When I was younger, I loved watching movies. I was one of those people who enjoyed movie-hopping at the theaters, would go on a shopping spree as Blockbuster was going out of business and selling their merchandise, and fell asleep every night to a different movie. And while I don’t watch nearly as many movies as I did before, there are still a good handful that I continue to watch over and over again.
I’m extremely particular about what kind of movies I watch, and my library scope is quite narrow now. As I’ve gotten older and my interests have become more defined, I’ve discovered that I’m more partial to watching action/adventure flicks and movies that inspire wanderlust. When I’m not traveling, or when I need a little bit of travel inspiration, I have a trusty list of 5 movies that I always turn to for that boost.
What is it about these movies that inspire wanderlust and leave me pouring over Pinterest and blog posts about their filming locations? Is it the cinematography? The message? The soundtrack? Combination of all 3? Possibly, but that doesn’t really matter to me. Here is my list of 5 movies that inspire wanderlust, bring me to tears, and get my heart pounding and brain working into overdrive to get out and explore the world!
Anna and the King
Sweeping camera shots, lush green landscape, epic soundtrack…what more can a girl want? The movie follows Anna Leonowens, an English school teacher who moved her life and son to Siam (Thailand) to take a job teaching English to King Mongkut’s numerous children. Along the way, Anna (portrayed by Jodie Foster) goes through an internal transformation as she realizes that the ways of England aren’t truly the ways of the world, as she originally believed. I fell in love with this version of the tale of Anna Leonowens and the King of Siam, not for the alleged historically inaccurate storytelling, but the journey it takes viewers on. Plus, King Mongkut is portrayed by Chow Yun-Fat, who happens to be a total hunk!
Click here to purchase Anna and the King!
Mamma Mia
“Here we go again!” Just kidding. Hands up to all the ABBA fans out there! Yeah, I’m not really one of them, although some of their songs are catchy. I studied history when I was in school, and the Classics were not my friend. I didn’t appreciate Greek and Roman history the way I do today, and therefore shut myself off to the thought of traveling to Italy and Greece. Mamma Mia totally changed my mind. Crystal clear water, craggly rock cliffs, endless sunshine…sign me up!
The story follows young Sophie as she gets ready for her wedding, having invited 3 men who might be her father…all without telling her mother! Of course, hilarity ensues, complete with the entire cast breaking out into song, with the most stunning backdrop ever: Greece. If none of the above appeals to you, watch it for the sole purpose of witnessing James Bond sing!
Click here to purchase Mamma Mia!
Pirates of the Caribbean (any of them)
Disney’s first real attempt at bringing to life a classic Disneyland ride, The Pirates of the Caribbean, was an instant success and introduced a new generation to “Yo Ho, a Pirate’s Life for Me.” Growing up in Southern California and having a Disneyland Annual Pass for decades had me ready to fall in love with Johnny Depp, the Caribbean, and pirates all over again.
The storylines follow Captain Jack Sparrow as he tries to avoid capture, secure his wealth, and “plunder (his) weaseley black guts out” all over the Caribbean. Klaus Badelt’s soundtrack touches your heartstrings as the vibrancy of the Caribbean waters and lush island trees flash across the screen. If they don’t have you booking a flight to St. Lucia, I don’t know what will!
Click here to purchase Pirates of the Caribbean!
Lord of the Rings
What better introduction can you have to New Zealand than to see it through the eyes of Sir Peter Jackson’s interpretation of JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings? Harsh landscapes, rolling hills, ginormous waterfalls, oh my! Both the north and south islands of New Zealand just scream “FILM ME!” Even Sir Peter Jackson has been known to say that New Zealand is the perfect filming location for the movies, as well as The Hobbit.
How do I give any kind of justice to the story? In a nutshell, the story follows the main character Frodo as he attempts to take an evil ring back to the volcano from whence it was forged, in the hopes of destroying it and ridding Middle Earth of evil. Wow, even I’m ashamed at that description. Just do yourself a favor and WATCH the movies. You can read the books as well, but if you’d rather not read chapter upon chapter as Dr. Tolkien describes a tree…watch the movies.
(And I guess we can add The Hobbit as well…because, well, Martin Freeman…)
Click here to purchase The Lord of the Rings Trilogy!
Click here to purchase The Hobbit Trilogy!
Indiana Jones (any of them)
If you’re like me and start humming the theme song to Indiana Jones as soon as it’s mentioned, you. are. awesome. Fighting Nazis, uncovering buried treasure, all while looking like a model…the movies check all of the boxes for me. The stories follow Indiana Jones (played by the one and only Harrison Ford) as he attempts to foil Nazi plans, discover ancient artifacts…all while still maintaining a day job as a university professor! Although I haven’t really been able to come to terms with the latest installment involving aliens with Cate Blanchett as a Soviet villain, but hey. It’s Hollywood.
Raiders of the Lost Ark has been one of those movies that I can watch over and over again, never tiring of the soundtrack, laughing at all the same places, and heart swooning over the young Harrison Ford. Plus, it doesn’t help that my absolute favorite ride at Disneyland is Indiana Jones! I even remember waiting in line for 4 HOURS when it first opened. Worth it!
Click here to purchase the Indiana Jones movie set!
What movies inspire wanderlust for you? What would you recommend?
Sharing is caring! Please show some love by sharing on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Thank you!
Disclaimer: Adventure is Never Far Away is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no additional cost to you. Please note I only link to products and services I personally use or trust.
