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21. The Wonderful Life of Amélie Poulain (Amélie - 2001)
“Amélie” is like a bright and beautiful modern-day fairy tale, with Paris depicted in an incredibly sweet way. Through Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s camera lens, the city comes alive with vibrant colors, and Audrey Tautou embodies a “lonely heroine.” The film follows her everywhere, from the winding streets of Montmartre to the Saint-Martin canal with its crystal-clear blue waters. Everything seems to radiate from within, even the dim red lights of the Pigalle adult shop are strangely beautiful. Never before has Paris looked so dreamy.
22. The Spanish Inn (L'Auberge Espagnole - 2002)
For anyone who has studied abroad or lived overseas, knowing about "The Spanish Inn" is as wonderful as discovering Rosetta Stone (Rosetta Stone is a company specializing in language learning software). The film tells the story of Xavier, a French student, on his journey to Barcelona to rediscover himself. There, Xavier has an unforgettable time as he learns to live with six other international students in a shared apartment, facing and overcoming cultural and language barriers together. Notably, Audrey Tautou, the sweet lead actress in "Amélie," also stars in this film.
23. Catch Me If You Can (2002)
“Catch Me If You Can” tells a true story based on the biography of Frank Abagnale (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) and the relentless pursuit by Carl Hanratty (played by Tom Hanks), an FBI agent in the bank fraud prevention unit. Frank is known as America's youngest master con artist, and this time, he impersonates a young Pan Am pilot with a meticulously planned crime. The classic cinematography by director Steven Spielberg left a special mark on the film, even catching a glimpse of architect Eero Saarinen's cosmic masterpiece at the TWA arrival gate at John F. Kennedy International Airport. This gate has been rebuilt into a hotel and officially opened in May 2019.
24. Lost in Tokyo (Lost in Translation - 2003)
The film revolves around the budding romance between a washed-up actor, Bob Harris (Murray), and a recent college graduate, Charlotte (Johansson). They meet by chance at a Tokyo hotel, and their shared loneliness and empathy bring these two strangers closer together. The film's scenes are shot in director Sofia Coppola's signature artistic style, vividly portraying a colorful Tokyo: from the luxurious Park Hyatt hotel to the karaoke bars and streets illuminated by countless neon lights. Everything is so beautiful that it would be easy to imagine it as a tourism advertisement for Tokyo.
25. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
Before "Eat, Pray, Love," we had "Under the Tuscan Sun." The film tells the story of a woman who decides to buy a villa in Italy after her marriage ends. Watching Frances (Diane Lane) transform her new home into a beautiful haven and following her to the breezy Amalfi Coast, suddenly the idea of leaving everything behind to start a new life doesn't seem so absurd anymore. In one way or another, Frances's dreams gradually come true under the brilliant Tuscan sun.
26. Sideways (2004)
The beautiful vineyards of California are indeed famous, but the wine culture is equally captivating. Wine – and that's what makes "Behind the Scenes" so special. This lighthearted, humorous film offers a subtle, witty look at forty, the age when one begins to define their life's success. Besides a fantastic storyline with wonderful characters, the film takes viewers to the tasting rooms of a Santa Barbara winery and, of course, features breathtaking vineyard shots.
27. The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
As the title suggests, the film tells the story of Ernesto "Che" Guevara's (Gael García Bernal) and close friend Alberto Granado's (Rodrigo de la Serna) journey across the Americas, revealing to Che the political injustices that still exist in this land. Director Walter Salles follows the two men through most of the major locations in South America, from the Andes Mountains to the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu and even a leper colony in San Pablo.
28. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Do you think traveling with family is a hassle? Well, that's only if you've experienced the ordeal of being crammed into a dilapidated father-in-law, a son who's sworn not to say a word until he gets into pilot school, a suicidal older brother, an overworked husband, and a mischievous daughter who's desperate to enter some beauty pageant, all in a rickety old yellow VW Bus, right? But this seemingly odd combination is the main character in the film we're talking about. Frankly, Toni Collette's performance is only passable. Yet somehow, "Little Miss Universe" manages to be a perfect blend of humor and nostalgia, leaving the audience with a warm, comforting aftertaste as the film ends.
29. The Path to Spirituality (The Darjeeling Limited - 2007)
In this film, director Wes Anderson constructs a story about an American family on a train journey across India. On the crowded train rumbling across the subcontinent, the three Whitman brothers search for an opportunity to salvage their increasingly strained relationship. Anderson's cinematography captures countless breathtakingly beautiful scenes of a colorful India, from the barren desert to the verdant mountains, all offering mesmerizing landscapes.
30. Into the Wild (2007)
This film is an adaptation of the book of the same name, recounting the true story of Christopher McCandless's journey across North America and his life in the Alaskan wilderness in the early 1990s. Some see Christopher's death as poetic, while many others find it frightening. Whether his death was due to foolishness or loneliness, one cannot deny the profound meaning and the wild, desolate beauty of "Into the Wild," as well as the artistic talent of director Sean Penn. In the role of McCandless, Emile Hirsch also rode on endless train journeys, sailed on the Colorado River, climbed snow-capped peaks, and even plunged into the Pacific Ocean.
31. The Killer Couple in Bruges (In Bruges - 2008)
The film's protagonist is played by Colin Farrell as Ray, an Irish gunman living in one of Belgium's most beautiful cities. Bruges, already a romantic and charming tourist destination, a town with an old-world, ancient beauty, becomes even more captivating and irresistible under Martin McDonagh's dark comedy.
32. Love Story in Barcelona (Vicky Cristina Barcelona - 2008)
Most of Woody Allen's films pay homage to New York City, but in 2008 he unexpectedly changed style with "A Love Story in Barcelona." The film tells the story of the adventures and romantic pursuits of two young women as they visit Barcelona. The city itself then becomes a prominent character in the film. Once you see the scenes of magnificent architecture and picturesque landscapes, I bet you'll immediately want to enjoy a Spanish melody and wish you were in Barcelona.
33. Up (2008)
It's true that "Up" belongs to the digital animation genre, much like "Toy Story," but one thing is certain: it's not just a children's film. It's a song about love and loss, a story about the grumpy old man Carl and the clumsy boy Russell. Together they embark on the strangest trip ever: floating in Carl's house surrounded by hundreds of colorful balloons, heading south to find Paradise Falls. "Up" is one of those rare travel films where the main characters drift aimlessly through the air, seemingly unstoppable except for the Earth's gravity. Don't forget to bring a box of tissues if you want to watch "Up"—this amazing film is sure to bring you to tears.
34. Up in the Air (2009)
In this film, George Clooney plays Ryan, a professional firefighter (meaning companies hire him to fly across the country to inform strangers that they've lost their jobs), and also a very adventurous traveler. The film depicts Ryan's solitary life and the life philosophies he preaches to the people he meets along the way. The film was shot primarily in St. Louis, Missouri, and several other major cities such as Detroit, Michigan, and Omaha.
35. Away We Go (2009)
A few months before their baby is born, young couple Verona (Maya Rudolph) and Burt (John Krasinski) decide to embark on a journey with the ultimate goal of finding the perfect place to start their family. They travel from Phoenix and Tucson all the way to Madison and Montreal. The roads and cities have never seemed so friendly and welcoming. “Away We Go” is the perfect online tour across North America, ideal for enjoying right now if you’re tired of the monotonous life at home.
36. The Trip (2010)
Despite the similar motif, "The Trip" isn't really a comedy about best friends, as the characters played by British comedians Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan don't seem to get along very well. Nevertheless, it's still a very funny film. Audiences will join Brydon and Coogan on their journey across England, dining in fancy restaurants, reflecting on the meaning of life, death, and relationships. And don't forget to admire the stunning scenery of the English countryside!
37. Midnight in Paris (2011)
Gil Pender, played by Owen Wilson, is a wide-eyed screenwriter and aspiring novelist. He travels to Paris with his materialistic fiancée, Inez (played by Rachel McAdams), and her wealthy parents. One night in the City of Lights, Gil gets drunk and gets lost. At midnight, a Peugeot 176 pulls up beside him, and guests dressed in 1920s attire invite him in. They go to a party, where Gil realizes he has traveled back in time to the 1920s.
38. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
"The Miraculous Hotel" follows a group of elderly British men and women who decide to live an extraordinary retirement life in the fascinating country of India. Enticed by advertisements for a newly renovated Marigold Hotel in Jaipur with luxurious rooms and attentive service, they travel there only to discover it's just a dilapidated shell. A lighthearted and charming comedy, to be honest, it proves that travel can always bring refreshing laughter and a wonderful atmosphere, no matter your age.
39. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
This film can be said to be the visual embodiment of a "wanderlust" storyline. It tells the story of Walter Mitty (played by Ben Stiller), an office worker with an insatiable imagination, as he embarks on an adventure filled with the impossible. Mitty takes us from Manhattan to Greenland, across the roads of Iceland, and even to the majestic Himalayas. The film is so amazing that it could instantly inspire a lazy traveler to buy themselves a travel ticket.
40. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
This is a comedy film written and directed by Wes Anderson, inspired by the works of Stefan Zweig. In the film, Ralph Fiennes plays a hotel manager who must prove his innocence after being falsely accused of murder.
41. Footprints of the Journey (Tracks - 2014)
Embodying the character of writer Robyn Davidson, Mia Wasikowska embarks on a breathtaking journey across Western Australia, accompanied only by four camels and a loyal dog. Among the few others on this solo trip are a National Geographic photographer and an elderly local man named Eddy. Davidson's beautiful adventure was not only a highlight of female-led travel in the 1970s, but even today, it remains a source of immense inspiration for anyone wanting to explore the world.
42. Wild Adventure (2014)
Based on the 2012 bestselling novel of the same name by novelist Cheryl Strayer, “Wild” is a memoir of Cheryl’s 1,770km trek along the Pacific Crest Trail as a 22-year-old woman, following the loss of her mother, a broken family, and a failed marriage. On this journey of self-discovery, she journeyed through the dusty Mojave region, traversed dense forests, crossed snow-covered fields, and walked muddy trails, ultimately healing her seemingly broken heart.
43. James Bond: Spectre (2015)
"Spectre" is the 24th James Bond film produced by Eon Productions. Daniel Craig plays James Bond for the fourth time in this film, and Christoph Waltz plays the villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld. As with most Bond films, "Spectre" features scenes across numerous borders, from Austria to Italy, and even Morocco, where nature is beautifully depicted in the context of the MI6 agents' adventures.
44. Carol (2015)
“Carol” tells the story of a forbidden love between photographer Therese (played by Rooney Mara) and Carol (played by Cate Blanchett), who is about to get divorced. Their feelings grow as they travel from New York, through Ohio to Illinois and finally to Iowa.
45. Call Me By Your Name (2017)
This is the final film in director Luca Guadagnino's "Desire" trilogy, following "I Am Love" (2009) and "A Bigger Splash" (2015). Set in rural northern Italy in 1983, "Call Me by Your Name" centers on the romantic relationship between Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet), a 17-year-old teenager, and Oliver (Armie Hammer), a 24-year-old American student and intern working for Elio's father, during a stay at their home. They share experiences such as cycling through centuries-old squares, diving for fossils in Lake Garda, and breakfasts of soft-boiled eggs and freshly picked peaches.
46. The Roman Quarter (Rome - 2018)
This is a film shot in Mexico, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, revolving around the story of Cleo, a maid in Mexico City (Cuarón's hometown) in the 1970s. This cinematic masterpiece, shot in only black and white, vividly portrays the Colonia Roma neighborhood with its grocery stores and fluttering clotheslines. Unlike the much more luxurious Colonia Roma of today, "Roma" perfectly recreates the image of Cuarón's childhood neighborhood more than 50 years ago.
47. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
This is the story of Rachel Chu, a Chinese-American lecturer on a trip to Singapore to meet her fiancé's family. Unexpectedly, her fiancé is incredibly wealthy, and his family is accustomed to living a life of luxury, with lavish parties on million-dollar yachts and extravagant, royal-style weddings. But thanks to all this extravagance, Rachel gets the chance to admire the city's vibrant beauty in its most bustling areas: Gardens by the Bay, the infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands, the pastel-colored shops in Chinatown, and the countless delicious street food options.
48. The Bloody Festival (Midsommar - 2019)
"The Bloody Festival" tells the story of Dani, her boyfriend, and three friends traveling to the village of Hårga in Sweden. Their trip coincides with the village's celebration of the summer solstice. Alongside the gruesome rituals that send chills down the viewer's spine, the film also features stunning visuals: scenes of Florence Pugh's performance and shots of the sun-drenched Swedish countryside. The brilliant sunlight illuminating the farms of northern Sweden, the lush green meadows, and the vast coniferous forests will make you want to visit immediately.
49. The Farewell (2019)
At the 77th Golden Globe Awards, Awkwafina of "Goodbye" won the award for Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy. The film tells the story of Chinese Americans, the strength of family, and the challenges of facing separation. It follows young Billi (played by Awkwafina) as she leaves her New York home to visit her grandmother in Changchun, a region in northeastern China. The visit, ostensibly for a wedding, is actually a pretext for the extended family to reunite after learning that her grandmother has only weeks to live. Meanwhile, her grandmother is the only one completely unaware of her terminal illness. The film has many touching scenes, but also plenty of humorous and heartwarming moments.
50. Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood (2019)
Quentin Tarantino's films tend to focus more on plot and character development than on setting; however, this talented director also knows how to skillfully incorporate filming locations into the complex flow of the story on screen. The best example of this technique is his latest film, "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." Instead of relying solely on the actors' emotions and expressive language, Tarantino uses a combination of slow-motion shots of Hollywood Boulevard, along with backdrops of famous locations like Westwood, to create a poetic effect of Los Angeles in the late 1960s.
