We’ve put together a list of our top 10 travel documentaries on Netflix that will satisfy your wanderlust.
Living in the Seattle area means plenty of time to kill on rainy days. Although jumping in puddles outside can be fun, sitting on the couch watching one of these travel documentaries can be a pretty good idea too. We’ve put together a little list of our favorite adventure based shows that you should check out.
1. Departures
Hands-down our favorite travel show to date is Departures. Watch as Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach spend one year (to start) traveling the world discovering wild landscapes and rich cultures. Their adventures don’t always go as planned and with plenty of character both Scott and Justin are thoroughly entertaining.
2. 180° South
Inspired by Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins trip to Patagonia in 1969, Jeff Johnson sets sail to follow in their steps and climb a mythical peak called Corcovado. This wonderfully filmed story opens your eyes to a world of adventure, beauty, and preservation.
3. Given
An inspiring story of life, love, family, and adventure. This beautiful film follows a young boy named Kauai and his family across 15 countries on a journey to gain a deeper understanding of life.
4. Tales by Light
This beautiful series follows five adventurous photographers on a journey around the world. Shot in 15 countries during the course of a year, Tales by Light gives you a better understanding of what it takes to really capture the beauty of the wild.
https://vimeo.com/128699210
5. The Endless Summer
This classic surf film is one that you can watch every day and not get tired of. Premiering in 1966 this surf documentary by Filmmaker/narrator Bruce Brown follows two California surfers Mike Hynson and Robert August, on a surfing trip around the world.
6. Encounters at the End of the World
Traveling to the end of the world, filmmaker Werner Herzog discovers amazing landscapes and the interesting people that call them home.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MImYM87jOtU
7. Rock the Park
Follow Jack Steward and Colton Smith as they set out to visit every US National Park. Discover wild animals and amazing natural beauty in our own backyard.
8. Born to Explore
Hosted by world-class explorer Richard Wiese, sit back as you’re taken around the world to discover the things you can’t find in guidebooks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZQMviLhHWk
9. Growing Up Wild
Follow five baby animals as they learn and grow. Nurtured by their families, they learn to hunt, play and survive in a wild.
10. Isolated
A group of surfers search to find some of the world’s last unridden waves in the journalist dead zone of New Guinea. What they find will change them forever. Follow along as they encounter real life cannibals, discover human rights atrocities and expose an unethical mining corporation.
