Spring break starts on April 1, giving many students the chance to get away for the week. For those who don’t have the time or money to do so, Netflix offers a wide variety of movies to provide the perfect mental escape.
Most of us have an ongoing list in our minds of all the places we’d love to go on vacation. Since spring break brings forth an entire week of class-free down time, the world is our oyster, right?
The reality is that most students can’t afford to go on vacation and end up spending their spring break enjoying what’s often referred to as a “staycation.” That’s why we’ve come up with a list of movies that are available on Netflix, each designed to give you a taste of the adventure or culture of some of your favorite vacation spots. The movies on this list can help take you there, even if only for a few hours.
Getaway: Summertime
Movie: “Moonrise Kingdom”
This is a coming-of-age indie drama and winner of the Gotham Independent Film Award for “Best Feature Film.” The movie explores the innocence of young love in a classic summertime setting. Director Wes Anderson gives us a taste of his unique cinematography in a film set in the 1960s. If you’re looking for a little nostalgia of what summertime used to be, then this film is right up your alley.
IMDb: 7.8/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 94 percent | Roger Ebert: 3.5/4
Getaway: Road trip
Movie: “Fundamentals of Caring”
Offering both tears and laughter along the way, this film will take you on a road trip across the USA. This movie explores the importance of human connections as we travel with the characters across the country, learning about the importance of friendship and truly caring for one another. Although the movie comes off a bit preachy, Paul Rudd’s performance really helps bring it home.
IMDb: 7.4/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 77 percent | Roger Ebert: 2/4
Getaway: Paris
Movie: “Midnight in Paris”
This award-winning romantic comedy is directed by Woody Allen and takes place in the magical streets of Paris. The comedy, starring Owen Wilson as an aspiring novelist, takes viewers from present-day Paris to the city in the 1920s, during the jazz age. Every night at midnight, our protagonist, who’s vacationing in Paris with his girlfriend’s family, is magically taken back in time. The eclectic mix of comedy and artistic scenery make this movie quite beautiful, a must-see for Paris lovers.
IMDb: 7.7/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 93 percent | Roger Ebert: 3.5/4
Getaway: Adventure/Australia
Movie: “Tracks”
Those ready for an adventure “down under” will love this movie, inspired by a true story. “Tracks” follows a woman, who is craving solitude, over 2000 miles across the Australian desert with her loving dog and two camels. This trip changes her forever, forcing her to learn more about herself and the power of determination. Because it’s based on a true story, this film serves as an inspiration for others wishing to embark on their own adventures.
IMDb: 7.2/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 82 percent | Roger Ebert: 3.5/4
Getaway: Italy
Movie: “Under the Tuscan Sun”
Welcome to the lovely village of Tuscany, Italy, where an American woman attempts to leave her old life behind and start anew. This classic stars Diane Lane as our protagonist when she decides to buy a house in Tuscany while on a 10-day vacation. Through her, we can escape not only into the beautiful landscape of Tuscany but into the life of an American starting over in Italy. Of course, romance finds its way into the story — it is Italy, after all.
IMDb: 6.7/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 62 percent | Roger Ebert: 3/4
Getaway: Ireland
Movie: “The Secret of Kells”
Set in medieval Ireland, “The Secret of Kells” follows Brendan as he sets off on a magical adventure to restore light to the darkness of the world before barbarians attack his village. Dark undertones are abundant in the movie as it takes you through Irish land and mythology. The musical elements in the movie provide a key element, pulling you deeper into the mystical Irish setting.
IMDb: 7.7/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 91 percent | Roger Ebert: 3/4
What movies will you be watching over spring break? Let us know in the comments!
