10 Cinematic Masterpieces That Take Us on Journeys Through Diverse Landscapes

December 27, 2023

From thrilling survival stories to witty rom-coms, this list includes films or TV shows that capture the essence of the Great Outdoors in all its glory.

For as long as I can remember, watching movies and TV shows has been one of my favourite pastimes. There have been many cinematic works that have literally been life-changing experiences. There’s just something about visual storytelling that pulls you from your sofa and transports you to a different world, a different life. I can go on and on about certain masterpieces in the realm of cinema that transcend the boundaries of storytelling.

We all love cuddling up indoors and enjoying films or shows, but what if we could emerge into the outdoors from the comfort of our sofas? Whether you need a new option for movie night or, like me, simply adore cinema, here are 10 cinematic masterpieces that skilfully use nature as a backdrop to tell compelling stories. Get ready to journey into breathtaking landscapes and settings through these fictional films and TV shows. Don’t worry, there will be no spoilers!

The Hunger Games Series (2012-2023)

Where do I even begin? This series, adapted from Suzanne Collins’ novels, delves into a thrilling and moving story, following Katniss Everdeen, a teenage girl who is selected to participate in the annual mandatory televised competition in which she must fight 23 others to the death. Based in Panem, a dystopian futuristic universe, the second film of the series, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, showcases amazing landscapes, from the lush green woods where Katniss goes hunting to the scorching tropical forest in the Arena. My favourite cinematographic scene is when Katniss emerges from beneath the Arena and materializes into a picturesque expanse of forest, with towering trees and water surrounding her. It was a beautiful sight—even though the situation was rather dark.

Rated: PG-13

Outlander (2014- )

This STARZ TV series based on Diana Gabaldon’s novels captures the intense and riveting adventures of Claire, a nurse in WWII who ends up travelling back in time to Scotland in 1743 and meeting a charming Highland warrior Jamie Fraser. Not only will you glimpse into the workings of the historic Jacobite rising but you will also experience the vast landscapes of Scotland. Honestly, all the outdoor settings deserve their separate praise because they are absolutely breathtaking. This series exhibits all kinds of sceneries, from grasslands and mountains to forests and seas. If you want a TV show that captures the soul of the Great Outdoors, then this is it. Plus, the title theme song kills it every time.

Rated: TV-MA
Duration: About one hour per episode
Length: Seven seasons so far, containing eight to 16 episodes each

Avatar (2009)

An epic science-fiction story and the second highest-grossing film of all time, this cinematic masterpiece is set in a fictional universe, where humans, with genetically engineered “Avatars,” are attempting to colonize the extrasolar moon Pandora where the tribe of a humanoid species called the Na’vi live. We follow Jake Sully’s exploration of Pandora as he navigates the diverse terrains of forest, mountains, volcanoes and oceans. Glowing with shades of blue, green and violet, this setting is like a paradise. Even the wildlife is unique, featuring exotic animals and distinctly shaped plant life, many of which can be electrochemically connected to the Na’vi bodies. This film takes the connection to nature to the next level.

Rated: PG-13
Duration: Two hours and 42 minutes

Interstellar (2014)

This award-winning film is set in a dystopian future where humans are facing famine and extinction, living on an Earth that is almost inhabitable. A thrilling, gut-wrenching film featuring Cooper who travels with a team of NASA astronauts through a wormhole in hopes of finding a new home. Leaving the cornfield surrounding Cooper’s home, you’ll delve into various planets—an oceanic planet with massive tidal waves and a cold, rocky planet. Not to mention the absolutely beautiful cinematography of outer space. This film not only shines with its excellent soundtrack, but it also gives a new meaning to the outdoors.

Rated: PG-13
Duration: Two hours and 49 minutes

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

This film is inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s fantasy picture book for children, and it’s a remake of the initial adaptation released in 1995. It follows four teenagers who are sucked into a magical video game while in detention. They are forced to work together and finish the game as the video game characters. Jumanji is a hilarious comedy based in lush and vibrant jungles, offering a stunning visual feast complete with towering trees, cascading waterfalls and dense foliage that hides both wonders and dangers. In this cinematic jungle, every step becomes a potential encounter with the unexpected, blending the beauty of the natural world with the fantastical elements of the Jumanji universe.

Rated: PG-13
Duration: One hour and 59 minutes

Outer Banks (2020- )

A Netflix Original, this TV series is about a legendary treasure hunt that John B goes on with his three best friends. With romance, hilarious tidbits and witty banter, this series is an exciting and comforting watch set in Outer Banks, North Carolina. Outer Banks is known for its coastal landscapes that showcase the stunning beauty of the barrier islands, featuring pristine beaches with golden sands, rolling dunes and the dance of waves along the Atlantic shore. The characters navigate through a diverse array of outdoor environments, from the windswept beaches and vibrant sunsets to dense maritime forests and marshy wetlands, creating a visually engaging backdrop for the unfolding drama. And the drama is quite interesting—trust me.

Rated: TV-MA
Duration: About 50 minutes per episode
Length: Three seasons so far, containing 10 episodes each

Jurassic Park (1993)

Set on the fictional island of Isla Nublar near Costa Rica, a businessman invites Alan and Ellie to a theme park of cloned dinosaurs. The exciting and suspenseful film adapted from a novel written by Michael Crichton introduces viewers to a prehistoric paradise teeming with lush greenery, dense jungles and soaring waterfalls. The film masterfully captures the essence of a lost world, transporting audiences to a place where colossal Brachiosauruses nibble on tree branches and velociraptors stealthily stalk through the shrubbery. The iconic scenes, such as the first sight of a dinosaur, showcase the film’s commitment to integrating the outdoor landscapes seamlessly into the narrative.

Rated: PG-13
Duration: Two hours and seven minutes

The Jungle Book (2016)

Based on the collection of books by Rudyard Kipling and the initial Walt Disney animated film, this live-action remake is set in the jungles of India where a young boy named Mowgli lives among a pack of wolves, escaping the vicious tiger Shere Khan. The ancient trees, draped with moss, provide a sense of both wonder and danger as Mowgli navigates his way through the wilderness. The vibrant colour palette and attention to detail in the flora and fauna contribute to the film’s enchanting and magical atmosphere. All of this combined with the realistic portrayal of animal inhabitants creates an immersive environment that enhances this timeless and nostalgic story’s themes of friendship, survival and the delicate balance of nature.

Rated: PG
Duration: One hour and 46 minutes

The Maze Runner (2014)

In another dystopian science-fiction film, we follow Thomas, a teenage boy with no memory of his past who wakes up in a large green field enclosed by a giant stone maze. The natural appearance of “The Glade” provides a stark contrast to the mechanical and ominous nature of the maze itself. Within the Glade, there is a small, forested area and a communal living space in which Thomas and the other boys have managed to create a self-sustaining ecosystem, growing their own food and utilizing the available resources. The maze, on the other hand, is a structure of intricate design, with towering walls that seem to go on endlessly. The film skillfully uses its setting to create a captivating and suspenseful experience for the audience.

Rated: PG-13
Duration: One hour and 53 minutes

Anne with an E (2017-2019)

A Netflix Original, this TV series features an orphaned girl named Anne who is adopted by siblings Mathew and Marilla Cuthbert. Anne navigates a new life, filled with childish fun, riveting drama and historic events on the outskirts of a fictional Canadian city called Avolea on Prince Edward Island. The outdoor settings in the series play a significant role in capturing Anne’s story, showing the idyllic and expansive landscapes of Prince Edward Island, characterized by rolling green hills and vast meadows. Anne’s beloved Lake of Shining Waters, surrounded by blossoming flowers and weeping willows, becomes a symbol of her romantic and poetic view of the world. These outdoor scenes provide a sense of tranquillity and natural beauty, a harmonious setting for Anne’s imaginative and adventurous spirit. Let’s be honest, without the natural world, Anne wouldn’t be Anne.

Rated: TV-PG
Duration: 50 minutes per episode
Length: Three seasons with seven to 10 episodes each