Movies About Travel

From Ron Fricke, starring Balinese Tari Legong Dancers, Ni Made Megahadi Pratiwi, Puti Sri Candra Dewi, Putu Dinda Pratika
Rated PG-13

Samsara is a 2011 non-narrative film by director Ron Fricke that explores the nature of life and human civilization. Through a series of stunningly beautiful and thought-provoking images, the film examines the interconnectedness of humanity and our relationship to the world we live in. From the mundane to the spiritual, the film takes viewers on a visual journey that transcends barriers of language, religion, and geography. The film features a diverse array of people, places, and rituals from around the world, all brought together with a poetic narration and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. The film is a meditation on life's cycles, both physical and spiritual, and invites viewers to contemplate the beauty and mystery of the world.

From Jean-Pierre Jeunet, starring Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Rufus, Lorella Cravotta
Rated R

Amélie is a 2001 romantic comedy film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. It follows the life of Amélie Poulain, a shy and imaginative girl living in Paris. After discovering a hidden box of childhood memorabilia belonging to a former tenant in her apartment, Amélie embarks on a journey to return the items to their rightful owner. During the course of her journey, she befriends and helps those around her, while simultaneously attempting to find true love. Along the way, she learns to open her heart and to appreciate the beauty of life.

From Sean Penn, starring Emile Hirsch, Vince Vaughn, Catherine Keener, Marcia Gay Harden
Rated R

Into the Wild is a 2007 biographical drama film directed by Sean Penn, based on the 1996 non-fiction book of the same name by Jon Krakauer. The film stars Emile Hirsch as Christopher McCandless, a young man who after graduating from college, decides to abandon all of his possessions and travel across North America. He hitchhikes his way across the country and eventually makes his way to Alaska, where he lives in the wilderness and forms a connection with nature. Along the way, he meets various people who influence him and teach him valuable lessons. In the end, his journey leads him to a spiritual transformation, and ultimately to his tragic death.

From Richard Linklater, starring Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Andrea Eckert, Hanno Pöschl
Rated R

Before Sunrise is a romantic drama directed by Richard Linklater and starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. The film follows the story of two young strangers, Jesse (Hawke) and Celine (Delpy), who meet while traveling on a train and decide to spend the night together in Vienna, walking around and talking. As they wander through the city, they discuss life, love, and their views on the world. They grow closer and closer to one another and eventually, Jesse invites Celine to spend a few days with him in Vienna. They spend the days and nights exploring the city and getting to know each other more deeply. By the end of the film, they have grown to care deeply for each other, but are forced to part ways, not knowing if they will ever see each other again.

From Wes Anderson, starring Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric, Adrien Brody
Rated R

The Grand Budapest Hotel is a 2014 comedy-drama film directed by Wes Anderson. It follows the adventures of legendary concierge Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes) and Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori), the lobby boy of the Grand Budapest Hotel in the fictional Republic of Zubrowka. The Grand Budapest is set between the beginning of World War I and the end of World War II. Gustave and Zero become embroiled in a race to prove the innocence of a beloved woman, Madame D (Tilda Swinton). Together they navigate a thrilling web of intrigue and theft involving a priceless painting, The Boy with Apple. Along the way, they battle the nefarious forces of the autocratic, yet comically inept, police force led by the sinister and incompetent Inspector Henckels (Edward Norton). Filled with breathtaking visuals, captivating characters, and clever humor, The Grand Budapest Hotel is a delightful journey of friendship, betrayal, and ultimately, redemption.

From Walter Salles, starring Fernanda Montenegro, Vinícius de Oliveira, Marília Pêra, Soia Lira
Rated R

Central Station is a 1998 Brazilian drama film directed by Walter Salles. It tells the story of a retired schoolteacher, Dora, who forms an unlikely friendship with a young boy, Josué, who is searching for his father. Dora and Josué travel to Rio de Janeiro and find themselves in a perilous journey in search of a better life for Josué. Along the way, Dora finds purpose and hope as she helps Josué in his quest. The film was a critical and commercial success and was nominated for numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

From Kevin Macdonald, starring Simon Yates, Joe Simpson, Brendan Mackey, Nicholas Aaron
Rated R

Touching the Void is a 2003 British docudrama film directed by Kevin Macdonald and based on the 1988 book of the same name by Joe Simpson. It tells the story of Simpson and his climbing partner Simon Yates' successful yet disastrous and nearly fatal ascent of the 6,344-meter (20,813 ft) Siula Grande in the Cordillera Huayhuash in the Peruvian Andes in 1985. After Simpson fell and broke his leg, Yates was forced to make a difficult decision to cut the rope and leave Simpson for dead in order to save his own life. The film follows Simpson and Yates' harrowing ordeal of being stranded in the Andes, with Simpson's miraculous survival despite near-impossible odds. Through interviews, recreations, and archival footage, the film offers a gripping and powerful exploration of human will, friendship, and the bond of brotherhood.

From Martin McDonagh, starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Ciarán Hinds, Elizabeth Berrington
Rated R

In Bruges is a dark comedy drama film directed by Martin McDonagh. The story revolves around two hitmen, Ray and Ken, who are sent to the Belgian city of Bruges by their boss, Harry, to hide out after a botched job. While there, Ray struggles with the boring and unfamiliar atmosphere of the city, while Ken grows to love it. As the two men explore the city, they interact with locals, tourists, and criminals, and Ray slowly begins to find solace in the beauty of Bruges. As their stay in Bruges continues to drag on, the tension between the two men grows, and their relationship is put to the test when their boss Harry arrives to give them a new job. In the end, both men must confront their past mistakes and their present predicaments as they come to terms with the consequences of their actions.

From Walter Salles, starring Gael García Bernal, Rodrigo de la Serna, Mía Maestro, Mercedes Morán
Rated R

The Motorcycle Diaries is a 2004 biopic directed by Walter Salles, based on the memoir of the same name by Ernesto "Che" Guevara. The film follows Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado on a motorcycle journey across South America in 1952. Along the way, they experience the poverty and injustice of the continent, as well as the beauty of its people and its landscapes. As their journey progresses, Guevara begins to question the world around him and the way it treats its people, becoming more aware of the exploitation and inequality faced by many. The film culminates with Guevara's transformation into a revolutionary, ultimately leading to his involvement in the Cuban Revolution.

From Directors: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris, starring Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear, Abigail Breslin
Rated R

Little Miss Sunshine follows the story of the Hoovers, an eccentric family struggling to stay together in the face of personal and professional crises. The Hoover patriarch Richard (Greg Kinnear) is a failed motivational speaker, who has recently lost his job and is facing eviction. His wife Sheryl (Toni Collette) is struggling to keep the family together as her son Dwayne (Paul Dano) has taken a vow of silence until he can become a fighter pilot and her daughter Olive (Abigail Breslin) is preparing to compete in the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant. When Olive gets picked to compete in the pageant, the entire family piles into their VW bus and sets off on a road trip across the country. Along the way, they meet a variety of colorful and strange characters and experience a multitude of misadventures. In the end, the family comes to learn the importance of accepting and embracing each other’s flaws, in order to stay united.

From Alfonso Cuarón, starring Maribel Verdú, Gael García Bernal, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Ana López Mercado
Rated R

Y tu mamá también is a Mexican comedy-drama film directed by Alfonso Cuarón and written by Cuarón and his brother Carlos. It tells the story of two teenage boys, Julio and Tenoch, who take a road trip with an older woman, Luisa. Along the way, the three of them grow closer, and the boys confront their own insecurities and fears while learning more about each other, themselves, and life. The film is both a coming-of-age story and a reflection on life and death, with themes of growing up, friendship, and family. Y tu mamá también received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its realism and its handling of themes such as sexuality, class, and coming of age. The film was a global box office success, and garnered numerous awards and nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

From Werner Herzog, starring Werner Herzog, Scott Rowland, Stefan Pashov, Doug MacAyeal
Rated G

Encounters at the End of the World is an exploration of the unique environment and inhabitants of Antarctica, as seen through the eyes of German director Werner Herzog. The documentary follows Herzog as he travels to the continent to observe the people and animals living there, including scientists, adventurers, and penguins. He speaks to volunteers, military personnel, and filmmakers as they discuss the challenges of living in such an extreme environment, and the beauty they find in it. With stunning cinematography, Herzog captures the magnificence of Antarctica's icy landscape, and its powerful combination of both despair and beauty.

From Sofia Coppola, starring Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Giovanni Ribisi, Anna Faris
Rated R

Lost in Translation is a 2003 American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Sofia Coppola. The movie stars Bill Murray as Bob Harris, an aging American movie star, and Scarlett Johansson as Charlotte, a young college graduate who form an unlikely bond as they find themselves struggling to connect with their respective lives in Tokyo. As the film progresses, the two develop a deep and meaningful relationship as they explore the city together and discover the meaning of life and love in a foreign land. Through their journey, Bob and Charlotte learn to communicate and share their feelings, ultimately creating a bond that transcends language and culture.

From Woody Allen, starring Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, Kurt Fuller
Rated PG-13

Midnight in Paris is a 2011 romantic comedy-fantasy movie written and directed by Woody Allen. It follows Gil Pender, an aspiring screenwriter and recent college graduate, who is visiting Paris with his fiancé and her family. While out on a late night walk through Paris, Gil discovers a mysterious car that takes him back in time to the 1920s. He then meets some of the era's most iconic writers, artists, and musicians. During his time-traveling escapades, Gil rekindles his love for writing and falls for a beautiful, free-spirited woman from the past. As his adventures in the past become more frequent, he becomes increasingly conflicted between his present and his newfound love. The film explores Gil's struggle to reconcile his life in the present with his dream of a better, more passionate past.

From Imtiaz Ali, starring Alia Bhatt, Randeep Hooda, Durgesh Kumar, Pradeep Nagar
Rated Not Rated

Highway is a 2014 Indian road drama film written and directed by Imtiaz Ali. The film stars Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda. The story follows a young woman named Veera who, on the eve of her arranged marriage, is kidnapped by Mahabir Bhati, a criminal from a rural area of Haryana. During the journey, the two of them form a deep bond as Veera begins to see Mahabir in a different light and starts to understand the complexities of his life. As their journey continues, Veera comes to terms with her innermost fears and gradually discovers her true self. Highway is a story of self-discovery and liberation of a young girl who finds freedom in the most unexpected of places.

From Stephan Elliott, starring Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce, Terence Stamp, Rebel Penfold-Russell
Rated R

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is a 1994 Australian comedy-drama road movie written and directed by Stephan Elliott. It follows two drag queens, Mitzi (Hugo Weaving) and Adam (Guy Pearce), and a transgender woman, Bernadette (Terence Stamp), as they travel across the Australian outback from Sydney to Alice Springs in a tour bus that they have named "Priscilla". Along the way, they confront homophobia and discrimination, make unlikely friendships, and explore the wonders of the Australian landscape. The film is noted for its positive portrayal of LGBT characters and its fabulous costumes, music, and dance numbers. It was a critical success, and won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design and was nominated for other Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.

From Ridley Scott, starring Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen
Rated R

Thelma and Louise is a 1991 American road movie directed by Ridley Scott and written by Callie Khouri. Starring Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, the film follows two best friends who embark on a road trip across the Southwestern United States in a 1966 Ford Thunderbird convertible. Along the way, they encounter a series of misadventures, including a violent confrontation with a man who attempts to rape Thelma, and the accidental killing of a police officer. In the end, they decide to take a stand against the oppressive forces of society and to fight back against their oppressors. As the police pursue them, they become increasingly desperate, culminating in a dramatic scene where they drive off a cliff rather than be caught. The film is a commentary on the sexism and double standards of society, and highlights the struggles of women in a male-dominated world.

From Cary Joji Fukunaga, starring Paulina Gaitan, Marco Antonio Aguirre, Leonardo Alonso, Karla Cecilia Alvarado
Rated R

Sin Nombre is a 2009 Spanish-language drama directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga. The film tells the story of two young people from Central America, Sayra (Paulina Gaitán) and Willy (Edgar Flores), who both attempt to make their way to the United States in the hope of a better life. Along the way, they encounter a variety of characters, including Sayra's father, a Honduran gang member, and a mysterious man named Smiley (Kristian Ferrer) who joins them on their journey. The film is set against a backdrop of gang violence, poverty and desperation, and showcases the struggles and harsh realities faced by many immigrants as they make their way to America.

From Rob Reiner, starring Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean Hayes, Beverly Todd
Rated PG-13

From Stanley Donen, starring Audrey Hepburn, Albert Finney, Eleanor Bron, William Daniels
Rated Not Rated

From Emilio Estevez, starring Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez, Deborah Kara Unger, Yorick van Wageningen
Rated PG-13

From Ben Stiller, starring Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Jon Daly, Kathryn Hahn
Rated PG

From Dennis Hopper, starring Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Jack Nicholson, Antonio Mendoza
Rated R

From Peter Weir, starring Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris, Colin Farrell, Dragos Bucur
Rated PG-13

From Cédric Klapisch, starring Romain Duris, Judith Godrèche, Kelly Reilly, Audrey Tautou
Rated R