Exploring the Top 10 Must-Watch Travel Films of the Past 50 Years

The Endless Summer is a legendary surfing documentary from the United States in 1966, directed, produced, edited, and narrated by Bruce Brown. The film, like a documentary reel, authentically captures the adrenaline-fueled sport of surfing. The Endless Summer takes viewers to New Zealand to admire pristine beaches, to Hawaii to lounge on endless stretches of white sand... Additionally, the film showcases breathtaking surfing techniques. Audiences will feel as if they are part of the film, experiencing the cultural essence of travel through various regions and characters. The Endless Summer premiered in the summer of 1966 and quickly achieved success, garnering revenue 400 times the film's budget.

The film's title originates from the idea expressed at both the beginning and end of the film that, if one has enough time and money, they could follow the endless summer of the world (from north to south and vice versa), making it endless. The initial concept was born through a suggestion from a travel agent to Brown during the film's planning stage. The travel agent suggested that a flight from Los Angeles to Cape Town, South Africa, and back would cost over $50 more than a round-the-world trip, which sparked Bruce's idea of chasing summer by traveling around the world. The surfing soundtrack of the film was provided by The Sandals, and the theme song was written by Gaston Georis and John Blakeley of The Sandals; this theme has become one of the most iconic film themes in the surfing genre.

Watching If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium and singles will want to pack their bags and travel immediately. Why? Because after traveling alone, you'll come back with two... now, what could be better than that? The film follows the 18-day journey of American tourists. The charming and sweet tour guide, Charlie Cartwright, will lead viewers on a tour across Europe. On this journey, Charlie falls in love with Samantha, a young single woman. The film not only revolves around the dreamy romance of Charlie and Samantha but also the touching life stories of other passengers on the trip. At each destination, the film features a special guest appearance. They are famous actors like Joan Collins, Anita Ekberg, John Cassavetes...

One of the most appealing aspects of the film is the gradually blossoming romantic relationship between the single tour guide Charlie (the dashing Ian McShane in his youthful charm) and Sam (Suzanne Pleshette), a single woman not entirely sure if she's ready to marry her fiancé, George, yet. Pleshette is at the height of chic adorableness here and is a joy to watch as she kidnaps Charlie, the notorious bachelor. The romantic scenes are somewhat complex, but Sandy Baron has a hilarious scene playing an Italian-American almost marrying an unmarried cousin during a visit to relatives in Venice. Additionally, there are humorous motifs of a tourist snapping photos of beautiful girls and another stealing everything in sight. And all in all, not much, perhaps, except for a comfortable way to spend an evening.

Embark on a journey with the young couple Mark and Joana in Two For the Road. Starring two seasoned actors Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney, they will wander through the beautiful cities of France. Viewers will delight in admiring the tranquil city of Nice, gazing upon the ancient Lac Colle-sur-Loup... The film is not simply about travel. It is also a love story with doubts and conflicts between the couple. And through their travels, they find time for each other and gain a deeper understanding of their spouse. Thanks to its beautiful cinematography and profound script, Two For the Road ranks among the top 100 inspirational works as voted by the American Film Institute's expert panel.

Two for the Road is a 1967 British romantic comedy-drama film directed and produced by Stanley Donen, starring Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney. The film is considered somewhat experimental for its time as the story is told in a non-linear fashion, with scenes from later stages of the relationship interspersed with scenes from the beginning, often leaving viewers pondering what has intervened, sometimes revealed in subsequent scenes. Various locations are used in different segments to depict continuity over the twelve-year period. Raphael received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay, while Hepburn received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. The film was ranked 57th in the American Film Institute's list of 100 Years...100 Passions.

This is the perfect film for adventure and exploration enthusiasts. Audiences will visit the mysterious and untouched locations of Mexico, the urban setting of Jalapa, Zion National Park... The film features the legendary actor Michael Douglas as Jack T. Colton. Romancing the Stone tells the story of rescuing the sister of Joan Wilder. The condition for the kidnappers to exchange with her is the treasure map she holds. She must overcome many obstacles to reach Colombia to rescue her sister when she meets Jack. And he helps her. 'Romancing the Stone' is a wild chase, full of spirit, taking us from the Manhattan alleys to the dense jungles of South America. The film portrays a New York woman writing thrilling romantic stories, where the hungry lips of lovers swallow each other at sunset over the corpse of their enemies. Then, she gets involved in a real-life horror film, fraught with dangers clinging to the cliffs like the films she writes about.

The writer played by Kathleen Turner uses her novel as an escape. The heart-wrenching emotions can melt together on her pages, but not in her life. Then, she receives a desperate message from her sister in South America: Unless she flies to Cartagena with the treasure map showing the location of a priceless green jewel, her sister will be killed. What follows is an adventure that will remind many of 'Raiders of the Lost Ark,' but it will be a fun memory. After all that happened with 'Raiders,' it's refreshing to find an adventure film worthy of comparison, sharing the same spirit and humorous feel. Turner lands in Colombia and almost immediately becomes part of the entire lineup of daredevils. There are local police, local thugs, local mountain bandits, and a local hero, a guy named Jack Colton, played by Michael Douglas.

When it comes to the most versions of a film, it's undoubtedly Vacation. The latest installment, Vacation, was released last year, featuring the star Chris Hemsworth. With the original version produced in 1983, the hit song Holiday Road performed by music star Christie Brinkley caused a sensation for a long time. That's partly why Vacation quickly made it onto the list of the most inspiring travel TV shows worth watching. The film follows the Griswold family's Christmas vacation. The hilarious situations, bizarre accidents, joyful moments together... have brought the family members closer together. True to its title, Vacation is a 'badass' film in every aspect, and you'll have a hearty laugh and relaxation after stressful summer days with action blockbusters.

Vacation is a reboot of the famous 1983 film National Lampoon's Vacation, with many images from the old version appearing in the film, and even the main character Rusty is the same son from the disastrous trip 30 years ago. The first 'badass' point is building the image of the four main characters in the Griswold family. In the original film, there were also two children, a boy and a girl, but to freshen up the film, both children in Vacation are boys, and the eldest behaves and expresses himself exactly like a girl, always letting his younger brother bully him. The father is quite conservative, always insisting on being right, and Debbie seems to be the ideal wife, but inside there is always a ready-to-explode Debbie. This is a typical family in today's modern era when people are increasingly immersed in technology devices, demanding external material but neglecting the interaction on a spiritual level with each other. Despite being a hilarious comedy, Vacation still doesn't forget the highlights of marriage issues, family emotions, or the necessary quiet moments after bursts of laughter.

Just 14 hours together, just a brief period of time yet the emotions the main couple brings to the viewers are truly intense. The film tells the unexpected journey of an American guy and a French student. They meet when the guy has just broken up with his girlfriend while the girl is on her way home. The unplanned trip with a stranger unfolds naturally. They decide to get off the train at Vienna and stroll around the city. They listen to music together, savor hot cups of coffee, and enjoy the peaceful moments passing by. They are not curious about each other's lives. They don't keep in touch with each other and simply part ways without setting a reunion date... Those fleeting 14 hours become a beautiful memory in their hearts.

Before Sunrise is a romantic American film released in 1995 directed by Richard Linklater, written by Linklater and Kim Krizan. The storyline is built in a minimalist way, mainly consisting of scenes where the two main characters walk and talk with each other, through which their perspectives on life and love are detailedly described. Jesse and Celine are both romantics but while Jesse conceals himself under a shell of skepticism, Celine harbors her own doubts. The story unfolds in just one short night but then becomes unforgettable in the minds of the two and helps them understand themselves more deeply in a way they couldn't under normal circumstances, especially since from the beginning they both planned never to meet again.

Surely you've heard the catchy melody of the song I Will Survive once? The vibrant scenes accompanied by the cheerful sound of this song have become timeless with The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The film primarily explores the unique cultural beauty in costumes and music - a unique highlight of the film. And it's this valuable element that helped the film win a prestigious Oscar. Moreover, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is known as the 'epic' of the LGBT community. And for the actors involved in the film, these are roles they'll never forget. According to director Stephan Elliott's sharing, the actors had to embody characters like transgender individuals, men dressed as women... performing on the big bus inside with a casino.

The film features Terence Stamp. The masculine British actor, famous for 'Billy Budd' and the antagonist in 'Superman II', plays an older transgender named Bernadette and it was executed well, but surprisingly when seen it was executed. The film premiered in Sydney, Australia, where Bernadette is famous in the LGBTQ community. The film lingers on the rhythm of many scenes on the road, with many driving frames, conversations seeking solace in roadside camping, and tense encounters with locals. There's a drinking contest with a lesbian who's mistaken for a man rather than a queen. The lavender bus attracts some offensive anti-LGBT graffiti.

The Talented Mr. Ripley is a classic in the travel genre. Set mainly in Italy, The Talented Mr. Ripley captivates viewers with stunning footage of the cities of Rome, Venice... The film follows Tom Ripley, a poor young man with a clumsy appearance, struggling in society. His talent lies in impersonating others from gestures to signatures, able to disguise himself as anyone. In the 1950s, Tom is hired by a millionaire to go to Europe to persuade his son, Dickie Greenleaf, to return home and take over the family business. Tom, a free-spirited, carefree, playboy living off his parents' money, naturally, Dickie never leaves such a resort-like place and lifestyle to go back to work. He bluntly sends Tom back to his father's place. Meanwhile, Tom is immediately tempted by that lifestyle, he uses everything he learned about Dickie to impress him. Dickie falls for it, he thinks Tom is very interesting and keeps him around.

From then on, Tom lives with Dickie and his unmarried wife, wears Dickie's clothes, and receives money from Dickie's father. But Dickie still keeps Tom at arm's length unknowingly, treating Tom like a BFF which makes Tom develop mixed feelings and obsession with Dickie. A friend in Dickie's party scene, upon meeting Tom, immediately sees through his parasitic nature. Dickie later, tired of Tom and knowing he's just pretending to be friends to cling to him, kicks Tom out, Tom, feeling rejected by Dickie, argues with him, in the struggle, he accidentally kills Dickie... 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' is noted for having one of the most impressive antagonists in American cinema history, also the smartest psychological crime film, ranked among the best LGBTQ films. Rarely does a film make viewers empathize with the villain like 'The Talented Mr. Ripley'. Simply because the film's antagonist, Tom Ripley, is built too humanely, making it easy for people to see themselves in Tom.

Can a trip change your life? Find out how Kate's life changed in French Kiss! The film will take viewers to the Mediterranean region of France. Audiences will be mesmerized by the stunning footage of beaches in Cannes, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region... This is not just a simple vacation but a journey to win back Kate's fiancé - Charlie. He goes on a business trip and falls for a woman here. And on that journey, Kate happens to meet Luc and admires his genuine personality. The plot of the film is not highly praised due to its messy characters facing each other. However, the humorous and romantic details in the film, along with the fame of the lead actress Meg Ryan, were enough to bring success to French Kiss.

French Kiss is a 1995 romantic comedy film directed by Lawrence Kasdan starring Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline. Written by Adam Brooks, French Kiss was shot on location in Paris, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France, and Cannes. The film was released in the United States on May 5, 1995, and received mixed reviews. The film continued to gross a total worldwide box office revenue of $101,982,854. A Hindi remake of the film titled Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha was released on July 24, 1998. The 2004 Malayalam comedy film Vettam is also based on French Kiss. Principal photography mainly took place from September 17 to December 22, 1994.