Summer movies: These 10 increase the wanderlust feeling

An article about films and series that evoke that holiday feeling? We're knee-deep in the summer slump—a meteorological one at that. 18 degrees Celsius, rain, and no chance of things changing anytime soon: That eventually gets the better of even the most hardened optimists.
So what's left for us to make the time until our next vacation—or until the sun returns—a little more bearable? For example, films that tell of glamorous life on the Côte d'Azur, a romance in Italy, and sweltering summer nights. Here are ten recommendations.
A slow, sensual film about a summer romance in Northern Italy, set among orchards, old villas, and shimmering afternoons by the river. The love story between Elio and Oliver unfolds slowly and poetically, accompanied by the warm light of Lombardy and a melancholically beautiful soundtrack by Sufjan Stevens.

“Call Me by Your Name” with Timothee Chalamet.
Source: IMAGO/Capital Pictures
The film captures the feeling of an endless summer—full of first love, self-discovery, and the bittersweet feeling that nothing lasts forever. Anyone longing for Italy and feeling their heart racing should watch "Call Me by Your Name."
Available on Netflix and Prime Video
Hardly any film screams Greece as much as this musical adaptation. Between white houses, azure sea, and olive trees, a lighthearted story unfolds about love, family, and life's big questions – accompanied by the immortal hits of Abba.

“Mamma Mia!” was filmed on the Greek islands of Skopelos and Skiathos.
Source: IMAGO/Capital Pictures
Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, and a cheerful cast of stars dance and sing their way through sun-drenched days and balmy nights. Those seeking the Mediterranean lifestyle, Greek island flair, and a bit of escapism will find the perfect films in "Mamma Mia!" and "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again."
Available on Prime Video and Joyn
There's no getting around this series right now: "The White Lotus" is a brilliant blend of social satire, luxury vacation, and subtle psychodrama. Each season takes place in an exclusive resort: Season 1 in Hawaii, Season 2 on the Italian island of Sicily, and Season 3 in Thailand.

The third season takes the “White Lotus” cast to Thailand.
Source: IMAGO/ZUMA Press
Between infinity pools, marble villas, lemon groves and sunsets, a story full of suspense, black humor and abysses unfolds behind the perfect holiday facade.
Available on Wow, Prime Video and Apple TV
Marcello Mastroianni wanders through Rome at night in search of meaning, love, and himself. Federico Fellini's masterpiece, with its iconic black-and-white images, transports us to a world full of parties, elegance, and inner emptiness—between magnificent villas, the Trevi Fountain, and sophisticated cafés.

“La Dolce Vita” (1960): Anita Ekberg takes a bath in the Trevi Fountain.
Source: IMAGO/Capital Pictures
A timeless classic of Italian cinema that captures the jet-set lifestyle of the 1960s. For anyone who loves the flair of old Italy, "La Dolce Vita" is an absolute must-see.
Available on Prime Video
A cinematic excursion into sun-drenched Italy in the 1950s: With stylish images of Positano, Ischia, Naples and Rome, the film takes you into a world of jazz, Vespas, sailboats and pastel-colored coastal towns.

“The Talented Mr. Ripley” with Matt Damon.
Source: IMAGO/Capital Pictures
But beneath the flawless surface, abysses lurk: Matt Damon shines as the ambivalent Tom Ripley, who becomes entangled in a strange identity. The film combines a yearning for a vacation with psychological depth – a must-see for anyone who loves Mediterranean flair and suspense.
Available on Prime Video and Apple TV
A warm-hearted, humorous series that awakens real wanderlust: Based on the autobiographical books by Gerald Durrell, it tells the story of an eccentric British family who escape the gray England of the 1930s and start a new life on Corfu.

“The Durrells” takes place on Corfu.
Source: imago images/Everett Collection
Set amidst olive groves, a crystal-clear sea, and charming villagers, a loving portrait of everyday life in the Mediterranean unfolds – full of nature, family togetherness, and British wit. Anyone longing for Greece, Mediterranean lightness, and charming retro flair will love "The Durrells."
Available on Prime Video and in the ARD Mediathek
"Eat Pray Love" is a journey of self-discovery through Italy, India, and Bali. After a painful breakup, Elizabeth (played by Julia Roberts) embarks on a world tour to rediscover life: the pleasures of Rome, inner peace in an Indian ashram, and love on a tropical island.

“Eat, Pray, Love”: In Italy, enjoyment is paramount.
Source: Columbia Pictures
The Italian scene, in particular, with pasta, espresso, and sun-drenched alleys, exudes exactly what you need on rainy summer days. Perfect for anyone with wanderlust or a midlife crisis.
Available on Netflix and Prime Video
Alfred Hitchcock's 1955 classic starring Grace Kelly and Cary Grant – a romantic crime thriller set on the Côte d'Azur, with old-school glamour and French Riviera charm.

“To Catch a Thief” (1955)
Source: imago images / United Archives
Cary Grant plays a charming ex-jewel thief, Grace Kelly a wealthy heiress – together they engage in a stylish game of cat and mouse amidst sun-drenched villas, winding coastal roads, and shimmering Mediterranean panoramas. Shot on location around Nice and Monaco, the film is a visual love letter to the French Riviera.
Available on Wow and Prime Video
Woody Allen's sensual homage to the city of Barcelona and the unpredictability of love also inspires wanderlust. Two young American women, the thoughtful Vicky and the impulsive Cristina, spend the summer in Spain and become entangled in a web of passion, art, and self-discovery, led by the charismatic painter Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem) and his eccentric ex-wife María Elena (Penélope Cruz).

Woody Allen’s film “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” makes you want summer.
Source: imago images/Mary Evans
The backdrop of Gaudí's architecture, balmy nights, Mediterranean landscapes and the sound of Spanish guitars makes the film a true summer fantasy – light, seductive and full of wanderlust.
Available on Prime Video and Apple TV
Current hype: "The Summer I Became Beautiful." The series works because of its gentle beach romance, summery lightheartedness, and the emotional intensity of young love. It was filmed mostly on the beaches of North Carolina.

Series hit: “The Summer I Became Beautiful.”
Source: IMAGO/Everett Collection
If you're looking for a feel-good series with summer vibes and love teen soaps, this series is definitely worth a try.
Available on Prime Video
Looking for more inspiration? You can find tips for all the top travel destinations at reisereporter, and the best travel deals on our deals page .
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