Below is our growing list of some of the best travel movies. All of these have the ability to transport you somewhere far away (without leaving the comfort of your couch).
Eat Pray Love
Eat Pray Love transports you to Italy, India and Bali. Based off the novel by Elizabeth Gilbert, newly divorced Liz (played by Julia Roberts) heads off on an adventure of self discovery. This may be one of the best travel movies in the game!
Midnight in Paris
Not only do you catch glimpses of a modern day Paris, but aspiring novelist Gil (played by Owen Wilson) is also transported back in time to meet some famous artists living in the city during the Jazz Age. (Picasso, Hemingway and Fitzgerald to name a few).
Leap Year
After learning about the Irish tradition that a woman can propose to a man on Leap Year, main character Anna heads off to the Emerald Isle to surprise her boyfriend – only to get sidetracked along the way! A great romantic comedy that will bring you to Ireland. (Available on Hulu). Check out our post about Driving the Ring of Kerry for more landscape views of the Irish countryside.
Just Married
Another rom com for the ages: The story follows two young love birds, Tom (played by Ashton Kutcher) and Sarah (played by Brittany Murphy), on a honeymoon gone wrong in Italy. It’s great for some good laughs and scenic views of the Italian Alps!
Under the Tuscan Sun
A recently divorced woman purchases a run-down villa in Tuscany on a whim, to start her life anew. My Mom and I love this travel movie and often dream of doing the same thing! Everyone has this fantasy right? (Available on Hulu).
Ibiza
A 30 year old New Yorker (and her tag-along friends) let loose during a work trip in Spain where she meets a cute DJ. It’s a little cheesy – but a lot of fun! (Available on Netflix).
The Tourist
A broken hearted math teacher (Johnny Depp) books a spontaneous trip to Europe where he gets caught up with an alluring stranger (Angelina Jolie). This movie takes you through Italy on a dreamy cat and mouse chase. (Available on Netflix).
Murder Mystery
This comedy, starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston as husband and wife, brings you to Monaco and Italy. While on a European vacation, they somehow get caught up in a murder and work to solve the crime together. Travel movies with comedy & crime – sign us up! (Available on Netflix).
The Lizzie McGuire Movie
Based on the Disney Channel TV series, a young girl travels with her school to Rome – where she gets mistaken as a European pop star. It’s definitely a cheesy teen film, but shots of the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain will lead you to believe you’re living la vita bella. (Available on Disney Plus). This was one of the first travel movies I experienced and I knew I always wanted to visit Italy after seeing all the beautiful sites in the film!
Passport to Paris
While discussing kid’s movies, Passport to Paris is one of those 90’s Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen films we all loved growing up. While hopelessly corny, it’s lighthearted and will have you feeling like you’ve been to the City of Love! (Available on Hulu). Check out our Paris City Guide for more content on the City of Lights.
Monte Carlo
When three young waitresses quit their jobs and decide to head to Paris on a getaway, they are disappointed by their group tour. Then, one of them is mistaken for a famous British Socialite and they head to Monaco pretending to be her and her posey. Similar to the two above, this movie is definitely meant for teenagers, but it’s the type of fun content everyone could enjoy!
P.S. I Love you
When Holly (played by Hillary Swank) loses the love of her life Gerry (played by Gerald Butler), her world is turned upside down. Luckily, Gerry plans letters to be delivered to her that send her on an adventure to continue her life (including traveling to Ireland). Be warned, it’s near impossible to watch this travel movie without crying! (Available on Netflix).
The Holiday
While this movie is popular around Christmastime, its focus is certainly not the holiday itself. Two young women (played by Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet) swap homes in an attempt to escape their lives over the holidays. One heads to LA, while the other heads to a charming countryside village in England.
When in Rome
Beth (played by Kristen Bell), steals some coins from a fountain in Rome – a strange array of suitors start following her around. When one particularly handsome reporter (played by Josh Duhamel) gets her attention, she wonders if it’s simply the coin or the real thing. (Available on Starz). Check out our Rome City Guide for more inspiration on the eternal city.
Cassablanca
Who doesn’t love a good black and white movie now and again? Starring Humphrey Bogart as a nightclub owner in Cassablanca, he is reunited with his old flame he knew in Paris. The famous line, “we’ll always have Paris” comes from this travel movie!
Ratatouille
I know what you might be thinking – an animated movie that inspires travel? Let me tell you that Pixar has a way of making you feel like you’re in Paris when you watch Remy, the rat, learn to cook in one of the city’s top restaurants! It’s heartfelt and inspiring – a great rainy day movie for sure. (Available on Disney Plus).
Letters to Juliet
When magazine writer Sophia, (played by Amanda Seyfried) and her boyfriend fly to Verona, Italy for a vacation, Sophia ends up helping a volunteer group respond to letters written to Juliet while her boyfriend is distracted with work. This romantic comedy is sure to warm your heart.
The Sound of Music
This timeless musical will bring you to the Austrian Alps. A young postulant (Julie Andrews) is assigned to be the governess of a widowed Naval Officer’s 7 children. She brings a love of singing and music back into their home. The movie takes place at the beginning of WWII when Nazi Germany has taken over Austria. A lot of this travel movie was actually filmed in Salzburg so you get some stunning views of the city as well! (Available on Disney Plus). Check out our post about the Sound of Music tour for inspiration on visiting Austria.
Thanks for checking our our favorite travel movies. We hope this inspires you to cozy up with a cup of something warm and head off to distant places from your couch!
Ciao, Amanda
P.S. Check out our post about the Best Travel TV Shows for more things to watch!
