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25 Essential Road Trip Movies of the Last 25 Years

We’re looking down the horizon and beyond for some of the best road trip movies that defined the genre over the last 25 years! To rev up this list, we selected American movies movies, journeys that begin in the States (where they actually finish is part of the fun). The movies celebrate the sights and sounds of the country, or at least will inspire you to pull out that camping gear, putting the convertible top down, and hitting the open road. These rides can be cross-county ( Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle ), on the freeway ( Dog , Sideways ), trekking across a few state lines ( Little Miss Sunshine , Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas ), hitting a new time zone ( Road Trip ), or even runnin’ coast-to-coast ( Rat Race , Transamerica ). Even the Academy has felt the need for reasonable speed, awarding Best Picture to both Green Book and Nomadland . Carpool lane? Of course: we’ve got an Oscar strapped in the passenger seat!

So whether you’re looking for a map to a long summer drive or fixing a flat in your life, turn to these essential 25 road trip movies of the last 25 years (in chronological order)!

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) 50%

The Straight Story (1999) 94%

Tumbleweeds (1999) 82%

Almost Famous (2000) 91%

Road Trip (2000) 57%

Rat Race (2001) 45%

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004) 75%

Sideways (2004) 97%

Transamerica (2005) 77%

Little Miss Sunshine (2006) 91%

Cars (2006) 75%

Zombieland (2009) 89%

Away We Go (2009) 67%

Paul (2011) 70%

We're the Millers (2013) 48%

Chef (2014) 87%

Grandma (2015) 91%

Mississippi Grind (2015) 91%

Pee-wee's Big Holiday (2016) 83%

Green Book (2018) 77%

Nomadland (2020) 93%

The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021) 97%

Bad Trip (2021) 79%

Dog (2022) 77%

Joy Ride (2023) 90%

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Little Miss Sunshine

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Watch Little Miss Sunshine with a subscription on Hulu, rent on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, or buy on Fandango at Home, Prime Video.

What to Know

Little Miss Sunshine succeeds thanks to a strong ensemble cast that includes Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Alan Arkin, and Abigail Breslin, as well as a delightfully funny script.

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Audience reviews, cast & crew.

Jonathan Dayton

Valerie Faris

Greg Kinnear

Steve Carell

Toni Collette

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The first thing we see are the blue eyes of a little girl staring right at us so intently, it seems she could peer right into our souls. Only she's not looking at us. The reflection in her big plastic glasses reveals she's gazing at a beauty pageant on TV, at the moment the winner is being crowned. She's studying this moment, rehearsing it and rehearsing for it. Just a few seconds into "Little Miss Sunshine" we know it's a movie about dreams -- and illusions.

A couple days later, after an eventful 700-mile journey with her family in a vintage VW van from Albuquerque to Redondo Beach, the girl's dream at last appears within reach. They approach the Ramada Inn where the pageant is being held, they can see the building from the freeway -- it looks close enough to touch, but they can't find the exit that will actually get them there. That moment has a lot to say, not only about the illusive, ever-shifting concrete landscape of Southern California, where you always seem to be moving down some predefined course but never quite arriving -- and about the elusive nature of those American Dreams we all chase, the detours we follow -- and the roads we don't.

A gentle family satire and a classic American road movie, "Little Miss Sunshine" harks back to the anti-establishment, countercultural comedies of the 1970s such as " Smile " or " Harold and Maude " -- satirical fairy tales that preached the virtues of nonconformity over the superficiality of conventional American values.

"Little Miss Sunshine" shows us a world in which there's a form, a brochure, a procedure, a job title, a diet, a step-by-step program, a career path, a prize, a retirement community, to quantify, sort, categorize and process every human emotion or desire. Nothing exists that cannot be compartmentalized or turned into a self-improvement mantra about "winners and losers."

The opening montage introduces us to the Hoover family one at a time: Olive ( Abigail Breslin ) is the aspiring beauty queen. Her dad Richard ( Greg Kinnear ) is an astonishingly unsuccessful motivational speaker. He's pathologically obsessed with winning because he's never tasted it himself. Olive's mom Sheryl ( Toni Collette ) values family above all else, and her nerves are fraying over trying to hold this one together.

Grandpa ( Alan Arkin ), Olive's coach, spends hours working on her dance routine with her. Grandpa has been kicked out of a retirement home, for sleeping around and for snorting heroin. His philosophy is that you'd have to be crazy to do smack when you're young, but when you get old, you'd be crazy not to.

Uncle Frank ( Steve Carell ), Sheryl's brother, is the Number One Proust scholar in the world, and has just attempted suicide because he fell in love with a graduate student who dumped him for the Number Two Proust scholar in the world. And Olive's teenage brother Dwayne ( Paul Dano ) hasn't spoken in nine months. He's not depressed, exactly; he's been reading Nietzsche and has taken a vow of silence while training to get into flight school. Plus, he hates everybody .

After our initial introductions, "Little Miss Sunshine" does something quite extraordinary: It gives us a single, nearly 20-minute scene built around a family dinner of takeout fried chicken in which we learn everything about Hoover family dynamics. It's a daring move that establishes the movie's characters and comedic tone, and then ... road trip!

You just won't see a better acted, and better cast, movie than "Little Miss Sunshine." These actors (and their directors, Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris ) grasp how unspoken reactions can be funnier than dialogue or punchlines, and how pain can be the source of the most satisfying comedy.

All the actors play the emotions straight and true. Dano, his dead black eyes obscured by thick bangs and set into a pale face that seems to be imploding with teen alienation and disgust, just has to tilt his head almost imperceptibly to bring down the house. Kinnear, a fine comic actor, gets the opportunity to let whole scenes play out wordlessly across his face -- having conversations in his head while driving, or trying to figure out an appropriate response to the talent portion of the Little Miss Sunshine contest.

Carell is a miracle in pink-and-blue-striped socks. He creates a character whose pain surrounds him like a hard plastic bubble. And the less he seems to do, the funnier he gets. He makes the name "Nietzsche" (which he pronounces crisply as "Neet-chah") inexplicably hilarious. And how to describe the way Uncle Frank runs? It's an intellectual run --- performed as if the act of running had been studied, broken down into its component parts, and then reassembled -- all analysis, no grace. It's almost inhumanly human, and pricelessly funny. But it's not just a sped-up silly walk, it's an authentic expression of character.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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Film credits.

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Rated R for language, some sex and drug content

102 minutes

Greg Kinnear as Richard

Steve Carell as Frank

Toni Collette as Shery

Alan Arkin as Grandpa

Abigail Breslin as Olive

Paul Dano as Dwayne

Directed by

Jonathan Dayton
Valerie Farris
Michael Arndt

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" A real loser is somebody that's so afraid of not winning, they don't even try. " — Grandpa Edwin Hoover

Little Miss Sunshine is a dark, dysfunctional and wildly hilarious 2006 family Dramedy about a Road Trip , directed by the husband-and-wife team of Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris.

Seven-year-old Olive ( Abigail Breslin ) wants to participate in the titular beauty pageant located all the way in California. So her parents, brother, uncle and grandfather all drive her there in the only transportation they have: a broken down bus that's already coming apart. All sorts of misadventures and complications occur along the way, involving Nietzsche, Proust, a stripper routine and a dead body .

Richard ( Greg Kinnear ), the father, is an aspiring but failing motivational speaker who has plunged all his time and money into his Nine Steps program. His wife Sheryl ( Toni Collette ) is the primary breadwinner and mother of Olive and Dwayne ( Paul Dano ). Dwayne, Sheryl's son from a previous relationship, is a brooding teenager with an obsession with Nietzsche, who's taken a vow of silence until he achieves his dream of becoming an Air Force pilot. Olive is a precocious little girl with a close relationship to her grandfather. Edwin ( Alan Arkin ), Richard's father, is a dirty, debauched old man with a sharp sense of humor and irony. Rounding out the clan is Sheryl's brother, Frank ( Steve Carell ), a bitterly sarcastic scholar who tried and failed to commit suicide after losing his job and the man he loves.

This film provides examples of:

Sheryl tells her daughter "look at me" when the latter gets upset and needs someone to talk to. When else has she done that to her kid?
The outfit that Frank is wearing in the entire film looks very similar to what Steve Carell wore during the Sudden Musical and Dance Party Ending of The 40-Year-Old Virgin .
Age-Inappropriate Art : Olive's performance at the pageant: a striptease at a beauty pageant to the song "Super Freak" .
Age-Inappropriate Dress : The contestants at the pageant wear very sexualized outfits, despite being 6-10 years old. Olive's outfit is very modest (and much more age-appropriate) compared to them. However, Olive compensates this by performing a very raunchy dance that her grandfather taught her.
The Alleged Car : Their VW bus. First, the transmission breaks so the car needs to be push started every time, then the horn breaks and it beeps constantly, and finally, the sliding door falls out.
And Starring : With Abigail Breslin and Alan Arkin .
Atomic F-Bomb : Dwayne wants to fly in the Air Force, and has sworn not to talk until he does. He does very well with his vow, until he finds out he's colorblind, and won't be allowed to fly. He starts flailing out in the back of the van. They pull over, and Dwayne immediately jumps out, runs several yards away, and curls down into a small ball, before letting out a resounding "FUCK!" and bursting into tears.
Base-Breaking Character : In universe, the Hoovers are seen as a family that will stick together at worst times no matter what or simply as a shameless family by the audience at the pageant, as well as its staff .
Beauty Contest : At the end, also a major source of disgusting.
Beauty Equals Goodness : Ms. California is very kind to her fans and encourages them.
Big Brother Instinct : Dwayne tries to prevent Olive from competing in a contest that he views as oversexualized and demeaning to girls.
Big, Screwed-Up Family : The Hoovers are one of these completely. An unemployed dad with an obsession with winning, an overworked mom, a son who is totally disconnected with the rest of his family, a drug-using grandfather and a suicidal uncle. Olive is probably the most normal, and even the she wants to win the Little Miss Sunshine contest.
Bittersweet Ending : None of the Hoovers get what they want: Dwayne finds out he can never join the Air Force since he's colorblind ; Richard's program doesn't sell , leaving the family's financial future uncertain; Frank's still nowhere close to fixing his life ; Edwin dies from a heroin overdose ; and after all the trouble they went through to get her there in time, Olive doesn't even win the pagaent they drove across three states for ( and is in fact banned from ever entering any pageants in California again ). But everyone's matured considerably from the whole ordeal and the family is now closer than it's ever been .
Black Comedy : You will laugh at this movie, and you will probably feel terrible about it.
Bluffing the Authorities : The father, Richard, attempts this to prevent a highway patrolman from noticing that the dead body of the grandfather, Edwin, is being stored in their van. He succeeds when the cop finds Edwin's dirty magazines , thinking that's what Richard is trying to hide, and laughs it off.
Break the Motivational Speaker : Happens to Richard, the father, though not by people he's speaking to, but by the agent who was supposed to get him a book deal.
Brutal Honesty : Dwayne supplies some of this, knowing Olive won't win the competition.
Butt-Monkey : The Hoovers go through a lot during the course of the film.
Cathartic Scream : Dwayne screams his lungs out on learning that his color-blindness will prevent him from becoming an Air Force pilot.
Chaotic Car Ride : A Dysfunctional Family reluctantly goes on a road trip to get their youngest member signed up for a beauty pageant. Predictably, a lot of arguments ensue during the car ride.
Cheerful Child : Olive, even though she breaks down once, is almost always jolly and endearing.
The porn magazines.
Also the eye tests Olive picks up at the hospital.
Olive's pink CD player, which turns out to contain the music for her infamous burlesque routine.
Chekhov's Lecture : A surprisingly sweet subversion. When the family first heads out on the road, they stop at a diner for breakfast and Olive orders waffles a la mode (though she doesn't initially know that it means "with ice cream"). Richard then gives her a long lecture about how fattening ice cream is, and points out that most of the beauty pageant contestants Olive admires are skinny, so they must not eat it. Though the rest of the family is able to coax Olive into having the treat anyway, she's clearly upset by her father's words. Then, at the end of the movie, Olive gets to meet Miss California, one of the pageant judges. She then asks the beauty queen if she eats ice cream... and Miss California happily tells her that she loves it. The relief on Olive's face about one of her heroes liking her favorite food is palpable.
Children Are Innocent : Played straight with Olive throughout the movie. The other pageant contestants are a subversion: they deliberately wear revealing outfits and perform sensual routines despite being no more than ten.
Dwayne : "You know what? Fuck beauty contests. Life is one fucking beauty contest after another. School, then college, then work... Fuck that. And fuck the Air Force Academy. If I want to fly, I'll find a way to fly. You do what you love, and fuck the rest."
And of course, Grandpa: Every night it's the fucking chicken! Holy God Almighty! Is it possible just once we could get something to eat for dinner around here that's not the goddamned fucking chicken?
Contrived Coincidence : When the family stops at a gas station in California, Frank's former lover just so happens to be there, too. And he just so happens to be with his new lover (and Frank's rival) on their way to a private spa. And Frank just so happens to be buying heterosexual pornography for Grandpa. It's especially contrived because the two are supposed to be at a conference in New Haven, Connecticut, clear across the country.
Cooldown Hug : How Olive calms Dwayne down after his rant, when he finds out he won't be allowed to join the Air Force.
Cool Old Guy : Grandpa, to some extent.
Cool Uncle : Frank, especially once he starts regaining his cool towards the end of the movie.
Corruption of a Minor : Having the kids help them smuggle a dead body out of a hospital can't be healthy.
Despair Event Horizon : Dwayne when he finds out he'll never be allowed to fly. He reacts poorly, and loudly.
Didn't Think This Through : You know, for all they sacrificed to get Olive to the pageant, they never thought to ask her to show them her dance routine.
Dirty Old Man : The grandpa. His life advice to Dwayne? "Fuck a lot of women, kid. Not just one woman. A lot of women."
Distracted by the Sexy : The cop is distracted from granddad's dead body by pornographic magazines.
Double-Meaning Title : The title refers to both the pageant that Olive will participate in, and Olive herself who is always cheerful and jolly .
Dream-Crushing Handicap : Dwayne is colorblind and thus won't be able to fly planes in the Air Force.
Driven to Suicide : Frank is first seen after an unsuccessful suicide attempt.
Driving Stick : The VW bus' manual transmission is why the entire family has to go on the trip. Sheryl needs to look after Olive but can't drive stick so Richard has to come along and drive. Eventually the transmission breaks and the only way they can start the Bus is by pushing it and popping the clutch.
Dysfunctional Family : Mother and father on the verge of divorce, mopey son that hates everybody, suicidally-depressed uncle, and a grandfather who got kicked out of a nursing home for snorting heroin.
Elective Mute : Dwayne at first.
Everyone Calls Him "Barkeep" : Ms. California's name was never revealed.
Face of a Thug : The biker dad at the pageant. He's actually one of the Hoovers' supporters in the end, judging from his reactions before and after Olive's performance.
Fat Suit : Actress Abigail Breslin wore one in order to qualify for Generic Cuteness .
Fire-Forged Friends : All of them at the end, but especially Frank and Dwayne.
Foreshadowing : "You started snorting heroin ? Those stuff will kill ya' ."
Generic Cuteness : Invoked . Abby had to put on a fake belly to appear chubbier, and wore large chunky glasses with ill-fitting clothes to complete the illusion; she was more or less at the same weight as the other girls.
Grumpy Old Man : The grandfather exhibits this a lot.
Happy Dance : Olive's dance number practically becomes this after her family joined her .
Humiliation Conga : The pageant staff, due to the Hoovers awesomely defying it.
Hypocrite : The whole pageant. Apparently, it's okay to have preteen girls parade around in bikinis with tons of makeup on, but Olive's "Super Freak" act is going too far . Presumably, it's not okay for "fat" girls.
Innocently Insensitive : Olive towards Frank when he's explaining why he tried to kill himself. Frank doesn't take offense, however. Frank: I fell in love with someone who didn't love me back. Olive: Who? Frank: One of my grad students. I was very much in love with him. Olive: Him? It was a boy? You fell in love with a boy? Frank: Yes, I did. Very much so. Olive: That's silly. Frank: You're right. It was silly. It was very, very silly.
Large Ham : The pageant MC, especially his painfully-corny rendition of "America".
Little Black Dress : Olive wears one during the evening gown competition.
Lover and Beloved : Frank was in love with a graduate student of his, who had a relationship with someone else — Frank's rival professor.
Mentor Occupational Hazard : Grandpa, who teaches Olive her routine and supports her the whole way, dies halfway to the pageant.
Misery Builds Character : The philosophy Frank comforts Dwayne with during their conversation on the beach. Also possibly describes the film overall.
Mood Whiplash : Goes back and forth between subtle (or hilarious) humor and dark drama through the entire movie.
Morality Pet : Olive could qualify as this for the whole family, though it's most evident for Grandpa .
Nice Guy : Kirby. Both Olive and Ms. California are a Gender Flip version of this.
Nietzsche Wannabe : Dwayne, literally. Other than his vow of silence, he's fairly reasonable and moderate about Nietzsche and his philosophy, displaying none of the Card-Carrying Villain traits often associated with the trope. He only has one rant about how pointless things are and it's delivered right after finding out his only dream in life is impossible (then a hug from his little sister calms him down and he apologizes for lashing out). Frank: Who is that? Nietzsche? So you stopped talking because of Friedrich Nietzsche? ...Far out.
No Antagonist : The conflicts of the film are the result of the family's dysfunctional nature, rather than any one character getting in their way. Characters like the cop and the woman in charge of the pageant provide temporary setbacks but their roles are not substantial enough to be true villains.
No One Gets Left Behind : Parodied. Frank says this exact line after they leave Olive at a gas station.
Not in Front of the Kid : Before Grandpa advises Dwayne to "fuck a lot of women" with Olive in the car, he makes sure that she doesn't hear anything because she has headphones on. When she takes them off and asks what are they talking about, he responds "politics". note Fun fact: those headphones weren't just for show. The actress playing Olive really couldn't hear what was being said while she had the headphones on.
Obnoxious In-Laws : Richard and his brother-in-law Frank don't get along well.
Of Corpse He's Alive : Smuggling the dead grandfather out of the hospital
Only Sane Woman : Sheryl is by far the most sane member of the family.
O.O.C. Is Serious Business : Dwayne's big outburst.
Persona Non Grata : The pageant holders inform Olive's family that they won't press charges for their behavior during Olive's talent act, on the condition that they never enter her in another Little Miss pageant in the state of California. Ever again. Subverted though, in that the family's reaction to the news more or less amounted to "That's fine by us!"
Plucky Girl : Olive. No matter what kind of crap she and her family goes through and no matter how insurmountable the odds seem against her, she always manages to remain positive and upbeat. Most of the time, anyway.
Porn Stash : In the back of the bus, next to the dead body.
Queer People Are Funny : Inverted. In a movie that's a fairly precarious blend of comedy and drama, the one openly gay character in the cast (Frank) is one of the most drama-focused. The subplot about his struggle with depression is arguably the darkest part of the story, and he's one of the few characters in the Big, Screwed-Up Family whose foibles are played for straight-up drama rather than Black Comedy .
After his F-Bomb moment, Dwayne delivers one to his family out of anger and frustration. Olive is able to calm him down with a hug and the rest of the family are very forgiving of his hurtful words because they understand how upset he was.
The book agent delivers a variation of this to Richard in the form of a "Reason You're Not Viable" speech.
Road Trip Plot : Most of the movie takes place traveling to the pageant.
Running Gag : Literally. Whenever Frank is running behind the bus, he asks, "Did I mention I am the pre-eminent Proust scholar in the US?"
Sassy Black Woman : The grief counselor. She starts out professional enough, but by the end of her argument with Richard she's giving him the head-bob.
Possibly. Frank manages to summarize Proust in 30 seconds .
Richard's not the first guy to be screwed over by Stan Grossman.
Silent Snarker : Dwayne. Dwayne's Sign: I hate everyone. Frank: Oh, come on, what about your family? Dwayne: [underlines "everyone"]
Single-Issue Wonk : Deconstructed . Richard tries really hard to shove the Nine Steps program into anything he does, no matter how stupid it makes him look. The program is lousy, nobody wants it, he has lost way too much in following his dream of selling it, he knows it, and this obsession is a definite example of "fake it 'til you make it", fueled by sheer desperation.
Sir Swears-a-Lot : Grandpa and Dwayne after he breaks his vow of silence.
Slow Clap : Attempted after Olive's performance.
Small Name, Big Ego : The book agent's "The Reason You Suck" Speech to Richard painted that he was this all along, leading to his gradual Heel Realization .
The Social Darwinist : Richard and his "There are only two people in this world; winners and losers" mentality.
Stand Your Ground : A comedic yet awesome example. The Hoover family members dance with Olive on stage one by one to guard her from the pageant administrator and staff who are planning to kick her out of the stage and competition.
Straight Gay : Frank. Also his student/lover and rival.
The entire film is a Take That! to a speech by Arnold Schwarzenegger in which he claimed to hate "losers."
With Richard and Sheryl having a loud argument in the hotel next door, Dwayne simply lies in bed listening. Frank advises him against listening to them bicker and puts on the TV, where a speech by George W. Bush is on. Dwayne shuts it right back off and goes back to listening to the argument.
Olive's dance routine may have been an intentional Take That! on the part of her grandfather at the objectification and sexualizing of young girls in these pageants.
The Hoover family ultimately did an one in-universe Take That, Audience! at the pageant.
Talking with Signs : Dwayne communicates through note writing for most of the movie.
Teacher/Student Romance : Frank and the graduate student. Then Frank's rival and the graduate student.
Token Good Teammate : Olive to the Hoovers due to Children Are Innocent coming into play. Kirby, Ms. California, and the pageant assistant for the pageant staff.
Took a Level in Kindness : Everyone dropped their Jerkass and cynical behaviors near the end of the film.
The grandfather is good at providing this: Grandpa: Look, I know you are a homo and all, but maybe you can appreciate this. You go to one of those places, there's four women for every guy. Can you imagine what that's like? Frank: You must have been very busy. Grandpa: Ho oh. I had second degree burns on my johnson, I kid you not.
Also the title of a song (grandpa's, of course) in The Musical .
Tragic Dream : Dwayne is color-blind, hence he won't be an Ace Pilot like he always dreamed of. Olive being a beauty queen may also count .
Trailers Always Spoil : The trailers for the DVD showed clips from the burlesque routine , which came as a surprise if you saw it in theatres.
The events leading up to Frank's suicide attempt. First, he fell in love with one of his students, who didn't return his feelings and started a relationship with Frank's rival, Larry Sugarman instead. Frank was so upset by this, that his behavior got him fired, and he had to leave his apartment move into a motel. Then he heard that Sugarman got a "Genius Grant" from the MacArthur Foundation. At this point he couldn't take it any longer and tried to kill himself.
Happens to the family as a whole, really. First, the van breaks down. Then, Richard loses his contract. Frank encounters his ex, Grandpa dies, they have to smuggle his body out of the hospital, Dwayne learns that he can no longer be a pilot, and when they finally make it to the place they've gone through so much trouble to get to, they're nearly turned down. The universe really seems to enjoy their trouble.
Triage Tyrant : The hospital administrator.
Vocal Minority : In universe example. During Olive's burlesque routine, majority of the audience and judges are either shocked, disgusted, or both. However, there are those who appreciate her guts aside from her family openly that showed their respect and admiration for her efforts .
Welcome to Hell : "Thanks, Dwayne. Coming from you, that means a lot."
" Grandpa won't wake up ..."
Also, "You can't fly jets if you're colorblind."
White-and-Grey Morality : The film has characters who only wanted to express and be true to themselves against characters who wanted to do what they know/think is right.
Wicked Stepfather : Not really wicked or evil, but Dwayne and Richard don't get along well.
Women Are Wiser : The most normal members of the family are Sheryl and Olive.
World of Jerkass : With the exception of Olive, Miss California, and Kirby, pretty much everyone is either dysfunctional, unpleasant, apathetic, perverted, or all the above simultaneously.
Wrestler in All of Us : Richard gave the pageant MC a Full Nelson when the latter is attempting to stop Olive's performance.

Video Example(s):

Dwayne learns he's colorblind.

Olive's brother Dwayne dreams of being an Air Force pilot to the point of taking a vow of silence until he accomplishes it. However, Dwayne finds out he is colorblind, making it impossible for him to be a pilot. He does not take it well.

Example of: Dream-Crushing Handicap

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Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

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Little miss sunshine, common sense media reviewers.

Ride along to dysfunction in quirky indie comedy.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Family members argue, lie to each other, discuss s

References to suicide (Frank's cut wrists/bandages

Grandfather alludes to sexual desire and acts; Fra

Around 10 "f--k"s, as well as other mild profanity

Mostly references to or brief shots of food produc

Sheryl smokes cigarettes; Grandpa refers to cocain

Positive Messages

Family members argue, lie to each other, discuss suicide, sex, and death. But they also comfort each other and support each other when it really counts.

Violence & Scariness

References to suicide (Frank's cut wrists/bandages are visible, and Dwayne threatens to kill himself); some slapsticky antics; a character dies in his sleep, and the body plays a role in the rest of the movie.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Grandfather alludes to sexual desire and acts; Frank purchases porn magazines (gay and straight); Olive's suggestive performance at the pageant (taught to her by her grandfather) upsets the pageant officials.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Around 10 "f--k"s, as well as other mild profanity.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

Mostly references to or brief shots of food products (fried chicken, Sprite, McDonald's, Burger King, Coca-Cola), plus Miata, Volkswagen.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Sheryl smokes cigarettes; Grandpa refers to cocaine and heroin use and is shown snorting drugs once.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Little Miss Sunshine is a hilarious but mature family road trip movie. It includes sexual slang and references to drugs, mostly by the grandfather. Gay and straight pornographic magazines (only the covers are shown) and a comedic striptease figure into the plot. Characters discuss depression and suicide (Uncle Frank has cut his wrists before the movie starts; his bandages are visible). There are conversations about "winning" and "losing," as measured by financial success. A character dies about halfway through the film; the family wraps up his body and carries it in their van to their destination. Characters curse (several "f--k"s), and the mother smokes a couple of cigarettes. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

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Community Reviews

Parents say (22)
Kids say (61)

Based on 22 parent reviews

Beautifully important and touching, perfect for young teens

What's the story.

The Hoover family decides to make the trip from Albuquerque to Southern California after starry-eyed daughter Olive (Abigail Breslin) unexpectedly scores a spot in the regional Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant. The whole clan -- sunny Olive; anxious mom Sheryl ( Toni Collette ); aspiring motivational speaker dad Richard ( Greg Kinnear ); feisty, drug-using Grandpa ( Alan Arkin ); cynical teen Dwyane (Paul Dano); and gay, suicidal Proust scholar Uncle Frank ( Steve Carell ) -- piles into their old yellow Volkswagen bus (which has become the movie's signature image) and hits the road. Naturally, that road is full of all kinds of obstacles -- including car trouble, lots of bickering, and even an unexpected death. But in the process of working together to help Olive make it to the pageant, the Hoovers come to understand each other anew ... or at least appreciate the fact that no one else could possibly understand them except each other.

Is It Any Good?

This is a delightful film with a funny, tight script. It's true that the family road trip comedy isn't exactly a new genre; nor are quirky indie movies about dysfunctional families all that hard to come by. But somehow LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE manages to combine the two into something fresh, engaging, and often hilarious -- with a dash of "aw shucks" poignancy to boot. There's nothing radically new in terms of storytelling or character development, but the film nonetheless succeeds, thanks in part to its excellent cast (husband-and-wife directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris lucked out, casting Carell just before he hit it really big with The 40-Year-Old Virgin ). There aren't any wasted moments in this movie; even the smallest action -- Frank buying the dirty magazines, for example -- turns out to matter down the line.

And then there's the finale. Ever since Little Miss Sunshine premiered at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival (and was purchased for a record $10.5 million), the big beauty pageant finish has been making audiences laugh until they cry -- which is pretty much how the Hoovers seem to approach life in general, so it all works out in the end.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about the way the Hoovers come to respect one another's differences. How does young Olive remind the adults of their lack of faith, innocence, and commitment?

How does the beauty pageant serve as a metaphor for other competitions in the film -- say, between family members?

How might Richard be more open to his family's needs, rather than trying to make them conform to his?

Why do you think this movie -- a little indie discovered at the Sundance Film Festival -- did so well with audiences? What's it's appeal?

Movie Details

In theaters : July 26, 2006
On DVD or streaming : December 19, 2006
Cast : Abigail Breslin , Greg Kinnear , Steve Carell , Toni Collette
Directors : Jonathan Dayton , Valerie Faris
Inclusion Information : Female directors, Female actors
Studio : Fox Searchlight
Genre : Comedy
Run time : 101 minutes
MPAA rating : R
MPAA explanation : for language, some sex and drug content
Last updated : May 1, 2024

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Little Miss Sunshine

Cast & crew.

Greg Kinnear

Richard Hoover

Toni Collette

Sheryl Hoover

Abigail Breslin

Olive Hoover

Paul Franklin Dano

Dwayne Hoover

Steve Carell

Frank Ginsberg

Average 7.7
Reviews 219

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Little Miss Sunshine Was Surprisingly Inspired By Arnold Schwarzenegger

" Little Miss Sunshine " gives an indie twist to the road trip movie, as the highly dysfunctional Hoover family piles into a bright yellow Volkswagen microbus and heads to a beauty pageant in California. The film kickstarted the writing career of Michael Arndt, which is particularly impressive given that it was his first ever screenplay. It also boasts an impressive cast, including a more dramatic turn for Steve Carell and a breakout role for Paul Dano — who more recently has been seen terrorizing Gotham City as the Riddler in "The Batman".

Arnold Schwarzenegger is the epitome of the '80s action hero, having starred in classics including "Predator" and "The Terminator." With his massive muscles, thick Austrian accent, and penchant for playing dangerous men, he makes for an imposing figure. He was even the governor of California!

So, what do the two have in common? It turns out that Arndt was inspired to write "Little Miss Sunshine" after hearing a speech that the former Governator made.

Everyone Loves An Underdog

When the musical version of "Little Miss Sunshine" was being crafted (trust me, Broadway can find a musical angle for just about anything ), Arndt was interviewed about the origins of the film, and said that his inspiration came from a speech that Schwarzenegger delivered to a class of high school students. During the speech, Schwarzenegger uttered the following sentence: "If there's one thing in this world I hate, it's losers. I despise them."

This struck a chord with Arndt, but not the one Schwarzenegger may have intended. Arndt instead decided to focus on a family of so-called "losers" going on a road trip with the hope of helping one member of the family — young aspiring beauty pageant winner Olive (Abigail Breslin) — to finally win at something. Along the way, each member of the family is dealing with their own challenges. Greg Kinnear, as patriarch Richard, serves as a stand-in for Schwarzenneger's loser-hating attitude, and is attempting to jump-start his career as a motivational speaker. On the polar opposite end of Richard's Type A personality is his brother-in-law, Frank (Carell), who is staying with the family after attempting to take his own life.

But it's Dano has perhaps the best scene in the film , when his character Dwayne melts down after discovering that he's color-blind — a death knell for his dream of becoming a fighter pilot. In the depths of his despair, his sister Olive approaches and embraces him. For Dwayne, who took his career goals so seriously that he had been holding himself to a vow of silence until he achieved them, it's a reminder that Olive never needed him to be a hotshot pilot; she loves him simply because he's her big brother.

She's All Right

Perhaps the best example of "Little Miss Sunshine" rejecting Schwarzenegger's anti-loser philosophy comes toward the end of the movie, when the Hoovers finally make it to the Little Miss Sunshine pageant. They're horrified at the hypercompetitive and sexualized atmosphere, and fear that it could affect Olive; it isn't until mother Sheryl (Toni Collette) encourages them all to "let Olive be Olive" that they back off.

When Olive is shunned for her dance to Rick James' "Super Freak" (which is ironic, given what the other girls are wearing), her family decides to join her in dancing. Even though Olive doesn't win the pageant, she still has the support of her family — making for a heartwarming ending that cements "Little Miss Sunshine" as a true gem among indie movies, and a reminder that there's more to life than being a winner.

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‘Little Miss Sunshine’ is an indie treat

Back in the day, Public Enemy urged us, “Don’t believe the hype.”

With “Little Miss Sunshine,” you should just ignore the hype entirely, tune out the buzz that’s been building steadily for this movie since it was picked up at the Sundance Film Festival in January for a record $10.5 million.

Instead, just buckle up and go along for the ride.

This small gem is a road trip comedy that subverts the genre — a welcome change a few months after the lame “RV” — and instead offers a surprising mix of dark humor and heart, with rich performances from a strong cast.

What’s even more amazing is that this is the first feature from husband-and-wife directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, as well as screenwriter Michael Arndt.

In crafting their story about a family of losers struggling to survive in a society obsessed with winning, they’ve come up with no stereotypes, no self-consciously quirky indie-movie cliches. Rather, these are real people who are all hiding behind something, all trying to be someone they’re not, until they realize after being crammed together for 48 hours that they’re fine just the way they are.

Which sounds painfully feel-good — but mercifully, it’s not.

The title alone suggests the possibility of preachy affirmation, but Little Miss Sunshine is actually the name of a garishly oversexualized Southern California beauty pageant where sweetly awkward, 7-year-old Olive Hoover (the irresistible Abigail Breslin) plans to compete.

For various reasons that we won’t disclose here (but they do make sense, we promise) the entire Hoover family must pack up the VW bus in Albuquerque, N.M., to help her get there.

Dad Richard (Greg Kinnear, with high-energy desperation) has been furiously trying to sell his nine-step “Refuse to Lose” self-help program. Nobody is buying.

His own brash dad (Alan Arkin) is stuck living with the Hoovers after being kicked out of his retirement home. He copes through porn and snorting lines of heroin.

Richard’s scrawny teenage son, Dwayne (Paul Dano), has taken a vow of silence as he rigorously trains himself, hoping to get into the Air Force Academy. He reads Nietzsche and sulks all day.

Richard’s brother-in-law (Steve Carell), a Proust scholar, also has come to live with them after trying to kill himself. His suicide attempt — prompted by being rejected by a male graduate student — becomes the stuff of matter-of-fact dinner table discussion.

And finally there is the harried matriarch, Sheryl (Toni Collette), who strives in vain for suburban normalcy. She holds it all together with the help of cigarettes she swears she isn’t smoking.

Longtime music video directors Dayton and Faris play all of this straight with simple, intimate camerawork and without jaunty music to punctuate the weirdness. Instead, they opt for a tone of slowly percolating absurdity — and there would have been a lot to laugh about here even if the Hoovers had never gotten into the car and headed for Redondo Beach.

But this is one of those films where the journey is, of course, the destination. (You’ve gotta love the fact that they actually travel on highways and stop at chain restaurants to eat like ordinary people do, and defy the road trip movie conventions of two-lane roads and out-of-the-way eateries.)

Small moments reveal how brutally honest and observant the script can be, including a scene in which the slightly tubby Olive ponders ordering waffles and ice cream for breakfast, with varying responses from the male family members who’ve shaped her young life.

Each character undergoes a personal crisis during this weekend excursion, which does seem a bit contrived, but it also offers the actors some stand-out moments. Dano, who previously co-starred as the self-loathing Klitz in “The Girl Next Door,” is especially remarkable because he has to do more with less.

Carell is the most fantastic surprise of all, though; after making his name with deadpan comedy on TV’s “The Daily Show” and “The Office,” and in movies including “Anchorman” and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” here he’s deadly serious and shows an unexpected depth.

Through all of these misadventures, Breslin remains steady, the youngest of all but also the most reliable. Bespectacled and beaming with excitement, she’s a joy to watch, as warm and bright as the pageant title her character covets.

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The 10 Best Road Trip Movies, from ‘It Happened One Night’ to ‘Easy Rider’

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A good road trip is one of the most cinematic experiences that a person can have in real life. Different cities and landscapes blur together as scenery flies by your windows and day gradually turns into night. The car can begin to feel like an isolated bubble where nothing matters except the people inside. Whether you’re laughing and singing with friends, fighting with your family, or simply letting your thoughts settle while you drive solo, road trips seem to stop time and create distinct memories that can be revisited over and over again .

So it’s not surprising that filmmakers have been inspired by road trips for as long as there have been movies. From the titans of the Old Hollywood studio system to international arthouse auteurs and contemporary independent directors, virtually every great filmmaker has tried their hand at a road trip movie at one point or another. Locations and genres can change, but the motif of people going from one place to another in a car is one of the building blocks of the international language of cinema.

Road trip movies are versatile enough to encompass a wide variety of subject matter, but they often fall into two genres: comedies and contemplative dramas. The road trip comedy is a Hollywood standard because its built-in structure (characters need to get somewhere in a finite amount of time and are stuck together in a small space) lends itself to endless funny scenarios. From disgruntled fathers driving their badly-behaved children to strangers who fall in love after being forced to travel together, cars serve as confined spaces that allow a variety of relationships to flourish. On the other end of the spectrum, you have dramas from auteurs like Wim Wenders and Ingmar Bergman that see the road as a place for humans to think. Those films prioritize the destination much less than the self-discovery that can take place when you’re not in any particular rush to get somewhere.

The road trip movie has endured for over a century, and its timeless appeal means that it’s unlikely to disappear any time soon. Keep reading for ten of our favorites, listed in chronological order.

“It Happened One Night” (1934)

IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT, Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert, 1934

What It Is: The archetypal Hollywood romantic comedy, Frank Capra’s “It Happened One Night” stars Claudette Colbert as pampered socialite Ellie, who boards a Greyhound bus from Florida to New York City to reunite with her new husband, pilot King Westley (Jameson Thomas), after her father attempts to annul the marriage. Unused to fending for herself, she ends up relying on the help of sarcastic newspaper reporter Peter (Clark Gable) to make the journey, despite despising his personality. At least at first — hitchhiking adventures and stays in motels quickly cause sparks to fly between the mismatched pair.

Perfect For: Couples looking for date night films, “Looney Tunes” fans who want to watch the Gable performance that inspired Bugs Bunny, and lovers of pretty much every romantic comedy made in the last nine decades. —WC

“Wild Strawberries” (1957)

WILD STRAWBERRIES, Victor Sjostrom, Bibi Andersson, 1957

What It Is: Not exactly the fun road trip romp the genre usually promises, “Wild Strawberries” uses a long car ride as the backdrop for a surreal exploration of aging, loneliness, and death. Ingmar Bergman’s film stars Victor Sjöström as cold-hearted professor Isak Borg, who is set to receive a lifetime achievement award for his career in bacteriology. On the drive to the university where the ceremony will take place, he’s accompanied by his pregnant daughter-in-law Marianne (Ingrid Thulin) and a group of young hitchhikers — one of whom is a double in looks and name for his childhood sweetheart Sara (played by Bibi Andersson). Over the course of the trip, Isak slowly warms to his younger companions, and experiences a series of flashbacks and dreams that forces him to confront the impending end of his life and his many regrets from his empty existence.

Perfect For: Existential types, dying old men, and those whose only exposure to Bergman’s films are the HBO “Scenes From a Marriage” remake and the chess scene from “Seventh Seal.” —WC

“Easy Rider” (1969)

EASY RIDER, from left: Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda, Jack Nicholson, 1969 ESY 003FOH(1011)

What It Is : A counterculture classic, Dennis Hopper’s “Easy Rider” stars the director and Peter Fonda as two drug-smuggling motorcyclists on a journey from Los Angeles to New Orleans, where they’re hoping to celebrate Mardi Gras. Along the road, they encounter a colorful cast of hippies, free love commune residents, addicts, prostitutes, and other outsiders. Their free-wheeling adventures are contrasted by the judgment they face from small town types and law enforcement looking to lock them up.

Perfect For: Rebels, stoners, general miscreants everywhere, and fans of the iconic rock bands like The Byrds, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, and Steppenwolf that soundtrack the film. —WC

“Two-Lane Blacktop” (1971)

TWO-LANE BLACKTOP, Laurie Bird, James Taylor, 1971

What It Is: “Two Lane Blacktop” is so clearly a product of its time that we could never hope to reverse engineer it. But when watched in 2023, it’s a fascinating countercultural artifact and a remnant of a film industry that now looks completely unrecognizable. Monte Hellman’s portrait of youthful angst and the freedom of the open road stars James Taylor and Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson as speed-obsessed drifters whose encounter with a mysterious driver named GTO prompts them to embark on a cross-country race.

Who It’s For: Anyone with a need for speed and pop culture geeks who enjoy seeing famous non-actors trying to act. —CZ

“Paris, Texas” (1984)

PARIS, TEXAS, from left: Harry Dean Stanton, Hunter Carson, 1984, TM & Copyright © 20th Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved. /Courtesy Everett Collection

What It Is: After making a name for himself in the German arthouse scene with his Road Movie Trilogy consisting of “Alice in the Cities,” “The Wrong Move,” and “Kings of the Road,” Wim Wenders brought his brand of contemplative cinema to America and made his magnum opus. “Paris, Texas” tells the story of a broken man (Harry Dean Stanton) wandering through the desert before his brother finds him and convinces him to reconnect with the family he walked out on. Wenders continued to find poetry in the loneliness of the road, and the desolate American scenery and Stanton’s heartbreakingly expressive face ended up being the best muses of his career.

Perfect For: Fans of slow cinema and anyone looking to brush up on the 20th century’s most impressive works of filmmaking. —CZ

“Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” (1985)

PEE WEE'S BIG ADVENTURE, Pee Wee Herman (Paul Reubens), 1985

What It Is: After developing a cult following from his stage show at the Roxy, Paul Reubens brought his comedic persona known as Pee-Wee Herman to the big screen in a whimsical road trip comedy directed by a young animator named Tim Burton. The film sees the idiosyncratic man-child traveling across the country to recover his stolen bike — and using his charm and joie de vivre to defuse conflicts with all of the shady characters he meets along the way.

Perfect for: Loners, rebels, and anyone who wants to revisit the work of a comedic genius at the height of his powers. —CZ

“Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” (1987)

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES, Steve Martin, John Candy, 1987, © Paramount/courtesy Everett Collection

What It Is: John Hughes’ holiday classic stars Steve Martin and John Candy as a mismatched pair of travelers who team up to make it home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. Martin’s suave ad executive constantly clashes with Candy’s bumbling shower curtain ring salesman as their cursed trip leads them onto — you guessed it — planes, trains, and automobiles in an attempt to get home before the holiday ends. Utterly ridiculous until it gets touching, the film is one of the strongest entries in the seemingly endless string of hits that Hughes churned out in the 1980s.

Perfect For: Families at Thanksgiving and anyone on a delayed flight who wants to remember that things could be so much worse. —CZ

“Thelma & Louise” (1991)

THELMA & LOUISE, (aka THELMA AND LOUISE), from left: Geena Davis, Susan Sarandon, 1991, ©MGM/courtesy Everett Collection

What It Is: Ridley Scott and screenwriter Callie Khouri flipped the script on the conventional gender roles of the buddy comedy genre, opting to tell a story about two women having a blast while running from the law. Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis give career-best performances as the eponymous duo — and both picked up well-derved Oscar nominations for Best Actress. The film is best remembered for its shockingly bold ending, but stands out as one of the 20th century’s most vibrant portrayals of friendship and the highways of America.

Who It’s For: Ridley Scott completionist s, feminist film scholars, and anyone in the mood for a great time. —CZ

“The Straight Story” (David Lynch, 1999)

THE STRAIGHT STORY, Richard Farnsworth, 1999. ©Buena Vista Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

What It Is: Perhaps the biggest anomaly in David Lynch’s filmography, “The Straight Story” saw the beloved auteur shifting away from surrealism to tell a G-rated story of a man who travels the country on a riding lawnmower. While the Disney movie doesn’t feature any of the twisted nightmares that define many of Lynch’s best works, it’s filled with the wholesome Americana imagery that appears throughout his filmography. The film is a reminder that for all of his signature stylistic flourishes, Lynch is a filmmaker whose grasp of the fundamentals allow him to tell compelling stories without hiding behind bells and whistles.

Perfect for: Anyone whose favorite parts of “Twin Peaks” were the wholesome small town antics. —CZ

“Little Miss Sunshine” (2006)

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, Abigail Breslin, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, 2006, © Fox Searchlight / Courtesy: Everett Collection

What It Is: One of the most darkly amusing road trip comedies in recent memory follows the plight of a dysfunctional family who takes an 800-mile road trip to support their daughter’s entry in the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant. Piling into a van that’s breaking down almost as rapidly as the familial ties that bind them, they find themselves confronting their delusional dreams and long-simmering resentments (and a horn that never stops honking). While “Little Miss Sunshine” is a classic example of the “Sundance road trip movie” trope that’s often maligned in indie film circles, there’s no denying that it’s one of the best entries in the subgenre.

Perfect For: Anyone who is beginning to question their belief that child beauty pageants are an unambiguous societal good. —CZ

Best Road Trip Movies: Little Miss Sunshine Review

Best Road Trip Movies: Little Miss Sunshine Review Photo: Fox Searchlight, YouTube

Not all road trip movies are created equal. You have your classic feel-good flicks, your nightmare-inducing horror movies… and then you have Little Miss Sunshine , which is one of those movies you can watch repeatedly and keep finding new things to love. If you’ve never seen the movie, you ought to—it’s a witty, strange movie with wonderfully weird characters that break away from the norm, and it also happens to be a pretty sweet road trip movie.

Little Miss Sunshine focuses around seven-year-old Olive Hoover (portrayed by Abigail Breslin), who wants more than anything to win the Little Miss Sunshine pageant in Redondo Beach, California. While Olive isn’t your typical pageant girl, she truly believes she can go up against the other competitors and come out on top. Not ones to stand in the way of their daughter’s dreams, Olive’s parents Richard (Greg Kinnear) and Sheryl (Toni Collette) set out from their home in Albuquerque along with Sheryl’s suicidal gay brother (Steve Carell), Olive’s emo brother Dwayne (Paul Dando), and Richard’s heroin-addicted father (Alan Arkin). What follows is a road trip of epic proportions that tails the seriously dysfunctional family across state lines as they battle to reach the pageant in time for Olive to compete.

The Vehicle

The family makes their way from New Mexico to California in one of the coolest of road trip vehicles ever: a Volkswagen Type 2 bus . The very first Type 2 rolled off Volkswagen’s production line back in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and found its niche with hippies in the 60s and 70s. Today, when we think of the VW Type 2, we tend to think of a more carefree age, where people drove their VW buses to Woodstock and similar festivals, and used them to take low-cost camping trips. In Little Miss Sunshine , the VW bus easily fits the entire family. Unfortunately for them the bus isn’t in the best shape (along the way, the clutch breaks, the horn gets stuck, and the back doors fall off). However, the VW bus remains a solid choice for such a large group, and the family eventually makes it to Redondo Beach just in time for Olive to compete in the pageant.

This happens. Frequently.

The Volkswagen Type 2 bus is just about the most perfect vehicle to appear in Little Miss Sunshine . The family’s falling apart at the seams, so it only makes sense that their vehicle is too. The VW bus is known as being a slightly abnormal vehicle, especially in today’s world where production of the bus is kaput . It’s almost like the bus is a metaphor for the Hoover family, which might appear fairly normal on the outside, but inside is full of addiction, depression, and general loserdom. Quite honestly, the movie wouldn’t be as good had the writers chosen a different vehicle for their road trip.

Catherine Hiles (she/her) is a native Brit living and working in Dayton, Ohio. Cat has written about a variety of subjects, including finance, cars, and parenting. She is a frequent contributor to Dayton Mom Collective, The Penny Hoarder, and WDW Magazine .

Cat lives with her husband, their two kids, and their energetic pitbull mix. She counts running, lifting weights, walking, and reading among her hobbies. See more articles by Cat.

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6 of the Best Family Road Trip Movies

The family road trip is a time-honoured cinema trope and for a good reason. When you’re on the open road, anything can happen; throw in the different personalities of a family and you’re looking at the recipe for a wild ride. To pay homage to GWM’s Haval H6, the undisputed king of the family road trip, Variety Australia looks at six of the best family road trip movies of all time.

There’s something inherently captivating about the open road – the sense of adventure, the promise of new beginnings, and the freedom to explore the great unknown. Over the years, filmmakers have captured the essence of the road trip experience, weaving tales of self-discovery, camaraderie, and unexpected encounters. Then they’ve added a family dynamic and things have gone even more wild. Fasten your seatbelts and join us as we embark on a cinematic road trip through some of the best family road trip movies of all time.

“Little Miss Sunshine” (2006)

Dysfunctional family road trip movies don’t get much more heart-warming than “Little Miss Sunshine”. When little Olive Hoover discovers she’s qualified for the Little Miss Sunshine pageant, her entire family pile into a van to get her from their home in New Mexico to California for the competition. The cast absolutely shines, from Toni Collette as mum Sheryl to Abigail Breslin absolutely smashing it as Olive, a role she was nominated for an Oscar for at just 10 years old.

This movie has everything you’d expect in a family road trip – you’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll thank your lucky stars your own family isn’t this cringe. Central to the plot of the movie is the family’s yellow van which they drive across the country, unfortunately plagued by mechanical issues.

Luckily, if you’re embarking on such a journey of your own, you won’t need to worry about mechanical issues if you’re in a Haval H6 as you are looked after with the 7 Year unlimited KM warranty, 5 year roadside assist, and 5 year capped price servicing. Paired with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, the Haval H6 will get your family safely and comfortably from point A to point B – whether you win the beauty pageant is another thing!

“National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983)

The film which started an entire series and launched a thousand copy cats, “National Lampoon’s Vacation” is an iconic comedy following the Griswold family from Chicago to California to go to the theme park Walley World. Hijinks ensue, and things go from bad to worse at every turn for the family.

Directed by Harold Ramis and starring the who’s who of 80s comedy including Chevy Chase, Randy Quaid and John Candy, “Vacation” feels like the family road trip movie that started them all. It got a remake in 2015 with Ed Helms and Christina Applegate, but it’s generally accepted that the original is the best!

“Runaway Vacation” (2006)

Workaholic Bob Munro, played by Robin Williams, convinces his family to cancel their Hawaiian vacation and spend some quality time together on a cross-country RV trip to the Rocky Mountains instead. But Bob’s intentions for this roadtrip aren’t as pure as they seem and he soon has to learn some difficult lessons about responsibility.

At the centre of the drama is Bob’s tricky relationship with the RV he hires to take his family on the trip. Between the damage he inflicts on the vehicle and the RV’s own problems, his trip goes from bad to worse. Most of us won’t expect as many hijinks on our family road trips as the Munro’s do, but driving a tricky new vehicle can really put a dampener on the holiday.

A Haval H6 is a medium-sized SUV , perfect for giving the whole family plenty of room without feeling cumbersome in urban driving, and the multi-mode hybrid transmission promises a smooth, responsive ride and superior acceleration when you need it. So if hijinks do arise on your trip, you’ll be able to rely on the Haval H6 to get you out of them!

“Paris, Texas” (1984)

Directed by Wim Wenders, “Paris, Texas” tells the story of a man who embarks on a journey to reunite with his estranged family, traversing the striking landscapes of the American Southwest. It’s a visually stunning film that delves into themes of redemption, love, and the vastness of the American landscape.

If you’re someone who loves to romanticise the beauty of you, your car and the open road, “Paris, Texas” is the perfect film for that. It lives up incredibly well, still looking and sounding beautiful today, although the ending is contentious and was reportedly one of many the writers considered!

“Chef” (2014)

Long before The Bear had us all saying “yes, chef!” there was Jon Favreau, John Leguizamo and Emjay Anthony in a beat-up food truck serving some of the best sandwiches you’ve ever laid eyes on. “Chef” is unbearably wholesome, with Favreau’s Carl learning to cope with the big changes in his life, and how to parent his son, over a summer in the truck. It’s also got some of the best food porn in the business – we challenge you not to want a grilled cheese immediately after.

The food truck in “Chef” becomes just as big a part of the movie as the main characters, reiterating how important it is to think about your ride before you set off on your own road trip! The Haval H6 has the high end features your family will love with the safety features you need to keep your mind at ease while you forge your own path around the country.

“Zombieland” (2009)

We might be getting a little bit loose with the definition of family here, but surely the people you’re left with during an apocalypse are as much your family as anyone else? Another road trip flick starring Abigail Breslin, she’s joined by Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg as they drive across America to try and find sanctuary from the zombies that have overrun the country.

Zombieland has that frenetic, comic-style energy that a lot of zombie movies adapt, but the group of unlikely comrades at the centre of it all keep it grounded. And while it seems unlikely that there would be so much hope at what could be the end of the world, the film steers away from being too serious and manages to keep you onboard until the very end, when you’re rewarded with some hectic action scenes. Double tap.

If you’re planning a family road trip or just looking for a safe, reliable and comfortable new car to get your family everywhere they need to go, check out GWM’s mid-sized SUV, Haval H6. From a 5-star ANCAP safety rating to multi-mode hybrid transmission, it’s got everything you need to keep the whole family here. Find out more here .

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Little Miss Sunshine: An Amazing Road Trip Movie Route to Emulate

Photo by Quintin Gellar from Pexels

Route 66 is arguably America’s most famous highway; the route has been immortalized in media and literature for decades. Little Miss Sunshine is one of the best representations of a chaotic family road trip from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Redondo Beach, California. While the movie doesn’t adhere perfectly to the geography of Interstate 40, the road that parallels Route 66, it does give homage to the feel of a classic Route 66 road trip. This film is a perfect representation of a dysfunctional family trying their hardest to keep it together for the sake of their child’s dreams.

Albuquerque to Redondo Beach | I-40

Packed into a derelict Volkswagen Microbus, the chaos of this family is pushed to a bursting point. The more than 800-mile trip is made more complex by mental breakdowns, addiction, and mechanical failures along the way.

The Hoover Family quickly learns the importance of car maintenance when they find themselves broken down on the side of the road in the early stages of the trip. It’s discovered that they need to push the van to a certain speed before putting it in gear and starting it. This points to the mechanical failure of the transmission.

The average cost to replace the transmission in a car is at least $2000. However, ensuring that preventative care is taken will save money and stress. Further, transmission issues can lead to more severe mechanical trouble later in the car’s life. This is discovered during the trip to the beauty pageant in this movie.

Filming Destinations

The filming locations of this film were not 100% accurate but not far off from the script. The family is seen driving through the southwestern desert of the US, hitting communities and passing landmarks throughout New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

The cast saw Arizona-based filming in Flagstaff, Chandler, and Phoenix and California-based filming in Acton, Ventura, Santa Clarita, and Los Angeles. Following the interstate from Bugs Bunny’s famous wrong turn to the Sunset Coast will take you along the route depicted in this film.

Family Journey

More important than the actual passage of miles beneath the tires of their beat-down old bus is the growth and realizations of the family that traversed them. Over time, every character went through significant self-discovery and realizations about what family means .

Olive learns about the importance of family support and loving yourself for who you are in the face of judgment and doubt. Richard discovers that he can pursue his dreams but needs to include how this pursuit affects those he loves. The trip gives him a new perspective and new experiences to build on. Cheryl is the epitome of the overburdened burnt-out mom, managing crisis to crisis without seeing an end. She comes to understand her strength and how she glues her family together. Dwayne learns that everyone has their faults, and the best we can do is adapt and overcome them. It’s not going to be easy or pretty, but it will be worth it in the end.

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The Funniest Road Trip Comedy Movies

There's something about the open road that continues to inspire hilarious comedies year after year. The best road trip movies are about the mishap-filled journey as much as the funny destination. This is a list of the top movies about road trips including everything from The Blues Brothers to Little Miss Sunshine to Borat . If you're planning on going on your own adventure, you might be interested in the best 2018 songs perfect for your road trip playlist .

What films will you find on this list of the best road trip movies? Dumb and Dumber continues to make audiences laugh. Whether Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels) and Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) are traveling by dog-car, scooter or Hawaiian Tropic bus, the result is pure hilarity. Vacation – starring Chevy Chase – is another classic road trip comedy. Tommy Boy finds the dynamic duo of Chris Farley and David Spade traveling across the country on a mission to save the family business. Other good films featured on this best road trip movies list include Planes, Trains and Automobiles , Road Trip , and Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle .

Which road trip movie do you think is the funniest? Give your favorites a thumbs up and please add any good films that are missing.

Tommy Boy presents Chris Farley in his prime as Thomas "Tommy" Callahan III, an incompetent heir to his late father's auto parts business, who embarks on a wild sales trip with straight-laced colleague Richard Hayden (David Spade). The unlikely duo's misadventures and epic mishaps make for a riotous road trip full of quotable lines and uproarious scenes that have solidified this film as a beloved comedy classic.

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Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Planes, Trains and Automobiles delivers side-splitting humor with Steve Martin as Neal Page, an uptight advertising executive desperate to get home for Thanksgiving, and John Candy as Del Griffith, a chatty shower curtain ring salesman. The duo finds themselves stuck together on an outrageously chaotic journey filled with canceled flights, rental car disasters, and unlikely sleeping arrangements—a must-watch for fans of laugh-out-loud road trip comedies.

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Dumb and Dumber

Dumb and Dumber showcases the hysterical journey of two dimwitted pals, Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) and Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels), who embark on an epic cross-country trek to return a briefcase full of money to its rightful owner. With endless slapstick comedy and unforgettable one-liners, this classic film is sure to leave viewers in stitches as they witness these lovable fools face one ludicrous obstacle after another.

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Vacation follows the Griswold family—led by bumbling patriarch Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase)—as they embark on a disastrous yet hysterical drive from Chicago to California's Walley World theme park. Featuring memorable comedic moments like Aunt Edna's untimely demise and Christie Brinkley's flirtatious Ferrari Girl character, this 1983 comedy remains an iconic piece of Americana that guarantees laughter from start to finish.

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We're the Millers

In We're the Millers , a small-time drug dealer (Jason Sudeikis) recruits a stripper (Jennifer Aniston), a runaway teen (Emma Roberts), and their naive neighbor (Will Poulter) to pose as his wholesome family in order to smuggle drugs across the Mexican border. Hilarity ensues as this ragtag bunch of misfits navigates their way through a series of hilarious road trip mishaps, all while trying to maintain their fake-family façade.

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The Blues Brothers

The Blues Brothers features John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as Jake and Elwood Blues, two brothers who reunite their blues band in order to save the orphanage they grew up in. This 1980 musical comedy is packed with high-speed car chases, legendary cameos by artists such as Aretha Franklin and James Brown, and unforgettable tunes that will leave you singing "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love" long after the credits roll.

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Kingpin introduces us to Roy Munson (Woody Harrelson), a washed-up former pro bowler with a prosthetic hand who teams up with Amish bowling prodigy Ishmael Boorg (Randy Quaid) in hopes of winning a million-dollar tournament. This Farrelly brothers' comedy strikes the perfect balance between slapstick humor and heartwarming moments as Roy and Ishmael navigate their way through an absurd series of events, all while trying to avoid the vengeful wrath of pro bowler Ernie McCracken (Bill Murray).

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In Road Trip , college student Josh Parker (Breckin Meyer) accidentally mails his long-distance girlfriend Tiffany Henderson (Rachel Blanchard) a videotape meant for another girl. With his motley crew of friends in tow—including Seann William Scott as the raucous E.L.—Josh embarks on a madcap journey to retrieve the tape before it's too late, encountering zany situations and uproarious mishaps that make for a hilarious cinematic ride.

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David Spade's lovable loser embarks on a quest to find his long-lost parents, encountering a slew of eccentric characters along the way. This offbeat road comedy celebrates the power of resilience and self-discovery in the face of adversity.

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Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle follows best friends Harold Lee (John Cho) and Kumar Patel (Kal Penn) on their quest for late-night munchies—specifically those delicious sliders from White Castle. Along the way, they encounter eccentric characters like Neil Patrick Harris playing a drug-addled version of himself, resulting in gut-busting hilarity that has made this stoner comedy a cult favorite.

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A modern-day twist on the classic madcap chase film, this comedy features an ensemble cast, including John Cleese and Rowan Atkinson, competing in a wild race to find a hidden fortune. Hilarity ensues as each character encounters outrageous obstacles and colorful opponents along their frantic journey.

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Pee-wee's Big Adventure

Paul Reubens brings his iconic character to life in this whimsical adventure across America in search of his stolen bicycle. Pee-wee's innocent charm and imaginative spirit make this road trip comedy a timeless classic.

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# 154 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked

Midnight Run

Midnight Run stars Robert De Niro as Jack Walsh, a bounty hunter tasked with bringing accountant Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukas (Charles Grodin) back to Los Angeles after he embezzled millions from the mob. As they traverse the country avoiding mobsters and the FBI alike, their comedic banter makes for an entertaining ride rife with unexpected twists and turns, elevating this action-comedy into an absolute must-watch.

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Mr. Bean's Holiday

Rowan Atkinson's beloved character embarks on a trip to the French Riviera, where he inadvertently creates chaos at every turn. The film combines slapstick humor with picturesque European settings, making for a light-hearted, visually appealing road trip adventure.

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Robert Downey Jr .'s uptight architect and Zach Galifianakis' eccentric aspiring actor form an unlikely duo in this raucous journey across America. The film keeps viewers laughing while showcasing the transformative power of friendship and personal growth during unexpected detours.

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Robin Williams stars as a well-intentioned father who takes his family on a disastrous RV trip, leading to a series of comedic mishaps and unexpected encounters. The film showcases Williams's comedic genius while reminding us of the importance of family connection amidst the chaos.

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Four middle-aged friends, played by Tim Allen, John Travolta, Martin Lawrence, and William H. Macy, hit the open road on motorcycles, seeking adventure and escape from their mundane lives. The film's blend of slapstick comedy and heartfelt moments make it a fun and relatable portrayal of friendship and rediscovering one's passion.

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It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World

This classic 1963 comedy is undoubtedly a memorable road trip comedy, featuring a star-studded cast racing to find buried treasure. From roadside mishaps to comedic misunderstandings, this film set the standard for the chaos and hilarity that characterize the best road trip comedies.

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Little Miss Sunshine

This heartwarming and quirky indie film follows a dysfunctional family as they travel together in a rickety VW bus to support their young daughter in a beauty pageant. With complex characters and emotional depth, this comedy proves that even the most unconventional journeys can lead to profound personal growth and familial bonds.

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When a family attempts to recreate a memorable road trip from their childhood, hilarity ensues in this reboot of the classic comedy. Ed Helms and Christina Applegate's pitch-perfect performances keep audiences laughing through every twist and turn.

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Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

Sacha Baron Cohen's mockumentary-style comedy follows the unforgettable character Borat as he travels across America to learn about its culture. The film is both shocking and hilarious, as Cohen's outrageous antics expose cultural divides and challenge societal norms.

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This raunchy comedy follows a group of friends on a cross-country journey to lose their virginity, resulting in outrageous escapades and hilarious misadventures. The film masterfully combines crude humor with genuine heart, making it a memorable addition to the road trip genre.

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The Bucket List

Despite its somber premise, this film starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman is surprisingly uplifting, as two terminally ill men embark on a road trip to complete their bucket list. Through laughter and shared experiences, the film reminds us of the importance of living life to the fullest and cherishing the connections we make along the way.

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Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back

Kevin Smith's iconic slacker characters hit the road in this irreverent comedy, on a mission to sabotage the Hollywood adaptation of their comic book alter egos. The film delivers non-stop laughs and clever pop culture references, making it a must-see for fans of Smith's unique brand of humor.

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Identity Thief

Melissa McCarthy shines as a brazen con artist, leading Jason Bateman's character on a wild chase to clear his name. The film cleverly balances slapstick humor with heartfelt moments, illustrating the unlikely relationships that can develop on the road.

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Wine connoisseurs and comedy lovers alike will appreciate this critically acclaimed film about two friends on a wine-tasting road trip through California. The film's sharp wit, engaging characters, and beautiful scenery create a humorous yet introspective journey of self-discovery.

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College Road Trip

Martin Lawrence and Raven-Symoné star in this family-friendly comedy about a father-daughter duo road-tripping to visit colleges. The film is a lighthearted reminder of the challenges and joys of letting go and embracing life's transitions.

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This classic road trip comedy set during the Great Depression pairs a charming con man with a precocious young girl, played by real-life father and daughter Ryan and Tatum O'Neal. Their adventures and evolving bond create a touching and timeless story filled with humor and heart.

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Bad Grandpa

Johnny Knoxville brings his signature outrageous stunts and pranks to this hidden camera comedy, playing an elderly man on a road trip with his young grandson. The film pushes the boundaries of taste while showcasing the undeniable bond between the two characters.

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Are We There Yet

Ice Cube stars in this family comedy as a man attempting to win over his girlfriend's children by driving them across the country to visit their mother. The film offers a humorous take on the challenges of blended families and the unexpected bonds that can form on the road.

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Little Miss Sunshine

The Ultimate Guide to Everything Little Miss Sunshine

Featured Trip Guides

Created by Christopher Warren - June 13th 2016

If you don't enjoy a good dysfunctional family road trip movie (especially one that involves a simultaneously hilarious and heartwarming dance routine set to "Super Freak") then there's a good chance that you might not have a soul. ...kidding. But on the serious, indie flick Little Miss Sunshine is living proof that even though road trips rarely go as planned, they can still have a happy ending. Have your own family bonding experience at these awesome Little Miss Sunshine filming locations!

Allegedly, the movie originally had the road trip taking place down the East coast but the setting was moved to Arizona and California because it was more practical. It's hard to imagine the Hoovers pushing their car along any other road except a stark desert landscape, so the change wasn't a bad thing at all. Despite the fact that it filmed in Arizona and California, the characters' trip technically starts in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

24500 Town Center Dr, Stevenson Ranch, CA, US

Hyatt Regency Valencia

The Hyatt Regency Valencia was the Arizona hotel where the dad, Richard, confronts Bryan Cranston.

9151 Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, US

Budget Inn North Hills

Click to discover a great deal!

The motel where the grandpa dies (of a heroin overdose, no less!) is a Budget Inn in North Hills, CA. It doesn't much more dysfunctional than that... although it does make a good place to rehearse your show-stopping dance routine.

17371 Valley Blvd, La Puente, CA, US

Maly's Pizza Buffet

The breakfast scene was filmed at what was then Rutt's Hawaiian Cafe, but it's since been converted into Maly's Pizza Buffet.

24518 Lyons Ave, Stevenson Ranch, CA, US

Chevron - Little Miss Sunshine

There's also the gas station where Frank sees his ex, Richard learns his deal has fallen through and Olive gets left behind. It's a Chevron off I-5 in Newhall, California.

10700 Escondido Canyon Rd, Agua Dulce, CA, US

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park

Some of the driving was actually filmed in Arizona, and there was also a shot filmed at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park. Hopefully your car doesn't need a push up to 20 MPH to get it started... although I'd personally make an exception for a beautiful old VW bus like the Hoover family's.

450 East Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, CA, US

Crowne Plaza Hotel Ventura Beach

The beauty pageant is not actually in Redondo Beach, but in Ventura, at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach. The production actually put up real-life child beauty pageant contestants in the hotel and had them perform their actual acts on stage for the movie.

101 S. California Street, Ventura, CA, US

Ventura Pier & Promenade

Frank and Dwayne have a heart to heart on the Ventura Pier & Promenade.

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Best Road Trip Movies, Ranked

Hollywood is no stranger to producing hilarious and entertaining road trip films, including these ultimate cross-country movies.

Yearning for the open road? Look no further! Hollywood is no stranger to producing entertaining road trip movies that feature iconic cross-country adventures. While some audiences just can’t seem to get enough of this comedy staple, others flock to theaters for films that take a more heartfelt approach to the genre, utilizing the road trip as a way to express maturation, character development, and coming-of-age themes. Sometimes it's nice to live vicariously through the lives of these big-screen characters. With such an impressive list of beloved classics to choose from, determining the greatest among these films is difficult.

Updated May 18th, 2023: If you're a fan of the open road, you'll be glad to know this article was recently updated with new content by fellow travel enthusiast Amanda Minchin .

So whether you're yearning for some comedic relief from life's difficulties or are just wanting to see the world from a new perspective, these films, with their array of hijinks and chaos, will prove entertaining for audiences of all ages. Instead of needing to hop in the car, sit down, grab the remote, and explore the open road from the comfort of your home. Here is our deep dive into the best road trip movies throughout cinema history.

13 Dumb and Dumber

The iconic buddy-comedy Dumb and Dumber stars Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels as two dimwitted yet well-meaning friends who set off on a cross-country road trip from Providence, Rhode Island, to Aspen, Colorado, in order to return a briefcase full of money.

Related: Why Dumb and Dumber Is a Perfect Road Trip Movie

The charm of this film lies in the delightful ignorance of Lloyd and Harry, whose personas simply don’t allow for a light bulb moment. They have absolutely no desire to either learn or grow during their hilariously harrowing journey and, as a result, they ultimately go off on many a zany adventure without learning all that much. Dumb and Dumber found great success at the box office upon its release, becoming one of the most iconic of 1994 .

12 Y Tu Mamá También

Y Tu Mamá También is the coming-of-age tale of two teenage boys who set out on a road trip with an older woman in her late twenties. This Alfonso Cuaron road movie features a talented cast, including Diego Luna, Gael García Bernal, and Maribel Verdú, who shine against the backdrop of Mexico’s economic and political realities in 1999.

This intimate and tender story is also an exploration of sexuality and maturity. The young men's journey leads to self-discovery and a loss of innocence amidst the stunning road trip setting. The film uses travel and journey as a metaphor. As a result, audiences are able to witness the transformation of the leads from adolescence to adulthood in a fresh and authentic way.

11 Easy Rider

Easy Rider is arguably one of the most important road trip movies in cinema history. This film, which received critical praise upon its release, is credited with helping to spark the New Hollywood era of the 1970s. This 1969 independent road drama tells the story of two bikers who embark on a journey through the American South and Southwest, transporting the proceeds of a cocaine deal.

The film stars Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper as the lead bikers, alongside the memorable performance of Jack Nicholson as the boozy lawyer they pick up along the way. This classic flick focuses heavily on the journey, not the destination, as the free-spirited bikers get a harsh dose of reality during their travels across the country.

10 It Happened One Night

It Happened One Night is an infamous screwball comedy , and with good reason. Widely considered the first, it soon became the roadmap for others to follow after its release in the early 30s. The movie also arguably launched the careers of stars Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable. In the film, Colbert played an heiress on the run back to her true love. Gable, meanwhile, played the intrepid reporter following shortly behind. They travel from Florida to New York in increasingly jerry-rigged modes of transportation and, of course, wind up falling in love in the process.

At the time, a movie about an unmarried couple traveling together was sure to ruffle a few feathers. Considered a Pre-Code film (though the Hays Code was in effect, it was not officially enforced for all pictures until shortly thereafter), this movie managed to skirt the censors by covering any sense of impropriety with snappy dialogue, cheeky humor, and endless innuendo... thus creating the screwball comedy in the process. For example, Frank Capra and crew got around the pair sharing a room together during their travels by dividing said room with a bedsheet that the characters literally nickname “The Walls of Jericho.” Any source of seduction was at most a suggestion, as demonstrated by Colbert’s last-ditch use of her *gasp* bare leg to hail a passing car, though that too was considered rather scandalous in passing.

The touching and deeply endearing 1988 classic Rain Man tells the story of conceited jerk Charlie Babbitt who, upon his wealthy father’s death, discovers the inheritance has been left to his unknown autistic-savant brother Raymond. Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman deliver powerful performances as Charlie and Raymond, for which the latter earned an Academy Award.

As the brothers travel from Cincinnati to Los Angeles, Charlie witnesses the restrictions of Raymond’s condition and, in turn, gains a new perspective on life. The film’s unique premise and the chemistry between Cruise and Hoffman as they travel the country, make this a road trip staple.

8 Little Miss Sunshine

Oscar-winning dramedy Little Miss Sunshine features an all-star cast (including Steve Carell, Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, and Abigail Breslin). It tells the story of a barely-functional family who are determined to get their daughter to the finals of a beauty pageant. Setting off in their VW bus (which requires a rolling start), the Hoover clan soon embark on an 800-mile road trip to California. Their goal of reaching the beauty pageant is what ultimately brings the family together.

The script for this film is both funny and heartfelt, and Michael Arndt received the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for his effort. The colorful characters add depth and humor to the plot, which is tied up nicely by the end. Little Miss Sunshine was one of those indie films from the 2000s that broke out with mainstream audiences, and part of that is it perfectly captures what it is like to be stuck with one's family for a long road trip.

7 Into the Wild

This film is for those whose wanderlust leads them to less tread pastures. Based on the book by Jon Krakauer, Into The Wild tells the true story of an Emory college graduate and athlete who renounces his family fortune and sets off on a hitchhiking adventure that leads him deep into the Alaskan wilderness. Written, directed, and produced by Sean Penn, the film version stars Emile Hirsch as Chris McCandless, a.k.a. Alexander Supertramp.

Upon its release, the film was nominated for many awards, including Golden Globes and Academy Awards. It was soon added to many of the top lists that year. The abandoned bus that housed the final days of the real-life McCandless even became a pilgrimage site for fans until it had to be airlifted to a safer location. Those wanting to dive into a smaller, safer venture should carve out the 2 ½ hours for this film.

6 Almost Famous

The critically acclaimed Cameron Crowe dramedy Almost Famous is the ultimate coming-of-age film with an ensemble cast of Hollywood heavy hitters like Billy Crudup, Kate Hudson, Frances McDormand, and Jason Lee. The movie is loosely based on Crowe's own experience as a writer for Rolling Stone magazine.

Almost Famous tells the story of a young 1970s Rolling Stone journalist William Miller and his epic journey of self-discovery as he travels with the fictitious rock band Stillwater. As he follows them across the country, William experiences the highs and lows of adolescence: falling in love, being rejected, making friends, and ultimately accepting himself. The movie received critical acclaim and numerous accolades and is included in many lists of the greatest films ever made.

5 Thelma and Louise

Arguably the ultimate female buddy movie , 1991’s Thelma and Louise tells the unforgettable tale of two best friends who take off for the open road after a tragic event forces them to flee for greener pastures. Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon star as the ride-or-die duo who zip across the country in Thelma’s 1966 Ford Thunderbird.

Related: How Thelma and Louise Is a Queer Allegory

The iconic friendship of the film's titular leads, impressively performed by Davis and Sarandon, firmly cements it as a landmark feminist film. The movie also features a young Brad Pitt in one of his first major roles as a drifter who catches Thelma's eye. The iconic ending of Thelma and Louise remains one of the greatest in Hollywood history to this day.

4 The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert quickly cemented Australia’s cultural status as a producer of quirky, independent cinema when it was first released in 1994. What could have ended as a dumpster fire of epic proportions was instead a surprisingly tender and thoughtful road movie. Featuring a soundtrack of campy classics bolstered by supreme performances from Terence Stamp, Hugo Weaving, and Guy Pearce, the plot follows two drag queens and one transgender woman as they go on tour in Australia.

While the movie arguably may have been even better having an actual trans woman or drag culture enthusiast cast, the trio sure put on one hell of a show as they traverse the literal Outback in sequins, beads, and platform heels. The film, which was written and directed by Stephan Elliott, would later be adapted into a musical. The play premiered in Sydney in 2006 before touring throughout the country. It would eventually be welcomed onto the Broadway stage a few years later in 2011.

3 The Blues Brothers

Beloved Saturday Night Live alums John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd reprised their sketch characters for the silver screen as “Joliet” Jake Blues and blood brother Elwood in 1980s The Blues Brothers . The pair are hilarious as sleazy musicians who make it their mission to save the orphanage they were raised in from foreclosure.

The classic comedy focuses on Jake and Elwood as they reunite their R&B band and travel around Chicago in their “bluesmobile,” playing music for money. With exciting car chases, comical shootouts, and unforgettable musical numbers, The Blues Brothers remains an iconic classic of road-trip cinema.

2 National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

This film kick-started a beloved comedy franchise that continues to this day. 1983’s National Lampoon’s Vacation focuses on the Griswold family as their patriarch leads them on a cross-country trip to an amusement park... Naturally, chaos and hilarity arise. The ultimate success of this movie led to a barrage of sequels.

Starring Saturday Night Live alum Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, Vacation also features the talents of Beverly D’Angelo, Anthony Michael Hall, and Dana Barron as his wife and less-than-adoring children. Chase is brilliant as the comical and determined Clark. This outrageous farce depicts the reality of a family on vacation. None of them are perfect, and all of them are full of endearing dysfunction as they try and fail to have a good time.

1 Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Comedy legends Steve Martin and John Candy partnered up with famed director John Hughes for 1987’s Planes, Trains and Automobiles . Martin starred as uptight Neal Page, while Candy portrayed the overbearing but kind-hearted Del Griffith. Stuck together, the pair join forces in an effort to get Neal home to Chicago in time for his family's Thanksgiving dinner. Because of this, it has since become a Thanksgiving classic.

The chemistry between the two leads in this film is as effortless as it is hilarious. This movie features plenty of sidesplitting situations while also being surprisingly emotional at times. Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a heartfelt flick that utilizes its comedic talent to the fullest. Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a comedic masterpiece that has endured for decades.

6 road-trip movies to watch for travel inspiration

T he joy of traveling is not limited to the end destination but is also very much about the journey, and that is the essence that makes road-trip movies so special. Different filmmakers tend to approach the concept in their own way, so there are a variety of road-trip movies that focus on different aspects of the journey.

Some movies focus on bonding and exploration, while others showcase it as a more cathartic experience linked to self-realization and healing. Most of these films also incorporate an element of comedy that makes for a fun watch.

No matter what the approach is, road-trip movies in general tend to encourage viewers to embark on their own adventure. Viewers who are looking for a sign from the universe to push them to plan a trip of their own will find at least one reason, if not multiple, after watching a good road-trip movie.

Of course, many road-trip movies have been released to date, but the best ones combine derisable dream destinations with interesting narratives and heartfelt performances to leave a lasting impression.

The best road-trip movies that celebrate the joy of travelling and exploration

1) heartlands (2002).

Directed by Damien O'Donnell, this road-trip movie focuses on an amicable newsagent named Colin, played by Michael Sheen . He finds out that his wife is cheating on him with the captain of the darts team he plays for. After he is cut from the team, he resolves to travel to Blackpool with the hope that he will be able to win back his wife.

Sheen does a wonderful job portraying Colin. It is interesting to see how the character changes after his interactions and experiences on the road. The movie is not exactly fast-paced, but it is still witty and enjoyable all the same.

2) Into the Wild (2007)

This popular movie is based on the life of Christopher McCandless. Emile Hirsch plays the role of Christopher in this movie directed by Sean Penn . It gives viewers an insight into the experiences and challenges that Christopher faced as he hitchhiked his way all the way to Alaska.

Hirsch skillfully captures the emotions and mannerisms of Christopher who was fascinated with the nomadic lifestyle. More than anything else, this is one of those movies that makes viewers want to be more spontaneous and adventurous.

3) The Bucket List (2007)

Two experienced actors, Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman , come together in this movie directed by Rob Reiner. The story focuses on Edward Perriman Cole (Nicholson) and Carter Chambers (Freeman), both of whom are terminally ill patients. They take a road trip wherein they try and do things from a wishlist before the Grim Reaper comes calling.

The best thing about this movie is the chemistry between the leads. Their characters are endearing, funny, and most of all, relatable. It is heart-warming to watch them bond and support each other during their trip.

4) Land Ho! (2014)

This road-trip movie is about two ex-brothers-in-laws, played by Paul Eenhoorn and Earl Lynn Nelson, who take a trip to Iceland together and try all the hip things that all the young people rave about.

Directed by Martha Stephens and Aaron Katz, this movie focuses on healing and friendship. It is funny and realistic, and the effortless candor between Eenhoorn and Nelson adds to the narrative.

5) The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)

This movie marks the directorial debut of both Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz. The story is centered around Zak (Zack Gottsagen) who has Down syndrome. He runs away from a state-run care facility to pursue his dream of becoming a professional wrestler. On his journey, he meets up with an outlaw named Tyler ( Shia LaBeouf ) who ends up becoming his friend.

This movie shines thanks to its strong narrative and spectacular performance by Gottsagen and LaBeouf's. The movie as a whole is bound to leave an impact on the viewer.

6) Nomadland (2020)

In this road-trip movie directed by Chloé Zhao, Frances McDormand plays the role of the protagonist. She is Fern who embraces a life on the road after she loses her job. As she travels, she grows as a person and gains a new perspective on life from her interactions with other nomads she meets on the road.

Even when she isn't saying anything, McDormand has a commanding aura, making it difficult for the viewer to look away. Her emotions and body language are always on-point, and she effortlessly carries the narrative. Quiet but thought-provoking, this one is a must-watch road-trip movie.

These road-trip movies will not only entertain movie lovers but will encourage them to pack their bags and set out on the next adventure. They are heartfelt and beautiful stories that inspire one to live life to the fullest.

6 road-trip movies to watch for travel inspiration

Movie Review: A radiant teenage road trip in ‘Gasoline Rainbow’

In sibling directors bill and turner ross’ latest, “gasoline rainbow,” five oregon teens just out of high school make their meandering way some 500 miles to reach the coast for what’s been billed as the “end of the world” party.

This image released by MUBI shows a scene from “Gasoline Rainbow.” (MUBI via AP)

In sibling directors Bill and Turner Ross ‘ latest, “Gasoline Rainbow,” five Oregon teens just out of high school make their meandering way some 500 miles to reach the coast for what’s been billed as the “End of the World” party.

They are like countless young protagonists before them: on the road to find out. But while they share much of the same yearnings and anxieties of American road travelers from “On the Road” to “Easy Rider,” the circumstances of their particular coming of age are uniquely theirs — and what’s on the radio dial is, too. “Dude, I want to listen to some Shakira, bro,” one says from the backseat of their van.

This being the Ross brothers — the makers of the Texas-Mexico border portrait “Western” and “Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets,” in which they brought 22 people to a Las Vegas dive bar and asked them to act as though it was closing the next day — we are in a hybrid film world, part documentary, part fiction. Our characters — Micah, Nathaly, Nichole, Tony, Makai — are nonprofessional actors and their journey is a loosely constructed series of encounters that mostly unfold naturally.

It’s a filmmaking approach that can, in its weaker moments, result in the worst of both worlds: the rambling narrative of documentary and the manufactured quality of fiction. But on the whole, the Ross brothers’ observational, immersive filmmaking gets close to something bracingly real.

In the case of “Gasoline Rainbow,” which opens in theaters Friday, much is expressed by the land the teens traverse. Whether by car or on foot, their travels take them under highway overpasses, through sprawling train yards and along long rows of wind turbines. Global warming is mentioned only once, but it hovers over their uncertain future. They make their way across baren, dry lands and industrial blight. The name of that party is no coincidence.

Bleak as that may be, “Gasoline Rainbow” — which would fit comfortably alongside films like Alma Har’el’s “Bombay Beach” and Andrea Arnold’s “American Honey” — is most concerned with the question of: So what now? For these young people, unsure of what to do with their lives, getting out on the road provides plenty of answers. The world they’ve been left by older generations may be damaged. “Do you know what the difference is between kids and adults?” one elder tells them. “Adults aren’t supervised.” But there is beauty to be found, like shimmering pools of gasoline, if you’re willing to hit the road and make some new friends.

The answer lies most in community — in daring to leave the house, meet strangers and find like-minded souls. Perhaps more than anything, the Ross brothers — with a keen eye for American eccentrics — are interested in gathering together all the most interesting people they can find. And the spirit of camaraderie that results warms just as much as the bonfires gathered round in “Gasoline Rainbow.”

“Gasoline Rainbow,” a Mubi release, is not rated by the Motion Picture Association. Running time: 110 minutes. Three stars out of four.

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25 Essential Road Trip Movies of the Last 25 Years

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) 50%

The Straight Story (1999) 94%

Tumbleweeds (1999) 82%

Almost Famous (2000) 91%

Road Trip (2000) 57%

Rat Race (2001) 45%

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004) 75%

Sideways (2004) 97%

Transamerica (2005) 77%

Little Miss Sunshine (2006) 91%

Cars (2006) 75%

Zombieland (2009) 89%

Away We Go (2009) 67%

Paul (2011) 70%

We're the Millers (2013) 48%

Chef (2014) 87%

Grandma (2015) 91%

Mississippi Grind (2015) 91%

Pee-wee's Big Holiday (2016) 83%

Green Book (2018) 77%

Nomadland (2020) 93%

The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021) 97%

Bad Trip (2021) 79%

Dog (2022) 77%

Joy Ride (2023) 90%

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