Travellers will tell you that it’s just as important to enjoy the getting there as much as the being there. And sometimes, in this hurried world we live in, we tend to rush to where we want to go, and forget about experiencing the journey that got us there.

Luckily, there are movies that remind us to sit back and enjoy the view. And often, these movies depict not just the physical journey but the journey into our soul as well. Apocalypse Now (1979), for example, was as much as journey about soldiers going up the Mekong River as it was a journey into the heart of darkness. How The West Was Won (1962) wasn’t just a tale of how Americans settlers made their way across the vast hinterlands, but also one of humanity’s triumph against the odds. Wild Hogs (2007) might appear to be a good ol’ fashioned road trip comedy, but it was also a trip to rediscover one’s sense of self. The Darjeeling Limited (2007) is a story about how three brothers, while in search of their mother, discover the ties that bind them. Even Star Wars (1977) wasn’t just the story of a farmboy who treks across the stars in a galaxy far, far away; but a story of self-discovery that some of us have come to know and love.

And tomorrow, two more films that drive home that point will light up our cinema screens: Kon-Tiki and 3 Peas In A Pod. The former tells of the epic journey across the Pacific by Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl on a homemade raft; while the latter is a movie that revolves around three friends on a post-graduation road trip.

So we thought: What better way to celebrate the journey that is life than to pick five of our favourite stories about hitting the road that also takes viewers on a journey into the heart of humanity.

The Lord Of The Rings

What it is: The blockbuster fantasy trilogy directed by Peter Jackson tells the story of hobbit Frodo Baggins, who with the help of a band of unlikely heroes, makes the dangerous and harrowing trek to the land of Mordor, to destroy the magical Ring that would give the evil lord Sauron ultimate control over Middle-Earth.

Why it’s worth watching: While watching three movies about hobbits and elves climbing endless mountains and vast lands on foot (and it doesn’t make things better when Frodo doesn’t exactly have the longest of legs) might seem dull; Jackson has managed to bring the sense of awe and wonder back into the cinemas, thanks in part to sweeping shots of the stunning landscapes of New Zealand (where the movies were filmed). The success of the movies sparked an equally successful Lord of the Rings Tours for tourists who want to discover the sights and sounds of Middle-Earth — sorry, New Zealand.

Life Of Pi

What it is: Based on the book of the same name by Yann Martel, the 3D film’s plot revolves around a 16-year-old Indian boy named Piscine Molitor Patel, also known as Pi, and what happens to him after he survives a shipwreck, only to find himself stuck on a lifeboat with a tiger named Richard Parker.

Why it’s worth watching: The journey isn’t just the one taken on the lifeboat, but what’s interesting is that the movie weaves together many themes, like love, trust, friendship, and is, in some ways, a coming-of-age story, as Pi’s morality is also tested. Plus, its unbelievable visual effects literally jump out at you when you watch it in 3D.

Eat Pray Love

What it is: Based on the book by Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat Pray Love is a story about a woman who, despite having a house, a husband and a successful career, feels lost, and decides to travel the world in the hope of finding herself.

Why it’s worth watching: Sure, at 140 minutes, the movie does test some limits, but thanks in part to the vibrant and stunning scenes of Italy, India and Bali, this is a movie that will make you wish you too could take a break to travel the world and experience such breath-taking places. And you can’t help but feel for Julia Roberts’ Elizabeth as she embarks on her quest and eventually finds inner peace.

Up

What it is: This 3D animated adventure film centres around 78-year-old widower Carl Fredricksen, who wants to fulfill a promise to his wife to visit Paradise Falls. This he does in a flying home held aloft by balloons. He is joined by Russell, a child who shares the epic journey with Carl when he accidentally finds himself stuck in the floating house.

Why it’s worth watching: Not only does Up force you to go through your first box of tissues five minutes into the movie — with the heart-breaking scenes of Carl and his wife, Ellie — the story keeps you rooted to your seat and rooting for Carl as he tries to fulfill his promise to Ellie to have their dream home overlooking the stunning Paradise Falls. Along the way, he and Russell encounter the tall colourful flightless bird named Kevin, and an adorable talking dog, Dug, making the movie a great adventure for both the young and old.

Journey To The Center Of The Earth

What it is: The 3D film follows Trevor, Sean and Hannah as they try to find Max, Trevor’s brother, via notes scribbled by Max in Jules Verne’s book, A Journey To The Centre Of The Earth. They soon find themselves in the titular centre of the planet, encountering all sorts of creatures as they try to make their way back to the surface.

Why it’s worth watching: Journey To The Center Of The Earth is nothing like Verne’s original tale, but takes you to a fantastical world with dinosaurs, glowing birds and giant carnivorous plants. Yes, it’s a world we’ll probably never get to see in real life (not even if you’re a Vernian), but for those of us who are bound to our office desks for most of the day, it’s the great getaway from reality that some of us might desperately need.