To set the mood for your upcoming trip to Bali, Indonesia get some snacks and watch one or two movies from the list we’ve prepared.
You’ll find documentaries about Balinese and Indonesian cultures, love stories, and movies about surfing that are either shot or portray this tropical paradise.
Ticket to Paradise, 2022
A recent romantic comedy with Julia Roberts and George Clooney about a wedding that may or may not save another marriage.
The action takes place in Bali, but unfortunately, it was not filmed here, but in Australia.
A Perfect Fit, 2021
An Indonesian romance about a young woman fashion blogger Saski and a talented shoe designer Rio who fall in love despite arrangements made by their families.
The movie was shot in Jatiluwih rice fields, Tenganan village, Ubud, and Melasti beach.
Chasing the Present, 2019
It is a documentary exploring ways to deal with anxiety and the overwhelming world around us.
While it is not focused on Bali, there are a few shots from the island, and the idea of the spiritual path and self-discovery is very relevant to many people who visit Bali.
The More Things Change, 2017
A short documentary featuring an American surfer (Hawaiian Gerry Lopez) who returns to surf the famous Uluwatu break – one of the most popular surfing destinations, after his first Bali waves here 40 years ago.
But while Gerry was in Bali, he also tapped into the culture and some spiritual lessons.
The movie is an initiative to help the local community and the non-profit organization Clean Uluwatu.
Charlie Chaplin in Bali (2017)
A documentary about Charlie Chaplin’s visit to Bali in 1932, when he was allegedly going through a life crisis and transitioning from silent film to sound.
The movie has a few archive footage of Java and Bali locations. Chaplin explored both northern and southern Bali and was lucky to witness many ceremonies and true rural Bali.
Bali: Heaven and Hell (2014)
A short documentary is based on the homonymous book by Phil Jarratt.
It presents exactly what you think: the good, with the spiritual journey and discovery of the Balinese culture and scenery, but also the dark side of Bali becoming a tourist mecca and having some social and corruption issues.
Taksu, 2014
A Japanese drama about a married couple looking for answers and hope with sensual scenes and the elegance of Japanese movies.
It shows many iconic Bali locations, rice paddies, nightlife, gamelan music, and Kecak dance performances.
Janggan, 2014
Janggan is an Indonesian documentary about the art of kite-making.
During the dry season (April to October) kids and teenagers launch kites in every corner of the island. Plus, every year a big kite festival to celebrate the harvest.
Alex Cross (2012)
The film starring Tyler Perry (Detroit Lieutenant Alex Cross) shows us the picturesque scenery of Tulamben Beach, Amed, Jemeluk Beach, and Nusa Lembongan.
The movie is a thriller and drama. The main character is on a quest to find out who killed his wife.
Bali Is My Life, 2012
A film project and a documentary series, inspired by a homonymous initiative by the Bali Hotel Association.
Each episode features important projects, people, and concepts of Bali culture intending to preserve its beauty.
Eat Pray Surf, 2011
A German documentary about surfing famous Bali waves.
Two completely different stories of two passionate surfers riding waves in Bali, one Balinese and one foreigner.
Eat Pray Love, 2010
The ultimate movie about Bali that inspired so many Bali lovers to come and soak in the island’s culture and gorgeous landscapes. And while doing so, also find yourself.
Bali scenes were shot in Ubud rice paddies where Julia Roberts rode a bicycle, and on Padang Padang Beach where she was swimming in the blue waters.
Toute La Beauté Du Monde, 2006
A French movie called All The Beauty Of The World in English, is a light romance with an element of comedy about a widow (a French woman) searching for new beginnings and healing. A man falling in love with her intervenes with her spiritual journey and grief.
The movie scenes take us along to many Bali locations: from Kuta Beach, Legian, and Seminyak, to Ubud, Jatiluwih rice terraces, Mount Batukaru, and water temple Tanah Lot.
The Fall, 2006
The movie itself is a tale about exotic places that are told in a hospital. The Hollywood stuntman Roy Walker had a filming accident and ended up in a hospital where he meets a 5 y.o. young girl with a broken arm. He decides to tell her a story.
The Kecak dance scene in the movie happened at Gunung Kawi Temple in Gianyar, Ubud. It is a beautiful carved in a rock formation sacred site. Another place in Bali from the movie is Tegallalang rice terraces in Ubud.
Endless Summer II, 1994
An adventure documentary film about surfers Patrick O’Connell and Robert “Wingnut” Weaver chasing the best waves around the world.
At some point, they travel to Bali. The film features waves near Kuta beach, the iconic Tanah Lot Temple, and Uluwatu Temple.
Baraka, 1992
Baraka is a visual novel covering many gorgeous landscapes, human life, and religious rituals around the globe. This includes Bali.
The movie is available to the public on YouTube and is a great reflection on how human actions affect nature.
Video Visits: Bali – A Window on Paradise, 1990
A big documentary about Balinese culture and religion, trying to show as many exotic spots and natural beauty as possible.
The film takes us to various spots from the northern tip of the island – the port of Singaraja, and Ubud to East Bali and the beaches of Sanur.
Ring of Fire: An Indonesian Odyssey, 1987
A series of 5 episodes portraying the Indonesian archipelago of the 70s and 80s created by Lorne and Lawrence Blair who travelled through Indonesia.
The second episode Dance of the Warriors brings us to Bali part of their journey, where the brothers had a house. You can see the traditional boats on the coast of Sanur in the 80s, Balinese rituals, stunning views of Mount Agung, and Besakih temple in Karangasem.
Morning of the Earth, 1972
Morning of the Earth is not just about surfing, but also about living in harmony with nature. Bali is one of the three locations featured in this film.
Once this movie showed everyone the perfect waves at Uluwatu break, Bali started to become a surfing mecca.
Incontro d’Amore, 1970
It is a very open-minded romantic movie in which one of the main characters is so deeply inspired by the Balinese culture that he converts to Hinduism.
The absurd drama happens against the tropical backdrop with rituals on the sand beaches, palms, Tanah Lot ad Goa Lawah temples, and rustic houses. The movie also proudly features beautiful Balinese women.
Road to Bali, 1953
An American comedy about two young men from Australia who decide to work as divers in Bali.
One day, the dive brings more than marine life encounters – a chest with treasures. And here all the fun part starts! And the love affair with a Balinese princess doesn’t help the two…
Legong, Dance of the Virgins, 1935
This romantic silent film features all Balinese cast living their simple Balinese life amongst rural village scenes in Ubud.
But one day, two legong dance sisters find themselves in love with the same man – a gamelan musician. One of the sisters is denied love and commits suicide.
The drama takes us through all the details of the island’s culture, from daily errands and temple ceremonies to cremation.
Goona Goona or The Kriss, 1932
Goona Goona is an aphrodisiacal love potion commonly used in Indonesian culture. The plot of the melodrama is around a love triangle in Bali between a Balinese prince, a young girl serving as a slave, and a labourer.
Alongside their love story, the whole movie was shot in Bali and presents realistic Balinese life and rituals from small villages to temples.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve visited Bali before you will be excited to spot familiar locations in these movies about Bali and learn more stories about traditions and events happening on the island paradise at different times.
