Sometimes, wanderlust hits the hardest in moments where travel is impossible. If you’re feeling a little stuck these days, try getting lost in an incredible travel movie. Even if you can’t feel the cobblestone streets, taste the fresh pastries, or smell the sea breeze you’ll get swept up in the dream. Chances are you’ll be looking up hotels in these international cities before getting to the credits.
The best part? All of these travel movies can be found on Netflix. Meaning, you can watch them on the couch curled up with your favorite travel companion or download them for later.
The Talented Mr. Ripley
The Talented Mr. Ripley is an absolute classic. The unsuspecting thriller shows off all the beauty and luxuries the Amalfi Coast has to offer. Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) is sent to Italy to convince Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law) to return home to America, but Tom gets sidetracked and begins to crave la dolce vita that Dickie leads. It is impossible to watch and not daydream. Instagram is covered with photos of the stunning coastline, but the movie really completes the picture. If reading is more your speed, get lost in the pages of the book then check out the film adaptation.
Catch Me If You Can
Frank Abagnale, Jr. is the ultimate con man even before his 18th birthday. Frank (Leonardo DiCaprio) successfully conned his way around the world by pretending to be a pilot, doctor, and lawyer. This biographical crime story (yes, it’s based on a true story) heats up as FBI Agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks) and his team chase him around the globe. Frank always seems to stay one step ahead, but how long will that last?
Roma
Roma is a Netflix original movie set in Mexico City. Not only was the movie written and directed by Alfonso Cuaron, it also tells the story of a central figure in his childhood, Cleo, a live-in housekeeper. Roma’s story is told in the most captivating way showcasing what was going on in and out of the home during the early ’70s. It is a tearjerker and there is no mistaking the respect Cuaron feels for Cleo.
Eat Pray Love
The ultimate travel movie might just be Eat Pray Love. Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir of her growth through travel after a breakup runs you through the gauntlet of emotions. The book was read by millions, but the movie starring Julia Roberts is captivating in its own way. Getting even just a glimpse of Italy, India, and Indonesia will spark your curiosity. In fact, travel in Indonesia, specifically Bali, has exploded since the film. Save these Indonesian COMO Hotels and Resorts properties for the inevitable trip you’ll be wanting to plan after watching Eat Pray Love.
Lion
Set in India, Lion tells the true story of Saroo Brierley who at five-years-old gets separated from his older brother while on the train. Brierley is forced to learn how to fend for himself on the streets before ultimately being adopted by a family in Australia. Years had passed but a strong connection to his home country remained. However, what burned strongest was his desire to tell the people who he was separated from that he was still alive. Against all odds and with little memory from his life in India as a young boy, he searches tirelessly to return to his home.
City of God
Adapted from the original 1977 novel of the same name, City of God is set in the sprawling favelas situated right outside of Rio de Janeiro. The dark coming of age film, loosely based on true events, illustrates the paths of two young men born and raised in Rio de Janeiro. Rocket is a photographer using his lens as a way to showcase what it’s like in his neighborhood, while Jose becomes an ambitious drug dealer who is focused on the fame and power dealing gets him.
The Bucket List
Against doctor’s orders, two terminally ill strangers check out of the hospital together to complete a list of things they want to see and do before they die. About as opposite as two people can be, billionaire Edward Cole (Jack Nicholas) and car mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) set out together to complete their list before they kick the bucket. While on their journey, they bond over the few things that they do have in common, mainly a desire to come to terms with who they are. The movie is sure to pull at your heartstrings while also providing a whole lot of laughs.
Queen of Katwe
Queen of Katwe is based on a true story that takes place in the slums of Uganda. A local girl, Phiona, learns the game of chess from a missionary. Through chess, her eyes are opened to the huge possibilities of life outside of poverty. It is an underdog story that is truly heartwarming and a lesser-known travel movie that deserves much more notability!
Up In the Air
Based on the 2001 novel of the same name, Up in the Air is a lighthearted movie about life on the road. Ryan’s (George Clooney) job has him bouncing from city to city in the United States racking up airline miles as he teaches the importance of face-to-face meetings to his younger co-worker (Anna Kendrick). As fate would have it, he meets a woman (Vera Farmiga) who is also a frequent flier and they arrange dates in different cities. When his company makes a cost-cutting pivot, Ryan’s life on the road might be in jeopardy.