Entertainment
The Hottest Travel Destinations Have Been One Story Away
It’s been a year since lockdowns became an accepted part of life and, let’s admit, everyone needs a break – and our series and films have increasingly become a “window on the world” for many members. And it goes far beyond sightseeing.
Films like Italy’s The Life Ahead and series such as South Korea’s Love Alarm enable us to access new perspectives and cultures that may be very different from our own. Here are the top 10 countries our US members most “visited” over the past year (based on viewing*):
- Canada
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
- Mexico
- Poland
- South Korea
- Spain
- UK
There’s still plenty more to see, do – and watch! – in these hot spots, and beyond. Grab your passport (i.e. your remote), and book your next (virtual) trip to these popular destinations via the titles below:
British Columbia, Canada – Rust Valley Restorers
Three colorful car aficionados go the extra mile to restore vintage vehicles – and turn a profit – at their Rust Valley shop. Don’t let the junkyard fool you – the real treasures are the lakes and mountains of British Columbia.
Use this code (107519) to see more Canadian titles.
Paris, France – Lupin
Returning for Part 2 this summer, this thriller tells the story of a thief who uses the legacy of Maurice Leblanc’s “Arsène Lupin, Gentleman Burglar” as a roadmap to revenge. Come for the action and heists, but stay for the sweeping views of the City of Lights and an inside look at the Louvre like you’ve never seen before.
Use this code (107562) to see more French titles.
Teutoburg Forest, Germany – Barbarians
An epic battle between German warriors and the Roman elite in 9AD turns personal for one officer torn between the empire that raised him and his own tribal people. Soak in the lush scenery of the Teutoburg Forest, and soak in a little history about the Roman Empire while you’re at it.
Use this code (107563) to see more German titles.
Bari, Italy – The Life Ahead
A Holocaust survivor running a daycare business forms an unlikely friendship with a streetwise 12-year-old Senegalese orphan who she takes in after he robs her. The film is a love letter to second chances and family, as well as this ancient seaside port town, making it a vacation for the heart, soul and eyes.
Use this code (100384) to see more Italian titles.
Tokyo, Japan – Alice in Borderland
A jobless young gamer and his two friends find themselves in an empty Tokyo, where they’re forced to compete in a series of games to survive. This alternate version of Tokyo still offers sweeping views of famous landmarks like Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the Tokyu Building.
Use this code (100385) to see more Japanese titles.
Mexico City, Mexico – Dark Desire
In this psychological thriller, a woman’s weekend away goes awry when her extramarital affair ends in tragedy, making her question those closest to her. The only thing more breathtaking than the steamy romance and the suspenseful twists and turns? The vibrant sights and sounds of Mexico City.
Use this code (100388) to see more Mexican titles.
Warsaw, Poland – Squared Love
A celebrity journalist and renowned womanizer starts to rethink his life choices after he meets a mysterious model who leads a double life. Tensions run high in this rom-com, but you’ll swoon over the picturesque views of Warsaw.
Use this code (100392) to see more Polish titles.
Seoul, South Korea – Love Alarm
After a mysterious developer releases an app that alerts people if someone in the vicinity has feelings for them, a young woman must learn to navigate love and relationships. This dystopian take on romance, which returns in March for Season 2, may turn you off dating apps but it will make you fall for Seoul.
Use this code (100386) to see more Korean titles.
Madrid, Spain – Money Heist
A mysterious mastermind and his band of thieves plan to execute the biggest heist the world has ever seen. The early seasons mainly take place within the Royal Mint of Spain bank, but stick around for shots of Madrid’s beautiful skyscrapers and the San Blas Islands in Season 3.
Use this code (107569) to see more Spanish titles.
London and Bath, UK – Bridgerton
Daphne Bridgerton enters the marriage market of 1813 London only to find herself entangled in a steamy romance with the smoldering Duke of Hastings. Between romantic promenades through lush English gardens and balls at splendid estates, you’ll not only feel transported to the regency era, but London itself.
Use this code (81399656) to see more British titles.
In addition – over this last year – we’ve seen US viewing of foreign language titles grow more than 50%**, showing that not even a stay at home order can quell our love of new countries, cultures and languages. Here’s to hoping that actual travel will return soon, along with much else. In the meantime, where will you go next?
Footnotes:
* Top country of origin appearances in the US Daily Top 10 lists since February 2020.
** Viewing of non-English language titles in the US grew more than 50% in 2020 compared to 2019. All % difference stats are based on the % of total view hours from Jan-Nov 2019 versus Jan – Nov 2020 for US Netflix members.
