More than any other forms of pop-culture, film has the ability to transport you and sweep you away to new destinations. From European adventures to travels across Africa’s deserts, these films are sure to kindle your wanderlust (and make for some good binge-watching while we’re at home!).
Roman Holiday (1953)
Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in a black and white film, set in Rome… need we say more?! This classic, quirky love story follows the journey of Princess Anne (Audrey Hepburn) as she embarks on a tour of the European capitals. After rebelling against her strict schedule, the Princess ends up fast asleep on a public bench, where she is found by Rome-based American journalist Joe (Gregory Peck).
Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
Based on the classic Agatha Christie mystery, Murder on the Orient Express is based in 1935, when a train in stopped by deep snow between Istanbul and Paris and it’s discovered that a murder had taken place aboard the train the night before. Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is called on to solve the murder.
Out of Africa (1985)
Based on the autobiographical novel by Isak Dinesen and filmed on location in the UK and Kenya, Out of Africa is a tragic love story between a Danish married baroness (Meryl Streep), who falls for a free-spirited, big-game hunter (Robert Redford).
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Set around Thanksgiving and the rush in the days leading up to it, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, follows Neal Page’s (Steve Martin) journey from New York City to Chicago. After his flight is delayed, he ends up sharing his trip home with salesman Del Griffith (John Candy).
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Directed by Ridley Scott, Thelma & Louise (played by Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis) follows the journey of two friends as they embark on a road trip, which ends up in a terrifying escape from being hunted by the police.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
Written and directed by Stephen Elliot, this Australian 1994 Australian comedy-drama follows two drag queens (played by Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce) and a transgender woman (played by Terence Stamp) as they travel across the Australian outback from Sydney to Alice Springs in a bus they named ‘Priscilla’.
Amelie (2001)
If you’ve never been to Paris, this is the film that will see you starting to make plans. And if you’ve already been, you’ll want to return. Set in Montmartre, Amelie is like a modern-day fairytale; a whimsical depiction of contemporary Parisian life. The film tells the story of an innocent and naive girl who decides to change the lives of those around her for the better, and along the way, finds love.
Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
Ever dreamed of buying a house amongst the rolling hills of Italy’s Tuscany? You will after watching this film. Based on the 1996 memoir of the same name by Frances Mayes, Under the Tuscan Sun is a film about a recently divorced writer who buys a villa in Tuscany, hoping it will lead to a change in her life.
The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
The Motorcycle Diaries is a film about the journey and memoir of the then 23-year old Ernesto Guevara (Che Guevara). The film recounts his 1952 motorcycle expedition across South America, where he was joined by his friend Alberto Granado.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
The ultimate wanderlust-inducing film, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty follows the adventures of a daydreamer, as he embarks on a journey that sees him head from the streets of Manhattan to Greenland, Iceland and the Himalayas in search of a Life magazine (where he works) cover-worthy photo slide from a renowned photojournalist.
Looking for other fun ways to fill the extra time at home, while the world is in Lockdown? Check out our blog post ‘Travel the World (from your living room) with Music’.
