16 Movies That'll Make You Wanna Book a One-Way Ticket ASAP

_{[Cover Picture by The Weinstein Company]}

Films That'll Transport You Across the Globe Without Leaving the Couch

Ever had a movie make you feel like you had to book a flight the next morning? Some films just do that. They take you on a journey so vivid that you can almost taste the gelato, hear the rustle of jungle leaves, or feel the desert sun on your skin. From the Italian coastlines in Call Me by Your Name to the untamed wilds in Into the Wild, these movies don’t just tell a story—they show you the world.

Whether it’s self-discovery in the Australian outback or a dreamy escape to Paris, these films have a way of making us crave adventure. Each one showcases stunning destinations, inspiring us to break out of our routines and chase something bigger. So, if your wanderlust has been itching lately, grab your popcorn and start planning your dream getaway as we dive into 16 films that’ll fuel your next adventure.

1. The Beach (2000)

Duration: 1h 59m
Main Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tilda Swinton, Virginie Ledoyen
Stream On: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu

The quintessential backpacker’s dream, The Beach follows Richard (DiCaprio), a young traveler who stumbles upon a secret paradise in Thailand. The pristine beaches, lush jungle, and idyllic isolation quickly turn into something much darker, showing the perils of chasing utopia. Shot on the stunning Ko Phi Phi Le island, the film cemented Thailand as a bucket-list destination.

Fun Fact: After the film’s release, tourism to Ko Phi Phi skyrocketed so much that the beach had to close temporarily for environmental recovery.

2. Call Me by Your Name (2017)

Duration: 2h 12m
Main Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Armie Hammer, Michael Stuhlbarg
Stream On: Netflix

Set in the sun-drenched Italian countryside, this coming-of-age romance is as much about the dreamy setting as it is about love. The story follows Elio (Chalamet) and Oliver (Hammer) as they explore the complexities of their relationship amidst apricot orchards, ancient architecture, and lazy summer days by the pool. You’ll crave an Italian summer after this one.

Fun Fact: The peach orchard scenes were filmed in a real villa in Lombardy, which you can rent for your own Italian adventure!

3. Eat Pray Love (2010)

Duration: 2h 13m
Main Cast: Julia Roberts, Javier Bardem, James Franco
Stream On: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix

Based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling memoir, this film will have you mapping out a year-long sabbatical. Liz (Roberts) travels to Italy for food, India for spirituality, and Bali for love. The cinematography makes each location look like a dream, from Rome’s cobblestone streets to Bali’s serene rice paddies.

Fun Fact: Julia Roberts learned to make authentic Italian pizza for her scenes in Naples.

4. Wild (2014)

Duration: 1h 55m
Main Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Gaby Hoffmann
Stream On: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video

This inspiring film is based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir of her solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. With breathtaking landscapes and a heartfelt story of self-discovery, Wild captures the allure of nature’s vastness. Reese Witherspoon’s portrayal of Cheryl shows that even the longest journey begins with a single step.

Fun Fact: Reese Witherspoon carried an actual heavy backpack for most scenes to make her struggles more realistic.

5. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Duration: 1h 54m
Main Cast: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Sean Penn
Stream On: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video

This whimsical film follows Walter Mitty (Stiller) as he breaks free from his mundane life to embark on a global adventure. From Icelandic glaciers to the streets of New York, Walter’s journey inspires viewers to chase their own dreams. The movie is equal parts heartwarming and visually stunning.

Fun Fact: The breathtaking Himalayan scenes were actually filmed in Iceland.

6. Lost in Translation (2003)

Duration: 1h 42m
Main Cast: Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson
Stream On: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video

Set in the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, this Sofia Coppola masterpiece captures the feeling of being a stranger in a foreign land. The quiet connection between Bob (Murray) and Charlotte (Johansson) is poignant, while the dazzling cityscape will have you dreaming of Japan.

Fun Fact: Many scenes were improvised, including Bill Murray’s karaoke performance.

7. Tracks (2013)

Duration: 1h 52m
Main Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Adam Driver
Stream On: Amazon Prime Video

This Australian drama follows Robyn Davidson (Wasikowska) on her 1,700-mile trek across the Australian desert with four camels and her dog. Based on a true story, the film showcases the harsh yet stunning beauty of the outback.

Fun Fact: Real camels were trained for months to portray Robyn’s companions authentically.

8. Into the Wild (2007)

Duration: 2h 28m
Main Cast: Emile Hirsch, Kristen Stewart, Hal Holbrook
Stream On: Netflix

This film tells the true story of Christopher McCandless, who abandons his possessions to live in the Alaskan wilderness. Featuring breathtaking scenery and a haunting soundtrack, Into the Wild is a call to embrace freedom and simplicity.

Fun Fact: The "Magic Bus" featured in the film was moved from its original location due to safety concerns for hikers.

9. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

Duration: 1h 36m
Main Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardem
Stream On: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video

Woody Allen’s romantic drama is a love letter to Spain. Set in Barcelona, the film immerses you in Gaudí’s architecture, sun-drenched beaches, and passionate flamenco vibes. It’s impossible not to fantasize about sipping wine on a terrace after watching.

Fun Fact: Penélope Cruz won an Oscar for her fiery performance in the film.

10. The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

Duration: 2h 6m
Main Cast: Gael García Bernal, Rodrigo de la Serna
Stream On: Amazon Prime Video

This biographical drama traces the early travels of revolutionary Che Guevara across South America. From the Andes to Machu Picchu, the film celebrates the continent’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural diversity.

Fun Fact: Gael García Bernal learned to ride a motorcycle specifically for this role.

11. Midnight in Paris (2011)

Duration: 1h 34m
Main Cast: Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard
Stream On: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix

Woody Allen’s whimsical tale takes viewers on a magical journey through Paris, blending nostalgia with romance. Gil (Wilson), a struggling writer, finds himself transported to the 1920s each night, mingling with literary icons like Hemingway and Fitzgerald. The film captures Paris’s timeless allure, from its cozy cafés to its moonlit streets.

Fun Fact: Midnight in Paris was Woody Allen’s highest-grossing film and won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

12. Roma (2018)

Duration: 2h 15m
Main Cast: Yalitza Aparicio, Marina de Tavira
Stream On: Netflix

Alfonso Cuarón’s semi-autobiographical masterpiece brings Mexico City’s vibrant culture to life. Following Cleo, a domestic worker, the film’s stunning cinematography and emotional depth transport you to 1970s Mexico. It’s a cinematic love letter to the sights, sounds, and struggles of a city full of heart.

Fun Fact: Roma was the first Netflix film to win the Academy Award for Best Director.

13. Amélie (2001)

Duration: 2h 2m
Main Cast: Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz
Stream On: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu

This French classic brims with charm and whimsy, set against the enchanting backdrop of Montmartre in Paris. Amélie (Tautou), a quirky waitress, dedicates herself to improving the lives of those around her. With its quirky visuals and romantic vibes, it’s impossible not to fall in love with Paris after watching.

Fun Fact: Café des 2 Moulins, where Amélie works, became a popular tourist spot after the film’s release.

14. The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

Duration: 1h 31m
Main Cast: Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman
Stream On: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu

Wes Anderson’s quirky visual style shines in this tale of three estranged brothers reconnecting during a train journey across India. From colorful marketplaces to serene temples, the film captures India’s vibrant landscapes and culture. It’s a humorous yet heartfelt exploration of family and self-discovery.

Fun Fact: The filmmakers used a real, functioning train to shoot most of the film’s interior scenes.

15. Before Sunrise (1995)

Duration: 1h 41m
Main Cast: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy
Stream On: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video

This romantic gem follows two strangers, Jesse and Céline, who meet on a train and decide to spend a day together exploring Vienna. The film beautifully showcases the city’s cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and vibrant nightlife, making it a love letter to spontaneous travel and connection.

Fun Fact: The dialogue-heavy film was almost entirely improvised by Hawke and Delpy.

16. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

Duration: 2h 19m
Main Cast: Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow
Stream On: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu

Set in 1950s Italy, this psychological thriller is as gorgeous as it is tense. From sun-soaked beaches to chic cafes, the backdrop of Rome, Venice, and coastal towns feels impossibly glamorous. As the plot thickens, the idyllic settings juxtapose the story’s dark themes, making it a travel-inspiring yet unsettling watch.

Fun Fact: The film was shot in multiple real Italian locations, including Ischia and Positano, showcasing the country’s diverse beauty.

There’s something magical about movies that can whisk you away to far-off destinations, making you feel like you’re part of the adventure. Whether it’s hiking across deserts, wandering bustling city streets, or lounging on dreamy beaches, these films are more than entertainment—they’re inspiration.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure, whether it’s a road trip, a backpacking spree, or just a staycation with travel dreams in mind. Each of these movies has the power to transport you somewhere extraordinary, and who knows? Maybe they’ll spark your next unforgettable journey.

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