10 Films To Make You Want to Visit the USA

USA flag

We get it, times are pretty tough at the moment, and your dream to work in the United States might have to go on the backburner. Don’t worry though – we are here to help!

While you’re cosied up at home, it’s the perfect time to catch up with all those movies you’ve missed, right?

So, fire up that Netflix account (we won’t judge you if you’re still using your ex’s…), grab some popcorn and settle in for a movie night that’ll get you dreaming of your next adventure.

The Hangover – Las Vegas

An oldie but a classic, The Hangover sneaks a peek inside a typical Vegas bachelor party…well, maybe not that typical, but how would we know – what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right? The hilarious antics that the gang get into will have you laughing out loud, as well as getting some lessons on what NOT to do in Vegas. Y’know, unless you really want to…

Spider-Man: Homecoming – New York

There are pretty much a million films set in the Big Apple, but with a bunch of not-so-secret Marvel fans on the team this one had to top the list. With all the major sights making it into the background as Peter Parker flings himself along the skyline, you’ll be writing that New York City to-do list in no time!

La La Land – Los Angeles

We don’t know about you, but in these trying times a cheesy singalong is JUST what’s needed. Taking a dive into the crazy world of Hollywood, La La Land follows the story of star-crossed lovers Sebastian and Mia, as they face the hurdles of modern relationships in a world of ambition. With Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone delivering pitch-perfect performances, don’t blame us for your new Los Angeles obsession.

Jurassic Park – Hawaii

Okay, so we’re taking minor liberties here because the film isn’t actually set in Hawaii – but in Ka’a’awa Valley, you’ll find some familiar backdrops – much of the classic dinosaur epic was filmed right here. Walk in the footsteps of the on-screen T-Rex and velociraptors, as you take in the stunning surroundings that will definitely transport you to a prehistoric paradise.

Stagecoach – Monument Valley

If it’s good enough for the king of the Western, it’s good enough for us – director John Ford regularly used Monument Valley in Utah as a backdrop for his movies. So much so, a popular lookout point in the Valley, John Ford’s Point, was even named after him. While there are plenty of iconic cowboy movies set against the towering orange rock formations, Stagecoach was Ford’s first foray into the Navajo nation – but definitely not the last.

Green Book – Deep South

Music lovers can follow in the footsteps of Don Shirley (Mahershalal Ali) and Tony Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen) in the true story adaptation of Green Book as they road trip in the Deep South. Fill up on the music scene that the region is famed for, dancing to blues on Beale Street Memphis, listen to live country music in Nashville and hit the jazz scene in New Orleans. Other highlights include visiting Elvis Presley’s famous Graceland mansion, hiking in Smoky Mountains National Park and experiencing the best in southern hospitality.

A Star is Born – See the Sparkling Celebrity-filled LA

See the bustling streets of LA and country charms of Arizona that feature in the huge hit A Star is Born, starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. Highlights include journeying on famous Route 66, seeing the lights of Las Vegas on a party bus tour, dipping into the cool waters of the Colorado River, experiencing the Grand Canyon at sunrise or sunset and exploring Los Angeles and San Francisco on foot.

Vice – Politics, Museums and Monuments

Visit the country’s capital and set eyes on the monumental sites of Washington DC, including The White House, that feature in the popular film Vice, starring Christian Bale as Dick Cheney. Other highlights include getting up close to Niagara Falls, walking Boston’s historic Freedom Trail, touring Amish country and visiting Philadelphia’s famous ‘Rocky’ steps and Liberty Bell.

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs – Heart of the Wild West

With overnight cowboy camping, Western horseback riding, dust roads and majestic canyons, this tour has everything to make travellers feel like a true Westerner on the set of The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, directed by the Coen brothers. Other highlights include swimming in the Pacific Ocean, sunrise or sunset over the Grand Canyon, experiencing the bright lights of Las Vegas, and setting eyes on the infamous Death Valley.

Is the USA calling your name? View our guide to working in North America or if anywhere but home appeals, view. all seasonal jobs abroad.