Our special ranking of travel films could only start with a cult classic like Into the Wild. Discover all the travel movies we’ve selected for you.
1 Into The Wild
Written and directed by Sean Penn, Into the Wild (2007) is based on the book by Jon Krakauer, “Into the Wild“. The film recounts the true story of a young man from West Virginia who, after finishing college, leaves his family to embark on an epic and solitary journey across the United States toward Alaska. The soundtrack by Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder is outstanding.
2 The Straight Story
Released in 1999, The Straight Story follows the real-life journey of Alvin Straight. In this moving story, Alvin travels 240 miles over six weeks on a lawn mower to visit his brother in Wisconsin after a heart attack.
3 The Motorcycle Diaries
Directed by Walter Salles (2004), The Motorcycle Diaries tells of the adventures of a young Ernesto “Che” Guevara and his companion Alberto Granado as they travel through Latin America. They start their journey on a motorcycle called “Poderosa II“, and continue by foot or whatever means they find. The film draws from “Che”’s Latinoamericana travel diaries and Alberto Granado’s Un gitano sedentario.
4 Eat Pray Love
Based on the autobiographical book by Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat Pray Love (2010) explores the quest for self-discovery. It follows Elizabeth Gilbert, who, despite having a beautiful home, a good job, and a solid marriage, decides to leave everything behind and set out on a journey around the world.
5 Out of Africa
Directed by Sydney Pollack, Out of Africa (1985) is inspired by the true story of the Danish writer Karen Blixen. Blixen travels to Kenya to marry Baron Bror Blixen, taking her across the African wilderness.
6 Tracks
This true story follows writer Robyn Davidson, who sets out alone across the Australian desert with three camels and her faithful dog. This gripping and, at times, harsh 2014 film reflects the intensity of her extraordinary journey.
7 Seven Years in Tibet
This 1997 cult film is based on the autobiography of Heinrich Harrer. Set during World War II, Seven Years in Tibet tells the story of the young Harrer, chosen for a Nazi party-sponsored Himalayan expedition. After a climbing accident, he is captured by the British and ends up spending seven years in Tibet, gaining a deep personal transformation.
8 Easy Rider
Widely considered a symbol of New Hollywood, Easy Rider (1969), directed by and starring Dennis Hopper, chronicles a motorcycle journey across America. It’s an iconic portrait of the late ’60s hippie movement, underscored by a legendary rock soundtrack featuring Born to Be Wild by Steppenwolf.
9 Thelma & Louise
Thelma & Louise (1991), directed by Ridley Scott and Oscar-winning for Best Original Screenplay, follows two women—a housewife and a fast food waitress—who, after a traumatic event, embark on a road trip gone awry when Thelma nearly faces assault and Louise intervenes lethally. Their escape takes them on a wild run toward Mexico.
10 Cast Away
Cast Away, directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks (2000), tells of Chuck Noland, an operations manager at FedEx. After a plane crash on a business trip, he ends up the sole survivor on a deserted island. Noland adapts to a new life, learning to survive until, after four years, he manages to escape and is eventually rescued.
