobody. That feeling, how awesome is it?

Available on: Netflix

22. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

IMDb: 6.8

A peek into the Italian Countryside, Under the Tuscan Sun is about an American writer who buys a villa in Tuscany and begins to restore the house and start her life afresh. This is among the best travel movies as it takes you to the countryside with an eye of a seasoned traveller, exploring the Italian life and food. You will soon be planning a vacation to Tuscany after this Europe trip movie.

Available on: Google Play for rent

23. Anjaana Anjaani (2010)

IMDb: 5.8

Two heartbroken strangers meet when each of them is about to end their lives. But instead, decide to live their life to the fullest till the New Year Eve. And what better place than Las Vegas. They take a stunning road trip from New York to Las Vegas with breathtaking views on the way. And that’s the point where we want to take out time from what we are doing to live our lives to the fullest. A sweet romantic movie but definitely gives us some travel goals.

Available on: Google Play for rent

24. Tracks (2013)

IMDb: 7.2

Tracks is a beautiful adventure story and should be on your list of best movies to watch. It is a story of a young woman who sets out on a 1700 miles trek in the Australian desert with four unpredictable camels and her dog. In the desert, she meets a National Geographic photographer who starts capturing her journey.

25. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)

IMDb: 7.2

Seven British tourists pick India for their retirement after seeing an ad for the newly restored luxurious hotel, The Marigold Hotel in Jaipur. Upon arrival, they find that the hotel is not quite what they expected. Though the new environment is less luxurious than imagined, they are forever transformed by their shared experiences. It proves how deeply travel can stir us and even change us, for good.

Available on: Google Play for rent

So how many of these movies have you watched already? This is my all-time favourite list of Best Travel Movies and most of them I found on Netflix & Prime Video. You might find others on many other online platforms, for free. So Stay Home, Stay Safe and Binge on this list of must-watch movies.

We are going to give you tons of travel goals and have lots of fun together!! Till then, stay tuned, keep saving, keep exploring, and Happy Travel!!

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