Embarking on a road trip is an adventure that often includes unforgettable experiences and self-discovery. It’s no wonder that road trips have been a popular theme in movies for decades. Here’s a list of 27 of the best road trip movies of all time, each offering a unique journey and a mix of comedy, drama, and adventure:
- Thelma & Louise (1991) – A classic road trip film starring Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon as two friends who set off on a journey that takes a dark turn.
- Easy Rider (1969) – A counterculture classic featuring Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper as two bikers traveling across the American Southwest.
- Little Miss Sunshine (2006) – A heartwarming and funny film about a dysfunctional family’s cross-country journey to a beauty pageant.
- Almost Famous (2000) – This film follows a young music journalist on tour with a rock band in the 1970s.
- Rain Man (1988) – Starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman, this road trip movie explores the relationship between two estranged brothers.
- National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) – The Griswold family’s misadventures while traveling to the fictional theme park, Walley World.
- The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) – Based on the travel journals of Che Guevara, this film follows his journey across South America.
- Sideways (2004) – A comedy-drama about two friends on a wine-tasting road trip in California’s wine country.
- Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987) – Steve Martin and John Candy star in this comedy about two travelers trying to get home for Thanksgiving.
- Into the Wild (2007) – The true story of a young man who abandons his possessions and sets out on a journey of self-discovery in the Alaskan wilderness.
- Y Tu Mamá También (2001) – A Mexican film about two friends and an older woman who embark on a road trip through the Mexican countryside.
- Wild (2014) – Reese Witherspoon stars as Cheryl Strayed, who hikes more than a thousand miles on the Pacific Crest Trail to heal from personal trauma.
- Dumb and Dumber (1994) – Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels play two dimwitted friends on a cross-country quest to return a lost briefcase.
- The Blues Brothers (1980) – A musical comedy that follows two brothers as they set out on a mission to save an orphanage.
- On the Road (2012) – Based on the novel by Jack Kerouac, this film explores the Beat Generation’s adventures on the road.
- The Way (2010) – A drama starring Martin Sheen as a father who walks the Camino de Santiago in Spain after his son’s death.
- Bound for Glory (1976) – A biographical film about Woody Guthrie’s journey as a folk singer during the Dust Bowl era.
- Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – A high-octane action film set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, featuring epic car chases and a relentless pursuit.
- Bonnie and Clyde (1967) – The story of the infamous criminal couple’s crime spree and escape across the country.
- Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974) – A drama-comedy about a widow’s journey as she moves to California with her young son to start a new life.
- Vacation (2015) – A sequel to the National Lampoon’s Vacation series, following the Griswold family on another hilarious misadventure.
- The Endless Summer (1966) – A classic documentary following two surfers as they travel the world in search of the perfect wave.
- Paper Moon (1973) – A comedy-drama about a con artist and a young girl who embark on a road trip during the Great Depression.
- Kalifornia (1993) – A thriller about a writer and his girlfriend who travel with a couple of strangers, not realizing they’re on a trip with serial killers.
- Bound to Glory (1976) – The biography of Woody Guthrie’s journey as a folk singer during the Dust Bowl era.
- Lost in America (1985) – A comedy about a couple who quit their jobs to travel the country in an RV, only to encounter unexpected challenges.
- Honeymoon (2014) – A newlywed couple’s honeymoon takes a dark turn during their secluded mountain cabin trip.
These road trip movies offer a diverse range of adventures, emotions, and themes, making them perfect for anyone seeking inspiration or entertainment while hitting the road or simply looking for a captivating cinematic journey.