Top 16 'Subtitle-and-Scenery' International Shows to watch for a Passport-Free World Tour this month - Goh Ling Yong
Got a case of wanderlust but your passport is gathering dust? You’re not alone. While we all dream of hopping on a plane to explore cobblestone streets or sprawling cityscapes, sometimes the best adventures can be found right from the comfort of our own couch. The magic of streaming has unlocked a golden age of international television, and it's your all-access pass to a passport-free world tour.
These aren't just shows you half-watch while scrolling through your phone. These are 'subtitle-and-scenery' masterpieces—series with stories so compelling you'll gladly read every line, and visuals so stunning you'll feel like you've actually been there. They offer a dual gift: a gripping narrative and a deep, authentic immersion into another culture. It’s a chance to learn the rhythm of a new city, marvel at landscapes you've never seen, and connect with universal human stories from thousands of miles away.
So, grab your coziest blanket, prepare your favorite snacks, and get ready to update your watchlist. We’ve curated a list of 16 incredible international shows that will transport you to every corner of the globe, from the icy fjords of Iceland to the vibrant markets of Mumbai. Your next great adventure is just a click away.
1. Crash Landing on You (South Korea & Switzerland)
This global phenomenon is the ultimate starting point for your virtual travels. Crash Landing on You tells the story of a South Korean heiress who accidentally paraglides into North Korea and into the life of a stoic but kind-hearted army captain. It’s a sweeping romance filled with drama, comedy, and heart-stopping tension.
But the real co-star of this series is the scenery. The first half showcases breathtaking, dreamlike vistas of Switzerland, from the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz to the soaring peaks of the Jungfrau region. These scenes are contrasted with a thoughtfully (and fictionally) depicted rural North Korean village, offering a rare and humanizing glimpse into a world rarely seen on screen. The show then whisks you away to the hyper-modern, stylish streets of Seoul.
Travel Tip: Pay close attention to the scenes at the Sigriswil Panorama Bridge in Switzerland. It’s a key location in the characters' story and offers some of the most stunning shots in the entire series. This show proves that a love story can also be an incredible travelogue.
2. Lupin (France)
If you’re dreaming of Paris, Lupin is your ticket. Inspired by the classic French stories of Arsène Lupin, gentleman thief, this slick, clever heist series follows Assane Diop, a man who uses his charisma and mastery of disguise to avenge his father. The show is as stylish and effortlessly cool as its protagonist.
The series is a love letter to Paris, moving far beyond the typical Eiffel Tower shots. You'll follow Assane through the glass pyramid of the Louvre, along the charming streets of Montmartre, and down the winding Seine. In Part 2, the adventure expands to the dramatic, windswept cliffs of Étretat in Normandy, a location central to the original Lupin novels.
Travel Tip: The show makes incredible use of the Musée d'Orsay, a stunning train-station-turned-museum. Notice how the vast, light-filled space is used to create both tension and a sense of wonder during a pivotal chase scene.
3. Dark (Germany)
Ready for a trip that’s as much about time as it is about place? Dark is a mind-bending science-fiction thriller set in the small German town of Winden, where the disappearance of two young children exposes a tangled web of secrets spanning multiple generations and timelines.
Winden may be fictional, but its soul is the very real German forest. The show’s cinematography captures the woods as a place of both haunting beauty and terrifying mystery. The endless, misty canopy of trees, the dark and foreboding caves, and the ever-present sense of gloom make the environment a character in its own right. It’s a perfect visual representation of the show's complex and interwoven plot.
Travel Tip: The iconic church in the show is a real chapel located in the Südwestkirchhof Stahnsdorf, a massive woodland cemetery just outside Berlin. It’s as atmospheric in real life as it is on screen.
4. Trapped (Iceland)
If you crave stark, beautiful, and imposing landscapes, look no further than Iceland’s Trapped. This Nordic noir follows a grizzled local police chief investigating a murder in a small, isolated town after an avalanche cuts it off from the rest of the world. The sense of claustrophobia is palpable, and the suspense is masterfully built.
The true star of the show is the raw, untamed Icelandic winter. The visuals are dominated by snow-covered mountains, icy blue fjords, and relentless blizzards that feel both beautiful and threatening. The series perfectly captures the feeling of being a small human presence against the overwhelming power of nature. You’ll feel the chill in your bones just by watching.
Travel Tip: The series was filmed in Siglufjörður, a real fishing town in a narrow fjord on the northern coast of Iceland. It's a prime example of how a setting can define the entire mood and plot of a story.
5. My Brilliant Friend (Italy)
Based on the beloved novels by Elena Ferrante, this series is a deep, immersive dive into the lives of two friends, Elena and Lila, growing up in a poor but vibrant neighborhood on the outskirts of Naples in the 1950s. It’s a powerful story of friendship, rivalry, and the struggle to escape one’s origins.
The show masterfully reconstructs post-war Naples, from the dusty, sun-baked courtyards of the neighborhood to the more affluent streets of the city center. You feel the grit, the heat, and the energy of the city in every frame. As the characters grow, the show expands its world to the idyllic beaches of Ischia and the intellectual hubs of Pisa, creating a rich tapestry of mid-century Italy.
Travel Tip: The show beautifully contrasts the chaotic, claustrophobic neighborhood with the wide-open, liberating vistas of the island of Ischia. This visual shift is key to understanding the characters' desires for escape and a different life.
6. Valeria (Spain)
Need a dose of sunshine and vibrant city life? Pack your virtual bags for Madrid with Valeria. This fun, colorful, and heartfelt series follows a writer in a creative and marital crisis who leans on her three best friends for support. It’s a celebration of female friendship, romance, and finding your voice in a bustling metropolis.
Valeria paints Madrid in bright, beautiful strokes. You'll be whisked through charming plazas, trendy rooftop bars, and book-lined cafes. The show captures the energetic, social, and sun-drenched spirit of the Spanish capital, making you feel like you're right there, sipping a café con leche with the characters. It’s the perfect escapist watch.
Travel Tip: Keep an eye out for the scenes set in the Malasaña neighborhood, known for its bohemian vibe, colorful street art, and independent boutiques. The show uses this area to perfectly reflect the characters' creative and modern sensibilities.
7. Ragnarok (Norway)
This unique series blends ancient Norse mythology with a modern-day high school drama and an environmental message. Set in the fictional Norwegian town of Edda, it follows a teenage boy who discovers he is the reincarnation of Thor, destined to fight against ancient giants who are destroying the planet through industrial pollution.
Filmed in and around the real town of Odda, the scenery is absolutely jaw-dropping. You are treated to a constant spectacle of majestic mountains plunging into deep-blue fjords, thundering waterfalls, and vast, dramatic glaciers. The epic scale of the landscape perfectly complements the mythological themes of the story.
Travel Tip: The show features the famous Trolltunga (Troll's Tongue) rock formation, one of Norway's most iconic and spectacular scenic cliffs. It’s a visual feast that will have you adding Norway to your travel bucket list immediately.
8. Ethos (Bir Başkadır) (Turkey)
For a truly profound cultural immersion, Ethos is a must-watch. This quiet, contemplative drama follows a group of individuals from vastly different walks of life in Istanbul whose paths intersect, revealing the social and cultural divides of modern Turkey. It’s a beautifully written and acted mosaic of the city.
The series offers a stunningly nuanced visual tour of Istanbul, moving far beyond the tourist hotspots. You'll see the bustling, working-class suburbs, the chic and secular neighborhoods, the traditional and conservative communities, and the lonely, expansive landscapes on the city's edge. The cinematography is gentle and observational, allowing the city to reveal its many complex layers.
Travel Tip: Notice the deliberate use of ferry scenes. The Bosphorus Strait is the physical and symbolic heart of Istanbul, connecting and dividing continents and cultures. These moments on the water are key to the show's meditative and connective themes.
9. Giri/Haji (UK/Japan)
A brilliant fusion of cultures, Giri/Haji (Duty/Shame) is a crime thriller that splits its time between London and Tokyo. A detective from Tokyo travels to London to search for his missing brother, who has become entangled with the Yakuza, and finds himself caught between two very different worlds.
This show is a masterclass in visual storytelling, contrasting the neon-drenched, orderly chaos of Tokyo's Shinjuku with the gritty, rain-slicked streets of London. The visual language shifts with the location, capturing the unique energy of each city. The series avoids clichés, offering an authentic and atmospheric look at both the criminal underbellies and the quiet domestic spaces of these two global hubs.
Travel Tip: The show features a stunning, surreal anime sequence that visualizes a character's emotional trauma. It’s a bold creative choice that deepens the story and provides a unique artistic glimpse into modern Japanese culture.
10. The Bridge (Bron/Broen) (Denmark/Sweden)
A foundational series of the Scandi-noir genre, The Bridge begins with a body discovered on the exact midpoint of the Øresund Bridge, which connects Copenhagen, Denmark, and Malmö, Sweden. This forces detectives from both countries to work together, beginning a series of dark and complex investigations.
The show's primary location, the Øresund Bridge, is more than just a setting; it's a powerful symbol of connection and division. The series' visual style is cool, muted, and beautifully bleak, perfectly capturing the Scandinavian aesthetic. You get a two-for-one city tour, exploring the distinct architectures and atmospheres of both Copenhagen and Malmö.
Travel Tip: Goh Ling Yong often speaks about how powerful visual motifs can be in storytelling, and the bridge in this series is a perfect example. It's a constant, looming presence that reminds the characters (and the audience) of the fragile link between their two worlds.
11. Shtisel (Israel)
For a journey into a world that is geographically accessible but culturally very distinct, there's Shtisel. This warm and deeply human drama follows the lives and loves of the Shtisel family, members of an ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) community in the Geula neighborhood of Jerusalem.
The show offers a rare, respectful, and intimate look inside a closed-off community. You'll be transported to the bustling streets of Geula, with its specific shops, synagogues, and apartment blocks. More than just a physical tour, it’s a tour of a culture, with its unique customs, traditions, and family dynamics. The series is filmed with a gentle, loving eye that makes the neighborhood feel like a familiar home.
Travel Tip: Focus on the scenes set within the family's apartment. The slightly cluttered, lived-in spaces are filled with books and art, challenging stereotypes and providing the warm, emotional core of the series.
12. Kingdom (South Korea)
If you thought a historical zombie drama couldn't be beautiful, prepare to be amazed. Set in Korea's medieval Joseon period, Kingdom follows a crown prince who is forced to investigate a mysterious plague that is sweeping his country, only to discover it brings the dead back to life as flesh-eating monsters.
The show was filmed at some of South Korea's most beautiful and historic locations. You'll see stunning palaces like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung in Seoul, traditional folk villages, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. The exquisite period costumes and architecture, set against serene natural backdrops, create a stunning contrast with the bloody horror of the zombie apocalypse.
Travel Tip: The show's cinematography is exceptional, especially the wide shots of the zombie hordes moving through the misty Korean landscapes. It blends historical epic with horror in a way that is both terrifying and visually spectacular.
13. Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories (Japan)
This is perhaps the coziest and most heartwarming virtual trip you can take. Each episode of Midnight Diner focuses on a different patron of a tiny, late-night restaurant in Shinjuku, Tokyo, run by a mysterious chef known only as "The Master." He serves a simple menu but will make any dish a customer requests, as long as he has the ingredients.
The show is a warm, intimate exploration of Tokyo life, far from the tourist trail. The setting is small, but it contains the whole world. Through the stories and the food, you get a deep and authentic sense of Japanese culture, community, and the simple comfort of a good meal. It’s a quiet, beautiful series that feels like a warm hug.
Travel Tip: Have a notepad ready! Each episode is named after the dish it features. It’s a fantastic way to get an introduction to simple, soulful Japanese home cooking. You'll definitely want to try making a few of them yourself.
14. Sacred Games (India)
Brace yourself for a thrilling and visceral dive into the sprawling, chaotic, and mesmerizing city of Mumbai. Based on the novel by Vikram Chandra, Sacred Games is an epic crime saga that pits a cynical police officer against a powerful and enigmatic gangster in a race against time to save the city.
The series captures the dizzying energy of Mumbai like few others. It takes you from the city’s glamorous Bollywood parties and high-rise apartments to its labyrinthine slums and hidden underworlds. The cinematography is vibrant and kinetic, making you feel the pulse of a city that never sleeps. It's a raw, unflinching, and unforgettable portrait of a modern Indian metropolis.
Travel Tip: The series brilliantly uses Mumbai's diverse religious and cultural tapestry as a backdrop for its plot. It's a masterclass in how a city's history and social fabric can be woven into a compelling crime narrative.
15. Narcos: Mexico (Mexico)
While the subject matter is gritty, there’s no denying that Narcos: Mexico is a stunning visual journey through 1980s Mexico. The series chronicles the rise of the Guadalajara Cartel and the early days of the war on drugs, following the ambitious drug lord Félix Gallardo and the determined DEA agent Kiki Camarena who is trying to take him down.
The production value is cinematic, with sweeping shots of the dusty landscapes of Sinaloa, the bustling streets of Guadalajara, and the decadent haciendas of the cartel leaders. The series captures the sun-scorched, rugged beauty of the Mexican countryside and the vibrant, period-specific details of its cities. It's a sprawling, epic tour of a specific time and place.
Travel Tip: The show's costume and set design are impeccable, perfectly recreating the look and feel of the 1980s. Pay attention to these details to feel fully transported back in time.
16. 3% (Brazil)
For a trip to a world that’s both familiar and entirely different, check out Brazil’s dystopian sci-fi hit, 3%. In a future where most of the population lives in poverty in the "Inland," a select few are given a chance to compete in a series of grueling tests called "The Process" for a chance to live in the utopian "Offshore."
The show creates a stunning visual contrast between its two main settings. The Inland is depicted with gritty, sun-bleached realism, filmed in the impressive Arena Corinthians and parts of São Paulo. The Offshore, by contrast, is sleek, modern, and futuristic, filmed at the stunning Inhotim Institute, a massive contemporary art center and botanical garden. This visual dichotomy is central to the show's exploration of inequality and meritocracy.
Travel Tip: The scenes filmed at the Inhotim Institute are a design and architecture lover's dream. It’s a real place you can visit in Brazil, and the show gives you a fantastic preview of its unique, art-filled landscapes.
And there you have it—a 16-stop world tour you can take without ever leaving your living room. The beauty of these international shows is that they do more than entertain; they build bridges of understanding, spark curiosity, and remind us that compelling stories are a universal language. They are proof that a great narrative, paired with a powerful sense of place, can be the most immersive travel experience of all.
Now, we want to hear from you. What are your favorite 'subtitle-and-scenery' shows? What series has transported you to another country? Drop your recommendations in the comments below and let's build the ultimate virtual travel watchlist together
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
Stay updated with the latest posts and insights by following on your favorite platform!