Yesterday, we read in the New York Times that China has imposed a new Visa system on Tibet that makes it impossible for foreigners to visit the occupied mountain nation. This is worrisome for many reasons, none more so than the fact that whatever political and religious oppression takes place there will now be even less easily monitored by the international community. If only this were a film, specifically one of these 8 Movies That Go To Tibet, so we could send a werewolf, batman, black comedian or bulletproof monk to see what’s going on over there.

The Golden Child (1986)

Likely still the best movie about a journey to Tibet, from back when Eddie Murphy was still really, really funny.

Seven Years in Tibet (1997)

Pretty much the definitive iteration of the “Tibet Trip” sub-genre.

Batman Begins (2005)

Actually shot in Iceland, but whatever (it’s an over-rated movie anyway).

Bulletproof Monk (2003)

Honorary diplomat Sean William Scott heads to Tibet to recruit the services of local monk Chow Yun Fat.

Prince of the Himalayas (2006)

Admittedly, no character comes to Tibet in this movie. But, it is based on Hamlet, and in that respect does involve an outsider (Shakespeare) going to Tibet.

Werewolf of London (1935)

No, not the Warren Zevon song (which is werewolves, plural), it’s about an English werewolf who can control his hunger as long as he has a special flower native to Tibet.

The Abominable Snowman (1957)

Again, botany leads an explorer duo to the Himalayas, this time in search of the Yeti.

The Snow Creature (1954)

More American botanists who have the misfortune of coming across the Yeti. (Are there really that many rare flowers in icy Tibet to merit so many botany expeditions?)