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.
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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.
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)
Paramount
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)
Paramount
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)
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.
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)
Getty Images
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)
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.
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.
