If you loved the quirky humor, hippie vibes, and heartfelt moments in the 2012 comedy Wanderlust, you’re probably craving more feel-good movies in the same spirit. Starring Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston, Wanderlust follows a Manhattan couple who unexpectedly end up living in a rural commune after leaving the big city grind behind. It’s a hilarious and surprisingly touching film about finding yourself and what really matters in life.
Luckily, there are plenty of other great movies out there that capture a similar sense of humor, warmth, and offbeat charm as Wanderlust. Whether you’re in the mood for a wacky road trip comedy, a satirical look at alternative lifestyles, or a poignant story about self-discovery, these 15 films are sure to satisfy your Wanderlust cravings:
1. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty stars Ben Stiller as the titular character, a man who lives vicariously through his daydreams. When his job, along with that of a co-worker, is threatened, Walter takes action in the real world, embarking on a global journey more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined.
This lighthearted film beautifully showcases the spirit of adventure with some incredible travel destinations mixed in. You’ll be inspired to stop dreaming and start exploring the world yourself.
2. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
After a painful divorce, writer Frances Mayes (played by Diane Lane) impulsively buys a villa in Tuscany in an attempt to change her life in Under the Tuscan Sun. As she settles into her new home, Frances makes friends with her eccentric neighbors, learns Italian, and even develops a romance with a charming local man.
This heartwarming film will have you booking a one-way ticket to Italy with its stunning cinematography of the Tuscan countryside, mouthwatering Italian food, and themes of starting over and finding happiness.
3. Into the Wild (2007)
Based on a true story, Into the Wild follows Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), a top student and athlete who gives up everything – including his trust fund and promising future – to follow his dreams and live in the Alaskan wilderness.
Directed by Sean Penn, this powerful film showcases the beauty of the American landscape while also serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of isolation and the importance of human connection. You’ll be equal parts inspired and moved by Christopher’s journey of self-discovery.
4. Lost in Translation (2003)
Lost in Translation stars Bill Murray as Bob Harris, a washed-up American actor who travels to Tokyo to film a whiskey commercial. There, he meets Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), a young college graduate struggling with feelings of uncertainty about her future. The two form an unlikely bond as they explore the city together and grapple with their own personal crises.
This Sofia Coppola-directed film beautifully captures the disorientation and loneliness that can come with traveling to a foreign country, as well as the unexpected connections that can happen along the way. The neon-lit streets of Tokyo serve as a stunning backdrop to this poignant, funny, and utterly human story.
5. The Way (2010)
Directed by Emilio Estevez, The Way tells the story of an American father (played by Estevez’s real-life father Martin Sheen) who travels to France to collect the ashes of his adult son, who died while walking the Camino de Santiago, a famous pilgrimage route. Deciding to walk the ancient spiritual trail himself, he meets other pilgrims from around the world, each with their own issues and looking for greater meaning in their lives.
This moving film explores themes of grief, faith, and community, set against the breathtaking landscapes of the Pyrenees mountains. You’ll be inspired to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trail yourself.
6. Midnight in Paris (2011)
In this whimsical Woody Allen film, Owen Wilson plays Gil, a nostalgic screenwriter who travels to Paris with his fiancée (Rachel McAdams) and her wealthy parents. One night, Gil drunkenly wanders the streets of Paris and finds himself transported back to the 1920s, where he meets his literary idols like Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein.
Midnight in Paris is a love letter to the City of Light, celebrating its timeless beauty and rich artistic history. It also explores the allure of nostalgia and the importance of living in the present. You’ll be charmed by this magical and utterly romantic film.
7. Eurotrip (2004)
After getting dumped by his girlfriend, recent high school grad Scotty (Scott Mechlowicz) decides to take a trip across Europe with his friends in Eurotrip. Their wild adventure takes them to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Bratislava, Berlin, and Rome, where they find themselves in all sorts of hilarious and awkward situations.
While it’s not the most highbrow of comedies, Eurotrip perfectly captures the excitement and freedom of backpacking through Europe for the first time. You’ll live vicariously through Scotty and his friends’ misadventures and maybe even be inspired to plan your own European getaway.
8. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
Directed by Woody Allen, Vicky Cristina Barcelona follows two young American women, Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson), as they spend a summer in Barcelona. There, they meet a charismatic artist (Javier Bardem) who invites them to spend a weekend with him and his volatile ex-wife (Penélope Cruz).
This sexy and sophisticated film showcases the stunning architecture, art, and cuisine of Barcelona, as well as the complex relationships between its characters. You’ll be dreaming of sipping wine on a Spanish terrace after watching this stylish romantic comedy.
9. The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
Wes Anderson’s The Darjeeling Limited tells the story of three estranged American brothers (Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman) who reunite for a train trip across India, one year after their father’s death. As they travel through the stunning Indian countryside, the brothers confront their past resentments and learn to reconnect with each other.
This quirky and colorful film is a feast for the senses, showcasing the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavors of India. It also explores themes of family, grief, and spirituality with Anderson’s signature wit and visual style. You’ll be inspired to take your own soul-searching journey after watching this unique and unforgettable film.
10. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel follows a group of British retirees who travel to India to take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel. Though the Marigold turns out to be less luxurious than advertised, the retirees are forever transformed by their shared experiences, discovering that life and love can begin again when you embrace the unexpected.
This charming and uplifting film features an all-star cast of British actors, including Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, and Maggie Smith, and showcases the vibrant colors and culture of India. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to start a new adventure and that sometimes the most meaningful journeys are the ones we take within ourselves.
11. Eat Pray Love (2010)
Based on the bestselling memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat Pray Love stars Julia Roberts as Liz, a woman who realizes how unhappy her marriage is and that her life needs to go in a different direction. After a painful divorce, she takes off on a round-the-world journey to “find herself,” traveling to Italy, India, and Bali in search of good food, spirituality, and true love.
This inspiring film will have you craving pasta in Rome, meditating in an ashram, and maybe even planning your own solo adventure around the world. It’s a reminder to listen to your heart and follow your bliss, wherever it may lead you.
12. The Bucket List (2007)
The Bucket List stars Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman as two terminally ill men who escape from a cancer ward and head off on a road trip with a wish list of things to do before they “kick the bucket.” As they skydive, race cars, and travel the world together, the two men develop a deep friendship and learn to live life to the fullest.
This heartwarming and humorous film will inspire you to create your own bucket list and start checking things off. It’s a reminder that life is short and that it’s never too late to go after your dreams, no matter how big or small they may be.
13. The Way Back (2010)
Inspired by a true story, The Way Back follows a group of prisoners who escape a Soviet labor camp in Yakutsk during World War II. Led by a Polish POW (Jim Sturgess), the men journey over 4,000 miles across the Himalayas, through the Gobi Desert, and over the Great Wall of China to freedom in India.
This epic survival film showcases the breathtaking landscapes of Asia and the incredible resilience of the human spirit. It’s a testament to the power of hope and the lengths people will go to in order to be free.
14. Wild (2014)
Based on Cheryl Strayed’s bestselling memoir, Wild stars Reese Witherspoon as a woman who decides to hike over a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail alone as a way to recover from a recent personal tragedy. As she treks through the wilderness of the American West, Cheryl reflects on her past mistakes and struggles to find her way back to herself.
This inspiring film showcases the stunning natural beauty of the PCT and the transformative power of a long-distance hike. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best way to find yourself is to get lost in nature and that even the longest journey begins with a single step.
15. A Map for Saturday (2007)
A Map for Saturday is a documentary that follows a group of backpackers as they travel around the world, experiencing new cultures, making friends, and discovering themselves along the way. Filmed over the course of a year, the movie captures the joys and challenges of long-term travel and the unique bond that forms between fellow travelers.
This honest and inspiring film will have you packing your bags and booking a one-way ticket to anywhere. It’s a celebration of the backpacker lifestyle and a reminder that the world is a big, beautiful place just waiting to be explored.
Whether you’re looking to laugh, cry, or ponder life’s big questions, these 15 movies like Wanderlust offer a little something for every mood. From wacky comedies to bittersweet dramedies, they all share a common spirit of humor, heart, and humanity that will leave you feeling uplifted.
So the next time you find yourself yearning to drop out of society and join a commune (or maybe just take a cross-country road trip), queue up one of these delightful films and let the good vibes wash over you. You’ll be glad you indulged your inner wanderlust.
