U​plifting Camino de Santiago Films

8 of the best films featuring the Camino de Santiago to spark the wanderlust in everyone.

If you are reading this article, there is a good chance you are considering hiking the Camino de Santiago. Or maybe you already have! Whether you are looking for motivation, wanting to relive your trekking adventure, or trying to plan a trip for yourself, then you've definitely landed on the right page. Whatever your reason may be, these uplifting and inspiring films about the Camino de Santiago is sure to spark your adventure and prepare you for a journey of a lifetime.

Here is a list of our favorite Camino de Santiago films; Let’s get started.

Synopsis: Based on the book of the same name (see recommended books on the Camino)

I’ll Push You is a feature-length documentary, with an up close and personal look at the friendship of a lifetime between 2 best friends. Together, the 2 set off for a 34-day journey through the hills and valleys of El Camino de Santiago, all while each is battling a neurological disease and the struggles of being in a wheelchair. The film depicts the true meaning of friendship, vulnerability, and generosity, and has been an inspiration for many of those wishing to travel, but may find it almost impossible to begin. Their trek in 2014 helped to capture the imagination of the world through an epic journey, and the documentary film has now resonated with viewers looking for faith, hope, and love.

Synopsis: Filmmaker Lydia Smith follows a group of hikers trekking 500 miles to Galicia, Spain.

Walking the Camino: 6 Ways to Santiago, is a documentary film about 6 pilgrims’ responses to taking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. No matter the weather, the entire film is beautifully photographed, seeming the scene for inspiration. The daunting and enlightening experience of the trek seems to change perspective and small spiritual changes for each of the 6 hikers and focuses on the epiphanies that take place in people who are forced to travel light while moving through unknown territory with trouble and uncertainty. Annie, Tomas, Misa, Jack, Tatiana, and Sam are all making the trek for different reasons, and Smith does a great job inspiring others to take that leap of faith, push their limits, and change their outlooks on life.

Synopsis: This is the most famous/popular movie and we 100% Recommend

The Way is an inspiring story depicting the difference between “the life we live and the life we choose.” A father from California, ventures to France to collect the remains of his dead son, who died while hiking the Camino de Santiago. In honor of his son's memory, the father himself decides to complete the trek himself. While he is inexperienced as a hiker, he discovers the journey is more than just physical endurance and capability. Meeting many other hikers along the way in the search for life's greater meaning, the journey has a profound impact on his life and perspective from then on out. This is the most well-known movie about the Camino de Santiago and we highly recommend it, even just for the inspiration alone.

Synopsis: A story exploring the spirituality, history, and mythology of the Camino de Santiago.

Camino de Santiago- A Spiritual Journey, is a documentary film featuring interviews with 6 different men who made the exciting trek of El Camino de Santiago. It makes many references to those who are alchemists, as well as the Knights of Templar, an organized Christian group who protected European travelers visiting sites in the Holy Land during medieval times. The film compares the walk itself to spirituality in equal measure, digging deep into the minds and lives of the 6 men interviewed. It is a film about faith in spirituality, faith in humanity, and the impact of the adventure of El Camino de Santiago.

Synopsis: Camino Skies is a documentary highlighting the 800-mile pilgrimage undertaken by six pilgrims from New Zealand and Australia.

Camino Skies is a documentary film about everyday people doing the extraordinary, all while learning how to live with grief. While inspirational, and heartbreaking, the film showcases not only the mental capabilities to heal but also the physical capabilities due to crippling disease and old age. It showcases tetchiness and irritability, as well as support and camaraderie, between 6 strangers over the course of a 35-day life-changing adventure. Keep in mind, the documentary is a budget film, so don't expect ravishing landscapes and scenic images; watch it for the story.

Synopsis: A documentary film of a Roman Catholic priest leading 10 young men through the Camino de Santiago.

Footprints: The Path of Your Life, showcases the journey of 10 young men taking the less popular Northern route of the Camino de Santiago. The film depicts the struggle and valuable lessons the trek can teach us, as well as the commitment, perseverance, assistance, and spirituality needed to complete the journey itself. While looking for answers, instead of beautiful scenery, the men discover secrets of themselves, determination, and the willingness to keep going. Remember, in order to succeed you only need to get up one more time than you fall. We highly recommend this film, as their experience is applicable to anyone traveling through life or looking for answers.

Synopsis: A spiritual journey of a 71-year-old man walking the Camino de Santiago to the Apostle St. James.

Es Usted un Peregrino? (Are you a Pilgrim?) is a documentary film about a 71-year-old man who embarked on the pilgrimage to El Camino de Santiago. While being happy with his marriage and being the grandfather was the highlight of his life, there was still something missing from his spiritual life. During his journey, he meets other trekkers looking for life's answers, inspiring him along the way. The outcome brings him closer to God, and his outlook evolves into a new spiritual connection with humanity. We recommend this film to those who are looking for that missing piece to life or in need of some spiritual inspiration.

Synopsis: This is a TV show, 8 episodes long.

The television show, 3 Caminos showcases three trips and three stages of five lives. Throughout their 20s, 30, and 40, the 5 friends will experience friendship and loss, jealousy and love, courage and despair, forgiveness, and the purpose of life. The show showcases 5 friends from diverse backgrounds, who met while hiking the Camino de Santiago in 2000. Each one making the journey for completely different reasons, blending together in a friendship that evolves in the journey happening not once, but twice more. The show is like a gentler version of Friends, and is recommended for its story, chemistry, and inspiration.

We hope that you've enjoyed this binge-worthy list of movies and shows about the incredible journey of hiking the Camino de Santiago. There are so many more films out there if you want to keep watching, and if there isn't a movie, there is probably a book. Tell us which movies you love the most, and in case we have missed any of your favorites, let us know in the comments!