Traveling Through Movies (Passport Optional)
There are a few irrefutable facts in life. The sky is blue. Climate change is real. It is totally possible to travel the world without ever leaving your house.Wait, what?I’m not kidding!No doubt, if you asked anyone close to me, they would tell you that I love movies. It doesn’t matter how old or what language it’s in. If you tell me that a movie is your all-time favorite film, I’ll likely watch it.My dad made sure I appreciated the classics. I grew up watching Casablanca, Citizen Kane, Gone With The Wind, you name it. My love for complex plots that keep me on my toes comes from him. My mom made sure I appreciated imagination. Disney movies abounded, fairy tales made a home next to the greats. They taught me the value of family, friends, love, and so much more.In all honesty, I’m surprised I didn’t think of this sooner.Today, I want to share with you all how I’ve been traveling lately: movies*Here are some of my favorite movies that transport me to another place.
Christopher Robin (England)
This movie is truly one of my favorites. Growing up loving Winnie the Pooh meant that this movie had me in (happy) tears every couple of minutes. What might be the best thing about this movie is that it was filmed partially in the Ashdown Forest, which was A. A. Milne’s original inspiration for the Hundred Acre Wood! If you’re looking for a trip to the English countryside and a walk down memory lane, what better than watching a childhood favorite come to life?Is this on Netflix: YES 
Extraction (Australia and Bangladesh)
Wow, you guys. Even though this was one of the most cinematically beautiful movies I’ve ever seen, it is VIOLENT. Do not let your children watch this. Chris Hemsworth gives what may be his best performance ever, Joe Russo’s script leaves just enough ambiguity for you to fill in the blanks, and there’s a twelve minute long-take that honestly made me throw my hands in the air. So, like I said, it is beautiful. But maybe grab a drink first.Is this on Netflix: YES (exclusively)
The Italian Job (Italy and Los Angeles)
This is mine and Lyle’s favorite date night movie. I’m not kidding, we’ve watched it twice and I rarely re-watch movies with the same person. It starts in Italy, then moves briefly to Switzerland, before finally settling in Los Angeles. And when I say it’s your classic heist movie, I mean it. Along with an all-star cast and a -- frankly -- flawless plot, you’ll be on the edge of your seat in no time. Is this on Netflix: NO
Call Me By Your Name (Italy)
This one will get you right in the feelings, but it’s absolutely beautiful. Filmed in a few different towns across Northern Italy, the scenery itself feels like a dream. It’s exactly what I picture when I think of the Italian countryside. Oliver and Elio’s love story, though set in the 1980s, transcends time completely. This film pairs well with a couple glasses of wine and a cozy blanket.Is this on Netflix: NO
Good Will Hunting (Boston)
This movie is irrefutably Boston. From the swooping establishing shots to the drab interior of the old Red Line, you never doubt where you are. Although, a fun fact that I love about this film is that only the exterior shots take place in Boston. Anything you see that’s set indoors actually was filmed in Toronto due to financial limitations. Robin Williams and Matt Damon are fantastic, accents and all, and the rest of the cast rounds out the “Bahston” stereotypes perfectly. A poignant take on classism in the late 90’s, get ready to see humanity at its finest and in all forms. Is this on Netflix: NO, but it’s on Hulu!
The Spy Who Dumped Me (Europe)
From Budapest to Berlin and about nine other cities in between, this film sent its cast all over the world. And it shows. Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon get caught up in a spy game that they were never prepared for, taking them all over Europe to try and stay alive. This is definitely a great movie to watch if you need a good laugh. In fact, I might watch it tonight!Is this on Netflix: NO, but it’s on Hulu!
Mamma Mia (Greece)
Filmed on location in Skopelos, this film will make your Greek dreams come true. Plus ABBA?! Come on. In all seriousness, this is such a fun, high energy film that will have you tapping your feet before you even realize you’re doing it. I’ve watched it three or four times now and it’s such a great time!Is this on Netflix: NO, but it’s on Hulu!
(Insert Your Favorite Movies Here!)
That's right, it's your turn! In the comments below, leave me your favorite movies that take you somewhere else :) Let's help each other travel from our couches *Due to pesky copyright infringement laws that I don’t know nearly enough about, I won’t use any movie posters or screengrabs in this post. Each title, however, is hyperlinked to its Amazon counterpart.