Tick, tock… We’re all inside counting down the days that we can be released from quarantine and social distancing to embark on our next travel adventure. It’s a strange and historical time to be alive, but while we’ve all got a few extra hours on our hands, why not indulge in some travel themed movie nights. Here are 10 travel movies to inspire wanderlust while stuck at home.
Midnight in Paris
One of my all time favorite travel movies: Midnight in Paris. Directed by Woody Allen, this film stars Owen Wilson, who plays a writer engaged to be married to Inez (Rachel McAdams) but first they’ve gone on vacation with her family in–you guessed it–Paris. Meanwhile, Owen Wilson’s character Gil falls in love with Paris basically by traveling back in time and meeting famous artists and writers from the 20s.
It’s packed full of beautiful shots of Paris from cozy outdoor cafes to the the Eiffel Tower glistening at night, meaning it will definitely spark some wanderlust.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Vicky Cristina Barcelona can easily persuade you to take a trip to Spain in the future, This film was also directed by Woody Allen and stars Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, and Javier Bardem. Basically, Vicky and Cristina are best friends on a summer away from their home lives in Barcelona. Then, they meet Juan (Javier Bardem) a handsome painter who takes them for a romantic journey of lust and love in Barcelona and Oviedo.
There’s so many picturesque spots of Barcelona dispersed throughout the film as well as the small town of Oviedo. You’ll see them sitting at cafes in quaint plazas, touring Gaudí buildings, and experiencing some of the best of Barcleona.
It’s a perfect movie if you wish to visit this amazing city. Looking for more reasons to visit Barcelona? Here’s a guide to Barcelona off-the-beaten path.
My Neighbor Totoro
If you’re looking for some inspiration for a trip to Japan’s countryside, My Neighbor Totoro is a beautiful choice. This is a Studio Ghibli film directed by Hayao Miyazaki about two young girls and their father who have just moved into a new home in the Japanese countryside outside of Tokyo. The girls befriend rabbit-like creatures, who are actually spirits. It’s a beautiful, feel-good movie you can watch with the entire family.
You’ll see gorgeous fields, everyone getting around on bicycles, and traditional Japanese homes and foods.
7 Years in Tibet
For captivating shots of the Himalayas and life in Tibet, this Jean-Jacques Annaud film 7 Years in Tibet starring Brad Pitt is an excellent choice to fuel your wanderlust in Asia. It’s based on the true story and book of Austrian climber Heinrich Harrer who finds himself getting arrested in the Himalayas, going to prison, and eventually going to Tibet where he is employed as an instructor to the Dalai Lama.
There’s beautiful Tibetan architecture, mountain views, and lots of cultural insights to life in Tibet.
When Harry Met Sally
Though not exactly a travel movie, both Harry and Sally are new to New York City after graduating from university and they both experience the city in their own ways. There’s beautiful capture of the streets of New York, Central Park, and classic brick apartments.
Plus, When Harry Met Sally is one of the absolute best romantic comedies that you really can’t pass it up (especially if you’ve never seen it!). It’s directed by Rob Reiner and stars Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal.
Leap Year
Here’s another feel-good romantic movie that also sparks your wanderlust! Leap Year is directed by Anand Tucker and stars Amy Adams who intends to travel to Dublin, Ireland to propose to her boyfriend on Leap Day. She runs into some trouble along the way and finds herself in the Irish countryside instead.
You’ll get to enjoy much of the beauty of the Irish countryside while watching this film: lush green hills, small charming towns, traditional Irish pubs, and cows!
Jojo Rabbit
This one might be a stretch as it’s supposed to be set in once Nazi Germany, but the actual filming was done in Prague. It took me no time at all to be think, “Wait, this is Prague!” And it is! So, if you’re looking for some Central European travel inspiration, Jojo Rabbit is a great movie and it’s full of beautiful Czech architecture.
This film by Taika Waititi starring–once again–Scarlett Johannson will make you laugh and cry. It’s a beautiful comedy-drama that is so well shot and told.
For some more Prague inspiration, here’s the best things to do on a trip to Prague.
Letters to Juliet
For an enchanting little love story set in Verona, Italy, the city Romeo first met Juliet, Letters to Juliet starring Amanda Seyfried is a perfect choice to fuel your wanderlust while stuck at home.
Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is an aspiring writer spending time in Verona where she meets a group of volunteers who reply to letters left in Juliet’s Wall. She replies to one in particular which brings its author back to Italy to find her long lost soulmate.
There’s love, compassion, and lots of shots of Italy! Here’s some real-life photo spots from the movie you can see in person in Verona.
Eat, Pray, Love
Based off Elizabeth Gilbert’s book of the same name, Eat, Pray, Love tells the story of Elizabeth (Julia Roberts) who decides to travel to three different countries as a result of her home-life shattering.
She spends time in Italy, India, and Indonesia in search of herself where she eats delicious foods and embarks on a romantic journey. I’ll admit that I think the book is better, but for some travel inspiration, it does the trick!
You’ll see gorgeous shots of Rome, Indian cafes, and Indonesian countryside and more in this travel movie.
Lost in Translation
Ok. This list has made me realize I am either obsessed with Scarlett Johnasson or she has just managed to snag some amazing travel roles! Lost in Translation tells the story of loneliness in the city where two people Bob (Bill Murray) and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) meet and find friendship in one another in Tokyo, Japan.
