These movies would make even a houseplant want to travel
Trade deadlines and laundry for (watching) waterfalls and souks
Some movies entertain, some make you cry, and then there are those rare gems that ignite the primal urge to drop everything and travel. These aren’t just stories; they are cinematic postcards—tempting you with scenic locations, thrilling adventures, and the possibility of self-discovery.
It’s almost holiday season when most people want to jet off to reconnect with nature or just exist in a nice resort that allows you to tune out people. According to a recent report by Booking.com, over 70% of travellers are prioritising experiences over material possessions in 2024. Whether it’s the rise of solo female travellers, digital nomads swapping offices for beachfront cafés, or the buzz around sustainable travel, wanderlust is everywhere. But if you can’t encash that paid leave just yet because there’s another ‘urgent’ project at work, then we have a list of movies you can watch and live vicariously through for now.
The misty jungles of Kerala heighten the mystery in Kishkindha Kaandam, the streets of London become the backdrop of self-discovery for Umbarro’s protagonists, and the golden plains of Africa set the epic stage for Mufasa. Each destination isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a vital character—shaping the narrative and leaving an imprint on both, the protagonists and audiences. And they all serve as an invitation to explore the world beyond your computer—you’ll want to Google roundtrip rates even before the end credits roll.
These movies are bound to inspire you to travel
Kishkindha Kaandam (2024)
A former army officer, played by actor Vijayaraghavan, embarks on a mission to find his missing grandson in the dense forests of Kerala. But this is no ordinary search, it’s laced with memory loss, intrigue, and yes, monkeys wielding guns. The result? A nail-biting thriller that keeps you glued to your seat while also making you long for the untamed beauty of the jungle.
With breathtaking aerial shots of Kerala’s cascading waterfalls and the eerie allure of moss-covered ruins, this Malayalam mystery transforms Wayanad and Thekkady into both, a paradise and a perilous trap. It’s the kind of film that makes you want to go on a trek only to realise halfway through that you’ve underestimated your stamina and should have stuck to watching it on screen with bread pakoras instead.
Umbarro (2025)
Every traveller knows the eternal dilemma: the comfort of home versus the excitement of the unknown. Umbarro captures this tug-of-war through the journey of seven Gujarati women who embark on their first solo trip to London. As the city unfolds before them, so does their sense of themselves and their place in the world.
The film seamlessly blends chaotic cityscapes such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and London Bridge with moments of cultural nostalgia. With the solo travellers sharing moments of laughter while exploring the various attractions in London, Umbarro reminds us that travel isn’t just about places—it’s about transformation. One particularly touching scene sees the women experiencing a traditional high tea, where their conversations shift from small talk to deep, introspective revelations.
Will & Harper (2024)
Few journeys are as transformative as the ones that challenge who we are. What happens when two longtime best friends—one a Hollywood star, the other a writer navigating personal change—hit the open road? This heartfelt documentary follows actor Will Ferrell and writer Harper Steele on a 17-day cross-country journey, exploring the nuances of identity, transition, and connection
Against the backdrop of America’s endless highways, quirky roadside diners, and vast desert landscapes, Will & Harper turns the classic road trip along Route 66 into something more profound. Whether they stop in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for their hot air balloon festival or catch moments of reflection at the Grand Canyon, the film proves that sometimes, the best detours lead to the biggest revelations.
Lonely Planet (2024)
Exotic souks, rolling dunes, and a midlife crisis—Lonely Planet is for those who believe travel can mend what’s broken. Laura Dern plays a writer questioning her life choices in Morocco, where every alleyway, spice market, and mountain road seems to whisper new possibilities.
The film paints Marrakech in a dreamy, golden light, making you long for a rooftop riad like Riad Yasmine or La Mamounia, where you can sip mint tea as the call to prayer echoes in the distance. It’s the kind of film that makes you want to book a ticket instantly—until you check flight prices and quietly close the tab.
Mufasa: The Lion King (2024)
If there’s one film that will make you want to hop on the next flight to Africa, it’s Mufasa. This photorealistic CGI epic delves into the origins of the legendary Lion King (2019) in a story-telling format where Rafiki is narrating his story to Kiara, Simba’s daughter. Its blend of artistry with real-world landscapes creates a visually stunning tour of the continent’s breathtaking locales.
From the golden grasslands of the Serengeti to the dramatic thunderstorms rolling over the plains, every frame captures Africa’s raw, untamed beauty. This movie makes you want to visit the rugged terrains of Maasai Mara and stargaze in Namibia’s desert lodges and have Hakuna Matata as your ‘out of office’ message’.
Blink (2024)
A heart-warming documentary, it follows a couple and their four kids, who go on to travel the world together. When three out of their four children are diagnosed with a genetic disorder that will eventually lead to blindness, the couple wants to ensure they have enough visual memory before the inevitable happens.
The family visit Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania, Nepal, Mongolia, Egypt, Indonesia, and Ecuador and share moments of pure emotion. This movie compels you to not put your travel plans on hold, and live life to the fullest.
