Okay, for those of you who don’t know, I’m a MASSIVE movie buff. I was raised in a family that taught me to love film, and honestly, I’ve seen way too many. Movies inspire wonder, surprise, happiness, confidence, and just about every other feeling or emotion under the sun. And for me, there’s nothing better than a good travel movie. These are the movies that capture the spirit of high adventure and whisk you off on a worldwide odyssey without ever making you leave the couch. And while there’s obviously no substitute for real travel, these movies do a great job of tiding you over until you can get back on the road.
So, whether you can’t travel at the moment, are biting at the bone to get out, or are counting down the days until your next epic trip, make some time to grab some popcorn and fit in a good flick. This is Garrett Backe’s personal list of the Top 5 best travel movies!
Before we begin, I’d also like to say that these are my personal opinions. Disagree? Add your own lists and opinions in the comments below. Now, on with the show!
Garrett’s Top 5 Best Travel Movies
5. Seven Years in Tibet
This Brad Pitt movie, which is based on a true story, successfully captures the spirit of travel as a force of change. The tale of an Austrian mountaineer and SS sergeant’s experiences in Tibet shows a man being utterly transformed from the inside out as he attempts to understand the Eastern culture he is suddenly surrounded by, namely Tibetan Buddhism. This period film was shot on location, and it shows in the countless sweeping vistas, gorgeous landscapes, and marvelous camera work. Pitt’s star turn here is great, as he pulls no punches with his arrogant, selfish interpretation of our protagonist, Heinrich Harrer. However, he somehow manages to tug on our heartstrings by the film’s end. How? Hell, I still don’t know.
4. Uncharted
Forgive me, forgive me. I know this movie hasn’t exactly seen glowing reviews, but I’m a sucker for pulpy action flicks. Plus, I might be a little bit biased, having played and adored the Uncharted video games, but you know what? My list, my picks! And my number 4 pick is unabashedly this popcorn buddy movie made to be seen in a movie theater. The film showcases a wild, globetrotting race for a legendary treasure thought lost to history, with Peter Parker teaming up with John Bennett to find it. The movie combines a look at some genuinely fascinating history (although much of it is fabricated) with beautiful sets and scenery from around the world, and the result was a truly entertaining, funny film that I wholeheartedly enjoyed. Even if Sully didn’t have a mustache.
3. 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible
This one is more under the radar, but it’s some of the best Netflix content I’ve seen in ages. This documentary film follows the real-life story of Nirmal Purja, a Nepali mountaineer with a seemingly impossible goal: summit all of the world’s tallest peaks, dubbed the “eight-thousanders,” in just seven months. For context, the previous record was just under eight years. With this mission statement, we are taken on a true, gritty journey through the realities of mountain living, with the hopes, dreams, and pure will of one man taking center stage.
This is a story about courage, perseverance, and the unstoppable, bulletproof force of the human spirit. It’s the kind of insanely motivational movie that makes you want to jump off the couch and climb Everest yourself after watching it. And, hell, no one’s stopping you. But for a less strenuous continuation, consider Purja’s book, Beyond Possible, which released not long after the film.
2. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Man, do I love this movie. The classic, warmhearted tale of a chronic daydreamer who suddenly finds himself caught up in the adventure of a lifetime never fails to bring a smile to my face. In fact, it’s my go-to movie whenever I’ve had a bad day. Ben Stiller, showing off his real dramatic chops for the first time, directs as well as stars, and it’s clear that he brings real passion for the material to both roles.
It seems like this movie has everything: adventure, heroism, romance, some of the best sets and scenery ever shown on film, a badass soundtrack, and breathtaking cinematography in particular. Watching it stirs up a cavalcade of emotions, and its message goes straight to the heart: stop dreaming, start doing. That’s unquestionably what this movie is all about, encouraging each and every one of us to take risks and live life to the fullest. Discover your destiny.
1. The Indiana Jones Series
Come on now, was there any other choice? Okay, okay, technically this isn’t just one movie, but again, my list, my rules. And my rules state that if adventure has a name, it must be Indiana Jones. The pinnacle of globetrotting, whip-cracking, pulse-pounding, action-adventure entertainment, Indiana Jones is legendary for a reason. It’s no exaggeration to say that I was raised on these movies, and they inspired my wanderlust at an early age.
These films appeal to the love of adventure in all of us, as the endlessly charming protagonist leads us through a series of stunts and special effects that can only be described as (movie) magical. Needless to say, the soundtrack is undeniably iconic, and the sets are top-notch. All in all, you never get tired of joining Dr. Jones on his archeological adventures to the far corners of the globe, and neither does Harrison Ford, it seems, as a 5th movie is set for a summer release.
My Top 5 Best Travel Movies – Final Thoughts
Well, that’s that. These are, on the whole, my favorite travel movies of all time. The list may change as time goes on, but at the moment, these five films take the cake. Do you disagree? Maybe you hate Uncharted, or are pissed I left out Under the Tuscan Sun. In any case, you should leave your thoughts and opinions down below. I’m always happy to hear from you guys, and, who knows? Maybe I’ll find a new favorite. Until next time!
Thanks for checking out the blog. If you like what you see, click here to choose what to read next. I’m hoping to go from making nothing with this “blogging” thing to traveling the world full-time, and I’m documenting my entire journey here. And I’m inviting YOU to join me! Yes, you, reading this article! Consider it, won’t you? I promise it’ll be worth your while!
