Maybe a rainy day has you stuck inside your trailer, cut off from the wild adventures that inspired you to rent a rig in the first place.
Or maybe other commitments have you sitting at home, dreaming of the next time you’ll get to adventure in a motorhome or travel trailer.
No matter what the case, every once in a while there’s nothing like a good old road trip movie. They can inspire you … or at least help you to know that you’re not alone when your trip descends into chaos.
But not all road trip movies are created equally. Anyone who’s ever scrolled through Netflix knows the choices can get overwhelming.
In this post, we’ll share some of the best road trip movies. By the end, you’ll have a menu of films to choose from the next time you’re hankering for high adventure you can enjoy from the comfort of your couch.
So grab some popcorn, unfurl your favorite throw blanket, and get cozy! Here are some of our favorite movies about people on the go.
Best Road Trip Movies
Here are some of the most beloved movies about being on the road.
1. Vacation (1983)
We can’t get into this series of movies without mentioning the granddaddy of them all. Clark, Ellen, Rusty, and Audrey embark on a vacation together with plans for some serious family bonding. They get Cousin Eddie, dead Aunt Edna, and the complete unraveling of a dad who just wants a nice trip with his kids. But while it’s a movie about families, and one many parents can relate to, the R rating makes it suitable for teens and up.
2. Cars (2006)
This now-classic Disney movie about hot shot Lightning McQueen, who finds his better side when he’s stranded in a small town off Route 66, is a sweet movie to watch with the entire family. And the playlist makes an epic soundtrack for your next actual road trip.
3. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
While Little Miss Sunshine may look like a stereotypical family road trip flick on its surface, anyone who’s ever watched it can attest to the film’s unique screenwriting and phenomenal performances. The film was nominated for four Oscars, two Golden Globes, and a slew of BAFTA Film and Screen Actors Guild Awards. It took home the 2007 Academy Awards for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role as well as Best Writing in an Original Screenplay. (In other words: it’s well worth watching if you haven’t yet!)
4. Into the Wild
You can’t exactly put this on a list of camping “vacation” movies. Chris McCandless’s incredible journey is just as much work as it is play, and it comes to a heartbreaking end.
But if you’re looking for an indie travel film that’ll make you clutch your loved ones close and feel grateful for all you have, move “Into the Wild” to the top of your list.
5. The Bucket List (2007)
When wealthy Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and modest-means mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) find themselves sharing a hospital room, they realize they have no time to waste. In the face of their own mortality, the two men team up to go on an epic adventure. They aim to see and experience all the things they’ve placed on their “bucket lists” before it’s too late.
Although the film received mixed reviews from critics, The Bucket List has been considered a popular favorite since its release.
6. Stagecoach (1939)
Not all of the best road trip movies are modern ones. In fact, some old classics are classics for a reason, and John Ford’s Stagecoach is no exception. This groundbreaking film follows 12 unique passengers riding the Overland stagecoach bound for Lordsburg, New Mexico, in the 1880s. Among characters like the drunken philosopher and the timid salesman, an escaped outlaw hides in their midst — the Ringo Kid, played by none other than John Wayne himself. The film is based on a short story by Ernest Haycox called “The Stage to Lordsburg,” which was released two years before the film.
7. Thelma & Louise (1991)
Easily one of the most famous and well-celebrated road movies of all time, Thelma & Louise follows the title characters as they take on an epic road trip. It starts as a whim and ends up becoming an all-out pursuit when Louise is threatened by a predator. With their sights set on Mexico, the two take off — with some of the most iconic and beautiful American landscapes disappearing in the rearview mirror along the way.
8. RV (2006)
We couldn’t write a post about road trip movies for RVers without including this classic! Released back in 2006, RV stars none other than Robin Williams, who plays the lovably goofy Bob Munro. He and his family encounter all sorts of adventures in the RV they rented for a family trip to the Rockies.
9. Man of the House
The 90s were the golden age of cheesy, family-friendly movies. This one, featuring Chevy Chase, Farrah Fawcett, and super-young Jonathan Taylor Thomas, doesn’t disappoint. Plus, the pivotal scenes take place during a camping trip, so it’s perfect for a quiet night in after enjoying an evening by the campfire!
