funny travel documentaries

23 Binge-worthy Travel Documentaries on Netflix (2024)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: April 14, 2024

If you enjoy watching travel shows (whether for inspiration or research) you are in for a treat with this selection of the best travel documentaries on Netflix in 202 4

This eclectic list of Netflix travel documentaries and series will take you across every continent to meet the people, cultures, history and geography, natural wonders and wildlife that make up our beautiful planet.

Chosen by travel bloggers this is a selection of the best travel documentaries available on Netflix around the world.

Please bear in mind that not all these shows may be available on Netflix in your location ! If you would like unrestricted access to 15 Netflix libraries around the world (including Germany/USA/UK) we recommend Surfshark VPN. You only need 1 subscription to cover every gadget in your house. Click here for more information about Surfshark

Taco Chronicles

With surfshark vpn you can, dark tourist, down to earth, grand tours of the scottish islands, expedition happiness.

• Chef's Table

Somebody Feed Phil

Extreme engagement.

• Joanna Lumley's India

Chasing Coral

Magical andes, cuba and the cameraman, jack whitehall travels with my father, restaurants on the edge, tales by light, christiane amanpour: sex & love around the world, the serpent, the dawn wall, my octopus teacher, anthony bourdain: parts unknown, street food series (latin america and asia), more tv shows & movies from countries around the world, 23 best travel documentaries on netflix.

If you didn’t love the idea of eating tacos in Mexico City already, Taco Chronicles will make sure you do! In fact, you’ll discover that there’s even more to authentic Mexican tacos than you ever knew about.

In Taco Chronicles, you’ll go on a taco journey to Mexico City and beyond, to discover the unique types of tacos eaten in Mexico’s various regions and states. The show does start off in Mexico City, with the king of Mexican tacos — the taco al pastor.

From Mexico City, enjoy a virtual Mexican culinary food tour to its neighbouring state of Hidalgo, home of barbacoa (BBQ) tacos. Beyond Central Mexico, this food and travel documentary takes you all over Mexico.

In subsequent episodes of this two-season show, you’ll discover cochinita pibil (slow-roasted suckling pig) tacos in the Yucatan Peninsula, fried fish tacos in Baja California state on the west coast, cabrito (goat) tacos in Northern Mexico, and more.

Places/countries featured – Mexico

Chosen by Shelley of Travel Mexico Solo

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Over recent years, the public’s fascination with dark tourism destinations has boomed. Sites such as Chernobyl and Auschwitz draw in thousands of tourists every year. With so many of the population sharing a fascination for dark history, it is no wonder that so many have tuned into Netflix’s ‘Dark Tourist. 

The show follows journalist David Farrier as he travels around hoping to experience the most macabre destinations that the world has to offer. Farrier’s quest to unearth the morbid takes him to several high profile dark tourism destinations, including the site of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, on a JFK assassination tour and he even witnesses an exorcism in Mexico City.  

Although Farrier sometimes comes across as a mediocre Louis Theroux, this thought-provoking travel show succeeds in its aim and transports you into the unknown. The result is an interesting series that explores the darker side of life (and death).

Chosen by Sheree   of Winging the World

In the Netflix series Down To Earth , actor Zac Efron and wellness author Darin Olien travel across the globe learning about the wellness and sustainability efforts being made in numerous destinations.

Each of the eight episodes focuses on a different location and aspect of sustainability or personal wellness.

In the first episode, you’ll learn all about harnessing the earth’s energy in Iceland. From there, travel to Paris to see their efforts to reduce bottled water impacts, learn about sustainability in Costa Rica, and nutrition in Sardinia.

Also included in the series are food education in Lima, post-hurricane sustainability in Puerto Rico, London pollution reduction efforts, and Iquitos wellness in the Peruvian Amazon.

In one of the most intriguing segments, they learn about tap water differences from a water sommelier. The series lends a glimpse into some beautiful destinations and what locals are doing to keep them beautiful for decades to come.

Chosen by Samantha of PAonPause.com

More to watch!

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• Best Australian TV shows to watch before you visit Oz
• 16 binge worthy Turkish series on Netflix

Historian and film-maker Paul Murton brings you on a fascinating journey to many Scottish islands over four seasons. He meets with locals; finds hidden gems; and explores the rich, unique, and sometimes tragic history of each of the islands. 

You may be surprised to find yourself binge-watching this relaxing travel documentary series. You will get caught up in Murton’s contagious curiosity about its people and his great admiration for its beauty. Every episode is filled with stunning scenery. The high production quality and engaging soundtrack heighten the enjoyment of the show. Fans can follow this up with his three other Scottish travel series.  

Queue up, Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands to enjoy some dreamy armchair travel or to gain a deeper understanding of the islands as you plan your trip to Scotland .  

Places featured: Isle of Skye , Islands of Loch Lomond, Hebridean Islands, Orkney Islands, and many more

Contributed by Erica at Trip Scholars

Expedition Happiness is a home movie/travelogue that follows the story of a German couple as they give up their life in Germany to do an epic road trip in the Americas with their dog Rudi.

The couple, whose names are Selima and Felix, purchased a yellow school bus in Florida for 9500 USD. After working on it for three months, they transformed it into their “Loft on Wheel”, a comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped adventure bus. 

The itinerary was to start in Alaska near Denali National Park , drive all the way down to Central America, cross over to South America, and finish in Argentina.

On their adventure, they documented all the incredible landscapes they saw, the people they met, and more.

Whether they were able to finish their epic adventure or not, you will have to find out on Netflix! 

Chosen by Sean of Living out Lau

Chef’s Table

Even if you’re not a foodie but love to travel, be sure to watch Chef’s Table on Netflix. This documentary series features renowned Chefs from around the world who are creating inspired culinary experiences.

Now in its 6th season with 30 episodes, the series doesn’t just showcase a chef’s creations, but takes you on a journey through each of their personal stories that has led to their creativity.

World renowned chefs like Italy’s Massimo Bottura will inspire you with how he came from humble beginnings to being on the world culinary stage. But one chef in particular has inspired us to travel for her food — Chef Ana Rôs, owner of  Hiša Franko restaurant  in Kobarid, Slovenia. 

After initially pursuing a career track in business, she spent years honing her craft and experimenting with the local foods of her native Slovenia. Today, she is now one of the top chefs in the world, Hiša Franko is one of the 50 Best Restaurants in the World and newly Michelin-rated — and our dinner there on my birthday might possibly be the best meal of my life.

Watch the series and decide where your next culinary adventure will be.

Chosen by Lori of travlinmad.com

In “Somebody Feel Phil”, the creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” Phil Rosenthal, travels the world to indulge in the scrumptious local cuisine and to learn more about the culture of these destinations.

There are currently four seasons on Netflix and each episode features a different city around the world. This documentary does a great job of portraying local customs and traditions and viewers will feel like they’re actually in that city with the locals.

Phil has a childlike wonder to him when he’s learning about the different cultures and he answers basically any potential questions the viewers could have about the destination. One of the best parts about the documentary is watching Phil turn the strangers he meets into his family. 

Places featured – Bangkok, Saigon, Tel Aviv, Lisbon, New Orleans, Mexico City, Venice , Dublin, Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, Cape Town, New York City, Marrakesh, Chicago, London, Seoul, Montreal, Rio De Janeiro, San Francisco, Singapore, the Mississippi Delta, and Hawaii. 

Chosen by Disha of Disha Discovers

While most people get engaged and then begin planning their perfect wedding, Tim and PJ, stars of the Netflix show Extreme Engagement, do anything but that. Instead, Tim and PJ get engaged and then set out on a worldwide exploration of marital traditions around the world. 

The couple journeys to places such as Mongolia, Brazil, China, Nigeria, and Papua New Guinea facing challenging experiences along the way that has them questioning their relationship and each other. 

You get to see a glimpse inside the cross-cultural challenges associated with a new romance along with an interesting insight into how other cultures celebrate love and marriage. 

Chosen by Michelle Snell from That Texas Couple

International travellers Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach cross the world and push their limits on an expedition to find genuine, unforgettable experiences.

DEPARTURES is an international award-winning and inspiring television travel series that will take you on the journey of a lifetime and beyond. From epic landscapes to unforgettable culture, learn what it takes to make it all happen through personal successes, crushing disappointments and memorable new friendships that could only be made by travelling abroad.

With two episodes for every continent, DEPARTURES will arm and reassure your wanderlust with hours of riveting programming that captures the beauty, drama, wonder and humor of taking a leap abroad.

DEPARTURES covers every aspect of world travel, showing you exactly what to expect at destinations around the globe. From beaches in Bali and cruising in the South Pacific Islands, to trekking on Mt Kilimanjaro and sailing up icebergs off Greenland, DEPARTURES takes you straight into a location’s unique atmosphere… giving viewers insight into a whole new way of life.

Places featured – Nearly 30 countries around the world including Japan, New Zealand and Russia

Chosen by Casandra of Karpiak Caravan Adventure Family Travel

Joanna Lumley’s India

Joanna Lumley is a British actress probably most well-known for her role as the outrageous Patsy of Absolutely Fabulous. What is perhaps less known about her is that she was born in Kashmir, India, in 1946, and the descendent of British colonists in India going back to 1777.

Originally aired in 2017 with three episodes, Joanna Lumley’s India takes viewers on a personal trip across the country where she explores modern India and finds connections to members of her own family and the experience of being and speaking English in India .

Lumley has also hosted travel shows on Japan, the Silk Road, the Caribbean, and the Trans-Siberia express train.

Places featured:  Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Gujarat, Mumbai, Ranthambhore National Park, Delhi, and Srinagar, Kashmir.

Chosen by Mariellen of Breathedreamgo

Chasing Coral is a fascinating documentary about the disappearance of coral around the world. In this chasing coral, a team of divers, researchers and photographers set out on an ocean adventure to document the bleaching of Coral in warming seas. This phenomenon is when corals lose their beautiful and vibrant colors to become white, dying shortly after. 

The point of this documentary is to show that the coral’s death is the result of climate change and the rise in temperatures that are absorbed by the oceans. 

The documentary takes us to some of the most beautiful destinations in the world such as the Florida Keys, Hawaii and the Bahamas. More than that, this documentary also shows the important damage climate change has done to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. 

I definitely recommend this documentary to anyone who wants to really understand the impact of human activity on the ocean’s ecosystem. 

Chosen by Camille from Everything Yoga Retreat

Magical Andes is one of the best travel documentaries on Netflix if you are looking to learn about the natural gems of South America. When searching amongst the 100’s of other documentaries you’ll find this particular docuseries created by Luis Ara and Alexandra Hardorf concentrates solely on the magical landscape of the Andes mountain range. 

This docuseries not only shows you all about the longest continental mountain range in the world, but talks about the wildlife, lakes, and forests, deserts, volcanoes, and other Mother Earth creations that exist in that region. 

Magical Andes focuses on truly stunning imagery and gives you a look into some of the  best places to visit in South America  that you simply wouldn’t see passing through in a car.

Places featured  – In season one, the Netflix documentary features spectacular views from Argentina and Chile. Then from the Aconcagua desert in Bolivia over to some of the more ancient cultures in Peru. The lush mountain of Colombia and Ecuador are also featured.

Chosen by Daniel of LayerCulture.com

If you’ve ever thought of visiting Cuba there are many Cuban movies and documentaries to help you to research your trip, but none are as epic as this one. 

Many people believe that Cuba is a country frozen in time, but this Netflix documentary features Jon Alpert’s travels to Cuba over a span of nearly five decades. 

And while the relationships between the United States and Cuba has been fragmented at times, he visited each time as an American journalist. It starts in 1970s, just over a decade since the Cuban revolution when the country was thriving. 

Instead of giving his perspective on Cuba, he interviews three families who share their own stories of every day life. He continues to visit Cuba to find these families to update their stories. Over the decades the political situation and relationship with the United States changes quite dramatically.

And while he also interviews Fidel Castro, most of the film is really about everyday Cubans and their highs and lows.

Chosen by Ayngelina of Baconismagic.ca

Jack Whitehall is a British comedian who attended private school and has a somewhat disjointed relationship with his father Michael because of this. Jack also never got to take a gap year before going to university so season one of Travels with my Father is all about Jack finally embarking on a traditional ‘gap year’ trip to Southeast Asia. The twist is he takes his father with him so they can strengthen their bond.

The series takes place in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and highlights some of the gap year activities that can be done including full moon parties on the beach and visiting Angkor Wat. By the end of their travels, they reflect on what they have learned about each other and themselves.

The show continues in a similar fashion in the subsequent seasons where Michael takes Jack on a culture and history tour around Europe, Jack shows Michael everything the US has to offer, and both his mother and father join him for a road trip in Australia.

Chosen by Steph from Book It Let’s Go!

If you love travel, design and food, Restaurants on the Edge needs to be on your Netflix list. In each episode, the show highlights a restaurant in a stunning location. 

The restaurants get a makeover from a design expert and the menu often gets an upgrade from the show’s chef, the goal is to take struggling restaurants and make them sustainable for the business owners. 

There are currently two seasons of Restaurants on the Edge on Netflix, with locations throughout the world. 

In season one, you’ll be treated to beautiful ocean views in Malta, as well as stunning architecture. The views continue with a cliff side restaurant in Costa Rica. 

Season two will take you around the world again, with restaurants in Finland, St. Croix and Arizona. 

Not only is it fun to see the upgrades these restaurants go through, but it’s also inspiring to see the impact the changes have on each person’s life making this show a must-watch. 

Chosen by Alenis of seasaltandfog.com  

If you are a fan of Italy, Italian art and History, then watch the gorgeous and surprisingly brutal history of the famous Medici’s of Florence.

The Netflix show is so well done with gorgeous cinematography, beautiful costumes and stage settings. The show includes all the surrounding countryside and historic sites that document the Medici Family and their major influence on Florence, Venice, and even Rome (two popes were related to the Medici family).

It also showcases early Catholic power and greed. The Pope had absolute power and a religious mission that seemed corrupt whichever person was Pope and ruler. 

The Medici focus really hits the major sites of the city and also the start of the Renaissance period in Italy. The crowning of the main dome in the cathedral was a major achievement during this time frame and it was really fascinating to see how this was depicted and shown in development and the struggles of the Medici family to get this undertaking done.

Also, it was interesting to see how easy it was during that time frame to create wealth and also lose it depending on your affiliations and business relationships with the pope and other influential rulers of that time.

Watch the Medici’s on Netflix and if you visit Florence, you’ll gain a better understanding of the Medici fame and fortune in the area.

Chosen by Noel of Oahu Travel Now

Below Deck is a series of reality TV shows. Each show is set on a luxury yacht which is rented out by wealthy charter guests, but the real action is with the young yacht crew, or yachties, who serve them, the characterful captains who lead them and the stunning locations. The original Below Deck was so successful that it rapidly gained two spin offs, Below Deck Mediterranean and Below Deck Sailing Yacht.

The original Below Deck saw the crew sail around Sint Maarten in the Caribbean, followed by seasons in the British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands, Tahiti, Thailand and Antigua.

Below Deck Mediterranean’s locations have included Mykonos in the Greek Islands, Split and Cavtat in Croatia, the Amalfi Coast in Italy, the Cote d’Azur in the south of France and Mallorca in Spain’s Balearic Islands. Below Deck, Sailing Yacht has only had one series, set in Corfu.

Contributed by Helen of HelenOnHerHolidays.com

The documentary series “Tales by Light” follows renowned professional filmmakers and photographers as they visit worldwide destinations and capture fascinating content which highlights different features of the natural world. 

Every episode focuses on a different subject such as wildlife, the oceans, landscapes, adventure activities, or cultural practices and traditions. The distinct approaches of the featured photographers really help to bring the stories to life and this program presents many less well-known countries and regions in a compelling way using panoramic landscapes and stunning visuals. 

The first season explores multiple destinations per episode, with visits to Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Alaska and Colorado in the United States, Vanuatu, the Himalayas, Antarctica, Ethiopia and Uganda.

The second season covers Kenya, Norway, Brazil, the Bahamas, India and Namibia, and the third season highlights Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Australia.

This series presents a journey across the globe and is sure to inspire travellers who are looking for their next adventure.

Contributed by Claire from  Claire Pins Travel  

In this cultural travel show, CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour (who in the past has covered major stories from countries like  Iran , Rwanda, and Pakistan) travels to six different cities around the world to explore women’s love lives across multiple cultures. She talks to experts in the field as well as everyday people — revealing facts and details that give a very insightful glimpse into the culture and values of women around the world. 

Christiane is a natural at asking just the right questions and at shining a spotlight on the stories of the women in each city.

While this show focuses heavily on love and sex, viewers will get to learn a whole lot about the overall mentality and life approach of each country — making this a perfect travel show that fosters deeper cultural appreciation.

Places featured – Tokyo (Japan), Delhi (India), Beirut (Lebanon), Berlin (Germany), Accra (Ghana), Shanghai (China)

Chosen by Jiayi of The Diary of A Nomad

Released at the beginning of 2021, The Serpent is not a travel show in and of itself, but it will inevitably allure travelers into visiting the many places explored by the main characters.

Aired on Netflix, the series tells the real story of Charles Sobhraj, a French serial killer of Indian and Vietnamese origins who in the mid-1970s drugged, robbed and killed a large number of backpackers travelling between Thailand, India and Nepal. 

Sobhraj and his Quebecoise girlfriend Marie-Andrée Leclerc were finally identified as the authors of the crimes thanks to the work of Dutch diplomat Herman Knippenberg, who, albeit the many reservations of the Dutch ambassador to Thailand, set to investigate the disappearance of a Dutch couple and through a series of lead eventually managed to uncover the culprits.

Places featured: Over the course of 8 episodes you will be taken to Bangkok, the coast of Thailand, the peaks of Nepal, the streets of several Indian cities and even to Paris .

Chosen by Claudia Tavani of My Adventures Across The World

When Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson free climbed the Great Wall of the El Capitan rock face in the Yosemite National Park in 2018, the news spread like wildfire.

Dawn Wall is a US documentary about this story of perseverance and adventure.

Cameras follow these legendary free climbers as they undertake this nearly impossible task. It took Cadwell 7 years to reach the goal and we are given a detailed look into the events that led to this decision and the struggles that were involved throughout the journey.

There’s one constant theme that runs throughout the story and that is the strength of the human spirit.

This captivating documentary with great visuals should not be missed. The documentary is in English, but subtitles are available in different languages that include Spanish, French, and Chinese. 

Places featured : Yosemite National Park

Chosen by Rai from A Rai of Light

My Octopus Teacher is an award-winning and very heart-touching documentary on Netflix that covers how a filmmaker spent a year trying to capture a wild octopus on camera and also form a friendship with it. 

For about a year, Craig Foster films a wild octopus he came across while trying out free-diving through an underwater kelp forest in South Africa.

Over the period, Craig and the octopus develop a bond with the octopus almost showing Craig around and not being uninhibited by his presence as he follows it.

Craig watches as it protects itself, loses an arm to an attack and then regrows it too. At the end of the documentary, the octopus naturally passes away after mating and trying to protect its eggs. 

Filmed entirely near Cape Peninsula in South Africa, this beautiful documentary is not to be missed as it covers an offbeat relationship between man and nature. 

Places featured – A kelp forest off False Bay near Simon’s Town in South Africa

Chosen by Lavinia of Continent Hop

For the foodies of the world, who travel the world, and are strident realists about the world, “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” is an absolute must-watch.

Rugged, painfully honest, internationally renowned chef Anthony Bourdain travelled the globe in search of authentic food, people and life experiences. With no time for nonsense and all the time in the world for simple food done to perfection, he takes the viewer to eating establishments from tiny street food stalls to the finest of fine dining.

In his search for amazing food in amazing places, he guides you from the brutality of the Bornean jungle to the madness of Seoul’s foodie nightlife and the pure joy of a perfectly cooked steak in an Argentinian steakhouse accompanied by a glass of locally bottled Malbec. 

Parts Unknown leaves you an appetite for dinner and a bigger one for travel. Wanderlust is baked into every episode.

Chosen by Rosie of the Flying Fluskeys

The Street Food series is one for foodie lovers around the world to enjoy! Each episode follows the story of a local chef and how they started their now-famous street food shops.

From family restaurants to cultural fusions, you learn about a destination through food from the people who make it possible.

Volume one takes place in various Asian destinations, such as Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore, Delhi (India), Seoul (South Korea), and others.

The second volume takes place in Latin America, highlighting food in Salvador (Brazil), Bogota (Colombia), Lima (Peru), Oaxaca (Mexico), and more.

It is a delicious docuseries that will keep you salivating and also inspire you to understand how food and travel are one. Street Food will also encourage you to get out of your comfort zone if you normally avoid street food!

It is the ideal blend of travel and food for everyone to indulge in from home.

Chosen by Sojourner of Sojournies.com

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11 Best Travel Shows on Netflix (A 2023 List of the best and funniest travel shows around)

By: Author MC Miller

Posted on Last updated: January 10, 2023

Categories Travel Blog Post

Love travel but can’t travel right now? 

Netflix can be a great alternative way to see the world while you are stuck inside bored!

Here are 10 of the very best netflix Travel shows on Netflix right now. Looking for romantic movies, you might also like to check out: Romantic Travel Movies

11 Best Netflix Travel Shows Right Now (2022)

Restaurants On The Edge

Take a look at restaurants around the world which are on the brink of being shut down.

Watch as these culinary experts turn the place around!

World’s Most Extraordinary Homes

Take a look at the most extraordinary homes around the world – you will be completely be amazed by how incredible these homes are.

Dark Tourist

Watch as New Zealand filmmaker David Farrier journeys to the darkest tourism areas from nuclear tourism in Japan to Pablo Escobar-inspired tourism in Columbia.

Ainsley Eats the Streets

Chef Ainsley Harriott makes it his mission to discover new street food from around the world and the creates new recipes from his experiences.

​Street Food Asia

Discover the very best street food around the world with this netflix show about street food in Asia.

Breakfast Lunch & Dinner

Well known chef David Chang travels the world with A list stars to eat new dishes and share new experiences.

Definitely one of the best netflix travel shows on now!

I don’t know about you but I love wildlife travel. Our planet is the best netflix travel show out there on animals around the world.

Jake Whitehall Travels With My Father

Jake Whitehall Travels With My Father is a hilarious show about Jake traveling with his father. If you are looking for a funny travel netflix show – this is your best bet!

Side note: Mike doesn’t like Jake because he supports Arsenal. 

Somebody Feed Phil

Phil Rosenthal is hungry. Watch as he travels the globe and gets his fill. Also a really funny travel show.

Taco Chronicles 

For all the Spanish speakers out there,Taco Chronicles is the best Spanish travel show currently on Netflix.

If you don’t speak Spanish feel free to use subtitles!

Down to Earth (with Zac Efron)

In his new travel show, actor Zac Efron journeys around the world with wellness expert Darin Olien in search of healthy, sustainable ways to live.

Explore bucket list destinations like Iceland and France, as-well as learning about farming in Costa Rica and the Amazon.

Not to mention Zac Efron ain’t the hardest person to look at 😉

Save to Pinterest: Best Travel Shows on Netflix

MC Miller is a travel blogger and writer who has travelled America extensively and abroad to over 80 countries. He founded Couple Travel The World in 2017. Since then, he has spent over 6 years on the road as a full time travel couple. When he not traveling he likes to spend quality time with his partner Bett, planning our their next date or romantic getaway!

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The 20 Best Adventure Travel Documentaries and Travel Movies To Stream Right Now

Post Summary: The Best Travel Documentaries and Travel Movies 

Don’t have time to travel right now, but still want to be transported somewhere else? Berty and I have found ourselves scrolling through old pictures on our phones, reminiscing about those amazing hiking trails in Glacier from last summer or gorgeous places on the Oregon Coast . 

Sooo, while phone pictures are great reminders of past trips, we’re getting our travel fix now by watching travel documentaries and travel movies ! They are an awesome way to transport yourself into another world and experience the adrenaline rush, culture, or experiences right from the comfort of your own couch.

In this post, we’re sharing our recommended travel documentaries and travel movies across a wide span of streaming services. We’re aware that people may not have all of these (or any!) but we tried to cover as many as we could to share our recommendations.

We hope you can find a new travel series to enjoy alongside us!

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Adventure Travel Documentaries and Travel Movies To Feed Your Wanderlust

Is this a complete list? Absolutely not! We don’t cover much about food tourism, and that’s an entirely different topic with a HUGE range of shows to explore.

In this particular post, we’re sharing more travel documentaries on the adventurous side of things, to inspire epic adventures and maybe even a rush of adrenaline!

We hope you enjoy our travel movie picks, and let us know in the comments if you have any more to add to this list!

NETFLIX TRAVEL DOCUMENTARIES

The dawn wall.

Love climbing? You’ll really love The Dawn Wall . This documentary follows Tommy Caldwell in his attempt to climb Yosemite’s Dawn Wall (the section of El Capital that the sun hits first in the mornings) and the incredible backstory that led him to this monumental feat. 

Follow the world’s adorable animals in this documentary series from the makers of Blue Planet and Planet Earth. Follow exotic animals from over 50 countries and see how they thrive in the wilderness. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, this travel documentary will give you all the warm fuzzies. 

National Parks Adventure

Bummed that your favorite national parks are closed? Experience them in this amazing travel movie narrated by Robert Redford! He shares the history of America’s national parks, from the tall Redwoods to the vast stretches of the Grand Canyon . You’ll be inspired, awe-struck, and ready to plan your next adventure before it ends.

Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father

A traveling comedian takes his risk-averse father around the world . A funny travel documentary about trying new things and bonding with the person you love across the world!

Dark Tourist

David Farrier ventures out into the world of Dark Tourism, which is traveling to unpopular places for their notoriety in death , destruction , or all-around spookiness . From war zones to Chernobyl, David brings you to the places you never want to go…but kind of do. 

Tales By Light

Follow Simon Lister, a photographer that traveled the world with camera in hand, only to soften his heart for the poor and disadvantaged he encountered. He partnered with UNICEF to bring awareness to small communities in need , sharing the unique stories of the people in them. 

This travel documentary is for you if you love feel-good shows , with panning drone shots of the beautiful landscapes he encounters. 

The Alpinist

Following the life of quiet, solitary life of Marc-André Leclerc, you’ll learn about the man who redefined solo climbing by tackling some of the most daunting and dangerous peaks in the world! If you love mountaineering and climbing, this is definitely one of the best travel documentaries to watch.

AMAZON PRIME TRAVEL DOCUMENTARIES AND MOVIES

The secret life of walter mitty.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is one of our favorite travel movies to watch for world inspiration! Following the story of the lifeless day-to-day schedule of photo developer Walter Mitty, he begins to have exciting daydreams about seeing the world.

All this comes to the forefront when he gets an opportunity to travel and track down a photo, to be used for the final issue of the magazine firm in which he works. This movie is filled with gorgeous shots of some of the most beautiful areas of the world – it will definitely give you a little bit of wanderlust!

Idaho The Movie

Tim Woodward narrates this gorgeous travel documentary all about…you guessed it, Idaho! If you’ve ever been curious about all the buzz around this state, whet your travel appetite with the Emmy-Award-winning documentary. (It also has a sequel!)

Love Idaho? You’ll want to plan a trip to the Route of the Hiawatha bike trail in the summertime!

Alone is a reality show that follows the lives of ten individuals, all placed in isolation from the rest of the world on a quest for survival. Their goal is to see who can survive in the wilderness the longest , and some seasons have contestants going for months before the last person is left standing!

The first, second, and fourth seasons are all filmed on Vancouver Island , which is an interesting way to see the wild, less-reached areas of the island. Berty and I love this series because we learn a lot about survival strategies and love hearing the stories of the individuals! 

If you love climbing documentaries like Free Solo, you’re going to love Meru! This documentary follows the attempts of three professional climbers , attempting Mount Meru, one of the riskiest climbs in the world. 

They face all kinds of challenges, ranging from terrible weather, difficult climbs, and mental blocks. If you have been curious about what it’s like to be an elite climber, this is the travel documentary for you!

HULU TRAVEL DOCUMENTARIES

A show by Vice, Abandoned is about exploring abandoned structures all around America . Following the story of pro skateboarder Rick McCrank, he’ll take you to some of America’s most forgotten places and show you the beauty that still lies there. Watch the trailer here.  

Man Vs Wild

Man Vs Wild is a popular and exciting travel documentary series that follows Bear Grylls on his always-exciting adventures into the far reaches of the world. From survival tips to risky quests , he takes you on adventures that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Rick Steves Europe

Rick Steves is one of the most popular and well-known travel writers of our time. He has helped thousands of people plan amazing trips all around the world, but most notably around Europe!

The graphics in this travel documentary series are a little on the cheesy side (recorded in the early 2000s), but you’ll come to the other side of this show with expanded cultural knowledge, history, and a long bucket list of places to explore in Europe !

DISNEY PLUS TRAVEL DOCUMENTARIES AND MOVIES

This adorable feel-good movie is about a grumpy old man and a boy scout that take an unpredictable adventure. Tying thousands of balloons to his home , the dynamic duo fly to South America to fulfill a lifelong dream of seeing Paradise Falls. 

Free Solo is a documentary about US climber, Alex Honnold in his attempt to climb Yosemite’s El Capitan without the aid (or safety) of ropes . Sweaty palms will set in right from the beginning – Alex’s camera crew shoots at angles that make even the most risk-seeking individuals have a pit in their stomach! 

This documentary follows the days leading up to the climb, interviews with his closest friends and family, and the nail-biting climb carefully documented every step of the way!

Read More: How To Spend 24 Hours In Yosemite National Park

Living in an idyllic Polynesian village, Moana is the daughter of the chief who is constantly searching for her purpose and identity. When her community is thrust into danger, she sets out on a mission to the open waters to save her people . Meeting the demi-god, Maui, and other mystical creatures, Moana’s adventure is full of twists and turns as she becomes a master way-finder on the open sea.

Young Miguel dreams of being a musician , despite his family’s aversion to music. Going behind his family’s back to prove he has what it takes to be a famous musician like his idol, Ernest de la Cruz, he stumbles upon the other side of life, the Land of the Dead . 

Funny characters, Miguel’s ancestors, and mystical beasts help Miguel as he navigates his way back home and discovers his true family history. 

Ratatouille

Being a rat in Paris can have its disadvantages, especially if you are an aspiring chef ! Remy the mouse dreams of being a famous chef in Paris and with the help of an unlucky garbage boy (Linguini) he gets to put his skills to the test.

If you are dreaming about visiting Paris, this is a fun way to immerse yourself in the culture of the city, without having to plan your own Paris itinerary!

Want To Plan Your Own Trip? Read Our 3 Day Paris Itinerary!

The Rescue is one of the most miraculous travel documentaries that happened just a few years ago! In 2018, a Thai soccer team of 12 boys wandered into a cave and became trapped by water flooding into the space.

The Thai navy and friends gathered together the best cave divers in the world to plan a rescue mission to save the boys and their coach. Watch the full movie to see this exciting and nerve-wracking story unfold!

Even More Travel Documentaries and Movies To Watch At Home

• Down To EarthThe Goonies
• The Darjeeling Limited
• Into the Wild
• 180 Degrees South
• Interstellar
• Stand By Me
• The Hobbit Series
• Indiana Jones
• Call of the Wild
• Lord of the Rings
• The River Wild
• The Way Back
• Vertical Limit
• Captain Fantastic
• The Revenent

What are some other travel documentaries and travel movies? Anything we missed? Share your favorites in the comments below!

More travel inspiration.

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More Travel Inspiration By Following @TheMandagies on Instagram

Find Me directed by Tom Huang. You can watch it for free on Tubi! Literally one of my favorite movies!

Thanks for the travel movie suggestion, Alexandra!!

Idaho: The Movie is everything! Definitely makes you want to go on an Idaho road trip ASAP. Loved stress-watching Free Solo and the Dawn Wall, will have to check out Meru. And – the Walter Mitty soundtrack is the best adventure music ever. Thanks for this fun movie round up!

Love it Sarah! Yes, we totally recommend Meru. If you loved the Dawn Wall and Free Solo, Meru is the next level!!

The 17 Funniest Documentaries Ever Made, Ranked According to Rotten Tomatoes

Learn while you laugh, laugh while you learn.

The documentary genre isn't one that's typically thought of as being funny, and for good reason. Most documentaries are grounded affairs, with many tackling important issues and real-life stories. There are certain topics where a humorous approach would feel distracting or even disrespectful to the nature of the subject at hand. Naturally, it leads to more serious documentaries than comedic ones.

However, given a documentary can document, record, or present an argument on any number of topics, sometimes, a humorous approach will work. Some of the best documentaries take a look at humorous subjects or present serious subjects in a humorous way, becoming films that balance being funny and being informative : some do their job so well they wind up being solidly rated on Rotten Tomatoes, pleasing audiences, and critics.

17 'Big Time' (1988)

Rotten tomatoes rating: n/a.

Okay, at the risk of pivoting from things straight away, Big Time is a documentary/concert film/sort of experimental comedy that’s too cool to have a rating on Rotten Tomatoes; there just aren’t enough critics who’ve reviewed it. Those stuffy critics are missing out, though, because this is a film that boils down the essence of legendary musician and actor Tom Waits into the format of a movie.

Those who aren’t familiar with his unique style and music might find Big Time very alienatin g, but it’s so distinctive and strange an experience that it should be checked out by all Waits’ fans, and anyone else who might be curious. As it features clips from live performances (at least seemingly), it can be categorized as a documentary of sorts, and Waits exhibits a strange sense of humor throughout, making it as funny as it is perplexing… all in a good way.

Watch on Tubi

16 'A Complete History of My Sexual Failures' (2008)

Rotten tomatoes rating: 56%.

It’s not quite certified Fresh, but A Complete History of My Sexual Failures does at least have a higher number of positive reviews than negative ones on Rotten Tomatoes (just, admittedly). It is the kind of thing that’s unlikely to be for everyone, and even those who come away generally liking it might still find parts extremely uncomfortable. That does seem to be by design, but still, it does ask a lot of its audience.

The premise focuses on a man named Chris Waitt (also the director) and his general lack of luck in the world of relationships and dating, though the self-reflective nature of the documentary does show at least some of it, he brought on himself. A Complete History of My Sexual Failures goes to some surprising and perhaps unpleasant places, but there’s not much else out there like it , and those who don’t mind some very awkward comedy might find it to be a worthwhile watch.

15 'The Aristocrats' (2005)

Rotten tomatoes rating: 79%.

The Aristocrats is a documentary about the world's most notorious joke. Without going into too much detail, the joke involves a family auditioning for a talent show, doing unspeakably inappropriate and disturbing things, before declaring that their act is called "The Aristocrats" as the punchline. It's a challenge for comedians to try to top each other in telling a version of the joke as depraved as possible.

Those who don't care for dirty jokes probably won't care for The Aristocrats , but it emerges as an interesting documentary about shock humor and pushing comedic boundaries. On top of that, it also features countless comedians, all doing their take on the titular joke through interviews, which leads to a good deal of very extreme comedy, and it's also safe to assume that with such humor comes a ton of profanity ...

14 'The Amazing Johnathan Documentary' (2019)

Rotten tomatoes rating: 80%.

The Amazing Johnathan was a unique comedian/magician who is (fittingly) the subject of The Amazing Johnathan Documentary . Despite its documentary presentation - and featuring the word "documentary" in its title - it's the kind of movie where it's often to work out what's genuine and what's an act, making for a mind-bending watch.

Given The Amazing Johnathan's act often involved surprising and confounding his audience, it's appropriate that a documentary about the man does the same. Whether the director or The Amazing Johnathan were ultimately in control of the wild and unpredictable movie is hard to say. Like any good magic trick, it's better if it's kept a mystery. The Amazing Johnathan Documentary gleefully blurs the line between drama and documentary , and it's that tension between the two that keeps it funny, surprising, and consistently engaging.

Watch on Hulu

13 'Call Me Lucky' (2015)

Rotten tomatoes rating: 85%.

Though there’s comedy to be found in a documentary about a comedian, Call Me Lucky goes to some dark places while covering the life of its central figure, Barry Crimmins . Crimmins was a cult comedian who might not have been a household name, but his style gained him numerous fans, with his humor being known for going to dark places, likely because of Crimmins’ own dark and troubled past.

Call Me Lucky doesn’t shy away from looking at the sorts of things that impacted Barry Crimmins , but it’s ultimately hopeful in depicting, given he managed to have a solid career as a comedian and channeled his past successfully into his work. It’s a well-made and well-balanced documentary, being funny at times but also greatly insightful and overall undeniably interesting.

12 'Jackass Forever' (2022)

While you might not think of the Jackass films as documentaries, they technically are. The films spun off from the MTV reality series of the same name and mostly feature crude - and shocking - stunts and pranks performed by a large group of friends. They may not be about historical events or have the sort of deep messages more traditional documentaries may have, but they serve as a time capsule for the comedy troupe.

Jackass Forever is the fourth film in the series, and so far, the highest rated on Rotten Tomatoes, too. The core Jackass members are older (and get younger newcomers to perform some stunts) but still take a ton of punishment in hilarious , wince-inducing scenarios, all for our entertainment. For anyone who enjoyed Jackass Forever and was after more, a solid sequel was released some months later called Jackass 4.5 .

Jackass Forever

*Availability in US

Not available

11 'Winnebago Man' (2009)

Rotten tomatoes rating: 90%.

Winnebago Man is a simple and surprisingly great documentary about a man by the name of Jack Rebney , who accidentally became a viral sensation thanks to a series of outtakes that came from an advertisement for a Winnebago motor home. The outtakes showed him getting angry and cursing in an absurd and funny way without context, which led to the outtakes becoming so popular.

Rebney's case is interesting because these outtakes were passed around on VHS tapes before the internet and became popular on YouTube during the website's early years. As Rebney led an otherwise isolated life, it was also quite remarkable that the filmmaker behind Winnebago Man , Ben Steinbauer , was able to track him down. It's a good thing Steinbauer did because it created an entertaining, funny, and surprisingly interesting documentary.

10 'Pretend It's a City' (2021)

Rotten tomatoes rating: 91%.

Martin Scorsese is a prolific filmmaker who's made plenty of great films that get overlooked and is just as skilled at directing documentaries as he is at feature films. Pretend It's a City is a documentary directed by Scorsese and is probably one of his more overlooked works, too , alongside being one of Scorsese's best overall documentaries .

Whether you want to count it a miniseries (as it's divided into several parts) or a movie (it's just over three hours, so could be watched in one sitting), either way, it's a solid blend of documentary and comedy. It follows writer/comedian Fran Lebowitz as she explores New York City and discusses its history with Scorsese - who serves as an informal interviewer - offering plenty of humorous observations in the process.

Watch on Netflix

9 'Super Size Me' (2004)

Rotten tomatoes rating: 92%.

Back in 2004, Super Size Me was a big deal, and a critically acclaimed documentary that was even Oscar-nominated . Nowadays, there are parts of it that don’t hold up the best, as times have changed and the central premise of the documentary does feel flawed at best. Yet Super Size Me does undeniably have a good hook for its premise, following one man using himself within an experiment to see what health effects will come about from only eating fast food.

Some of the humor is intentional, while others may want to watch the film today and laugh at its expense, given the shortcomings that come with the simplicity of the experiment and some of the ways it plays with objectivity. Yet many documentaries do this for the purpose of making a point of presenting an argument, and perhaps others will argue that Super Size Me has done more good than harm, or, at the very least, is able to provoke some thought and provide a handful of funny/entertaining moments.

Super Size Me

Watch on Hoopla

8 'Mistaken for Strangers' (2013)

Given Mistaken for Strangers is about rock band The National , one might expect it to focus on the sorts of things most concert movies do . They’re a great band, so that approach would still have resulted in something engaging, but Mistaken for Strangers does something less expected . It’s directed by the younger brother of the band’s frontman, Matt Berninger , and feels like an exploration of sibling love/rivalry that can be sometimes funny and sometimes a little sad.

Tom Berninger ’s documentary here is the kind of thing that will mostly appeal to fans of The National, but there’s still enough being explored here that even those who don’t love the band’s music might still find it of interest. Mistaken for Strangers covers a good deal of emotional ground within a brief runtime of 75 minutes, and feels undoubtedly singular among documentaries about artists/musicians.

Rent on Amazon

7 'American Movie' (1999)

Rotten tomatoes rating: 94%.

A touching and quietly funny ode to independent, do-it-yourself filmmaking, American Movie focuses on Mark Borchardt, a filmmaker in his 30s who's struggling to complete a short horror film he's been working on for years. It's a good non-fiction story and gets a healthy dose of humor thanks to Borchardt's close friend, Mike Schank , who has plenty of great observations about his close friend and his seemingly cursed film production.

For anyone used to working in film, there's sure to be a great deal to relate to in American Movie . Even while showing the hardships of filmmaking, American Movie ultimately celebrates it and the creativity involved in bringing any film - short or long; low or high budget - to the big screen , and it's up there as one of the best releases of the entire 1990s (also encapsulating the feel of that decade extremely well).

Watch on Mubi

6 'Not Quite Hollywood: The Wild, Untold Story of Ozploitation!' (2008)

Rotten tomatoes rating: 95%.

Not Quite Hollywood: The Wild, Untold Story of Ozploitation! is a very straightforward documentary. It takes a look at an unusual and little-known period of history in Australian cinema where, during the 1970s and 1980s, plenty of extreme and unusual exploitation films came out of Australia, with the sub-genre being dubbed "Ozploitation."

Much of the humor comes from how bizarre the films are and how out there the behind-the-scenes stories are. The interviewees are candid and entertaining, the old movie clips are plenty of fun to watch, and Not Quite Hollywood is a great way to learn about numerous films that never received mainstream attention ; some being movie hits within Australia , sure, but a number of them also not getting the attention they deserve in their country of origin either. It's exactly what you'd want out of a comedic, light-hearted documentary.

5 'My Winnipeg' (2007)

Even after watching the entirety of My Winnipeg , it still feels hard to pin down what exactly the movie is; it’s truly one of the strangest and most enigmatic films of the 21st century so far. It blurs the line between documentary and feature film in a more unapologetic way than just about anything else, being about the history (sort of) of the titular Canadian city, which is where the film’s director, Guy Maddin , was born.

My Winnipeg floats through various dreamlike sequences and scenes that feel like they might be actual footage , and all the while, seems to take glee in never making it clear which is which. The experience can be both alienating and intoxicating, and while it’s hard to get on the same level as a film as bold and different as this, it’s certainly worth trying. And, at the end of the day, it’s unique and can at least show you something you’ve never really seen before, and that’s not something that can be said about too many films.

Rent on Apple TV

4 'The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters' (2007)

Rotten tomatoes rating: 97%.

Anyone going into The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters hoping to see King Kong or some kind of spaghetti Western might come away disappointed, but anyone in the mood for a fast-paced and oftentimes funny documentary should come away pleased. The King of Kong plays out like something of an entertaining sports documentary , following two very different people who are fiercely competitive when it comes to the Donkey Kong arcade game.

More specifically, one is challenging the other’s world record/top score, while the other’s willing to fiercely defend that score, no matter what. You don’t have to be a huge fan of old-school video games to enjoy The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters , though it wouldn’t hurt… still, in any event, it’s tremendously entertaining, quite tense in parts, and fairly humorous throughout.

3 'Joy Ride' (2021)

Rotten tomatoes rating: 100%.

A TV movie that only runs a little over an hour, Joy Ride is about two middle-aged comedians: Dana Gould and Bobcat Goldthwait . The documentary follows their 2019 comedy tour together as they travel through the U.S.A.'s South and talk about their lives, which gives it the feeling of watching a stand-up special but of a more laidback variety, and one that complements its comedy with some behind-the-scenes stuff.

The documentary segments are interspersed with clips from their on-stage comedy acts, but those who enjoy their sense of humor will find both parts of Joy Ride funny. It's a very funny and easy-to-watch comedic documentary. At 70 minutes, Joy Ride is perfect for those who want to watch a complete movie but don't have the time or energy to sit down and commit to something more demanding.

2 'Swimming to Cambodia' (1987)

To describe Swimming to Cambodia in a sentence or two is to run the risk of making it sound a little boring. The entire film is actor/novelist Spalding Grey sitting at a desk, talking to the camera, mostly about his experience traveling to Southeast Asia to act in the classic 1984 historical drama, The Killing Fields .

It is essentially an 85-minute-long monologue , but it's one that's written and told extremely well, with Grey offering plenty of interesting insights and humorous observations along the way. It's also bolstered by Jonathan Demme 's dynamic direction, which shouldn't surprise anyone who's seen the 1984 Talking Heads concert film, Stop Making Sense . Demme was undoubtedly a director who knew how to capture an on-stage show and translate it to the big screen.

Buy on Amazon

1 'Nathan for You: Finding Frances' (2017)

The final episode of Nathan for You 's final season, Finding Frances , ultimately stands as its own separate thing, as it's an episode that runs for almost 90 minutes. It serves then as a feature-length finale to Nathan Fielder 's mind-bending show, and stands out among the other episodes, which are all under half-an-hour long.

It's a hilarious, uncomfortable, and profound feature-length episode that sees Fielder helping an elderly man reconnect with a woman he knew from decades ago, yet has never been able to forget. It's unlike anything else out there, and for as great as season 1 of Fielder's latest show, The Rehearsal , was, Finding Frances is still probably the best thing he's made in his career so far.

Nathan for You (2013)

Watch on Max

NEXT: The Best Werner Herzog Documentaries, Ranked

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72 Dangerous Places to Live, Dark Tourist, and more: Sate your wanderlust with the best travel shows and documentaries on Netflix

You'll love these amazing travel documentaries.

Traveling is something that many people wish they could do more of. Whether you lack the time, money, or know-how to travel the world, though, it can be comforting to watch others do it from the comfort of your couch. A great travel show or documentary can be a wonderful escape and a reminder that the world is much bigger than the tiny slice of it you live in every day. What’s even better is that many great travel documentaries on Netflix, if you’re willing to go looking for them.

These documentaries will deliver stunning panoramic shots of the U.S. National Parks , as well as plenty of international wonders, and a little bit of good food as well. If you like all kinds of docs, travel or not, we’ve got you covered with Netflix documentaries (or maybe you’re just really into crime docs and action flicks). We also have an overall guide on the best Netflix movies and the best Netflix shows .

72 Dangerous Places to Live (2016)

• The best shows on Netflix to stream in April
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Down to Earth with Zac Efron (2020)

The chef show (2019), street food collection (2020), tales by light (2015), dark tourist (2018), midnight asia: eat dance dream (2022), jack whitehall: travels with my father (2017), lorena, light-footed woman (2019), the world's most amazing vacation rentals (2021), our planet (2019), salt fat acid heat (2018), editors' recommendations.

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Have you ever found yourself looking through all the movies on Netflix, only to find that actually choosing one to watch is very taxing? That's not even mentioning all the Netflix shows to dig through. If you know you're looking for a particular kind of movie, that can help, but even then, there can be too many movies to choose from. Luckily, we've been watching tons of great sci-fi movies and have already determined which ones rise to the top of the pile on Netflix. So if you're looking for the best sci-fi movies on Netflix this year, you've come to the right place. If you're looking for Netflix movies that will keep you occupied for a whole weekend or an evening, you can also check out our list of the best sci-fi series on Netflix right now.

What is the definition of an action movie? Can there even really be a complete explanation of the genre? Some feature the kinds of stunts that no mere mortal would ever dare to attempt, while others attempt to be more grounded. Still, others have outlandish premises that take us to new, far-off worlds. It's a genre that contains multitudes, but what makes an action movie great is its ability to thrill and captivate its audience. Over the course of its history as a streaming service, Netflix has been home to a number of great action titles. Some are funny, and others are deadly serious. The only thing we know for sure, though, is that the best action movies on Netflix are sure to please. We've also rounded up some of the best action movies on Amazon Prime worth watching if you've seen all these, as well as a few great action movies available on Hulu. Looking for even more films to stream online? We've found the all-around best Netflix movies, Amazon Prime movies, Disney Plus movies, and movies on Hulu to watch this month.

Uncharted (2022)

Japanese anime and the many Western series that were influenced by the genre continue to get more and more popular. As they do, every streaming site is eager to lockdown plenty of exclusive anime titles that will draw fans of the format to their services. Netflix has long had a stockpile of great action movies, but it turns out that the streamer also has a pretty excellent library of anime series as well, which is in addition to their great animated shows. The best anime on Netflix draw from a wide array of influences, but should give every fan of the form something to chew on.

While there are plenty of great action series on this list, anime is home to a wide array of different kinds of stories, and all of those stories are represented in one form or another on this list. Netflix is even moving into adapting some of these anime into live-action, although opinions are mixed on whether that strategy is going to work out. Whatever you think about that venture, though, this list is full of Netflix anime titles that are sure to make every anime fan happy.

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Second-Half Travels

Adventures of a Fifty-Something Cubicle Escapee

13 Best Travel Documentaries on Netflix (2023)

These Netflix documentaries about travel will pacify your wanderlust between trips as you explore the world from the comfort of your couch.

Here are some of the best travel documentaries on Netflix in the US as of July 24, 2023. Many are also available in other countries. Watch them while you can, because content disappears as licensing agreements expire.

Also, don’t miss the bonus list of travel documentaries on Amazon Prime below.

Table of Contents

Netflix Travel Documentaries

1. dark tourist.

Netflix meets Vice in this travelogue by New Zealand filmmaker David Farrier, who sets his sights on the world of dark tourism.

From a nuclear lake to a haunted forest, he visits macabre — and sometimes dangerous — tourist destinations around the world.

Countries : Various

2. Street Food: Latin America

Experiencing street food culture is one of the joys of travel. This mouth-watering docuseries travels to Latin America to meet the local stars of street food.

Countries : Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia

3. Street Food: Asia

This inspiring series from the makers of Chef’s Table is as much about the compelling survival stories of these talented street chefs as it is about their signature dishes.

The first season takes the viewer to nine Asian destinations.

Countries : Thailand, Japan, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, the Philippines, and Vietnam

4. Pedal the World

Over the course of one memorable and adventure-filled year, German-born Felix Starck documents his 18,000-kilometer bicycle journey across 22 countries.

The Oscar-nominated heart-rending true story of the rangers risking their lives to save Africa’s most precious national park and its endangered gorillas.

Country: Congo

6. Chef’s Table

Each episode of this Emmy-nominated docuseries visits a different international location for an in-depth interview with one of the world’s most renowned chefs.

Creator David Gelb also directed the critically acclaimed Jiro Dreams of Sushi , and the two productions share a similar emotional and artistic sensibility hallmarked by compelling narratives and mesmerizingly beautiful cinematography.

7. Magical Andes

No English subtitles available for trailer – but you don’t need them to admire the stunning photography

From Argentina to Colombia, this inspiring documentary follows five characters who share their deep connection to South America’s majestic mountains.

Countries: Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia

8. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Chef David Chang brings his trademark irreverent humor and curiosity to Vancouver, Marrakech, Los Angeles, and Phnom Penh as he explores the culture and food accompanied by various celebrity guests.

Countries : Canada, Morocco, US, Cambodia

9. The Trader (Sovdagari)

At only 23 minutes, this award-winning documentary short provides a fascinating and poignant window into impoverished rural life in post-Soviet Georgia.

The camera follows a traveling trader as he sells secondhand goods in exchange for potatoes. Beautiful cinematography that captures the stark Georgian landscape.

Country: Georgia

10. Ugly Delicious

Smart-ass chef David Chang leads his buddies on a mouthwatering, cross-cultural hunt for the world’s most satisfying grub.

Each episode of this highly original show tackles a topic like tacos, pizza, or dumplings, examining its cultural and culinary history and visiting different countries to compare how it’s made.

Warning: Chang can be obnoxious, and racial and political commentary is liberally sprinkled throughout the show, which may not be to everyone’s taste.

11. Period. End of Sentence.

This Oscar-winning documentary short takes us to rural India, where local women fight the stigma surrounding menstruation by manufacturing low-cost sanitary pads.

Country: India

12. Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat

Based on Samin Nosrat’s best-selling book, this visually stunning series travels to the home kitchens of Italy, the southern islands of Japan, the heat of the Yucatán, and to Berkeley’s Chez Panisse.

Samin’s contagious laugh and genuine passion for cooking inspire as she explores the central principles of what makes food delicious.

Countries: Italy, Japan, Mexico, United States

13. Taco Chronicles

Note: No English subtitles available for YouTube trailer; click to watch subtitled trailer on Netflix Warning: Don’t watch if you’re hungry. Explore the complex histories of the world’s most beloved tacos in this love letter to the iconic handheld food.

Country : Mexico

Travel Documentaries on Amazon Prime

See below for some of the best travel documentaries on Amazon Prime Video. I’ve indicated whether each is free to Prime members or available for rental.

Note that these films may also be found at your local library.

A Map for Saturday

Classic travel documentary that follows a variety of solo budget travelers — from teens to seniors — through 26 countries on four continents.

Young filmmaker Brook Silva-Braga trains his inquisitive lens on backpackers lending a hand to tsunami victims, trekkers forming brief but intense relationships, and fascinating moments of self-discovery and adventure.

Available for rental on Amazon Prime .

This inspiring documentary follows the record-breaking round-the-world voyage of Dutch teen Laura Dekker, youngest person ever to sail around the world alone.

Available for free to Prime members on Amazon Prime.

This beautifully filmed docu follows adventurer Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey to Patagonia of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins, legendary founders of The North Face and Patagonia sportswear and pioneering conservationists.

Along the way Johnson gets shipwrecked off Easter Island, surfs the longest wave of his life, and attempts to climb a Patagonian peak.

Available for free to Prime members on Amazon Prime .

Countries: Mexico, Chile

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About Ingrid

Ingrid left software engineering at age 43 to devote herself to language learning and travel. Her goal is to speak seven languages fluently. Currently, she speaks English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, and is studying Italian.

Reader Interactions

July 5, 2018 at 3:56 pm

Definitely going to start ploughing my way through some of these before I head off next!! 🙂

July 5, 2018 at 10:38 pm

Definitely… Netflix travel shows provide some of my best inspiration! 😉

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Our Favorite Travel Documentaries and Where to Watch Them

By CNT Editors

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

While we love the dramas, comedies, and rom-coms that recount epic journeys and bring beloved destinations to life, there’s something especially transportive about documentaries. But when it comes to travel films, it’s clear: the truth is often as wild and wonderful as fiction. Luckily, it seems that the golden age of documentaries is upon us (and it’s certainly the time of the docuseries , at the very least)—thanks to the rosters available on Netflix, HBO, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. Want to be inspired and watch some travel documentaries yourself? Here are a few of our favorite films that you can watch online right now that take you from the Mongolia steppe to Japan's Ise Bay.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Kedi (2016)

I am a self-proclaimed cat person—and Kedi lets me indulge in that even more. Many animal documentaries (ahem, Tiger King ) regard their subjects as accessories to human drama, while others talk about them via voiceover so scientifically that it sounds as if they’re inanimate objects. Not so, here. Kedi follows seven specific stray cats through the streets of Istanbul from their points of view, letting the cats stand as the film’s characters. The audience gets an up close and personal look at the secret lives of these cats: their interactions with humans and other animals; the mileage and route each covers through the ancient city; and the ordeals they overcome daily. —Alex Erdekian, assistant editor, City Guides

Watch now: Rent from $1, amazon.com

Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)

I was so excited to watch this movie, and specifically made sure I had reservations at a sushi restaurant afterward because I knew I'd be craving it after 90 minutes of watching it on screen. I love the attention to detail that Jiro showcases throughout the film, and how it shows just how technical a beautiful sushi omakase can be. I still think of the film whenever I eat tamago—sweet Japanese cooked egg that often ends an omakase—given how hard it was for the apprentice to master that specific dish. I've still never visited the original restaurant, but I'd love to try and get in on my next trip to Tokyo . — Stephanie Wu, articles director

Watch now: Free with Netflix subscription, netflix.com

Amazona (2016)

I discovered Amazona on a flight to Colombia , which is apt, given that it takes place in the lush Colombian Amazon. The travel documentary follows the filmmaker Clare Weiskopf, whose mother Val Weiskopf left her and her siblings behind and moved to the Amazon when they were still children. Weiskopf, now pregnant, confronts her mother about the choices she made and tries to come to terms with what motherhood will look like for her given her own unusual upbringing. The documentary, while centered on a unique experience, is still relatable to anyone who's thought about leaving it all behind and living off the grid—and then factored in the loved ones worth staying, or moving, home for. — Megan Spurrell, associate editor

Watch now: Rent from $4, amazon.com

CNT Editors

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

Maiden (2018)

This incredible film follows the first all-female crew competing in the late '80s in the Whitbread Round the World Race—an absolutely insane yachting competition that lasts nine months and sails from Southampton, England, to Uruguay, New Zealand, Australia, around and up to Florida , and then back to the U.K. This movie tracks the yacht's skipper and team’s mastermind, Tracy Edwards, and mixes incredible archival footage of the race with modern day interviews with the underestimated crew and their doubters. Get ready for your heart to swell a few sizes. — Meredith Carey, associate editor

Watch now: Buy from $7, amazon.com

Endless Summer (1966)

It's hard to tell whether this travel documentary on this type of list feels obligatory or cliche. I put it in the former bucket; I can't think of any other documentary that I saw as a young kid, I must have been just six or seven, that could have possibly stayed in my mind the way Endless Summer has. The 1960s journey across the globe by two California surfers to locate and popularize new swells brought them to places off the mass travel radar at the time, including Ghana, Nigeria, and New Zealand. This past summer, I surfed one of the beaches featured in Dakar (well, attempted to surf, I fall squarely in the “aspirational surfer” category). Sequels have been made, but the appeal of that first release—when surfing was used as travel currency, an exploratory lens, and bond between cultures—remains. —Erin Florio, travel news director

Lorena, La De Pies Ligeros (2019)

This 28-minute documentary is unexpected, gorgeous, and quick, just like the athlete it features: ultra-marathon runner Lorena Ramírez. Ramírez hails from the Rarámuri indigenous community in northwestern Mexico , a group that has been known for their excellence in long distance running. But watching her go from her daily life—where she lives in the remote countryside and where the women in her family aren’t able to attend school—to urban marathons where she powers past other athletes in a handwoven skirt and sandals, is absolutely moving. The entire film is a peek inside a Mexican community most travelers wouldn't otherwise be exposed to. — M.S.

The Eagle Huntress (2016)

This tale of a 13-year-old Kazakh girl named Aisholpan who trains to become the first female eagle hunter in her family's 12-generation history is nothing short of inspiring. The story is set in Mongolia’s stunning landscape, unfolding among snowy mountains, pink ombre horizons, and dry, grassy steppes. But it’s Aisholpan’s spirit and charisma that really make the film. The Eagle Huntress was so impactful that it prompted increased tourism to Mongolia, specifically for The Golden Eagle Festival, which is shown on screen. —A.E.

Virunga (2014)

A stunning mix of investigative journalism and nature documentary in one of the most extraordinary places in the world, this film cuts to the heart of the global conservation crisis. It's about the fight to protect the world's last mountain gorillas and the stunning biodiversity of Virunga National Park from the complex swirl of politics and economics in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which encroaches on their habitat through war, poaching, and the threat of oil exploration. It's heartbreakingly beautiful and just plain heartbreaking. — Jesse Ashlock, U.S. editor

Fishpeople (2017)

As the Traveler team can attest, I've become obsessed with the idea of spearfishing, largely thanks to women like Kimi Werner and the Jeju and Ama divers (of Korean and Japan respectively). I have such a deep love of both eating and preparing seafood, so the natural next step is to catch it myself, right? I watched this documentary on a flight to Hawaii this winter, and it further stoked the fire. It highlights a handful of people around the world, including Werner, who spend their lives in the sea . And trust me, you don't have to crave picking up your own spear to enjoy the beautiful ocean shots and the wise words from its sea-enamored cast. — M.S.

Watch now: Rent from $3, youtube.com

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15 Travel Documentaries to Fuel your Wanderlust

Last updated on April 6th, 2023 at 09:35 pm

If there are travel documentaries being broadcast on British TV, we can guarantee we’ll be ready with remote control in hand. When we’re back home in London , we spend hours on the sofa, fuelling our wanderlust by watching others travelling the world.

For us, watching travel documentaries helps fill those gaps between trips. For an hour or so we’re transported somewhere far away from the normality of home. We reminisce of faraway places we’ve been to if filming locations are in countries we’ve already visited. Or we get excited and inspired if filmed in countries we are yet to discover. Both are just as enjoyable.

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Along with cookery shows and reality TV, there are so many travel documentaries to choose from. Via terrestrial TV, Sky, Netflix, Amazon or other online sites, they’ll be a documentary to satisfy anyone’s wanderlust.

We’ve picked 15 of our favourite travel documentaries from the more thoughtful travel subjects to less serious and humorous ways of seeing the world. Viewing access to these shows changes regularly so we’d suggest entering the title into Google to find which viewing platforms are currently available at the time of reading this post.

Regular guys Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach are bored. So what do they do? Take a road trip, of course. Departures follows them and their cameraman, Andre Dupuis, as they journey to countries all over the world. We love the non-premium feel of this show. It’s just three nice Canadian guys filming themselves travelling the world. They make an effort to visit hard to get to places and interact with locals wherever they go. This brings experiences that not all travellers get to do. Departures make the top of our travel documentaries list. 

Walking the Nile & Walking the Himalayas

Levison James Wood is a British Army officer and explorer. He’s best known for his extended walking expeditions in Africa and Asia. Over the course of nine months from 2013-2014, he undertook the first ever expedition to walk the entire length of the river Nile .

In 2015 he walked the length of the Himalayas. Both adventures were commissioned into four-part travel documentaries for Channel 4 in the UK. His journeys bring amazing landscapes, local interaction, massive highs and some disastrous lows.

Tropic of Capricorn and Tropic of Cancer with Simon Reeve

Simon Reeve makes two “round the world” trips following the tropic of Capricorn in the Southern hemisphere and the tropic of Cancer in the Northern hemisphere . These two travel documentaries include visits to one or more countries, in Asia, Latin America, Africa, the Caribbean, Arabia and Hawaii. Simon explores daily life for locals, tourists and wildlife, as well as the history, culture and politics which all prove quite varied.

Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild

New Lives in the Wild is a television series on UK’s Channel 5 hosted by adventurer Ben Fogle . The series is about meeting people who live in some of the most remote locations on earth. More often than not, these are western families or individuals who have had enough of the big city rat race. They’ve escaped to remote parts of the world to set up new lives in the wild.

Examples are the Alaskan wilderness, a Polynesian Island and the Arizonian desert. These are courageous and inspirational people who Ben stays with for a few days to learn how they live so remotely.

World’s Most Dangerous Roads

World’s Most Dangerous Roads is a British BBC TV series first aired in 2011. Two celebrities per episode are filmed as they journey by a 4×4 vehicle along roads considered among the world’s most dangerous. Episodes include the Death Road in Bolivia and the Ho Chi Minh trail in Vietnam . Many of the chosen celebrities are comedians so some humour is added to what otherwise is a fascinating and educational watch.

Long Way Round

In 2004, Ewan McGregor , Charley Boorman and cameraman Claudio von Planta, travelled from London to New York City on a motorbike. In the process, they created some awesome travel documentaries. The journey visited thirteen countries, starting in the UK, then passing through France, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Canada, and the USA, ending in New York City for a cumulative distance of 18,887 miles (30,396 km).

They take the time to visit a variety of sights and landmarks while travelling, including the Church of Bones in the Czech Republic, the Mask of Sorrow monument in Magadan, Russia, and Mount Rushmore in the USA. They, of course, encounter many hurdles along the way. It wouldn’t be a great adventure without them.

Top Gear: Road Trip Specials

This one’s a bit of a wild card as Top Gear does not usually fall in the travel documentaries category. However, we love the Top Gear road trip specials. Why? Because they take place in some incredible world locations. Typical Top Gear antics include driving around Africa trying to find the source of the Nile, going off road from Bolivia to Chile and getting across the length of Vietnam on two wheels with a budget of just $1000. We know a lot of what happens is scripted but we still can’t help but enjoy these adventurous episodes.

An Idiot Abroad

An Idiot Abroad is a British travel documentary / road trip comedy television series broadcast on Sky 1. It’s  created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant and starring Karl Pilkington . The ongoing theme is that Pilkington has no interest in global travel, so Merchant and Gervais make him travel to the Seven Wonders of the World while they stay in the UK and monitor his progress.

Most of each episode focuses on Pilkington’s humorous reactions to cultural differences and idiosyncrasies in the countries he visits. He also gets set hilarious tasks, often not related to why he believed he was there. The silliest of our travel documentaries but well worth a watch. 

Asian Provocateur

Comedian Romesh Ranganathan is sent by his mother on a ramshackle odyssey around his parents’ homeland of Sri Lanka in an attempt to connect him with his roots. Romesh is the kind of guy who likes his home comforts and finds friendliness uncomfortable so Sri Lanka is not his ideal place to visit. As he quotes, ‘I was a bumbling Englishman in a Sri Lankan disguise’, so you can imagine the funny situations he gets himself into.

Our Guy in India

Motorbike racer  Guy Martin buys a Royal Enfield motorbike at a Delhi market, gets a traditional Hindu blessing and sets off on a 1000-mile motorbike trip.  Guy explores a rarely-seen side of modern India as he heads to one of the world’s maddest bike races. He travels through various parts of the country coming across all kinds of interesting people and sights on the way. Does he win the race at the end? You’ll have to watch to find out.

The Mekong River with Sue Perkins

TV presenter Sue Perkins embarks on a life-changing, 3,000-mile journey up the Mekong , South East Asia’s greatest river, exploring lives and landscapes on the point of dramatic change. It’s a really interesting watch, learning how 1000s of people live on and around one of the world’s great rivers. There’s plenty of smiles and tears as Sue listens to the locals stories and changing way of lives.    

The Secret Caribbean with Trevor McDonald

The newsreader and journalist, Sir Trevor McDonald embarks upon a stunning and epic journey across the Caribbean. From the Bahamas in the North to his birthplace Trinidad in the south, uncovering the sun-kissed islands along the way.

In this three part series, Sir Trevor visits The Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, Barbados, Grenada and Trinidad. It’s an unforgettable expedition as he experiences the huge contrasts in cultures and lifestyles these islands have to offer.

Travel Man 48 hours

If you’re looking for more laughs with your travel documentaries then Travel Man is the British documentary series for you. It features presenter Richard Ayoade , travelling to a different location each episode with a celebrity guest. Ayoade takes a ruthless approach to getting the maximum from each city break. Cramming as much as he possibly can in 48 fast and funny hours. His unique presenting style has us laughing through every episode.

Charley Boorman by Any Means

By Any Means , also known as Ireland to Sydney by Any Means , is a television series following Long Way Round star Charley Boorman . Travelling from Wicklow , Ireland, to Sydney , New South Wales, Australia, it features him completing the journey using 112 modes of transport and only travelling by plane when absolutely necessary. A real epic adventure!

Joanna Lumley’s Trans-Siberian Adventure

Joanna Lumley embarks on the world’s greatest train journey for this three-part documentary series. Travelling from East to West, she departs from Hong Kong across 5,777 miles of both Asia and Europe. Joanna travels through seven time zones, taking in an immense panorama of vistas and cultures, people and places, before her final arrival in Moscow.

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34 Best travel TV Shows to Binge watch this year!

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Are you looking for some amazing travel TV shows to feed your wanderlust?

There is nothing better than watching inspiring travel TV shows when you don’t get to travel. They are entertaining, helpful to plan your travels and open your mind (and heart) to new places.

I absolutely love watching travel shows on TV. While it’s true that I prefer doing the actual travelling, I’m like everybody else and I also enjoy staying at home and dreaming of my next destinations.

I spend a lot of time watching travel shows and find it to be not just entertaining, but enlightening!

Sometimes you will discover underrated places that you would have never thought of going. And that’s the great thing about it, you don’t only get to learn about the places you want to go. You discover new places!

It’s also a very good way to learn more about the culture of these places.

As you may know, I love discovering new cultures. I find all of them so incredibly interesting. Foreign languages, food, history… there is just so much to discover. It’s so interesting and exciting!

Here are some of the best travel TV shows to watch now!

🔎 Table of Contents

1. Jack Whitehall: Travels with my father

Jack Whitehall is a famous British comedian. He is mainly known to be the posh lad in Fresh Meat (filmed in Manchester by the way 😉 ).

In real life, Jack Whitehall actually is a very posh Londoner. He comes from a wealthy family and never got the chance to go backpacking as many young people do.

On top of that, he always had quite a difficult relationship with his dad, who is 79.

This is why, in 2017, Jack Whitehall invites his dad, Michael, to go backpacking with him in Asia for a Netflix original series .

By that, I mean proper backpacking. Sleeping in hostels, taking cheap transportation, carrying a backpack… and guess what, his dad said yes!

This show is absolutely hilarious and a perfect mix between comedy and travel. If you need something to cheer you up and make you dream of foreign lands, it’s the perfect choice!

In the first season, they travel through countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

It’s so funny to watch as the dad is quite a character. He is a very posh person and obviously not quite happy about the lack of comfort.

If you like British humour, Jack and Michael Whitehall will crack you up!

The show had so much success that it was renewed for a second season in Europe . A continent that Michael famously voted to leave! In the third season, they go to America and here again, it takes a whole new dimension.

Give it a try, you will be hooked straight from the first episode! It’s so funny and arguably the best travel reality show on Netflix!

2. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

You may know Anthony Bourdain as a chef but did you know that he had a few travel shows as well?

My favourite is Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown .

This American food and travel show was produced by CNN and ran from 2013 to 2018. Sadly, Anthony died while working on a show about Strasbourg, France on the 8th of June 2018.

In this show, he travels the world and focuses on the lesser-known and underrated places.

He goes to pretty much any country you can think of and explores the culture and cuisine with locals. Very often he goes around with local guides, sometimes he also gets to meet famous personalities.

In his episode about Lyon in France, he goes for dinner with Paul Bocuse, the famous French chef.

Bourdain has this very unique way to explore the world. He sees the beauty in everything and always makes sure to be in perfect sync with local cultures.

He had this unique ability to see the world as the absolute beauty it really is and through Parts Unknown, shares his vision of the world’s cultures.

It’s not a show that I would categorise as funny, although there are some quirks. But it’s definitely the most interesting and passionate one of this list!

3. Down to Earth

Seasons:  1

This is a fun travel show / documentary to watch. It stars Zac Efron who travels around the world with wellness expert Darin Olien.

The goal of these travels is to discover more sustainable ways to live. They go everywhere around the world including Iceland, Sardinia and South America. 

Each destination highlight a specific sustainable lifestyle. For example, Sardinia in Italy is known as a blue zone. A blue zone is an area with more people reaching the age of 100 than the average.

When they get to Sardinia, they meet with locals and experts to try to understand how the way people live and eat has impacted their health.

Darin Olien is known to be big on super foods so you will also learn plenty about that when they go to South America.

All in all, this is a great show to watch as it perfectly mixes together fun and education.

4. BBC Race Across the World

Even though the Amazing Race is a concept available in almost all countries, it doesn’t exist in the UK.

But don’t you worry, the BBC thought that through and created its own program!

The concept of the Race across the world is a bit different though. In this show, you will follow 5 pairs of travellers on an epic race across the world.

In the first season, their mission is to go from London to Singapore without taking a single flight.

They are being given a bit of money, the equivalent of a flight ticket from London to Singapore ie about £1000. With this money, they have to go to Singapore without flying.

This means they have to find transport, accommodation and food for a month within that £500 budget per head. Each pair adopts a different strategy.

They take all sorts of transportation. Some hitchhike, some take the bus…

It’s a very entertaining thing to watch. You will surprise yourself trying to plan that trip as well!

5. Somebody Feed Phil

Seasons:  4

This Netflix Original is an excellent thing to watch if you love both travelling and food.

You will follow Philip Rosenthal on his trips around the world and discover the local delicacies.

There is no better way to understand the local culture than eating local dishes with the locals themselves and that’s what Phil is doing here.

From the floating markets in Thailand to the classic Mexican cantinas, he tries it all!

The best thing about this show is that you will discover so much more than just food and drinks.

He really tries to understand the local culture and why things are the way they are.

It’s also worth noting that Phil is a very happy and funny guy which makes it very pleasant to watch.

6. Instant Hotel

Instant Hotel is an Australian reality show that follows several teams of homeowners.

Each duo owns a holiday rental in Australia and will host the other contestants for a day and a night.

It’s a nice thing to watch if you love Australia or would like to visit one day.

You will get to see several states including Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Northern Territory.

Not only will you see some very famous locations such as Bondi Beach but will also get to discover some hidden gems.

There are 2 seasons available on Netflix.

7. Ugly Delicious

This is another food and travel TV show on Netflix. In this one, you will follow chef David Chang on his journey around the world.

A bit like Anthony Bourdain used to do, Chang is using food to tackle misconceptions and break down cultural barriers. 

Food is a powerful way to experience a country and learn more about the local culture. Chef Chang knows that and he shows you exactly how to!

He is also joined by guests including other chefs, artists, activists and plenty more. With him, you’ll discover many different regions including the USA, Asia and Europe.

8. Dark Tourist

In Dark Tourist, the journalist David Farrier focuses on something rarely talked about: Dark Tourism. Dark tourism is the fact of travelling to places associated with death or tragedy.

This type of travel is getting more and more popular and that’s why David Farrier goes to experience it and share with us his journey.

Dark Tourist is a very interesting show to watch as clearly, he is immersing himself into some culture and believes that you probably never even heard of before that.

Secondly, it can get quite funny and that Kiwi accent is always so cute!

Lastly, let’s be honest, it’s bloody weird! And clearly extremely interesting. I had no idea most of these things existed and although it can be creepy at times, it is quite interesting to know more about them.

9. Emily in Paris

Emily in Paris is a Netflix Original TV Show that was released in 2020. It was created by Darren Star (best known for “Sex and the City”).

It’s the story of Emily Cooper, an American girl, who moves to Paris to work in a French marketing agency.

Although it was argued that the show was full of clichés, it is still a very cool thing to watch. As a French person, I loved it!

It may not quite be representative of what a normal french life is but it highlights the most magical aspects of Paris! It will make you dream!

Emily Cooper is played by Lily Collins (British-American actress) but most of the other main characters are French which makes the show even better!

They all speak English (some with a better accent than others).

It’s a feel-good travel show that will make you want to visit Paris straight away!

And if you do, you will be able to visit Emily in Paris filming locations!

10. Griff’s Great Australian Rail Trip

Looking for a travel show about Australia? Here you go!

This 2020 docuseries is one of the best things to watch before going to Australia.

Here you will see Griff Rhys Jones, a Welsh comedian, taking on an amazing train journey from Perth to Sydney and Darwin to Adelaide.

Not only is it a great way to see what the Indian Pacific and The Ghan trains are like but you will also get to learn so much about the Australian outback and culture.

You can tell that Griff is truly fascinated by Australia and he will definitely make you want to jump on a plane straight away!

11. The Kindness Diaries

The Kindness Diaries is one of the best travel programmes if you also love motorbikes (don’t worry if you don’t though, it’s fun either way but if you do like motorbikes, this is the ultimate best travel series for you).

You will follow the adventures of Leon who travels around the world on a vintage motorcycle relying solely on the kindness of strangers for accommodation, food and even petrol.

This is an extraordinary travel tv program. Not only is it interesting and fun but seeing the kindness of people all around the world is simply the most moving thing you can see.

It will leave you quite emotional on a few occasions!

12. James May: Our man in Japan

You may know James May as one of the presenters of Top Gear. But he’s got way more in store than you’d think.

In this Amazon Prime original , James May goes to Japan and experiences many aspects of Japanese Culture.

He goes to all the main cities including Tokyo and Kyoto but also some more remote places in the Japanese countryside.

James May is a typical British guy and definitely knows how to come up with the best comments!

Just picture him, in Japan, not speaking a single word of Japanese, clueless about the culture… and yet going for it!

It’s a very interesting mix of fun and culture.

If you love Japan, you will definitely like it but even if you don’t have any specific interest in this country, you will still enjoy it, I promise!

You can watch this amazing show on Amazon Prime.

Click here to check it out and get a free trial!

13. Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Road Trip

If you are looking for comedy travel shows, look no further! This one will make you laugh out loud!

This 2-season show features 3 famous chefs in the UK: Gordon Ramsay, Gino D’Acampo, and Fred Serieix.

Just picture it for a moment, we are putting together a British man, an Italian man and a French man, in a same place and make them travel the world to discover the best foods.

The result? One of the best celebrity travel shows we can think of!

It is a very cool show and you get to discover their home countries of Italy , France and Scotland but also some other destinations such as Texas or Mexico.

14. By Any Means

Seasons:  1 (6 episodes)

This one is for all the adventurers out there! Unlike some of the shows out there that are quite commercialised, this one is very pure and honest. You will be following Charley Boorman, an Irishman who decides to go from his small hometown in Ireland all the way down to Australia without flying.

Charley is not doing all of that on his own. He is with a team which makes it even more entertaining.

In the first episode, you will see how they went about planning the trip itself which was pretty challenging back in 2008. After that, the good stuff starts and you follow them on this incredible journey.

It’s a great way to learn more about hidden gems and underrated travel destinations.

Click here to watch on Amazon Prime.

15. The Grand Tour

The Grand Tour is British motoring show featuring Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. Although it is known for cars, it’s also an excellent travel TV show to watch.

The famous trio used to present Top Gear for BBC. In 2015, BBC didn’t renew Jeremy Clarkson’s contract.

At this point, his friends decided to follow him and they signed a contract with Amazon Prime . The Grand Tour was born!

On the Grand Tour, Clarkson, Hammond and May embark the most incredible vehicles and set off to explore some of the most beautiful countries in the world!

They visit some famous places but also adventure themselves in very remote, off-the-beaten-path, locations. This includes Madagascar, Morocco, Namibia, Italy and many more!

The Grand Tour is available on Amazon Prime . There are several seasons and some specials!

Click here to watch The Grand Tour.

16. Amazing Race

The Amazing Race is an American reality TV show. I’ve watched every season of the French equivalent, Pekin Express.

As much as I would love to talk about this show, I appreciate that watching a show in french might not be of your liking!

But it’s ok because the Amazing Race is pretty much the same thing. There is an American and Canadian version.

The concept is simple. There are several teams of two racing around the world. In each episode, they have to go to a certain destination with no money.

Therefore their only option is to hitchhike and get locals to accommodate them for free.

Along the way, other missions are given to them. These can be hikes, riding… all sorts of things.

It’s the perfect show to discover many countries in a different way. The Amazing Race has it all: competition, culture, landscapes, fun… A must see!

And there are over 30 seasons available so plenty to binge-watch!

Click here to watch the Amazing Race.

17. Travel Man

If you are looking for another funny British travel show, Travel Man is for you!

In this channel 4 show, the host Richard Ayoade explores all major cities around the world. The goal? Visiting as many tourist spots in the minimum amount of time.

When I say that, don’t get me wrong. He is very well organised and makes sure to go on a guided tour most of the time.

This means he actually embeds himself very well in the culture of the place he is visiting.

But where loads of travel shows focus on hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Travel Man does the opposite. He goes for the most famous landmarks!

And it’s a good thing because even though these places are touristy, they are famous for a reason!

Richard Ayoade is a very funny man and will make you laugh out loud quite a few times!

Somehow, he always does his best not to enjoy himself which makes the whole show absolutely hilarious!

This show is perfect if you are planning city breaks or are into architecture.

If you are an adventure and after nature discovery, it won’t be what you are looking for.

Click here to watch Travel Man.

18. Anthony Bourdain: The Layover

The late Anthony Bourdain was famous as a celebrity chef. But he gained an army of new fans with his excellent travel series, Anthony Bourdain: The Layover .

Showcasing Bourdain’s swift visits to various cities around the world, the show aired on the Travel Channel from 2011 to 2013.

It focused on how to make the most of a short layover or brief stopover in a city.

Each episode featured Bourdain spending 24 to 48 hours in a featured city, providing viewers with a fast-paced, no-nonsense guide to experiencing the best food, culture and attractions a place had to offer.

He often sought the help of local experts and friends, including chefs and celebrities, to uncover hidden gems and popular hotspots.

Visiting everywhere from New York City to Istanbul, the show is renowned for Bourdain’s candid and unfiltered commentary, his willingness to try exotic and unconventional dishes and his deep appreciation for the diverse cultures he encountered.

19. All Joanna Lumley’s Shows

Joanna Lumley is a famous British actress. You may know her from  The New Avengers  or more recently  The Wolf of Wall Street.

She is also well known for her travel documentaries.

She has done quite a few of them over the years and they are all fantastic things to watch. The most recent one was released in 2020 and is called Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti.

If you love the Caribbean and want to learn more about this part of the world, watching Joanna Lumley’s TV show will be the perfect thing to do.

It is considered a documentary but like most travel shows, it’s quite funny on top of being interesting.

In this one, she goes to Cuban and Haiti. Local culture, quirky situations, funny humour… it has it all!

You should also consider watching the other ones as they are all fantastic:

• Joanna Lumley’s Nile
• Joanna Lumley’s Japan
• Joanna Lumley’s Trans-Siberian Adventure
• Joanna Lumley’s Unseen Adventures
• Joanna Lumley’s Greek Odyssey
• Joanna Lumley’s India
• Joanna Lumley’s Home Sweet Home: Travels in My Own Land
• Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure
• Joanna Lumley’s Postcards

Most of them are available on Amazon Prime as well as ITV Hub and BBC Select.

20. Bradley Walsh & Son: Breaking Dad

This one is very similar to Jack Whitehall Travels with my father. On paper at least.

In this case, the dad is the celebrity. Bradley Walsh is a famous British comedian and presenter. If he never particularly wanted to travel, his 21-year old son, Barney, decided otherwise!

Together they go on a road trip in America in an RV. The series started in 2019 and can be watched on Amazon . There are 2 seasons, 10 episodes in total.

In this case, they don’t go for a budget-travel version. They keep their comfort but try very unexpected activities in the States.

It’s more about the contact with the locals which is quite interesting.

As you would expect from the Walsh’s, it’s also very funny!

They go from the Florida Keys up to Georgia. So if you are interested in knowing more about Florida and the east coast states, this one’s for you!

You can watch this amazing show on  ITV (eligible for a free trial as well!).

21. An Idiot Abroad

An Idiot Abroad is one the quirkiest travel show that you can find.

Here is the plot: the main person, Karl Pilkington has never wanted to travel and will be forced to.

Basically, at the beginning of the episode, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant (who created the show) send Karl abroad with instructions. They put together a bucket list and he has to do everything.

It’s so funny! I promise, this British show will crack you up!

The thing that makes it so entertaining is the fact that Karl Pilkington has no interest in travelling and ends up doing all these things while the other two stay in the UK!

If you want to have a good laugh, An Idiot Abroad is the way to go!

22. The Americas with Simon Reeve

If you are looking for the best travel shows on BBC iplayer, this one is for you!

It features Simon Reeve, a famous British adventurer, exploring the Americas.

The first season includes 5 episodes during which you discover some of the most famous places in the Americas such as Machu Picchu in Peru but also some very remote places in the Amazon rainforest.

If you’d like to learn more about Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Paraguay, this is the travel show for you.

There is a lot to love about the Americas. Between the ancient Maya heritage and the beautiful national parks in the USA, there is so much to discover.

That’s exactly what you will do if you want “The Americas with Simon Reeve”.

You will follow him on his incredible journey and learn more about the local culture as well as sustainable ways to live. From planting trees in Costa Rica to hiking the Rocky Mountains, this is the perfect mix between adventure, culture and sustainability.

This TV show was produced by BBC and available on BBC iPlayer. 

23. Men in Kilts

If you’d love to learn more about Scotland , then Men in Kilts is the perfect travel show for you!

Here you will follow Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish, the stars of Outlander, around Scotland and discover plenty about the local culture.

This includes whisky, bagpipes and of course, stunning landscapes.

Not only is it a very interesting show to watch but the hosts are so funny and it’s so great to see them in another context than Outlander.

24. Long Way Up

Premiering in 2020, Long Way Up is part of the Long Way series of documentary travel TV shows, which follows motorcycle journeys led by longtime actors and friends Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor.

In Long Way Up , Charley and Ewan embark on an epic adventure, riding electric Harley Davidson LiveWire motorbikes from the southern tip of South America in Argentina to Los Angeles in the USA.

The journey covers over 13,000 miles and 13 countries, taking them through Chile, Bolivia, Peru , Ecuador, Colombia, Central America and Mexico between their start and finish points.

Some of the most memorable moments include navigating challenging terrains like the Atacama Desert and the Andes Mountains, dealing with extreme weather conditions, and experiencing the cultural diversity of the countries they visit.

The duo also encounter unexpected obstacles, like charging their electric motorcycles in remote locations with limited infrastructure, which adds an extra layer of adventure to their trip.

25. Booze Traveler

Booze Traveler was a popular Travel Channel television series from 2014 to 2018. Its host was the effervescent Jack Maxwell – a well-known Boston-born actor and television personality.

Each episode featured Maxwell embarking on a worldwide adventure to learn about different cultures through their alcoholic beverages and drinking customs.

The series took viewers to various destinations, including Mexico, India, Japan, Italy, and South Africa.

In each place, Maxwell immersed himself in local customs, tried traditional drinks and interacted with the locals to understand the importance of alcohol in their culture better.

In doing this, he often tried unique and sometimes unusual alcoholic drinks, such as snake wine in Vietnam and fermented mare’s milk in Mongolia.

Overall, the show explored the cultural and historical significance of alcohol, revealing how it has shaped societies and brought people together.

Sadly, the show was not renewed for a fifth series because Maxwell was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma while filming the last few episodes of this travel series.

26. Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby

Considered one of the best travel TV series out of the UK, Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby debuted in 2017 and quickly became popular amongst those who aspire to the finer things in life.

Giles Coren, a British food and travel writer and Monica Galetti, a renowned chef and restaurant critic, host the show.

The series explores some of the world’s most unique and luxurious hotels, delving beyond their opulent lobbies to uncover the behind-the-scenes operations and extraordinary experiences they offer.

In each episode, Coren and Galetti visit a different exceptional hotel, often located in stunning and remote locations.

They meet with the staff, from chefs to concierges, to understand the craftsmanship, innovation and dedication required to maintain these extraordinary establishments.

The show highlights the environmental and sustainability efforts of these hotels where possible.

Over the years, Amazing Hotels has featured various destinations, including the Fogo Island Inn in Canada, the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, the Giraffe Manor in Kenya and the Treehotel in Sweden.

27. Iain Robertson Rambles

If you watch Iain Robertson Rambles , you’ll see one of the most fascinating documentary travel TV shows ever.

As its name suggests, this captivating series is hosted by Iain Robertson, a Scottish presenter and broadcaster widely recognised for his love for nature and the outdoors.

The show focuses on Robertson’s expeditions through some of Scotland’s most picturesque and remote terrains and the UK.

During each episode, viewers accompany Robertson on his long walks and hikes across breathtaking landscapes.

The show offers a unique blend of travelogue, natural history, and personal storytelling.

Robertson’s passion for the outdoors and his knowledge of wildlife and environmental conservation are central to the series.

Throughout the series, Iain Robertson explores various destinations in Scotland and the UK, including the rugged Highlands , the serene islands of the Hebrides, and the lush woodlands of Wales.

Whilst watching him do this, viewers feel like they are alongside him – trekking through the picturesque landscapes he explores.

28. The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan

If you are looking for funny travel shows, look no further than The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan .

The show, a travel documentary series starring the British comedian, first aired in 2018.

It follows Romesh as he embarks on journeys to various destinations worldwide, often focusing on places considered off the beaten path or challenging for tourists.

Throughout the series, Romesh immerses himself in the local cultures and traditions of the places he visits.

He often seeks unique and authentic experiences, interacting with locals and trying his hand at their customs and activities.

Some places he visits include Ethiopia, Haiti, Albania, Zimbabwe, Mongolia, and Bosnia – locations known for their rich history, distinctive cultures, and, in some cases, reputations for being less frequented by mainstream travellers.

As Romesh offers humorous and self-deprecating commentary while navigating unfamiliar and sometimes challenging situations, the show provides a fresh perspective on travel.

His witty observations and genuine reactions to the places he goes to make for entertaining viewing. 

29. Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown

Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown is one of several TV travel shows that hit our screens from the Travel Channel.

The show ran from 2004 to 2006 and was hosted by the American television personality and travel expert known for her engaging and relatable approach to travel.

In the series, Samantha Brown explores various European destinations, providing viewers with insider tips, cultural insights and travel recommendations.

She regularly immersed herself in the local culture, trying regional foods, experiencing traditions, and interacting with locals.

Some of the destinations she went to included Paris, Rome, Venice, London, Vienna and Barcelona.

The show captures each location’s iconic landmarks, historical sites and vibrant neighbourhoods while highlighting their unique charms during her visits.

It was known for dishing out practical travel advice and inspirational exploration of European cities and cultures.

It encouraged viewers to embrace the adventure of travel and discover the beauty and diversity of Europe’s many destinations.

30. Globe Trekker

One of the longest-running TV travel shows was the incomparable Globe Trekker , which aired for 17 seasons and well over 200 episodes from 1994 to 2010.

The show features trekkers who embark on journeys to destinations worldwide, providing viewers with insights into different cultures, traditions and experiences.

Over the years, it has had a rotating cast of hosts, including Ian Wright, Megan McCormick, Zay Harding and one Bradley Cooper – who went on to achieve international fame as a Hollywood superstar.

These hosts have travelled to various destinations around the globe from the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru and the vibrant markets of Marrakech in Morocco to the serene landscapes of New Zealand and the untouched beauty of Bora Bora.

The show’s format combines travelogue-style storytelling with practical travel tips, making it entertaining and informative for viewers interested in exploring the world.

31. Conan Without Borders

For those wanting the best travel shows streaming right now, it’s hard to go past Conan Without Borders.

Hosted by the famous comedian and talk show, the show debuted in 2015.

It featured Conan travelling to various international destinations, often to engage with local cultures, traditions and humour.

Celebrity guests, friends, and local personalities join Conan O’Brien in exploring the destinations throughout the series – including former First Lady Michelle Obama, actor Jack Black and comedian Jordan Schlansky.

The show has taken viewers on hilarious and insightful journeys to destinations like Cuba, Mexico, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Italy and Ghana.

It typically blends travelogue-style segments with Conan’s trademark comedic sketches and interviews.

While watching his attempts to immerse himself in cultural practices (such as learning traditional dances or trying regional cuisine), Conan presents us with his comedic take on each destination’s unique quirks and idiosyncrasies.

In doing so, the show entertains and fosters a sense of global connection and curiosity.

32. Tales by Light

Combining breathtaking imagery, storytelling, and a profound appreciation for the planet’s wonders, Tales by Light is a must-watch travel TV series for photography enthusiasts and anyone interested in the world’s most extraordinary and untamed places.

The show is a documentary television series that delves into the world of photography and the experiences of renowned photographers as they capture compelling images from around the globe.

It explores the stories behind these captivating photographs and the photographers’ journeys to catch them.

The series has featured various acclaimed photographers, including Art Wolfe, Darren Jew and Krystle Wright, who each provide insights into their unique approach to photography. 

They usually travel to remote and exotic destinations – including the Amazon Rainforest, Antarctica, Papua New Guinea, India and the Arctic Circle – often pursuing wildlife, nature and indigenous cultures.

Overall, the show provides viewers with a visually stunning and educational experience, showcasing the photographers’ dedication to their craft and deep respect for the natural world.

33. Ed Stafford: Into the Unknown

If you have yet to see it, Ed Stafford: Into the Unknown is one of the most compelling travel-related shows you can watch.

Hosted by British adventurer and explorer Ed Stafford – known for being the first person to walk the entire length of the Amazon River – the show illustrates the spirit of human exploration and resilience.

It highlights the former British army captain’s quest for adventure by journeying to some of the world’s most remote and challenging locations.

Throughout the series, Ed Stafford travels solo to destinations like Venezuela, Mongolia, Ethiopia and Peru. He has close encounters with grizzly bears in Alaska and tracking elusive snow leopards in Mongolia.

In every episode, Stafford immerses himself in the local culture and landscapes, often relying on his survival skills to navigate the wild and unfamiliar terrains.

The show combines elements of exploration, adventure and survival as Stafford pushes himself to his physical and mental limits.

34. Expedition Unknown

Expedition Unknown, a popular adventure and travel documentary television series, premiered on the Travel Channel in 2015.

The show’s presenter is Josh Gates, an explorer and adventurer who takes viewers on a quest to uncover mysteries, legends, and secrets from around the world.

During the series, Gates travels to a wide range of famous and obscure destinations to investigate historical enigmas, treasure hunts, and unsolved mysteries.

He often collaborates with experts, historians, and local guides to gather clues and solve puzzles related to each episode’s theme.

Some places he visits include Egypt, South America, and the Caribbean, where he seeks hidden treasures and solves perplexing mysteries.

His adventures involve investigating Amelia Earhart’s disappearance, searching for Atlantis, and pursuing the elusive Yeti in the Himalayas.

Ultimately, the show is known for its blend of adventure, history and exploration, making it entertaining for viewers interested in the thrill of discovery and the fascination of uncovering the world’s hidden secrets.

How to watch travel TV shows?

There are many places where you can find travel TV shows, but these would be the best places to start! I use all of them and love them! They are very complementary!

You can create an account and start watching Netflix here. This is where you will find most of the shows about travel.

Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video comes with your prime subscription. There are many things to watch on Prime and it’s very good value. You can get a free trial for Amazon Prime Video here.

BBC iplayer

BBC offers some of the best UK travel shows including Race Across the World and The Americas with Simon Reeve.

ITV channel

ITV Channel offers some amazing TV shows such as the Bradley Walsh one or Gordon, Gino and Fred Road Trip. You can get a free trial for ITV here.

Disney + / Hulu

Although these are no TV shows, I’d recommend you to watch some Disney movies . Loads of them are perfect to discover new places.

We don’t always realise it but they are very good to embed yourself into a foreign culture.

For example:

• France: Aristocats
• UK: Mary Poppins
• China: Mulan

I thought I’d put it in there as clearly, Disney is always a good idea !

Channel 4 is a free-to-air television channel in the UK. You can go to their websites and watch everything for free.

There are some ads but they are pretty short.

I hope you will enjoy these amazing travel shows! If you have any recommendations, please share them in the comments as I would love to discover more myself!

You may also be interested in:

• Best books about France and the French
• Harry Potter Things to do in NYC
• Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the USA
• Magical Emily In Paris Filming Locations you can actually visit in France

Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England

The 9 Best Travel Documentary Series Worth Watching

I love travelling and I love watching documentaries so put the two together and it’s a match made in heaven. I can be transported away from the comfort of my living room and see places that I hope I will be able to travel to one day! If you want to do the same then carry on reading to discover my best travel documentary series worth watching (and if there’s any others that you’d suggest I watch next, please let me know in the comments!).

The best travel documentary series I would recommend

Dark Tourist – Netflix

I had to include a Dark Tourist review as I love that this series is a new take on travel – it explores the premise of dark tourism, visiting places that are associated with death and/or tragedy (although strangely the theme tune is quite upbeat!). My favourite episode is the one in Japan, where David Ferrier visits areas with high radiation following the Fukushima nuclear disaster, as well as Aokigahara Forest which is a well-documented suicide spot, and the abandoned Hashima Island (pictured above). The whole episode is intriguing and eerie, and the rest of the series is very interesting too. I really enjoyed it and David Ferrier is very likeable, so I can only hope for a Dark Tourist season 2.

Travel Man – Channel 4

What I like about this series is that it focuses on spending 48 hours in a city, so it’s quite fast paced and gives you an oversight of the best things to do if you have a limited amount of time in a location. Richard Ayoade is rather quirky and a bit awkward, and it’s funny watching him interact with a different celebrity guest on each episode. There are 9 series so far and there’s lots of episodes I am yet to see, however all of the episodes I have seen have been based in European cities. I think that is why I enjoy it as I find it quite relatable, I’ve been on several short breaks away in Europe and I like to do my research and get inspiration of places to go in advance, and this gives some great ideas.

Cruising with Jane McDonald – Channel 5

My parents and I love to watch Jane McDonald – she has such a fun and warm personality and some of her reactions to things make us all laugh. In fact we love watching her so much that my Dad will regularly text me to tell me when an episode is about to start! She has made a lot of different programmes, but in my opinion the best travel documentary series by her is Cruising with Jane McDonald. Not only do you get to see all the amazing destinations she goes to, but you get to tour around the different cruise ships as well. I have only been on a cruise ship once, but it was an experience I will never forget. She goes on cruises all over the world, so there’s destinations to suit every viewer’s interests. I recently read that she had left the series but that lockdown has made her re-evaluate and that she will now be making them again – hoping that’s true!

Joanna Lumley’s Japan – ITV / Amazon Prime

Joanna has done a range of different travel series, however I enjoyed Japan the most as it has always been somewhere that has interested me (probably why I loved the Dark Tourist episode on Japan so much too) and she shows rural Japan, not just the well-known places like Tokyo. For me the main draw with her programmes is how she comes across – her soft spoken manner, the way she can romantisise anything – she just seems like a delight to meet and I find her quite mesmorising! Sadly I don’t think this is available on the ITV Hub (some of her other series definitely are though), it is on Amazon now but that does involve paying for it if you’re not a Prime subscriber.

Travels with my Father – Netflix

One of my favourite Netflix series, this sees comedian Jack Whitehall and his dad Michael travel to various places around the world. I was a fan of Jack anyway but I love watching the father and son dynamic between them, and there are lots of laugh out loud moments. There was one episode in Las Vegas which will always stay with me though, where Jack and his dad have a heart to heart and he says to his dad “home is wherever you are” – cue emotional crying from me. Series 4 got released a few weeks ago and has gone straight on my must-watch list (I would have started it sooner but I’m halfway through about four different programmes right now!). Travels with my Father is the perfect mixture of a travel documentary series with comedy and heartfelt family moments thrown in.

Gordon, Gino, and Fred: Road Trip – ITV

For anyone who hasn’t heard of this previously, there are two series so far where chefs Gordon Ramsay and Gino D’Acampo, and French maître d’hôtel, Fred Sirieix, go on road trips together. They all have such different personalities yet somehow make the best of friends and have lots of funny moments. In the first series they go to their home countries of Italy, France and Scotland, and in the second series they go to Mexico and the US. A third series was due this year but has been postponed due to Covid. As they all have jobs related to cooking and hospitality, there is a big focus on them trying out food and drink as well as cooking themselves, so it is a great choice for foodies who like to explore the local cuisines of the places they travel to.

An Idiot Abroad – Sky One / Amazon Prime

These series are quite old now (2010-2012) but are still some of the funniest things I’ve ever watched so I had to include them in my best travel documentary series list. I think at some points I even cried from laughter as I just adore Karl Pilkington and his dry sense of humour so much! They originally aired on Sky, but I think are only available on Amazon now. Series 1 focuses on the seven wonders of the world, Series 2 is about bucket list activities, and Series 3 ‘The Short Way Round’ sees him travelling with Warwick Davis. You get to see lots of well-known destinations, but the uniqueness of An Idiot Abroad is him sharing his blunt opinions, often with a deadpan expression. He has some hilarious catch-ups with Ricky Gervais on the phone too, and all in all, I would just recommend watching anything that features Karl Pilkington!

The Kindness Diaries – Netflix

I have only seen Season 2 of this which starts with Leon Logothetis in Alaska, who has no money and no food, only a VW Beetle. He wants to prove kindness can change the world, by travelling all the way to Argentina with only help from strangers along the way. He also picks someone in each episode who has touched his heart, and rewards them in some way. It is heartwarming to see evidence that there are still nice people in the world, when there is so much negativity. There is definitely more of a focus on human interaction in this, than the actual travel destinations themselves, but it is a good pick-me-up for days when you feel like the human race is doomed.

Down to Earth – Netflix

This series follows Zac Efron and his friend Darin Olien around the world to check out various sustainability initiatives, as well as sustainable restaurants. When I first started watching the series I thought it was a general travel show, but I loved that it had a big focus on sustainability and it opened my eyes to a lot of initiatives around the world that I didn’t know about. I was so interested by it I wrote a blog post about it which gives you more of an idea of what the series covers, if it sounds like it would be of interest! There has since been another season of Down to Earth, set solely in Australia.

Sophie is a Content & Social Media Manager, and the Founder of Britain and Beyond.

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10 of the best travel documentary films

These documentaries offer journeys of discovery from Antarctica and the Himalayas to Borneo, the Amazon – and even Woodstock in 1969

Do you like mountains, classical music and Willem Dafoe? You’re in luck. This 2017 doc is narrated by the actor and features music by, among others, Vivaldi and Beethoven – performed by the Australian Chamber Orchestra. Jennifer Peedom (Sherpa) directs footage from many locations, much of it captured by mountaineer and photographer Renan Ozturk. In a departure from the typical information-heavy documentary, the meditative script ponders on our relationship with heights and risk – vertigo sufferers will be clinging to the edge of the sofa. Rated PG, on Netflix, Google Play, YouTube

Faces Places

The late, great director Agnès Varda teamed up with street artist and photographer JR for this 2017 arty trip through their home country, France. This isn’t the country’s touristy side, though, and is all the more fascinating for it. The pair travel to small towns and deprived industrial areas, taking pictures of working people and turning the results into murals on the sides of buildings. Their work and their conversations bring a sense of creativity to the communities, and showcase the quiet beauty and dignity found in corners that sometimes get missed. Rated 12, available on Netflix, Rakuten TV, Google Play, iTunes

Encounters at the End of the World

German feature film director Werner Herzog has also made many a strong travel-doc and this one, from 2007, is among his finest. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that the word “encounters” summons thoughts of aliens: the Antarctica footage has an otherworldly quality, as his cinematographer, Peter Zeitlinger, captures remarkable creatures living under the surface of the ice As he does, Herzog is getting to know the equally fascinating people living above it. This is no “fluffy penguin” doc, as his narration states. Rated U, on iTunes (99p), Google Play, YouTube

Salt of the Earth

Brazilian photojournalist Sebastião Salgado spent 40 years documenting groups of people in lesser-known corners of South America, Africa and central Europe, and the results are compelling. This Oscar-nominated 2014 documentary sees Salgado talking about his life and work, sharing the stories behind his monochrome stills, as well as captivating nature footage. The way he captures pain and suffering means this is not always an easy watch, but it’s a richly rewarding one. Rated 12, on Amazon, Google Play, YouTube

Here’s a good one for all the family, to watch on a large screen if you have one. Directed by photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Home (made in 2009) features extraordinary aerial nature footage from 54 countries – from tumbling waterfalls to rich green forests to herds of deer. The narration from Glenn Close veers towards the patronising but has a strong message about biodiversity. Bertrand made the film widely available for free in order to reach as large an audience as possible. Rated U, on Amazon Prime, YouTube and more

With summer festivals around the world either cancelled or postponed, here’s the chance to take a trip to the most famous of them all. This epic, Oscar-winning documentary checks in on performers, hippies, skinny-dippers, fence jumpers and even nuns enjoying the ground-breaking music fest in Bethel, New York state, in August 1969. Opening with Richie Havens and closing with Jimi Hendrix, it captures a significant moment in counterculture history. A party in a movie. Rated 15 (UK, US rated R), on iTunes, Sky Store

Tawai: A Voice from the Forest

Visit tribes in Borneo and the Amazon with explorer Bruce Parry, who shares travel footage in this self-directed film. Parry zeros in on hunter-gatherers in the hope he can learn something from their way of life, and seeks the opinion of experts on the topics raised. Tawai throws up more ideas than it can answer, but the questions about connection and learning from our environment have never felt more timely. Rated U, on Rakuten TV, BFI Player, Sky Store, iTunes, YouTube, Microsoft Store

March of the Penguins

Any time is a great time to revisit this cuddly classic filmed in Antarctica – but now seems particularly good. Morgan Freeman narrates the story of a year in the life of the Emperor penguins, who waddle across glorious but perilous icy landscapes on an annual trek for mating season. Anthropomorphism at its finest. Rated U, on Chill, Google Play, iTunes, YouTube, Microsoft Store

Children of the Snow Land

This multi award-winning film follows young people making a long and emotional trek back to their homes in the mountain villages of the Himalayas. Sent away to school in Kathmandu as children, they’ve spent more than 10 years away from their parents, who lead simple lives in jaw-dropping surroundings. The reunion is an eye-opener to all. Rated PG, on Curzon Home Cinema

Life In A Day

There’s something especially poignant about watching this collection of films made by people all over the world, on the same day: 24 July 2010. What do you love? What do you fear? What’s in your pocket?’ Director Kevin Macdonald posed these three questions on YouTube and, with his team, sifted through more than 81,000 contributions to create a frank, moving snapshot of life in countries all over the world. Rated 12, on YouTube

Anna Smith is a film critic and host of the podcast Girls On Film

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An Idiot Abroad

British comedy duo Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant send their simple and closed-minded friend Karl Pilkington on a trip around the world to experience a variety of people and cultures. British comedy duo Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant send their simple and closed-minded friend Karl Pilkington on a trip around the world to experience a variety of people and cultures. British comedy duo Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant send their simple and closed-minded friend Karl Pilkington on a trip around the world to experience a variety of people and cultures.

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• 58 User reviews
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Ricky Gervais - Executive Producer : Nothing is funnier than Karl in a corner being poked by a stick. I am that stick.

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9 Must Watch Travel Documentaries On YouTube (That Are Free)

March 15, 2020 By Thither Staff Leave a Comment

What do you do when you can’t travel?

You watch travel documentaries.

Thanks to the internet, YouTube specifically, there are thousands, if not millions of documentaries to watch. The documentaries in this list are inspiring, enlightening, and some even a bit scary.

High quality travel documentaries on YouTube can be difficult to find (many aren’t worth the hour of your life), but after sifting through the related videos of related videos of related videos, I’ve come up with this list of 9 must watch travel documentaries – and the best part is they are all free:

1. Meet The Stans: Kazakstan and Kyrgyzstan

Watch on YouTube .

In this documentary, part of a 4 episode series , the BBC’s Simon Reeve visits Kazakstan and Kyrgyzstan. The documentary sheds a light on a region of the world often overlooked. Simon experiences the cultures of the countries and shows viewers sights not often covered by the media.

Also, Simon Reeve is a skillful and always entertaining presenter. He’s an adventurer, has traveled to something like 120 countries, makes a lot of travel documentaries for the BBC, and even wrote a book about Osama bin Laden pre 9/11 . What a legend.

This series was released in the UK around 2003, so it’s slightly outdated, but still very fascinating.

2. Meet The Stans: Uzbekistan and Tajikistan

Watch on YouTube.

Meet The Stans: Uzbekistan and Tajikistan is the second part of the Meet the Stans series. It’s just as good as the Kazakstan and Kyrgyzstan part, if not better.

3. Life In A Day

Watch the trailer .

Watch the full documentary on YouTube .

Life In A Day is National Geographic movie/documentary produced by Ridley Scott and directed by Kevin Macdonald. I can’t do a better job than the original, so here’s how National Geographic describes Life In A Day :

Oscar-winning film director Kevin Macdonald’s Life in a Day was born out of a unique partnership between Ridley Scott’s Scott Free UK and YouTube. The film is a user-generated, feature-length documentary shot on a single day—July 24, 2010. Enlisted to capture a moment of the day on camera, the global community responded by submitting more than 80,000 videos to YouTube. The videos contained over 4,500 hours of deeply personal, powerful moments shot by contributors from Australia to Zambia, and from the heart of bustling major cities to some of the most remote places on Earth.

4. Steven Fry in America

Watch the documentary on YouTube .

I hadn’t watched or read any of Stephen Fry’s content until this documentary, even though he’s famous – 12 million followers famous . Stephen Fry in America  is a 6 episode series by the BBC covering Stephen Fry’s adventures on this side of the Atlantic. Fry travels in a London cab, visiting all 50 states. The episode above takes place in 2008 and was the first in the series. In it Fry visits New England, goes to a primary event with Mitt Romney and also meets Jimmy Wales, the co-founder of Wikipedia.

5. Holy Land: Startup Nations

Watch the documentary on Wired.co.uk .

This isn’t exactly a ‘travel documentary’, but it provides a very interesting view of the Middle East and start up culture. Wired frequently puts out video content on all sorts of topics.

6. Shenzhen: The Silicon Valley of Hardware

Once again, this isn’t exactly a travel documentary, but Wired makes some really great documentaries, so I had to add this. China is a really interesting place, and this documentary highlights Shenzhen and how it is the hub of all hardware.

7. First Time In Africa: Ep 1 – Backpacking in South Africa & Namibia

YouTuber and world traveler, Karl Watson created this insightful travel documentary, depicting his adventures in South Africa and Namibia. The documentary gives you a personal view of a tour around the southern region of Africa and really highlights Africa’s natural beauty. Like the Wired documentaries, Karl Watson also puts out new videos frequently.

8. Rick Steves’ Europe: Istanbul

While most of Rick Steves’ videos are more catered to my parent’s generation I found this full episode of Rick Steves’ Europe  on Istanbul is quite interesting. But first, is Istanbul even in Europe? Watch the video to find out.

Note : If you’re a Rick Steves’ fan, you can find a ton of his videos on YouTube if you do a bit of searching.

9. Inside North Korea, Vice

Watch episode 1 of this documentary on YouTube . Also, here’s episode 2 and episode 3 .

Vice puts out a lot of weird, interesting content, and Inside North Korea fits perfectly in that mold. This documentary gives a behind the curtain account of the Hermit Kingdom.

What are your favorite travel documentaries? Leave a comment below. Top photo credit: Death to Stock

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The Funniest Documentaries Of All Time

Vote up the funniest documentaries in history.

What is the funniest documentary of all time? The funniest documentary films or docuseries offer strong narrative arcs, memorable characters, and emotional payoffs that stick with you long after they're over. Funny docs focus on a variety of subjects and share hilarious stories. Some funny docus are about stand-up comedy and the industry, while others are just about the blunt nature of everyday life. So, what are the funniest documentaries of all time? What funny documentaries should you watch first?

When it comes to the funniest documentary movies ever,  The Aristocrats is up there with the best of them. The film features a number of comedians telling the same joke over and over again in new and amusing ways. Then there are funny doc films like Too Funny to Fail, Comedian,  and  American Movie which are some of the funniest movies of our time. A lot of these funny documentary films cover comedy off the stage, such as I Need You To Kill, I Am Road Comic, and The Unbookables.

Vote up the funniest documentaries of all time, and be sure to check back for new funny docs as they are added to the list upon release.

Zombie Girl: The Movie

Dumb: The Story of Big Brother Magazine

The Aristocrats

American Movie

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The Super Bob Einstein Movie

Dreams with Sharp Teeth

Too Funny to Fail

Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind

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Dave Chappelle's Block Party

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Winnebago Man

The Gold Spinners

The Gold Spinners is a story about the birth, glory, and disappearance of a peculiar, invisible, and mighty business empire - the film studio Eesti Reklaamfilm, the only company producing commercials in the Soviet Union.

Bowling for Columbine

• # 56 of 152 on The Best Movies of 2002
• # 33 of 277 on The Greatest Documentaries of All Time
• # 96 of 165 on The Best Political Films Of All Time

Where in the World Is Osama Bin Laden?

• # 66 of 277 on The Greatest Documentaries of All Time
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• # 52 of 63 on The 60+ Best Movies About Cults

Three Identical Strangers

• # 36 of 277 on The Greatest Documentaries of All Time
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Anvil! The Story of Anvil

Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychadelics

Super Size Me

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Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond

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You Cannot Kill David Arquette

The Truffle Hunters

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Funny documentaries: the 10 funniest documentaries of all time.

Why do we love funny documentaries? It may be because real life is weirder than fiction and sometimes real life is funnier too if only because as viewers we’re tempted to think “oh my god, this is actually happening!” The humor in these films often comes from the unexpected. Whether they’re discoveries of all kinds, funny narration and juxtapositions, people tripping over themselves on their way to accomplish something, or just the sheer silliness of a situation, these films are quite funny indeed. Another reason why these are humorous documentary films is that oftentimes we expect nonfiction to be serious or boring and so when a doc is funny it can surprise us in a uniquely tickling way.

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10 Best Documentaries About Italy (For 2024)

• by Jonny Duncan
• January 8, 2024 January 13, 2024

These documentaries about Italy show a land of timeless beauty, rich history, and exquisite culture, which has long captivated the imagination of travellers and history enthusiasts alike.

From the iconic art of Florence to the culinary delights of Rome, and the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the charming villages of the Amalfi Coast, Italy’s diverse and multifaceted allure is a subject that continues to inspire filmmakers and documentarians.

Whether you are a lover of art, history, cuisine, or simply the sheer beauty of the Italian landscape, numerous documentaries transport you to this enchanting Mediterranean nation.

Documentaries About Italy

In this collection of documentaries about Italy, you’ll see its vibrant cities, picturesque countryside, and deep cultural heritage.

Explore the stories, traditions, and treasures that make Italy a timeless and endlessly fascinating destination.

The Truffle Hunters (2020)

The Truffle Hunters is a documentary film that explores the world of truffle hunting in the forests of Northern Italy. The documentary focuses on a group of elderly men and their specially trained dogs who search for the elusive and highly valuable Alba truffle in the forests of Piedmont, Italy.

These truffles are highly prized in the culinary world and can fetch high prices. The hunters are portrayed as a secretive and close-knit community, passing down their knowledge from generation to generation.

One of the standout features of the documentary is its stunning cinematography. The filmmakers capture the beauty of the Italian landscapes and the intimate moments of the truffle hunters’ lives with a poetic and visually captivating style.

The documentary delves into the cultural significance of truffle hunting in the region and the culinary world’s fascination with these rare fungi. It provides a glimpse into the intricate and sometimes clandestine world of truffle dealing.

A significant aspect of the documentary is the bond between the truffle hunters and their dogs. The specially trained dogs play a crucial role in locating truffles, and the film highlights the deep connection between the hunters and their canine companions.

This is one of the best documentaries about Italy to watch and is a favourite of mine.

Watch the full documentary here at Amazon:

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (2021)

Hosted by chef and TV personality Stanley Tucci, this documentary series delves into the culinary traditions of various Italian regions, offering a mouthwatering exploration of Italian cuisine.

In each episode, Stanley Tucci travels to a different part of Italy to delve into the local cuisine, traditions, and ingredients. He meets with local chefs, farmers, and food artisans to learn about the unique dishes and flavours of the region.

The show also touches on the history and culture of Italy, as food is deeply intertwined with the country’s heritage. This is my current favourite of these documentaries about Italy. Be warned. it will make you hungry!

Barolo Boys: The Story of a Revolution (2014)

Explore the world of Italian winemaking in this documentary, which follows a group of winemakers who played a pivotal role in transforming the reputation of Barolo wine.

Barolo is a famous Italian red wine made from the Nebbiolo grape variety and is produced in the Barolo region of Piedmont, Italy. Traditionally, Barolo was made using traditional methods, with long ageing in large oak barrels.

However, in the 1980s and 1990s, a new generation of winemakers, the “Barolo Boys,” challenged these traditions and introduced modern winemaking techniques.

They experimented with smaller oak barrels, shorter ageing periods, and other innovations, which led to a significant shift in the style and perception of Barolo wine.

Watch the full documentary on Amazon:

Italy Unpacked (2013 Onwards)

Italy Unpacked explores the diverse culinary and cultural landscapes of Italy. The series is hosted by two presenters: chef Giorgio Locatelli and art critic Andrew Graham-Dixon.

The show typically combines elements of travel, food, and art, offering viewers a multifaceted experience. Giorgio Locatelli, as a chef, shares his expertise in Italian cuisine, highlighting regional specialities, local ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques.

Andrew Graham-Dixon, as an art critic, explores the art, history, and cultural significance of each region, providing insights into the artistic heritage of Italy.

Throughout the series, the hosts meet with local chefs, farmers, artisans, and other experts to showcase the authenticity and diversity of Italian food and culture.

Italy Unpacked has multiple seasons, and each season focuses on a specific region or set of regions within Italy.

You can watch all of these episodes for free on YouTube, although at low quality.

James May: Our Man in Italy (2020)

This is a travel documentary series hosted by British television presenter and journalist James May.

Throughout the series, James travels through Italy, from the northern regions down to the southern tip of the country. He delves into Italy’s rich and diverse culinary traditions, art, history, and lifestyle.

James May’s distinctive and often humorous approach to storytelling is a central part of the show’s appeal.

It combines travel, history, and food as it takes you on a tour of Italy’s cities, countryside, and coastal areas. May’s adventures include participating in local traditions, meeting with artisans and experts, and trying regional dishes.

This is one of the most entertaining ones of these documentaries about Italy.

Watch the documentary series here on Amazon:

The Mafia’s Secret Bunkers (2014)

This documentary reveals the hidden bunkers and underground tunnels used by the Mafia in Southern Italy, shedding light on the organization’s history and activities.

In this documentary, viewers are taken on a journey to uncover the clandestine world of the Mafia’s secret bunkers, which were used for a range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, weapons storage, and as hideouts for Mafia members on the run.

These bunkers were often well-hidden, sophisticated, and equipped with all the necessities to sustain the criminal operations of the Mafia.

The documentary explores the history of the Italian Mafia, its organizational structure, and the role of these bunkers in its criminal activities.

Florence and the Uffizi Gallery 3D/4K (2015)

A visually stunning documentary that provides a 3D and 4K tour of Florence and its famous Uffizi Gallery.

It combines breathtaking aerial shots of Florence’s historic landmarks, such as the Florence Cathedral (Duomo), Ponte Vecchio, and the city’s picturesque streets, with a tour of the Uffizi Gallery’s world-class art collection.

The Uffizi Gallery is famous for its extensive collection of Renaissance art, including works by Italian masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, and many others.

The film takes you on a journey through the gallery’s halls and showcases some of its most iconic artworks, allowing for a close-up and immersive experience of these masterpieces.

Italy’s Invisible Cities (2017)

Italy’s Invisible Cities series is produced by BBC and National Geographic and is hosted by Alexander Armstrong.

It explores some of Italy’s most famous cities from a unique perspective, focusing on the hidden history, engineering marvels, and lesser-known aspects of these urban centres.

The series takes viewers on a journey through three iconic Italian cities: Florence, Venice, and Naples. Each episode delves into the history, culture, and architecture of these cities, with a particular emphasis on the hidden and lesser-explored aspects that make them fascinating.

You can learn about the construction and engineering feats that shaped these cities, discover the secrets of their underground tunnels and catacombs, and gain insight into the historical figures who played pivotal roles in their development.

Watch the series on Amazon:

Rick Steves Italy

Rick Steves has produced several television series and episodes dedicated to exploring Italy. These television programs provide you with a visual and educational tour of Italy’s cities, regions, and cultural attractions, along with practical travel advice.

Rick Steves’ Europe: This is Rick Steves’ long-running television series that covers travel throughout Europe, including Italy. Within this series, there are multiple episodes dedicated specifically to Italy. Rick Steves visits various Italian destinations, offering insights into their history, culture, art, and cuisine.

Rick Steves’ Italy : In this television special, Rick Steves explores Italy’s most iconic cities and regions. He takes viewers on a journey to places like Rome, Florence, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast. The special provides travel tips, historical context, and cultural experiences.

These television programs are designed to educate and inspire travellers, offering practical information and cultural insights to enhance the travel experience in Italy.

These travel documentaries about Italy are generally short, coming in at around 25 minutes each, and you can find many of them to watch for free on YouTube.

Wild Italy – From The Alps to Tuscany

This is a good full documentary to watch on YouTube that shows some of the wildlife of the northern part of the country.

If you want to watch something about some of Italy’s wildlife and natural areas then this is one of the best documentaries about Italy for you.

One extra for some in-depth history of Italy…

History of Italy (2023)

This is a good documentary showing the overall history of the country. It’s one of the newer documentaries about Italy on this list.

Many of the other documentaries listed here delve into specific parts of Italy but this one gives you a history of the whole country.

It is a “made for YouTube” video but don’t let that put you off, it’s a great introduction to the history of Italy.

These documentaries offer a diverse and captivating look at Italy’s history, culture, art, and society, making them a great way to explore the country from the comfort of your own home.

Keeping with the Italy theme, have a look at the 10 best documentaries about Rome .

Also, 10 of the best movies about Sicily .

And for more from the region take a look at the 10 best documentaries about Greece .

If you’re planning a trip to Italy you can find hotels in Rome here .

For a good overall guide to the country, this is one of the best to get: Rick Steves Italy .

For more on Italy take a look at the best things to do in Florence .

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Critic’s Notebook

4 Documentaries That Explore How Families Cope With Dementia

In “Little Empty Boxes” and other films, the heartbreak of memory loss is intertwined with deeper cultural implications.

By Alissa Wilkinson

When his creative, funny, independent mother, Kathy, began to exhibit signs of dementia, the writer Max Lugavere moved cross-country and picked up a camera to start documenting his journey to figure out how to help her. The result is “ Little Empty Boxes, ” a new documentary that’s strongest when it chronicles their relationship. Kathy’s memories of Max’s upbringing and his desire to be close to her bring them both a strange comfort. (She passed away in 2019.) The rest of the film — notably interviews with researchers studying links between nutrition, exercise and brain health — is uneven. Its visual language ranges from traditional, brightly lit talking heads to an observational approach, which can provoke whiplash for the viewer.

But “Little Empty Boxes,” directed by Lugavere and Chris Newhard, made me think about other powerful documentaries that chronicle walking through memory loss with a loved one. The experience can be tremendously painful, with family and friends feeling helpless; watching a film about it can in turn be both gut-wrenching and cathartic.

One of the best recent movies about memory loss — nominated for an Oscar last year — is “ The Eternal Memory ” about the Chilean journalist Augusto Góngora and his wife, the actress Paulina Urrutia. Directed by Maite Alberdi, the film ( streaming on Paramount+ ) weaves Góngora’s slow decline into a broader meditation on cultural memory, and on what we lose as communities when we’re denied the ability to retain those memories — through book bans and state propaganda that whitewashes historical truth. But the broader metaphor doesn’t obscure Góngora and Urrutia’s love story, which is heartwrenchingly beautiful.

Even more harrowing is “ Tell Me Who I Am ” (Netflix) directed by Ed Perkins. Like “Little Empty Boxes,” this 2019 film is more effective when exploring its subjects’ relationship than when it turns journalistic. Alex Lewis was in a motorcycle accident at 18, and when he woke up, he’d lost his memory. His twin brother, Marcus, helped him reconstruct his life, but as the film goes on, Alex — and the audience — realize that Marcus was holding back information about their past, and that revealing it is fraught. The brothers’ trust and love holds the film together.

The most unmissable and life-affirming film of this sort, though, is “ Dick Johnson Is Dead ” (Netflix) from 2020. Dick Johnson is the father of the director Kirsten Johnson; years after losing his wife (Kirsten’s mother) to Alzheimer’s, he begins to exhibit signs of dementia. Facing an uncertain future, Dick and Kirsten work together to humorously and movingly stage different ways he might die, while exploring their relationship and the meaning of love, history and remembrance. It’s a vital, hilarious, gorgeous and truly innovative film, and I can’t think of a better exploration of the bond between a filmmaker and a parent in the face of impending loss.

Alissa Wilkinson is a Times movie critic. She’s been writing about movies since 2005. More about Alissa Wilkinson

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