20 incredible movies to enjoy when you need a break from the real world
Everyone deserves a break from time to time, don’t they? It’s an opportunity to unwind, bond with loved ones, and create unforgettable experiences. In films, though, getaways are seldom without tension. A trip provides the ideal setting for drama and plot development, placing characters in unfamiliar environments, limited spaces, and unexpected encounters, often leading them to behave in ways they wouldn’t at home. Many films showcase both delightful and disastrous vacations that captivate audiences.
The classic comedy film ‘National Lampoon’s Vacation’
National Lampoon’s Vacation, the iconic comedy film, follows the hilarious misadventures of the Griswold family as they embark on a chaotic cross-country road trip to the Walley World theme park. Packed with unforgettable moments and quirky characters, the movie captures the essence of family vacations gone awry, blending humor with heart. Clark Griswold’s relentless optimism and countless mishaps make it a timeless classic in the comedy genre.the most iconic of all holiday films,The classic ‘80s comedy launched a beloved franchise centered on the Griswold family. Clark Griswold, the well-meaning father, embarks on a road trip with his family to Walley World, only to face a series of hilarious mishaps. Despite Clark’s relentless optimism, the Griswolds’ adventure spirals into nonstop chaos. Starring Chevy Chase, the film achieved global success and paved the way for numerous sequels featuring the family’s misadventures.
A man struggles to move on after his girlfriend, Sarah Marshall, abruptly ends their relationship, leading to an emotional and comedic journey of self-discovery.
Struggling to Move On After Sarah Marshallstands out as one of the top raunchy romantic comedies from the 2000s. After Peter gets dumped by his famous TV star girlfriend, Sarah Marshall, he escapes to Hawaii for a getaway. To his surprise, Sarah is also at the same resort—with her new boyfriend in tow. Featuring Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, and others, this Hawaiian trip delivers plenty of cringe-worthy moments, outrageous humor, and unexpected love.
A Goofy Movie follows the adventures of Goofy and his son, Max, as they embark on an unexpected road trip. Their journey is filled with humor, heartwarming moments, and a mix of challenges that test their bond. Along the way, they encounter quirky characters and situations that bring them closer together. The film blends comedy, music, and heartfelt storytelling, capturing the essence of family and growing up. Through its lively animation and memorable soundtrack, A Goofy Movie delivers an entertaining and touching experience for audiences of all ages.
While it might not be widely remembered, Disney released a standalone film featuring Goofy in 1995. The story centers on Max, Goofy’s teenage son, who secures a date with his love interest, Roxanne. After making a bold promise to her, Max faces challenges in fulfilling it when his father drags him on a cross-country road trip. Packed with Goofy’s signature physical humor, eccentric side characters, and a soundtrack brimming with ‘90s hits, this movie stands as an underrated treasure in Disney’s vast collection.
“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”
Detective Benoit Blanc is back to unravel another mystery inGlass Onion: A Knives Out MysteryThis time, the intrigue unfolds on a luxurious Greek escape. Tech mogul Miles Bron gathers his affluent circle for a retreat on his secluded Greek island, but the trip takes a dark turn when one of them is found murdered. The idyllic holiday quickly descends into tension, distrust, and peril. Craig stars alongside an ensemble featuring Kate Hudson, Janelle Monáe, Dave Bautista, Edward Norton, and others.
“The Way Way Back” remains unchanged, as it is a proper noun and cannot be rewritten without altering its original meaning or context.
The coming-of-age film is set against the backdrop of summer vacation and the transformations that unfold during this time.The Way Way Back tells the story of a shy teenage boy named Duncan who spends a summer at a beach house with his mother, her overbearing boyfriend Trent, and Trent’s daughter Steph. Struggling to fit in, Duncan finds solace in an unexpected friendship with Owen, the charismatic manager of a nearby water park. Through his job at the park and Owen’s mentorship, Duncan gains confidence and begins to navigate the challenges of adolescence, family dynamics, and self-discovery. The film explores themes of personal growth, resilience, and the importance of finding one’s own path..Duncan is a reserved young man enduring the summer at a seaside home belonging to his mother’s domineering partner. Struggling to find his place in the community, he forms a connection with Owen, who runs a nearby water park. This heartwarming and humorous tale of adolescence stars notable actors such as Steve Carrell, Toni Collette, Sam Rockwell, and others.
“Speak No Evil”
A reimagining of the 2022 Danish movie with the identical title (which is also highly recommended),Speak No Evilportrays a vacation gone horribly wrong. An American and British couple bond during a trip, leading to an invitation for a weekend at the latter’s picturesque countryside home. What begins as a warm and welcoming visit quickly spirals into a terrifying ordeal. This movie serves as a stark warning against becoming too trusting of unfamiliar faces.
“Blink Two Times”
The first film directed by actress Zoë Kravitz,Blink Two Timesis a gripping tale woven with suspense, mistrust, and violence. After waitress Frida encounters tech mogul Slater King, he extends an invitation to his secluded island for a luxurious retreat. Amidst endless drinks and sun-drenched relaxation, Frida’s sense of reality unravels as eerie incidents begin to unfold.Blink Two Timesis not meant for the timid and even includes a warning at the beginning due to its intense content. The movie ventures into deeply unsettling territory.
“Barb and Star Travel to Vista Del Mar”
Crafted by the creative minds responsible forBridesmaids, Barb and Star head off to Vista Del Mar for their adventure.A hilarious comedy extravaganza featuring Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, who portray best pals Barb and Star. After leaving their quiet hometown for the first time, they embark on a vacation to Vista Del Mar, Florida. Their trip takes a wild turn as they get tangled in a high-stakes scheme filled with adventure, love, and a sinister antagonist. Bold, vibrant, and unapologetically extravagant, the movie delivers pure entertainment and a perfect escape from reality.
“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days”
The third installment of the franchise continues the story with the same intensity and drama as its predecessors. Fans of the series will find familiar themes and characters, while new twists keep the narrative fresh and engaging. The film stays true to the essence of the original, delivering a compelling experience that honors the legacy of the earlier movies.Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Dog Days,Greg Heffley aims to make this summer the best one yet, but things don’t turn out as he hoped. Instead of relaxing indoors with video games, Greg gets roped into a camping adventure and fibs to his family about working at the nearby country club. His schemes lead to a series of awkward and hilarious mishaps, often featuring his friend Rowley and his brother Rodrick. This installment is a fantastic choice for family enjoyment.
“Force Majeure”
An unforeseeable event or circumstance beyond one’s control that prevents the fulfillment of a contract.is a dark comedy film originating from Sweden“Triangle of Sadness” explores the dynamics of power, beauty, and wealth through the lens of a luxury cruise gone awry. The film delves into the absurdities of class hierarchy, exposing the fragility of social structures when chaos ensues. With sharp satire and dark humor, it critiques the superficial values that dominate contemporary society, revealing how quickly privilege can dissolve in the face of unpredictability. The narrative shifts between glamour and grotesquery, challenging perceptions of status and human nature.director Ruben Östlund. The movie depicts a Swedish family on holiday in the French Alps as an avalanche strikes. The father flees, while the mother remains to shield their kids, creating a rift within the family. The true catastrophe isn’t the avalanche but the ensuing familial conflicts and dynamics. Audiences might recognize the story from its American adaptation,Downhill, yet the initial version remains superior.
“Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation”
In the early stages of development, the project faced numerous challenges, including limited funding and a lack of skilled personnel. Despite these obstacles, the team remained committed to achieving their goals. Through innovative problem-solving and collaboration, they gradually overcame the difficulties. Over time, the project gained momentum, attracting additional resources and support from key stakeholders. This progress enabled the team to refine their approach and deliver impactful results, ultimately leading to the project’s success.Hotel Transylvania remains a vibrant and lively retreat where monsters and their families can unwind without fear of human interference. The luxurious resort, managed by Count Dracula, offers top-tier accommodations and entertainment tailored to supernatural guests. From lavish parties to relaxing spa treatments, Hotel Transylvania ensures an unforgettable experience for all its visitors. The hotel’s exclusive atmosphere and Dracula’s meticulous attention to detail make it the ultimate getaway for creatures seeking a break from their everyday lives.In the films, Dracula operates a hotel solely for creatures of the night. Yet, he eventually takes a well-deserved break inHotel Transylvania 3: Monster HolidayStruggling with the pressures of managing the hotel, Drac’s loved ones surprise him with a high-end monster-only cruise. Unbeknownst to them, the vessel is under the command of the Van Helsings, who despise monsters. The journey turns out to be far from relaxing, and frankly, Drac will need another getaway just to recover from this chaotic experience.
As the clock nears the final hour of the day, ‘Before Midnight’ unfolds.
The concluding installment of Richard Linklater’sBefore trilogy, As Midnight ApproachesJesse and Celine meet again for a final chapter, now as partners, traveling to Greece with their children and companions. During their final evening, they reflect on their past and ponder the state of their bond. The breathtaking Greek scenery serves as the perfect setting for the farewell of one of film’s most legendary pairs, as Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy’s magnetic connection remains as powerful as ever. A conclusion that couldn’t be more fitting.
“Call Me by Your Name”
Let Me Hear You Say My NameThis film captures the essence of a perfect summer romance, blending wistful longing with tender emotion. Elio spends the season at his family’s villa in Northern Italy, where he encounters Oliver, his father’s latest intern. A hidden affair blossoms between them, intense and fleeting, yet deeply heartfelt. A poignant exploration of first love, the movie enchants with breathtaking visuals that evoke a yearning to escape to the Italian countryside.
‘Our Adventures During the Vacation’
How We Spent Our VacationThis delightful British indie film features David Tennant, Rosamund Pike, and Billy Connolly. Doug and Abi, a married couple nearing separation, travel to Scotland with their kids for their grandfather’s birthday celebration. Hoping to keep their split a secret, their plans unravel when the children accidentally reveal the truth. Blending humor, heart, and unexpected sorrow, the movie shines with standout performances from its gifted young actors.
“Triangle of Sadness”
The darkly comedic film, which earned an Oscar nomination and won the Palme d’Or,“Triangle of Sadness” explores the dynamics of power, wealth, and beauty through the lens of a luxury cruise gone awry. The film delves into the absurdity of societal hierarchies as the passengers and crew face a series of chaotic events, exposing the fragility of their privileged world. With sharp satire and dark humor, it critiques the superficial values that dominate modern culture, revealing the instability beneath the surface of glamour and status.offers a bold and darkly comedic critique of societal class struggles and privilege. A group of affluent passengers embarks on an opulent cruise designed for the elite, showcasing extravagance and glamour. After the ship sinks unexpectedly, the survivors find themselves marooned on a remote island. The power dynamics flip, as the working-class staff seize control from their former patrons in the fight for survival.
“Mr. Bean’s Vacation”
Rowan Atkinson’s Mr. Bean remains one of the most iconic comedic figures in history, appearing in his second major motion picture,Mr. Bean’s VacationMr. Bean earns a vacation to Cannes and assists a child in finding his father. Along the way, he masters cycling and uncovers the true essence of love. Though it may not reach the brilliance of the original,Mr. BeanThe movie delivers a hilarious escapade packed with Atkinson’s trademark slapstick and exaggerated humor, staying true to the spirit of the series.
‘Aftersun’
AftersunSophie’s nostalgic and bittersweet recollection delves into childhood memories and the passage of time. Looking back on a vacation from two decades ago, when she was just eleven, she revisits the trip taken with her father. Struggling to piece together the enigma of the man he was, she grapples with the reality that his life extended far beyond parenthood, marked by unseen struggles. Beneath the serene surface of the resort they visited, unspoken tensions linger, brought to life by the flawless dynamic between Oscar-nominated Paul Mescal and rising star Frankie Corio.
‘Midsommar’
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Sweden and experiencing its cultural heritage firsthand, you might want to avoid watchingMidsommarThe movie traces Dani and Christian, a troubled pair who embark on a picturesque getaway to Sweden to partake in the nation’s renowned midsummer celebration. Initially a routine journey, it soon spirals into a brutal and unsettling ordeal. While the sun-drenched rural landscapes of Sweden are visually stunning, they starkly contrast with the raw and gruesome terror unfolding onscreen.
‘A Holiday in Rome’
Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck shine in the charming Hollywood masterpiece *Roman Holiday*. Their captivating performances bring the timeless story to life, making it a beloved favorite for generations. The film’s enchanting blend of romance and adventure, set against the picturesque backdrop of Rome, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Hepburn’s grace and Peck’s charisma create an unforgettable on-screen pairing that remains iconic in cinema history. *Roman Holiday* stands as a testament to the golden age of Hollywood, offering a perfect escape into a world of elegance and whimsy.A holiday in RomeIn the film, Hepburn portrays Princess Ann, a royal on a European tour whose opulent existence feels stifling. After breaking free, she encounters American journalist Joe Bradley in Rome and is charmed by him. The movie effortlessly captures the city’s allure, inspiring audiences to visit as Hepburn and Peck zip through the streets on a Vespa. Hepburn earned an Academy Award for her performance.
‘Us’
People often claim that you are your own greatest adversary, and this idea gains a fresh perspective in Jordan Peele’sUsThe Wilson family travels to Santa Cruz, California, for a vacation, lodging in Adelaide’s childhood home, where her mother once lived. During their stay, they are assaulted by mysterious red-clad invaders who eerily resemble their exact doubles. Blending chilling suspense with sharp societal observations, the movie delivers an intense experience, highlighted by Lupita Nyong’o’s remarkable portrayal of dual roles.
Alyssa De Leo is an independent writer living in Melbourne, Australia. With a background in media and screenwriting, her work has been featured at the Melbourne International Film Festival. She is passionate about crafting stories for film and television, as well as developing her own creative projects.
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