Hello everyone,
I am assuming like me, most of you are at home snuggled up in bed and binging Netflix or Disney Plus (hopefully). Nevertheless it dawned on me that I could vicariously live through movies to witness the beautiful scenery from around the world.
Okay yes, I am definitely exaggerating, because we all know that witnessing a story unfold in Paris, is not the same thing as being there yourself. But given the circumstances I thought I would make a list of some of my favorite movies that not only portrayed the ambience of the place itself but also delivered a great and fun story.
#1 Ratatouille
Animated films truly are soups for the soul. I finally got around to watching Ratatouille again after many years and I completely forgot how heart-warming the storyline is. Not to mention how the film managed to depict some of Paris’ more infamous scenes including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame (now being rebuilt). My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. Who would have ever thought a rat could cook?
Where to Watch: Disney +
Places Depicted: Paris, France
#2 Home Alone 2
Now, hold up I know some of you think that I am breaking the rule here by putting a Christmas movie on the list but come on….it’s Home Alone and the movie does such an amazing job of depicting New York’s most prominent locations including “The World Renowned Plaza Hotel”. If you missed out on your spring trip to NYC, this might help relieve the disappointment.
Where to Watch: Disney + & Amazon Prime
Places Depicted: New York City, New York
#3 Leap Year
Okay, I am a sucker for any romantic comedy but this movie in particular has the perfect cast including the lovely Amy Adams and charming Matthew Goode. Another added bonus is that this whole film was shot in Ireland around the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher. Nothing but a stunning scenery and a cheeky love story to top the day. This is the one place on my list that I have not been to, but do plan on going if we ever get out of this pandemic and travel ban.
Where to Watch: Hulu
Places Depicted: Ireland
#4 Lord of the Rings Trilogy
If you are living under a rock and haven’t watched any of the LOTR movies you still have time to save yourself from embarrassment. The entire trilogy was filmed in various locations around New Zealand and the set of Hobbiton still remains there today for tourism.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Places Depicted: New Zealand
#5 Secret Life of Walter Mitty
This is a movie I haven’t gotten the chance to watch, but my brother swears by the fact that it’s one of his favorite movies. Portions of the film were shot in Iceland in villages along the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Where to Watch: Hulu
Places Depicted: Greenland & Iceland
#6 Sherlock Holmes
Even though this movie is not set in modern day London, it depicts England at a different time in history when Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) faces one of his most puzzling cases. This classic is revisited with a twist and if you are looking for a murder-mystery this film is a must 🙂
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Places Depicted: London, England
#7 Mission Impossible – Fallout
If you are looking for an action-adventure movie, the Mission Impossible franchise never fails to entertain. Not to mention the films are shot in various locations around Europe. You not only have an exciting plot that unfolds but some pretty extraordinary cityscapes that follow Tom Cruise.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Places Depicted: Norway, New Zealand, United Kingdom, France
#8 The Tourist
This is also another film that I haven’t watched, but it came up on my Netflix recommendation. Seemingly from what I saw in the trailer the film is predominantly shot in Italy and stars Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. Based on that I thought I would also give it a shot alongside you all 🙂
Where to Watch: Netflix
Places Depicted: Italy
#9 Sound of Music
I always love to come back to a classic and the Sound of Music is a timeless film that transcends all generations. The movie was filmed on location in Salzburg, Austria and is also the only musical I have included on the list. If you want to revisit this beautiful story and learn the basics of a song, I always recommend this film 10/10 times. Disclaimer: The movie is 3 hours long so grab that bag of popcorn.
Where to Watch: Disney +
Places Depicted: Austria
#10 Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ)
Now if some of you have never watched a Bollywood movie, THIS is the place to start. Majority of DDLJ was filmed in Switzerland’s most popular destinations including the Jungfrau region and Zweissimen. If you haven’t fallen in love with Shah Rukh Khan by the end of the film, you better think twice about ALL your life’s decisions. Disclaimer: This movie has continued to set unrealistic expectations on love for over two decades (Raj where you at?)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Places Depicted: London, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Punjab, India
I made this list to get my mind off of the anxiety that I am sure many of you are feeling. For the past few days I have continued to reflect on the circumstances in my life that have allowed me to be healthy and safe in which I am deeply grateful. However, I do know there are many who do not have the luxury of taking off from work because they have to care for their own family. I take it as a reminder to myself to be aware of the seriousness surrounding this issue and I hope those reading this will do the same. Please be considerate of those who are more at risk during this outbreak, if we all do our parts in social distancing our lives may soon return to normal.
I also wanted to take this time to thank every single healthcare worker out there who is at the front line of this pandemic. You are all the real heroes and I am sending my deepest gratitude to you.
Stay safe everyone and let me know in the comments if you like my picks or have any other suggestions 🙂