There are few things more exciting than planning a road trip. Whether you’re going cross-country or just to the next state over, there’s something about packing up the car and hitting the open road that gets the adrenaline flowing. And what better way to get pumped for your own journey than by watching some of the best road trip movies out there?
Here are 15 of the best road trip movies of all time:
Table of Contents
1. Thelma & Louise (1991)
This classic film stars Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon as two friends who embark on a road trip that quickly goes off the rails. Thelma & Louise is equal parts funny and suspenseful, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. It’s also a powerful story about female friendship and empowerment, which makes it all the more enjoyable to watch.
2. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
No list of road trip movies would be complete without National Lampoon’s Vacation. This comedy follows the Griswold family as they travel across country to visit America’s “favorite family vacation spot,” Walley World. Along the way, they encounter plenty of mishaps and hilarity ensues. If you need a good laugh, this is definitely the movie for you.
3. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Little Miss Sunshine is another hilarious film that will have you laughing from start to finish. It follows a dysfunctional family who pile into their VW bus to drive cross-country so that their young daughter can compete in a beauty pageant. With an outstanding cast that includes Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear, and Alan Arkin, it’s no wonder this movie was a critical and commercial success.
4. Sideways (2004)
If you’re looking for a more low-key film, then Sideways is worth checking out. This dramedy follows two middle-aged friends who take a week-long road trip through California’s wine country before one of them gets married. It’s a charming film with great scenery and even better wine, so it’s perfect for anyone who loves food and drink movies.
5. Due Date (2010)
Zach Galifianakis and Robert Downey Jr.’star in this oddball buddy comedy about an expectant father who rushes cross-country to make it back in time for his child’s birth. Hilarity (and plenty of hijinks) ensue as these two unlikely companions try to make their way from Atlanta to Los Angeles together. If you’re looking for some lighthearted fun, Due Date is definitely worth watching.”
6. The Hangover (2009)
Speaking of Zach Galifianakis, he also stars in The Hangover, another road trip movie with plenty of laughs. This time around, he’s joined by Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms as they try to piece together the events of a wild night in Las Vegas that resulted in the disappearance of their friend (Mike Tyson makes a cameo appearance as himself). If you haven’t seen this film yet, it’s definitely worth checking out – just be prepared for some R-rated humor.
7. Rain Man (1988)
Rain Man is a classic road trip movie that’ll make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. It stars Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman as two estranged brothers who hit the road together after their father’s death. While their relationship starts off rocky, the two eventually form a bond as they learn more about each other – and themselves. If you’re looking for a feel-good film, Rain Man is definitely it.
8. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
The Shawshank Redemption is one of the most popular films of all time for a reason – it’s simply outstanding. While it doesn’t technically qualify as a road trip movie (unless you count the journey from prison to freedom), it’s still worth mentioning here. This film follows Andy Dufresne (played by Tim Robbins), a man who is wrongly convicted of murder and sent to Shawshank State Prison. While there, he forms an unlikely friendship with Red (Morgan Freeman), and the two help each other survive the harsh realities of prison life. If you haven’t seen this film yet, do yourself a favor and watch it ASAP – you won’t be disappointed.
9. Into the Wild (2007)
Into the Wild is based on a true story and follows Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch) as he sets out on a journey across America after graduating from college. He quickly abandons his possessions and gives away his entire savings account to charity, choosing instead to live off the land and experience life in its purest form. While his story doesn’t have a happy ending, Into the Wild is nonetheless an inspiring film about following your dreams and living life on your own terms.”
10. Dumb & Dumber (1994)
Dumb & Dumber is another classic comedy that will have you laughing from start to finish. It stars Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels as two dim-witted friends who embark on a cross-country road trip to return a briefcase full of money to its rightful owner. Along the way, they get into all sorts of trouble but always manage to come out on top – well, sort of. If you’re in need of some lighthearted entertainment, this is definitely the movie for you.”
11. Thelma & Louise(1991)
“This classic film stars Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon as two friends who embark on a road trip that quickly goes off the rails. Thelma & Louise is equal parts funny and suspenseful, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. It’s also a powerful story about female friendship and empowerment, which makes it all the more enjoyable to watch.”
12. National Lampoon’s Vacation(1983)
“No list of road trip movies would be complete without National Lampoon’s Vacation. This comedy follows the Griswold family as they travel across country to visit America’s “favorite family vacation spot,” Walley World. Along the way, they encounter plenty of mishaps and hilarity ensues.”
13. Little Miss Sunshine(2006)
“Little Miss Sunshine is another hilarious film that will have you laughing from start to finish. It follows a dysfunctional family who pile into their VW bus to drive cross-country so that their young daughter can compete in a beauty pageant. With an outstanding cast that includes Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear, and Alan Arkin, it’s no wonder this movie was a critical and commercial success.”
14. Sideways(2004)
“If you’re looking for a more low-key film, then Sideways is worth checking out. This dramedy follows two middle-aged friends who take a week-long road trip through California’s wine country before one of them gets married. It’s a charming film with great scenery and even better wine, so it’s perfect for anyone who loves food and drink movies.”
15. Due Date(2010)
“Zach Galifianakis and Robert Downey Jr.’star in this oddball buddy comedy about an expectant father who rushes cross-country to make it back in time for his child’s birth. Hilarity (and plenty of hijinks) ensue as these two unlikely companions try to make their way from Atlanta to Los Angeles together. If you’re looking for some lighthearted fun, Due Date is definitely worth watching.”
Whether you’re looking for laughs or a feel-good story, there’s a road trip movie out there for you. So get your popcorn ready and hit the open road – you’re in for a wild ride.
Add a sentence about how you should go on your own road trip with a hired car.
After watching one (or all) of these road trip movies, you might be inspired to hit the open road yourself. And when you do, make sure to hire a car so that you can fully enjoy the experience without having to worry about directions or public transportation.