15+ Best Movies About Cartography & Exploration (List)

Exploration and cartography have long been subjects of fascination for moviegoers.

From epic tales of discovery to intimate character studies, films about cartography and exploration offer a unique blend of adventure, history, and human drama.

Here are some of the best movies that focus on the themes of cartography (the study of maps and map-making) and exploration, along with a brief description and the year they were released:

The Lost City of Z (2016) – A biographical adventure film that tells the story of British explorer Percy Fawcett who made several attempts to find an ancient lost city in the Amazon.

Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019) – A family adventure film that follows the young explorer Dora on a quest to save her parents and solve the mystery of a lost Incan civilization.

The Revenant (2015) – A gritty survival story of frontiersman Hugh Glass on his quest for vengeance against those who left him for dead in the uncharted American wilderness.

Indiana Jones Series (1981-2008) – A popular series following the adventures of Dr. Indiana Jones, a professor of archaeology and adventurer, as he explores ancient ruins and uncovers historical artifacts.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) – A comedy-drama that follows the daydreaming Walter Mitty on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined.

Kon-Tiki (2012) – A historical drama that recounts the 1947 expedition of Thor Heyerdahl, who sailed across the Pacific Ocean on a balsa wood raft to prove that pre-Columbian South Americans could have settled in Polynesia.

The Way Back (2010) – A war film that tells the story of a group of prisoners who escape from a Siberian Gulag and undertake a treacherous journey across five countries.

Everest (2015) – A survival drama that depicts the harrowing experiences of two expedition groups attempting to reach the summit of Mount Everest during a brutal snowstorm.

The Mapmaker’s Wife (2019) – A drama that follows the true story of a 18th-century cartographer and his wife as they embark on an expedition to map the boundary between Peru and Brazil.

The Adventures of Tintin (2011) – An animated action-adventure film that follows the young journalist Tintin and his dog Snowy as they uncover a secret treasure linked to a sunken ship.

Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008) – A science fiction adventure film that follows a scientist and his team as they embark on a journey to the Earth’s core, encountering various prehistoric creatures and natural disasters.

1492: Conquest of Paradise (1992) – A historical drama that portrays Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the New World and the effect it had on the indigenous peoples.

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) – A biopic that follows a young Che Guevara on a road trip across South America, witnessing the continent’s injustices and inequalities, which shape his future revolutionary path.

Seven Years in Tibet (1997) – A biographical war drama that tells the true story of an Austrian mountaineer who becomes friends with the Dalai Lama during China’s takeover of Tibet.

Agora (2009) – A historical drama that follows the life of Hypatia, a female philosopher and astronomer in late 4th-century Roman Egypt, as she navigates the religious turmoil and social unrest of her time.

Here we look at some of the best movies in this genre, highlighting their significance and impact.

Whether you are a history buff, an adventure enthusiast, or simply looking for an engaging story, these films are sure to captivate your imagination.

Table of Contents

The Age of Exploration: A Cinematic Journey

The Age of Exploration, spanning from the 15th to the 17th century, was a period of unprecedented voyages and discoveries.

It was during this time that European explorers set sail to chart new territories, establish trade routes, and expand their empires.

The movies in this genre often depict the challenges faced by these explorers, their encounters with indigenous cultures, and the impact of their discoveries on the world.

1. “1492: Conquest of Paradise” (1992)

Directed by Ridley Scott, “1492: Conquest of Paradise” chronicles the journey of Christopher Columbus (played by Gérard Depardieu) as he sets out to find a new route to Asia.

The film explores Columbus’ determination, his struggles with his crew, and his encounters with the indigenous people of the Americas.

While the historical accuracy of the film has been debated, it offers a visually stunning portrayal of Columbus’ voyage and the challenges he faced.

2. “The New World” (2005)

Directed by Terrence Malick, “The New World” tells the story of the English settlement at Jamestown and the relationship between Captain John Smith (played by Colin Farrell) and Pocahontas (played by Q’orianka Kilcher).

The film beautifully captures the clash of cultures and the exploration of the uncharted wilderness.

With its poetic visuals and introspective narrative, “The New World” offers a unique perspective on the early days of European colonization in America.

3. “The Navigator: A Medieval Odyssey” (1988)

While not strictly a historical film, “The Navigator: A Medieval Odyssey” combines elements of fantasy and time travel with exploration.

Directed by Vincent Ward, the film follows a group of 14th-century villagers who tunnel through the Earth to reach 20th-century New Zealand.

Their journey is both a physical exploration and a metaphorical quest for salvation.

“The Navigator” offers a thought-provoking exploration of human ambition and the desire to discover new worlds.

Exploring the Unknown: Modern Cartography

Cartography is not limited to the past. In the modern world, explorers continue to push the boundaries of our knowledge, mapping uncharted territories and uncovering hidden wonders.

These films focus on contemporary explorers and their quests for discovery.

4. “The Lost City of Z” (2016)

Based on the true story of British explorer Percy Fawcett, “The Lost City of Z” follows Fawcett’s obsession with finding a mythical city in the Amazon rainforest.

Directed by James Gray, the film explores Fawcett’s determination, his struggles with skepticism from the scientific community, and the toll his expeditions take on his personal life.

“The Lost City of Z” is a gripping exploration of the human spirit and the allure of the unknown.

5. “Everest” (2015)

“Everest” tells the harrowing true story of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster, in which several climbers lost their lives during a severe storm.

Directed by Baltasar Kormákur, the film depicts the challenges faced by the climbers, the dangers of high-altitude mountaineering, and the human will to conquer nature.

“Everest” offers a thrilling and visually stunning portrayal of the world’s highest peak and the risks involved in exploring it.

6. “The Cave of the Yellow Dog” (2005)

Directed by Byambasuren Davaa, “The Cave of the Yellow Dog” is a heartwarming exploration of the nomadic lifestyle in Mongolia.

The film follows a young girl who discovers a stray dog and must decide whether to keep it or return it to its owner.

While not focused on cartography in the traditional sense, “The Cave of the Yellow Dog” offers a unique perspective on exploration as a way of life and the connection between humans and their environment.

FAQs – Best Movies About Cartography & Exploration

1. Are these movies based on true stories?

Some of the movies mentioned in this article are based on true stories, while others are fictional.

“1492: Conquest of Paradise” and “The New World” are inspired by historical events, although they may take creative liberties.

“The Lost City of Z” and “Everest” are based on real-life expeditions, while “The Navigator: A Medieval Odyssey” and “The Cave of the Yellow Dog” are fictional stories with exploration themes.

2. Are these movies suitable for all ages?

The suitability of these movies for different age groups may vary.

Some films, such as “The Lost City of Z” and “Everest,” contain intense scenes and may not be suitable for young children.

It is recommended to check the rating and content advisory of each film before watching it with children.

3. Do these movies accurately depict historical events?

While some movies strive for historical accuracy, it is important to remember that they are works of fiction or interpretations of historical events.

Filmmakers often take creative liberties to enhance the storytelling or condense complex events into a cohesive narrative.

If historical accuracy is a priority, it is recommended to supplement these movies with additional research.

4. Are there any documentaries about cartography and exploration?

Yes, there are several documentaries that delve into the world of cartography and exploration.

Documentaries like “The Mapmakers” and “The Explorers: A Century of Discovery” offer a more factual and educational perspective on these subjects.

They provide insights into the techniques used by cartographers and the challenges faced by explorers throughout history.

5. Can these movies inspire a career in cartography or exploration?

These movies can certainly inspire an interest in cartography and exploration.

They showcase the excitement and challenges associated with these fields, which may ignite a passion for further exploration or mapmaking.

For those considering a career in these areas, it is recommended to explore educational programs and resources that can provide a deeper understanding of the subjects.

6. Are there any other notable movies in this genre?

Yes, there are many other notable movies about cartography and exploration.

Some additional recommendations include “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (2013), “Kon-Tiki” (2012), “The Way Back” (2010), and “The Motorcycle Diaries” (2004).

Each of these films offers a unique perspective on exploration and the human spirit.

7. Are there any animated movies about cartography and exploration?

While the focus of this article is primarily on live-action films, there are also animated movies that explore the themes of cartography and exploration.

One notable example is Disney’s “Moana” (2016), which follows the journey of a young girl who sets out to save her people by finding a legendary island.

“Moana” combines adventure, mythology, and stunning animation to create an engaging exploration story.

8. Do these movies highlight the impact of exploration on indigenous cultures?

Several movies mentioned in this article touch upon the impact of exploration on indigenous cultures.

“1492: Conquest of Paradise” and “The New World” specifically explore the encounters between European explorers and indigenous peoples.

These films shed light on the cultural clashes, power dynamics, and consequences of these interactions.

9. Are there any foreign language films in this genre?

Yes, there are foreign language films that delve into the themes of cartography and exploration.

One example is the Spanish film “Aguirre, the Wrath of God” (1972), directed by Werner Herzog.

It tells the story of a Spanish expedition in search of El Dorado and the descent into madness of its leader.

Foreign language films offer unique perspectives and storytelling styles that can enrich the exploration genre.

10. Can these movies be educational?

These movies can be both entertaining and educational. They provide insights into historical events, exploration techniques, and the human spirit of adventure.

While they may not replace formal education or in-depth research, they can serve as a starting point for further exploration and learning.

Summary – Best Movies About Cartography & Exploration

The movies about cartography and exploration discussed in this article offer a diverse range of stories, from historical epics to contemporary adventures.

They capture the spirit of discovery, the challenges faced by explorers, and the impact of their journeys on both themselves and the world.

Whether you are interested in the Age of Exploration or modern-day quests for discovery, these films provide valuable insights into the human desire to explore the unknown.

Related