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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) 51%

The Straight Story (1999) 95%

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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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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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Vacation vibes: the 31 best road trip movies of all time, ready to go on a road trip.

Road trips are always a helluva time, and if you can't go on one personally, the next best thing is to watch a few of the movie classics that have been created. Road trip aka open road movies have been a staple of the film industry for decades now, with some of the most memorable movies in history are technically classified as being a "road trip" film. From the National Lampoon's series all the way to legendary one-offs such as 2004's Johnson Family Vacation and 2000's Road Trip , open road movies remain some of the most entertaining and hilarious out there due to the fact that the participants hardly ever make it to where they plan on going in one piece. With us still being in the thick of summer, we thought it would be fun to take a look at the best road trip movies of all time. Buckle up and get the popcorn ready. You're going to need it.

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1. Johnson Family Vacation (2004)

• Directed by: Christopher Erskin
• Written by: Earl Richey Jones, Todd R. Jones
• Stars: Cedric the Entertainer, Bow Wow, Vanessa Williams, Solange Knowles, Steve Harvey, Shannon Elizabeth
• Where They're Headed: Missouri

We've got be on I-10 by 10. Johnson Family Vacation has so many memorable one-liners that have become even more popular with time. Obviously getting two of the most funny men in comedy, Cedric the Entertainer and Steve Harvey, is going to result in some foolishness, and foolishness was indeed delivered. If you are in the mood to laugh your a$$ off, turn on Johnson Family Vacation .

2. Almost Famous (2000)

• Directed by: Cameron Crowe
• Written by: Cameron Crowe
• Stars: Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson, Anna Paquin
• Where They're Headed: All over the place

Sometimes you'll do anything (and put up with anything) to make your dreams come true. 2000's Almost Famous was all about the journey of a young aspiring rock journalist who catches the eye of a Rolling Stone editor who sends him on the road to cover a rising band named Stillwater. A fun little early 2000s film that's cool to watch during a relaxing weekend at home.

3. Easy Rider (1969)

• Directed by: Dennis Hopper
• Written by: Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda, Terry Southern
• Stars: Jack Nicholson, Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper
• Where They're Headed: New Orleans

Earning an Academy Award nomination for "Best Original Screenplay," 1969's Easy Rider is a must-see film that everybody should watch at least once in their lives. Starring Jack Nicholson, Peter Fonda, and Dennis Hopper, the movie is about two motorcyclist hippies who decide to travel cross-country in search of spiritual truth after completing a drug deal in Southern California. What follows next is a wild ride. Literally.

4. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

• Directed by: Valerie Faris, Jonathan Dayton
• Written by: Michael Arndt
• Stars: Paul Dano, Abigail Breslin, Toni Collette, Alan Arkin
• Where They're Headed: Redondo Beach, California

The interesting Hoover family are described as "putting the fun back in dysfunctional," so that should tell you all that you need to know about this movie. Showcasing an all-star cast that also includes Steve Carrell and Bryan Cranston, Little Miss Sunshine is another fun road trip film from the 2000s.

5. The Blues Brothers (1980)

• Directed by: John Landis
• Written by: John Landis, Dan Aykroyd
• Stars: John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd
• Where They're Headed: In and around Chicago

A cult classic considered to be one of the greatest comedies of all time, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd aka The Blues Brothers, hit the streets on a self-proclaimed mission from God in the attempt to get on a good path after getting out of prison. The first task? To save the orphanage the brothers grew up in from closing. The only thing they need to do is raise $5,000 to pay the back taxes on the property (which they plan to do through playing gigs), but as expected, everything goes...wrong.

6. National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)

• Directed by: Harold Ramis
• Written by: John Hughes
• Stars: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo
• Where They're Headed: Wally World (California)

After re-watching National Lampoon's Vacation , we can effectively conclude that this is one of the best and funniest road trip movies of all time. Chevy Chase steals the show with his wit, sarcasm, and foul sailor mouth, which will keep you entertained from start to finish. The entire National Lampoon's series is worth watching, so we recommend setting aside a day where you can knock them all out.

7. Thelma & Louise (1991)

• Directed by: Ridley Scott
• Written by: Ridley Scott, Callie Khouri
• Stars: Geena Davis, Susan Sarandon
• Where They're Headed: Mexico

Directed by Ridley Scott, Thelma & Louise is a classic example of a movie taking an unexpected turn you never saw coming. Thelma (Davis) and Louise (Sarandon), intend to go on a short fishing trip, however those plans get put to an end when Louise shoots and kills a man at a bar who attempts to rape Thelma. The two decide to flee to Mexico, and embark on a journey that includes running from the law and falling for hot guys.

8. Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

• Directed by: Hal Needham
• Written by: Hal Needham, Robert L. Levy
• Stars: Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jerry Reed, Jackie Gleason, Paul Williams
• Where They're Headed: Atlanta

Atlanta has a way of sometimes bringing the chaos, as demonstrated by 1977's Smokey and the Bandit . Anybody who calls themselves Bandit (Reynolds) is probably a person who's done some questionable in their lifetimes, which is probably why he's given the duties of transporting an illegal beer shipment from Texas to Atlanta. If Bandit had stayed on task he probably would have been able to easily accomplish the mission, but because he decides to pick up a rather hesitant bride to be (Field), things get a little complicated.

9. Into the Wild (2007)

• Directed by: Sean Penn
• Written by: Jon Krakauer
• Stars: Emile Hirsch, Kristen Stewart, Vince Vaughn
• Where They're Headed: Alaska

Based on the true story of Christopher McCandless (Hirsch), 2007's Into the Wild is about the son of a wealthy couple who despite graduating from Emory University as a top student and athlete, instead decides to donate his savings to charity, get rid of all of his possessions, and set out on a journey to the Alaskan wilderness.

10. Dumb and Dumber (1994)

• Directed by: Peter Farrelly
• Written by: Peter Farrelly, Bobby Farrelly, Bennett Yellin
• Stars: Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels
• Where They're Headed: Aspen, Colorado

The partially hilarious and partially annoying Dumb and Dumber is always worth a watch. Quite possibly the two dumbest pair of friends to ever exist, Lloyd Christmas (Carrey) and Harry Dunne (Daniels), decide to go to Aspen, Colorado to return a suitcase full of money left behind by a woman in Harry's car. Somehow (don't ask), this leads to the duo being hunted by both the police and killers. Needless to say, the pair find themselves in a unique jam that they have to get out of.

11. It Happened One Night (1934)

• Directed by: Frank Capra
• Written by: Frank Capra, Robert Riskin
• Stars: Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert
• Where They're Headed: New York and beyond

The concept of open road movies have been experimented with since practically the inception of film, and with five Academy Awards along with an induction into the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, we'd say It Happened One Night deserves its ranking as one of the best road trip films of all time.

12. College Road Trip (2008)

• Directed by: Roger Kumble
• Written by: Emi Mochizuki, Carrie Evans, Cinco Paul, Ken Daurio
• Stars: Martin Lawrence, Kym Whitley, Raven-Symoné, Brenda Song
• Where They're Headed: Pittsburgh and Washington D.C.

2008's College Road Trip starring Raven-Symoné and Martin Lawrence remains underestimated in our book. Obviously Martin Lawrence is one of the funniest people to ever do it, and so is Raven. Put the both of them together, and you'll be laughing non-stop.

13. Road Trip (2000)

• Directed by: Todd Phillips
• Written by: Todd Phillips, Scott Armstrong
• Stars: Breckin Meyer, Seann William Scott, Paulo Costanzo, and DJ Qualls
• Where They're Headed: Austin, Texas

Road Trip is stupid, but in a good way. The film is about four college friends who embark on a trip from Ithaca, New York, to Austin, Texas after mistakenly sending a rather illicit tape mistakenly mailed to the girlfriend of one of the guys in the crew. The goal is for them to retrieve the tape before she gets it. Can they do it? You'll have to watch the movie for that.

14. Y Tu Mamá También (2002)

• Directed by: Alfonso Cuarón
• Written by: Alfonso Cuarón, Carlos Cuarón
• Stars: Diego Luna, Gael García Bernal, Maribel Verdú
• Where They're Headed: Boca del Cielo

Y Tu Mamá También is about two seventeen-year-olds, Julio (Luna) and Tenoch (Bernal), who set out on a road trip with an older woman (Verdú), and together they learn lessons about self discovery, engage in escapes with the older woman, and learn more about the world around them.

15. The Bucket List (2007)

• Directed by: Rob Reiner
• Written by:  Justin Zackham,
• Stars: Morgan Freeman, Jack Nicholson
• Where They're Headed: Everywhere

The Bucket List is a touching story about two terminally ill men who set out to accomplish the things on their bucket list before they die. One of the things on their list is backpacking/traveling the world. So what do they do? Backpack and travel the world.

16. Rain Man (1988)

• Directed by: Barry Levinson
• Written by:  Barry Morrow, Ronald Bass
• Stars: Dustin Hoffman, Valeria Golino, Tom Cruise
• Where They're Headed: Cincinnati, Ohio

Long before Tom Cruise was in Mission Impossible , he was in a rather poignant road trip drama called Road Man . Portraying a car dealer named Charlie Babbitt who returns home to Cincinnati, Ohio after learning that his estranged father has passed away, Road Man is a bit sad compared to what we know as the "traditional road trip film," but still a good watch.

17. Crossroads (2002)

• Directed by: Tamra Davis
• Written by:  Shonda Rhimes
• Stars: Britney Spears, Zoe Saldana, Taryn Manning
• Where They're Headed: LA to Tucson, Arizona

Dammit! We're putting this here because Crossroads didn't get enough credit at the time of its release in 2002, and it doesn't get enough credit now. This is a good movie, and we will forever stand by that!

18. Midnight Run (1988)

• Directed by: Martin Brest
• Written by:  George Gallo
• Stars: Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin
• Where They're Headed: All around the West Coast

1988's Midnight Run has a case for being one of the all-time great action films from the 1980s. A not-so-traditional "catch the bad guy" movie, the film is about bounty hunter Jack Walsh (De Niro), being hired to bring a mob accountant (Grodin) to Los Angeles. Walsh gets told ahead of time that the job will either be an easy one or a midnight run (meaning a chase), and, well, the latter happens.

19. My Own Private Idaho (1991)

• Directed by: Gus Van Sant
• Written by:  Gus Van Sant
• Stars: River Phoenix, Keanu Reeves
• Where They're Headed: Idaho

Ah! A baby Keanu Reeves in an early acting role. My Own Private Idaho is a loose adaptation of Shakespeare's Henry IV that centers around a gay hustler that struggles with narcolepsy (Phoenix) and the rebellious son of a mayor (Reeves) who travel from Portland, to Idaho, and finally the coast of Italy in the quest the hustler's estranged money. As expected, along the way they encounter...a lot.

20. Harry and Tonto (1974)

• Directed by: Paul Mazursky
• Written by:  Paul Mazursky and Josh Greenfield
• Stars: Paul Mazursky, Art Carney, Ellen Burstyn
• Where They're Headed: Chicago and beyond

A classic 1970s film, Harry and Tonto (which Art Carney won an Oscar for by the way), is about a man named Harry in his 70s (Carney), who is evicted from his Manhattan apartment when the building is set to be demolished. After staying with his son for a while, Harry to travel across the country with his cat Tonto to visit the various important people in his life.

21. Logan (2017)

• Directed by: James Mangold
• Written by:  Scott Mangold, Scott Frank, Michael Green, James Mangold
• Stars: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Robert E. Grant
• Where They're Headed: Eden

Would do you get when you make Wolverine / X-Men an open road movie. Logan . That's what you get. There's a reason why this movie is considered one of the best X-Men movies as a whole, and now is the perfect time to watch it if you haven't already.

22. Beavis and Butt-Head Do America (1996)

• Directed by: Mike Judge
• Written by:  Mike Judge, Joe Stillman
• Stars: Bruce Willis, Demi Moore, Robert Stack, Cloris Leachman
• Where They're Headed: All round the U.S.

Want to watch another set of dumb a$$es embark on a cross-country road trip? Here ya go. 1996's Beavis and Butt-Head Do America . Thank us later.

23. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

• Directed by: Terry Gilliam
• Written by:  Terry Gilliam, Alex Cox, Toni Grisoni, Tod Davies
• Where They're Headed: Johnny Depp, Benicio Del Toro

The legendary Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas aka the movie that inspired the music video for Quavo and Takeoff's single "Hotel Lobby" from 2022. Want to talk about madness, trips, and trippyness? Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is all that and a bag of chips.

24. Lost in America (1985)

• Directed by: Albert Brooks
• Written by:  Albert Brooks, Monica Johnson
• Stars: Albert Brooks, Julie Hagerty, Garry Marshall
• Where They're Headed: Cross Country (West Coast)

An early Albert Brooks comedy, Lost in America is about a Los Angeles yuppie (Brooks) who convinces his wife Linda (Hagerty) to quit her job and join him on a cross country road trip. Since that's not exactly the smartest ideas, something is bound to go wrong. That said, something indeed does go wrong...in Vegas at that.

25. Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985)

• Directed by: Tim Burton
• Written by:  Paul Reubens, Phil Hartman, Michael Varhol
• Stars: Paul Reubens, Mark Holton, Diane Salinger
• Where They're Headed: All Over

Pee-wee get his precious bike stolen, so he decides to go on a road trip aka a "big adventure" to retrieve what's rightfully his. You have to admire the dedication here people.

26. Magic Mike XXL (2015)

• Directed by: Greg Jacobs
• Written by:  Reid Carolin
• Stars: Channing Tatum, Joe Manganiello, Matt Bomer
• Where They're Headed: Myrtle Beach, S.C.

In 2015, the Magic Mike show went on the road after Mike Lane (Tatum) decided he missed the business and wanted to get back out there. Lane and Co. decide to go on a road trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for a stripper convention, providing an interesting twist on the series.

27. The Muppet Movie (1979)

• Directed by: James Frawley
• Written by: Jerry Juhl, Jack Burns
• Stars: Jim Henson, Dave Goelz, Frank Oz, Richard Hunt
• Where They're Headed: California

Kermit the Frog said by any means necessary dammit! In pursuit of a movie career, Kermit decides to go on a cross-country trip from Florida to California, meets some cool friends like Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and rock musicians Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, and sets out to prove his worth in Tinseltown.

28. Over the Top (1987)

• Directed by: Menahen Golen
• Written by: Sylvester Stallone, Stirling Silliphant
• Stars: Sylvester Stallone, David Mendenhall
• Where They're Headed: Las Vegas

Lincoln Hawk (Stallone), a trucker and arm wrestling pro, needs to get to his World Arm Wrestling Tournament, and he needs to get his estranged son to go see his dying mother at the same time. An interesting dynamic to say the least, but it is the ultimate bonding trip to say the least.

29. The Straight Story (1999)

• Directed by: David Lynch,
• Written by: John Roach, Mary Sweeney
• Stars: Richard Farnsworth, Sissy Spacek
• Where They're Headed: Wisconsin

A road trip not in a car, but on a lawnmower. Sound crazy, but you'll do anything when it comes to the people you love. We're not going to spoil this incredible film, so we'll just say watch it.

30. Stranger Than Paradise (1984)

• Directed by: Jim Marusch
• Written by: Jim Jarmusch
• Stars: Cecillia Stark, John Lurie
• Where They're Headed: Cleveland, Ohio

Stranger Than Paradise being black-and-white film in the 1980s should be enough of a reason to watch it alone. Going against the grain and being unconventional is something that will always have our respect.

31. Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

• Directed by: John Hughes
• Stars: Steve Martin, John Candy
• Where They're Headed: Chicago

A control freak and a talkative fellow link up and what do you get? Planes, Trains, & Automobiles . Oh my.

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17 Essential Road Trip Movies That'll Have You Craving the Open Road

Let's hit the road.

Rev your engines and hit the pedal for an unforgettable adventure as we dive into the world of the best road trip movies. These films aren't just about getting from point A to B — they're a wild ride full of laughter, friendship and the kind of chaos that can only happen on the open road. As the asphalt stretches ahead, characters find themselves on transformative voyages, both in the literal and metaphorical sense. Whether it's a band of quirky friends, a reluctant pairing of two completely opposite characters or a lone traveler in pursuit of a deeper meaning, these films navigate far more than sprawling highways and convoluted road maps.

Road trip movies are the ultimate recipe for fun, mixing in unexpected and bizarre pit stops, outrageous characters and the kind of bonding that can only happen when you're stuck in a car together for days on end. So buckle up, because we're about to cruise through a curated list of the most entertaining, laugh-out-loud and heartwarming road trip flicks that'll make you want to grab your friends, hit the road and create some unforgettable memories of your own.

Here are the 17 best films about road trips ever made.

Table of Contents

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Fox Searchlight Pictures

Who's in it: Steve Carrell, Alan Arkin, Paul Dano, Toni Collette, Abigail Breslin

A dysfunctional family sets off on a hilarious road trip to get their young daughter Olive to a beauty pageant. With a VW bus as their vessel, they navigate absurd obstacles, personal quirks and unexpected revelations, learning that winning might not be everything but the journey itself is a triumph of togetherness.

National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)

Warner Bros.

Who's in it: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Dana Barron, Anthony Michael Hall

The Griswold family embarks on a chaotic cross-country expedition to reach the ultimate destination: the amusement park Walley World. Along the way, they encounter a series of hysterical misadventures that turn their vacation into a side-splitting roller coaster of mishaps and mayhem.

Thelma & Louise (1991)

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.

Who's in it: Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Brad Pitt, Harvey Keitel

Seeking an escape from their mundane lives, friends Thelma and Louise embark on a liberating road trip. However, a series of tragic events lead them down an unexpected path, turning their journey into a thrilling and unforgettable adventure of empowerment and self-discovery.

Almost Famous (2000)

DreamWorks Distribution, LLC.

Who's in it: Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Patrick Fugit, Anna Paquin

A young music enthusiast lands a gig writing for a rock band on tour. As he navigates the world of rock 'n' roll, he experiences a whirlwind of backstage antics, heartaches and self-discovery. This coming-of-age road trip through the music scene of the 1970s becomes a transformative journey of love, passion and growth.

Into the Wild (2007)

Paramount Vantage

Who's in it: Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt

Based on a true story, this film follows Christopher McCandless as he abandons his conventional life to trek across North America's wilderness. His quest for a deeper connection with nature and his own soul takes him on a road less traveled, testing his limits and leading to a contemplative exploration of freedom and isolation.

Tommy Boy (1995)

Who's in it: Chris Farley, BO Derek, David Spade, Dan Aykroyd

After his father's death, an inept but well-meaning heir to an auto parts factory embarks on a cross-country road trip to save the family business. Alongside his reluctant assistant, he dives into a series of comedic escapades, transforming their journey into an uproarious adventure of friendship and redemption.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

Who's in it:  Steve Martin, John Candy, Kevin Bacon

In a desperate bid to get home for Thanksgiving, an uptight executive and a lovable but obnoxious shower ring salesman endure a calamitous journey. As their flight gets rerouted, the duo navigates a series of mishaps involving various modes of transportation, resulting in a hilariously heartfelt exploration of friendship and patience. It's also one of the most memorable Thanksgiving movies to add to your holiday watch list.

Dumb and Dumber (1994)

Getty Images

Who's in it:  Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels

Two dim-witted friends embark on a road trip to return a briefcase to its rightful owner, unknowingly becoming ensnared in a criminal conspiracy. Their comically inept adventures take them across the country, with each blunder leading to side-splitting chaos and unexpected encounters.

Midnight Run (1988)

Universal Pictures

Who's in it: Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin, Dennis Farina

A bounty hunter is tasked with apprehending a bail-jumping mob accountant. Their cross-country pursuit is fraught with obstacles as they dodge both the mob and the FBI. This action-packed road trip blends buddy comedy with thrilling intrigue, resulting in a whirlwind of quips and high-stakes escapades.

Road Trip (2000)

DreamWorks SKG

Who's in it:  Todd Phillips, Breckin Meyer, Amy Smart, Seann William Scott

In a desperate attempt to save his relationship, a college student hits the road with his friends to retrieve an incriminating videotape he mistakenly sent to his long-distance girlfriend. This raunchy comedy navigates a series of wild detours, outrageous mishaps and unexpected adventures, all in the name of love and redemption.

Rain Man (1988)

Who's in it:  Tom Cruise, Dustin Hoffman, Bonnie Hunt, Valeria Golino

When a young man discovers his estranged father has left his fortune to an older brother he never knew existed, they embark on a road trip to forge a connection. With the older brother's autism spectrum disorder adding a layer of complexity, the journey becomes a heartwarming exploration of family and understanding.

Easy Rider (1969)

Who's in it: Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda, Jack Nicholson, Karen Black

Two counterculture bikers travel across the American Southwest in search of freedom and the true essence of America. Their journey is symbolic of the turbulent 1960s, exploring themes of rebellion, self-discovery and the clash between traditional values and the changing cultural landscape.

Y Tu Mamá También (2001)

Who's in it: Diego Luna, Gael García Bernal, Maribel Verdú

In this Mexican coming-of-age road trip drama, two friends embark on a trip with an older woman in search of a secluded beach. Along the way, their friendships and desires are tested as they grapple with the complexities of relationships, intimacy and the passage from youth to adulthood.

The Blues Brothers (1980)

Universal Picture

Who's in it: Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi

To save the orphanage they grew up in, two soul-singing brothers set off on a mission from God to put their old band back together and raise funds through a benefit concert. Their journey becomes a high-energy musical odyssey, replete with outrageous car chases, wild stunts and iconic performances.

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)

Twentieth Century Fox

Who's in it: Sacha Baron Cohen, Pamela Anderson

In this mockumentary comedy, the titular Kazakh journalist embarks on a cross-country journey across America, encountering unsuspecting citizens and exposing the absurdities of their beliefs and behaviors. Through outrageous encounters and cringe-worthy situations, the film satirizes cultural differences and societal norms.

Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985)

Warner Bros

Who's in it: Paul Reubens

Eccentric man-child Pee-wee Herman embarks on a whimsical quest to recover his stolen bicycle, leading him on a cross-country adventure filled with quirky characters and surreal landscapes. With boundless energy and childlike wonder, Pee-wee's journey becomes a colorful and lighthearted exploration of imagination and determination.

Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

Universal Studios

Who's in it: Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jerry Reed, Jackie Gleason

A trucker and his partner-in-crime take on a high-stakes challenge: smuggling a shipment of Coors beer across state lines while eluding a determined sheriff in hot pursuit. This action-packed road trip comedy boasts high-speed chases, witty banter and a dose of Southern charm, making it a classic of its genre.

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The 27 best road trip movies to watch so you forget you're stuck at home

• Can't go anywhere right now? A good road trip movie could put you in a better mood.
• Here are the 27 all-time best.
• Classics like "Easy Rider" and "Thelma & Louise" are on our roundup.
• There are also more recent movies like "Logan" and "Magic Mike XXL." 
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories .

Hollywood has always had a soft spot for road trip movies, and some have become memorable not just for what was shown on screen, but what the spirit of the movie meant for the people who saw them.

Take "Easy Rider" for example, whose no-rules approach launched a new way that movies were made for decades. Or "Thelma & Louise," which was as much about female empowerment as it was about a movie about two people on the run from the law.

Here are 27 road trip movies (listed alphabetically) you should check out before heading on your own adventure:

"Almost Famous" (2000)

Cameron Crowe's love letter to the 1970s rock and roll scene, which he covered as a writer for Rolling Stone, is a fun look at adolescence, fame, and highlights the non-stop grind of a band being "on the road."

"The Blues Brothers" (1980)

John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd play two brothers on a mission from God. Trying to get on the straight-and-narrow after getting out of prison, Jake Blues (Belushi) and his brother Elwood (Aykroyd) decide to help raise the money the Catholic home they were raised in needs to stay open. That leads to a road trip around Illinois to get the band back together.

"Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan" (2006)

With the help of director Larry Charles, Sacha Baron Cohen creates one of the funniest road trip movies ever made as he takes his character, Borat, to America to marry Pamela Anderson. But in the process, the movie highlights the US itself, as Borat travels the country doing everything from singing the Kazakhstan national anthem at a rodeo to hanging out with some fraternity kids.

"Dumb and Dumber" (1994)

In this Farrelly brothers classic, friends Lloyd (Jim Carrey) and Harry (Jeff Daniels) are convinced the gas man is out to get them after the death of their bird, so they decide to drive to Aspen to hand-deliver a briefcase the beautiful Mary (Lauren Holly) "forgot" at the airport. Oh, and they are hitting the road in a truck that's made up to look like a dog.

"Easy Rider" (1969)

It's the movie that launched the "New Hollywood" era of the 1970s and was made with little money and lots of drugs.

Directed by Dennis Hopper, the Hollywood bad boy also stars alongside Peter Fonda as two hippie bikers (Jack Nicholson also shows up) who travel from LA to New Orleans after cashing in on smuggling cocaine from Mexico. On their freewheeling trip, they find an America that's split between the stuffy establishment and the younger generation that is starving for change.

"The End of the Tour" (2015)

The days of conversations between Rolling Stone reporter David Lipsky (Jesse Eisenberg) and author David Foster Wallace (Jason Segel) are beautifully profiled in director James Ponsoldt's intimate story that has the two men interacting while on the road for Wallace's book tour.

"Into the Wild" (2007)

Based on a true story, Christopher McCandless' quest to go off the grid and hitchhike to Alaska to live in the wilderness is a powerful exploration of human desire and the kindness of strangers.

"It Happened One Night" (1934)

Frank Capra's famous movie is romantic comedy at its best. Claudette Colbert plays a spoiled heiress running from home, and Clark Gable is a reporter who finally thinks he's found a story that will get him some attention as he follows her to New York. But it will be forever known for its hitchhiking scene in which Colbert's character gets them a ride by pulling up her skirt to show off her legs.

"Little Miss Sunshine" (2006)

Filled with an all-star cast including Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear, Paul Dano, Alan Arkin, and Abigail Breslin, we follow a dysfunctional family as they jump in a VW bus to drive the young Olive (Breslin) on a cross-country trip to the finals of a beauty pageant she's competing in.

"Logan" (2017)

Marking the coda of the Hugh Jackman era as Wolverine, director James Mangold delivers a somber drama of the superhero's final days. Here he and Charles Xavier set out to drive a young mutant to a refuge in North Dakota. That sounds simple, but it definitely isn't.

"Magic Mike XXL" (2015)

In this fantastic sequel to the 2012 original, Mike (Channing Tatum) sets out on the road with the remaining members of the Kings of Tampa in a food truck to Myrtle Beach for one final performance.

"Midnight Run" (1988)

Robert De Niro is fantastic in this foul-mouthed comedy as bounty hunter Jack Walsh who plans to cash in when he tracks down a sneaky accountant (played by Charles Grodin) who has jumped bail.

But with the FBI, other bounty hunters, and the mob also trying to get their hands on his bounty, things aren't easy for Jack.

"The Motorcycle Diaries" (2004)

Based on the Che Guevara memoir he wrote before becoming the Marxist revolutionary, Gael García Bernal plays young Guevara who, in 1952, went on a trip across South America with his friend Alberto Granado (Rodrigo de la Serna). The experience shaped Guevara's life as it showed him the injustices of the world.

"The Muppet Movie" (1979)

Marking the first time the Muppets appear on the big screen, Kermit, Fozzie Bear and the rest of the gang go on a cross-country drive to Hollywood in hopes of making it big. A load of cameos, songs, and hilarity occur along the way.

"National Lampoon's Vacation" (1983)

This classic from director Harold Ramis stars Chevy Chase as one of his most memorable characters, Clark W. Griswold, the ambitious father whose vacation plans always never work out.

Clark takes the family cross-country to Walley World and in the process leaves chaos in his wake.

"On the Road" (2012)

Based on the iconic Jack Kerouac novel, Sam Riley plays the book's narrator, Sal Paradise, who after meeting Dean (Garrett Hedlund) and Marylou (Kristen Stewart), head on a free-spirited road trip across the country.

"Over the Top" (1987)

Sylvester Stallone plays trucker and arm wrestling pro Lincoln Hawk who needs to get to Las Vegas to compete in the world arm wrestling tournament. But he also has to get his estranged son to his dying mother. This all leads to a big-rig father-and-son road trip.

"Pee-wee's Big Adventure" (1985)

A loose parody of Vittorio De Sica's classic "Bicycle Thieves," Tim Burton makes his own classic around the zany antics of Paul Reubens' hit character Pee-wee Herman.

The movie follows the "boy" as he goes to search of his stolen bike, which he's been told by a psychic is in the basement of the Alamo (spoiler alert: there's no basement in the Alamo).

"Planes, Trains & Automobiles" (1987)

Steve Martin and John Candy play two men who suddenly have to become travel companions as they try to get home for the holidays. Written and directed by John Hughes, Martin and Candy together are a delight.

"Rain Man" (1988)

Tom Cruise plays sleazy Charlie Babbitt and Dustin Hoffman is his brother Raymond, who suffers from savant syndrome. Hoping to cash in on the fortune Raymond got from their father, Charlie sets the two out on a cross-country trip leading to a lot of self-discovery.

If you've never seen Barry Levinson's Oscar-winning movie, now's the time.

"Road Trip" (2000)

Of course "Road Trip" was going to be on this list. Todd Phillips' insane raunchy comedy about four college friends on a race against time to retrieve a sex tape sent in the mail to one of their girlfriends is always a fun watch.

"Smokey and the Bandit" (1977)

Burt Reynolds teams with his pal and longtime stunt double Hal Needham for his first directing effort, and it would go on to become a classic road trip movie.

Reynolds plays a fast-driving bootlegger who has to transport 400 cases of Coors beer safely from Texarkana to Atlanta. But things get complicated when Reynolds picks up a runaway bride (played by Sally Field) along the way.

"The Straight Story" (1999)

In one of David Lynch's most traditional storytelling offerings, Richard Farnsworth plays a man who sets out on a trip via riding a lawnmower to make things right with his ill brother.

The story is based on a real-life event, in which Alvin Straight traveled 240 miles from Iowa to Wisconsin on a lawnmower.

"Stranger Than Paradise" (1984)

Jim Jarmusch's second feature film follows Willie and his friend Eddie as they set out on a road trip to Cleveland to visit Willie's cousin from Hungary, Eva.

The movie went on to be regarded as a landmark work in the independent film world for its unconventional long takes and do-it-yourself aesthetic.

"Thelma & Louise" (1991)

Ridley Scott's look at the road-trip-turned-manhunt adventure of friends Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon) is arguably more powerful today because of the #MeToo than when it opened in the early 1990s.

"Tommy Boy" (1995)

Perhaps the best Chris Farley/David Spade collaboration, in this one Farley plays an underachieving college graduate who suddenly has to travel the nation (with Spade as the geeky sidekick) to keep the accounts for his auto-parts family business after his father dies. This one truly shows off Farley's high-energy comedy greatness.

"Y Tu Mamá También" (2001)

Director Alfonso Cuarón received a best screenplay Oscar nomination with his brother Carlos for this powerful road trip movie that made Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal international stars.

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10 Hilarious Road Trip Movies to Watch Before Your Next Vacation

Road trips are one of the most exciting ways to explore the world, discover new places, and make unforgettable memories. But let’s be honest: long hours on the road can also be tiresome and even dull at times. That’s where movies come in handy! 

Pack Your Bags, but First, Pop the Popcorn!

In this list, we’ll look at ten comedies that will not only entertain you but will get you in the mood to hit the road. From classic road trip flicks to comedies that mix the laughs with the tears, these films will tickle your funny bone and inspire you to see where the road takes you.

1. Midnight Run (1988)

Have you ever wanted to see a road trip comedy starring Robert DeNiro as a tough-as-nails bounty hunter? That’s a rather specific dream; luckily, 1988’s  Midnight Run  is precisely that. 

DeNiro plays Jack Walsh, a tough-talking bounty hunter tasked with bringing Charles Grodin’s character, an embezzling accountant named Jonathan “The Duke” Mardukas, back to Los Angeles to face trial. However, as a general rule in every road trip flick, things rarely go smoothly for these two.

2. Zombieland (2009)

Funnily scary (or scarily funny,)  Zombieland  isn’t afraid to mix the laughs with the gasps. This 2009 horror-comedy stars Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson, and Abigail Breslin as lone survivors in an America ravaged by a zombie apocalypse. The four embark on a “family” trip, in search of a new place to call their home.

Thanks to its witty dialogue, gratuitous zombie gore, and even an unforgettable cameo by Bill Murray himself,  Zombieland  is the perfect companion for an apocalyptic road trip. Just be sure to pack enough Twinkies for the ride!

3. The Blues Brothers (1980)

It’s rare to come across a road trip film that’s also one of the best musical comedies ever made. That might be why  The Blues Brothers  is the only flick I can think of that fits that description. This wild comedy sees legends Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi as Elwood and Jake Blues, two brothers on a divine mission to save their childhood orphanage from debt.

This musical journey takes us through almost all of Illinois, with a particular focus on the Windy City itself. Of course, the film’s highlight is the crazy car chase near the end, when the Brothers escape through the streets of Chicago. Dozens of police cars and a squad of National Socialists aren’t enough to stop the   Blues Brothers, though.

4. Sideways (2004)

Wine lovers rejoice!  Sideways  is a movie that captures the elegance and beauty of the Santa Ynez Valley, complete with its wineries and unforgettable vistas. It’s also a hilarious film to watch if I might add. 

Sideways  stars Paul Giamatti as a writer and wine enthusiast who travels to California’s wine country with his womanizing friend, Jack. Of course, things get a bit rocky for the pair once they meet two women that challenge their beliefs in love, women, and wine. 

If you prefer your comedies to have witty banter instead of gross-out shenanigans, then  Sideways  is the movie for you.

5. Dumb and Dumber (1994)

A trip across the country with the dumbest comedy duo ever conceived? What could possibly go wrong?  Dumb and Dumber  follows the misadventures of Harry and Lloyd, two dimwits on a mission to return a lost briefcase to its rightful owner. However, these two geniuses ignore the fact that the briefcase contains ransom money for a kidnapping plot.

Starring Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, and a dog van,  Dumb and Dumber  remains a classic of gross-out humor from the Farrelly brothers, the ones responsible for classics such as  Shallow Hal  and  There’s Something About Mary . The film spawned a couple of sequels – and even an animated TV show – but none are as funny as the original. You just can’t go wrong with the classics – or with 90’s Jim Carrey in general.

6. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)

Road trips take many shapes and forms. Sometimes, there isn’t even a “road” in the road trips. That’s something that  Planes, Trains and Automobiles  illustrates, complete with how hectic improvised travel can be.

The film pairs Steve Martin and John Candy – two unlikely travel companions that do everything possible to be home for Thanksgiving, including riding the aforementioned planes, trains, and automobiles. Over everything else, this is a rather heartwarming film that teaches us the importance of finding common ground with those that irritate us. 

Also, it’s a great PSA for keeping your eyes peeled on the road, no matter how catchy  Mess Around  by Ray Charles   might be.

7. Due Date (2010)

2010’s  Due Date  combines the stress of a road trip with a stranger with the anxiety of childbirth into one memorable wild ride. The odd couple at the center of the show is Peter (Robert Downey Jr.,) a soon-to-be father whose life gets thrown upside down by an eccentric aspiring actor, Ethan, played by Zach Galifianakis. 

The film takes us on a crazy journey from Atlanta to Los Angeles – with a bizarre detour to Mexico for good measure. Can these two oddballs find some common ground as they discover more about themselves in this life-changing journey? Probably not. Still, it’s pretty funny to watch them try.

8. The Hangover (2009)

Before  Due Date , Todd Phillips reached the pop culture zenith with  The Hangover , a comedy of errors that follows a group of friends at a wild bachelor’s party in Las Vegas. However, when the groom mysteriously vanishes after a night of partying, the “Wolf Pack” will have to piece together the events that transcurred the previous night, all while dealing with colossal hangovers.

More than anything,  The Hangover  combines unforgettable moments that have become landmarks in modern comedy. I mean, who could forget the tiger in the bathroom? While this might not be the most “varied” road trip out there, it’s still a great advertisement of what  not  to do when visiting Las Vegas. Or any city in general.

9. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

The epitome of the modern road movie,  Little Miss Sunshine  is an indie darling that never fails to make us laugh – and cry. The story follows a dysfunctional family embarking on a cross-country road trip to take their daughter to a beauty pageant. Along the way, we get to see the secret struggles of the Hoover family as they finally learn to come together as a family – on their own terms.

Perhaps one of the best parts about  Little Miss Sunshine  is its talented all-star cast, featuring heavyweights such as Toni Collette and Steve Carell. Coincidentally, Abigail Breslin stars as the lovable Olive Hoover. A few years later, she would also star in  Zombieland , making her a certified road trip comedy expert in our books.

10. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

If there were ever a movie that captures the spirit – and the chaos – of the classic all-American road trip, that would be  National Lampoon’s Vacation . The first entry in this legendary comedy series came out in 1983, and it introduced the world to the chaotic misadventures of the Griswold family.

The first movie follows the Griswolds in a misguided attempt by Clark, the family’s patriarch, to bring his family closer together. What ensues is one of the most hectic comedies ever made, introducing a bizarre cast of characters and some morally questionable situations with every passing mile.

If you’re planning to embark on a road trip of your own soon,  Vacation  might be the perfect guidebook for what to avoid on such occasions. Also, you might want to call Walley World before you visit – they may be closed for repairs.

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10 Underrated Comedy Series Streaming on Netflix

Every live-action lex luthor, ranked, every aaron pierre performance leading up to rebel ridge, in order.

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.

• Movie Lists

27 Road Trip Movies Every Traveler Needs To Watch

The road is one of the most enduring images in film history because it can be used for so many different purposes. It can mean the freedom of adventure, or adventure's inevitable dead-end. Road trips can result in meeting interesting new characters, or they can be the worst kind of isolation or even the worst kind of forced bonding. Filmmakers from all over the world are continually drawn to the road movie and specifically the road trip movie, where a simple car or bus ride can become something much more meaningful. It offers plenty of opportunity for unexpected change, and it often does so in front of beautiful, overwhelming landscapes. They'll never stop making movies about road trips because people will never stop taking them, always wanting to see the sights and maybe become a little wiser in the process.

The 27 films in this list all take their own approaches to portraying the road trip cinematically, emphasizing its best and worst tendencies and playing them for both comedy and drama. But even the worst trips taken here offer something to appreciate, sometimes deep thought about the meaning of the road and sometimes a laugh at the expense of the poor fools stuck in the car.

1. Easy Rider

One of the most iconic road trips in cinematic history was taken by Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper in Hopper's 1969 classic "Easy Rider." The legendary image of Fonda and Hopper riding their motorcycles while Steppenwolf's "Born To Be Wild" plays remains people's main association with "Easy Rider." But the movie itself is more complicated than just the thrill of riding down wide-open roads. The tagline tells of a man who went looking for America and "couldn't find it anywhere," and that's a good summation of the cynical eye this takes toward the country it explores.

Fonda and Hopper encounter some friendly people in their travels, most famously Jack Nicholson in his breakout role as a drunken lawyer. They encounter just as much resistance as they do support, from people with no tolerance for their countercultural attitudes and long hair. In one scene, Nicholson tells Hopper that people are scared of him because "what you represent to them is freedom," and the film's bleak ending offers little hope that freedom can be maintained in the face of such strong opposition. But the power of the film's images of freedom and joy is still enough to keep this as one of the beloved road movies.

2. Lost in America

Despite its cynicism, "Easy Rider" inspired many Americans to go out on the road themselves, even ones who couldn't be further away from Fonda and Hopper's biker lifestyle. This is the subject of writer, director, and actor Albert Brooks's 1985 film "Lost in America," in which a middle-class yuppie couple (Brooks and Julie Hagerty) hits the road and quickly realizes they can't handle it. By the end of the trip, they've destroyed their lives and their savings, and they've rid themselves of any romantic notions about traveling America without a plan.

Brooks' directorial work is defined by bitterness and discomfort as much as by laughs, and "Lost in America" can be particularly caustic. Brooks and Hagerty sink to some miserable depths during the course of their trip, reduced to begging for the money they just lost gambling or treating each other with naked hostility. A trip to the Hoover Dam doesn't offer scenery, instead serving as a backdrop to the couple's most vicious fight. "Lost in America" is a satire of the waste and excess of the American '80s, but it's also a reminder to make sure you've carefully thought through your road trip before you embark on one. Some people aren't ready for the road, and Brooks and Hagerty learn that too late.

3. The Color Wheel

Getting stuck with someone annoying on a long road trip can be a miserable experience, so spending the entirety of the 2011 comedy "The Color Wheel" with two annoying people on a road trip can make it a tough sell. But the film's writer-director, Alex Ross Perry, has an uncommon talent for writing people who only seem to be awful and irritating so that they're both funnier and more tragic than they would be in real life. That skill serves him especially well for the two leads of "The Color Wheel," an obnoxious brother and sister (played by Perry and Carlen Altman) whose road trip through New England leads them to meet strangers and old friends who are all even more awful than they are. The scenery offers little comfort when every scene becomes a passive-aggressive argument.

"The Color Wheel" is above all else a comedy, happy to laugh at its main characters for their abysmal social skills and undisguised contempt for each other and everyone around them. But as the trip goes on and they keep meeting hostile exes and classmates, their situation starts to seem a little sad, like they've been molded into hateful jerks by the whole world around them. Their final attempt to escape the cycle of anger and venom is shocking, but it's also unexpectedly tender, because Perry respects his characters even as they embarrass themselves.

Even the awful road trip of "The Color Wheel" can't compare to the nightmare trip taken by the title character of "Zola," and hers really happened. "Zola" was adapted from the famous Twitter thread detailing a disastrous trip to Florida taken by a part-time stripper (Taylour Paige) and a woman she just met (Riley Keough). There's not much time to enjoy Florida on this trip, the scenery consists of strip malls and different men's hotel rooms, and the business Zola has been dragged into quickly spirals into exploitation and violence.

"Zola" is about very bad events in a woman's life, but like the Twitter thread, it believes those events to be hilarious above anything else. The band of fools Zola winds up with can seem dangerous, particularly Colman Domingo's ambiguously accented pimp, but mostly they're all bluster and no brains. When they encounter people who are actually dangerous, they escape by the skin of their teeth. There's tension but never fear in "Zola," and that helps to make it a wonderful comedy even once the blood starts getting shed.

5. American Honey

"Zola" isn't the only movie where Riley Keough is a uniquely awful road trip presence. There's also the 2016 drama "American Honey", where Keough enlists a young girl played by Sasha Lane into a crew of door-to-door magazine salespeople. They travel blissfully across the Midwest, and Lane falls in love with a member of the crew, played by Shia LaBeouf. But their peaceful, off-the-grid existence is threatened by Keough and the precarity of their jobs.

A common thread across many of the great American road movies is that they're not directed by Americans, with international directors often looking at American landscapes in a different way than their American counterparts who've grown up with them. English director Andrea Arnold joins that group of directors with how she films America here, pushing the colors of the landscapes to such extremes that the emotions associated with them are also heightened, whether they be romance or danger. Her beautiful imagery is accentuated by her pulsing soundtrack, which switches between big-name pop hits and obscurities that perfectly match the mood of youthful excitement and negligence that defines "American Honey."

6. Stranger Than Paradise

While road trips can be fun and exciting, they can also be tedious, especially when there's not much scenery to look at. Writer-director Jim Jarmusch expertly captured the boredom of a bad road trip in his 1984 breakthrough "Stranger Than Paradise," in which the three leads take off in search of new experiences and don't find them anywhere they look.

Two of the leads are Hungarian émigrés hoping to find more from America than they did from their home. But the America portrayed in "Stranger Than Paradise" is just the most unremarkable areas of New York, Ohio, and Florida, presented so that the camera is just as unimpressed by them as the characters are. And only the most monotonous aspects of the road trip are shown, like driving through the endless expanse of Pennsylvania or arguing about who has to sleep on the cot when they get to a motel. Despite its tedium, "Stranger Than Paradise" is a very funny study of how the myths of the road can collapse in the face of the realities of going out on the road.

7. Badlands

Not all road trips start from good intentions. The one undertaken by Kit (Martin Sheen) and Holly (Sissy Spacek) in 1973's Bonnie and Clyde story "Badlands" starts after Kit murders Holly's father and burns down their house. That's where the journey begins, and eventually Kit is responsible for much more than one murder. But there's still an innocence to young Kit and Holly's trip, where they create their own society out in the wilderness and encounter all kinds of gorgeous nature. "Badlands," writes Sheila O'Malley for Criterion , is based on the 1958 murder spree of Charles Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugate, but its power doesn't come from its killings so much as its troubling naivete, where the blinkered teenage attitudes of its protagonists and the pastoral beauty of their surroundings say nothing about the horrible violence occurring right in front of them.

"Badlands" was the debut of writer-director Terrence Malick, who would go on to develop a reputation for his eye for natural landscapes. That's present even this early, shooting trees and sunsets so that they appear magical more than natural. But that magic here comes with a terrible price, and Malick seems as disturbed by nature's non-reaction to the evil committed all around it as he is entranced by its power.

8. My Blueberry Nights

Wong Kar-wai has directed some of the most beloved films of all time in his native Hong Kong, but to date, he's only made one movie in the United States. That was 2007's "My Blueberry Nights," which explores the unique geography of America through a road trip starting in New York and ending in Las Vegas. Wong is renowned for his intensely stylized movies, and "My Blueberry Nights" is no exception. Wong's America is beautiful in a way it isn't in real life — only Wong's oversaturated colors and beautiful golden light could make it look this gorgeous. In this way, Wong captures the feeling of a great road trip, of falling in love with every location you pass. And Wong ties all these stunning locales to his usual themes of heartbreak and melancholy, showing beautiful places inhabited by sad, lonely people.

"My Blueberry Nights" is held back from the levels of Wong's best movies by a weak script and inconsistent performances. Otherwise talented actors like Natalie Portman and Rachel Weisz go over the top, while even strong performances from Jude Law and David Strathairn have to go against the bland lead performance from singer and first-time actor Norah Jones. But such flaws don't matter too much in light of how enchanting Wong's vision of the world is. This is the kind of movie that makes people want to keep taking road trips.

9. Alice in the Cities

Few directors are as synonymous with the road and road movies as Wim Wenders, the German director who's made several of the best-loved movies about the road ever made. His most overt takes on the road genre are the three movies that make up his "Road Trilogy," starting with "Alice in the Cities" in 1974. "Alice in the Cities" concerns German writer Philip (Rüdiger Vogler), who follows a disappointing assignment by meeting a woman (Lisa Kreuzer) and her young daughter Alice (Yella Rottländer), then agreeing to go on a trip through Amsterdam. Their trip is marked by complications, boredom, and a lot of music, including a Chuck Berry concert and a jukebox playing Canned Heat. And all the while, Philip and Alice begin to develop a friendship.

"Alice in the Cities" is one of the most lasting Wenders movies, inspiring the work of filmmakers like Allison Anders and Mike Mills, particularly Mills' own adult-and-child road movie "C'mon C'mon." "Alice in the Cities" holds special power for its tale of unexpected companionship, where the road has the magic to bring together people who never would have even met under different circumstances. Even when the sights aren't exciting, getting to experience those sights with someone new can be a rewarding experience.

10. Magic Mike XXL

The success of the male-stripper comedy "Magic Mike" left star Channing Tatum and writer Reid Carolin with the duty of following up a movie that seemed to neatly wrap up at the end. Rather than repeat the first one's formula, Tatum and Carolin decided to go in another direction, turning 2015's "Magic Mike XXL" into an exuberant road trip movie about friends and the joy of performing. "Magic Mike" was an often melancholy movie about the recession, and while there are still economic worries all over "Magic Mike XXL," they mostly take a back seat to just enjoying the chance to escape from them for a few days.

The first film's director, Steven Soderbergh, didn't return to direct "Magic Mike XXL," but he did serve as its cinematographer, and he deserves special credit for how beautiful he makes the film's Southern locations look. Even an ordinary gas station comes to life with Soderbergh's golden light, to say nothing of the beaches and palatial estates Mike and his friends visit on their journey. The beauty of these locations also represents the simple beauty of hanging out with people you love, and this is where "Magic Mike XXL" separates itself from its predecessor. Mike's fellow strippers barely had personalities in the first one, but here they're best friends who love each other's company even as they razz each other. It's a unique pleasure to go on the road with such a tight-knit group.

11. Y tu mamá también

After making 2001's "Y tu mamá también," Alfonso Cuarón stuck to making large-scale spectacles and big-budget blockbusters. But in "Y tu mamá también," Cuarón applies his usual technical excellence to a simple story of a woman and two teenage boys going on a road trip. The Mexican landscapes they drive past are beautifully shot by future Oscar-winning cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, and their conversations are profane and hilarious, especially as delivered by Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal in their breakthrough roles. But a serious side creeps into "Y tu mamá también" as it goes on, eventually taking it over entirely.

As the three take their trip, they pass by political strife and Mexican culture soon to die out entirely. The characters may only be passing through these areas, but there are people living in the areas whose lives will be very difficult long after the leads are gone. Despite its main characters' immaturity, this is a surprisingly thoughtful road trip movie, understanding that even the most pristine locales are burdened by troubling history. That also turns out to be true about the main characters' dynamics, where the teenage leads eventually realize the depths of sadness and desperation they and their traveling partner carry with them. But before they get to that point, they have a great time, and so does the viewer watching them.

12. My Own Private Idaho

Gus Van Sant's "My Own Private Idaho" opens with River Phoenix's character, Mikey Waters, saying that he's traveled so much down so many roads that he can recognize the roads just by sight. His life on the road is a beautiful but lonely one until he finds someone he can briefly share it with, a senator's son, Scott Favor ( Keanu Reeves ). Their journeys across deserted roads and rocky landscapes are sometimes silly but mostly poetic and sad, showing two young men as lost in the scenery as they are in their own lives.

Van Sant makes a lot of odd digressions in "My Own Private Idaho," including a sequence with talking erotic magazines and an entire plot loosely adapted from Shakespeare's "Henry IV" saga, writes Amy Taubin for Criterion . But the heart of the film is the relationship between Mikey and Scott, one where Mikey may be the only one of the two to realize how special and intimate it is. A heartbreaking scene at a campfire sees Mikey get tantalizingly close to professing his love to Scott and not quite doing so. While Mikey may have lived his life by the isolation of the road, he needs Scott to share that life with him, and the film offers little hope that this will happen.

13. The Straight Story

The films and TV of David Lynch are usually filled with the darkness and violence that lurk beneath the beautiful landscapes of America. But Lynch still loves those landscapes and the people who inhabit them, and never is that clearer than his only movie to get a G rating, 1999's "The Straight Story." He tells the story of a real-life road trip, where an elderly, almost blind farmer named Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth) drove a lawn mower from Iowa to Wisconsin to see his ailing brother (Harry Dean Stanton).

There's not much dialogue in "The Straight Story," especially for the long stretches where Alvin is on his own out on the road, but it's not necessary when Lynch is working with the wide-open expanses of the midwest. He finds magic in the crop dusters and near-empty roads Alvin encounters, setting the sights to a moving Angelo Badalamenti score and making them even more powerful. And when Alvin does meet other people, their encounters are simple and touching, showing the hard lessons Alvin has learned about family over the course of a long, difficult life.

Channing Tatum and Reid Carolin made their directorial debuts in February 2022 with "Dog," which followed the "Magic Mike XXL" model of a road trip encountering lesser-known sections of American life. "Dog" is a sadder movie than "Magic Mike XXL" because the trip's ultimate destination is a military funeral, and along the way, Tatum and his dog co-star must contend with the trauma they've suffered as soldiers. This makes the bond of friendship between Tatum and the dog even more important than it is in "Magic Mike XXL," as it provides both of them life-saving help when they need it the most.

The most impressive aspect of Tatum and Carolin's first directing job is how well they film the landscapes encountered over the course of the trip. They make them symbols of the beauty of everyday life without making them overly stylized. The duo learned well from Steven Soderbergh's visual excellence without merely copying it. While "Dog" has its faults, including some awkward comedy at the beginning and a too-brief attempt to deal with the racism instilled into Iraq War soldiers, the strength of Tatum and Carolin's filmmaking and storytelling suggests that they could have a good future as directors.

15. Kings of the Road

The third film in Wim Wenders' Road Trilogy, "Kings of the Road" is a three-hour opus combining two of Wenders' favorite subjects: the road and cinema. The two titular "kings" are a movie theater projector repairman (played by "Alice in the Cities" lead Rüdiger Vogler) and a depressed psychologist (Hanns Zischler), who band together on a road trip after the psychologist has experienced a life-shattering breakup. They drive across what was then the East German border, touring worn-down movie theaters so that Vogler can make repairs.

"Kings of the Road" offers even less of a plot than "Alice in the Cities" does, also offering one of the purest, simplest depictions of a road trip on film. There's no inevitable endpoint for the characters to reach, just a sprawling journey where they come to slightly better understand each other and themselves. It encompasses all the joy and melancholy of road trips in one package, people searching for more from life hoping that they'll find it behind the wheel.

16. Having a Wild Weekend

1965's "Having a Wild Weekend," also known as "Catch Us If You Can," is technically a vehicle for The Dave Clark Five, the British group that came into popularity at the same time as The Beatles . "Having a Wild Weekend" would seem to put the band in a comedy just like "A Hard Day's Night," but director John Boorman instead made a lovely, melancholy road movie, showing two people trying in vain to escape their confining lives back home.

Dave Clark plays a stuntman who takes off on a road trip with a model (Barbara Ferris) dissatisfied with her position as the face of ad campaigns for meat. On their journey, they encounter the youth who will soon become the counterculture and the old men still obsessed with the imagery of old Hollywood. Everywhere they go, Clark and Ferris are reminded of the culture they're trying to fight against, but they're powerless to stop it. The two have impressive chemistry together, but their relationship is a sad one, one that can only last the length of the road trip even though they're the only people who could possibly understand each other. Even once the remaining four Dave Clark Five members show up to do some slapstick, the tone is more elegiac than silly.

17. Wild at Heart

For a more representative David Lynch road trip movie, there's "Wild at Heart," which manages to be funny and romantic as well as frightening. Sailor and Lula, the giddy young couple played by Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern, hit the road only after Lula's mother has unsuccessfully tried to kill Sailor, and on their journey they'll deal with more killers and more victims. But their love may be strong enough to keep them safe every step of the way.

The giddy energy of "Wild at Heart" is unusual for Lynch movies, which usually have a more deadpan tone. Cage and Dern are balls of energy in this, engaging in grand romantic gestures and, in Cage's case, frequently falling into Elvis impersonations. The world around them has gone mad with rage and violence, the road bringing as many terrors as beauties, and they seem to have adapted to that madness by matching it. The title doesn't lie — these are two wild kids who will let nothing, not even a horrifying figure like Willem Dafoe's psychopathic Bobby Peru, stand in the way of their love. And for all the darkness of the rest of the movie, Lynch is still kind-hearted enough to give them a happy ending.

18. Two For the Road

All the good and bad feelings associated with going on the road are present in 1967's "Two for the Road," and they also represent the ups and downs of a marriage. The good and the bad are shuffled together in a nonlinear style, where pieces of the beginning, middle, and end of Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney's characters' relationship are presented as a series of out-of-order road trips. There is some beautiful European scenery over the course of the trips, but the fractured editing means that the destinations of the trips are less important than the trips themselves, and how they function as both bonding exercises and sources of arguments.

The film's most hilarious section is when Hepburn and Finney commit the error of going on a road trip with another couple, an obnoxious American family that makes the two sure of the mistakes they don't want to make in their own relationship. But of course they end up making those mistakes, and by the end "Two for the Road" is a bittersweet movie about how difficult and tricky it is to stay close to someone, whether that means marrying them or staying with them on a long car ride.

19. Don't Come Knocking

Wim Wenders and playwright-actor Sam Shepard first collaborated on the 1984 road movie "Paris, Texas," one of the most acclaimed films in the genre. Their decades-later second collaboration was 2005's "Don't Come Knocking," another road movie that couldn't match the critical success of its predecessor. But "Don't Come Knocking" is a very good movie in its own right, finding a lot of power both in western vistas and the tragic figure passing in front of them.

Shepard wrote and stars in "Don't Come Knocking," playing a washed-up Western star who ditches the set of his new movie in favor of driving to Nevada and then Montana, where both cheap thrills and old family await him. As with Wenders' other films, he makes the western settings of "Don't Come Knocking" look incredibly beautiful, shooting casinos, small-town squares, and vast deserts with the same level of vibrant color and light. And it also shares with Wenders' other work a tremendous sadness, where Shepard has abandoned the people who need him most and has only realized this too late to do much of anything about it. This trip may not be able to redeem Shepard, but it can get him one step closer, and that's better than he's done yet.

20. Highway 61

Canadian director Bruce McDonald followed in Wim Wenders' footsteps and made his own trilogy of road movies through the 1980s and '90s. The middle film in the trilogy was 1991's "Highway 61," a joyous comedy about American rock 'n' roll. Highway 61 is the highway named in Bob Dylan's legendary "Highway 61 Revisited" album, and one of the two leads (Valerie Buhagiar) is a rock-obsessed drug dealer trying to smuggle a dead body from Canada to New Orleans. Her partner (Don McKellar) is a nervous, shy barber who prefers jazz. Their odd-couple dynamic is very charming, and it only gets more charming as the trip brings them closer together.

"Highway 61" is led not just by romance and scenic views of all of North America, but by a great soundtrack at every step of the journey, often from obscure local bands McDonald is kind enough to introduce to his audience. And there's also plenty of oddball humor, particularly with a character who may or may not be the devil (Earl Pastko) chasing the two leads. "Highway 61" doesn't have much of a reputation outside of its native Canada, but it's a blissful film that deserves more attention.

21. Get On the Bus

One of the least commonly filmed ways of going on a road trip is taking the bus, perhaps because getting stuck with many unfamiliar people is not the most romantic way to see the country. But Spike Lee found a lot of drama, comedy, and political relevance in a story of a bunch of guys trapped on the bus. That story is 1996's "Get On the Bus," following a group of Black men en route to the famed Million Man March. Lee believes that every one of those million men has their own story, and he fits as many of those stories as he can into one bus.

As usual with Lee, "Get On the Bus" has an impressive cast, including Ossie Davis, Charles S. Dutton, Andre Braugher, and Bernie Mac. The characters touch on social issues, including homophobia and the anti-Semitism of Million Man March leader Louis Farrakhan, but mostly they have frank and funny conversations that naturally reveal their prejudices and moral stances rather than shout them out. Lee didn't write "Get On the Bus" (that was Reggie Rock Bythewood), but it shares the perceptive dialogue and unexpected comedy of Lee's best screenplays, including his beloved "Do the Right Thing." "Get On the Bus" is a smaller movie than "Do the Right Thing," but its confined setting doesn't mean it's any less riveting.

22. Thelma & Louise

The road trip that runs through 1991's "Thelma & Louise" is most famous for where it ends, with Thelma and Louise's car in the middle of a jump off a cliff. But their journey shouldn't just be defined by its endpoint, as the entirety of "Thelma & Louise" is a rollicking ode to female friendship and the healing power of the road trip, showing it as a rare opportunity for two women to take their lives into their own hands.

A few things remain consistent throughout Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise's (Susan Sarandon)'s road trip, namely the beauty of the southwest locations as shot by director Ridley Scott and the appalling behavior of the men both women meet along the way. "Thelma & Louise" is today best-known as the breakthrough film for breakout film for Brad Pitt , but he's only one of the film's parade of awful, often violent men, including the rapist who begins the journey in the first place. With such overpowering adversity, it's no wonder Thelma and Louise are so tight-knit — they must make their bond as strong as the forces united against them. And their bond can sustain even the steepest fall from a cliff.

23. Little Miss Sunshine

"Little Miss Sunshine" was the sensation of the 2006 Sundance Film Festival (per IndieWire ), its story of a dysfunctional family trapped in a Volkswagen van on the way to a child beauty pageant in California proving irresistible to both critics and audiences. The famous images of the film, like the family chasing after the bright yellow Volkswagen, suggest the kind of quirky, Wes Anderson-inspired comedy that was all the rage in the 2000s. But like actual Wes Anderson movies , "Little Miss Sunshine" deals with real pain and hurt, trapping several very fragile people in a small space where they might all combust.

It's helped by having such a sturdy cast playing those fragile people, including Steve Carell in one of his first dramatic performances, a silent Paul Dano, an Oscar-winning Alan Arkin, and most of all an Oscar-nominated Abigail Breslin as the girl all this trouble is in service of. The movie might have collapsed into road-movie cliches without a strong presence anchoring it, and Breslin, then 10 years old, proves more than capable of being that presence.

24. Two-Lane Blacktop

The most existential of all road movies might be 1971's "Two-Lane Blacktop," where driving is the only way of life for its main characters. But they aren't driving with any destination in mind; they're driving because it's the one thing they know how to do. Car culture was a big part of the '60s and '70s, and "Two-Lane Blacktop" has a supporting part for Dennis Wilson, whose work with the Beach Boys helped to cement cars as the ultimate symbol of cool and independence. But it's not all fun for the characters of "Two-Lane Blacktop," with the emptiness of the road ahead of them also representing the emptiness of their own obsessions and personalities.

Shot on the famed Route 66, with minimal dialogue to distract from the scenery, "Two-Lane Blacktop" is not short on great shots of cars in motion. But "Two-Lane Blacktop" also decries the hollowness of making cars the centerpiece of one's life, showing that a lifestyle based solely on speed and appearance cannot be sustained. The film's most famous line is "Those satisfactions are permanent," but the pleasures prove to be a very impermanent, fleeting bliss that doesn't disguise much deeper troubles.

25. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

In addition to being one of the great road trip movies, "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" was also a breakout LGBTQ film when it was released in 1994, offering such a sunny view of its group of drag queens that it would be pointless to resist. The next year, America was already attempting its own "Priscilla" with the fellow drag-queen road movie "To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar," but it couldn't compete with the original, particularly regarding the gorgeous vistas passed by the central trio. The stunning deserts of the Australian Outback prove to be an ideal setting for a story with outrageous outfits and colors, offering a plain brown backdrop on top of which every outfit and character pops out.

Not that the characters need any help standing out, especially when they're brought to life with such exuberance and talent. Only Terence Stamp, playing the transgender matriarch of the group, was an internationally known actor at the time of the release of "Priscilla." But the film also catapulted its other two leads, Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce, to their stardom. Even as all three actors are now almost three decades out from "Priscilla," it remains one of their crowning achievements, as well as one of the most infectiously cheerful road movies yet made.

26. Pee-Wee's Big Adventure

One of the goofiest, most enjoyable road trips ever taken on film was the one taken by Pee-Wee Herman (Paul Reubens) as he searched for his lost bike in Tim Burton's feature directorial debut "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure." Pee-Wee would later become famous for his television show, where he created his own wacky universe, but in "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure," he travels through the real America and finds that it's just as silly as he is. Whether visiting dive bars, Hollywood backlots, or even The Alamo, he bends every place he visits to his own indescribable wavelength.

Burton has made flashier, more expensive movies since "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure," but he's rarely made anything better. His work becomes so defined by production design and special effects after this that it's a shock to see him working mostly with real locations, making the natural world ridiculous rather than creating ridiculous worlds from scratch. And the road movie proves an ideal match for his love of middle-American eccentricity, where every new character Pee-Wee meets on his travels is an oddball in their own way. This remains Burton's funniest and sweetest movie, free of the bitter edge that distinguishes many Burton movies and instead celebrating the goofiness of life.

27. Something Wild

Jonathan Demme's "Something Wild" takes a sharp turn around its midpoint, turning from a joyous road comedy to something scarier and more intense. But all of "Something Wild" is united by Demme's love of the road and of the people you can meet along the way. Sometimes those people can change your life, like how Melanie Griffith's free-spirited Lulu gets Jeff Daniels' yuppie businessman Charlie to admit that he has a wilder side than he presents to the world. And other times they can threaten that life, like Ray Liotta as Lulu's malevolent ex-husband, Ray, who resolves to force Charlie out of Lulu's life and win her back.

Even as "Something Wild" gets dark, Demme still finds something magical in every location visited, and often in places that seem perfectly ordinary. A friendly convenience-store employee, a dog on the back of a motorcycle, and a waitress singing outside of a New York greasy spoon — these details all come to vibrant life in front of Demme's camera. Few people have taken a road trip involving this many wacky, endearing characters, but the world as Demme portrays is a better, brighter place than it is in real life. It's a joy to experience a road trip in this world, even if only for two hours.

13 Best Road Trip Movies on Netflix (July 2024)

Road trip movies often send out a deeper message than just going from point A to B. They depict the transformations of those who embark on them and also immensely stress the value of the journey, which is a lot more than the final destination. We understand the value of road trips for you. We also understand that, at times, a little push is needed to get the courage to leave behind everything for a while and go on one. However, there are also road trip movies that incorporate a different genre, like thriller or action or action thriller. In such movies, the plot is underscored by the trip, but that doesn’t dampen the theme and the emotions of the story, which is what the following movies capture.

13. Bad Trip (2021)

‘Bad Trip’ is a hilarious comedy road movie that will surely have you falling out of your chair in laughter. Chris Carey (Eric André) and Bud Malone (Lil Rel Howery) are two friends who are completely dissatisfied with the direction their lives have taken. Stuck at dead-end jobs with no progress or promotion, the two yearn for even the slightest bit of excitement. However, when Chris unexpectedly comes across his high-school crush, Maria Li, the friends decide to set out on a road trip from Florida to New York City so that Chris can win her over. Thus, the friends then steal a car and set out on a trip that ensues one hilarious incident after the other, while unbeknownst to them, Bud’s sister, the actual owner of the car, appears hot on their trail. You can check out the film here .

12. End of the Road (2022)

Directed by Millicent Shelton, ‘ End of the Road ’ is a sinister take on a road trip movie. Starring Queen Latifah and Ludacris, it tells the story of Brenda, her two kids, and her brother Reggie, whose cross-country road trip across the New Mexico desert to a new place for a new job (after losing her old one) and a new life, goes haywire. A halt on the way makes them witnesses to a murder, following which the killer puts them in his crosshair. Moreover, Reggie takes something from the crime scene that belongs to the killer, something that is a huge mistake, and Brenda knows it. How she and her family get rid of this maniac is what follows in this high-octane road trip thriller. You can stream the movie here .

11. Dumb and Dumber (1994)

A gift from mankind to mankind, ‘Dumb and Dumber’ stars Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels as the dimwitted duo, Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne. Lloyd is a limousine driver, and when he finds that his latest passenger, the woman he is smitten by, Mary Swanson (Lauren Holly), has left her suitcase at the terminal before leaving for Aspen, he decides to travel to Aspen and give it back to her. In his endeavor, he manages to convince Harry to join him, and they both set off on the road trip in Harry’s van. Their experiences and exploits along the way, involving cops and thugs, underscored by the chemistry of the two comedic legends and their comic timing, make ‘Dumb and Dumber’ one of the best road trip movies ever. You can watch it here .

10. Kodachrome (2017)

Matt, played by Jason Sudeikis, is often overshadowed by his father’s reputation as a famous photojournalist. Upon finding that he has cancer, Matt’s father’s last wish is to go on a road trip with his son from New York to Kansas to get his last few Kodachromes developed before it’s too late and the memories get lost in unprocessed films. The movie will bring back some pleasant memories to those who once used Kodachromes for taking pictures with Kodak cameras before the company went bankrupt and shut down completely. The film is very predictable overall, but that’s how most road-trip feel-good kind of movies are, right? We do not watch them for a predictable storyline. We watch them for the whole positive vibe that the movie gives out to touch us and, at times, even inspire us deeply. You may watch the film here .

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9. The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

Put the Antman star, Paul Rudd , in any film, and he’ll surely give you a great performance and some hilarious jokes to remember. ‘The Fundamentals of Caring’ is one such film where Paul Rudd plays the role of a writer who has recently experienced the loss of a loved one. To recover from that, he decides to become a caregiver. This is when he meets an angry and frustrated teenager who has never left his home because of his disability. During the journey, the two get close and get a deeper understanding of friendship and aspiration. This movie is a pure entertainer when you’re in a feel-good kind of mood and will make you laugh and cry at the same time. You can watch it here .

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8. Seventeen (2019)

‘Seventeen,’ also known as ‘Diecisiete’ in Spanish , follows Hector, a spirited and lively 17-year-old who has been confined to a juvenile detention center for two years. While most believe that Hector is a spoilt teen with no regard for rules, he does have a kind heart and even befriends a dog named Oveja while on a visit to an animal rescue center. Hector appears intent on working towards his freedom and becoming a better person. However, things go haywire once Oveja goes missing, and Hector, fraught with concern, breaks out of prison to search for the missing dog. Surprisingly, the 17-year-old’s loved ones support such a venture, and Hector, along with his brother, Isamel, and their grandmother, soon embarks on a road trip through the Spanish region of Cantabria. You can stream ‘Seventeen’ here .

7. The Trader (2018)

As the title suggests, ‘The Trader’ (Georgian: ‘Sovdagari’) is a documentary that follows a poor traveling trader living in poverty and selling his wares in the rural Republic of Georgia. His travels take him to remote corners of the country and provide an authentic sneak peek into the daily lives of the people from that part of the region. The documentary even portrays previously unheard practices like using potatoes as the only unit of currency. For fans who are curious to know more about different cultures and people from around the globe, ‘The Trader’ will surely be an eye-opening experience. You can stream the film here .

6. Expedition Happiness (2017)

Travel documentaries are a joy to sit through, and ‘Expedition Happiness’ satisfies every craving in that regard as it follows filmmaker Felix Starck and his then-girlfriend Selima Taibi on a road trip across North America. Felix and Selima originally hail from Berlin, Germany , but soon grew tired of the big city with its highrises, noisy traffic, and congestion. Thus, longing for fresh air, a change in scenery, and new experiences, the pair obtain and refurbish a school bus before setting out on an epic road trip across North America along with their dog. Filmed by the pair themselves, ‘Expedition Happiness’ provides a fresh take on North America and can easily be considered a must-watch. You may watch it here .

5. Dhak Dhak (2023)

A Bollywood drama directed by Tarun Dudeja, ‘Dhak Dhak’ brings together four women from different social lifestyles and age groups. Together, they set off on a bike trip to Ladakh, India, a place that is considered the highest mountain pass in the world and can be reached by vehicle. The journey also becomes a spiritual one as each experience brings about new realizations, thereby adding to the meaning of life and what it means to be free. The film stars Dia Mirza, Ratna Pathak Shah, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Sanjana Sanghi. You can watch it here .

4. 4L (2019)

‘4L,’ known popularly as ‘4 latas’ in Spanish, revolves around Tocho, an alcoholic with bad manners, and Jean Pierre, a past womanizer who still reminisces about his glory days. The film opens with Tocho reading a letter that informs him about his old friend, Joseba, who is seemingly on his deathbed in Timbuktu. The letter makes Tocho realize what he has lost, and soon, he makes up his mind to meet his friend before his death. On top of it, the two also plan on taking Joseba’s estranged daughter, Ely, to her father. Interestingly, apart from agreeing to the trip at a moment’s notice, Ely even provides the men with an old 1982 Renault, the same car the three friends had once used to cross the desert. Thus, they embark on a massive road trip from Paris to Timbuktu while being surrounded by fond memories. Moreover, even though the experiences they have on the road change their outlook on life, the film ultimately teaches us the value of friendship, family, and love. You can watch ‘4L’ here .

3. Qarib Qarib Single (2017)

A Hindi-language Bollywood feel-good rom-com directed by Tanuja Chandra, ‘Qarib Qarib Single’ stars Irrfan Khan and Parvathy Thiruvothu. When two strangers meet via an online dating platform, it’s usually a date that decides whether they will agree to go on further dates with each other. For Jaya (a 35-year-old widow) and Yogi (a not-that-famous poet), it is an adventure that decides it. After some humorous experiences, the two decide to go and visit Yogi’s three ex-girlfriends. Thus begins a memorable trip for our duo as well as for us. From Dehradun to Jaipur to Gangtok, the journey is full of humor, confusion, and humor-filled confusion and ends in a perfect manner. Stop guessing, as you can stream the film right here .

2. Paddleton (2019)

A road trip meets the trip of life in this comedy-drama directed by Alexandre Lehmann. It tells the story of two misfits/neighbors/best friends, Michael and Andy, between whom Michael is diagnosed with terminal cancer . With six months to live, Michael, accompanied by a reluctant Andy, set off on a 6-hour drive to the nearest pharmacy that has the required meds. Their experiences during the journey, which throw light on their friendship and the reality of life in general, make ‘Paddleton’ an enriching road trip movie. The cast includes Mark Duplass as Michael, Ray Romano as Andy, Kadeem Hardison, Christine Woods, Stephen Oyoung, Marguerite Moreau, and Alana Carithers. Feel free to check out the movie here .

1. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)

Directed by Zoya Akhtar, ‘ Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara ’ is an Indian Hindi-language movie that tells the story of three friends who come together after a long time when one of them gets engaged. The bachelor trip that follows folds out into a buffet of experiences, both physically and emotionally, as the lives of all three begin to reveal themselves. Pain, regret, fear, mistakes, love, happiness, and insecurities take center stage and address the title of the movie, which translates to ‘Life never happens twice.’ The cast includes Farhan Akhtar , Hrithik Roshan , and Abhay Deol as the three friends, along with Katrina Kaif , Kalki Koechlin , Naseeruddin Shah , and Deepti Naval. You may watch the film here .

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The 20 best road trip movies

Have you been on any memorable road trips? If not, don’t feel too bad. You can always enjoy a road trip in a movie. Of course, not every memorable road trip in film is a good one. Some of them are downright dreadful and may make you glad you haven’t actually hit the open road much yourself. Whether or not the road trip itself is one we’d like to take, these are the best movies about road trips. Stay home and watch one today.

“Road Trip” (2000)

Is “Road Trip” the best movie on this list? No, the Todd Phillips comedy certainly is not. However, it’s a movie literally called “Road Trip.” The film also has a very turn-of-the-millennium cast, including Breckin Meyer, Amy Smart , and Tom Green.

“Midnight Run” (1988)

What is the best road trip film then? We’re quite partial to “Midnight Run,” one of the best ‘80s action comedies. Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin are both fantastic in the film. De Niro plays a bounty hunter who is taking in Grodin’s character, at least if Grodin doesn’t annoy De Niro so much that the latter takes him out before delivering the bail skipper in.

“The Muppet Movie” (1979)

The very first Muppets film is a road movie! While a bunch of Muppets, and celebrities, show up, the thrust of the film is Kermit the Frog taking a trip across the country to get to Los Angeles. There are musical numbers, silly jokes, a frog legs magnate who wants Kermit to be his spokesperson for his restaurants.

“It Happened One Night” (1934)

“It Happened One Night” is one of only three films to win the “big five” Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay. The screwball comedy is one of the last big films before the Production Code took effect and features big names like Frank Capra, Clark Gable, and Claudette Colbert. Maybe the most famous scene in the movie involves hitchhiking as well.

“Smokey and the Bandit” (1977)

Here’s a movie all about action on the road. The premise is simple. Burt Reynolds aka “Bandit” and his pal Jerry Reed aka “Snowman,” take on a bet that says they can’t illegally transport 400 cases of Coors from Texarkana to Atlanta within 28 hours. With the law after them, “Smokey and the Bandit” features a bunch of car chases and some big-time stunts.

“Harry and Tonto” (1974)

Art Carney is best known as the wacky best friend on “The Honeymooners,” one of the first hit sitcoms. Did you know he also won an Oscar for Best Actor? It’s true, and he beat out guys like Albert Finney, Dustin Hoffman , Al Pacino, and Jack Nicholson. He did that for the film “Harry and Tonto,” where he plays a man who goes on a cross-country trip after he finds out his apartment building is being demolished. He’s Harry. Tonto is his cat.

“Bonnie and Clyde” (1967)

When we think of “Bonnie and Clyde,” we think of the bank robberies and the violence. Some consider this a pivotal film in the evolution of the Hollywood post-Production Code. However, it’s also kind of a road movie. We spend a lot of time with Bonnie and Clyde as they travel around from town to town until they meet their untimely demise in their car.

“My Own Private Idaho” (1991)

Yes, this movie has a strange name, but it’s actually a somber, elegiac film. Gus Van Sant based the film on a few Shakespeare plays, and cast up-and-coming actors Keanu Reeves and the late River Phoenix in the main roles. The two of them spend the film on a journey of discovery, with plenty of contemplative moments along the way.

“Something Wild” (1986)

We don’t want to spoil “Something Wild,” because the movie abruptly shifts in tone at a certain point. In fact, it’s one of the few films we can think of that goes from being a wacky comedy to serious thriller. The movie also has a fine cast at his disposal, including Jeff Daniels, Melanie Griffith, and a young, relatively-unknown Ray Liotta.

“Logan” (2017)

“Logan” is different from many superhero movies. One, it’s a serious R-rated film with plenty of swearing and violence (but not in a “Deadpool” way). Two, it’s a Western in many ways. Three, it’s also a road movie. Logan, aka Wolverine, and a dying Charles Xavier take a young mutant named Laura on a journey to try and find a purported refuge spot for mutants. There is much killing along the way, but not of the flippant variety.

“The Sugarland Express” (1974)

“The Sugarland Express” is about a husband and wife who take a police officer hostage and take off across the country fleeing authorities. It stars Goldie Hawn , which is notable. That being said, the real noteworthy thing about “The Sugarland Express” is that it is Steven Spielberg’s first full-length theatrical film. You can see where everything began for the legendary director.

“Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” (1985)

Pee-wee Herman’s beloved bicycle is stolen. Naturally, this leads to him having to go off on a trip that takes him all across the country, even to the Alamo (sadly, not to its basement). He dances for bikers. He meets Large Marge. The movie is strange but wonderful. Also, speaking of debuts, this is Tim Burton’s feature-length debut, and still one of his best offerings.

“Beavis and Butt-Head Do America (1996)

Yes, Beavis and Butt-Head are goofy, lowbrow characters. They could seemingly sustain a narrative for the entirety of an episode of TV, so how would they survive a movie? Well, it’s not always successful, but there are charms to seeing these two doofuses on a trip across America. David Letterman was willing to do a cameo, so you know it has some things going for it.

“Dumb and Dumber” (1994)

In some ways, “Dumb and Dumber” is “Beavis and Butt-Head Do America” but live-action and with adult characters. For many, “Dumb and Dumber” is the quintessential road movie comedy. Heck, some consider it one of the funniest movies ever made. This is Jeff Daniels’ second film on this list, but in truth, this was largely a breakout role for Jim Carrey.

“Lost in America” (1985)

Early in his career, Albert Books trafficked in satire, usually successfully. “Lost in America” is definitely a pointed film. Brooks costars as half of a Yuppie couple who quit their job to explore America and “find themselves.” Of course, it doesn’t go well, mostly owing to the naivety and cravenness of these two middle-class Californians.

“Between Two Ferns: The Movie” (2019)

“Between Two Ferns” the internet video series is quite stationary. That is to say, all we ever see is a black room with two chairs and two ferns. It’s a sendup of cheaply-made public access shows, and an excuse for Zack Galifianakis to be a jerk to celebrities. For the Netflix movie based on the comedy shorts, though, Galifianakis and crew take to the road. The film is largely improvised, but the cast is so talented it remains quite funny and sustains a full narrative.

“National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983)

The “Vacation” series features a few different trips, but the original movie involves a road trip. Specifically, a disastrous road trip to Wally World for the Griswold family. Chevy Chase may no longer be a comedy star, but “Vacation” is a reminder of what he could do at his best.

“Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” (1987)

John Candy is in “Vacation.” He has a much bigger role in “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.” The John Hughes comedy is one of the few Thanksgiving movies ever made, and we personally credit any success in this film to the dynamic duo of Candy and Steve Martin, who are both talented comedic performers.

“Nebraska” (2013)

Will Forte usually acts in very silly comedies. For “Nebraska,” he had to get a bit more serious. Alexander Payne’s film is a comedy-drama mixture that is both funny and somber in equal measures. Forte plays a man on a road trip with his father, played by Bruce Dern, who is dealing with the effects of aging but remains dynamic and forceful. Dern was nominated for an Oscar, but unlike Art Carney did not win.

“Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” (1998)

This is one of the weirdest road trips we can recall. Considering this was based on a book by Hunter S. Thompson, that makes sense. Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro are on a road trip to Las Vegas, and they are packing a ton of drugs for the excursion. When we say these two are on a road trip, we mean it’s a road trip . “Fear and Loathing” is full of bizarre, psychedelic imagery, and definitely does its best to capture the ethos of Thompson’s book.

Chris Morgan is a Detroit-based culture writer who has somehow managed to justify getting his BA in Film Studies. He has written about sports and entertainment across various internet platforms for years and is also the author of three books about '90s television.

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16 Road Trip Movies That Make Us Want To Hit The Road

One type of film that always tends to put a smile on your face by the end is the road trip movie . You get all of your main characters stuck with each other in a car or any other form of transport and you watch how their relationships are forced to grow. The best road trip movies also tend to put you in the mood to go on a road trip of your own. 

They make you want to take a week off of work, pack up the suitcases, fire up a playlist , and hit the road with friends and family. Still, a spontaneous road trip isn't always possible. That's okay! Just watch these films and enjoy the ride with your favorite characters. 

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What Kind Of Journey Do They Take?  After his father dies from a heart attack, man-child Tommy Callahan (Chris Farley) tries to save his father’s company. Being joined by his father’s assistant, Richard (David Spade), the two set off on a cross-country trip to find more clients. As with any Chris Farley film, hilarity ensues along the way.

Highlight Of The Trip: Tommy is not the best salesman, and he’ll be the first to tell you. Tommy tries to sell a client brake pads, using toy cars for an all-too-vivid demonstration of what would happen if the wrong brakes were used. Tommy goes so far as to light one of the toy cars on fire directly on the desk, all with the great physical comedy that only Chris Farley could do. 

Fun Fact About The Movie: According to an interview on Rob Lowe's podcast , David Spade and Chris Farley got into a fight on set. This was due to Chris being jealous of David hanging out with Rob Lowe so much. 

• Actors : Chris Farley, David Spade, Brian Dennehy, Bo Derek, Dan Aykroyd
• Released : 1995
• Directed by : Peter Segal
• We're the Millers

What Kind Of Journey Do They Take?  In order to smuggle a large haul of drugs in Mexio, drug dealer David (Jason Sudeikis) hires a stripper named Rose (Jennifer Aniston) and two local teens to pretend to be his family. Looking like a normal suburban family should hopefully help them get past customs while crossing the border. 

Highlight Of The Journey:  David and Rose try to act like actual parents by meeting the man that’s picking up Casey (Emma Roberts) on a date. Meet Scottie P., a carnival worker with a chest tattoo with the saying “No Ragrets,” a simple credo he lives by. The irony is not lost on anyone. 

Fun Fact About The Movie:  Will Arnett and  Jason Bateman were both considered to play David in the film, before the job went to Jason Sudeikis.  

• Actors : Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis, Will Poulter, Emma Roberts, Ed Helms
• Released : 2013
• Directed by : Rawson Marshall Thurber

National Lampoon's Vacation

• Warner Bros.

What Kind Of Journey Do They Take?  Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) wants to take his family to Walley World. While they could’ve easily flown from Chicago to California, Clark pines for that picture-perfect family road trip instead, cramming everyone into his metallic pea-colored Family Truckster. 

Highlight Of The Trip: Despite having been on the worst road trip imaginable, the Griswolds finally make it to Walley World, only to discover it’s closed for two weeks. Clark, always wanting the best for his family, uses a BB gun to hold a security guard hostage and force him to take everyone on the rides. 

Fun Fact About The Movie: The original ending saw Clark show up at the house of Walley World owner Roy Walley (Eddie Bracken), and holding him hostage for closing the park. Test audiences didn’t like this ending as they felt cheated out of the Walley World payoff. 

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

• Paramount Pictures

What Kind Of Journey Do They Take?  Neal Page (Steve Martin) is an uptight marketing executive who just wants to get home for Thanksgiving. However, due to bad weather, his plane to Chicago is forced to land in Kansas. Neal has no choice but to travel by car alongside the talkative but kind-hearted Del Griffith (John Candy), whom he met at the airport.

Highlight Of The Journey:  An infuriated Neal tries to rent a car in St. Louis but no longer has his rental agreement. This causes him to go on a legendary tirade to the poor rental agent, dropping the f-bomb for about every other word he says. 

Fun Fact About The Movie:  Writer/director John Hughes based the film on a very similar experience he had when he was an advertising copywriter. He was flying from New York to Chicago, but bad weather forced the plane to land in Kansas, just like in the film. 

• Actors : Steve Martin, John Candy, Laila Robins, Michael McKean, Kevin Bacon
• Released : 1987
• Directed by : John Hughes

What Kind Of Journey Do They Take?  Zombieland follows four characters who eventually cross paths on their journeys. You've got zombie survivalist expert Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) trying to find his parents. Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) are con artist sisters who want to get to the Pacific Playland theme park. Then there's Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), who's just enjoying the open road, killing zombies in the coolest way possible.  

Highlight Of The Trip: In one of the best cameos of all time, the characters find themselves exploring the Hollywood Hills, eventually taking shelter in the house of comedy legend Bill Murray. While Murray pretends to be a zombie to scare Columbus, he's unceremoniously shot in the chest due to Columbus's quick survival instincts. Whoops.

Fun Fact About The Movie: Zombieland was originally sold to CBS as a TV show , but like many scripts, it didn't have a chance of seeing the light of day. Thankfully, producer Gavin Polone loved the script so much that he took it to Columbia Pictures to have it turned into a film.  

• Actors : Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin, Amber Heard
• Released : 2009
• Directed by : Ruben Fleischer

What Kind Of Journey Do They Take?  While trying to mail a tape to his long-distance girlfriend detailing his life in college so far, Josh (Breckin Meyer) accidentally sends a tape of him cheating on her instead. His other friends join him on long road trip to Austin to prevent her from seeing the tape. 

Highlight Of The Journey:  The gang ends up being stopped by a broken bridge on the road, requiring them to have to jump the gap instead. One of the friends Rubin insists that the physics are correct and that they could make it. Against all odds, they do make the jump, though the car itself doesn’t survive the fall.  

Fun Fact About The Movie:  The man who tries to lick Beth’s (Amy Smart) feet on the bus is the film’s writer/director Todd Phillips. Yes, the same Todd Phillips would go on to direct smash-hits such as  The Hangover, Old School , and  Joker .

• Actors : Seann William Scott, Breckin Meyer, DJ Qualls, Fred Ward, Andy Dick
• Released : 2000
• Directed by : Todd Phillips

Dumb and Dumber

• New Line Cinema

What Kind Of Journey Do They Take? Harry (Jeff Bridges) and Lloyd (Jim Carrey) are two dimwitted best friends who drive to Colorado to return a briefcase to Mary (Lauren Holly), a woman Lloyd is hopelessly in love with. Little do they know, the briefcase is filled with ransom money that Mary assembled to free her kidnapped husband, putting them in the crosshairs of some violent criminals. 

Highlight Of The Trip: Joe “Mental” Mentalino, one of kidnappers, is nearly pushed to his limit as he's stuck riding in between Harry and Lloyd in the van. Between Harry and Lloyd playing tag to Lloyd attempting his “ most annoying sound in the world ” scream, Joe is about to ready to pull his gun out on both of them. 

Fun Fact About The Movie: Jim Carrey was originally offered $350,000 for the film, but after Ace Ventura: Pet Detective opened big at the box-office, his salary was renegotiated to $7 million , which was very high at the time for a comedic actor.

• Actors : Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, Lauren Holly, Teri Garr, Karen Duffy
• Released : 1994
• Directed by : Peter Farrelly

Almost Famous

• DreamWorks Pictures

What Kind Of Journey Do They Take?  Young freelance writer William Miller (Patrick Fugit) gets the opportunity of a lifetime from Rolling Stone magazine to write about the new band Stillwater by accompanying them on tour. The tour gives William a first-hand look at the hectic world of rock-n-roll.

Highlight Of The Trip:  William and Stillwater’s lead singer Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup) find themselves at a high school party after Russell gets into a fight with the band. After a few too many substances, Russell stands on the rooftop and delivers the now iconic “I am a golden god” line. 

Fun Fact About The Movie:  The film is semi-autobiographical from writer/director Cameron Crowe, who toured with several bands for Rolling Stone magazine. The movie’s fictional band Stillwater is based around a few bands, such as The Who, The Allman Brothers Band, and the Eagles. 

• Actors : Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson, Jason Lee, Patrick Fugit
• Directed by : Cameron Crowe

• Open Road Films

What Kind of Journey Do They Take? After famed chef Carl Casper (Jon Favreau) has a meltdown that goes viral, he decides to start fresh and buy a food truck, taking it from Miami to Los Angeles with his son Percy and friend Martin. Through this trip, Carl hopes to fix his estranged relationship with Percy, while also re-discovering his passion for cooking.

Highlight Of The Trip: At the end of the trip, Percy sends Carl a video where he captured one second of each day from the trip. Carl can't help but smile and cry as he views the joyous memories he just made with his son.

Fun Fact About The Movie: The film was inspired by famous chef Roy Choi , who is known as one of the architects behind the modern food truck movement. Chef Choi was a consultant for the film and ensured that the food shown on-screen was accurately made, including the delicious looking Cubano sandwiches.

• Actors : Jon Favreau, Sofía Vergara, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson, Dustin Hoffman
• Released : 2014
• Directed by : Jon Favreau

Little Miss Sunshine

• Fox Searchlight Pictures

What Kind Of Journey Do They Take?  Sherry (Toni Collette) and Richard (Greg Kinnear) have two days to drive from New Mexico to California so their spunky daughter Olive (Abigail Breslin) can compete in the “Little Miss Sunshine” beauty pageant. Joining them in their bright yellow Winnebago is their weird son Dwayne (Paul Dano), Sherry's depressed brother Frank (Steve Carell), and Richard's foul-mouthed father Edwin (Alan Arkin).

Highlight Of The Trip: Once Olive gets to do her performance on stage, everyone is caught off-guard by her suggestive dance to Rick James's “Superfreak." Not wanting her to embarrass herself in front of everyone, each family member eventually joins in, much to the disapproval of the judges. It's an incredibly heartfelt scene that shows how close the family has become over the long trip.

Fun Fact About The Movie: Steve Carell was not a huge star when initially cast, with some of the producers wanting to go with someone more well-known at the time. Between the filming of the movie and its release, both The 40-Year-Old Virgin and The Office had come out, causing the producers to heavily market the film around Carell.

• Actors : Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Alan Arkin, Abigail Breslin
• Released : 2006
• Directed by : Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris

Thelma & Louise

• Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

What Kind Of Journey Do They Take?  Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon) are two best friends who decide to leave their mundane lives and hit the road together. Unfortunately, a man tries to assault Thelma, leading to Louise killing the man and forcing both women to go on the run from the police. 

Highlight Of The Journey:  In desperate need of money, Thelma ends up robbing a convenience store at gunpoint, though Louise is not aware of this until Thelma comes running out. Louise is none too happy as they drive off. In Thelma’s defense, at least she didn’t kill anybody.  

Fun Fact About The Movie:  This was Brad Pitt’s breakout role. On The Graham Norton Show , Geena Davis told audiences that she was the one who gave the thumbs up to cast Brad Pitt, so you have her to thank. 

• Actors : Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen, Christopher McDonald
• Released : 1991
• Directed by : Ridley Scott

• Universal Pictures

What Kind Of Journey Do They Take?  In the 1960s, Frank “Tony Lip” Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen) is hired to drive Black classical pianist Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) across the deep south for a tour. The pair use  The Negro Motorist Green Book , which was a guide to tell Black travelers where all the safest places to visit across the south are.

Highlight Of The Journey:  After leaving a country club that Don was supposed to play at, due to him being refused a table in the dining room, Don and Tony end up at a Black blues club. Don decides to hop on the piano and play classical music. Though hesitant at first, the rest of the bar patrons end up very impressed, with the rest of the blues band later joining Don on stage. 

Fun Fact About The Movie:  The real-life Frank Vallelonga ended up becoming an actor . His most notable role was mob boss Carmine Lupertazzi Sr. in HBO’s  The Sopranos .

• Actors : Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini, Sebastian Maniscalco, Dimiter D. Marinov
• Released : 2018

Pee-wee's Big Adventure

What Kind Of Journey Do They Take?  Pee-wee Herman (Paul Reubens) adores his red bike. In fact, he won't even sell it for $100 million, billion, trillion dollars. When the bike is stolen, Pee-wee makes it his mission to find his beloved bike, forcing him to hitchhike to Texas, running into a colorful cast of characters on the way. 

Highlight Of The Trip: Pee-wee finds himself inside a biker bar to use the phone. After Pee-wee accidentally knocks over the motorcycles, the bikers are ready to kill Pee-wee. Thankfully, the bar has a jukebox machine, and the busboy conveniently has a pair of dancing shoes. Pee-wee ends up winning all the bikers over with his dance routine to the song “Tequila.” The bikers are so impressed that they embrace Pee-wee as one of their own. 

Fun Fact About The Movie: Paul Reubens was given a 1940s Schwinn bike to ride around the studio. Reubens loved the bike so much he dropped the original plot and rewrote the film to be about Pee-wee searching for his missing bike.

• Actors : Paul Reubens, E.G. Daily, Mark Holton, Diane Salinger, Tony Bill
• Released : 1985
• Directed by : Tim Burton

Are We There Yet?

• uploaded by CarmelMama

What Kind Of Journey Do They Take?  Though Nick (Ice Cube) isn't the biggest fan of kids, he ends up dating Suzanne (Nia Long), a single mother of two. Nick ends up with the task of having to take both kids to Vancouver. Little does he know that both kids are dedicated to sabotaging any man who tries to date their mom. 

Highlight Of The Journey:  Not even a split-second after Nick tells both kids to be careful opening his door, Kevin (Philip Daniel Bolden) immediately hits the door on a bollard, getting yellow paint on Nick’s brand new Lincoln Navigator. It’s Ice Cube’s great comedic timing that really makes this scene hilarious.   

Fun Fact About The Movie:  This would be Ice Cube’s first PG movie. In an interview with HipHopDX , Cube stated that he was thrilled to do Are We There Yet? as it would introduce him to the kids of all his fans. 

• Actors : Ice Cube, Nia Long, Jay Mohr, M.C. Gainey, Aleisha Allen
• Released : 2005
• Directed by : Brian Levant

The Muppet Movie

• Sony Pictures

What Kind Of Journey Do They Take?  Kermit the Frog tries to make his way to Hollywood for a life in show-business. On the way, he runs into some new friends like Fozzie Bear and Miss Piggy, all while evading the ruthless Doc Hopper, who just wants Kermit to be his spokesperson for his frog legs business.

Highlight Of The Journey:  The musical number “Movin’ Right Along” sees Kermit and Fozzie Bear driving along the highway. It’s a super-catchy song that contains the amusing bit where Kermit tells Fozzie to avoid the fork in the road, which is an actual giant fork on the road. 

Fun Fact About The Movie:  The final sequence took over 150 puppeteers to film.  In an interview with John Landis , he claims to have been one of those puppeteers, along with future legendary director Tim Burton. 

• Actors : Charles Durning, Austin Pendleton, Steve Martin, Mel Brooks, Edgar Bergen
• Released : 1979
• Directed by : James Frawley

What Kind Of Journey Do They Take?  Depressed author Miles (Paul Giamatti) and soon-to-be married Jack ( Thomas Haden Church ) are two middle-aged men who decide to go on a road trip across California’s wine country. While Miles just wants it to be a relaxing trip, Jack decides he wants to have one little fling with a random girl before he gets married. 

Highlight Of The Journey:  Miles wishes to drown his sorrows in wine after his book is rejected by a publisher, but the server cuts him off since this is a tasting. Insisting on getting all the wine he wants; Miles grabs the bucket that everyone had been spitting in for their tasting and pours it all over himself. 

Fun Fact About The Movie:  In the DVD commentary, Giamatti revealed that after filming the scene where they eat at Miles’s mother’s house, all three actors got food poisoning from the food. 

• Actors : Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, Sandra Oh, Marylouise Burke
• Released : 2004
• Directed by : Alexander Payne
• Entertainment
• Watchworthy
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Screen Rant

10 road trip movies perfect for summer.

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Beetlejuice beetlejuice added 1 fun detail to betelgeuse's origins story, writers explain burton's input in backstory, all 12 star wars crime syndicates explained.

The freedom and restlessness of summer are perfectly suited to the constant, airy movement found in many road trip movies . The form is versatile, suiting genres from action-comedy to meditative drama; all that’s really required for a film to qualify as a road trip movie is a main character whose journey from one place to another is spotted with constant stops in fresh locales. However, the great examples of the form tap into a deeper appeal. The summer road trip movie is about gradual development; it’s about two or more people stuck with each other against a constantly changing backdrop who come to understand more about one another and themselves.

The road puts things in perspective, and the best road trip movies lead characters to numerous distinct locations that subtly needle at the character’s preconceived notions and offer them fresh, joyful experiences. Strong chemistry between the central cast is essential, a compelling reason to begin the journey is optional, and a sense of freedom and meditation delivers on the summertime appeal of the open road. Across the decades, several great directors and iconic actors have embarked on cinematic road trips, but only a select few have perfected that balanced cocktail that makes the journey feel meaningful, and its destination earned.

10 Last Flag Flying (2017)

This underrated 2017 film from master of the hangout movie Richard Linklater balances the comfortable tones of a road movie with a thoughtful examination of the consequences of war. Last Flag Flying stars Steve Carrell, Bryan Cranston, and Laurence Fishburne as three Vietnam veterans who reunite when one of their sons is killed in the Iraq war. The three embark on a journey across America to pick up the young man’s body while meditating on their own experiences with war thirty years prior. It’s a mature film, but not melancholy; Linklater mostly approaches the subject matter through meandering conversations, with the heavier themes working in the background.

9 The Mitchells Vs. The Machines (2021)

This action-packed animated comedy produced by Into the Spider-Verse ’s Phil Lorde and Chris Miller follows a family whose cross-country road trip to drop their oldest off at college is interrupted by a robot uprising. The dynamic road trip structure showcases numerous robot-ravaged locations across America, where the film executes its intricate action just as well as any summer blockbuster. However, the strength of any road movie is in its characters. The Mitchells vs. The Machines distinguishes itself through its grounded central story of a father and daughter struggling to understand one another.

8 The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

The Motorcycle Diaries , adapted from the Che Guevara memoir of the same name, tells the story of a young Che Guevara as he and his friend travel across South America by motorcycle, gradually undergoing the political enlightenment that would one day see Che become a revolutionary leader. The film is meditative and tonally balanced, creating the sense of a road trip that both liberates and sobers the young Guevara. The episodic structure is a winning aspect of the road trip movie, and it works well in The Motorcycle Diaries , with the film managing to alternate between light chapters and heavier ones.

7 Midnight Run (1988)

A road trip movie will stall without chemistry between its leads; the beloved action-comedy Midnight Run boasts chemistry in spades between its two central characters. Midnight Run sees Robert De Niro play a bounty hunter tasked with delivering his latest bounty, mob accountant “The Duke,” across state lines. With the two forced to flee mobsters and the FBI, their initial antipathy blossoms into one of the best action movie friendships of all time. The film sings along at a dazzling pace, offering laughs and thrills in perfect balance. An easy watch that rewards on endless visits, it’s perfect summer viewing.

6 Almost Famous (2000)

Cameron Crowe’s semi-autobiographical film Almost Famous tells the story of a teenage music reporter on the road with the fictional rock band Stillwater. The film delivers a blend of nostalgia, wonder and contempt for the 1970s music scene as the wide-eyed music critic protagonist is allowed to glimpse the hedonism and interpersonal drama behind a rising band. One of the best hangout movies , Almost Famous’ focus on likable characters, its loose, episodic plot and great music makes for an immersive, relaxing watch ideal for laid-back summer days.

5 A Goofy Movie (1995)

This animated summer road trip movie is an underrated gem from the Disney renaissance. A follow-up to the series Goof Troop , A Goofy Movie uses the framework of a light-hearted comedy romp to tell a resonant story of fathers and sons. The story follows Goofy as he attempts to reconnect with his teenage son by embarking on a cross-country fishing trip on the first day of summer. Once again, this film succeeds based on the strength of its central pairing, whose gradual understanding of one another over the course of their travels feels earned and mature.

4 Beavis And Butt-Head Do America (1996)

This irreverent animated comedy sees two moronic underachievers unknowingly become fugitives after embarking on a journey across America to obtain a new TV. Beavis and Butt-Head Do America is a continuation of MTV’s Beavis and Butt-Head series by Silicon Valley and King of The Hill creator Mike Judge, although prior viewing of the series is not at all necessary. The film is a tight 81 minutes of easy fun, packed with absurd gags; it manages to deliver one of the purest distillations of the episodic road trip formula, while gleefully subverting that formula with two characters too stupid and short-sighted to ever change or grow.

3 Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

The hit indie comedy Little Miss Sunshine delivers droves of offbeat charm with its story of a dysfunctional, underachieving family who pile into a VW bus in hopes of getting youngest child Olive to a beauty pageant final in California. The road trip movie is a perfect ode to imperfect families, with its first-rate cast delivering a chemistry that propels the trundling narrative along with disjointed grace. Among its number, the ensemble counts Steve Carrell, Toni Collette, Paul Dano and the late Alan Arkin , who earned an Oscar for his performance as the heroin-addicted grandfather Edwin.

2 Thelma & Louise (1991)

One of director Ridley Scott’s best films , Thelma & Louise is a tragic, joyful, liberating movie about two women who become fugitives from the law on a road trip gone awry. The film captures the freedom of the road as the titular characters embrace their new lives as outlaws, escaping their oppressive lives and finding strength in their friendship. Thelma & Louise uses the bright summer heat to evoke a carefree, euphoric atmosphere, managing to make the distressing chase feel like a summer road trip.

1 Easy Rider (1969)

Few films feel more particular to summer than Easy Rider . The freewheeling, rule-breaking movie follows two drug smugglers powering through the desert on their motorbikes, hoping to reach New Orleans in time for Mardis Gras. It’s a profound, vital image of a bygone moment in American history, one in which limitless freedom and potential pushed the young into soul-searching, hedonism, and constant movement. The film finds its loose plot secured by a charismatic central pairing of Hollywood stars, Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda; their story, while not exactly an enviable road trip in many ways, evokes the quintessential journey through the heat and freedom of summer.

• SI SWIMSUIT
• SI SPORTSBOOK
• Mountaineering
• National Parks

The 13 Best Movies About Adventure Filled Road Trips

Dylan sanders | sep 2, 2024.

Road trips are one of the most memorable events that one can undergo. They can provide an array of emotions from fun, stressful and even exciting.

Here is a list of movies about all kinds of road trips :

National Lampoon's Vacation

The original in the series is considered by some to be the best. Clark Griswald and the family take off on a trip to the Wally World theme park but plenty of comical road trip problems make their journey a blast to watch.

Wild at Heart

This quirky crime/romance movie from the director of "Twin Peaks" follows a boyfriend and girlfriend that are on the quest to escape their past.

Identity Thief

A Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy-led comedy follows a business an that gets his identity stolen. He takes the thief on a road trip to Denver, Colorado in hopes of clearing his name.

Dumb and Dumber

Lloyd (Jim Carrey) and Harry (Jeff Daniels) go on an adventure to meet up with a woman in Aspen after they find her suitcase full of money. Widely considered one of the classic 1990s slapstick comedies.

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle

Another classic comedy, this time in more of the "stoner comedy" vein. Two college friends see a commercial for White Castle which kicks off a crazy night.

Little Miss Sunshine

This dramedy follows the dysfunctional Hoover family as they try to get the youngest daugther to the Little Miss Sunshine Contest. It accurately depicts the limits in which your sanity can be pushed during a family road trip.

Another crime/romance road trip movie that follows a couple that goes on a killing spree through the South Dakota badlands. It is an exploration of the true story of Charles Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugate from the 1950s.

The Darjeeling Limited

More of a train trip than one in a car, but this story of three brothers travelling across India has a fantastic family dynamic that makes it one of the more endearing on this list.

A Goofy Movie

A wonderful animated film that was essential for those growing up in the 90s and early 2000s. This is the perfect movie to show your kids before you go on a road trip.

Another comedy, this Chris Farley and David Spade classic follows two brother traveling salesmen as they hit the road to try and save their family.

The Muppet Movie

Kermit the Frog gets ready for his career in Hollywood as he hits the road to California and meets all of the classic muppets that you know and love.

Thelma & Louise

This Ridley Scott classic is a perfect movie about friendship helping through unforeseen events and unfortunate circumstances.

Midnight Run

A bounty hunter heads on the road to try to find a Mafia accountant after he commits embezzlement. The two are also chased by the FBI, another bounty hunter and the accountants' former mob boss.

DYLAN SANDERS

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Where to Watch Ethan Coen's Road Trip Comedy Drive-Away Dolls

Ethan Coen's comedy film  Drive - Away Dolls  is set to hit streaming on Peacock and Blu-ray this month.

Hop into the front seat and catch Ethan Coen’s solo directorial debut Drive-Away Dolls on Peacock soon. The film hit theaters back in February and is set to stream exclusively on Peacock later this month.  It will also be available on digital and Blue-ray to add to your own collection with exclusive bonus features, including a sit down with the cast and filmmakers. 

What is Drive-Away Dolls about?

The road trip comedy is written by Academy Award winner Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke. The story follows two best friends Jamie (Margaret Qualley), an uninhibited free spirit bemoaning yet another breakup with a girlfriend, and her shy friend Marian (Geraldine Viswanathan). To shake things up, they decide to go on a road trip to Tallahassee in search of a new beginning, but as comedies have it, things quickly go awry when they cross paths with a group of inept criminals along the way. 

The movie has a 63 percent rating on  Rotten Tomatoes and has been praised for the “odd-couple” chemistry between Qualley and Viswanathan, visuals, and direction. This was a passion project for Coen and Cooke that was 20 years in the making according to the press release. 

Who stars in Drive Away Dolls ?

Drive-Away Dolls features an all-star cast. The movie cast includes Qualley and Viswanathan, but also Beanie Feldstein as Sukie, Colman Domingo as the chief, Pedro Pascal as Santos, and Bill Camp as Curlie. Further rounding off the cast are Joey Slotnick as Arliss, C. J. Wilson as Flint, Annie Gonzalez as Carla, Josh Flitter, and Matt Damon as Senator Gary Channel.

Drive-Away Dolls arrives on Peacock on April 12 and digital and Blu-ray will be available on April 23. 

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As a frequent guest on talk shows, podcasts, and festival Q&As, Quentin Tarantino has a bold opinion about seemingly every movie. Whether laudatory or critical, the Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill writer-director provokes the film community with his out-of-the-box takes that defy "normal" taste. As the unofficial voice of cinephilia in print and oral form, Tarantino's takes quickly become aggregated online and inspire a wave of revisionism surrounding a beloved classic or an under-the-radar gem. When observing Kevin Costner 's filmography, the average person is drawn to The Untouchables , Field of Dreams , and Dances With Wolves , but it was Fandango , Kevin Reynolds ' road trip dramedy featuring a pre-stardom Costner that Tarantino called "one of the best directorial debuts in the history of cinema." While unassuming from the outset, the 1985 film is an essential arc in Costner's career, as it teamed him up with one of his most vital collaborators.

'Fandango' Formed the Partnership Between Kevin Costner and Kevin Reynolds

With the recent release of the first chapter of Horizon: An American Saga , Costner's audacious four-part Western epic that may or may not be completed, many have been reexamining the actor-director's filmography. Much like Tarantino, Costner found unprecedented creative autonomy from the machinations of the studio system. Even if his ambition seems heedlessly oblivious to audience interests, he never shies away from his bold artistic instincts . With a career so expansive and dynamic, it is easy to skip past Fandango , a film that laid the groundwork for the storied figure we know today . The film follows five friends and impending college graduates from the University of Texas in 1971 who embark on one last hurrah, a road trip across the Mexican border amid the fears of an uncertain future in their prospective careers or the Vietnam War draft. Starring alongside Judd Nelson and Sam Robards , Fandango is a story about college friends convening to reflect on the past that Costner actually got to appear in, as he was notoriously cut from The Big Chill .

These Are the Most Badass 5 Minutes of a Kevin Costner Western

Five minutes of badassery set the tone for the epic journey that reignited the Western genre.

Kevin Reynolds, the newcomer writer and director of Fandango , would play a crucial role in Kevin Costner's career, for better or worse . On the one hand, Reynolds directed Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves , one of Costner's most financially successful movies to date, but on the flip side, he directed the notorious folly, Waterworld . The chaos of the expensive and bloated production of the film strained their friendship, as Reynolds walked away from the project during post-production due to Costner undermining his vision. Decades later, Costner and Reynolds patched things together and reunited for Hatfields & McCoys , the hit History Channel series that gave Costner a foothold in television before Yellowstone . Reynolds also did uncredited second-unit work for Costner's most triumphant success, Dances With Wolves , as he aided the direction of the film's most powerful sequence in the buffalo hunt.

The Impact That 'Fandango' Had on a Young Quentin Tarantino

Before Reynolds was a collaborator and on-and-off friend of Costner, he was a young and exciting filmmaker who drew the eye of Quentin Tarantino. In a July 1994 Vanity Fair feature story on the influential writer-director leading up to Pulp Fiction 's release, Tarantino's obsessive cinephilia is documented as he rattles off various movie scenes that have stuck with him over the years. Speaking a mile per minute, he makes one audacious assertion, where he claimed "Kevin Reynolds is going to be the Stanley Kubrick of his decade." This is a response to his overwhelming fondness for Fandango , a film Tarantino saw five times in theaters. " Fandango is one of the best directorial debuts in the history of cinema," he said. The film left a seismic imprint on the budding filmmaker, as he began dressing and talking like Costner's Gardner Barnes character. "I wanted to wear a filthy tuxedo and sleep and piss and barf and drink and sweat in a car going over the desert," Tarantino proudly said. He felt privileged to experience the magic of Costner at an indie level before he vaulted to the mainstream.

A road-trip dramedy in Fandango doesn't seem like Tarantino's cup of tea on the outside, but buried beneath the blood-soaked vengeance and daring escapades of his films are hangout movies, evident by the rapport between Jules and Vincent in Pulp Fiction and Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth in Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood . His adoration for the hangout movies by Howard Hawks outlines his appreciation for character-based storytelling. Tarantino initially cast Costner as ruthless plantation owner Calvin Candie's ( Leonardo DiCaprio ) right-hand man in Django Unchained , but the actor dropped out to pursue Hatfields & McCoys . Similar to Tarantino giving John Travolta a facelift for his screen persona, the unforeseen take on Costner would have thrived under Tarantino's writing and direction.

In a whimsical coming-of-age story set in the 1970s, five college friends embark on a road trip across the West Texas desert to dig up a time capsule they buried as students. Along the way, they confront their individual fears about the future and the realities of impending adulthood, finding laughter, romance, and life lessons in their misadventures.

Fandango is currently available to rent or buy on Prime Video in the U.S.

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Antiques Road Trip star Tim Medhurst's private life: from wife to job away from show

Coin expert tim is based in dorset.

Tim Medhurst is a regular fixture on our screens these days thanks to the BBC's popular daytime show, Antiques Road Trip , which sees pairs of antiques experts go head-to-head as they travel up and down the UK in search of treasures they can buy and sell at auction in the hopes of making the biggest profit.

Tim, who specialises in coins and antiquities, has been a favourite amongst viewers for several years. But how much do you know about his life away from the cameras? Find out all we know here…

Tim's antiques career 

Tim, who hails from Dorset, has been a much-loved member of the Antiques Road Trip team for a number of years and has also appeared on the celebrity version of the show.

The 33-year-old's area of expertise is coins and antiquities and he buys and sells them through his own business, Timothy Medhurst Coins and Antiquities . 

His passion for antiques started at a young age after his grandmother showed him a Victorian Crown coin she kept in a little music box. Tim was just nine years old at the time but says he was hooked immediately and knew he wanted to pursue a career where he could be surrounded by antiquities.

Before joining Antiques Road Trip , he worked for two leading auction houses for almost ten years and built up a reputation as an expert in the field before he was tapped by BBC to join the much-loved daytime show.

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Tim has been recognised for his work in the past, having been awarded 'Antiques Young Gun' of the year in 2013. He's also been involved in vetting major Antique Fairs, according to his website, and was a panellist at the prestigious Art Business Conference in 2017.

Tim's life away from the cameras

While Tim likes to keep his personal life out of the spotlight, we do know that he is married as he referenced his wife during an interview with The Blackmore Vale in 2021. 

When asked to name three items he would bring to a desert island for a year, he listed his wife, along with a book on Anglo-Saxon Sceatta coins and a Bear Grylls manual. How sweet!

He also revealed that his celebrity crush is the French actress Marion Cotillard. 

When he's not busy filming, Tim enjoys exploring the Dorset countryside and gardening at home, where he grows a variety of vegetables. 

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Taking to Instagram back in 2021, the expert shared a photo of his impressive basket of fresh produce, including potatoes, tomatoes and a large courgette. In the caption, he penned: "Some pickings this evening."

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