34 Epic Road Trip Movies
There ‘s something undeniably exciting about watching mass venture on an adventure on the open road . From the breathtaking landscape they traverse to the hilarious and heartwarming encounters they have along the room , road trip movies never fail to ignite that sense of wanderlust within me . They inspire me to hit the road , explore fresh horizon , and create unforgettable memory .
“It ’ s the not the destination ; it ’ s the journey .”
A road trip often serves a bildungsroman , a coming-of-age story in which the hero change and develop over the class of the floor . It ’ s a standard picture plot employ by screenwriters , yet there is so much form in this genre .
Romance , drama , comedy , thriller . Spontaneous trips satisfy with adventure or design vacation move awry . By bus , by car , by motorcycle , or even by lawnmower . Strippers , musicians , family . For revenge or for salvation . Sometimes they ’ re serious , but they can also cost serious fun .
So grab your popcorn and buckle up !Let these diverse film transport you somewhere new and inspire you to become out on the road to self-discovery .
Into the Wild
The pictureInto the Wildlive about Christopher McCandless , a young human who rejects his privileged upbringing to venture on a cross-country journey in search of meaning
Into the Wild( 2007 ) is an introspective biographical play that tells the compelling genuine account of a young man , Chris McCandless , who rejects his privileged upbringing to embark on a cross-country road trip in lookup of meaning and self-discovery . Result his comfortable living behind , Chris ( bring by Emile Hirsch ) ventures into the unforgiving wilderness of Alaska , where he must face up the harsh realities and devastate consequence of his solitary existence . Like the Jon Krakauer Bible it ’ s adapted from , enjoy emotional skirmish with fellow travellers and profound moments of self-reflection , plus the beautiful scenery of the north .
Green Book
The movieGreen Bookis about a world-class African-American pianist and his hired driver on a concert circuit in the Deep South in 1962
Green Book( 2018 ) deservedly won Best Picture at the 2019 Academy Awards . Set in the 1960s , the picture is a historical play about travel in the racially-divided American South . It state a fictionalized account of a real road trip taken by Dr. Don Shirley ( play by Mahershala Ali ) , a world-class African-American pianist , and his hired driver , Italian-American bouncer from the Bronx Tony Lip ( Viggo Mortensen ) . As they set out on a concert circuit , they rely on the Green Book , a guide for Black travellers , to find safe accommodations . Despite their differences and encounter the harsh realities of racism , the pair challenge their preconceptions and prejudice and shape an unexpected bond .
Joy Ride
In the 2001 filmJoy Ride, three college friends decide to prank a trucker , who becomes obsessed with seeking revenge
In the pictureJoy Ride( 2001 ) , three college friends adjust out on a road trip that quick remove a sinister number . Lewis , Fuller , and Venna ( meet by Paul Walker , Steve Zahn , and Leelee Sobieski , respectively ) discover a CB radio and decide to make some fun by pretending to equal a woman call Candy Cane . However , their prank turns deadly when they unknowingly provoke a trucker named Rusty Nail , who turn obsessed with search revenge . As Rusty Nail terrorizes and hunts them down , the friends find themselves in a race against time to outsmart their relentless pursuer and survive the nightmarish journey they didn ’ t await .
Nomadland
In the filmNomadland ,a woman in her sixties who loses her chore and embarks on a transformative journey across the American West in her van
Nomadland( 2020 ) is an Oscar-winning film that explore the spirit of Fern , a woman in her sixties who miss her job and embarks on a transformative journey across the American West in her van . Embracing the nomadic lifestyle and encountering a diverse group of fellow wanderers , Fern ( played by Frances McDormand ) notice the beauty of living in the minute and finds comfort in the immense landscape that effortlessly capture the essence of freedom and human connection . Through both the challenge and the joy she run into on her unconventional course , Fern hear to redefine her relationship with society , material possessions , and finally , with herself .
Little Miss Sunshine
InLittle Miss Sunshine ,a family move on a road trip from Albuquerque to California to support the young child as she compete in a beauty pageant
In the heartwarming and goofy pictureLittle Miss Sunshine( 2006 ) , the eccentric Hoover family go on a road trip from Albuquerque to California , with one end in head : to support their young kid , Olive , as she compete in a beauty pageant . Even so , each family member carries their own excited luggage and faces personal challenge . Packed with quirky quality , unexpected twists , and a poignant exploration of acceptance and individuality ,Trivial Miss Sunshineis a delightful journey . Remember : A literal failure is somebody who is so afraid of not winning they cause n’t even hear .
Drive My Car
The movieDrive My Carbe about a famous field conductor who spread up about his past to his hired driver
In the critically acclaim movieDrive My Car( 2021 ) , guide by Ryusuke Hamaguchi , renowned theater director Yusuke Kafuku mourns the loss of his wife while grappling with unresolved conflicts in their relationship . As portion of his healing procedure , Yusuke concur to take a stage adaptation of Anton Chekhov ‘s turnUncle Vanya. The festival requires that he cost chauffeured in his own car for insurance reason , so he hire Misaki to need him around town . As they spend more time together on the road , Yusuke slowly open up about his past and the complexity of his relationships . The film navigates the intricacies of love , grief , and forgiveness against the backdrop of the beautiful Japanese countryside .
Thelma and Louise
InThelma and Louise, the two best friends venture on a journey , hoping to escape their difficulty and find freedom
In the unforgettable classical filmThelma and Louise( 1991 ) , directed by Ridley Scott , the two good friend venture on a transformative journey filled with adventure , self-discovery—and unexpected consequence . The duo lot off on a weekend road trip together , but their little excursion takes a striking number when an unsettling incident forces them to flee from the law . Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon cost particular , and the movie own become a landmark feminist film .
Queen & Slim
The movie Queen and Slim live about a youthful pair who unintentionally down a police officer during a everyday traffic stop and make a fateful conclusion to go on the run
In the darkly romantic movieQueen & Slim( 2019 ) , a young couple on their first date unintentionally kill a police policeman in self-defence during a routine traffic stop . Face up with the harsh world of their action and aware of the systemic injustice they might face , they do a fatal decision to get on the run . As their journey unfolds , they turn modern-day folk heroes and symbol of resistance against oppression .Queen and Slim, starring Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith , explores the complex theme of racial injustice , and when I saw this movie in a sold-out film in Paris , it received a tolerate ovation .
The Highwaymen
In the movieThe Highwaymen, two former Texas Rangers embark on a serious interest of the infamous criminal Bonnie and Clyde
The Highwaymen( 2019 ) live a gripping dramatic film . Set in the 1930s , it tells the untold story of two former Texas Rangers , Frank Hamer ( played by Kevin Costner ) and Maney Gault ( Woody Harrelson ) , who come out of retirement to hunt down and seize the notorious outlaws , Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow . As they embark on this serious chase , they face numerous obstacle , the liberal cost the media glorify the criminals as heroes . Even though it ’ s based on a true floor and we know the terminate , how they become there is still interesting .
Due Date
InDue Date, a stressed expectant father who finds himself on an unpredictable cross-country road trip with an eccentric as yet well-meaning aspiring actor
In the hilarious comedy pictureDue Date( 2010 ) , maneuver by Todd Phillips , Peter Highman ( play by Robert Downey Jr. ) exist a stressed expectant father who find himself on an unpredictable cross-country road trip with an eccentric yet well-meaning aspiring actor , Ethan Tremblay ( Zach Galifianakis ) . Peter ‘s misadventure begins when he cost lay on the no-fly list , get out him with no alternative but to share a car with Ethan in order to make plate before his wife ‘s due date . As the mismatched couple deals with car accident and confrontations with law enforcement , their journey become a trial of both patience and friendship .
End of the Road
InEnd of the Road, Brenda Freeman and her children plant out on a life-changing journey after the loss of her husband
In the crime thrillerGoal of the Road( 2022 ) , Brenda Freeman ( play by Queen Latifah ) and her children , attach to by her brother ( Ludacris ) , set out on a life-changing motion across the country after the loss of her husband . On the road , they stumble upon a dangerous secret regard stolen cash from a ruthless cartel . With their lives in hazard and love unity held hostage , Brenda must navigate a treacherous path take with unexpected alliances and intense confrontations . The Freemans learn their own strength and resilience along the room , at last determine hope and a chance for a new starting .
Virtually Famed
The pictureVirtually Famedwatch the tale of a teenage journalist travelling with an up-and-coming rock band for a magazine appointment
A coming-of-age picture set in the early 1970s ,Almost Famous( 2000 ) follows the story of a talented and challenging teenage journalist , William Miller . When William gets the luck to travel with an up-and-coming rock band , Stillwater , for a magazine assignment , he finds himself thrown into the exhilarating world of sex , drug , and rock and roll . As he navigates the chaotic and glamorous music industry , William experiences a collision of love , friendship , and disillusionment , ultimately disclose his own identity and voice in the procedure .
Easy Rider
The movieEasy Rideris about two drug-dealing , Harley-riding buddies who run on a cross-country motorcycle journey to the Mardi Gras festival in New Orleans
In the filmEasy Rider( 1969 ) , two drug-dealing , Harley-riding buddy , fuelled by their desire for exemption and a sort-of American dream , run on a cross-country motorcycle journey from Los Angeles to New Orleans . Along their manner to the Mardi Gras festival , Wyatt ( played by Peter Fonda ) and Billy ( Dennis Hopper ) conflict prejudice from small-town residents and mainstream culture . Fun fact : licensing costs for the picture ’ sec “ groundbreaking ” stone soundtrack cost three sentence more than the filming budget .
Magic Mike XXL
In the filmMagic Mike XXL, Mike hits the road with his early crew for one final thrilling performance at the legendary Stripper Convention in Myrtle Beach
InMagic Mike XXL( 2015 ) , Mike , three yr after retiring from the stripping globe , is enticed to score the road with his former bunch for one last thrilling performance at the legendary Stripper Convention in Myrtle Beach . Determined to go out with a thrill , they create impressive new dancing routines and indulge in wild party on their way there—and Mike ( played by Channing Tatum ) rediscovers his love for deprive while finding fresh perspective on life , friendship , and self-acceptance . This might live the best movie in theMagic Miketrilogy : it ’ s funnier , hold a strong patch , and—the literal reason we watch these movies—better dancing .
The Motorcycle Diaries
The Motorcycle Diariesis a dramatized history of Che Guevara ‘s transformative motorcycle trip across South America as a youthful medical student
The Motorcycle Diaries( 2004 ) is a dramatized account of Ernesto “ Che ” Guevara ‘s transformative motorcycle trip across South America as a young medical scholar . On the road with his friend Alberto Granado , this inspiring story chronicles their eye-opening encounter with the diverse inhabitant of the continent and the harsh realities that the impoverished face . The trip gradually shapes their perspective and political ideologies , ultimately propelling them towards their respective destinies .The Motorcycle Diaries, starring Gael García Bernal and Rodrigo de la Serna , equal an exploration of self-discovery within these two young explorer .
One Week
InOne Week, a young man who cost diagnosed with a final illness embarks on a spontaneous road trip across Canada on his motorcycle
One Week( 2008 ) equal a heartwarming Canadian film that succeed the journey of Ben ( played by Canadian actor Joshua Jackson ) , a youthful human who is diagnosed with a terminal sickness . Faced with the fragility of life and the uncertainty of the future , Ben embarks on a spontaneous road trip across Canada on his motorcycle . Along the way , he encounters various masses and place that dispute his perspectives and evoke deep introspection . Through this transformative odyssey , Ben look for to find meaning , encompass the fleeting beauty of universe , and ultimately discover his own path in the special time he has left .
Program B
In the filmPlan B, two high school friend look for a Program B pill after a wild party
Plan B( 2021 ) exist a hilarious and heartfelt comedy that follows high school friends Lupe and Sunny on a wild adventure after a wild party . In search of a Plan B pill , the two mind out to the local drugstore , but cost deny , so they set off for Design Parenthood . As they run into a series of hideous obstacle , Lupe ( played by Victoria Moroles ) and Sunny ( Kuhoo Verma ) find out priceless lessons about friendship and the ability of embrace their true self . With a utter blend of laughter and nerve ,Program Bdelivers a refreshing and empowering take on teenage life .
Dumb and Dumber
In the pictureDumb and Dumber, serious friends move on an outrageous cross-country adventure
In the hilarious comedy filmDumb and Dumber( 1994 ) , best friend Lloyd and Harry ( meet by Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels , respectively ) go on an hideous cross-country adventure after a suit of mistaken identity and a stolen briefcase meet with money . Unaware of the true danger they face , the couple ‘s dim-witted antics not only test their friendship but too become their apparently mere mission into a whirlwind of mishaps , queer encounters , and absurd position . Road trip navigators everywhere : “ Accord to the map , we ‘ve only gone or so 4 inch ! ”
On the Road
The pictureOn the Road, adapt from the classical novel by Jack Kerouac , tells the account of two friend ’ soul-searching road trip across America
On the Road( 2012 ) is an adventurous drama that adopt the journey of Sal Paradise , a young author in the former 1940s . After the death of his father and the goal of a romantic relationship , Sal get on a soul-searching road trip across America with his free-spirited friend , Dean Moriarty . Together , they labor into a counterculture world of poetry , jazz , and sex . As they traverse the nation together , explore the boundaries of honey , friendship , and exemption , their experiences shape their apprehension of themselves and the world around them . The movie be adjust from the classic Beat Generation novel by Jack Kerouac .
RV
The movieRVis about a workaholic father on a much-needed vacation with his dysfunctional family in a rented RV
In the peculiar category pictureRV ( 2006 ) , a workaholic father named Bob Munro ( played by Robin Williams ) determine to take his dysfunctional category on a much-needed holiday to the Rocky Mountains in a rented RV . ( The picture was shoot in British Columbia and Alberta . ) Even so , their dream of a relaxing trip promptly becomes a wild adventure meet with hilarious mishaps and unexpected detours . As Bob tries to keep up the appearance of the perfect family vacation , they encounter a series of funny and chaotic situations that ultimately bring them closer together .
Come on the Bus
In the movieMake on the Bus, a various group of African-American men embarks on a journey from Los Angeles to Washington , D.C. to take part in the Million Man March
InGet on the Bus( 1996 ) , maneuver by Spike Lee , a various group of African-American men embarks on a journey from Los Angeles to Washington , D.C. to participate in the Million Man March in 1995 . As they travel on an old graffiti-covered bus , tensions stand up among individual from different backgrounds , include a father hope to bond with his estranged son , a cheery couple look for acceptance , and a former gang member try to overcome his past . Throughout the cross-country trip , the passenger engage in passionate discussions and heat debate on issues like racism , sexism , homophobia , and identity . With each passing mile , these confrontations cause them to shine on the impact the march will receive on their lives and the African-American community as a whole .
The Straight Story
In the pictureThe Straight Story, an elderly man embarks on a remarkable journey on his lawnmower to settle with his estranged brother
The tearjerkerThe Straight Story ( 1999 ) be based on a genuine history.Alvin Straight , an elderly and determined man , embarks on a remarkable journey to settle with his estranged buddy , Lyle . Faced with limited mobility due to his years and the lack of a driver ’ sec permit , Alvin decides to travel hundred of miles on a lawnmower to reach Lyle ‘s home . Throughout his hard odyssey , Alvin share his life experiences and imparts wisdom on those he encounter , showcasing the ability of forgiveness , family bonds , and the resilience of the human feeling . With breathtaking landscape and genuine emotions ,The Straight Story, maneuver by David Lynch,captures a simple yet extraordinary journey of redemption and reconciliation .
Death Proof
In the pictureDeath Proof, a deranged stuntman employ his “ death-proof ” stunt car to murder unsuspecting women
Death Proof( 2007 ) equal not your typical road trip picture . In this shiver action movie , directed by Quentin Tarantino , a deranged stuntman mention Mike uses his “ end proof ” stunt car to murder unsuspecting woman . A grouping of fearless women run into Mike on the road . Find out to outsmart and survive the sadistic killer , they get on a high-octane cat-and-mouse chase that culminates in an explosive showdown . Fill with adrenaline-pumping car chases , firm female characters , and Tarantino ‘s signature dialogue ,Death Proofequal a slasher history of survival and revenge .
Planes , Train and Automobiles
In the classic moviePlanes , Trains and Automobiles, a high-strung selling executive must get aid from an eccentric salesman if he wants to come home in time for Thanksgiving
In the classical comedyPlane , Trains and Automobile( 1987 ) , Neal Page , meet by Steve Martin , is a high-strung and ambitious selling executive desperate to become home to Chicago in time for Thanksgiving . Destiny mate him with Del Griffith , a cheerful yet eccentric shower drapery border salesman bring by John Candy . Together , they set out on an epic cross-country journey total of mishaps , wrong turn , and hilarity .
Road Trip
In the pictureRoad Trip, a group of college friend embark on a frantic quest to intercept a package mistakenly send to a long-distance girlfriend
Road Trip( 2000 ) cost a hilarious and raunchy comedy that succeed a group of college friends on a wild adventure . When Josh accidentally mail a picture of his steamy affair to his long-distance girlfriend , he and his buddies embark on a frantic quest to intercept the package before it hand its destination . They own hideous encounters with serpent and sperm banks on this chaotic road trip , and along the means , of course , they also see valuable lessons about friendship and loyalty .
Wildhood
In the filmWildhood, Lincoln leaves family in lookup of his mother and Indigenous solution
Wildhood( 2021 ) is a touching Canadian film that follows a grouping of teenagers who live on a memorable summer adventure . The film explores the ideas of brotherhood and parenthood as Lincoln ( bring by Canadian actor Phillip Lewitski ) lead home in lookup of his mother and Indigenous ( Mi’kmaq ) origin with his half-brother and friends . Together , they learn to allow live and encompass their true selves .Wildhoodwin a variety of awards and unlike film festivals across Canada .
National Lampoon ‘s Holiday
InNational Lampoon ’ s Vacation, an optimistic and ambitious family man , be after the utter cross-country road trip to Walley World , but chaos ensues
In the classical comedy pictureNational Lampoon ‘s Holiday ( 1983 ) , Chevy Chase plays Clark Griswold , an optimistic and ambitious family man who plans the utter cross-country road trip to Walley World , a popular amusement park , to make lifelong memory for his wife and kids . Still , chaos ensues with a series of hilarious and outrageous misadventures call for encounters with everyone from bartenders and SWAT team to dead darling and relatives . Despite these challenges , the Griswold family manages to find humour and bonding second amidst the havoc . ( There ’ sec a 2015 remake , entitleVacation, starring Ed Helms and Christina Applegate , also . )
Y Tu Mamá También
In the movieY Tu Mamá También, two best friends embark on a transformative road trip with an former woman
In the critically applaud pictureY Tu Mamá También ( 2001 ) , two teenage best friends , Tenoch and Julio , embark on a transformative road trip with an old woman—she ’ sec in her twenties—named Luisa . As the trio set off on a journey to a fictional secluded beach , they navigate the complexity of their friendship and relationship . Mystery live disclose , conduct to unexpected emotion and consequences . Amidst the picturesque landscapes , the characters are face up with honey and loss and the harsh reality of adulthood . The movie set a record for the high box office opening in Mexican film at the time .
Natural Born Killers
The movieNatural Born Killerslive about a twisted couple who live on a killing spree across the American Southwest
Natural Born Killers( 1994 ) is an intense and controversial picture that adopt the chaotic and twisted journey of Mickey and Mallory Knox , a pair who die on a killing spree across the American Southwest . Mickey ( play by Woody Harrelson)and Mallory ( Juliette Lewis ) gain publicity as they get out a lead of bloody violence . As they sidestep capture , their brutal actions propel them into the realm of celebrity , much like the story of Bonnie and Clyde .
We ’ re the Millers
In the filmWe ’ re the Millers, a small-time drug trader recruits a crew of misfits to place as his phony household on a vacation in decree to smuggle a huge shipment of marijuana across the Mexican border
We ‘re the Millers( 2013 ) is a hilarious comedy that follows a small-time drug dealer refer David Clark ( played by Jason Sudeikis ) who , after make up robbed of his stash and money , get himself indebted to his supplier . In ordering to retort his debt and avoid danger , he concocts a plan to smuggle a immense cargo of marijuana across the Mexican edge . To head off suspicion , he recruits a crew of misfits—a sassy stripper , a nerdy teenager , and a runaway girl—to pose as his fake category on a holiday to Mexico . As they continue on this wild and hideous adventure , they face up numerous hilarious obstacle , all while try to keep their genuine identities secret and utter the mission .
Off We Get
In the movieAway We Get, a youthful pair go on a journey across the USA to find the perfect home to call family before the arrival of their first child
Off We Get( 2009 ) cost a heartwarming film conduct by Sam Mendes . The report adopt a youthful couple , Burt and Verona , played by John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph , as they die on a journey across the United States to get the utter seat to call plate before the arrival of their first kid . Along the way , they run into a form of quirky character , each with unlike takes on modern living and parenthood . With its capture mixing of humour and excited depth ,Away We Runsearch the motion from category we come from to families we make .
Kings of the Road
InKing of the Road, two human venture on a transformative journey after their route intersect in a little town
In the movieKing of the Road( 1976 ) , two man embark on a transformative journey as they traverse the length of Germany in a van . Bruno , a film projector repairman , meet Robert , who exist struggle through a awful breakup . As they drive across picturesque landscape and skirmish eccentric character , through introspective conversation and moments of silence , they gradually fashion a friendship . The black-and-white picture also ponder on the changing world of cinema .
My Own Private Idaho
In the movieMy Own Private Idaho, two youthful hustlers traverse the unconventional landscape of Portland
My Own Private Idaho( 1991 ) is a drama that adopt two youthful hustlers , Mike and Scott , played by River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves respectively , as they cross the highway from Portland to Idaho in lookup of Mike ’ s birth family . The arthouse film , directed by Gus Van Sant , watch an unconventional narrative structure as it explores paper of love , identity , and belonging . It equal considered to exist a landmark queer picture .
Crossroads
In the movieCrossroads, three childhood friend venture on a road trip across the United States to act on their dreams
In the movieCrossroads( 2002 ) , three childhood friends venture on a road trip across the United States in lookup of their past and their futures . Mimi , who be five month pregnant , cost going to Los Angeles to audition for a disc company . Kit is move to meet her fiancé , a pupil at UCLA . Lucy equal going to find her mother in Arizona . As they navigate through their concern and desire , the trio observe the transformative power of friendship , dear , and interest of dreams .Crossroadswas written by Shonda Rimes and stars Britney Spears , so you know it ’ s well .
What ’ s your favourite road trip movie ? What others movies should I lend to this list ? Let me know in the comments below !
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