17 movies with great locations that will set you up for vacations

Movies are a powerful medium of storytelling. Their visuals have the power to transport audiences to the world of the characters. But apart from their powerful story-telling, a movie made against a scenic backdrop also can whisk away viewers to that very destination. From the quaint cafes and cobble-stoned streets of Paris to the colorful and chaotic narrow lanes of India, here are 17 movies that were filmed in stunning locales, forcing one to take a trip.

1. Crazy Rich Asians

Starring Constance Wu and based on the novel by Kevin Kwan, this romantic comedy-drama revolves around a Chinese-American professor (Wu), who travels to Singapore to meet her boyfriend’s wealthy and traditional family and tries to fit in. The movie showcases the beauty of Asian landscapes as it has lavish cityscapes, historic mansions, and paradisaic islands.

2. Thelma and Lousie

Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, this crime drama movie is about two friends who embark on a road trip across the American West and find themselves in difficult circumstances after they get involved in a murder. Even though the movie has serious themes, it also has lush and scenic backdrops of the West.

3. Call Me by Your Name

Starring Armie Hammer and Timothee Chalamet, this coming-of-age romantic drama is based on a novel by Andre Aciman and revolves around the gay relationship between a teenager (Chalamet) and a graduate student (Hammer). The movie is based entirely in Italy and therefore beautifully depicts Lombardy’s countryside, stunning villas, and cobble-stoned streets.

4. Before Sunrise

Directed by Richard Linklater, this romantic drama stars Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, who meet on a train and decide to spontaneously disembark in Vienna, spending a day together in the city, roaming and talking about love and life. As the lead pair roams around the city throughout the entirety of the movie, one sees the beauty of Vienna’s romantic charm and bustling coffeehouses.

5. Mamma Mia!

Starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and others, this jukebox musical romantic comedy is based on a musical and revolves around a young bride-to-be, who is about to marry her love against the scenic backdrop of Greece. The movie is set on the lovely islands of Skopelos and Skiathos and has stunning visuals of white sands, blue waters, and sun-soaked climates.

6. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Based on a novel by Deborah Moggach, this British comedy-drama has an ensemble cast of Dev Patel, Judi Dench, and others. The movie is about a group of retirees who visit India and stay in a decrepit hotel run by an ambitious host. The movie will force one to visit India, as the film’s beautiful cinematography captures the colors of a thriving country through narrow lanes and bustling markets.

7. Lost in Translation

Directed by Sofia Coppola and starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, this romantic drama is about an aging American star going through a mid-life crisis while on a trip to Tokyo and connecting with another lonely American. The film is known for beautifully capturing both the neon-lit skyline of Tokyo and the traditional and serene temples of Japan.

8. James Bond: Spectre

While each Bond film is set in a new scenic location, Spectre covers the dunes and beauty of Morocco. Starring Daniel Craig in the titular role, the movie is based on the novels by Ian Fleming and revolves around the charismatic spy James Bond, battling an international crime organization. The movie has sun-soaked, golden views of the sandy Erfoud, the Gara Medouar, and the Oriental Desert Express.

9. Under the Tuscan Sun

Based on a memoir by Frances Mayes and starring Diane Lane, this romantic comedy-drama revolves around a divorced writer who buys a villa in Tuscany, in hopes of revitalizing her life. The entire movie is therefore set against the scenic backdrop of the Italian countryside and has beautiful moments that capture the slow and fulfilling life of the region.

10. Eat, Pray, Love

Based on the popular memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert, this biographical romantic drama stars Julia Roberts, who feels lost and disconnected despite a perfect life. She decides to divorce her husband and makes a revelatory trip around India, Bali, and Italy. The movie therefore has an abundance of stunning views as it covers the colorful chaos of India, the lush rice fields of Bali, and the cultural retreats of Italy.

11. Amélie

Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and starring Audrey Tautou, this French romantic comedy revolves around a quirky waitress in Montmartre, Paris, who brings joy into the lives of people she meets, even though she is suffering from isolation herself. The film provides a quaint look at contemporary Paris and is a whimsical movie featuring old-world cafes and hidden Parisian gems.

12. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Directed by and starring Ben Stiller, this adventure comedy-drama is based on a short story by James Thurber and centers around Walter Mitty (Stiller), who escapes from his dull life by making up dreamy scenarios. He must embark on a real adventure. The film is set against the stunning backdrop of Iceland and Greenland and therefore has sweeping glaciers, enigmatic volcanoes, and vast landscapes.

13. Seven Years in Tibet

Based on the memoirs of Heinrich Harrer, who was an Austrian mountaineer and sergeant, this biographical war drama covers the transformative experiences he had between 1944 and 1951 in Tibet and his eventual friendship with Dalai Lama. Starring Brad Pitt in the titular role, the movie showcases the rugged yet serene landscape of Nepal and Tibet. With views of high plateaus and icy mountains, this one will force viewers to take a trip.

14. The Motorcycle Diaries

Based on a memoir by Che Guevara, this biographical coming-of-age road movie chronicles the motorcycle expedition taken by Guevara and Granado across South America. While the movie has heartfelt depictions of the plight of the social classes as they struggle in Latin America, the movie directed by Walter Salles, has scenic views of the Andes, the Machu Picchu, and the beauty of the Latin American landscape.

15. The Lord of the Rings

Based on the novel by J.R.R Tolkien, Peter Jackson directs this epic fantasy adventure movie trilogy. The popular film series revolves around the adventures of the character, Frodo, who embarks on a journey to destroy a powerful ring and an evil dark lord. The movie has breathtaking locales and backdrops and is set in New Zealand. Full of lush fields, sweeping terrain, and an otherworldly charm, this will force one to pack their bags.

16. The Beach

Directed by Danny Boyle and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, this adventure drama movie is based on a novel by Alex Garland and is set on the island of Ko Phi Phi Le in Thailand. The movie revolves around an American backpacker who travels to Thailand and discovers a hidden beach paradise. The movie has stunning views of the tropical Maya Bay and has rich and vivid cinematography.

17. Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona

Starring Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, and Scarlett Johansson, this romantic comedy-drama directed by Woody Allen, revolves around two American women who travel to Barcelona, Spain, and meet a dashing artist, who gets attracted to both of them. The movie highlights the fun, frolic, and abandon of the sun-soaked summers in Barcelona and has scenic views of Spain.