The Amazing Race has a lot to offer to its viewers. For instance, it features a cast of intriguing contestants and has well-thought-out challenges distributed throughout its runtime. But more than anything else, it is the show's cultural outlook and portrayal of the world that appeals to most viewers. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the incredible landscapes of Africa, the reality TV series takes viewers through it all.
Many documentaries have a similar travel-centric narrative where real people embark on memorable journeys and overcome several challenges along the way. These documentaries not only serve as a medium of escapism for viewers but also educate and inspire viewers to explore the world around them. Whatever one's reason may be to watch them, the list below might come in handy.
Expedition Happiness (Netflix)
Expedition Happiness begins with a DIY project where a couple converts an old school bus into a full-fledged caravan. Using the same mobile home, the two then set out on a journey across North America with their dog. Although replete with scenic landscapes, their journey isn't bereft of obstacles.
Instead of unfolding as a journey that's leading up to a fixed destination, Expedition Happiness proves to be a rite of passage narrative for both the viewers and the leading couple. It may not be for everyone, but for those looking for a travelogue-styled documentary, this one fits the bill.
180° South (Hoopla/Amazon Prime)
In 1968, Yvon Chouinard, Doug Tompkins, and their friends started a trek along the Pan American Highway and went all the way up to a mountain peak in Corcovado. While they were at it, they captured their adventures on film. Inspired by them, climber/surfer Jeff Johnson treads a similar path in 180° South and follows their footsteps, hoping to find his own purpose.
In all of its extreme adventures and high-risk mountain climbing, there's an undertone of eco-themes that most viewers will resonate with. This film touches on the perils of commercial fishing and the negative impact of infrastructure but also inspires viewers to travel, find their own adventures, and seek sustainable means of living.
Living On One Dollar (Amazon Prime/Vudu)
As the title suggests, Living on One Dollar highlights the 8-week journey of four friends who try to sustain themselves on just $1 a day in rural Guatemala. But the documentary is a lot more than its conceptual hook.
Instead of solely walking viewers through the adventures of its four primary hosts, it offers a deep look at the lives of the people with whom the travelers have come to live. It goes above and beyond to capture an in-depth look at the life and culture of the people, presenting ideas and images that stay with viewers long after the credits start rolling.
The Kindness Diaries (Netflix/Amazon Prime)
In The Amazing Race, contestants have to throw their caution to the wind and seek help from those around them. These help-seeking endeavors rarely lead them to dire situations, but often end with help from some surprisingly kind strangers.
The Kindness Diaries explores similar pleasures of traveling. Host Leon Logothetis journeys across borders on his vintage bike. On his way, he crosses paths with generous strangers who help him find food, water, shelter, and in return, he gives back to them in thoughtful and profound ways.
Unbranded (Tubi/Amazon Prime)
Unbranded is a travel documentary with a Western twist. Culled from almost 500 hours of raw footage, the film closely follows the lives of four young boys who travel on horseback like cowboys from the Mexican to the Canadian border. Throughout their 3000-mile journey, they intend to promote the adoption of wild horses.
The documentary is thoughtfully crafted in such a way that it not only pleases viewers with its raw visuals of American public lands but also addresses some major environmental issues like the dwindling population of horses.
Tales By Light (Netflix)
There's an age-old saying: "Every picture tells a story." Tales by Light—a three-season docu-series—captures the very essence of this. By exploring the backstory of several powerful images captured by talented Australian and North American photographers, the series draws wonderful parallels between photography and our natural world.
For obvious reasons, the awe-striking imagery in the series will appeal a lot more to photography enthusiasts. But the heart-wrenching stories behind all pictures have the power to change many lives. They reflect the empathy and compassion of the photographers who captured them.
Residente (Vudu/Amazon Prime)
Rene Perez (AKA Residente) is among the most celebrated artists of Latin America. In Residente, he takes a DNA test and embarks on an adventure to explore everything from the culture to the personal lives of his ancestors. Along the way, he finds inspiration and uses his experiences to create his next phenomenal album.
Throughout the runtime of the documentary, Rene engages with viewers through his music and creates a highly immersive experience. Due to this, viewers not only get to walk through his creative process of making music but also get a deep and insightful perception of the world through his eyes.
Dark Tourist (Netflix)
Time and again, The Amazing Race surprises viewers and contestants with its filming locations. For those who are fascinated by the exploration of less typical destinations, Dark Tourist has a lot to offer.
Journalist David Farrier visits places that are unique to explore, often spots that have to do with death and tragedy. Farrier's more macabre escapades may be hard to digest at times, but they're fascinating nonetheless.
Mile... Mile & A Half (Tubi/Vudu/Amazon Prime)
Set against the backdrop of the sprawling John Muir Trail, Mile...Mile & A Half follows the twenty-five-day hiking trip of five young men. For the most part, the documentary keeps things simple by highlighting the wholesome chemistry between its cast members.
Along with that, it merges its minimalist narrative with crisp and spectacular cinematography. Technically sound and sincere with its message, Mile...Mile & A Half is a work of art.
Faces Places (Amazon Prime/Vudu)
Faces Places is all about the rural French wanderings of the dynamic duo, Varda Agnes and JR. While Varda, being a veteran photographer and director, shares her warm and witty experiences with the utmost buoyancy, JR contrasts her by presenting his relatively green, but sharp, perception of art that surrounds them.
Both their striking differences and shared love for images perfectly portray the power of the storytelling medium. Not to mention, their poetic journey is complemented by the scintillating music of french artist Matthieu Chedid.