Travel Documentaries: Exploring The World Through Film

what are some good travel documentaries

There are many travel documentaries available to watch, from classic films to modern-day series. Whether you're looking for a relaxing watch or an adventurous journey, there is something for everyone. Some popular travel documentaries include The Wonder List with Bill Weir, Somebody Feed Phil, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, and An Idiot Abroad. These shows offer a mix of cultural exploration, humour, and unique experiences. For those seeking a more meditative and informative experience, documentaries such as Mountain narrated by Willem Dafoe, or Encounters at the End of the World by Werner Herzog provide a deeper insight into our relationship with nature and the stories of people living in remote communities.

Characteristics Values
Type of documentary Nature, wildlife, travel, adventure, sports, music, food, biographical, historical, political, social, cultural
Format Film, series, episode
Duration 28 minutes, 1 hour 12 minutes, 1 hour 20 minutes, 1 hour 30 minutes, 1 hour 32 minutes, 1 hour 36 minutes, 1 hour 39 minutes, 1 hour 41 minutes, 2 hours, 7 episodes of 52 minutes each
IMDb rating 6.3, 7.2, 7.3, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8, 8.1, 8.6, 9
Genre Drama, sport, documentary, biography, adventure, thriller, comedy, romance, classical music, non-fiction, non-narrative
Filming locations Antarctica, Chile, Mexico, California, Columbia, Equador, Peru, Pacific, USA, Canada, France, Iceland, Greenland, Alaska, Patagonia, British Columbia, Africa, India, Nepal, Thailand, Brazil, Australia, Ecuador, Panama, French Polynesia, Armenia, New Zealand, Japan, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, London, Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Central America, South East Asia, Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Alaska, Yukon, South America, Western Australia, Denmark, Greenland, Iran, United Kingdom, Ireland, Vietnam, Cyprus, Canada, Indonesia, New Zealand, Austria, Philippines, Costa Rica, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Mongolia
Streaming platforms Netflix, Amazon Prime, iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, Disney+, HBO, Rakuten TV, BFI Player, Sky Store, Chill, Curzon Home Cinema, Vimeo
Notable figures Willem Dafoe, Agnès Varda, JR, Werner Herzog, Sebastião Salgado, Glenn Close, Richie Havens, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Parry, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Macdonald, David Attenborough, Ewan McGregor, Charlie Boorman, Leon Logothetis, Alex Honnold, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, John Chau, Goh Iromoto, Tom Waller, Jillian Schlesinger, Louie Psihoyos, Tyson Sadler, Chris Smith, Sara Dosa, Jeff Orlowski, Anthony Powell, Ron Fricke, Rory Kennedy, Peter Mortimer, Nick Rosen, Marc-André Leclerc, Laura Dekker, Michael Palin, Robert Redford Jr., Jeff, Yvon Chouinard, Doug Tompkins, Duke of Abruzzi, Amit

quartzmountain

Antarctica and the Amazon

Antarctica

Antarctica is a continent of extremes, with brutal weather conditions and vast, untouched wilderness. It is a challenging destination for adventurers and scientists alike, and its remote location makes it an ideal setting for documentaries.

"Encounters at the End of the World" (2007) by German director Werner Herzog captures the continent's otherworldly beauty. Cinematographer Peter Zeitlinger films remarkable creatures living under the ice, while Herzog focuses on the fascinating people living above it. This documentary offers a unique perspective on Antarctica, steering clear of the typical "fluffy penguin" narrative.

"March of the Penguins" is a classic documentary, narrated by Morgan Freeman, that follows Emperor penguins on their annual trek across perilous icy landscapes during mating season. It offers a heartwarming and entertaining look at the challenges these penguins face in one of the planet's harshest environments.

"Expedition Antarctica" provides a different perspective on the continent. It follows a team of scientists cooped up on a research vessel for 50 days, battling fierce storms and personal tragedy as they seek clues about the fate of our planet beneath the icy waters.

"Antarctica" is another documentary series that follows three friends on a brutal 10-day, 70-mile expedition to the South Pole using only skis. They discover the continent's beauty and vastness and learn about the 2041 treaty that holds the key to its future.

The Amazon

The Amazon rainforest, with its lush greenery and diverse wildlife, is a captivating setting for documentaries that explore both nature and human stories.

"Amazona" is a documentary with a unique perspective. It follows filmmaker Clare Weiskopf as she confronts her mother, who left her and her siblings behind to move to the Amazon. The documentary explores the concept of motherhood and what it means to live off the grid in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.

"Tawai: A Voice from the Forest" is an exploration documentary by explorer Bruce Parry. He visits tribes in the Amazon and Borneo, focusing on hunter-gatherers in the hope of learning from their way of life. The film raises timely questions about our connection to and learning from our environment.

Travel Cubes: Do They Really Work?

You may want to see also

quartzmountain

Surfing documentaries

Momentum Generation

This documentary follows a group of teenagers in Hawaii who enter the world of professional competitive surfing in the 1990s and rise to superstardom. It offers a fascinating insight into the lives of young surfers and their journey to the top.

80 Waves

Filmed in HD over five years and in ten locations, 80 Waves showcases huge waves and big-name riders from across the globe. It features surfers and foil-boarders, tow-in surfing, body-boarding, and even underwater footage of a massive great white shark. With a mix of spectacular wipeouts and interviews with pro surfers, 80 Waves will inspire viewers to grab their passports and surfboards and head to the nearest airport.

View from a Blue Moon

The first surf film shot in 4K, View from a Blue Moon follows the world's most dynamic surfer, John Florence, and his friends from his home on the North Shore of Oahu to surfing destinations worldwide. From the perfect blue waves of the South Pacific to the uncharted waters of Africa, Florence faces a range of emotions as he cements his legacy as one of the most gifted surfers.

Distance Between Dreams

This documentary brings to life the most historic year in big-wave surfing through the eyes of iconic surfer Ian Walsh. It captures his physical and mental journey as he pushes the limits of what's considered rideable.

Shorebreak: The Clark Little Story

Shorebreak: The Clark Little Story is a documentary about the life of renowned water photographer Clark Little. It showcases his journey as he captures the world's most dangerous shore breaks around the island of Oahu. The film also provides viewers with insider tips and techniques from Clark himself, who has taken his photos from his living room wall to inside the Smithsonian.

Take Every Wave: The Life of Laird Hamilton

This documentary examines the career and life of Laird Hamilton, a man who has dedicated his life to conquering massive waves and changing the sport of big-wave surfing forever. It provides a unique perspective on the sport and the individuals who are drawn to it.

Bustin' Down the Door

Bustin' Down the Door offers a grittier perspective on surfing in the late 20th century. It follows a group of young Australian and South African surfers as they make their mark on the North Shore in the 1970s, angering the local Hawaiians. The film captures the violent consequences of their actions and the eventual unity between the outsiders and the Hawaiians, paving the way for a world surf circuit.

Andy Irons: Kissed by God

Released in 2017, this documentary tells the story of Andy Irons, one of the greatest surfers of all time. It explores his life, from his early years to his ascent to the top, his rivalries, world titles, and his struggles with drug addiction and mental health issues. It's an emotional and honest portrayal that has moved audiences worldwide.

Endless Summer

Endless Summer is a classic surfing documentary from 1966 that follows two California surfers on their journey across the globe to locate and popularize new swells. Their travels take them to places like Ghana, Nigeria, and New Zealand, showcasing the use of surfing as a form of exploration and cultural connection.

The Ying and Yang of Jerry Lopez

This documentary focuses on the life and impact of surfing legend Jerry Lopez, providing insight into his influence on the North Shore surfing community and his surfing career.

Bra Boys

Set in the early 2000s in a rundown suburb of Sydney, Bra Boys depicts the darker side of surf culture. It tells the story of the Bra Boys, a gang from Maroubra Beach, focusing on the Abberton family and their involvement in a high-profile murder case. The film offers a rare level of access and intimacy due to its director, Sunny Abberton, being the eldest of the three brothers.

One California Day

One California Day takes viewers on a journey along the coast of California, showcasing the rich lineage of stylish and creative surfers from six different regions. It captures the subtle beauty of the surfing experience and celebrates the impact of individuals like Joel Tudor and the Malloy family on contemporary surf culture.

These documentaries provide a mix of stunning visuals, inspiring stories, and a deeper understanding of the world of surfing, its history, and its impact on individuals and communities worldwide.

quartzmountain

Documentaries about animals

Animals are almost always the stars of nature documentaries, and for good reason. They make for memorable characters, with very little acting experience needed. From dolphins using tools to penguin colonies visible from space, animals and their habitats never cease to amaze. Here are some documentaries that focus on the animal kingdom:

Blackfish (2013)

Directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, this documentary provides a raw insight into killer whale entertainment, particularly at SeaWorld. It traces the events and circumstances surrounding the death of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau by Tilikum, the largest orca in captivity. The film captures behind-the-scenes footage and reveals the physical, social, and psychological stresses endured by the animals, as well as the separation of calves from their mothers.

The Cove

An intense look into the dark world of dolphin hunting in Japan, directed by Louie Psihoyos, a former photographer for National Geographic. The film sheds light on the gruesome industry of dolphin meat and the animal abuse that it justifies.

My Octopus Teacher (2020)

The true story of a filmmaker's year-long dedication to learning about the intricate underwater world of the common octopus. While free-diving along a South African coast, Craig Foster encounters a female octopus and develops a friendship with her. He observes her fight for survival, her search for food, and her ability to regrow limbs after battles with ocean enemies. The two cultivate a relationship that transcends the simplicity of being animal or human.

Chimpanzee

One of Disneynature's celebrated documentaries, this film follows a family of chimps through the African rainforests. The star of the show is baby Oscar, who is suddenly separated from his family and must learn to survive on his own. An alpha male chimpanzee, Freddy, takes Oscar under his wing and teaches him how to trust again. This heartwarming and heart-wrenching film is narrated by Tim Allen.

Disneynature's Oceans (2010)

This documentary takes viewers on an extensive adventure across the five oceans, capturing all walks of sea life. From manta rays to shrimp to the Great White Shark, it highlights the highly competitive food chain. Originally a French documentary by filmmakers Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud, it was released in America by Disneynature in 2010.

Disneynature's Earth (2007)

Another beautiful film from Disneynature, Earth takes us across the globe to showcase some of the 8.7 million living organisms that call our planet home. Narrated by James Earl Jones, the cinematic storytelling takes viewers on a tour of different natural biomes, beginning at the North Pole and ending at the South Pole over the course of one year.

March of the Penguins (2005)

An intimate look inside Antarctica's empire of Emperor penguins and their annual coming-of-age journey. The film captures their yearly ritual of moving from the ocean to their breeding grounds, showcasing cute fluffy chicks, vast stretches of icy tundra, and awkward young adult penguins looking for love. This French film, directed by Luc Jacquet, won a Best Documentary Feature Oscar in 2006.

quartzmountain

Documentaries about climbing

There are many documentaries that capture the essence of climbing, from the physical and mental challenges faced by climbers to the breathtaking landscapes they traverse. Here are some notable documentaries about climbing:

The Dawn Wall (2017)

The Dawn Wall follows the incredible journey of Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson as they attempt to scale the daunting Dawn Wall of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. The film provides insight into the climbers' perseverance and the extreme challenges they faced, including extreme cold, severe falls, and sheer exhaustion. The stunning cinematography captures the immense granite cliffs of Yosemite, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the natural landscapes.

Africa Fusion (2016)

Africa Fusion showcases the climbing adventures of Alex Honnold and Hazel Findlay as they navigate challenging terrains and epic rock formations across Africa. The film highlights their daring feats, showcasing their skills, techniques, and determination. It also captures the vibrant African culture and the majestic mountains of the continent.

Free Solo (2018)

Free Solo chronicles the daring feat of Alex Honnold as he attempts to climb the 3,000-foot El Capitan in Yosemite National Park without any safety ropes or harnesses. The film offers an intimate portrait of Honnold's unwavering focus and determination, as well as his relationships and fears. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the towering granite walls of El Capitan and providing different perspectives on Honnold's ascent.

Touching the Void (2003)

Touching the Void is a docudrama based on the true story of climbers Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, who attempt to scale the treacherous Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes in 1985. The film combines interviews, reenactments, and dramatic footage to present a harrowing account of their near-tragic experience. It explores their motivations, perseverance, and ingenuity as they confront moral dilemmas and the unforgiving nature of high-altitude climbing.

14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible (2021)

This documentary follows Nepali climber Nirmal Purja's journey to scale all 14 of the world's highest peaks within seven months. It provides a comprehensive perspective on the determination, physical strength, and mental fortitude necessary to conquer these challenging peaks. The film showcases the unique challenges of each peak, from Everest to K2, and highlights the cultural significance and sustainability efforts in high-altitude environments.

The Alpinist (2021)

The Alpinist brings the thrilling world of climbing into the spotlight, featuring the late Marc-André Leclerc, a talented solo climber known for his daring feats. The documentary showcases Leclerc's unforgettable adventures in breathtaking alpine landscapes, including Patagonia, the Canadian Rockies, and Alaska. It delves into his background and explores his humble childhood and strong connection to nature.

These documentaries offer a mix of adrenaline-pumping action, stunning visuals, and insightful glimpses into the world of climbing. They capture the resilience, determination, and passion that fuel the finest climbers, providing inspiration and awe for viewers.

quartzmountain

Documentaries about sailing

There are a plethora of documentaries about sailing adventures that will inspire you to set sail and chase freedom. Here are some documentaries that revolve around sailing:

Maidentrip (2013)

The documentary follows 14-year-old Laura Dekker, who sets out on a two-year voyage to fulfil her dream of becoming the youngest person ever to sail around the world alone.

Sea Gypsies: The Far Side of the World (2017)

This documentary captures the story of a small group of modern-day seafaring gypsies and their journey across the largest expanse of uninhabited geography on Earth in search of adventure and awe.

Maiden

Maiden is the story of sailing pioneer Tracy Edwards and her all-female crew in the Whitbread Round the World Race, a story that inspired millions worldwide.

Coyote: The Mike Plant Story

The documentary follows the life of Mike Plant, a legendary single-handed racer, who lived life on his own terms and with dogged determination.

Red Dot on the Ocean: The Matt Rutherford Story (2014)

Red Dot on the Ocean tells the story of Matt Rutherford, a severely troubled youth who became a sailing legend. At 21, Matt buys a yacht without knowing how to sail and sets out to become the first person to solo sail non-stop around North and South America.

The Weekend Sailor (2016)

The Weekend Sailor is an inspirational documentary about Ramón Carlín, a Mexican captain who, in 1973, with almost no experience, raced against sailing superstars in a nine-month deadly round-the-world regatta and won the overall prize.

Frequently asked questions

Some popular travel documentaries include 'The Wonder List with Bill Weir', 'The Grand Tour', 'The Green Book: Guide to Freedom', 'The Story of God with Morgan Freeman', and 'Somebody Feed Phil'.

Yes, 'Mountain' (2017), 'Faces Places' (2017), and 'Encounters at the End of the World' (2007) are all available on Netflix.

Yes, 'Mountain', Encounters at the End of the World, 'Salt of the Earth' (2014), 'Home' (2009), and Life in a Day are all available on YouTube.

Yes, Somebody Feed Phil and Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown are two popular travel documentaries that explore food and culture.

Yes, 'Frozen Planet' (2011) and 'Baraka' (1992) are two examples of travel documentaries that showcase the beauty of nature and the environment.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment