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A journey through Europe often represents a once-in-a-lifetime experience: a high school graduate exploring the world during a gap year, recent college graduates wandering through Italy, France, and Germany while contemplating their futures, or independent women traveling solo in pursuit of deeper meaning. (At least, that’s what cinematic portrayals suggest.)
This year, COVID-19 disrupted all such plans. Whether you were set to attend grad school in the UK or finally embark on that dream trip to Greece, the pandemic likely upended everything. Since we’ve spent the past year immersed in digital experiences, why not continue? While you can’t physically embark on that transformative journey, here are 11 captivating recent films and TV shows that will virtually transport you, offering a taste of the European vacation you’ve been longing for.
Lupin
Lupin is a gripping thriller centered on a thief’s quest to restore his father’s damaged legacy. After being orphaned as a child when his father was wrongfully accused of stealing a necklace once owned by Marie Antoinette, Assane Diop (Omar Sy) draws inspiration from the fictional thief Arsène Lupin, created by French author Maurice Leblanc, to become a master of deception. His goal is to avenge his father by targeting the wealthy family responsible for his downfall. This series is an ideal binge for the armchair traveler: you’ll not only follow Lupin through the streets of Paris but also explore hidden corners of the Louvre that are off-limits to regular tourists.
Where to watch: Netflix
Call My Agent
Call My Agent is a French comedy-drama that takes place in a mid-tier talent agency following the sudden death of its founder. The series humorously captures the chaotic lives of the agency’s quirky clients, who constantly keep their agents on their toes. Instead of showcasing Paris’s iconic landmarks, the show immerses you in the behind-the-scenes chaos of film sets, ranging from action-packed blockbusters to historical dramas, as the agents scramble to manage their clients’ unpredictable demands and personal dramas.
Where to watch: Netflix
Emily in Paris
Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) is sent to Paris as a last-minute replacement by her marketing firm to advise a French fashion company on American social media strategies. Far from being a seasoned PR expert, Emily is completely out of her depth in the City of Light: she doesn’t speak French, lacks fashion knowledge, and arrives unprepared and alone. This, however, forces her to explore Paris independently. Despite facing criticism upon its release, Emily in Paris became a guilty pleasure for many, offering viewers a chance to live vicariously through Emily’s adventures—indulging in chocolate croissants, dining at quaint French cafes, and forming friendships with locals. It’s a lighthearted, whimsical journey through Paris, akin to a perfectly flaky pastry.
Where to watch: Netflix
Money Heist
Money Heist is a gripping thriller centered around The Professor (Álvaro Morte), a brilliant strategist who orchestrates a daring robbery at Spain’s Royal Mint. For those unfamiliar with Madrid, the series offers a fast-paced glimpse into the city’s historic charm. As the heist unfolds, viewers are treated to stunning shots of Spanish architecture and an inside look at the Royal Mint, where the nation’s currency is produced (before being stolen). It’s an unconventional yet thrilling way to experience Madrid from afar.
Where to watch: Netflix
Ibiza: Love Drunk
When Harper (Gillian Jacobs) is assigned a work trip to Barcelona, her two closest friends decide to join her for the ride. During their stay, Harper encounters a charming DJ who becomes instantly infatuated with her. After exchanging numbers, the trio embarks on a wild night out, eventually deciding to follow the DJ to his next performance in Ibiza. Encouraged by her friends, Harper considers pursuing a romance with him. While the storyline is predictable, this breezy romantic comedy offers a vibrant tour of Barcelona’s coastal nightlife and the electrifying party scene on the island of Ibiza.
Where to watch: Netflix
Normal People
Adapted from Sally Rooney’s acclaimed novel, Normal People traces the complex relationship between two teenagers from County Sligo, Ireland. Connell (Paul Mescal), a working-class student, forms a bond with Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a wealthy classmate, when his mother is employed as a cleaner at one of her family’s estates. The series explores their on-again, off-again connection as they navigate high school, university, and adulthood. Set against the breathtaking backdrops of County Sligo’s rolling hills and Dublin’s urban landscapes, the show delves into themes of class disparity and young love. Normal People is a poignant portrayal of adolescence and longing, offering a heartfelt glimpse into Irish life.
Where to watch: Hulu
This post was updated at 7:10 pm on Feb. 27th to correct an error; Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) is the affluent character, not Connell (Paul Mescal).
Derry Girls
Derry Girls is a hilariously irreverent comedy that captures the chaos of teenage life in 1990s Ireland. Set against the backdrop of “The Troubles,” the intense conflict between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland, the show follows Erin Quinn (Saoirse-Monica Jackson) and her quirky group of friends and family as they navigate absurd misadventures. From accidentally setting a living room on fire and attempting to disguise it as a burglary to surviving Catholic school and local fast-food hangouts, each episode offers a humorous yet insightful look into life in Derry.
Where to watch: Netflix
Borgen
Borgen is a gripping political drama that follows Birgitte Nyborg Christensen (Sidse Babett Knudsen), an unassuming politician who unexpectedly becomes Denmark’s first female prime minister. The series delves into the challenges she faces as she balances the demands of leadership, media scrutiny, and personal life. Named after the nickname for Denmark’s parliament building, “the castle,” the show takes viewers inside the halls of power in Copenhagen. From intense debates in the parliamentary rotunda to the bustling streets of the city, Borgen offers a compelling glimpse into Danish politics and culture.
Where to watch: Netflix
Master of None: Season 2
After Dev’s (Aziz Ansari) life in New York City takes a downturn, he impulsively travels to Italy, where his short trip evolves into a prolonged stay. Filmed in striking black and white, the series immerses viewers in Italian culture, showcasing cozy homes, charming bakeries, and vibrant plazas as Dev navigates love and self-discovery. When he meets Franchesca (Alessandra Mastronardi), the romantic essence of Italy transforms his perspective on life and his time abroad, evoking the charm of a timeless European film.
Where to watch: Netflix
The Two Popes
The Two Popes dramatizes the real-life events surrounding Pope Benedict XVI (Anthony Hopkins) and his eventual successor, Pope Francis (Jonathan Pryce), as they grapple with scandal and conspiracy within the Catholic Church. Set against the lush gardens of the Vatican and the quaint streets of Italy, the film offers a poignant look at a historic transition in the papacy. Alongside captivating performances, viewers are treated to an intimate tour of Vatican City and its rich history.
Where to watch: Netflix
Call Me By Your Name
Timothée Chalamet stars as Elio, a young New Yorker spending the summer in Italy with his family. When Oliver (Armie Hammer), a graduate student, joins Elio’s father’s archeology program, a deep connection forms between the two. As their relationship blossoms, Elio embarks on a journey of self-discovery and first love. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Italian countryside, the film captures the beauty and intensity of a transformative summer romance.
Where to watch: Hulu
