Are you planning to take the leap and quit your 9-5 to live a life on the road? If so, you probably need some courage to take the leap.
Watching documentaries and movies about nomads is a great way to find inspiration and prepare for the big shift.
However, digital nomad movies are not just for those looking to embark on this way of life. They can also serve as a comfort and motivation to those already living a nomadic lifestyle.
As you can relate to the characters, their stories, and struggles, watching films about other like-minded individuals will remind you that you are not alone.
Here are our 10 favorite traveler and digital nomad movies and documentaries. So get planning your next movie night now!
Into The Wild (2007)
One of the most famous nomad movies of this century is Into The Wild, and it’s currently streaming on Netflix.
Based on a true story, this movie tells the tale of the young college graduate Christopher McCandless who breaks all social conventions by going to live in the wild.
Christopher is only interested in living a simple life in nature despite having a comfortable life and receiving various job prospects. So he donates all his possessions to charity and embarks on a journey to Alaska with just the bare necessities.
The story is one that all nomads will relate to. Of course, you may not have experienced such extreme living situations as Christopher.
Still, the strong urge to go against what society expects of you and follow your heart is a familiar feeling nonetheless.
Wild (2014)
The 2014 movie Wild is a firm favorite amongst female digital nomads and backpackers. The film tells the true story of traveler and author Cheryl Strayed (played by Reese Witherspoon), who decides to hike on the 1,100 mile-long Pacific Crest Trail.
The grueling trek turns out to be a journey of self-discovery, where Cheryl re-finds herself after her recent divorce. The film follows the entire 94-day solo hike, showing the trials and tribulations she encounters.
Throughout the movie, we see how she learns to survive and take care of herself in the woods with minimal resources, and an inspiration to all nomads and aspiring nomads.
Unfortunately, Wild is not currently available on American Netflix, but you can find it on Google Play, iTunes, and Vudu.
Nomadland (2020)
The recent movie Nomadland is based on the 2017 nonfiction book with the same name. Nomadland tells the story of Fern, who gets laid off from her long-term job and makes the rash decision to sell her home and start a nomadic life on the road.
Many nomads will relate to Fern’s story, as job losses are a familiar push for taking the leap.
The story is also set during the Great Recession and when Fern has recently lost her husband. Therefore, it highlights how periods of darkness and despair often result in transformation.
Nomadland is set in the USA and shows many beautiful destinations as Fern travels around the country in a van. Unfortunately, the film isn’t on Netflix, but you can find it on Hulu.
Expedition Happiness (2017)
Expedition Happiness is a popular Netflix documentary that follows the story of two free spirits and their dog who embark on the road trip of their life. All nomads will relate to this couple’s urge to escape their hometown and see new places.
Throughout the film, we watch how the adventurous youngsters transform an old school bus into a motorhome and then travel the USA, bringing their pup along.
As you can imagine, they face various challenges along the way, some of which you may have experienced during your own travels. As a result, this is one of the most authentic and relatable movies about nomads you can find.
Minimalism – A Documentary About The Important Things (2016)
Minimalism is a Netflix documentary that every nomad should watch before setting off. The inspiring film shows various people who have realized that possessions do not bring happiness and, as a result, have committed to living a minimalist lifestyle.
The people featured all share the same belief that less is more. And we see how they are reaping the benefits of the simple life.
By deciding not to buy things, they no longer have to slave away for long hours to fund their lifestyle and instead are free to pursue their interests and passions.
If you’re currently making the transition to a nomadic life and struggling to give up your belongings, watch Minimalism. It will inspire you to take only what you need and donate the rest to a good cause.
Up In The Air (2009)
Up In The Air highlights the low side of life on the road, covering themes like loneliness and difficulty maintaining relationships back home. It’s not a story of a digital nomad, but rather a businessman and frequent flyer (portrayed by George Clooney).
Ryan spends his day flying from state to state and regularly attending weekend business trips. Even so, every nomad and long-term traveler will relate to many of the themes in Up In The Air.
At the movie’s beginning, we see Ryan enjoying this jet-setting lifestyle. Then, however, he unexpectedly meets someone special, and the blossoming relationship makes him rethink things.
If you’ve ever met a love interest on the road and attempted to maintain a long-distance relationship, you’ll find this storyline scarily familiar. And although it will not cure your loneliness, it will still serve as a source of comfort.
This movie is currently streaming on Netflix.
The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty (2013)
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a heart-warming and inspiring fantasy movie about an unhappy man who escapes his dull reality by daydreaming about adventure-filled scenarios.
Of course, we’ve all been guilty of this before, sitting at a desk in a dreary office, imagining being on a tropical beach far away.
However, when Walter realizes he is about to lose his job, he decides to turn his fantasy into reality. Walter then sets out on an even better adventure than he could have imagined.
The film screams at its viewers to stop dreaming and start living and is a blunt wake-up call to anyone procrastinating on taking the leap. You can watch this inspirational movie on Netflix.
Pedal The World (2015)
The 2015 documentary Pedal The World follows the motivating story of the young millennial Felix Starck, an avid cyclist, and explorer who plans a year of adventure.
The documentary starts with a familiar scenario where Felix decides to quit the job he hates. However, he then decides to embark on an 18,000-kilometre bicycle journey that spans over 12 months and takes him to 22 countries!
He documents the experience on social media and is spurred on by an overwhelming amount of support. The encouragement helps him push through the challenges and setbacks and reach his goal.
You don’t have to be a cyclist to relate to Felix’s journey. His sense of wanderlust is enough to push you to follow your own dream.
So, add this movie to your Netflix list now.
The Bucket List (2007)
The Bucket List shows that you’re never too old to become a nomad.
This tear-jerker is about two terminally ill men (portrayed by Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson). They meet in a hospital and bond over their desire to make the most of their last days.
The pair create their bucket lists and leave the hospital to go and make their unfulfilled dreams happen before it’s too late. This is another film that will change your perspective if you’ve been procrastinating about taking risks and following your dreams.
Unfortunately, it’s not currently on Netflix, but you can watch it on Prime Video, Apple TV, and other streaming services.
Generation Startup (2016)
To conclude our list of digital nomad movies, Generation Startup focuses on the entrepreneurial side of becoming a digital nomad rather than the travel aspect. It shows the reality behind starting a business and the struggles of working for yourself.
The documentary follows six young entrepreneurs from Detroit who are trying to create successful startups that will enable them to live life on their own terms.
Even if you work remotely for a company or are freelancing, every millennial will relate to Generation Startup. Unfortunately, it’s not currently on Netflix, but you can watch it on Amazon Prime or Vudu.
Final Thoughts On Nomad Movies
The best movies are the ones you can relate to. And what makes a film even better is if it gives you the inspiration to live the life of your dreams.
So, if you’re eagerly anticipating your new lifestyle of freedom, or feeling a bit lonely on the road, settle in for an early night with one of these nomad movies.
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