This list of gorgeous globe-trotting films will have you working on your travel wishlist.
Are your travel plans for 2021 cancelled? You’re not alone. While the future of travel is uncertain at the moment, it doesn’t hurt to start on a wishlist. We’ve already gathered virtual tours of iconic cities and landmarks, and gotten lost in travel books. Now, travel vicariously with this list of wanderlust movies. We’re talking about a romantic summer in Italy, a trek through the bitter cold landscape of Norway, and even a look at the fanciest parts of our very own Singapore.
Wanderlust movies that’ll cure your travel bug
1. Call Me By Your Name
Get your fill of summer romance through this iconic LGBTQ movie that made waves in 2018. Championed as this decade’s Brokeback Mountain, it’s about two boys, 17-year-old Elio and 24-year-old Oliver, falling in love… with northern Italy as the backdrop. Expect sun-drenched scenes of waterfalls, meadows and glimpses of the quaint Italian city of Crema.
2. Seven Years in Tibet
We’ll take any chance we get to swoon over a very young Brad Pitt. In this true story set in the WWII era, he plays an Austrian, Heinrich Harrer, who escapes a prisoner-of-war camp in India and meets the Dalai Lama as he finds refuge in Tibet. The story is steeped in culture and history, and if you’re looking for visual enlightenment during this stay-home period, add the film to your watch list.
3. The Beach
Dreaming about your next tropical vacay? We’re not sure when that will happen, but for now, join Leonardo DiCaprio as he goes on an exciting backpacking trip across the Land of Smiles. Thanks to a hot tip and a map, he and his travel buddies find an untouched tropical paradise in the Gulf of Thailand. But not everything is what it seems as they uncover something sinister in this supposed utopia. The scenic locale is shot in the now-iconic Maya Bay, but sadly, we won’t be able to visit the island anytime soon. It’s closed till mid-2021 for restoration works.
4. The Snowman
We’ve added a little murder mystery to this list. Starring brooding heartthrob Michael Fassbender as detective Harry Hole, this wanderlust movie takes you on a brilliant cat-and-mouse game in the snowy terrain of Oslo, Norway. There’s a serial killer on the loose and with every murder, he leaves a snowman at the crime scene. Apart from the bone-chilling plot, the film will take you on a much-needed winter getaway.
5. Under the Tuscan Sun
How do you get away from all the drama in your life? Take a cue from Frances Mayes (played by Diane Lane), who seeks solace in gorgeous Tuscany after divorcing her cheating husband. Join her Mediterranean adventure as she finds the beauty in life alongside new friends and a possible Mr. Right.
6. Crazy Rich Asians
The circuit breaker has got us missing a lot about the Lion City. Soaking in the glittering skyline of MBS, savouring delish local hawker food amidst the muggy chaos, and strolling by the sandy beaches, just to name a few. For now, Crazy Rich Asians will be our quick fix. While the plot might be OTT, the movie gives us beautiful scenes of Singapore – something to look forward to when things go back to normal.
7. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Meet Walter Mitty: He works as a photograph developer for a magazine and secretly hopes to escape from his life of routines. Unbeknownst to him, his wish comes true when he goes around the globe in search of a lost negative film, from the Big Apple to Greenland to the majestic Himalayas.
8. Into the Wild
This award-winning wanderlust movie is for anyone who is looking to ignite their spark for outdoor travel. Based on the book of the same name written by Jon Krakauer, this true story is about Christopher McCandless, a man with a bright future taking the road less travelled in the literal sense. He sets out on a self-discovering journey to the remote area of Alaska. Fun fact: The movie is produced by Sean Penn!
9. The Hangover
The Hangover trilogy is the perfect wanderlust movie series to watch at the moment. It has laughter and crazy adventures (that might remind you of your own madcap getaways with your squad), and it takes you from Las Vegas to Bangkok and back. Grab your favourite snack and sit tight, ‘cos you’re in for a wild ride with Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis.
10. The Hundred-Foot Journey
This one’s for the foodie-travellers! Produced by Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey (we know, right?), it tells the story of two cultures: An Indian family migrates from Mumbai to the French town of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val and opens a restaurant right opposite a Michelin-starred one. What do you get? Food war, of course. But don’t worry, nothing serious unfolds as it’s a very lighthearted movie.
