Dreamy Hollywood Films That'll Make You Wanderlust for Greece

It's been proven this past two years, while the world was suffering the worst of the Covid-19 global pandemic, that movies really are your gateway to the world. You likely didn't go anywhere recently, did you? You were stuck at home and among other things, all you can do was watch movies. And with every film you saw, your wanderlust just kept on growing. That's the beauty of cinema and Hollywood. It allows you to see the wonders of other countries even from the comforts of your own home. Now, if you're itching to go to Greece anytime soon, let these dreamy movies make you more excited!

Mediterraneo (1991)

Although Hollywood didn't make this 1991 period dramedy, the film did still catch their attention. So much so that it won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film the following year. Now considered a classic, 'Mediterraneo' follows a band of misfit Italian soldiers who are sent to Greece right after Italy joined hands with Germany from the Axis Powers of World War II. Although the soldiers themselves haven't aligned with the fascist movement, they consider themselves Mediterraneans first and foremost, getting the attention of the residents of a rural Greek village. As love and laughter change their lives, they eventually settle down and become new men after spending time with the villagers. Source: Klokline Cinema YouTube Channel

Captain Corelli's Mandolin (2001)

Based on a John Madden novel of the same name and set on the beautiful island of Kefalonia, the 2001 war drama, 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin,' is the archetypal period romance. Just like 'Mediterraneo' (which premiered ten years prior), it tells the story of Italian soldiers who were sent off to Greece during World War II. More specifically, it's a fictional story set during the infamous Massacre of the Acqui Division or the 'Kefalonia Massacre' of 1934. In the film, Nicolas Cage plays the titular Captain Antonio Corelli, a platoon capital who, strangely enough, plays the mandolin. His sensitive musical side captures the attention of Pelagia, played by Penélope Cruz, the strong-willed daughter of the village doctor, and a passionate romance between them ensues. Source: humbi53 YouTube Channel

Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants (2005)

Although the 2005 film adaptation of the Ann Brashares novel, 'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,' was set in different locations, it's no secret that the movie's most enchanting scenes were those in Santorini. One of the four protagonists, Lena Kaligaris (played by Alexis Bledel) set off to Santorini one summer to visit her grandparents. As she spends time enjoying the views of the Santorini coasts and sketches away, she meets and falls in love with Kostas Dounas (played by Michael Rady). However, Kostas is actually the grandson of Lena's grandparents' rivals, resulting in a 'Romeo & Juliet' type affair. Source: Warner Bros. YouTube Channel

Mamma Mia! (2008)

Probably the most famous (some may argue most infamous) movie musical set in Greece, 'Mamma Mia!' became the hit chick flick of 2008. This is thanks in large part to its all-star cast led by Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, Amanda Seyfried, and Dominic Cooper. It was based on the jukebox musical of the same name which famously features songs from the Swedish pop group, ABBA. Amanda Seyfried stars as Sophie Sheridan, the 20-year-old daughter of Donna Sheridan (played by Meryl Streep), who's set to marry and invite three of her mother's ex-lovers to find out which one of them is her real dad. Source: MovieClips Classic Trailers YouTube Channel

Before Midnight (2013)

The 2013 romantic drama film, 'Before Sunset,' was the third and final installment of director Richard Linklater's 'Before' trilogy. While 'Before Sunrise' (1994) was set in Vienna, Austria, and 'Before Midnight' was set in Paris, France, this movie was set against the dreamy landscapes of southern Greece, specifically the Peloponnese peninsula. In this installment, Jesse (played by Ethan Hawke) and Céline (played by Julie Delpy) have since become parents to twin daughters. They took their kids on a vacation to the Mediterranean country and, just like the last two films, spent a lot of time walking around and talking about life, love, and relationships. Source: MovieClips Trailers YouTube Channel

The Two Faces of January (2014)

Another great period piece on this list is the 2015 thriller, 'The Two Faces of January,' starring Viggo Mortensen, Kirsten Dunst, and Oscar Isaac. Although the movie is set in various places throughout the Mediterranean in 1962, it spends a considerable amount of time in Greece, namely in Athens and Crete. In the film, New York con man Chester MacFarland (played by Mortensen) and his wife, Colette (played by Dunst) are on vacation in Greece when they meet a fellow scam artist, Rydel (played by Isaac). The latter becomes intrigued with the couple but little does he know, the MacFarland's aren't the sort of tourists he's used to scamming. Source: MovieClips Trailers YouTube Channel

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)

Finally, there's 'Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,' the 2018 sequel to the 2008 musical rom-com, 'Mamma Mia!' to end this list. Back with more stars and more ABBA music, the movie tells two stories. The first is that of Sophie who, five years after the events of the first film, is gearing up to open a new hotel after her mother's passing. As she prepares to take on this new venture with the help of her husband, her three fathers, and two aunts, her story is interspersed with that of her mother's. 20 years prior, a young Donna Sheridan (played by Lily James) travels to a Greek island to make new memories. along the way, she meets three men who will eventually change her life. Source: Universal Pictures YouTube Channel

If you already thought that Greece was a beautiful place, wait until you watch these dreamy Hollywood movies! These memorable flicks show the Mediterranean country in all its natural and romantic glory. They'll definitely intensify your wanderlust for Greece even more!

Even when you're already in Greece, there will be times where you need to rest in your luxury home here. So, wouldn't be watching these movies be a great idea to pass the time?