Excellent Travel Films That Will Inspire Wanderlust

Whether you’re planning your next getaway or simply dreaming of distant destinations, these cinematic journeys will undoubtedly fuel your wanderlust. In 2025, with travel more accessible than ever and the COVID-19 pandemic a distant memory, there’s no better time to start exploring.

Also read: 12 Brilliant Responses When People Ask Why You Travel So Much

Inspiration can strike when you least expect it. A film has the power to spark an insatiable desire to pack your bags and set off on an adventure. From wandering through untouched landscapes to immersing yourself in vibrant cultures, these films remind us that the world is full of incredible places waiting to be discovered. With breathtaking cinematography and compelling stories, they’ll leave you dreaming of far-flung destinations and unforgettable experiences. So why not take that inspiration and start planning your next trip?

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Visually stunning landscapes of Iceland, Greenland, and the Himalayas are captured effortlessly in this film, which depicts an epic journey that the dreamy, hapless protagonist is catapulted into. He represents the common man in all of us: the one sick of being a cog in the machine, working for Uncle Sam in a cubicle from 9–5, five days a week. Doing something out of the ordinary is scary but rewarding, and Walter Mitty shows us how terrifyingly beautiful adventures can be.

The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

The Darjeeling Limited follows the journey of three brothers across India after the death of their father. With Wes Anderson’s touch of whimsy, the journey is transformed into a magical experience. Watch the drama unfold as the complicated relationships between the siblings manifest.

Wristcutters: A Love Story (2006)

A black comedy and romantic road movie, the story takes place in a fantasy world that serves as an afterlife limbo. Zia, the protagonist, takes his own life and finds himself trapped in this realm, which turns out to be even worse than the life he left behind. He embarks on a journey to find his ex-girlfriend, who he learns also took her life. Along the way, he discovers friendships, miracles, and love. Filmed in Los Angeles, U.S.A., but designed to feel ethereal, the film offers a true escape into a fantastical world, drawing viewers into their own imaginations. Sometimes, wanderlust and adventure don’t have to be inspired by real-world sights.

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Another Wes Anderson creation, the film depicts an unconventional love story between two pubescent 12-year-olds who elope to a cove they call Moonrise Kingdom. Quirky and eccentric, as all Wes Anderson films are, the impeccable cinematography fills anyone who watches the film with an inexplicable desire to explore the world created within its 94-minute runtime. The story takes place in New England, but the film was shot in various locations across Rhode Island.

Spring (2014)

A 2014 romantic sci-fi horror feature film by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, the story follows a young man who escapes his past in the United States of America and travels to Italy, where he meets a mysterious woman with a dark secret. Filmed on location in Italy, the film effortlessly captures the atmosphere through the architecture of Bari, Apulia, and Conversano.

Amélie (2001)

This whimsical film follows Amélie, a French waitress in Paris, as she embarks on a personal journey to dedicate her life to bringing joy and happiness to those around her. The city of Paris is captured on location in a quirky, stylised manner, with vibrant colours and meticulously designed sets, creating a romanticised and fantastical portrayal of the city. With the help of post-production editing, the Paris that exists within the film becomes the one we dream of visiting.

Also read: 25 Fun Things to Do in Paris on Your Very First Visit

Walkabout (1971)

Walkabout is a 1971 survival road film set in the Australian outback, following the journey of a schoolgirl and her younger brother who find themselves stranded after their father goes mad and takes his own life. While lost in the wilderness, they encounter an Aboriginal boy on his “walkabout,” a traditional rite of passage in which a young male transitions from adolescence to manhood by surviving in the wild for a period of time.

Wild (2014)

Wild is an emotional and visually striking film that takes viewers on a journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in America. Based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir, it follows her transformative solo trek along the Pacific Crest Trail. The journey is as much about physical endurance as it is about confronting personal demons, with Reese Witherspoon delivering a powerful performance as Strayed. From the dense forests of Oregon to the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada, the cinematography captures the raw beauty of nature, inspiring a sense of adventure and self-discovery.

14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible (2021)

This documentary film follows the incredible journey of Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, who sets out to summit all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks in just seven months – A feat that has never been accomplished before. Filmed on location in the rugged Himalayas region, the documentary highlights not just the physical challenges of the climb, but also the emotional and mental resilience needed to push through extreme conditions. Purja’s passion and courage are contagious, making this film a must-watch for anyone seeking inspiration to embark on their own grand adventures.

Also read: Solo Travel: Why It is Good for the Soul

Whether you’re looking to tackle a challenging hike, experience a new culture, or simply daydream about the possibilities, each of these films will transport you to faraway lands and inspire you to embark on your own journey. So grab your passport, pack your bags, and let the captivating worlds of these cinematic masterpieces fuel your desire to explore – The world is waiting for you.