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The 13 Best Movies About Adventure Filled Road Trips

Dylan sanders | sep 2, 2024.

Road trips are one of the most memorable events that one can undergo. They can provide an array of emotions from fun, stressful and even exciting.

Here is a list of movies about all kinds of road trips :

National Lampoon's Vacation

The original in the series is considered by some to be the best. Clark Griswald and the family take off on a trip to the Wally World theme park but plenty of comical road trip problems make their journey a blast to watch.

Wild at Heart

This quirky crime/romance movie from the director of "Twin Peaks" follows a boyfriend and girlfriend that are on the quest to escape their past.

Identity Thief

A Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy-led comedy follows a business an that gets his identity stolen. He takes the thief on a road trip to Denver, Colorado in hopes of clearing his name.

Dumb and Dumber

Lloyd (Jim Carrey) and Harry (Jeff Daniels) go on an adventure to meet up with a woman in Aspen after they find her suitcase full of money. Widely considered one of the classic 1990s slapstick comedies.

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle

Another classic comedy, this time in more of the "stoner comedy" vein. Two college friends see a commercial for White Castle which kicks off a crazy night.

Little Miss Sunshine

This dramedy follows the dysfunctional Hoover family as they try to get the youngest daugther to the Little Miss Sunshine Contest. It accurately depicts the limits in which your sanity can be pushed during a family road trip.

Another crime/romance road trip movie that follows a couple that goes on a killing spree through the South Dakota badlands. It is an exploration of the true story of Charles Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugate from the 1950s.

The Darjeeling Limited

More of a train trip than one in a car, but this story of three brothers travelling across India has a fantastic family dynamic that makes it one of the more endearing on this list.

A Goofy Movie

A wonderful animated film that was essential for those growing up in the 90s and early 2000s. This is the perfect movie to show your kids before you go on a road trip.

Another comedy, this Chris Farley and David Spade classic follows two brother traveling salesmen as they hit the road to try and save their family.

The Muppet Movie

Kermit the Frog gets ready for his career in Hollywood as he hits the road to California and meets all of the classic muppets that you know and love.

Thelma & Louise

This Ridley Scott classic is a perfect movie about friendship helping through unforeseen events and unfortunate circumstances.

Midnight Run

A bounty hunter heads on the road to try to find a Mafia accountant after he commits embezzlement. The two are also chased by the FBI, another bounty hunter and the accountants' former mob boss.

DYLAN SANDERS

The 27 best road trip movies to watch so you forget you're stuck at home

• Can't go anywhere right now? A good road trip movie could put you in a better mood.
• Here are the 27 all-time best.
• Classics like "Easy Rider" and "Thelma & Louise" are on our roundup.
• There are also more recent movies like "Logan" and "Magic Mike XXL." 
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories .

Hollywood has always had a soft spot for road trip movies, and some have become memorable not just for what was shown on screen, but what the spirit of the movie meant for the people who saw them.

Take "Easy Rider" for example, whose no-rules approach launched a new way that movies were made for decades. Or "Thelma & Louise," which was as much about female empowerment as it was about a movie about two people on the run from the law.

Here are 27 road trip movies (listed alphabetically) you should check out before heading on your own adventure:

"Almost Famous" (2000)

Cameron Crowe's love letter to the 1970s rock and roll scene, which he covered as a writer for Rolling Stone, is a fun look at adolescence, fame, and highlights the non-stop grind of a band being "on the road."

"The Blues Brothers" (1980)

John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd play two brothers on a mission from God. Trying to get on the straight-and-narrow after getting out of prison, Jake Blues (Belushi) and his brother Elwood (Aykroyd) decide to help raise the money the Catholic home they were raised in needs to stay open. That leads to a road trip around Illinois to get the band back together.

"Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan" (2006)

With the help of director Larry Charles, Sacha Baron Cohen creates one of the funniest road trip movies ever made as he takes his character, Borat, to America to marry Pamela Anderson. But in the process, the movie highlights the US itself, as Borat travels the country doing everything from singing the Kazakhstan national anthem at a rodeo to hanging out with some fraternity kids.

"Dumb and Dumber" (1994)

In this Farrelly brothers classic, friends Lloyd (Jim Carrey) and Harry (Jeff Daniels) are convinced the gas man is out to get them after the death of their bird, so they decide to drive to Aspen to hand-deliver a briefcase the beautiful Mary (Lauren Holly) "forgot" at the airport. Oh, and they are hitting the road in a truck that's made up to look like a dog.

"Easy Rider" (1969)

It's the movie that launched the "New Hollywood" era of the 1970s and was made with little money and lots of drugs.

Directed by Dennis Hopper, the Hollywood bad boy also stars alongside Peter Fonda as two hippie bikers (Jack Nicholson also shows up) who travel from LA to New Orleans after cashing in on smuggling cocaine from Mexico. On their freewheeling trip, they find an America that's split between the stuffy establishment and the younger generation that is starving for change.

"The End of the Tour" (2015)

The days of conversations between Rolling Stone reporter David Lipsky (Jesse Eisenberg) and author David Foster Wallace (Jason Segel) are beautifully profiled in director James Ponsoldt's intimate story that has the two men interacting while on the road for Wallace's book tour.

"Into the Wild" (2007)

Based on a true story, Christopher McCandless' quest to go off the grid and hitchhike to Alaska to live in the wilderness is a powerful exploration of human desire and the kindness of strangers.

"It Happened One Night" (1934)

Frank Capra's famous movie is romantic comedy at its best. Claudette Colbert plays a spoiled heiress running from home, and Clark Gable is a reporter who finally thinks he's found a story that will get him some attention as he follows her to New York. But it will be forever known for its hitchhiking scene in which Colbert's character gets them a ride by pulling up her skirt to show off her legs.

"Little Miss Sunshine" (2006)

Filled with an all-star cast including Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear, Paul Dano, Alan Arkin, and Abigail Breslin, we follow a dysfunctional family as they jump in a VW bus to drive the young Olive (Breslin) on a cross-country trip to the finals of a beauty pageant she's competing in.

"Logan" (2017)

Marking the coda of the Hugh Jackman era as Wolverine, director James Mangold delivers a somber drama of the superhero's final days. Here he and Charles Xavier set out to drive a young mutant to a refuge in North Dakota. That sounds simple, but it definitely isn't.

"Magic Mike XXL" (2015)

In this fantastic sequel to the 2012 original, Mike (Channing Tatum) sets out on the road with the remaining members of the Kings of Tampa in a food truck to Myrtle Beach for one final performance.

"Midnight Run" (1988)

Robert De Niro is fantastic in this foul-mouthed comedy as bounty hunter Jack Walsh who plans to cash in when he tracks down a sneaky accountant (played by Charles Grodin) who has jumped bail.

But with the FBI, other bounty hunters, and the mob also trying to get their hands on his bounty, things aren't easy for Jack.

"The Motorcycle Diaries" (2004)

Based on the Che Guevara memoir he wrote before becoming the Marxist revolutionary, Gael García Bernal plays young Guevara who, in 1952, went on a trip across South America with his friend Alberto Granado (Rodrigo de la Serna). The experience shaped Guevara's life as it showed him the injustices of the world.

"The Muppet Movie" (1979)

Marking the first time the Muppets appear on the big screen, Kermit, Fozzie Bear and the rest of the gang go on a cross-country drive to Hollywood in hopes of making it big. A load of cameos, songs, and hilarity occur along the way.

"National Lampoon's Vacation" (1983)

This classic from director Harold Ramis stars Chevy Chase as one of his most memorable characters, Clark W. Griswold, the ambitious father whose vacation plans always never work out.

Clark takes the family cross-country to Walley World and in the process leaves chaos in his wake.

"On the Road" (2012)

Based on the iconic Jack Kerouac novel, Sam Riley plays the book's narrator, Sal Paradise, who after meeting Dean (Garrett Hedlund) and Marylou (Kristen Stewart), head on a free-spirited road trip across the country.

"Over the Top" (1987)

Sylvester Stallone plays trucker and arm wrestling pro Lincoln Hawk who needs to get to Las Vegas to compete in the world arm wrestling tournament. But he also has to get his estranged son to his dying mother. This all leads to a big-rig father-and-son road trip.

"Pee-wee's Big Adventure" (1985)

A loose parody of Vittorio De Sica's classic "Bicycle Thieves," Tim Burton makes his own classic around the zany antics of Paul Reubens' hit character Pee-wee Herman.

The movie follows the "boy" as he goes to search of his stolen bike, which he's been told by a psychic is in the basement of the Alamo (spoiler alert: there's no basement in the Alamo).

"Planes, Trains & Automobiles" (1987)

Steve Martin and John Candy play two men who suddenly have to become travel companions as they try to get home for the holidays. Written and directed by John Hughes, Martin and Candy together are a delight.

"Rain Man" (1988)

Tom Cruise plays sleazy Charlie Babbitt and Dustin Hoffman is his brother Raymond, who suffers from savant syndrome. Hoping to cash in on the fortune Raymond got from their father, Charlie sets the two out on a cross-country trip leading to a lot of self-discovery.

If you've never seen Barry Levinson's Oscar-winning movie, now's the time.

"Road Trip" (2000)

Of course "Road Trip" was going to be on this list. Todd Phillips' insane raunchy comedy about four college friends on a race against time to retrieve a sex tape sent in the mail to one of their girlfriends is always a fun watch.

"Smokey and the Bandit" (1977)

Burt Reynolds teams with his pal and longtime stunt double Hal Needham for his first directing effort, and it would go on to become a classic road trip movie.

Reynolds plays a fast-driving bootlegger who has to transport 400 cases of Coors beer safely from Texarkana to Atlanta. But things get complicated when Reynolds picks up a runaway bride (played by Sally Field) along the way.

"The Straight Story" (1999)

In one of David Lynch's most traditional storytelling offerings, Richard Farnsworth plays a man who sets out on a trip via riding a lawnmower to make things right with his ill brother.

The story is based on a real-life event, in which Alvin Straight traveled 240 miles from Iowa to Wisconsin on a lawnmower.

"Stranger Than Paradise" (1984)

Jim Jarmusch's second feature film follows Willie and his friend Eddie as they set out on a road trip to Cleveland to visit Willie's cousin from Hungary, Eva.

The movie went on to be regarded as a landmark work in the independent film world for its unconventional long takes and do-it-yourself aesthetic.

"Thelma & Louise" (1991)

Ridley Scott's look at the road-trip-turned-manhunt adventure of friends Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon) is arguably more powerful today because of the #MeToo than when it opened in the early 1990s.

"Tommy Boy" (1995)

Perhaps the best Chris Farley/David Spade collaboration, in this one Farley plays an underachieving college graduate who suddenly has to travel the nation (with Spade as the geeky sidekick) to keep the accounts for his auto-parts family business after his father dies. This one truly shows off Farley's high-energy comedy greatness.

"Y Tu Mamá También" (2001)

Director Alfonso Cuarón received a best screenplay Oscar nomination with his brother Carlos for this powerful road trip movie that made Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal international stars.

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17 Essential Road Trip Movies That'll Have You Craving the Open Road

Let's hit the road.

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.

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.

Table of Contents

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

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The 20 Best Road Movies of All Time, Ranked

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Being on the road is a great way to manifest a character's spiritual or emotional journey into the physical, as a way to symbolize the obstacles and lessons that come with pursing some goal or dream.

From offbeat comedies to allegorical dramas, here are the best road movies that use the road to teach, challenge, and unite their characters.

20. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

Directed by John Hughes

Starring Steve Martin, John Candy, Laila Robins

Comedy, Drama (1h 33m)

7.6 on IMDb — 92% on RT

As you might guess from the title, Planes, Trains and Automobiles isn't exactly confined to the road—it also takes to train tracks and even the skies at one point.

Still, at its core, the film centers on the journey shared by two bickering strangers who spend three days wrestling their way to Chicago for Thanksgiving Day.

Steve Martin and John Candy star as the tightly wound marketing exec and his irritating-but-lovable travel mate, for whom just about everything goes wrong.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a feel-good comedy classic, directed by the renowned John Hughes. If you enjoyed his other hits like The Breakfast Club and Ferris Bueller's Day Off , you'll like this one!

19. Queen & Slim (2019)

Directed by Melina Matsoukas

Starring Daniel Kaluuya, Jodie Turner-Smith, Bokeem Woodbine

Crime, Drama, Romance (2h 12m)

7.1 on IMDb — 83% on RT

Queen & Slim may not itself be a true story, but it's certainly inspired by all kinds of real news headlines, including the tragic 2012 shooting of Trayvon Martin in Florida.

Released at an important moment—just prior to the Black Lives Matter protests that broke out across the globe in 2020— Queen & Slim tells the gritty story of a Tinder date gone awry.

Starring Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith, their Tinder date is intercepted by a white cop and... well... you can probably guess the rest.

Melina Matsoukas's glossy directorial debut isn't simply a matter of style or substance, because it's dripping with both.

18. The Rover (2014)

Directed by David Michôd

Starring Guy Pearce, Robert Pattinson, Scoot McNairy

Action, Crime, Drama (1h 43m)

6.4 on IMDb — 67% on RT

An Australian Western set in the near-future, The Rover hums with an eerie atmosphere of desertion.

Ten years after economic collapse, the Australian outback becomes a lawless space for a rugged drifter (played by Guy Pearce) to hunt down a gang of thieves. Left behind with him is an injured, simple-minded young American (brilliantly played by Robert Pattinson).

Robberies and shootouts interrupt the tensely quiet landscape of David Michôd's road drama, in which everybody is only out for themselves.

17. On the Road (2012)

Directed by Walter Salles

Starring Sam Riley, Garrett Hedlund, Kristen Stewart

Adventure, Drama, Romance (2h 4m)

6.0 on IMDb — 45% on RT

Jack Kerouac's On the Road is the be-all and end-all road trip novel, inspired by the Beat author's own skint, boozy, and spontaneous life during the 1940s.

It encompasses everything that being "on the road" means, going beyond just the physical to explore a "road that must eventually lead to the whole world." Walter Salles's film adaptation tries to capture all of that.

For Sal Paradise (played by Sam Riley) and Dean Moriarty (played by Garrett Hedlund), life on the move means: scribbling on diner napkins between highs, psychedelic mind expansion, winking, drinking, and getting dizzy with dancing.

It's endless horizons and endless rampages, all across an America that's steeped in twilight, moonshine, or golden hour.

16. Bones and All (2022)

Directed by Luca Guadagnino

Starring Timothée Chalamet, Taylor Russell, Mark Rylance

Drama, Horror, Romance (2h 11m)

6.8 on IMDb — 82% on RT

Lee (played by Timothée Chalamet) might look like a grungy teen runaway who just gets stoned and preaches Marxism for fun, but he's actually rugged-looking by necessity.

As it turns out, being a cannibal (or "eater") isn't easy to pull off in normal society, so Lee has no choice but to live loose and streetwise.

Maren (played by Taylor Russell), having recently figured out that she's also an eater, is new to this environment. When the two collide in a Indiana store, they decide to go cross-country in search for Maren's estranged mother.

Luca Guadagnino nonchalantly combines cannibalism with artsy, coming-of-age romance in his one-of-a-kind horror, where everything seems foreground to a perfect dusk.

15. Rain Man (1988)

Directed by Barry Levinson

Starring Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino

Drama (2h 13m)

8.0 on IMDb — 89% on RT

Materialistic businessman Charlie Babbitt (played by Tom Cruise) is in the midst of importing Lamborghinis to Los Angeles when his father dies. After driving over to Cincinnati, he finds his inheritance has gone to an unnamed trustee—who turns out to be an estranged older brother.

Charlie decides to take full custody of Raymond (played by Dustin Hoffman)—who has autism and savant syndrome—but it turns out a lot trickier than Charlie imagined.

Raymond refuses to fly, so they're forced to drive towards their deadline, all while juggling Raymond's demanding routines. Rain Man is a touching and iconic drama from Barry Levinson.

14. Nebraska (2013)

Directed by Alexander Payne

Starring Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb

Drama (1h 55m)

7.7 on IMDb — 91% on RT

Alexander Payne's Oscar-nominated comedy-drama Nebraska was the final film to be released by Paramount Vantage, the "art cinema" sector of Paramount Pictures that closed down in 2014.

Shot in black-and-white, Nebraska follows a cantankerous old man who believes he's won a million-dollar sweepstakes prize. Of course, the whole thing is a scam.

Nonetheless, Woody (played by Bruce Dern) takes his disgruntled son David (played by Will Forte) and embarks on a road trip to Nebraska, during which David finally uncovers the man beneath the hardened alcoholic that is his father.

13. American Honey (2016)

Directed by Andrea Arnold

Starring Sasha Lane, Shia LaBeouf, Riley Keough

Adventure, Drama, Romance (2h 43m)

7.0 on IMDb — 79% on RT

In order to find an actress for the starring role of her next troubled teen drama, filmmaker Andrea Arnold took to the streets and carnivals during spring break rather than relying on professional casting calls.

This approach perfectly matches the rugged and spontaneous tone of American Honey , in which a gang of hitchhikers and criminals surf the roads as a traveling sales crew.

The brilliant Sasha Lane stars as Star (no pun intended), who ditches her abusive father after she spots Jake (played by Shia LaBeouf) in a van full of misfits and decides to join them.

12. The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

Directed by Wes Anderson

Starring Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman

Adventure, Comedy, Drama (1h 31m)

7.2 on IMDb — 69% on RT

Okay, we're cheating a little bit with this one. The Darjeeling Limited is technically a train movie, but it shares a lot in common with road movies when you step back and look at what it is.

The Darjeeling Limited is a unique and elevated take on road movies, following the same principles but sprinkled with all kinds of Wes Anderson fun, including his trademark aesthetics.

Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman star as three brothers who are reunited one year after their father's funeral. Bold colors saturate the screen as Anderson litters the brothers' journey of self-discovery with funny gags, cool camera angles, and touching moments.

11. Into the Wild (2007)

Directed by Sean Penn

Starring Emile Hirsch, Vince Vaughn, Catherine Keener

Adventure, Biography, Drama (2h 28m)

8.1 on IMDb — 83% on RT

After graduating college, Christopher McCandless snips his credit cards and donates all his belongings to Oxfam, then hits the road without the approval of his parents.

What begins on the wheels of his rundown Datsun 210 turns into hitchhiking, kayaking, swimming, walking, railroading, camping, and occasionally working his way towards Alaska: his dream destination, hidden in the wild.

Played by Emile Hirsch, Christopher "Alexander Supertramp" McCandless yearns to break free from the suburbs of a materialistic society, but ends up flying too close to the sun and getting burnt. Sean Penn poetically directs this true story for the big screen.

10. Bonnie and Clyde (1967)

Directed by Arthur Penn

Starring Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Michael J. Pollard

Action, Biography, Crime (1h 51m)

7.7 on IMDb — 90% on RT

A 1960s cult classic that broke many cinematic taboos, Bonnie and Clyde went down as one of the most iconic (and bloodiest for the time) films in history. We all know the legend about this couple who went on an infamous 21-month crime spree during the 1930s, right?

Director Arthur Penn breathes life into the myth by combining elements of slapstick comedy with gory violence and experimental filmmaking techniques, heavily influenced by the French New Wave.

Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway star as the robbing couple, who decide to steal their way out of the Great Depression.

9. Badlands (1973)

Directed by Terrence Malick

Starring Martin Sheen, Sissy Spacek, Warren Oates

Action, Crime, Drama (1h 34m)

7.7 on IMDb — 97% on RT

Terrence Malick's neo-noir film Badlands doesn't just follow a crime spree—it kicks things up to another level.

Instead of robbing banks, young couple Holly (played by Sissy Spacek) and Kit (played by Martin Sheen) become serial killers. Spacek narrates the movie as the duo are chased by the law across the Midwest.

Malick's directorial debut received widespread critical acclaim and is loosely based on the real-life 1958 murder spree of Charles Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugate.

8. Stranger Than Paradise (1984)

Directed by Jim Jarmusch

Starring John Lurie, Eszter Balint, Richard Edson

Comedy, Drama (1h 29m)

7.4 on IMDb — 96% on RT

Jim Jarmusch is a big name in independent circles, and he put himself on the map with Stranger Than Paradise back in the 1980s.

At first glance, Stranger Than Paradise could easily be mistaken for a French New Wave drama, but really it's an American absurdist comedy that just happens to be shot in grainy black-and-white.

Jarmusch's debut film also follows the French New Wave's tendency to meander through an indescribable plot.

In a loose sense, it's about Willie (played by John Lurie), his Hungarian cousin (played by Eszter Balint), and his friend (played by Richard Edson) as they bounce from Brooklyn to Cleveland to Florida.

Stranger Than Paradise is comprised of long, naturalistic takes that dawdle on the mundane and search beyond it—in a funny way.

7. Paris, Texas (1984)

Directed by Wim Wenders

Starring Harry Dean Stanton, Nastassja Kinski, Dean Stockwell

Drama (2h 25m)

8.1 on IMDb — 94% on RT

Co-produced by French and West German companies, the award-winning film Paris, Texas paints a European portrait of the American Southwest.

Wim Wenders's indie drama, which won the Palme d'Or, follows a mysterious vagabond (played by Harry Dean Stanton) who's found dissociated in the desert.

His estranged brother agrees to pick him up from Texas and soon ends up driving him to find his long-missing wife.

Stills of the sparse Texan outback are woven throughout Wenders's slow-burning drama, which relies on visuals more than heavy dialogue.

6. Nomadland (2020)

Directed by Chloé Zhao

Starring Frances McDormand, David Strathairn, Linda May

Drama (1h 47m)

7.3 on IMDb — 93% on RT

Based on Jessica Bruder's 2017 book Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century , Chloé Zhao's Nomadland won multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress.

Frances McDormand's award-winning performance as a widow who lives an itinerate lifestyle is painted against the sweeping backdrop of the Arizonian desert.

Nomadland is a poetic, restless, and beautifully shot drama that will have you yearning for the van life where home isn't just a static place or word but "something you carry with you."

5. Almost Famous (2000)

Directed by Cameron Crowe

Starring Billy Crudup, Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson

Adventure, Comedy, Drama (2h 2m)

7.9 on IMDb — 89% on RT

Almost Famous is the semi-autobiographical tale of a young music journalist who goes on tour with fictitious rock band Stillwater.

On behalf of Rolling Stone magazine, William Miller (played by Patrick Fugit) joins the motley crew of rockers and groupies to write an article on the band.

Take a peek behind the curtain of the 70s music scene, where tensions rise between fans and musicians, between the people who live music and the people who watch from the sidelines.

Directed by Cameron Crowe and starring Kate Hudson, Almost Famous is your classic coming-of-age tale.

4. Y Tu Mamá También (2002)

Directed by Alfronso Cuarón

Starring Maribel Verdú, Gael García Bernal, Diego Luna

Drama (1h 46m)

7.7 on IMDb — 92% on RT

Alfonso Cuarón is best-known for directing Children of Men , Roma , and the best Harry Potter movie. Yet, despite his Westernized filmography, Cuarón is a Mexican filmmaker, and Y Tu Mamá También is his greatest native movie to date.

Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna star as two fidgety teen boys who are itching to explore the world, themselves, and the opposite sex. They find all of these things at Boca del Cielo ("Heaven's Mouth"), a beach they visit with an older woman (played by Maribel Verdú).

Cuarón shows us the dusty roads of rural Mexico, where the trio set off with no idea how to reach this supposed Heaven. Drunk and excitable on the road there, the three return home in silence...

3. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris

Starring Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear

Comedy, Drama (1h 41m)

7.8 on IMDb — 91% on RT

Husband-and-wife collaborations are rare for film directors, but Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris showed that it can be successful with their stunning feature film directorial debut, Little Miss Sunshine .

Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Paul Dano, and Abigail Breslin star in this sprightly colored tragicomedy, which plonks us in a bright yellow Microbus for a trip from New Mexico to California.

A mute son, a suicidal brother, a heroin-addicted father-in-law, and a failed life coach husband all make Sheryl Hoover's life more than chaotic. And when her young daughter earns a spot in the Little Miss Sunshine pageant, all hell breaks loose.

2. Thelma & Louise (1991)

Directed by Ridley Scott

Starring Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel

Adventure, Crime, Drama (2h 10m)

7.5 on IMDb — 86% on RT

The fact that Thelma & Louise was initially criticized for its "negative portrayal of men" speaks volumes about it as a heralded feminist flick.

A female buddy movie that echoes the legend of Bonnie and Clyde, Thelma & Louise tracks two best friends as they drive toward the mountains for a much-needed vacation.

Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Brad Pitt, and Harvey Keitel make up the cast in this cat-and-mouse chase across the American Southwest, in which the FBI tails the polar-opposite, store-robbing besties.

1. Easy Rider (1969)

Directed by Dennis Hopper

Starring Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Jack Nicholson

Adventure, Drama (1h 35m)

7.3 on IMDb — 84% on RT

Easy Rider isn't just a great movie—it's an emblem of 1960s counterculture. It marks the dawn of New Hollywood, when filmmakers started moving away from the studio system and started stepping into more radical and experimental independence.

Simply put, Easy Rider made a huge impact on the world of Western cinema, despite being made on a tiny budget.

Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper (who also directs) bolt around on their motorbikes as they smuggle cocaine from Mexico into Los Angeles. Hippy communes and bad acid trips punctuate their journey, which is all set to a groovy Jimi Hendrix soundtrack.

The 25 Best Road Trip Movies Ever

Nomadland is the latest in a long and treasured genre.

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Nomadland is the latest in a long line of movies that suggests packing up your belongings, speeding off, and exploring as many cities and countries as possible really is the right way to live.

Writer and director Chloe Zhao and the always imperious Frances McDormand have rightfully received critical acclaim for their work on the drama, which is released on Hulu on February, 19, and is fully expected to be a frontrunner during awards season.

Nomadland will be particularly resonant for travelers when you consider how excruciating the last 12 months have been. Rather than visiting sun-drenched and exotic places across the length and breadth of the globe, the Coronavirus pandemic has forced people to stay indoors and watch everything that the likes of Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max have to offer instead.

But while we all obviously want to be exploring new cities and butchering foreign languages, one way of scratching the traveling itch has always been to watch movie characters do it for us.

A perfectly made road trip movie can make you feel as though you’re actually embarking on the adventure and journey with those on-screen. Plus there’s the added bonus that you don’t have to pay for gas, stay in cheap and dirty motels, or get into fistfights with the locals over a simple misunderstanding.

Of course the road trip movie is so popular that plenty of entries to the genre suggest they’re capable of being this transportive and escapist, only to quickly bore and disappoint.

So which road trip movies are actually worth your time then?

Lucky for you, we here at Men’s Health have got viewers covered. So tighten up your helmets, put on your aviators, and start revving up that engine, as we take a look at the 25 best road trip movies ever made.

Easy Rider (1969)

Remembered mostly for the iconic image of Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper riding on their motorbikes as Steppenwolf’s "Born To Be Wild" blasts out, their cross-country expedition is both an illuminating and terrifying look at America.

Stream It Here

Almost Famous (2000)

Cameron Crowe’s semi-autobiographical tale of being a teenage music journalist in the mid 1970s is primarily a love letter to rock ’n’ roll, writing, and being young. But Patrick Fugit’s wide-eyed exploration of America as he tours with Stillwater also makes it an engrossing road movie, too.

Y Tu Mama Tambien (2002)

Alfonso Cuaron’s masterpiece didn’t just introduce the world to Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna, it also blends drama, comedy and sex into a highly emotional, smartly constructed, and thought-provoking coming of age examination of Mexico.

Dumb and Dumber (1994)

Undoubtedly the stupidest movie on this list, Harry and Lloyd’s jaunt from Providence,Rhode Island, to Aspen, Colorado, to return a briefcase is also probably the laugh out loud funniest entry, too.

It Happened One Night (1934)

A much different comedy to Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels’ above effort, It Happened One Night depicts Clark Gable’s cunning newspaper reporter slowly fall in love with Claudette Colbert’s spoiled heiress during their enchanting trip from Florida to New York. Rightfully regarded as one of the greatest movies of all time.

Logan (2017)

Hugh Jackman’s farewell as Wolverine is primarily remembered as the most gruesome comic book movie ever made. But his trek from northern Mexico to North Dakota alongside an aging Charles Xavier and his biological daughter X-23 is arguably the most captivating part of the film.

Planes, Trains, & Automobiles (1987)

Everything about Planes, Trains, and Automobiles just works. Not only does writer and director John Hughes expertly throw obstacles in the way of Steve Martin and John Candy as they try to make their way from New York to Chicago, but he leaves us with a heartfelt and beautiful ending, too. However, it’s Martin and Candy’s dynamic that has really allowed it to stand the test of time.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Unfortunately the blistering trip from Immortan Joe’s Citadel to the mythical “Green Place,” with a permanent stop off in Vallhalla for some, isn’t actually doable for movie fans. But if it was, the legion of die-hard Mad Max: Fury Road aficionados would ride through the roughest sandstorm to prove their love for the rollicking blockbuster, which is regarded by many as the best action movie of all time.

Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)

A deeply sad yet oddly profound and darkly funny look at the life of a folk-musician in Greenwich Village during the early 1960s, Oscar Isaac shot to fame as the titular character, who voyages from New York to Chicago and back again to try and prove his talents.

Sullivan's Travels (1941)

One of the most under-rated movies to emerge from the Golden Age Of Hollywood, Joel McCrea’s rich and successful comedy director makes himself homeless so he can oversee an authentic, socially conscious movie in Preston Sturges’ brilliant and hilarious look at the power of cinema.

Thelma & Louise (1991)

Thelma & Louise just keeps on getting better and better and better with each passing year. Sure its ending is iconic, but the titular duo’s joyride down to Mexico is also full of laughs, heart, and plenty of action, too. In fact, while most moviegoers would say it’s Alien, Gladiator, or Blade Runner, there’s an argument to be made that this is actually Ridley Scott’s greatest movie.

Midnight Run (1988)

The quintessential buddy comedy, Midnight Run revolves around Robert De Niro’s bounty hunter taking Charles Grodin’s mob accountant from New York to Los Angeles. It thrives thanks to the leading pair’s hysterical chemistry, and is elevated because it’s genuinely dark, moving, and thrilling, too.

The Muppet Movie (1979)

If you find yourself really down in the dumps because of the pandemic, then The Muppet Movie will provide the perfect cure. Just the sight of Kermit the Frog navigating his way from Florida to California to start his movie career, and picking up Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, and Gonzo et al along the way is a delight for people of all ages.

National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)

National Lampoon’s Vacation might just feature the most impressive comedic team ever assembled. Directed by Harold Ramis, written by John Hughes, and starring Chevy Chase in arguably his most memorable role, it simply revolves around him taking his family on a trip from Chicago to Wally World in California, only to be met by increasingly hilarious setbacks.

The Daytrippers (1996)

Greg Mottola’s debut as a writer and director isn’t as much of a comedy as the likes of Superbad and Adventureland , as it sees Hope Davis traveling from Long Island to New York with her family to confront her husband, who she assumes is cheating. Instead it’s deft, claustrophobic, witty, full of surprises, and features stand out performances from Parker Posey and Liev Schreiber.

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

The second Coen Brothers movie on this list is another one of their most underrated. George Clooney, Tim Blake Nelson, and John Turturro are three convicts on the run across the South during the Depression, and while the acting is flawless, it’s Roger Deakins’ sumptuous cinematography, Joel and Ethan’s breakneck script, and the endless stream of glorious music that makes O Brother, Where Art Thou? really shine.

The Blues Brothers (1980)

One of the most expensive comedies ever produced, thanks to its chaotic production,John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd’s musical siblings might only travel through Illinois, but they still manage to create a ridiculous amount of destruction, all to save their orphanage. Still arguably the finest film based on a Saturday Night Live sketch.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

Never has taking a drug-induced trip across the Mojave desert to Las Vegas looked so fun. Not everyone thought that, though, as Terry Gilliam’s adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson’s novel proved to be incredibly divisive upon its release. That didn’t stop its exploration of drugs and Sin City from blossoming into a cult classic with a devoted audience.

The Straight Story (1999)

David Lynch’s most coherent film might also be his most heartwarming, too. Based on the true story of Alvin Straight, who in 1994 rode his lawn mower through Iowa and Wisconsin to see his ill brother, The Straight Story is a wonderfully delicious slice of Americana that celebrates the Midwest and the people that live there.

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)

Sacha Baron Cohen’s outing from Kazakhstan to America, and then across the country to try and fall in love with Pamela Anderson, is about as ridiculous as movies can get. It’s also relentlessly funny, and if any film was ever going to genuinely make your side’s split, Borat would be it. Plus, you know, 2020 had a sequel too .

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The 25 Best Road Trip Movies Ever

Films to have on hand for when you need a taste of the open road from the comfort of your home.

Published August 2, 2018 Lists , Movies By Anna Swanson Disclaimer When you purchase through affiliate links on our site, we may earn a commission.

More than just an excuse to get from point A to point B, a road trip — in real life or in fiction — has the potential to be a uniquely rewarding undertaking. It’s an experience that stresses the process, whether that process is a few hours with a destination in mind or weeks and months spent wandering. Road trip movies literalize the journey that characters are on, often serving as an allegory for the entire narrative that reminds us the destination is rarely as important as the experience of getting there.

Road trip movies encompass a wide range of genres, from slapstick comedies to prestige dramas and everything in between. Whether you’re after a slice of life representation of a road trip or a thrilling adventure, there’s a film for you. Without further ado, here are 25 road trip movies that capture the spirit of the journey and that will inspire you to hit the open road — or at least hit play on another film on the list.

Almost Famous (2000)

Destination:  The concert tour stops for Stillwater, the band that 15-year old William Miller (Patrick Fugit) has finagled his way into profiling for Rolling Stone.

Journey:  Self-discovery and the usual markings of a coming of age tale, with an added emphasis on the healing power of music, the destructive force of fame, and, as Kate Hudson’s Penny Lane articulates, the hope of finding a home, and the feelings of security and love that comes with it, no matter where you are.

Death Proof (2007)

Destination:  For Abernathy (Rosario Dawson), Kim (Tracie Thoms), and Lee (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), the plan is to reunite with their friend Zoe Bell, playing herself.

Journey:  What starts as test driving a 1970 Dodge Challenger then turns into trying to survive an attack from the homicidal Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell) in this modern exploitation thriller that, as any Tarantino fan with taste will tell you, is one of his best .

Duel (1971)

Destination:  Salesman David Mann (Dennis Weaver) is driving through the Mojave desert for work.

Journey:  In Steven Spielberg’s directorial feature debut, his everyman(n) protagonist is a mild-mannered husband and father who must unleash his survival instincts when he is targeted seemingly at random by a maniacal truck driver who tries to kill him. Come for the thrills, stay for the lesson that from the very beginning Spielberg had an incredible eye for tension and suspense.

Dumb and Dumber (1994)

Destination:  Aspen, Colorado, so that Lloyd (Jim Carrey) and Harry (Jeff Daniels) can return a suitcase of money they didn’t realize was left at an airport not on accident, but on purpose as ransom money.

Journey:  The expected hijinks and humor that, as dumb and childish as it might be, is still funnier than it has any right to be.

Easy Rider (1969)

Destination:  Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Journey:  An exploration of a changing American landscape as bikers Wyatt (Peter Fonda) and Billy (Dennis Hopper) make their way cross-country with money earned smuggling cocaine. This iconic counterculture film addresses social tension, the generational divide, and all things associated with the hippie lifestyle.

Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)

Destination:  From New York to Chicago and back again.

Journey:  For folk singer Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac), life is more of a series of events that happen to him rather than events that he takes an active role in. Llewyn is grieving after the suicide of his musical partner and his travels to Chicago and back to New York are part of his search for meaning and a way out of his mundane cyclical existence.

It Happened One Night (1934)

Destination:  New York City, where heiress Ellie Andrews (Claudette Colbert) plans to reunite with a fiance her father disapproves of.

Journey:  Ellie is joined by recently fired reporter Peter Warne (Clarke Gable) who seeks to win his way back into his newspaper by getting the scoop on her story, but as one would expect from this pre-code romantic comedy , their business deal relationship quickly blossoms into something not quite platonic.

Joy Ride (2001)

Destination:  College student Lewis (Paul Walker) is driving home for the summer break when he has to bail his brother, Fuller (Steve Zahn), out of jail in Utah, and then carry on to Colorado to pick up childhood friend and fellow student Venna (Leelee Sobieski).

Journey:  In this horror movie from director John Dahl from a script by J.J. Abrams and Clay Tarver that is an homage to Spielberg’s Duel , Lewis and Fuller pull a prank on a truck driver over a CB radio in Lewis’ car. It turns out they messed with the wrong truck driver as their road trip home quickly turns into a quest for survival when their prank target repeatedly tries to kill them for revenge.

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Destination: The Little Miss Sunshine child beauty pageant in Redondo Beach, California.

Journey:  While on the way to a beauty pageant that Olive Hoover (Abigail Breslin) hopes to compete in, the idiosyncratic Hoover family must learn to put aside their differences and support each other as they each deal with personal struggles on their road trip from New Mexico to California.

Logan (2017)

Destination:  A refuge for mutants in North Dakota named Eden.

Journey:  An aging Wolverine/Logan (Hugh Jackman) sees the end in sight as mutants have become a dying breed in the year 2029. When he meets a young girl, Laura (Dafne Keen) who possesses similar powers, he feels compelled to protect her and this revitalizes Logan’s ability to care for those around him in a way that he hasn’t experienced in a long time.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Destination:  “The green place,” a utopia amidst the desert wasteland that has taken over the rest of the world.

Journey: In this action-packed adventure , loner Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy) is captured by Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne) and when he escapes his instinct is to leave and make his way through the desert on his own. He is convinced by Furiosa (Charlize Theron) to accompany her and help protect the women she helped escape from Immortan Joe as they journey through the barren landscape trying to survive and eventually find somewhere livable.

Magic Mike XXL (2015)

Destination:  A Fourth of July stripping convention in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where Mike Lane (Channing Tatum) will join his former co-workers for one last hurrah after getting out of the stripping business several years ago.

Journey:  Free from the overly serious constraints of the first film, this sequel revels in positive representations of masculinity , the beauty of friendships, and the joy that comes from simply caring for one another. Told through a series of vignettes, Magic Mike XXL embodies the road trip spirit of camaraderie, rolling with the punches, and the power of the right song playing on the radio at the right time.

My Own Private Idaho (1991)

Destination:  Through the Pacific Northwest, to Idaho, and beyond in search of Mike’s (River Phoenix) mother.

Journey:  In this reimagining of Shakespeare’s “Henry IV” and “Henry V” , Mike is joined by best friend Scott (Keanu Reeves), a fellow homeless young man who gets by as a sex worker. As they try to track down Mike’s mom by visiting his other family members, the two men grow closer, but their relationship is complicated by Scott’s affluent family and their other relationships.

Paris, Texas (1984)

Destination:  A reunion with the family that Travis (Harry Dean Stanton), an amnesiac who mysteriously wanders out of the desert, had forgotten.

Journey: Wim Wenders’ most acclaimed film addresses the modern family, masculinity, and the desire for connection and a shared sense of humanity in the face of loss and decay.

Stagecoach (1939)

Destination:  The titular stagecoach is carrying passengers from Arizona territory to Lordsburg, New Mexico in 1880.

Journey:   Stagecoach follows nine strangers who begin the film on separate paths and become united during their shared experiences on the road. Despite having some heinous depictions of Native Americans, this western from director John Ford starring John Wayne in his breakout role is a masterclass in filmmaking.

Sullivan’s Travels (1941)

Destination: Whatever point John L. Sullivan (Joel McCrae), a director who seeks to represent the real world on screen, feels he has properly connected with middle America.

Journey:  Going from a successful comedic filmmaker to a hobo with an aspiring actress (Veronica Lake) at his side, Sullivan believes the best thing he can do as a filmmaker is to capture the harsh reality that so many endure in order to make his masterpiece, but when he experiences trouble firsthand, he has to reconsider his aims.

The Cannonball Run (1981)

Destination:  California, the location of the finish line for an anything goes, illegal, cross country race that begins in Connecticut.

Journey:  The contestants in this race are determined to win by any means necessary in this action-comedy based on a real event that occurred several times in the 1970s, the Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash. The plot tends to fall by the wayside, but there’s plenty of fun to be had in watching a cast that includes Burt Reynolds, Roger Moore, Dom DeLuise, Farrah Fawcett, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Jackie Chan duke it out.

The Hitch-Hiker (1953)

Destination:  A trip through Mexico for Roy (Edmond O’Brien) and Gilbert (Frank Lovejoy) where they intend to go fishing.

Journey:  Things are complicated with the two men pick up a hitchhiker who turns out to be a murderer and escaped convict. The fishing trip then turns into a journey of survival as the two men try to escape together.

Thelma & Louise (1991)

Destination:  Mexico, to get away from the cops after Louise (Susan Sarandon) shoots a man who attempted to rape Thelma (Geena Davis).

Journey:  This landmark feminist film explores the roles of women in society, female friendships, and self-reliance as the two women make their way through America while being chased by the police.

To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar  (1995)

Destination:  Los Angeles, so that Noxeema Jackson (Wesley Snipes), Vida Boheme (Patrick Swayze), and Chi-Chi Rodriguez (John Leguizamo) can all attend a drag queen pageant.

Journey:  Along the way, their car breaks down in a small town and while the drag queens do have to contend with homophobic and racist locals, they also begin to bond with many of the townsfolk, particularly Carol Ann (Stockard Channing), a housewife who befriends them.

True Romance (1993)

Destination:  Los Angeles, where Clarence and Alabama Worley (Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette) flee to from Detroit after Clarence kills Alabama’s pimp.

Journey:  Clarence and Alabama’s whirlwind romance and quick marriage would typically raise some red flags, but here it seems that these two were meant to find each other. Quentin Tarantino’s screenplay was famously darker than the final product from director Tony Scott, but this change works as the earnest commitment of their relationship balances the madness of the film. True Romance is certainly over the top, and it’s violent, but above all else, it’s so cool.

Y Tu Mamá También (2001)

Destination:  Through Mexico to a secluded beach on the coast.

Journey:  Teenagers Julio (Gael García Bernal) and Tenoch (Diego Luna) are on a journey of self-discovery one summer when they are joined on a beach trip by Tenoch’s cousin’s wife Luisa (Maribel Verdú). As the three grow closer, they contend with jealousy and desire against a complex social and economic landscape in Mexico.

Vagabond (1985)

Destination:  This reverse mystery begins with the death of a young woman (Sandrine Bonnaire) who had wandered the French countryside. The film then follows the story of how she ended up there.

Journey:  Agnès Varda’s acclaimed drama is a rumination on modern existence and the misery of isolation. As one would expect from Varda’s humanistic approach to storytelling, it’s also a mindful consideration of those with no place to call home in the societies that surround them.

Wild Strawberries (1957)

Destination:  To Lund from Stockholm so that an aging and irritable professor, Isak Borg (Victor Sjöström), can receive a doctorate from a university there.

Journey:  Along the way, Isak reevaluates his life when a series of encounters with other people on the road trigger memories from his past. By interrogating his own life and his actions, Isak begins to open up to the world around him in an effort to find peace.

Zombieland (2009)

Destination:  The Pacific Playland amusement park in Los Angeles, a place rumored to be free of zombies.

Journey:  When the apocalypse hits and every day is a matter of life and death to the point that people have stopped referring to each other by name and instead go by the cities they’re from to prevent becoming attached to people, Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) must learn that without human connection, he might survive, but he won’t really live.

If those 25 aren’t enough, here are 15 more that would have been on this list if it was longer:  Badlands, Flirting with Disaster, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia, Bonnie and Clyde, Crossroads, Midnight Special, Harold & Kumar go to White Castle, Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, Into The Wild, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Interstate 60, The Blues Brothers, and Sideways. 

Tagged with: Death Proof George Miller Inside Llewyn Davis Logan Mad Max Fury Road magic mike xxl Quentin Tarantino Steven Spielberg Update The Lists

Anna Swanson

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15 Certified Fresh Road Trip Movies

For the 25th anniversary of thelma & louise , we look at some of the best-reviewed road trips put on film..

TAGGED AS: Certified Fresh

Twenty-five years ago today, Thelma and Louise jumped behind the wheel in search of a little freedom — and although the trip didn’t turn out quite the way they’d planned, their movie has enjoyed a far smoother journey, becoming one of the best-reviewed (and most popular) road trip movies of the last quarter-century. In celebration of Thelma and Louise ‘s latest milestone, we’ve compiled a list of audience-tested and critic-approved road trip movies that’ll keep you going for hours.

The Blues Brothers (1980) 72%

The Roadblocks:  Unfortunately, the brothers embark on their journey with a suspended license, and they aren’t about to slow down for a little inconvenience like the police (or mall pedestrians). Meanwhile, one of Jake’s spurned girlfriends (a bazooka-toting Carrie Fisher) is hot on their tail, and has no intention of letting the Blues Brothers reunite — or, for that matter, letting Jake live. Confined to the highways and byways of Illinois, The Blues Brothers  doesn’t cover as much ground as most road movies, but it’s a high-speed trip — and it culminates in one of the most righteous car crashes ever filmed.

Notes from the Road:  “Constantly hilarious, with a comic supporting cast to die for.” — Jeffrey M. Anderson, San Francisco Examiner

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Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006) 91%

The Roadblocks:  Borat is essentially his own roadblock — if he isn’t shocking and/or offending middle Americans with his witless comments about women and minorities, he’s picking an epic, distressingly naked fight with his best friend and producer (Ken Davitian). It will not surprise you to learn that things don’t go according to plan.

Notes from the Road:  “Although I knew it was dishonest, cynical, and the ultimate in cheap-shot humor, I laughed more at Borat  than at any other film this year. So I guess the joke is on me.” — Peter Keough, Boston Phoenix

Easy Rider (1969) 84%

The Roadblocks:  It’s the establishment, man. Okay, so they might be biking across the country with drug money stuffed in a tube, but Wyatt and Billy aren’t bad guys. Problem is, their scruffy appearance and relaxed attitude toward local customs have a way of attracting untoward attention from The Man.

Notes from the Road:  “This is a glorious widescreen vision of a hot and bothered America, at once beautiful and lost.” — Ian Nathan, Empire

Grandma (2015) 91%

The Roadblocks: They’re both broke and the girl needs $850, for starters — and then there’s the complicated tangle of personal relationships that forces its way into their path at seemingly every turn, initiating a series of uncomfortable reckonings along the way.

Notes from the Road: “ Grandma is a small film, but one with huge things to say about the meaning of family and the value of living on one’s own terms.” — Calvin Wilson, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

It Happened One Night (1934) 98%

The Roadblocks:  Screenwriter Robert Riskin pulled out all the stops for Colbert and Gable’s journey, including a series of screwball misunderstandings, the most famous hitchhiking scene in movie history, and an added dash of last-minute wedding excitement in the final act. If its ingredients all seem overly familiar now, it’s because they worked so brilliantly here.

Notes from the Road:  “ It Happened One Night  is a true classic in every sense of the word, one that withstands the test of time and indeed defies it completely.” — Scott Nash, Three Movie Buffs

Little Miss Sunshine (2006) 91%

The Roadblocks:  The Hoovers are on a tight 48-hour timetable, for starters; making matters more difficult is their lack of funds, as well as the gloomy presence of Sheryl’s brother (Steve Carell), who recently tried to commit suicide, and Richard’s father (Alan Arkin), whose heroin habit just got him kicked out of a retirement home. And then there’s the matter of that ancient yellow Microbus…

Notes from the Road:  “This inspirational, hilariously sad dysfunctional-family-road-trip dramedy offers absolutely everything — except pretension.” — Brian Marder, Hollywood.com

Midnight Run (1988) 95%

The Roadblocks:  Once Mardukas loudly feigns fear of flying and gets them kicked off their flight to L.A., he and Walsh are forced to embark on a hellish cross-country journey that finds them dodging interference from the mob, a competing bounty hunter (John Ashton), and their own loathing for one another. A sequel is reportedly in the works; here’s hoping the decades in between haven’t softened their mutual disdain/begrudging respect.

Notes from the Road:  “When it comes to odd-couple action comedies, this is pretty much the epitome of how to do it.” — Luke Y. Thompson, New Times

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) 83%

The Roadblocks:  As pretty much everyone who watched it already knew, Ernesto grew up to be the revolutionary Che Guevara — and The Motorcycle Diaries  dramatizes his political awakening on the trip, sparked by firsthand experience with systemic corruption and a poverty-stricken populace.

Notes from the Road:  “You get so caught up in the beauty of the images, and lost in the weathered faces found along the way, you quite forget that you’re traveling with Che Guevara — which is, of course, exactly what the original experience would be.” — Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times

The Muppet Movie (1979) 89%

The Roadblocks: Unfortunately, Kermit also attracts the attention of Doc Hopper (Charles Durning) and his mealy-mouthed sidekick Max (Austin Pendleton), whose frog legs restaurant franchise needs a new spokesman — and who doesn’t take kindly to being spurned by a banjo-playing frog.

Notes from the Road:  “Still one of many great reasons to be a movie buff.” — Rory L. Aronsky, Film Threat

National Lampoon's Vacation (1983) 94%

The Roadblocks: Things go wrong early and often, from the eight-headlighted lemon Clark buys from an unscrupulous car salesman (Eugene Levy) to an ill-advised pit stop at the depressing Kansas homestead of Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) and his off-putting clan. It doesn’t help that beneath Clark’s family values exterior lurks the heart of a drooling lech; his panting pursuit of an unnamed beauty (Christie Brinkley) causes almost as many problems as his refusal to ask for directions.

Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985) 88%

The Roadblocks: Well, for starters, the Alamo doesn’t have a basement. And then there’s the biker gang, and the fire at a pet store, and the former child star in possession of the bicycle… what doesn’t  stand between poor Pee-Wee and his bike?

Notes from the Road:  “It’s a true original — a comedy maverick that looks and feels like no other movie I know.” — David Steritt, Christian Science Monitor

Rain Man (1988) 88%

The Roadblocks: Cruise’s efforts to get back to Los Angeles by plane are thwarted by his brother’s phobia, forcing the two to travel by car (and make regular stops for viewings of The People’s Court ). Naturally, the slow journey in close quarters brings the two closer together — and brings up long-buried family secrets.

Notes from the Road:  “A fascinating, often very moving, frequently funny film.” — Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel

Sideways (2004) 97%

The Roadblocks: Sideways is full of messy detours and unfortunate events, including a broken nose for Jack, a car crash, and a howling early-morning pursuit by a naked giant (memorably played by Lost ’s M.C. Gainey) — but they can all be traced back to one thing: Jack’s fear of commitment and unquenchable thirst for sexual conquest.

Notes from the Road:  “From its first minutes, maybe even from the credits, you know you are seeing something very special.” –Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press

Thelma & Louise (1991) 86%

The Roadblocks: Men, mostly. After Louise fatally intervenes in an attempted rape on Thelma, the duo turn fugitive — and their journey is further complicated when a run-in with a hunky young thief (Brad Pitt) leaves them caught for cash and stuck in an increasingly desperate spot.

Notes from the Road:  “Their adventures, while tinged with the fatalism that attends any crime spree, have the thrilling, life-affirming energy for which the best road movies are remembered.” — Janet Maslin, New York Times

Y tu mamá también (2001) 90%

The Roadblocks: To begin with, the idyllic secluded beach they’ve promised their female companion doesn’t exist — which actually isn’t as big a problem as the hornet’s nest of secrets and repressed desires that’s knocked over after they all start fooling around. It’s the end of an era for Mexican politics, and for our protagonist’s relationships.

Notes from the Road:  “Easily one of the sexiest and funniest films about class struggle ever made.” –Manohla Dargis, L.A. Weekly

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The 10 Best Road Trip Movies, from ‘It Happened One Night’ to ‘Easy Rider’

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A good road trip is one of the most cinematic experiences that a person can have in real life. Different cities and landscapes blur together as scenery flies by your windows and day gradually turns into night. The car can begin to feel like an isolated bubble where nothing matters except the people inside. Whether you’re laughing and singing with friends, fighting with your family, or simply letting your thoughts settle while you drive solo, road trips seem to stop time and create distinct memories that can be revisited over and over again .  

So it’s not surprising that filmmakers have been inspired by road trips for as long as there have been movies. From the titans of the Old Hollywood studio system to international arthouse auteurs and contemporary independent directors, virtually every great filmmaker has tried their hand at a road trip movie at one point or another. Locations and genres can change, but the motif of people going from one place to another in a car is one of the building blocks of the international language of cinema.  

Road trip movies are versatile enough to encompass a wide variety of subject matter, but they often fall into two genres: comedies and contemplative dramas. The road trip comedy is a Hollywood standard because its built-in structure (characters need to get somewhere in a finite amount of time and are stuck together in a small space) lends itself to endless funny scenarios. From disgruntled fathers driving their badly-behaved children to strangers who fall in love after being forced to travel together, cars serve as confined spaces that allow a variety of relationships to flourish. On the other end of the spectrum, you have dramas from auteurs like Wim Wenders and Ingmar Bergman that see the road as a place for humans to think. Those films prioritize the destination much less than the self-discovery that can take place when you’re not in any particular rush to get somewhere.  

The road trip movie has endured for over a century, and its timeless appeal means that it’s unlikely to disappear any time soon. Keep reading for ten of our favorites, listed in chronological order.  

“It Happened One Night” (1934)

What It Is:  The archetypal Hollywood romantic comedy, Frank Capra’s “It Happened One Night” stars Claudette Colbert as pampered socialite Ellie, who boards a Greyhound bus from Florida to New York City to reunite with her new husband, pilot King Westley (Jameson Thomas), after her father attempts to annul the marriage. Unused to fending for herself, she ends up relying on the help of sarcastic newspaper reporter Peter (Clark Gable) to make the journey, despite despising his personality. At least at first — hitchhiking adventures and stays in motels quickly cause sparks to fly between the mismatched pair.

Perfect For:  Couples looking for date night films, “Looney Tunes” fans who want to watch the Gable performance that inspired Bugs Bunny, and lovers of pretty much every romantic comedy made in the last nine decades. —WC

“Wild Strawberries” (1957)

What It Is:  Not exactly the fun road trip romp the genre usually promises, “Wild Strawberries” uses a long car ride as the backdrop for a surreal exploration of aging, loneliness, and death. Ingmar Bergman’s film stars Victor Sjöström as cold-hearted professor Isak Borg, who is set to receive a lifetime achievement award for his career in bacteriology. On the drive to the university where the ceremony will take place, he’s accompanied by his pregnant daughter-in-law Marianne (Ingrid Thulin) and a group of young hitchhikers — one of whom is a double in looks and name for his childhood sweetheart Sara (played by Bibi Andersson). Over the course of the trip, Isak slowly warms to his younger companions, and experiences a series of flashbacks and dreams that forces him to confront the impending end of his life and his many regrets from his empty existence.

Perfect For:  Existential types, dying old men, and those whose only exposure to Bergman’s films are the HBO “Scenes From a Marriage” remake and the chess scene from “Seventh Seal.” —WC

“Easy Rider” (1969)

What It Is : A counterculture classic, Dennis Hopper’s “Easy Rider” stars the director and Peter Fonda as two drug-smuggling motorcyclists on a journey from Los Angeles to New Orleans, where they’re hoping to celebrate Mardi Gras. Along the road, they encounter a colorful cast of hippies, free love commune residents, addicts, prostitutes, and other outsiders. Their free-wheeling adventures are contrasted by the judgment they face from small town types and law enforcement looking to lock them up.

Perfect For:  Rebels, stoners, general miscreants everywhere, and fans of the iconic rock bands like The Byrds, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, and Steppenwolf that soundtrack the film. —WC

“Two-Lane Blacktop” (1971)

What It Is: “Two Lane Blacktop” is so clearly a product of its time that we could never hope to reverse engineer it. But when watched in 2023, it’s a fascinating countercultural artifact and a remnant of a film industry that now looks completely unrecognizable. Monte Hellman’s portrait of youthful angst and the freedom of the open road stars James Taylor and Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson as speed-obsessed drifters whose encounter with a mysterious driver named GTO prompts them to embark on a cross-country race.

Who It’s For:  Anyone with a need for speed and pop culture geeks who enjoy seeing famous non-actors trying to act. —CZ

“Paris, Texas” (1984)

What It Is: After making a name for himself in the German arthouse scene with his Road Movie Trilogy consisting of “Alice in the Cities,” “The Wrong Move,” and “Kings of the Road,” Wim Wenders brought his brand of contemplative cinema to America and made his magnum opus. “Paris, Texas” tells the story of a broken man (Harry Dean Stanton) wandering through the desert before his brother finds him and convinces him to reconnect with the family he walked out on. Wenders continued to find poetry in the loneliness of the road, and the desolate American scenery and Stanton’s heartbreakingly expressive face ended up being the best muses of his career. 

Perfect For:  Fans of slow cinema and anyone looking to brush up on the 20th century’s most impressive works of filmmaking. —CZ

“Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” (1985)

What It Is: After developing a cult following from his stage show at the Roxy, Paul Reubens brought his comedic persona known as Pee-Wee Herman to the big screen in a whimsical road trip comedy directed by a young animator named Tim Burton. The film sees the idiosyncratic man-child traveling across the country to recover his stolen bike — and using his charm and joie de vivre to defuse conflicts with all of the shady characters he meets along the way. 

Perfect for: Loners, rebels, and anyone who wants to revisit the work of a comedic genius at the height of his powers. —CZ

“Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” (1987)

What It Is:  John Hughes’ holiday classic stars Steve Martin and John Candy as a mismatched pair of travelers who team up to make it home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. Martin’s suave ad executive constantly clashes with Candy’s bumbling shower curtain ring salesman as their cursed trip leads them onto — you guessed it — planes, trains, and automobiles in an attempt to get home before the holiday ends. Utterly ridiculous until it gets touching, the film is one of the strongest entries in the seemingly endless string of hits that Hughes churned out in the 1980s. 

Perfect For:  Families at Thanksgiving and anyone on a delayed flight who wants to remember that things could be so much worse. —CZ

“Thelma & Louise” (1991)

What It Is:  Ridley Scott and screenwriter Callie Khouri flipped the script on the conventional gender roles of the buddy comedy genre, opting to tell a story about two women having a blast while running from the law. Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis give career-best performances as the eponymous duo — and both picked up well-derved Oscar nominations for Best Actress. The film is best remembered for its shockingly bold ending, but stands out as one of the 20th century’s most vibrant portrayals of friendship and the highways of America.

Who It’s For:  Ridley Scott completionist s, feminist film scholars, and anyone in the mood for a great time. —CZ

“The Straight Story” (David Lynch, 1999)

What It Is: Perhaps the biggest anomaly in David Lynch’s filmography, “The Straight Story” saw the beloved auteur shifting away from surrealism to tell a G-rated story of a man who travels the country on a riding lawnmower. While the Disney movie doesn’t feature any of the twisted nightmares that define many of Lynch’s best works, it’s filled with the wholesome Americana imagery that appears throughout his filmography. The film is a reminder that for all of his signature stylistic flourishes, Lynch is a filmmaker whose grasp of the fundamentals allow him to tell compelling stories without hiding behind bells and whistles.

Perfect for:  Anyone whose favorite parts of “Twin Peaks” were the wholesome small town antics. —CZ

“Little Miss Sunshine” (2006)

What It Is:  One of the most darkly amusing road trip comedies in recent memory follows the plight of a dysfunctional family who takes an 800-mile road trip to support their daughter’s entry in the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant. Piling into a van that’s breaking down almost as rapidly as the familial ties that bind them, they find themselves confronting their delusional dreams and long-simmering resentments (and a horn that never stops honking). While “Little Miss Sunshine” is a classic example of the “Sundance road trip movie” trope that’s often maligned in indie film circles, there’s no denying that it’s one of the best entries in the subgenre. 

Perfect For:  Anyone who is beginning to question their belief that child beauty pageants are an unambiguous societal good. —CZ

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10 Best Road Trip Movies of All Time

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Road trips have served as the basis for some of Hollywood's best stories for decades, especially in the comedy genre. These movies often follow characters who, through shared adversity, become closer as friends. Everything from buddy-style dynamics to family trips makes the road trip one of the most enduring, successful formulas on film, merging elements of adventure with relatable situations as characters battle the odds to reach their destinations.

Road trips can take on a variety of forms, from tense modern Westerns to comedic adventures, but all of them share the same focus on character growth and overcoming adversity. There aren't nearly enough of these movies, but some stand out as a testament to the value of a good road-faring adventure. Whether through a modern cross-country story of self-discovery or an old-school crime tale, these films are the best road trip movies out there.

10 Every Which Way But Loose Is Silly Fun

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Every Which Way But Loose focuses on a bare-knuckle boxer, Philo Beddoe, who hustles his way through off-the-books fights to make a living. When he meets an aspiring country music singer, Lynn, he falls in love but must contend with a seemingly-violent ex-boyfriend of hers. After spending the night with her, he is shocked to discover that both she and her trailer have disappeared. Not content to let things end there, he sets off with his orangutan friend, Clyde, and brother, Orville, to head to Lynn's hometown of Denver so he can find her. However, he draws the ire of a violent motorcycle gang and a pair of angry cops, who pursue him down to Colorado.

Every Which Way But Loose is a charming buddy comedy, casting Eastwood in one of the more upbeat roles of his career. A box office success, the movie earned a sequel, Any Which Way You Can , which continues the adventures of Philo and Clyde. The movie includes plenty of action as the hero takes on hustlers and enemies, proving himself the toughest guy around.

9 The Gauntlet Is An Action-Packed Road Trip

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The Gauntlet follows an alcoholic Arizona cop, Ben Shockley, who is sent to Las Vegas to find a criminal witness, Gus Malley, and bring her back so she can testify in court against the mob. When he finds her hiding out in her house, Shockley discovers that there's a bet against them making it back to Phoenix, as the mob and corrupt cops make their move against them.

The Gauntlet is one of Clint Eastwood's best action movies, one that slowly sees his character prove he's not a washed-up cop as he fights his way across state lines. With the odds stacked against them, the pair fall in love and use an armored bus to try and survive the hail of gunfire orchestrated to keep Gus from making it to court.

8 Zombieland Follows Survivors of the Apocalypse Fighting the Undead

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A shy student trying to reach his family in Ohio, a gun-toting bruiser in search of the last Twinkie and a pair of sisters striving to get to an amusement park join forces in a trek across a zombie-filled America.

Zombieland takes place in the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse, one that has left humanity all but extinct. The movie follows and is narrated by Columbus, a young man who abides by a series of rules to stay alive. When he meets a twinkie-loving, gun-obsessed modern-day cowboy, Tallahassee, the pair join forces, and soon cross paths with a pair of con artists, Wichita and Little Rock. Setting their differences aside, the four decide to travel the country together, realizing strength in numbers. At every turn, they're forced to contend with the brain-eating zombies who stalk the Earth.

Zombieland is a hilarious zombie movie, but makes the road trip of its four heroes the heart and soul of the story, with the four eventually running into Bill Murray . The movie is something of a cult classic of its decade, and one of the best modern zombie movies there is, effectively serving as a relatable "what if you survived the zombie apocalypse?" style movie.

7 Road Trip Adapted American Pie's Formula To The Open Road

Four college buddies embark on a road trip to retrieve an illicit tape mistakenly mailed to a female friend.

After the success of 1999's American Pie , the comedy genre took a notable turn towards fun, juvenile, and raunchy humor. The first and most obvious successor of the movie was Road Trip , which follows college freshman Josh, who cheats on his long-distance girlfriend and accidentally mails her a tape of the tryst. Hoping to race from New York to Texas so he can intercept the tape, he enlists three friends, E.L., Rubin, and Kyle to join him on a road trip. When they destroy their car, the four friends are forced to lie and steal their way to Austin.

Road Trip is a brilliant comedy for people who enjoy the '90s style of humor, even casting Seann William Scott in the road of E.L., a character modeled after Steve Stiffler. The movie is full of timeless humor centered around youth and friendship, alternating between Josh's trip and the story of his delinquent friend, Barry, who narrates the whole thing.

6 Midnight Run Is A Comedic Bounty Hunter Movie

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Midnight Run focuses on a Los Angeles-based bounty hunter, Jack Walsh, who agrees to take on a high-profile job to find Jonathan "the Duke" Mardukas, a mob accountant who has skipped his bond. He locates the fugitive in New York and tells his bail bondsman employer he'll have him back soon. However, when Mardukas pretends to be afraid of flying, he forces Jack's hand, and the pair begin an epic cross-country road trip, taking trains and coaches along the way. With the mob, FBI, and a rival bounty hunter after them, the pair develop a respect for one another as they learn about the other's lives.

Midnight Run covers a range of topics and even genres in one movie, combining a mob crime movie, a comedic buddy story, and an old-school road trip. With hundreds of thousands of dollars on the line and trained killers close behind, Jack decides to flip the script on his gangster enemies to save the Duke but collect on his fee. The film is one of DeNiro's best, as he makes for a great partnership alongside Charles Grodin's Mardukas.

5 The Blues Brothers Combines Musical Comedy With The Road Trip

The blues brothers.

The Blues Brothers begins with the release of Jake Blues from prison, with his brother, Elwood, waiting for him. Reunited after years apart, they visit the Penguin, an elderly nun who runs the orphanage they grew up in. When she informs them that the building is facing foreclosure if they can't pay $5000 in property taxes to Cook County. After visiting a church, the brothers have a revelation: they have to reform their old band, the Blues Brothers, to raise money, declaring a mission from God. They head out on a trip to find the old members and get them back in, touring the state to raise cash as they go.

The Blues Brothers is a brilliant combination of musical and road trip comedy, as Jake, Elwood, and the band win over the hearts of everyone through their music. The film includes a variety of brilliant cameos from blues musicians, such as Aretha Franklin, Cab Calloway, and Ray Charles, all of whom turn in one of the best musicals of the decade. With a growing list of enemies chasing them down, the film follows the heroic singers on their quest to save the orphanage.

4 National Lampoon's Vacation Follows A Dysfunctional Family Trip

National lampoon's vacation.

The Griswold family's cross-country drive to the Walley World theme park proves to be much more arduous than they ever anticipated.

National Lampoon's Vacation tells the story of Clark Griswold, a well-meaning but hapless family man from the suburbs of Chicago. One day, he decides to treat his family to a vacation at the vaunted Wally's World, situated in California. Intent on ensuring his family has the trip of their lives, he insists on driving the entire journey. As they cross America, they experience crime, a family tragedy, personal tensions, and the hospitality of the family's oddball cousin, Eddie.

National Lampoon's Vacation started a movie franchise centered around the misadventures of the Griswold family, with sequels exploring their attempt to host a Christmas dinner for their trip to Las Vegas. However, the original movie remains king, thanks to Chevy Chase's brilliant, career-defining performance as the lovable yet bumbling Clark Griswold.

3 Mad Max: Fury Road Is Hell On Wheels

Mad max: fury road.

In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, a woman rebels against a tyrannical ruler in search for her homeland with the aid of a group of female prisoners, a psychotic worshiper and a drifter named Max.

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Mad Max: Fury Road begins when Max Rocketansky is captured by desert raiders, who report to the tyrannical ruler of the water supply, Immortan Joe. However, when one of Joe's finest warriors, Furiosa, flees with his wives, he leads a war party into the desert to stop her, with Max strapped to a car as a blood bank for its half-life boy driver, Nux. After a sandstorm throws everything into chaos, Max escapes, and forces his way into Furiosa's war rig, aiding the women in their escape to avoid the wrath of Joe.

While Mad Max isn't the traditional road trip movie, it still follows all the basic rules of one, with the characters growing closer along their journey. As they flee into the desert, the characters begin their plan to liberate the Citadel from Immortan Joe's rule, narrowly escaping the violence of the villain and his allies along the way. Not only is the movie a brilliant action romp, it brings high-octane energy to the road trip.

2 Logan Is A Dystopian Superhero Neo-Western

In a future where mutants are nearly extinct, an elderly and weary Logan leads a quiet life. But when Laura, a mutant child pursued by scientists, comes to him for help, he must get her to safety.

Logan takes place at the end of Fox's X-Men timeline , and features an aging, dying Wolverine as he is charged with escorting his young female clone, Laura, to Canada to escape a team of mercenaries, the Reavers. He brings along Professor X, whose ailing health and old age have made it difficult to control his abilities, leading to occasional bursts of harmful psychic intrusions in the minds of those around him. Pursued by the cybernetically enhanced mercs, the hero makes his way north, fighting off villains along the way.

Logan is a fun twist on several genres, from dystopian science fiction and superheroes to Westerns and road trips. The film marks the conclusion of Hugh Jackman's Wolverine story arc and serves as one of the best character send-offs in modern cinema. James Mangold's story borrows expertly from classics like Shane, reminding everyone of the hero Logan is as he helps families and children against the violent and corrupt.

1 Planes, Trains, and Automobiles Is the Definitive Road Trip Movie

Planes, trains and automobiles.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles stars Steve Martin as Neal Page, an advertising executive on his way home to Chicago for the Thanksgiving holiday, but his journey is besieged with one problem after another. Things turn for the worst when a boisterous but lovable shower ring curtain salesman Del Griffith (John Candy) crosses paths with him. Now somehow stuck with Del, Neal will attempt to make it across the country in a series of increasingly zany incidents to make it home for the holidays.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles begin when an advertising agent, Neal Page, tries to make his way home from New York to the suburbs of Chicago for Thanksgiving. However, with a raging snowstorm, his flight is delayed indefinitely. He meets a jovial, optimistic shower curtain ring seller, Del Griffith, and the pair attempt to pool resources to make it back. While Neal's more abrasive, frustrated mood clashes with Del's endless upbeat nature, the two do become friends as they make their way across the country. Along the way, they face bad weather, thieves, a car fire, and more, setting them back at every turn.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles doubles as the ultimate road trip movie as well as the perfect Thanksgiving story, revolving around the importance of friendship and understanding. As one of John Hughes' best films, it casts John Candy and Steve Martin as Del and Neal, with the two comedy icons turning in some of their best work as mismatched companions.

Best Road Trip Movies, Ranked

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Yearning for the open road? Look no further! Hollywood is no stranger to producing entertaining road trip movies that feature iconic cross-country adventures. While some audiences just can’t seem to get enough of this comedy staple, others flock to theaters for films that take a more heartfelt approach to the genre, utilizing the road trip as a way to express maturation, character development, and coming-of-age themes. Sometimes it's nice to live vicariously through the lives of these big-screen characters. With such an impressive list of beloved classics to choose from, determining the greatest among these films is difficult.

Updated May 18th, 2023: If you're a fan of the open road, you'll be glad to know this article was recently updated with new content by fellow travel enthusiast Amanda Minchin .

So whether you're yearning for some comedic relief from life's difficulties or are just wanting to see the world from a new perspective, these films, with their array of hijinks and chaos, will prove entertaining for audiences of all ages. Instead of needing to hop in the car, sit down, grab the remote, and explore the open road from the comfort of your home. Here is our deep dive into the best road trip movies throughout cinema history.

13 Dumb and Dumber

The iconic buddy-comedy Dumb and Dumber stars Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels as two dimwitted yet well-meaning friends who set off on a cross-country road trip from Providence, Rhode Island, to Aspen, Colorado, in order to return a briefcase full of money.

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The charm of this film lies in the delightful ignorance of Lloyd and Harry, whose personas simply don’t allow for a light bulb moment. They have absolutely no desire to either learn or grow during their hilariously harrowing journey and, as a result, they ultimately go off on many a zany adventure without learning all that much. Dumb and Dumber found great success at the box office upon its release, becoming one of the most iconic of 1994 .

12 Y Tu Mamá También

Y Tu Mamá También is the coming-of-age tale of two teenage boys who set out on a road trip with an older woman in her late twenties. This Alfonso Cuaron road movie features a talented cast, including Diego Luna, Gael García Bernal, and Maribel Verdú, who shine against the backdrop of Mexico’s economic and political realities in 1999.

This intimate and tender story is also an exploration of sexuality and maturity. The young men's journey leads to self-discovery and a loss of innocence amidst the stunning road trip setting. The film uses travel and journey as a metaphor. As a result, audiences are able to witness the transformation of the leads from adolescence to adulthood in a fresh and authentic way.

11 Easy Rider

Easy Rider is arguably one of the most important road trip movies in cinema history. This film, which received critical praise upon its release, is credited with helping to spark the New Hollywood era of the 1970s. This 1969 independent road drama tells the story of two bikers who embark on a journey through the American South and Southwest, transporting the proceeds of a cocaine deal.

The film stars Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper as the lead bikers, alongside the memorable performance of Jack Nicholson as the boozy lawyer they pick up along the way. This classic flick focuses heavily on the journey, not the destination, as the free-spirited bikers get a harsh dose of reality during their travels across the country.

10 It Happened One Night

It Happened One Night is an infamous screwball comedy , and with good reason. Widely considered the first, it soon became the roadmap for others to follow after its release in the early 30s. The movie also arguably launched the careers of stars Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable. In the film, Colbert played an heiress on the run back to her true love. Gable, meanwhile, played the intrepid reporter following shortly behind. They travel from Florida to New York in increasingly jerry-rigged modes of transportation and, of course, wind up falling in love in the process.

At the time, a movie about an unmarried couple traveling together was sure to ruffle a few feathers. Considered a Pre-Code film (though the Hays Code was in effect, it was not officially enforced for all pictures until shortly thereafter), this movie managed to skirt the censors by covering any sense of impropriety with snappy dialogue, cheeky humor, and endless innuendo... thus creating the screwball comedy in the process. For example, Frank Capra and crew got around the pair sharing a room together during their travels by dividing said room with a bedsheet that the characters literally nickname “The Walls of Jericho.” Any source of seduction was at most a suggestion, as demonstrated by Colbert’s last-ditch use of her *gasp* bare leg to hail a passing car, though that too was considered rather scandalous in passing.

The touching and deeply endearing 1988 classic Rain Man tells the story of conceited jerk Charlie Babbitt who, upon his wealthy father’s death, discovers the inheritance has been left to his unknown autistic-savant brother Raymond. Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman deliver powerful performances as Charlie and Raymond, for which the latter earned an Academy Award.

As the brothers travel from Cincinnati to Los Angeles, Charlie witnesses the restrictions of Raymond’s condition and, in turn, gains a new perspective on life. The film’s unique premise and the chemistry between Cruise and Hoffman as they travel the country, make this a road trip staple.

8 Little Miss Sunshine

Oscar-winning dramedy Little Miss Sunshine features an all-star cast (including Steve Carell, Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, and Abigail Breslin). It tells the story of a barely-functional family who are determined to get their daughter to the finals of a beauty pageant. Setting off in their VW bus (which requires a rolling start), the Hoover clan soon embark on an 800-mile road trip to California. Their goal of reaching the beauty pageant is what ultimately brings the family together.

The script for this film is both funny and heartfelt, and Michael Arndt received the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for his effort. The colorful characters add depth and humor to the plot, which is tied up nicely by the end. Little Miss Sunshine was one of those indie films from the 2000s that broke out with mainstream audiences, and part of that is it perfectly captures what it is like to be stuck with one's family for a long road trip.

7 Into the Wild

This film is for those whose wanderlust leads them to less tread pastures. Based on the book by Jon Krakauer, Into The Wild tells the true story of an Emory college graduate and athlete who renounces his family fortune and sets off on a hitchhiking adventure that leads him deep into the Alaskan wilderness. Written, directed, and produced by Sean Penn, the film version stars Emile Hirsch as Chris McCandless, a.k.a. Alexander Supertramp.

Upon its release, the film was nominated for many awards, including Golden Globes and Academy Awards. It was soon added to many of the top lists that year. The abandoned bus that housed the final days of the real-life McCandless even became a pilgrimage site for fans until it had to be airlifted to a safer location. Those wanting to dive into a smaller, safer venture should carve out the 2 ½ hours for this film.

6 Almost Famous

The critically acclaimed Cameron Crowe dramedy Almost Famous is the ultimate coming-of-age film with an ensemble cast of Hollywood heavy hitters like Billy Crudup, Kate Hudson, Frances McDormand, and Jason Lee. The movie is loosely based on Crowe's own experience as a writer for Rolling Stone magazine.

Almost Famous tells the story of a young 1970s Rolling Stone journalist William Miller and his epic journey of self-discovery as he travels with the fictitious rock band Stillwater. As he follows them across the country, William experiences the highs and lows of adolescence: falling in love, being rejected, making friends, and ultimately accepting himself. The movie received critical acclaim and numerous accolades and is included in many lists of the greatest films ever made.

5 Thelma and Louise

Arguably the ultimate female buddy movie , 1991’s Thelma and Louise tells the unforgettable tale of two best friends who take off for the open road after a tragic event forces them to flee for greener pastures. Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon star as the ride-or-die duo who zip across the country in Thelma’s 1966 Ford Thunderbird.

Related: How Thelma and Louise Is a Queer Allegory

The iconic friendship of the film's titular leads, impressively performed by Davis and Sarandon, firmly cements it as a landmark feminist film. The movie also features a young Brad Pitt in one of his first major roles as a drifter who catches Thelma's eye. The iconic ending of Thelma and Louise remains one of the greatest in Hollywood history to this day.

4 The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert quickly cemented Australia’s cultural status as a producer of quirky, independent cinema when it was first released in 1994. What could have ended as a dumpster fire of epic proportions was instead a surprisingly tender and thoughtful road movie. Featuring a soundtrack of campy classics bolstered by supreme performances from Terence Stamp, Hugo Weaving, and Guy Pearce, the plot follows two drag queens and one transgender woman as they go on tour in Australia.

While the movie arguably may have been even better having an actual trans woman or drag culture enthusiast cast, the trio sure put on one hell of a show as they traverse the literal Outback in sequins, beads, and platform heels. The film, which was written and directed by Stephan Elliott, would later be adapted into a musical. The play premiered in Sydney in 2006 before touring throughout the country. It would eventually be welcomed onto the Broadway stage a few years later in 2011.

3 The Blues Brothers

Beloved Saturday Night Live alums John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd reprised their sketch characters for the silver screen as “Joliet” Jake Blues and blood brother Elwood in 1980s The Blues Brothers . The pair are hilarious as sleazy musicians who make it their mission to save the orphanage they were raised in from foreclosure.

The classic comedy focuses on Jake and Elwood as they reunite their R&B band and travel around Chicago in their “bluesmobile,” playing music for money. With exciting car chases, comical shootouts, and unforgettable musical numbers, The Blues Brothers remains an iconic classic of road-trip cinema.

2 National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

This film kick-started a beloved comedy franchise that continues to this day. 1983’s National Lampoon’s Vacation focuses on the Griswold family as their patriarch leads them on a cross-country trip to an amusement park... Naturally, chaos and hilarity arise. The ultimate success of this movie led to a barrage of sequels.

Starring Saturday Night Live alum Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, Vacation also features the talents of Beverly D’Angelo, Anthony Michael Hall, and Dana Barron as his wife and less-than-adoring children. Chase is brilliant as the comical and determined Clark. This outrageous farce depicts the reality of a family on vacation. None of them are perfect, and all of them are full of endearing dysfunction as they try and fail to have a good time.

1 Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Comedy legends Steve Martin and John Candy partnered up with famed director John Hughes for 1987’s Planes, Trains and Automobiles . Martin starred as uptight Neal Page, while Candy portrayed the overbearing but kind-hearted Del Griffith. Stuck together, the pair join forces in an effort to get Neal home to Chicago in time for his family's Thanksgiving dinner. Because of this, it has since become a Thanksgiving classic.

The chemistry between the two leads in this film is as effortless as it is hilarious. This movie features plenty of sidesplitting situations while also being surprisingly emotional at times. Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a heartfelt flick that utilizes its comedic talent to the fullest. Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a comedic masterpiece that has endured for decades.

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50 Best Family Road Trip Movies for All Ages (2024)

Looking for some new family road trip movies for your next movie marathon? You’ve come to the right place!

I made this before and during my family’s epic road trip from Las Vegas, Nevada to the southern tip of Argentina. We’ve watched lots family road trip movies over the last few years driving across two continents!

And I couldn’t help but share our exhaustive list with you, in case you need some family road trip inspiration.

Here’s a curated list of family-friendly movies that revolve around the theme of road trips, offering a perfect blend of humor, adventure, and heartwarming family moments.

Each family trip movie brings its unique selling point, delivering a positive message and embodying important values.

Get the popcorn ready and enjoy these cinematic journeys! 🍿🍿

My Top 3 Picks: Family Road Trip Movies

There are a lot of good movies on this list. They all deserve a watch at some point. But if you’re looking for a quick pick option, here are my three favorite family road trip movies to watch tonight!

✅ Parental nostalgia

✅ Good themes

✅ Unforgettable characters

✅ Captivating stories

✅ Memorable characters

✅ Beautiful animation

National Lampoon’s Vacation

✅ Relatable characters

✅ Heartwarming family dynamics

✅ Parental Nostalgia

👉 Some videos on this list are available for free with an Amazon Prime Video account!

Classic Family Road Trip Movies (Pre-1985)

1. the wizard of oz (1939).

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 1h41m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 8.1/10 | Watch Now!

Follow Dorothy and her companions as they travel down the yellow brick road in search of the magical Wizard of Oz. I love the wholesome themes in this movie! Along the way, they make friends, face obstacles, and learn valuable lessons.

The Wizard of Oz showcases the transformative nature of a road trip, as it allows Dorothy to discover her strength and helps her realize that home is truly where the heart is.

From the enchanting landscapes to the vibrant characters, this classic film captures the essence of adventure and self-discovery that can be found on the open road. It’s been one of my favorites since I was a kid.

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2. Swiss Family Robinson (1960)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 2 hr 6 m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 8.4/10 | Watch Now!

Embark on an exciting journey with the Robinson family as they navigate life on a deserted island after a shipwreck in the captivating movie, Swiss Family Robinson.

This timeless classic combines adventure, heartwarming storytelling, and valuable life lessons. It was one of my favorite movies as a kid!

From building a remarkable treehouse to exploring the island’s wonders, the Robinsons’ thrilling experience will captivate both kids and adults.

With themes of unity, resilience, and teamwork, Swiss Family Robinson inspires problem-solving and a love for nature. It’s the perfect source of inspiration for unforgettable family trips and adventures .

3. The Sound of Music (1965)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 2h54m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 8.1/10 | Buy Now!

Join the Von Trapp family as they escape Austria during World War II, finding joy through music. While you can also watch the remake with Carrie Underwood, I prefer the Julie Andrews original.

Yes, they walk instead of driving. At least part of the time. But for a good reason! This beloved classic offers enchanting entertainment for all ages and celebrates family values and the power of love.

It’s not just entertaining, but also educational, providing insights into Austria’s history and culture. With its timeless appeal, The Sound of Music creates a special generational and adds a nostalgic touch to your family experience.

4. American Graffiti (1973)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h50m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.4/10 | Watch Now!

American Graffiti is a captivating family film set in the early 1960s. It takes us on a thrilling journey with a group of teenagers during an unforgettable summer night. I think this one is best suited for families with teens.

With its nostalgic charm, relatable characters, unforgettable soundtrack, and valuable life lessons, it’s an ideal pick for a family movie night.

Rated PG, this coming-of-age tale is suitable for the whole family to enjoy. So grab your popcorn and embark on a cinematic road trip with American Graffiti!

5. Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h36m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.0/10 | Watch Now!

This action comedy follows a truck driver who agrees to transport illegal beer across state lines. I watched this one with my grandpa when I was a kid!

This American action-comedy is a classic road trip film that captures the essence of adventure and camaraderie.

The movie follows the thrilling adventures of Bo “Bandit” Darville and his loyal sidekick Cledus “Snowman” Snow as they embark on a daring cross-country journey through the southern United States.

With laughs and adventures for the whole family, it continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, making it a timeless choice for a movie night.

6. The Muppet Movie (1979)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 1h35m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.6/10 | Watch Now!

The Muppet Movie is a beloved family-friendly road trip film that captivates audiences of all ages.

With its infectious humor, catchy songs, and lovable Muppet characters, this 1979 musical comedy offers wholesome entertainment for the whole family.

Join Kermit and his friends on a quirky cross-country journey filled with hilarious mishaps, unexpected encounters, and heartwarming moments.

This timeless gem weaves in positive themes of friendship, following your dreams, and embracing diversity, making it a must-watch for memorable family movie nights.

7. The Blues Brothers (1980)

🍿 Rating: R | ⏰ Length: 2h13m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.9/10 | Watch Now!

The Blues Brothers, directed by John Landis and released in 1980, is widely regarded as one of the greatest road trip movies of all time. I have a soft spot for it because it was filmed in our hometown, Chicago !

The Blues Brothers is an action-packed comedy that combines car chases, comical shootouts, and unforgettable musical performances.

With lovable characters, positive themes, and family-friendly content, it’s a great choice for families. The film’s iconic music and cultural impact add to its timeless appeal.

8. The Cannonball Run (1981)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h35m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 6.2/10 | Buy Now!

The Cannonball Run is a comedic film about a trans-American road race with eccentric characters competing for victory.

It entertains families, featuring a star-studded cast and humorous situations. The fast-paced adventure may captivate younger viewers who enjoy action and adventure.

The film carries a nostalgic appeal for older audiences and is rated PG, so I think it’s better suited for older kids.

9. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

🍿 Rating: R | ⏰ Length: 1h38m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.3/10 | Watch Now!

National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) is a timeless family road trip movie that combines humor, relatable family dynamics, and iconic performances.

It’s one of David’s all-time favorite movies!

The summer vacation movie follows the Griswold family on their cross-country journey to Walley World, encountering comedic mishaps and fostering moments of laughter and connection.

With its memorable quotes and enduring appeal, it remains a beloved classic that can be enjoyed by multiple generations.

10. Paris, Texas (1984)

🍿 Rating: R | ⏰ Length: 2h35m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 8.1/10 | Watch Now!

Paris, Texas is a unique road trip film directed by Wim Wenders. The story follows Travis Henderson as he embarks on a journey to reconnect with his family, exploring themes of forgiveness and self-discovery.

With stunning visuals and an introspective approach, the film captures the vastness of the American Southwest and delves into the emotional landscapes of its characters.

It stands out in the genre for its exploration of personal relationships and the complexities of redemption and is better suited for families with older kids or teens .

Paris, Texas defies typical road trip movie tropes by exploring human emotions, visual storytelling, and reflective tone. It’s a unique and thought-provoking entry into the genre.

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Family Road Trip Movies of the 80s & 90s

11. goonies (1985).

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h54m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.7/10 | Watch Now!

Looking for a reason to watch one of your favorite childhood movies with your kids? Yup, Goonies is a family road trip movie! We recently watched it with Little Man and it’s just as good as I’d remembered.

Join a group of young friends known as the Goonies on an exciting treasure hunt filled with danger and adventure.

As they navigate through their town and various filming locations, the Goonies’ journey showcases the exploration and discovery elements often associated with road trip narratives.

The Goonies has not only captivated audiences but also inspired fans to embark on their own road trips to visit the movie’s iconic filming locations from Oregon to California.

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12. Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer (1985)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 1h24m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 6.7/10 | Watch Now!

Rainbow Brite embarks on a cosmic mission to rescue the stars. While not a traditional road trip, it goes a celestial journey through space, centered around the themes of restoring color and joy to the universe.

This animated fantasy film follows the captivating adventures of Rainbow Brite, a vibrant character entrusted with the task of thwarting an evil princess and her minions from seizing control of the planet Spectra.

While interstellar travel and diverse settings are involved, the essence of the movie lies in protecting the universe from eternal darkness and reigniting the vibrancy of color and happiness.

Coming from a true Rainbow Bright fan (that’s me), this is an underrated family movie!

13. Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h30m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.0/10 | Watch Now!

Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985) is a whimsical and heartwarming family film directed by Tim Burton.

This beloved classic follows the eccentric Pee-wee Herman on a quest to find his stolen bicycle.

With imaginative storytelling, lighthearted humor, memorable characters, and positive messages, it offers an entertaining and delightful experience for the whole family.

Don’t miss out on this engaging and visually appealing movie that guarantees plenty of laughs and meaningful conversations with your kids.

14. The Sure Thing (1985)

🍿 Rating: PG-13 | ⏰ Length: 1h35m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.0/10 | Buy Now!

Two college students go on a trip that leads to romance. Best suited for families with teens, The Sure Thing follows Walter Gibson (John Cusack) and Alison Bradbury (Daphne Zuniga) on a Christmas break college road trip.

Along the way, they encounter twists and turns, making for an adventurous and entertaining story.

The movie combines comedy and romance, capturing the spirit of adventure and self-discovery associated with road trips.

Inspired by a real-life road trip, The Sure Thing offers an engaging storyline with memorable moments and relatable characters.

15. Crossroads (1986)

🍿 Rating: PG-13 | ⏰ Length: | 👍 IMDB Grade: 3.6/10 | Buy Now!

Crossroads is an engaging family road trip movie that follows three teenage girls, including Brittney Spears in her first movie role, on a cross-country journey of self-discovery and friendship.

With relatable themes, positive messages, a pop culture appeal, a sense of adventure, and an engaging soundtrack, it offers an enjoyable viewing experience for kids.

No, it’s not a cinematic masterpiece that’ll be nominated for an Oscar or Golden Globe, but your tweens and teens will enjoy it.

So, if you’re looking for a road trip movie that combines coming-of-age themes, positive messages, and a touch of pop culture, Crossroads can be a good choice for a family movie night.

16. Stand by Me (1986)

🍿 Rating: R | ⏰ Length: 1h29m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 8.1/10 | Watch Now!

Stand by Me is a beloved coming-of-age film directed by Rob Reiner. Based on Stephen King’s novella “The Body,” it follows the journey of four young boys searching for a missing boy.

Their on-foot adventure through a small town forms the central plot, highlighting their exploration, bonding, and self-discovery.

This iconic movie combines elements of friendship, personal growth, and a nostalgic setting.

However, it is rated R and contains mature content, so parents should consider its suitability for younger viewers. It may be better for families with teens.

17. Adventures in Babysitting (1987)

🍿 Rating: PG-13 | ⏰ Length: 1h42m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 6.9/10 | Watch Now!

Follow a babysitter and her charges as they navigate a series of comical and thrilling mishaps while trying to rescue a stranded friend in the big city.

Adventures in Babysitting is a road trip movie that takes you on an adventurous journey through Chicago .

Along the way, they encounter different locations, quirky characters, and unexpected situations, adding to the comedic and adventurous nature of their escapades.

This mix of comedy, action, and coming-of-age themes makes Adventures in Babysitting an entertaining watch for families.

18. Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

🍿 Rating: R | ⏰ Length: 1h32m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.6/10 | Watch Now!

Planes, Trains, & Automobiles is a timeless comedy classic directed by John Hughes. He’s one of my favorite 1980’s directors!

This family road trip movie follows two mismatched travelers , Neal and Del, as they encounter hilarious misadventures while trying to make it home for Thanksgiving.

With relatable characters, hilarious situations, heartwarming themes, memorable quotes, and a universal appeal, this film is the perfect choice for families looking for a delightful cinematic experience.

Buckle up and get ready for a wild journey filled with laughter, life lessons, and unforgettable memories.

19. The Great Outdoors (1988)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h30m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 6.6/10 | Watch Now!

Join the Ripley family on a hilarious camping trip filled with mishaps and a troublesome bear. This is one of my favorite John Candy movies from my childhood, and I look forward to introducing it to Little Man!

The Great Outdoors is a road trip movie that follows two families as they vacation at a lake resort in Pechoggin, Wisconsin.

Starring Dan Aykroyd and John Candy, this off-beat comedy explores family dynamics, nature, and unforgettable moments. Get ready for laughter and relatable adventures in the great outdoors!

With its comedic performances and themes of family togetherness, The Great Outdoors is a fun choice for families looking for an enjoyable road trip movie experience.

20. Driving Miss Daisy (1989)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 1h9m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.3/10 | Watch Now!

Driving Miss Daisy is a heartwarming film that explores the unexpected bond between an elderly woman and her chauffeur.

Set in 1950s Atlanta, the story follows Daisy, a Jewish widow who hires Hoke, a black man, as her driver. As they spend time together, their friendship grows, leading to personal transformations.

While not specifically for children, older kids and teens can appreciate this character-driven, historical drama. I watched it with my family when I was nine or ten, and really enjoyed it.

The film tackles themes of racism, aging, and societal changes, offering valuable insights into friendship and understanding. Viewer discretion is advised based on maturity.

21. Captain Ron (1992)

🍿 Rating: PG-13 | ⏰ Length: 100m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 5.8/10 | Watch Now!

Join the Harvey family on an incredibly hilarious and unpredictable sailing adventure with the one and only Captain Ron! It’s like a road trip but on a yacht, as this quirky Caribbean island to Miami journey unfolds.

Starring Kurt Russell as the lovable Captain Ron, who’s got quite an interesting past. And Martin Short as the suburban family man who hires him.

Captain Ron is generally considered a light-hearted comedy that older children and teenagers can enjoy. I watched it when I was a tween, as did David, and we both found the humor really entertaining.

There are some funny situations and jokes that might appeal more to older viewers, but overall it’s a fun movie for the whole family.

22. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 1h24m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 6.9/10 | Watch Now!

Join two dogs and a cat on their incredible journey across mountains and rivers to find their owners.

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey is a heartwarming story about Chance, a fun-loving American bulldog pup, Shadow, a wise golden retriever, and Sassy, a hilarious Himalayan cat.

These beloved pets embark on an adventurous trek through the rugged Sierra wilderness. While the film focuses on their journey, it captures the essence of a road trip as they face challenges and bond along the way.

It offers uplifting and family-friendly entertainment with strong messages about friendship and loyalty.

23. A Goofy Movie (1995)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 78m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 8.4/10 | Watch Now!

A Goofy Movie is a heartwarming and hilarious animated road trip film that follows the journey of Goofy and his son, Max.

It beautifully captures relatable family dynamics and explores the balance between parental expectations and individual dreams.

This movie came out when I was a teenager, so I didn’t watch it as a kid. However, I enjoyed watching it with Little Man a few years back.

With memorable characters, a catchy soundtrack, and valuable life lessons, it’s a must-watch for families seeking laughter and meaningful conversations. Get ready for a delightful adventure with Goofy and Max!

24. The Rugrats Movie (1998)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 1h19m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 5.9/10 | Watch Now!

The Rugrats Movie offers an entertaining and heartwarming road trip experience for audiences of all ages. Its blend of adventure, humor, and heartfelt moments make it a delightful choice for families to enjoy together.

The Rugrats Movie is an animated film that follows the beloved Rugrats gang on an unexpected journey.

After getting lost in the woods, they embark on a wild adventure to reunite with their families, encountering obstacles, surprises, and memorable encounters along the way.

The film explores themes of friendship and family bonds while showcasing the sense of exploration and discovery associated with road trips.

With challenges, new locations, and lessons about teamwork and trust, The Rugrats Movie is a delightful and heartwarming adventure for all ages.

25. The Straight Story (1999)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 1h52m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 8.0/10 | Watch Now!

The Straight Story is a heartwarming road trip movie that tells the story of Alvin Straight, an elderly man who embarks on a 300-mile journey on his lawnmower to visit his ailing brother.

While the film emphasizes themes of family loyalty, kindness to strangers, and reconciliation, it is more suited for older audiences due to its contemplative and slow-paced nature.

It offers a unique perspective on road trips and showcases the beauty of the Midwest, where I grew up.

However, it may not provide the adventure and excitement typically associated with road trip movies enjoyed by younger kids.

Modern Family Road Trip Movies (Early 2000s)

26. cheaper by the dozen (2003).

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h38m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 5.9/10 | Watch Now!

Cheaper By the Dozen is an absolute gem of a family road trip movie that promises to entertain and inspire both kids and adults.

This lighthearted and heartwarming film follows the hilarious adventures of a big family on a cross-country road trip.

With relatable family dynamics, plenty of laughter, positive role models, and exciting family travel adventures, it’s a feel-good movie that promotes family values and leaves you wanting more.

Gather the family, sit back, and enjoy the delightful chaos of the Baker family’s journey. It’s a must-watch that will keep everyone entertained and inspire a desire for more family adventures.

27. Finding Nemo (2003)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 1h40m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 8.2/10 | Watch Now!

Join Marlin, a clownfish, on a captivating adventure to find his son, Nemo, in the stunning world of the Great Barrier Reef.

Finding Nemo is a heartwarming story about love, courage, and friendship, with memorable characters that teach important lessons about family unity and never giving up.

👉 The 2016 sequel, Finding Dory , in which Marlon helps Dory find her family is another epic journey movie I recommend!

This entertaining and educational movie also sparks curiosity about marine life and conservation, while delivering Pixar’s signature blend of humor and heartwarming storytelling.

Get ready for an unforgettable undersea journey that will leave a lasting impression on the whole family!

28. Around the World in 80 Days (2004)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 2h | 👍 IMDB Grade: 5.8/10 | Watch Now!

Around the World in 80 Days is a captivating adventure that follows the journey of an eccentric British inventor, his Chinese valet, and an aspiring French artist as they attempt to circumnavigate the globe in just eighty days.

Along the way, they encounter various modes of transportation, navigate different cultures, and face both dangers and adventures.

The film adaptation captures the spirit of the original novel by Jules Verne, showcasing the excitement, humor, and challenges of the characters’ global odyssey.

This family-friendly story offers a blend of comedy, adventure, and exploration, making it a great choice for road trip family movie nights.

29. Are We There Yet? (2005)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h34m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 4.7/10 | Watch Now!

Join Ice Cube on a laughter-filled road trip with his girlfriend’s kids in the family-friendly movie, Are We There Yet?

This entertaining and relatable film balances humor, adventure, and valuable life lessons.

Ice Cube’s character serves as a positive role model, and the engaging performances of the talented cast bring the story to life.

If you’re looking for a fun and heartwarming family road trip movie, Are We There Yet? is a must-watch!!

30. RV (2006)

🍿 Rating: | ⏰ Length: | 👍 IMDB Grade: | Watch Now!

RV is a hilarious family comedy that follows a dysfunctional family on a memorable RV road trip.

With plenty of laughs, silly moments, and positive messages about family bonding, teamwork, and appreciation, RV is a fantastic choice for a fun family film.

The great chemistry between the cast members, led by the lively performance of Robin Williams, adds to the overall enjoyment of the movie.

Watch RV for a lighthearted adventure filled with laughter and valuable life lessons.

31. Cars (2006)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 1h56m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.2/10 | Watch Now!

Cars is a heartwarming movie that follows Lightning McQueen’s journey as he learns about friendship and the importance of slowing down in life.

With its lovable characters, stunning animation, and meaningful themes, the film appeals to both children and adults.

I admit, I’ve enjoyed this movie since long before having kids!

It’s a perfect choice for a family road trip movie, creating precious memories and sparking conversations along the way. Buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable adventure with Cars!

32. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

🍿 Rating: R | ⏰ Length: 1h41m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.8/10 | Watch Now!

Join the quirky Hoover family on a hilarious and heartwarming road trip adventure in Little Miss Sunshine.

This family movie captures the spirit of adventure, togetherness, and embracing the journey.

With a heartfelt storyline, relatable characters, themes of acceptance and individuality, humorous and touching moments, and a memorable soundtrack, this film is perfect for your next family movie night.

Get ready to laugh, cry, and celebrate the power of family bonds with Little Miss Sunshine.

33. Wild Hogs (2007)

🍿 Rating: PG13 | ⏰ Length: 1h39m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 5.8/10 | Watch Now!

Wild Hogs is a comedy film about a group of middle-aged friends who embark on a motorcycle road trip in search of adventure and freedom.

Along the way, they encounter a variety of challenges that test their friendship and courage. The movie features an all-star cast including John Travolta, Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence, and William H. Macy.

If you’re a parent seeking a family road trip movie to watch with older kids or teens, this is a fun choice!

The movie is full of laughs, friendship, and meaningful lessons about facing fears and pursuing dreams. So get ready for an outrageous adventure with the Wild Hogs!

34. Up (2009)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 1h36m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 8.3/10 | Watch Now!

Join an unlikely duo on a whimsical journey to the South American wilderness, lifted by thousands of colorful balloons.

Okay, so it’s not your typical road trip with a fancy vehicle, but this film is all about travel and adventure. By balloon!

The focus is on the heartwarming tale of Carl Fredricksen, an elderly widower, and his young companion Russell, as they float a house with balloons from a city with skyscrapers, like New York City, all the way to South America.

It’s a story that delves into themes of friendship, love, and personal growth, making it a truly enjoyable and family-friendly adventure movie for all ages.

35. Rio (2011)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 101m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 6.8/10 | Watch Now!

When it comes to road trip movies, Rio might not be the first film that comes to mind. However, it does feature an adventurous journey that takes the main characters from Minnesota to Rio de Janeiro.

Note : The sequel, Rio 2 , also follows the characters on another adventure, making it a double dose of avian road trip excitement.

Join Blu, a domesticated macaw, and his new feathered friends as they embark on a thrilling journey in exotic Rio de Janeiro. Rio gets rave reviews for its amazing animation, adorable characters, and surprising plot twists.

It delivers a super fun and one-of-a-kind experience, especially for families who are interested in exploring the beauty of South America and Brazil. Like my family!

36. The Guilt Trip (2012)

🍿 Rating: PG13 | ⏰ Length: 1h35m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 5.8/10 | Watch Now!

Join an overprotective mother and her inventive son on a surprising and heartwarming road trip in The Guilt Trip.

This family-friendly movie explores the dynamics between a mother and an adult son, sparking conversations and reflections within your own family. With a mix of humor and heartfelt moments, it entertains both kids and adults.

The journey takes you across diverse states and landscapes, inspiring curiosity and a love for travel.

The Guilt Trip is a light and accessible film suitable for family viewing. So grab some popcorn and embark on this humorous and heartfelt adventure together!

37. The Croods (2013)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h39m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.2/10 | Watch Now!

Join the Croods on a thrilling adventure to prehistoric times! This animated family road trip movie is perfect for family nights with the kids.

I may be a bit biased, though, since The Croods is one of Little Man’s all-time favorite family trips movies. He watches it on almost every family road trip we take!

Packed with excitement, humor, and positive messages, “The Croods” will entertain and inspire audiences of all ages. Don’t miss out on this visually stunning and universally funny film!

Overall, this animated adventure provides wholesome entertainment and valuable life lessons, making it an excellent road trip movie for the whole family.

38. Frozen (2013)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h42m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.4/10 | Watch Now!

Ok, I’m stretching family road trip movies a bit by including this one. But Anna does take a “road trip” with Christophe in his sleigh pulled by Sven!

Venture into the icy kingdom of Arendelle with Anna, Elsa, and their friends on a quest to save the kingdom and mend their sisterly bond.

Featuring an emotional story, gorgeous animation, and catchy songs, Frozen is sure to be a hit with your family! Plus, the movie offers valuable lessons in sisterhood, friendship, and courage.

So bundle up and join Anna on her magical journey of self-discovery. You won’t regret it!

39. Planes (2013)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 90m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 5.7/10 | Watch Now!

Planes is a delightful animated film that follows the adventures of Dusty Crophopper, a crop-dusting plane with big dreams of competing in a prestigious around-the-world air race.

Yes, it is about planes instead of cars but it’s still a great travel-around-the-world trip style movie. And I really enjoyed it. So I’m putting it on the list!

With its mix of humor, action, and positive messages, this movie is a fun watch for kids and aviation enthusiasts alike.

The animation, comedic moments, and appealing characters make Planes an enjoyable viewing experience for the whole family.

40. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h55m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.3/10 | Watch Now!

Join Walter Mitty on an extraordinary journey as he escapes his mundane life through daydreams and real-life adventures.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty can be considered a road trip movie, with Walter traveling to Greenland, Afghanistan, the Himalayas, and Iceland.

Throughout his quest to find a world-famous travel photographer, Walter transforms from a daydreamer to an actual adventurer, embracing life and pursuing his dreams.

This captivating film inspires viewers to step out of their comfort zones and embark on their own adventures.

Recent Family Road Trip Movies (2015 – Today)

41. vacation (2015).

🍿 Rating: R | ⏰ Length: 90m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 6.8/10 | Watch Now!

If you just finished watching National Lampoon’s Vacation and want to have a movie marathon with your older kids, this is the perfect second family road trip movie to choose!

Join the grown-up Rusty Griswold as he takes his own family on a nostalgic and outrageous journey to Walley World, following in his father’s footsteps.

Vacation is a fun and funny movie that will make you laugh until your sides hurt. It also features beautiful scenery, so it’s worth watching for that alone.

Just note that the movie is R-rated and there are some adult themes, so I wouldn’t recommend this one to families with young kids .

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44. Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (2015)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h31m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 4.9/10 | Watch Now!

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip is a fantastic choice for a family movie road trip.

It offers kid-friendly entertainment with a lighthearted and silly adventure that kids will love. Little Man was obsessed with it for quite a while when he was younger.

The film promotes an inclusive message of family and sparks meaningful conversations about family dynamics.

With an engaging storyline, catchy songs, and a positive message, it’s a must-watch for a fun and family-friendly road trip experience.

42. Captain Fantastic (2016)

🍿 Rating: R | ⏰ Length: 2h | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.8/10 | Watch Now!

Captain Fantastic is a beloved family road trip movie that explores the challenges and complexities of parenting.

It emphasizes the importance of nature and simplicity, delves into family dynamics, raises thought-provoking themes and messages, and features strong performances.

It encourages us to question societal norms and offers valuable lessons about self-sufficiency and living in harmony with the environment.

However, it contains mature content and parents should review it before exposing young children to it. I do recommend this to families with older kids, though!

43. Moana (2016)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 2h | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.6/10 | Watch Now!

Join Moana, a young Polynesian princess, as she sets sail across the Pacific Ocean on a daring voyage to save her people.

My family has loved this movie since before we became digital nomads , when we saw it in the theaters in Chicago. Little Man still loves it because Dwayne Johnson is Maui.

This enchanting animated film celebrates Polynesian culture, offers memorable characters, an unforgettable soundtrack, stunning visuals, and explores universal themes of self-discovery and embracing one’s true potential.

Let Moana inspire and captivate your family with its captivating story, music, and heartwarming messages of courage and self-discovery. Enjoy the adventure!

45. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul (2017)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 91m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 4.3/10 | Watch Now!

Join the Heffley family on a hilariously disastrous road trip to attend Meemaw’s 90th birthday party.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul is the fourth installment of the popular series and it’s sure to be a hit with your family. It sure was with ours!

The movie offers plenty of laughs, goofy characters, and entertaining misadventures that will keep you entertained throughout the journey!

Plus, there are valuable lessons about being kind to others and sticking together as a family. So buckle up and enjoy the ride with Greg, Rodrick, Mom, Dad, and Manny!

46. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

🍿 Rating: PG13 | ⏰ Length: 1h59m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 6.9/10 | Watch Now!

In this reboot of one of my favorite Robin Williams movies, four teenagers find themselves transported into the jungle world of Jumanji and must work together to survive.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is a thrilling adventure-comedy film directed by Jake Kasdan.

As the characters navigate through different settings within the game, they encounter thrilling obstacles, overcome challenges, and learn the importance of teamwork.

This exciting and family-friendly movie offers a mix of action, humor, and camaraderie, making it a great choice for a memorable watch. Plus, it’s another Dwayne Johnson movie so it’s popular in our home!

47. Toy Story 4 (2019)

🍿 Rating: G | ⏰ Length: 1h40m | 👍 IMDB Grade: | Buy Now!

Join Woody, Buzz, and the gang on a road trip filled with new friends, unexpected twists, and heartwarming reunions. We watched this in the theaters when we first started traveling full-time . It pulled my heartstrings so hard!

Toy Story 4 transports viewers to a humorous world of toys that will delight kids and adults alike. It’s my favorite Toy Story movie. It offers heartwarming moments, hilarious jokes, and plenty of action-packed sequences.

The movie delivers meaningful messages about overcoming challenges, friendship, and family – touching themes many can relate to.

It’s no surprise that this is one of the highest-grossing animated movies of all time and that it won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Definitely worth watching!

48. Onward (2020)

Directed by Dan Scanlon, Onward is an animated fantasy-adventure film that follows two teen elf brothers on a magical quest to spend one last day with their late father.

This Pixar movie is full of imaginative visuals, thrilling moments, and heartwarming messages about family and friendship. The soundtrack is also amazing!

I absolutely love this movie. It’s exciting, funny, and moving—everything I want in a movie.

Onward will entertain the whole family while sending a message that even when life takes us on unexpected paths, we can still find our way back home. A must watch!

49. Mitchells vs The Machines (2021)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h54m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.6/10 | Watch Now!

This is a family road trip movie that offers a unique and vibrant twist. The film follows the adventurous journey of the dysfunctional Mitchell family as they embark on a cross-country road trip.

However, their plans take an unexpected turn when they find themselves amid a robot uprising and must save the world from this technological threat.

Mitchells vs The Machines is an enjoyable movie full of laughs, meticulously crafted visuals, and a message about the importance of family. It’s also great to see a diverse cast on screen!

So if you’re looking for a fun-filled animated adventure with a unique twist, this is the movie for you and your family.

50. Luca (2021)

🍿 Rating: PG | ⏰ Length: 1h35m | 👍 IMDB Grade: 7.4/10 | Watch Now!

Luca is an awesome road trip movie for families to enjoy together. It takes you on a breathtaking journey to the Italian Riviera with stunning visuals.

The film explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and belonging, while also providing plenty of laughs.

Little Man loved this movie so much, we ended up going to McDonalds JUST for the Happy Meal toys.

Luca celebrates Italian culture and offers a chance for families to create lasting memories. Don’t miss out on this heartwarming and visually stunning film!

What are Family Road Trip Movies?

Family road trip movies are a genre of films that revolve around an adventurous journey taken by a family.

These family trip movies typically feature a group of characters embarking on a road trip (or long journey), often set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes and exciting destinations.

From comedies to dramas, these films blend relatable family dynamics with thrilling adventures, resulting in a delightful and heartwarming cinematic experience.

Key Characteristics of Family Road Trip Movies

☑️ Themes of Discovery and Adventure : Family road trip movies capture the essence of exploration and discovery. They inspire a sense of wanderlust and encourage viewers to embrace new experiences.

☑️ Humor and Light-heartedness : These family vacation movies infuse humor and light-hearted moments, providing ample opportunities for laughter and entertainment.

They cleverly portray the ups and downs of family dynamics, offering relatable scenarios that resonate with both kids and parents.

☑️ Character Development : One of the key strengths of family road trip movies is their focus on character development.

As the journey unfolds, characters learn valuable life lessons, grow closer as a family, and overcome obstacles together, leaving a lasting impact on both the audience and the characters themselves.

☑️ Stunning Visuals : Alongside captivating stories, family road trip movies often showcase breathtaking landscapes, iconic landmarks, and picturesque scenery.

These visuals enhance the sense of adventure and inspire wanderlust in viewers of all ages.

Why Family Road Trip Movies are Essential for Bonding and Lasting Memories

Family road trip movies offer more than mere entertainment.

They create opportunities for parents and children to share quality time together, fostering stronger bonds and creating lasting memories. Here’s why these movies are a must-watch for families:

🎦 Shared Experiences : Watching family road trip movies together allows families to laugh, empathize, and connect over shared experiences. It opens up conversations, sparks imagination, and creates a sense of togetherness.

🎦 Educational Value : These movies often incorporate valuable life lessons, teaching kids about friendship, resilience, and the importance of family.

They expose children to different cultures, environments, and perspectives, expanding their horizons and nurturing a thirst for knowledge.

🎦 Inspiration and Encouragement : Family road trip movies inspire a sense of adventure and encourage families to plan their own memorable journeys.

They ignite the desire to explore new destinations, embark on thrilling escapades, and create their own stories.

🎦 Nostalgia and Lasting Memories : Years down the road, these movies become cherished memories that families can look back on with fondness.

They evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of the joyous moments shared during family movie nights and the laughter that echoed through the living room.

Final Thoughts on Family Road Trip Movies

From the laughter-filled adventures to the heartfelt moments of connection, these family road trip movies have a way of resonating with families and society as a whole.

Through the power of storytelling, family road trip movies remind us of the importance of spending quality time with our loved ones.

So, why not take a cue from these movies and plan your own family adventure?

Visit those stunning national parks you saw on screen or explore charming small towns that capture the essence of the open road.

Try out the activities featured in the films, like hiking, camping, or simply enjoying a picnic in nature.

Or go really big and drive the Pan-American Highway like our family!

Let the magic of these movies inspire you and your loved ones to embark on your very own unforgettable journey.

Remember to check the ratings and age appropriateness of these movies to ensure they are suitable for your family.

So grab some snacks, cozy up on the couch, and enjoy these entertaining road trip adventures!

Happy travels ! 🚗

FAQs About Family Road Trip Movies

Do you still have questions about family road trip movies? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

What is a movie where the family goes on vacation?

A classic movie about family vacations is National Lampoon’s Vacation. The Griswold family goes on a cross-country road trip, full of hijinks and mishaps, in an attempt to get to Wally World.

It’s a hilarious film that captures the humorous chaos that can occur when families travel together .

What is the old movie about a family road trip?

The old movie is National Lampoon’s Vacation. Join the Griswold family on a chaotic road trip to Walley World in the 1983 classic.

This heartwarming story follows their misadventures across multiple states. From running out of gas in the desert to challenging encounters with the law, they prove that strong family bonds can overcome any obstacle.

What movies should you watch with your family?

When it comes to movies that are fit for the entire family, there are lots of choices! If you’re looking for something light-hearted, classic comedies like Groundhog Day or Home Alone are sure to bring on the laughter.

Family road trip movies like Cars or Goonies take us on an exciting journey with characters who learn valuable lessons along the way. Whatever type of movie your family is in the mood for, there’s something out there for everyone!

What should I watch on a long car ride?

Mitchell’s vs The Machines and American Graffiti are both classic family road trip movies, but there are plenty of more contemporary options as well. Pixar’s Cars and Inside Out would be great for younger viewers, while Thelma & Louise and Easy Rider offer a more adult take on road trips.

No matter what your audience is, you’re sure to find something that everyone can agree on. And don’t forget about those classics like National Lampoon’s Vacation and Little Miss Sunshine! There’s no shortage of great movies to choose from when it comes to long car rides.

What are the five Vacation movies?

The five Vacation movies are National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) , European Vacation (1985), Christmas Vacation (1989), Vegas Vacation (1997), and the most recent installment, 2015’s Vacation. Each film follows the same central characters on a misadventure in a different vacation destination.

What are the top 10 movies for families?

The top movies for families are The Lion King (1994), Toy Story (1995), Finding Nemo (2003), Up (2009), Coco (2017) , Moana (2016), Zootopia (2016), The Incredibles (2004), Wall-E (2008), and Frozen (2013).

How do you have a good family movie night?

Having a good family movie night is all about selecting the right movie and creating an experience that everyone can enjoy. Start out making a list of movies that everyone likes, and let each person pick one.

Treat it like an event—turn off all devices, order takeout or create a meal together, and get comfy on the couch. Make sure each person has their favorite snacks nearby as well!

How do you survive a 7 hour car ride?

Long car rides can be especially difficult if you’re not prepared for them. Make sure to bring plenty of snacks and drinks, and plan some entertainment options like music or podcasts that you can enjoy during the ride.

If the car has a DVD player, make sure to bring a movie or two. Keep each other company and play car games, like answering car game questions. And don’t forget to do some stretches every now and then – sitting in one spot for too long can make you stiff!

Why is it fun to watch movies with family?

Watching movies with family is an enjoyable pastime for all ages. It’s an opportunity to spend quality time together and bond over shared interests. Watching movies is a great way to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Plus, you can laugh, cry, or experience any emotion together as you immerse yourself in the story. You’ll also be able to discuss your favorite parts afterward, which makes the movie-watching experience even more enjoyable!

Why are family movies important?

Family movies are a vital tool for bringing families closer together. They create shared experiences, promote meaningful conversations, and allow parents to impart values in a fun way .

These movies provide an escape from daily stress, encouraging relaxation and quality time. Ultimately, they help create lasting memories and pass on traditions to future generations.

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Brodi Cole is a full-time digital nomad who travels the world with her family. She made the switch to blogging and content writing after spending more than a decade and a half working as a Human Resources Manager and Director.

Since transitioning her family to a digital nomad lifestyle, they've visited over 20 countries together (and counting) in the last ten years!

In addition to traveling extensively through Canada, the USA, and the Caribbean, she's also visited Asia, Europe, and South America.

She spent most of the pandemic living in Malaysia before living in Mexico for over a year and then driving the Pan-American Highway from the USA to the southernmost tip of Argentina.

Brodi is also a freelance SEO writer and editor, sharing her expertise with other companies and bloggers. She has a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and a Master's Degree in Human Resources Management.

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13 Best Road Trip Movies on Netflix (July 2024)

Road trip movies often send out a deeper message than just going from point A to B. They depict the transformations of those who embark on them and also immensely stress the value of the journey, which is a lot more than the final destination. We understand the value of road trips for you. We also understand that, at times, a little push is needed to get the courage to leave behind everything for a while and go on one. However, there are also road trip movies that incorporate a different genre, like thriller or action or action thriller. In such movies, the plot is underscored by the trip, but that doesn’t dampen the theme and the emotions of the story, which is what the following movies capture.

13. Bad Trip (2021)

‘Bad Trip’ is a hilarious comedy road movie that will surely have you falling out of your chair in laughter. Chris Carey (Eric André) and Bud Malone (Lil Rel Howery) are two friends who are completely dissatisfied with the direction their lives have taken. Stuck at dead-end jobs with no progress or promotion, the two yearn for even the slightest bit of excitement. However, when Chris unexpectedly comes across his high-school crush, Maria Li, the friends decide to set out on a road trip from Florida to New York City so that Chris can win her over. Thus, the friends then steal a car and set out on a trip that ensues one hilarious incident after the other, while unbeknownst to them, Bud’s sister, the actual owner of the car, appears hot on their trail. You can check out the film here .

12. End of the Road (2022)

Directed by Millicent Shelton, ‘ End of the Road ’ is a sinister take on a road trip movie. Starring Queen Latifah and Ludacris, it tells the story of Brenda, her two kids, and her brother Reggie, whose cross-country road trip across the New Mexico desert to a new place for a new job (after losing her old one) and a new life, goes haywire. A halt on the way makes them witnesses to a murder, following which the killer puts them in his crosshair. Moreover, Reggie takes something from the crime scene that belongs to the killer, something that is a huge mistake, and Brenda knows it. How she and her family get rid of this maniac is what follows in this high-octane road trip thriller. You can stream the movie here .

11. Dumb and Dumber (1994)

A gift from mankind to mankind, ‘Dumb and Dumber’ stars Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels as the dimwitted duo, Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne. Lloyd is a limousine driver, and when he finds that his latest passenger, the woman he is smitten by, Mary Swanson (Lauren Holly), has left her suitcase at the terminal before leaving for Aspen, he decides to travel to Aspen and give it back to her. In his endeavor, he manages to convince Harry to join him, and they both set off on the road trip in Harry’s van. Their experiences and exploits along the way, involving cops and thugs, underscored by the chemistry of the two comedic legends and their comic timing, make ‘Dumb and Dumber’ one of the best road trip movies ever. You can watch it here .

10. Kodachrome (2017)

Matt, played by Jason Sudeikis, is often overshadowed by his father’s reputation as a famous photojournalist. Upon finding that he has cancer, Matt’s father’s last wish is to go on a road trip with his son from New York to Kansas to get his last few Kodachromes developed before it’s too late and the memories get lost in unprocessed films. The movie will bring back some pleasant memories to those who once used Kodachromes for taking pictures with Kodak cameras before the company went bankrupt and shut down completely. The film is very predictable overall, but that’s how most road-trip feel-good kind of movies are, right? We do not watch them for a predictable storyline. We watch them for the whole positive vibe that the movie gives out to touch us and, at times, even inspire us deeply. You may watch the film here .

Read More: Best Space Movies on Netflix

9. The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

Put the Antman star, Paul Rudd , in any film, and he’ll surely give you a great performance and some hilarious jokes to remember. ‘The Fundamentals of Caring’ is one such film where Paul Rudd plays the role of a writer who has recently experienced the loss of a loved one. To recover from that, he decides to become a caregiver. This is when he meets an angry and frustrated teenager who has never left his home because of his disability. During the journey, the two get close and get a deeper understanding of friendship and aspiration. This movie is a pure entertainer when you’re in a feel-good kind of mood and will make you laugh and cry at the same time. You can watch it here .

Read More: Most Disturbing Movies on Netflix

8. Seventeen (2019)

‘Seventeen,’ also known as ‘Diecisiete’ in Spanish , follows Hector, a spirited and lively 17-year-old who has been confined to a juvenile detention center for two years. While most believe that Hector is a spoilt teen with no regard for rules, he does have a kind heart and even befriends a dog named Oveja while on a visit to an animal rescue center. Hector appears intent on working towards his freedom and becoming a better person. However, things go haywire once Oveja goes missing, and Hector, fraught with concern, breaks out of prison to search for the missing dog. Surprisingly, the 17-year-old’s loved ones support such a venture, and Hector, along with his brother, Isamel, and their grandmother, soon embarks on a road trip through the Spanish region of Cantabria. You can stream ‘Seventeen’ here .

7. The Trader (2018)

As the title suggests, ‘The Trader’ (Georgian: ‘Sovdagari’) is a documentary that follows a poor traveling trader living in poverty and selling his wares in the rural Republic of Georgia. His travels take him to remote corners of the country and provide an authentic sneak peek into the daily lives of the people from that part of the region. The documentary even portrays previously unheard practices like using potatoes as the only unit of currency. For fans who are curious to know more about different cultures and people from around the globe, ‘The Trader’ will surely be an eye-opening experience. You can stream the film here .

6. Expedition Happiness (2017)

Travel documentaries are a joy to sit through, and ‘Expedition Happiness’ satisfies every craving in that regard as it follows filmmaker Felix Starck and his then-girlfriend Selima Taibi on a road trip across North America. Felix and Selima originally hail from Berlin, Germany , but soon grew tired of the big city with its highrises, noisy traffic, and congestion. Thus, longing for fresh air, a change in scenery, and new experiences, the pair obtain and refurbish a school bus before setting out on an epic road trip across North America along with their dog. Filmed by the pair themselves, ‘Expedition Happiness’ provides a fresh take on North America and can easily be considered a must-watch. You may watch it here .

5. Dhak Dhak (2023)

A Bollywood drama directed by Tarun Dudeja, ‘Dhak Dhak’ brings together four women from different social lifestyles and age groups. Together, they set off on a bike trip to Ladakh, India, a place that is considered the highest mountain pass in the world and can be reached by vehicle. The journey also becomes a spiritual one as each experience brings about new realizations, thereby adding to the meaning of life and what it means to be free. The film stars Dia Mirza, Ratna Pathak Shah, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Sanjana Sanghi. You can watch it here .

4. 4L (2019)

‘4L,’ known popularly as ‘4 latas’ in Spanish, revolves around Tocho, an alcoholic with bad manners, and Jean Pierre, a past womanizer who still reminisces about his glory days. The film opens with Tocho reading a letter that informs him about his old friend, Joseba, who is seemingly on his deathbed in Timbuktu. The letter makes Tocho realize what he has lost, and soon, he makes up his mind to meet his friend before his death. On top of it, the two also plan on taking Joseba’s estranged daughter, Ely, to her father. Interestingly, apart from agreeing to the trip at a moment’s notice, Ely even provides the men with an old 1982 Renault, the same car the three friends had once used to cross the desert. Thus, they embark on a massive road trip from Paris to Timbuktu while being surrounded by fond memories. Moreover, even though the experiences they have on the road change their outlook on life, the film ultimately teaches us the value of friendship, family, and love. You can watch ‘4L’ here .

3. Qarib Qarib Single (2017)

A Hindi-language Bollywood feel-good rom-com directed by Tanuja Chandra, ‘Qarib Qarib Single’ stars Irrfan Khan and Parvathy Thiruvothu. When two strangers meet via an online dating platform, it’s usually a date that decides whether they will agree to go on further dates with each other. For Jaya (a 35-year-old widow) and Yogi (a not-that-famous poet), it is an adventure that decides it. After some humorous experiences, the two decide to go and visit Yogi’s three ex-girlfriends. Thus begins a memorable trip for our duo as well as for us. From Dehradun to Jaipur to Gangtok, the journey is full of humor, confusion, and humor-filled confusion and ends in a perfect manner. Stop guessing, as you can stream the film right here .

2. Paddleton (2019)

A road trip meets the trip of life in this comedy-drama directed by Alexandre Lehmann. It tells the story of two misfits/neighbors/best friends, Michael and Andy, between whom Michael is diagnosed with terminal cancer . With six months to live, Michael, accompanied by a reluctant Andy, set off on a 6-hour drive to the nearest pharmacy that has the required meds. Their experiences during the journey, which throw light on their friendship and the reality of life in general, make ‘Paddleton’ an enriching road trip movie. The cast includes Mark Duplass as Michael, Ray Romano as Andy, Kadeem Hardison, Christine Woods, Stephen Oyoung, Marguerite Moreau, and Alana Carithers. Feel free to check out the movie here .

1. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)

Directed by Zoya Akhtar, ‘ Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara ’ is an Indian Hindi-language movie that tells the story of three friends who come together after a long time when one of them gets engaged. The bachelor trip that follows folds out into a buffet of experiences, both physically and emotionally, as the lives of all three begin to reveal themselves. Pain, regret, fear, mistakes, love, happiness, and insecurities take center stage and address the title of the movie, which translates to ‘Life never happens twice.’ The cast includes Farhan Akhtar , Hrithik Roshan , and Abhay Deol as the three friends, along with Katrina Kaif , Kalki Koechlin , Naseeruddin Shah , and Deepti Naval. You may watch the film here .

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98 Best Adventure Movies All Time Ranked

Of all the stories humans tell, there's just something about a fantastic adventure that speaks to our souls time and time again, whether it's an ancient text like "The Epic of Gilgamesh" or a more modern-tale like George Lucas' "Star Wars." The fact that we've always been drawn to stories of quests and derring-do proves the power of a good adventure to reach deep into the human spirit. 

When a great adventure comes alive on the big or small screen, it gives viewers a chance to step outside of their world and experience the potential of a transformative journey. Whether it's a journey across the sea or across all of space and time, there's nothing like sitting down with a tub of popcorn and stepping into a new world. Next time you're looking for adventure, we've got you covered with the 98 best adventure movies ever made. 

Updated on May 23, 2022: Great new adventure movies are released all the time! We'll be updating this list every so often to include the best new adventure films, so be sure to check back soon for more fantastic quests! 

98. The Count of Monte Cristo

Based on the 1844 Alexandre Dumas novel, "The Count of Monte Cristo" follows the adventures of Edmond Dantès, a man on the verge of having the perfect life ... until he's betrayed and tossed into prison by jealous enemies. From there, we watch as Edmond survives imprisonment, escapes from the notorious Château d'If, pursues treasure, and goes through the ultimate glow-up as he presents himself as the "Count of Monte Cristo" to Parisian society. And, oh yeah, the whole time, he's plotting some serious revenge. From pirates to secret tunnels, this film is brimming with equal parts swashbuckling adventure and neoclassical pomp. 

• Starring: Jim Caviezel, Guy Pearce, Richard Harris
• Director: Kevin Reynolds
• Runtime: 131 minutes
• Rating: PG-13
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 73%

97. Ready Player One

In "Ready Player One," teen orphan Wade Watts lives in a miserable dystopian world where RVs are stacked like the world's saddest LEGOs. But lucky for Wade, the wi-fi is fantastic. Our hero — and most everyone else — spends their days inside the OASIS, a video game reality that's the ultimate form of escapism. But when the OASIS creator leaves his vast fortune and company ownership hidden inside his VR world in an Easter egg, Wade embarks on the ultimate virtual adventure to find it, traveling through a world populated with Gen-X pop culture references and baddies for hire. 

• Starring: Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn
• Director: Steven Spielberg
• Runtime: 140 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 72%

96. Dora and the Lost City of Gold

In this live-action adaptation of the classic animated children's series, second-generation explorer Dora embarks on an adventure with her monkey friend Boots and cousin Diego after her parents go missing while on a hunt for a lost city filled with treasure.  A whimsical, teenage reimagining of the beloved show, "Dora and the Lost City of Gold" is a fitting tribute that offers a fair share of family-friendly comedy, whimsy, and adventure.

• Starring:  Isabela Moner, Eugenio Derbez, Michael Peña
• Director:  James Bobin
• Year:  2019
• Runtime:  102 minutes
• Rating:  PG
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:  85%

95. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

Adapted from Patrick O'Brian's series of historical novels, "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" is a seafaring naval adventure set during the Napoleonic Wars. Like the novels, the film follows the adventures of Royal Navy captain Jack Aubrey and his ship surgeon, Dr. Stephen Maturin. In pursuit of French privateers, Captain Aubrey leads the HMS Surprise around Cape Horn to the Galápagos Islands, where they encounter a host of maritime adventures from eerily becalmed waters to strange new species to hand-to-hand combat with unsavory mariners. 

• Starring:  Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, James D'Arcy
• Director:  Peter Weir
• Year:  2003
• Runtime:  138 minutes
• Rating:  PG-13

94. Fantastic Voyage

Long before "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" and "Innerspace," "Fantastic Voyage" would imagine a world where miniaturization technology was the latest front in the Cold War. Aboard the microscopic submarine Proteus, a crew of medical scientists must journey through a scientist's body in order to save him and his top-secret intelligence from a blood clot in the span of an hour. While the science probably won't help anyone through Biology 101, "Fantastic Voyage" is a fun ride through the human circulatory system with a fair share of peak Red Scare antics sprinkled throughout. 

• Starring: Donald Pleasance, Raquel Welch, Stephen Boyd 
• Director:  Richard Fleischer
• Runtime:  100 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score : 91%

93. The Hidden Fortress

Set in feudal Japan, "The Hidden Fortress" finds hard-luck peasants Tahei and Matashichi setting a course for adventure by joining the powerful Yamana clan of soldiers and eventually escorting a princess and her family gold through enemy territory. Imperfect heroes that they are, Tahei and Matashichi are hardly up to the challenge of facing off with warring samurai. But with the help of a few brave allies, they manage to scrape through by the skin of their teeth. One of the biggest influences on 1977's "Star Wars," "The Hidden Fortress" is a true classic of Japanese cinema.

• Starring:  Toshiro Mifune, Misa Uehara, Minoru Chiaki
• Director:  Akira Kurosawa
• Year:  1958
• Runtime:  139 minutes
• Rating:  NR
• Rotten Tomatoes Score : 97%

92. Stagecoach

Adapted from the 1937 Ernest Haycox short story "The Stage to Lordsburg," "Stagecoach" is a Western adventure story set in 1880, where a motley group of strangers — from a drunken doctor and a dangerous gambler to a kindly outlaw and a gold-hearted saloon girl — come together aboard a stagecoach traveling from Arizona Territory to New Mexico. The journey takes place in a world where the American frontier still seems vast and dangerous, forcing the group to work together as they make their epic journey through the Wild West. One of John Ford's finest films, "Stagecoach" is the movie that launched John Wayne to superstardom.

• Starring:  Claire Trevor, John Wayne, Andy Devine
• Director:  John Ford
• Year:  1939
• Runtime:  96 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:  100%

91. Captain Blood

 "Captain Blood" is a seafaring adventure set in the Golden Age of Piracy, and when it comes to adventure, no one did it better than 17th-century pirates. This high-seas adventure finds Irish physician Peter Blood sold into slavery in the West Indies. After Blood is purchased by the lovely Arabella Bishop, he later escapes Port Royal during a Spanish man-o-war attack, taking up a new life as a Caribbean buccaneer where swashbuckling adventures and romance on the high seas are the order of the day. For those not familiar with old-timey actors, Blood is played by Errol Flynn, the greatest action star of his day, and "Captain Blood" finds him at his adventurous, charming best.

• Starring:  Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone
• Director:  Michael Curtiz
• Runtime:  119 minutes

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

90. The French Connection

Directed by the legendary William Friedkin, "The French Connection" recounts the true story of two NYC detectives investigating a large-scale heroin operation, one that spans from Brooklyn to Marseille. At the heart of the story, we've got Detective "Popeye" Doyle, the ultimate dirty cop who never met a rule he couldn't break. Played to ferocious perfection by Gene Hackman, Doyle and his partner find themselves going down a mafia rabbit hole that eventually leads to one of the greatest chase sequences of all time — one filmed guerrilla style by Friedkin, resulting in accidental real-life collisions and the feeling of actual danger.

• Starring:  Gene Hackman, Roy Scheider, Fernando Rey
• Director:  William Friedkin
• Year:  1971
• Runtime:  104 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:  97%

89. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is widely considered one of the best and most influential wuxia films of all time, thanks in large part to its gorgeous cinematography and unique martial arts scenes. The story is set in 19th-century China during the Qing dynasty and follows the adventures of female machete warrior Yu Shu Lien and her wudang swordsman friend Mu Bai as they battle other warriors over the 400-year-old sword Green Destiny. Come for the flying duels amongst bamboo, stay for the sweeping romance and epic adventure.

• Starring:  Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi
• Director:  Ang Lee
• Year:  2001
• Runtime:  120 minutes

88. Moonrise Kingdom

"Moonrise Kingdom" is a love story and adventure about two lonely adolescents who decide to run away together on a New England island after a year of sharing romantic love letters. Suzy and Sam's plan to meet up and live off the land in a hidden cove they call "Moonrise Kingdom" doesn't go quite as planned, and they find themselves on the run from Social Services and Suzy's parents as a violent storm bears down. A charming coming-of-age story set in the mid-1960s, "Moonrise Kingdom" is a nostalgic tale of first love without the baggage of adulthood.

• Starring:  Bruce Willis , Edward Norton, Frances McDormand
• Director:  Wes Anderson
• Year:  2012
• Runtime:  94 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:  93%

87. National Lampoon's Vacation

The ultimate American road comedy, "National Lampoon's Vacation" is the first film in the "Vacation" series and follows the Griswold family's adventures as they embark on a cross-country road trip from suburban Chicago to the beloved theme park Walley World. Partly due to patriarch Clark Griswold's many personality flaws, the family encounters more than their share of troubles along the way, including a hostage situation when things don't go as they planned at the park. Anyone who's taken a long family road trip will relate to the comedic miseries visited upon the Griswold's Wagon Queen Family Truckster. 

• Starring:  Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, John Candy
• Director:  Harold Ramis
• Year:  1983
• Runtime:  98 minutes

86. The Great Escape

A fictionalized tale based on the real-life escape of Allied POWs during World War II, "The Great Escape" tells the story of a large-scale prison break from a Nazi-run, high-security camp in 1942. Working together, the prisoners manage to dig a tunnel without the guards' knowledge and end up on the run in Nazi Germany. A heart-pounding tale of hope and ingenuity, "The Great Escape" is a reminder of human resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. Plus, it features one of the all-time great motorcycle sequences, complete with the "King of Cool" himself, Steve McQueen.

• Starring:  Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough
• Director:  John Sturges
• Runtime:  172 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:  94%

85. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The archetypal spaghetti Western, "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" follows three gunslingers on a quest to find a cache of Confederate gold hidden by a fugitive during the bloody peak of the Civil War. On one side, you've got the "Good," a marksman/bounty hunter who's always one step ahead of everybody else. Then there's the "Bad," a squinty-eyed mercenary with no remorse when it comes to murder. And finally, there's the "Ugly," a sniveling bandit who's a lot faster on the draw than you might expect. Together, these three double-cross each other, butt heads, and occasionally give each other a hand as they search for treasure. With three iconic characters and Ennio Morricone's incredible score, it's no wonder this is the ultimate Wild West adventure.

• Starring:  Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, Lee Van Cleef
• Director:  Sergio Leone
• Year:  1966
• Runtime:  161 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%

84. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre

Directed by John Huston, "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" finds two down-on-their-luck drifters teaming up with an aging prospector to dig for gold in the Sierra Madre mountains. While they find what they're looking for, trust between the party begins to quickly fray as they encounter locals, a gang of bandits with sights set on their gold, and that nastiest of human enemies — greed. Humphrey Bogart gives one of his all-time performances as Fred C. Dobbs, a man with big dreams, dollar signs in his eyes, and darkness in his heart.

• Starring:  Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston, Tim Holt
• Director:  John Huston
• Year:  1948
• Runtime:  124 minutes

83. Jurassic Park

With a theme park chock full of cloned dinosaurs, what could go wrong? This is the central question in the film "Jurassic Park," which finds a group of survivors on the run from dinos off the coast of Costa Rica. Not long after experts paleobotanist Ellie Sattler, paleontologist Alan Grant, and chaos theory math whiz Ian Malcolm arrive to sign off on the park's safety, a storm and a disgruntled hacker descend upon the island, leaving the resident dinos to run amok after the park's electric fences lose power. Throw a couple of kids into the mix, and it's a recipe for some serious prehistoric adventure, complete with eye-popping effects, both practical and CGI.

• Starring:  Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum
• Director:  Steven Spielberg
• Year:  1993
• Runtime:  128 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

82. The Man Who Would Be King

Based on Rudyard Kipling's novella, "The Man Who Would Be King" is set in 1880s British-colonized India and the neighboring Kafiristan. Told from the perspective of a fictionalized Rudyard Kipling, the story recounts the adventures of two former British soldiers who set a course for adventure, only to find it less exciting than they pictured. So they two men — who so happen to be Kipling's compatriots — set their sights set on looting Kafiristan, a plan that gets adjusted when one of them is taken for a god by the locals.

• Starring:  Sean Connery , Michael Caine, Christopher Plummer
• Year:  1975
• Runtime:  129 minutes

81. Planes, Trains and Automobiles

One of the world's few Thanksgiving films, "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" is part buddy comedy, part road trip adventure. The tale finds frustrating but friendly traveling salesman Del Griffith crossing paths with uptight marketing exec Neal Page as they team up in a desperate bid to get Neal home in time for his turkey dinner. Despite the short distance between New York and Chicago, the unlikely pair find themselves on something of an epic journey after their plane gets diverted to Wichita. This hilarious and heartwarming adventure should be on everyone's Turkey Day watch list, largely thanks to the incredible chemistry between comedic legends John Candy and Steve Martin.

• Starring:  Steve Martin, John Candy, Laila Robins
• Director:  John Hughes
• Year:  1987
• Runtime:  92 minutes

80. Monty Python and the Holy Grail

A comedy adventure written and performed by the Monty Python comedy team, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" follows King Arthur and his squire Patsy as they roam around the British countryside looking for knights to join the legendary Round Table and help in their quest for the fabled Holy Grail. Along the way, they get into all sorts of Arthurian adventures from a witch trial to a bout of plague. With plenty of anachronisms and absurdist humor, the film represents everything that's great about Monty Python and everything that's not so great about medieval England.

• Starring:  Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam
• Director:  Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones
• Runtime:  90 minutes

79. The African Queen

"The African Queen" takes place on a steamboat in 1948 German East Africa — a unique location for a sweeping story. The film finds a pair of sibling British missionaries caught in the middle of a war between the U.K. and Germany. But after her brother's death at the hands of German troops, Rose Sayer teams up with a local steamboat captain, heavy-drinking Canadian Charlie Allnut, to upgrade his boat — the African Queen — into a massive torpedo to take on the Germans. Granted, the uptight Christian and the booze-guzzling riverman don't get along at first, but strange circumstances often lead to strange romances. This adventure story was shot on location in the Congo and Uganda, efforts that paid off in terms of the film's gorgeous Technicolor scenery. 

• Starring:  Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn, Robert Morley
• Year:  1951
• Runtime:  105 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%

78. Forbidden Planet

Easily one of the most influential and iconic sci-fi films, "Forbidden Planet" takes place in the 23rd century when a United Planets starship heads to Altair IV to investigate an expedition that disappeared two decades ago. During their exploration of the planet, they encounter Robby the robot, along with Dr. Morbius and his daughter Altaira. Things turn strange pretty quickly as they often do in the sci-fi world with the crew encountering strange creatures and a powerful intellectual enhancer, among other surprises. The film has been widely discussed for its parallels to William Shakespeare's "The Tempest," and for the time, its special effects are pretty darn impressive.

• Starring:  Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis, Leslie Nielsen
• Director:  Fred M. Wilcox
• Year:  1956

77. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

An 18th-century swashbuckling adventure, "Pirates of the Caribbean" is a fantastical tale that follows Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann as they cross paths with the infamous pirate Captain Jack Sparrow and the cursed crew of the Black Pearl. Based on the beloved Disney Parks ride of the same name, the "Pirates" film series is a surprisingly exciting adventure filled with plenty of mythology and wacky adventures. But it all started here with a film that became an instant classic, largely thanks to Johnny Depp's iconic performance as rum-loving, rock star pirate.

• Starring:  Johnny Depp , Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom
• Director:  Gore Verbinski
• Runtime:  143 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:  80%

76. Free Guy

In "Free Guy," even non-playable characters (NPC) get to have big adventures. In the video game world of "Free City," NPC Guy becomes self-aware thanks to a new AI code in the system. As a result, he starts to go off-script, encountering game developer Millie who mistakes him for a noob. Things get even more complicated when Guy falls in love with Millie and sparks a game-wide revolution. Despite the very heavy existential subtext and slightly chilling AI implications, the story manages to stay in its lane as a fun adventure in the virtual world.

• Starring:  Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Lil Rel Howery
• Director:  Shawn Levy
• Year:  2021
• Runtime:  115 minutes

75. O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Inspired by the Homerian epic poem "The Odyssey," "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" is a Coen brothers satire set in the Great Depression that follows three escaped convicts on a treasure hunt after breaking out of a chain gang. Ulysses Everett McGill leads his pals Delmar and Pete on a wild journey where they encounter figures taken straight from Homer to the tune of period folk music. Clever, fun, and more lighthearted than many other Coen brothers projects, the film is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a great soundtrack and a solid adventure. 

• Starring:  George Clooney , John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson
• Director:  Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
• Year:  2000
• Runtime:  106 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:  78%

74. The Last Starfighter

When teenager Alex is rejected for his scholarship, he turns to the only cool thing in his trailer park for comfort: the "Starfighter" arcade game. After beating the game's high score, he learns that it's really a recruitment strategy for an intergalactic space army, and as a result, he ends up aboard a real-world Starfighter. The ultimate '80s teen video game fantasy, "The Last Starfighter" has developed a cult following over the years thanks to its cheesy "Star Wars" knock-off storyline. 

• Starring:  Lance Guest, Dan O'Herlihy, Robert Preston
• Director:  Nick Castle
• Year:  1984
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:  76%

73. Three Musketeers

Based on the 1844 Alexandre Dumas novel of the same name, "The Three Musketeers" follows the 17th-century adventures of d'Artagnan after joining forces with the famed "three inseperables" — Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. The silent French historical adventure finds the quartet swashbuckling their way around Europe with plenty of fancy swordplay and gorgeous period costumes. 

• Starring:  Douglas Fairbanks, Leon Bary, George Siegmann
• Director:  Fred Niblo
• Year:  1921

72. Seven Samurai

Perhaps the greatest Japanese movie ever made, "Seven Samurai" is an epic adventure tale set in 16th-century Japan, following the adventures of seven rōnin (masterless samurai) hired by farmers to fight off bandits who keep stealing their crops. Realizing that the farmers need to learn to defend themselves, the samurai arm and train the locals, helping them to fortify their village in anticipation of the next raid. Directed by one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, Akira Kurosawa, the action scenes in "Seven Samurai" blow most modern-day battle sequences out of the water. Don't be scared off by the runtime. This epic adventure flick will grab you from the start and never let go. 

• Starring:  Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Keiko Tsushima
• Year:  1954
• Runtime:  207 minutes

71. Serenity

A continuation of the cult series "Firefly," "Serenity" is a space Western that picks up where the show leaves off with the smuggler crew of the Firefly-class spaceship Serenity. Like the series, "Serenity" is set in the 26th century and finds the crew harboring a pair of refugees — the psychic science experiment River Tam and her brother Simon. Plus, we've got bank robberies, we've got the cannibalistic Reavers, and we've got an obsessed government assassin who'll stop at nothing to track down our heroes. With a cast that includes Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk, Gina Torres, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, "Serenity" is an imaginative space adventure full of the magic that "FIrefly" fans came to love during the show's too-short run.

• Starring:  Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk, Summer Glau
• Director:  Joss Whedon
• Year:  2005
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:  82%

70. Gladiator

When 2nd-century Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius refuses to pledge his loyalty to the murderous Commodus, he ends up arrested while his wife and son are crucified. After escaping and burying his family, Maximus ends up enslaved to a gladiator trainer, eventually becoming a crowd favorite thanks to his gladiator skills and savvy. With loads of great Colosseum action and peak Roman violence, "Gladiator" is one of the best stories set in this period.

• Starring:  Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix , Connie Nielsen
• Director:  Ridley Scott
• Runtime:  155 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:  77%

69. Kong: Skull Island

Perhaps the most exciting entry in the MonsterVerse franchise, "Kong: Skull Island" finds a group of scientists and soldiers heading to the titular isle. Little do they know, they're in for a big surprise, as the place is crawling with giant insects, massive sea creatures, and one very large ape. That's right, it's King Kong, the island's protector who's engaged in a war with subterranean reptilian predators called "skullcrawlers." Half our heroes want to ally with Kong. The other half wants to kill him. Everybody wants to get off that island ... but the monsters have other ideas. The film reimagines King Kong as a lonely god figure who must be protected at all costs and adds to the mythology of the Kong universe. 

• Starring:  Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Brie Larson
• Director:  Jordan Vogt-Roberts
• Year:  2017
• Runtime:  118 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:  75%

68. Where the Wild Things Are

Based on the 1963 children's story by Maurice Sendak, "Where the Wild Things Are" is a live-action fantasy adventure that takes a long and soulful look at the heartache and beauty that comes with raising a child. An imaginative child of divorce, Max is acting out, unable to control his emotions in a way that's driving his mother to a state of distress, where she's literally afraid of her own child. Locked in his room, Max journeys to a faraway land of his own imagination where he meets seven wild creatures who he's able to convince he is a king. Despite being a family film, "Where the Wild Things Are" is a complex and layered story that many viewers will find meaning in. 

• Starring:  Max Records, Catherine Keener, James Gandolfini
• Director:  Spike Jonze
• Year:  2010
• Runtime:  101 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:  73%

67. The Spiderwick Chronicles

Based on the fantasy book series by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi, "The Spiderwick Chronicles" is a family fantasy-adventure centered around the Spiderwick estate and a field guide to magical fairies including brownies, goblins, fairies, and a shapeshifting ogre. After twin Jared happens across the book and encounters a brownie, he and his siblings find themselves caught up in a fantastical world where magic is real.

• Starring:  Freddie Highmore, Sarah Bolger, Mary-Louise Parker
• Director:  Mark Waters
• Year:  2008
• Runtime:  97 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:  81%

66. King Kong (2005)

Set during the Great Depression, 2005's "King Kong" marks the second time the original 1933 "King Kong" film would be remade. While NYC actress Ann Darrow is sacrificed to King Kong by the angry residents of Skull Island, the rest of her party find themselves face-to-face with dinosaurs and oversized insects. After they manage to escape, sketchy filmmaker Carl Denham captures Kong and puts him on Broadway, which goes exactly like it sounds it would. An exciting CGI-powered tribute to the original film, Peter Jackson's "King Kong" is a grand adventure, one that works thanks to the strong relationship that builds between Ann and Kong, who's portrayed by mo-cap legend Andy Serkis.

• Starring:  Naomi Watts, Jack Black , Adrien Brody
• Director:  Peter Jackson
• Year:  2005 
• Runtime:  187 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:  84%

65. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

A Technicolor tribute to Jules Verne's classic novel, Disney's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" is a sci-fi steampunk masterpiece. The tale finds Professor Aronnax — accompanied by sidekick Conseil and harpooner Ned Land — searching for a mysterious sea monster, all to discover the creature is actually the Nautilus — a submarine captained by the obsessive Captain Nemo. Aboard the Nautilus, our heroes encounter cannibals, warships, and even a giant squid as they explore the ocean in all its beauty. Even by today's standards, the 1954 special effects are spectacular, and James Mason's performance as Nemo might be a career best.

• Starring:  Kirk Douglas, James Mason, Paul Lukas
• Runtime:  127 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%

64. Life of Pi

Adapted from the 2001 novel by Yann Martel, "Life of Pi" is a philosophical fantasy adventure following the journey of the titular Pi, a young man who survives a shipwreck. Our hero makes his way aboard a lifeboat and finds he has to sail across the ocean with a number of zoo animals, including a very hungry Bengal tiger. Surreal and meditative, the visually stunning tale explores the power of imagination in the face of great pain and loss. 

• Starring:  Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Rafe Spall
• Runtime:  125 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:  86%

63. Bridge to Terabithia

When bullied and economically disadvantaged adolescent Jess meets his new neighbor, Leslie, the pair invent an imaginary world called Terabithia — a land of magic and escape. More of a story about the heartache and challenges of adolescents having to face the adult world than a simple children's story, "Bridge to Terabithia" is an emotional tale of two kids finding strength in their own creativity.  

• Starring:  Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Zooey Deschanel
• Director:  Gábor Csupó
• Year:  2007
• Runtime:  95 minutes

62. Cast Away

Equal parts survival story and extended FedEx advertisement, "Cast Away" finds globetrotting workaholic and FedEx productivity expert Chuck Noland taking an unexpected mandatory unpaid leave after his plane crashes, leaving him stranded on a deserted island for years. Stuck in the middle of nowhere, Chuck struggles to survive against incredible odds with only a volleyball to keep him company. When it comes to survival films, "Cast Away" is one of the best ever made thanks in no small part to Tom Hanks' incredible one-man performance for most of the film. 

• Starring:  Tom Hanks , Helen Hunt, Nick Searcy
• Director:  Robert Zemeckis
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%

61. Kill Bill: Vol. 1

A genre-bending revenge fantasy, "Kill Bill: Vol. I" takes its influences from everything director Quentin Tarantino loves, including spaghetti Westerns, martial arts films, and Blaxploitation. The tale finds the Bride waking up from a years-long coma to declare revenge on her old comrades, the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, who turned her wedding day into a bloodbath and tried to kill her. A vivid and bloody odyssey, the film is mandatory viewing for anyone who loves great cinema.  

• Starring:  Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox
• Director:  Quentin Tarantino
• Runtime:  110 minutes

60. The Green Knight

Inspired by the 14th-century chivalric romance poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," David Lowery's trippy film is an Arthurian tale that finds King Arthur's cousin, Gawain, on a quest to the Green Chapel, where he's meant to die at the hands of the legendary Green Knight. In his travels through the eerie, mythical forests of medieval England, he crosses paths with a talking fox and a ghost, among other strange encounters. 

• Starring:  Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander, Joel Edgerton
• Director:  David Lowery

59. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

A sequel to "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" picks up a decade after the human population has been all but wiped out by the Simian flu. In the wreckage of what remains, intellectually enhanced apes have created a colony and are beginning to take a hard line against the remaining humans. After all, people weren't too kind to these guys before civilization fell. A violent and metaphoric look at humanity's faults, the film is considered one of the best in the "Planet of the Apes" saga. 

• Starring:  Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman
• Director:  Matt Reeves
• Year:  2014
• Runtime:  130 minutes

58. Time Bandits

When an 11-year-old with a love of history and an overactive imagination discovers a magical portal in his bedroom, he embarks on an odyssey through various historical eras with a group of ornery time-traveling dwarves who've abandoned their mission repairing holes in spacetime to rack up riches through the ages. Together, the crew travels through time and space, bumping into historical figures like Robin Hood, King Agamemnon, and Napoleon Bonaparte. A Terry Gilliam production, the film is strange and over-the-top in all of the best ways. 

• Starring:  John Cleese, Sean Connery, Shelley Duvall
• Director:  Terry Gilliam
• Year:  1981

57. King Kong (1933)

One of Hollywood's few pre-Code films, "King Kong" is a beauty-and-the-beast tale that uses stop-motion animation to depict Kong, the monstrously large ape that makes his home on Skull Island, a mysterious land populated with prehistoric creatures. After Kong is captured and brought to New York City, the creature breaks free, absconding with actress Ann Darrow and rampaging through Manhattan. "King Kong" is the widely considered one of the most influential monster films of all time, and its legacy can be seen in many new films today. 

• Starring:  Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, Bruce Cabot
• Director:  Merian C. Cooper, Ernest B. Schoedsack
• Year:  1933
• Runtime: 100 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%

56. Journey to the Center of the Earth

Based on Jules Verne's classic novel, "Journey to the Center of the Earth" finds a group of explorers traveling far into the planet's interior, where they encounter a vast subterranean world. Deep inside the Earth, they encounter many wonders, including an ocean, dinosaurs, and the lost city of Atlantis. The effects here are incredibly charming in an old-fashioned way, with oversized mushrooms and "dinosaurs" that are actually real-life lizards made to look larger than life.

• Starring:  James Mason, Pat Boone, Arlene Dahl
• Director:  Henry Levin
• Year:  1959
• Runtime:  132 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:  83%

"Avatar" is set in the year 2154, when humanity's reckless environmental habits have finally taken their toll. Amid the ensuing energy crisis, the Resources Development Administration has begun mining an ore called unobtanium on the lush moon Pandora in the Alpha Centauri system. To help communicate with the Na'vi, the blue humanoids who call the planet home, the human representatives use avatars to appear like the locals. But when one human begins falling for both a Na'vi and her way of life, we're taken on the journey of a lifetime. Part "Romeo and Juliet," part critique of imperialism, "Avatar" creates a vivid and imaginative world straight out of James Cameron's sci-fi dreams. 

• Starring:  Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Stephen Lang
• Director:  James Cameron
• Year:  2009
• Runtime:  162 minutes

54. Swiss Family Robinson

Based on the 1812 novel by Johann David Wyss, "The Swiss Family Robinson" finds the Robinson family en route from Switzerland to their new home in New Guinea when a pirate attack leaves them stranded on a desert island with two Great Danes. The family learns to survive, in the process encountering animals ranging from an angry tiger to a baby elephant and building the world's most amazing treehouse, complete with its own water wheel.

• Starring:  John Mills, Dorothy McGuire, James MacArthur
• Director:  Ken Annakin
• Year:  1960
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:   83%

53. The Mask of Zorro

If you're looking for a fun, exciting, sexy time, then you can't go wrong with "The Mask of Zorro." In this 19th-century adventure, the famed masked swordsman is ready to find a protége who's willing to take up the mask and sword in his stead. His new student happens to be Alejandro Murrieta, an uncouth bandit who has a lot to learn about high society and swordplay if he ever wants to get revenge on the man responsible for his brother's death. Of course, he'll also have to deal with the beautiful and dangerous Elena, a noblewoman with a connection to the OG Zorro. Romantic, swashbuckling adventure commences, with plenty of fencing duels, tangoes, and witty repartee.

• Starring:  Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins , Catherine Zeta-Jones
• Director:  Martin Campbell
• Year:  1998
• Runtime:  136 minutes

52. Men in Black

The '90s was a great decade for sci-fi adventure flicks. For proof, look no further than "Men in Black." Will Smith plays the enthusiastic Agent J, a New York Cop recruited to work for the Men in Black, a secret government organization that monitors and polices alien life forms. Partnered up by Tommy Lee Jones' veteran Agent K, J picks up a neuralyzer — which can erase human memories as needed — and finds himself in a world of talking pugs, coffee-loving ETs, and a cockroach-like alien wreaking havoc in New York.

• Starring:  Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Linda Fiorentino
• Director:  Barry Sonnenfeld
• Year:  1997

51. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

The first film in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Fellowship of the Ring" finds hobbit Frodo Baggins embarking on his hero's journey to return the evil One Ring to Mordor where it can be destroyed once and for all. With the Fellowship of the Ring to protect him in his task, Frodo travels through treacherous lands, with his long and arduous journey only just beginning. Featuring one of the all-time movie scores from composer Howard Shore, "Fellowship of the Ring" is set against the beautiful vistas of New Zealand and features a host of impressive practical effects, some stirring battle sequences, and plenty of heartfelt emotions.

• Starring:  Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler
• Runtime:  178 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%

50. Flight of the Navigator

After pre-teen David Freeman disappears in 1978, he reappears eight years later without having aged at all. Shortly after, when NASA captures a spaceship, they begin to realize that David was abducted and traveled inside this alien craft to a planet hundreds of light years away. And yet despite this fairly terrifying premise, "Flight of the Navigator" is a surprisingly uplifting family adventure film with a cult following that finds Max on the adventure of his life when he decides climb back aboard the UFO and befriend the intelligent being inside.

• Starring:  Joey Cramer, Sarah Jessica Parker, Paul Reubens
• Director:  Randal Kleiser
• Year:  1986
• Runtime: 89 minutes

49. Big Fish

A lovely film brimming with imagination, "Big Fish" takes a whole bunch of tall tales and spins them into a lovely little yarn. When an estranged son returns home to see his dying dad, he recounts some of the outlandish flights of fancy his father told him over the years. The stories are beyond unbelievable, with fables touching on witches, giants, and childhood growth spurts so dramatic they left our storyteller bedridden. A tale of familial love, forgiveness, and reconciliation, the film is one of Tim Burton's more emotional ventures. 

• Starring:  Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup
• Director:  Tim Burton

48. Muppet Treasure Island

A Muppet mayhem-fueled reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic adventure, "Muppet Treasure Island" is a surprisingly good introduction to the quintessential pirate tale. After an encounter with buccaneer Billy Bones, English orphan Jim Hawkins finds himself the latest owner of a pirate treasure map. Unfortunately for Jim and his Muppet pals, their journey to find said treasure gets them entangled with a crew of greedy pirates who want it for themselves. 

• Starring:  Tim Curry , Frank Oz, Dave Goelz
• Director:  Brian Henson
• Year:  1996
• Runtime: 99 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 71%

47. Stripes

When perpetually immature cab driver John manages to lose his lady, his apartment, and his job in the span of a few hours, he and his bestie Russell decide to enlist with Uncle Sam. Despite their ridiculous antics during basic training, the pair end up stationed in Italy, where their continued shenanigans land them in the middle of some serious Berlin Wall-era Cold War hijinks. If you're a fan of "Ghostbusters," you'll definitely want to check out this hilarious flick, as it features a lot of the same talent both in front of and behind the camera.

• Starring:  Bill Murray , Harold Ramis, Warren Oates
• Director:  Ivan Reitman
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%

46. Pete's Dragon

A reimagining of Disney's 1977 live-action animated musical, "Pete's Dragon" is the story of a child who bonds with a large green forest-dwelling dragon after losing his parents in a car crash. A metaphor for the challenge of learning to trust again after trauma, "Pete's Dragon" is a heartfelt adventure that's family-friendly and still manages to pack in plenty of depth. 

• Starring:  Bryce Dallas Howard, Oakes Fegley, Wes Bentley
• Year:  2016
• Runtime:  103 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:  88%

45. Casablanca

Set in Morocco during World War II, "Casablanca" finds American expatriate and club owner Rick entangled in a dangerous international affair when his former lover Ilsa comes to him for help getting her Czech resistance leader husband out of the country to safety. A tale of star-crossed lovers in a world turned upside down by war, "Casablanca" is widely considered one of the most romantic films of all time.

• Starring:  Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid
• Year:  1942
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:  99%

44. Planet of the Apes

After awakening from deep-space hibernation, misanthropic astronaut George Taylor finds himself on a strange planet where humans have devolved and intelligent apes rule the world. After he's captured and enslaved, Taylor befriends two chimpanzee scientists, but he'll have to convince the all-powerful orangutan Dr. Zaius that humanity is worth saving ... something that might not actually be true. Featuring one of the most shocking endings ever put to film, "Planet of the Apes" is a true adventure classic, one that won an honorary Oscar for its impressive ape make-up.

• Starring:  Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Maurice Evans
• Director:  Franklin J. Schaffner
• Year:  1968
• Runtime:  112 minutes

43. Romancing the Stone

In "Romancing the Stone," steamy romance novelist Joan Wilder finds herself in the middle of her own real-life romantic adventure when her sister is kidnapped by a pair of skeezy treasure hunters in Colombia. After crossing paths with a bird hunter looking to make a few bucks, the couple end up on the run from corrupt cops in an adventure ripped straight from the pages of a Harlequin. Anyone looking for a lighthearted romp with a few splashy thrills will get a kick out of this very '80s flick.

• Starring:  Michael Douglas , Kathleen Turner, Danny DeVito

42. Inception

Christopher Nolan's trippy sci-fi adventure "Inception" takes a deep dive into the innerspace of the human subconscious. Dom Cobb is a thief who uses specialized technology to enter dreams and make of with prized information. But when he and his team are hired to implant an idea into the deepest regions of a businessman's mind, things get really dangerous really fast, especially as Dom is haunted by memories that literally follow him. With dreams layered inside dreams, the film is equal parts seat-gripping adventure and philosophical exploration of grief. 

• Starring:  Leonardo DiCaprio, Elliot Page, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
• Director:  Christopher Nolan
• Runtime:  148 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:  87%

41. Guardians of the Galaxy

After his 1988 alien abduction, Peter Quill is all grown up and working with the intergalactic team of criminals who absconded with him as a child. But things take a turn when he gets caught up in a fight over an orb that can destroy worlds. After crossing paths with stern assassin Gamora, vengeful Drax the Destroyer, and bounty hunters Groot and Rocket (a friendly tree and a talking raccoon, respectively), Quill teams up with the rag-tag bunch to save the galaxy from the villainous Ronan the Accuser, a zealot with big plans for that aforementioned orb. An equally lighthearted yet emotional adventure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, "Guardians" doesn't ask its viewers to know the ins and outs of the MCU to enjoy the adventure. 

• Starring:  Chris Pratt , Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista
• Director:  James Gunn
• Runtime:  122 minutes

40. Thor: Ragnarok

Thanks in large part to the whimsical brain of Taika Waititi, "Thor: Ragnarok" is a tonally different entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in all the right ways. When Thor's family troubles spin out of control, the Norse god finds himself stranded on a trash planet where the campy Grandmaster (played adorably by Jeff Goldblum) pits him against Hulk in a gladiator ring. He'll have to make peace with the big green guy pretty quickly — as well as his tricksy brother Loki and the drunken warrior Valkyrie — if he wants to get back home to Asgard to save it from his sister, the goddess of death.

• Starring:  Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett
• Director:  Taika Waititi
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

39. The Last of the Mohicans

Based on James Fenimore Cooper's classic novel, "The Last of the Mohicans" is a stirring adventure tale set in the 18th century. During the French and Indian War, we follow the adventures of Hawkeye, the adopted white son of the Mohican Chingachgook and adopted brother of Uncas, as he gets caught up in the fighting between the French, the British, and the Hurons. If you're a fan of movies like "Collateral" and "Thief," then it will be fascinating to see director Michael Mann trying his hand at a period piece, especially one anchored by a great Daniel Day-Lewis performance and one of the most rousing musical themes you'll ever hear in an adventure film.

• Starring:   Daniel Day-Lewis , Madeleine Stowe, Eric Schweig
• Director:  Michael Mann
• Year:  1992
• Runtime:  114 minutes

38. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

The final film in the "Lord of the Rings" saga, "The Return of the King" finds Frodo finally reaching Mordor after his long and arduous journey. At the same time, Aragorn leads his armies against Sauron's dark forces in an epic battle of good against evil to assist Frodo in the final stage of his journey. A call to bravery and action in the face of darkness and death, the film is a powerful and visually moving tribute to J.R.R. Tolkien's epic tale. It also cleaned house during awards season, winning a staggering 11 Oscars, including Best Picture.

• Starring:  Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen , Liv Tyler
• Runtime:  200 minutes

37. The Goonies

In the world of mandatory '80s viewing, "The Goonies" reigns supreme as the ultimate coming-of-age adventure. After a group of kids in Astoria, Oregon, find themselves getting pushed out of their neighborhood by a country club, they decide to embark on a final adventure together in search of pirate One-Eyed Willie's lost treasure. The adventure leads to them into a fantastical subterranean adventure while on the run from a group of gangsters, resulting in a high-energy tale that's packing loads of laughs and genuine sense of childlike wonder. 

• Starring:  Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Ke Huy Quan
• Director:  Richard Donner
• Year:  1985
• Runtime:  111 minutes

36. Ben-Hur

Starring Charlton Heston in the title role, "Ben-Hur" is an epic tale of a wealthy Jewish nobleman who finds himself facing off against Roman imperialism in the time of Christ. After his betrayal by a childhood friend, Ben-Hur's fall from grace places him as a galley slave. But once his fortunes start turning, he makes his way back home to become a charioteer ... and to get a little revenge. At the time of its release, "Ben-Hur" was one of the most epic adventures ever made, and even today, the chariot race is an unparalleled piece of action filmmaking.

• Starring:  Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Haya Harareet
• Director:  William Wyler
• Runtime:  203 minutes

35. Stand by Me

Adapted from Stephen King's 1982 novella "The Body," "Stand by Me" is a nostalgic coming-of-age adventure set in 1959, when four friends set out to find the body of a missing boy. On their long hike, our heroes face off with a gang of local hoodlums, a speeding train, leech-filled waters, and their own personal troubles. Lacking any of the supernatural stuff that King is usually known for, "Stand by Me" is a fun adventure flick while also be a contemplative look at grief, death, and the all-too-brief moment of childhood.

• Starring:  Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix , Corey Feldman
• Director:  Rob Reiner
• Runtime:  89 minutes

34. The Jungle Book

The best among about a half-dozen adaptations of Rudyard Kipling's 1894 story collection, "The Jungle Book" is a live-action CGI remake of the 1967 Disney original. The story follows the adventures of Mowgli, who was raised by animals in the jungles of India including the black panther Bagheera, the friendly bear Baloo, and a pack of wolves. Of course, life gets a little complicated with the tiger Shere Khan shows up looking for a snack. Using songs from the original film and boasting voice talent from the likes of Scarlett Johansson, Lupita Nyong'o, and Christopher Walken, "The Jungle Book" is even better than the bare necessities.

• Starring:  Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba
• Director:  Jon Favreau
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%

33. Close Encounters of the Third Kind

An odyssey for anyone who's dreamed big despite naysayers, "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" finds the planet Earth flush with mysteries of an extraterrestrial origin, from rolling blackouts to chasing after UFOs. Those who experience encounters find themselves drawn to a mysterious site in the middle of nowhere, where the U.S. military plans on greeting Earth's new visitors. 

• Starring:  Richard Dreyfuss, Teri Garr, Melinda Dillon
• Year:  1977
• Runtime:  135 minutes

32. Lawrence of Arabia

Directed by David Lean, "Lawrence of Arabia" recounts the tale of British adventurer and officer T.E. Lawrence. Against the backdrop of World War I, Lawrence makes his way to the deserts of Arabia, where he encounters and advises Prince Faisal during the Great Arab Revolt. Along the way, he befriends the testy Sherif Ali, but as Lawrence's glory grows, so does his outsized ego. And you know what they say about the bigger they are...

"Lawrence of Arabia" is deemed by many directors and critics to be one of the greatest films ever made, with Peter O'Toole's performance lauded as one of the best dramatic performances of all time. Add on some eye-popping cinematography and one of the very best match cuts (literally), and you have an adventure classic for the ages. 

• Starring:  Peter O'Toole,   Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn
• Director:  David Lean
• Year:  1962
• Runtime:  216 minutes

31. The Peanut Butter Falcon

When Zak, who has Down syndrome, goes on the lam from a living facility to pursue a career as a wrestler, he ends up on the run with a fisherman named Tyler. Together with facility employee Eleanor, the pair build a raft and take off on an adventure to find Zak's favorite wrestler, Salt Water Redneck. The film is a touching homage to Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn," with an optimistic feel that seems rare these days. 

• Starring:  Shia LaBeouf, Zack Gottsagen, Dakota Johnson
• Director:  Tyler Nilson, Michael Schwartz
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%

Even the CIA needs pencil pushers, and 40-year-old Susan Cooper is one of them in "Spy." Normally stuck behind a desk assisting field agent Bradley Fine, Susan gets drawn into her own real-world espionage adventure to track down an errant nuke. Melissa McCarthy is at her best in this giddy tale of tough women taking charge in a world overrun with machismo. 

• Starring:  Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Rose Byrne
• Director:  Paul Feig
• Year:  2015

29. The Secret of Roan Inish

"The Secret of Roan Inish" is a dreamy adventure set in 1946 Ireland in a world where Irish folklore is real. After traveling to live with her grandparents and cousin on the coast of Ulster amid a series of personal tragedies, young Fiona finds herself in a world where humans and nature live in harmony. There, she learns a family legend that an ancestor was once married to a seal-woman, also known as a selkie. A meditative film that looks for magic in a world of heartache and loss, "The Secret of Roan Inish" provides a soulful vision of a world where myth and reality blur beautifully.

• Starring:  Mick Lally, Eileen Colgan, John Lynch
• Director:  John Sayles
• Year:  1994

28. Mad Max: Fury Road

The fourth "Mad Max" film, "Mad Max: Fury Road" is considered by many to be the best in the series. Set in a post-apocalyptic Australia, this standalone movie finds road warrior Max Rockatansky forging an alliance with Imperator Furiosa, a one-armed warrior who's decided to rescue the brides of the despotic Immortan Joe. More than just a dieselpunk fantasy, "Fury Road" is a complex and layered story that manages to find meaning as a feminist anthem and a reimagined Western. It's also perhaps the greatest action movie ever made, complete with wild stunt work, unbelievable worldbuilding, and the greatest 2-hour car chase you will ever see.

• Starring:  Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult
• Director:  George Miller

27. Spirited Away

One of the most beloved Studio Ghibli films, "Spirited Away" finds 10-year-old Chihiro and her parents captured by supernatural beings who reside at an apparently abandoned amusement park. There, she encounters countless supernatural creatures including yōkai, shapeshifters, shikigami, and other various spirits. While trapped in the spirit realm, the child (renamed Sen) comes to care for a spirit named Haku while also hoping to break a curse that has turned her parents into pigs and led to her own enslavement. 

• Starring:  Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki
• Director:  Hayao Miyazaki

26. Big Trouble in Little China

When trucker Jack Burton and his friend Wang Chi go to pick up the latter's fiancée at the airport, the pair end up ensnared in a Chinatown gang conflict that involves a Chinese crime lord, ancient magic, and two warring factions of Chinese warriors with supernatural abilities. Wacky, over the top, and frequently nonsensical in the best way possible, "Big Trouble in Little China" offers no shortage of adventure and remains a cult favorite for many cinema lovers. Plus, it does an amazing job skewering the whole "white savior" concept, as Jack Burton is completely useless and Wang Chi is the most capable guy in the whole movie.

• Starring:  Kurt Russell , Kim Cattrall, Dennis Dun
• Director:  John Carpenter

25. The Matrix

The film that popularized the concept of simulation theory and introduced terms and concepts like "bullet time" and (inadvertently) "the red pill," "The Matrix" is part cyberpunk reimagining of Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," part philosophical exploration of cognitive dissonance, part critique of the world's overdependence on technology. The film finds computer programmer Neo traveling down an existential rabbit hole when he encounters Morpheus and Trinity, who help him realize that most of humanity lives in a virtual world where they have been enslaved by intelligent machines. If he wants to find freedom, he'll have to don a pair of sunglasses, learn kung fu, and become "the One."

• Starring:  Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss
• Director:  The Wachowskis
• Year:  1999
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:  88%

24. Mary Poppins

Based on P. L. Travers' 1934 children's book, "Mary Poppins" is a live-action animated Disney film that follows the adventures of a British nanny with fantastical abilities and a taste for whimsy. A lesson in the importance of relating to children as intelligent beings with their own minds, "Mary Poppins" finds the eponymous nanny whisking her two young wards around London on magical adventures while at the same time teaching them the importance of responsibility and recognizing other's struggles in life. 

• Starring:  Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson
• Director:  Robert Stevenson
• Year:  1964
• Runtime:  140 minutes

23. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

In the second and easily most problematic film in the "Indiana Jones" series, the titular character takes a break from fighting Nazis and, on the run from a Shanghai crime boss, ends up narrowly escaping a crashing plane in the Himalayas with his young friend Short Round and nightclub singer Willie. The road to adventure leads the trio to northern India, where they end up stumbling onto a dangerous Thuggee cult who enjoy pastimes such as practicing human sacrifice. Despite its darker tone and the annoying persona of Willie, the film is still one of the better cinematic adventures made to date, complete with a white-knuckle mine cart chase. 

• Starring:  Harrison Ford , Kate Capshaw, Ke Huy Quan
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%

22. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

A sequel to the 1995 board game-themed film starring Robin Williams, "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" finds four high school kids getting full-on Breakfast Clubbed when they're sent to detention — only here, they end up getting sucked into the video game version of "Jumanji." Inside their simulated reality, they're transformed into their avatars as they try to understand the game mechanics and stay alive long enough to hopefully return to the real world. 

• Starring:  Dwayne Johnson , Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan
• Director:  Jake Kasdan
• Rotten Tomatoes Score : 76%

21. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

"Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" finds the famed archaeologist on a quest to track down his lost father Henry Jones, who went missing while searching for the Holy Grail. His journey takes him through Venetian catacombs to the tomb of a First Crusade knight, from a Nazi-infested Austrian castle to the fictional Canyon of the Crescent Moon, where he encounters several traps and tests that lead him to the Holy Grail. The third "Indiana Jones" sequel coming directly after the dark, unsettling "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," this film is heavy on the lighthearted humor and adventure that made "Raiders of the Lost Ark" a classic, and the cranky yet charming relationship between Harrison Ford and Sean Connery is hilarious.

• Starring:  Harrison Ford, John Rhys-Davies, Sean Connery
• Year:  1989

20. Ghostbusters

When a trio of parapsychologists lose their university gig, they decide to start a new company investigating paranormal occurrences and eliminating ghosts with the help of proton packs and nuclear-powered containment tech. When business picks up, they end up hiring a fourth team member. Things are looking great until the Ghostbusters run afoul of the EPA, resulting in a mishap that floods the city with captured ghosts and supernatural beings including the demigod Zuul and Gozer, the shapeshifting god of destruction. Creative, comedic, and completely ridiculous, "Ghostbusters" is a totally '80s adventure. 

• Starring:  Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd , Sigourney Weaver
• Runtime:  107 minutes

19. Joe Versus the Volcano

"Joe Versus the Volcano" is one of those hidden cult gems that far too few people have had the pleasure of viewing, and it's full of hilarious quotable moments and charming banter to spare. After miserable Staten Island rectal probe factory worker/hypochondriac Joe Banks is told that he has a terminal "brain cloud," he quits his job and accepts an offer from a wealthy businessman to throw himself into a volcano on the tropical island of Waponi Woo. Along the way, he bonds with the industrialist's daughters, Angelica and Patricia (both played by Meg Ryan), and encounters the finest luggage money can buy. 

• Starring:  Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Abe Vigoda
• Director:  John Patrick Shanley
• Year:  1990
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 65%

18. The Hunger Games

Based on the dystopian novel series by Susan Collins, "The Hunger Games" is set in Panem, a future North American nation that sees 12 districts living under the oppressive rule of the Capitol elites. Each year, the districts are forced to send tributes who fight to the death in a televised event that leaves only one remaining survivor. When Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her sister's place, she finds herself trapped in a deadly game where everyone is out to kill her, especially the Head Gamemaker. Drawing on mythological elements and Roman gladiatorial games, the film offers plenty of adventure yet still contains enough interesting layers to make it ripe for interpretation. 

• Starring:  Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth
• Director:  Gary Ross
• Runtime:  142 minutes

17. The Neverending Story

"The Neverending Story" is a love letter to anyone who's ever felt more at home in a good book than facing the mundane struggles of everyday life. Based on Michael Ende's 1979 novel, the story follows the adventures of 10-year-old Bastian Bux, who steals a magical book from a store after running inside to hide from bullies. Cutting class to hide in the school's attic and read all day, Bastian gets absorbed in the book about an evil force eating away at the magical land of Fantasia, a world built by human imagination. When Bastian's thoughts and actions as the reader begin to impact the story, he begins to realize that he holds the key to saving Fantasia. 

• Starring:  Noah Hathaway, Barret Oliver, Tami Stronach
• Director:  Wolfgang Peterson

16. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe

An adaptation of C.S. Lewis' classic tale, 2005's "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" follows the adventures of four siblings who travel through that titular enchanted wardrobe into the magical kingdom of Narnia. In the absence of its ruler Aslan, the once-glorious kingdom has been gradually turned to winter by the villainous White Witch. Heeding the call to adventure, the four siblings help lead an army against her.

• Starring:  Tilda Swinton, Liam Neeson, Anna Popplewell
• Director:  Andrew Adamson
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 76%

15. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" is a magical journey into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where children with a magical aptitude are placed into one of four houses and trained in the use of magic. The story is told through the eyes of the eponymous protagonist, an abused, bespectacled orphan who learns that his parents were important in the wizarding world and died at the hands of the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, whose attempt to kill the infant Harry left him with a notorious lightning bolt scar. The film, which follows J.K. Rowling's book closely, addresses the importance of finding acceptance as an outcast and of refusing to give ground to those who would harm others. 

• Starring:  Daniel Radcliffe , Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
• Director:  Chris Columbus
• Runtime:  152 minutes

14. Labyrinth

When it comes to cult classics, few are loved more feverishly than the 1986 fantasy film "Labyrinth," which stars an uncomfortably sexy David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin King, a teenage Jennifer Connelly, a whole lot of freaky-looking Muppets, and one of the dreamiest costume collections in cinematic history. When the teenage Sarah is more interested in her fantasy book than babysitting her crying infant half-sibling Toby, Jareth answers her frustrated plea that goblins should steal her baby brother away. As is often the case with teenagers, Sarah immediately regrets her impulsiveness and embarks on a maddening quest through Jareth's labyrinth to get Toby back. 

• Starring:  David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly, Toby Froud
• Director:  Jim Henson
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:  74%

13. The Fifth Element

A vivid and whimsical trip through Luc Besson's imagination, "The Fifth Element" is a 23rd-century adventure that finds rough-around-the-edges cabbie Korben Dallas assisting a strange orange-haired woman named Leeloo who falls from a building into his cab. Together with the help of priest Vito Cornelius, they work to stop an evil weapon from destroying Earth. While the film doesn't make a whole lot of sense, it's a zippy adventure through a fascinating future brimming with wild aliens and Jean-Paul Gaultier fashions. 

• Starring:  Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, Milla Jovovich
• Director:  Luc Besson
• Runtime:  126 minutes
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 70%

12. The Adventures of Robin Hood

A Technicolor imagining of the Saxon legend, "The Adventures of Robin Hood" is set in 12th-century England and finds nobleman Sir Robin of Locksley leading the fight against oppressors working on the authority of pretender Prince John, who's taken over in the absence of abducted King Richard. A romantic and exciting swashbuckler of a film, "The Adventures of Robin Hood" would become the template for all future adaptations of the story, leaving an indelible mark on Western pop culture. 

• Director:  Michael Curtiz, William Keighley
• Year:  1938

11. Back to the Future

The ultimate time travel story, "Back to the Future" tells the tale of Marty McFly, whose adventures with his slightly mad (but in a good way) scientist friend Doc Emmett Brown leave him stranded in 1955, where he almost immediately sabotages his own future after a run-in with his parents. Teaming up with the Doc Brown of 1955, Marty has to work to send himself back to the future while making a love connection between his parents so he doesn't wipe himself out of existence. A wild and wonderful adventure, the impact of "Back to the Future" cannot be overstated, from its role in popularizing skateboarding as a mainstream activity to its influence on television shows like "Rick and Morty" and "12 Monkeys."

• Starring:  Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson
• Runtime:  116 minutes

10. Stardust

Adapted from the 1999 Neil Gaiman fantasy novel, "Stardust" tells the fantastical tale of romantic underdog Tristan, who travels into an enchanted land via a magical candle left for him by his mother. The motive for his quest? He hopes to retrieve a fallen star for a woman he's pursuing. Despite learning that the star is in the form of woman who calls herself Yvaine, Tristan captures the star anyway, imprisoning her with an unbreakable chain. Along their journey back to Tristan's village, the pair are pursued by three witches who plan to eat Yvaine's heart. Full of magic and Gaimanesque mythology, "Stardust" is a lovely little adventure with a fairy-tale feel and includes an outstanding performance from Michelle Pfeiffer. 

• Starring:  Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, Sienna Miller
• Director:  Matthew Vaughn
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 77%

9. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

In a world where extra-terrestrials are often portrayed as menacing colonizers or monsters, "E.T." is a rare reminder that not everything strange is malevolent. When a group of alien botanists visits the planet Earth, one gets left behind after a run-in with the U.S. government. While hiding in a San Fernando Valley neighborhood, the creature is discovered by 10-year-old Elliott, who befriends the little guy. Together with his sister Gertie and brother Michael, Elliott hides the alien, who calls himself "E.T.," until the government intervenes. The film is a heartfelt metaphor for the importance of communication in overcoming differences.

• Starring:  Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, Peter Coyote
• Year:  1982

8. Star Trek

Despite being somewhat controversial among the fandom, "Star Trek" is an enjoyable reboot of the original series that doesn't detract from the overall "Trek" canon. That's thanks to a little alternate timeline magic (dubbed the "Kelvin timeline" by "Trek" fans). So even after the Romulan ship Narada travels back in time under the command of the vengeful Nero and kills the families Kirk and Spock, this alternate yet still iconic pair still end up together aboard the USS Enterprise under the leadership of Captain Christopher Pike. Tonally darker than the original "Star Trek" series, the film is nonetheless a fitting tribute to one of the Federation's finest crews. 

• Starring:  Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, John Cho
• Director:  J.J. Abrams

7. The Mummy

"The Mummy" finds dreamy 1920s adventurer Rick O'Connell working with wannabe Egyptologist and librarian Evelyn Carnahan and her brother Jonathan on a quest to find Hamunaptra, the City of the Dead. When Evelyn reads from the Book of the Dead near a tomb, she accidentally awakens a long-dormant curse, unleashing the mummified high priest Imhotep on the world, who in turn unleashes ten plagues on Egypt. On the run from Imhotep, the group must work together using their collective book smarts to defeat the ancient villain. 

• Starring:  Brendan Fraser , Rachel Weisz, John Hannah
• Director:  Stephen Sommers
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 61%

6. The Wizard of Oz

A vivid and imaginative musical adaptation of Frank L. Baum's 1900 children's book, "The Wizard of Oz" is one of the most culturally influential fantasy films of all time. When Kansas teenager Dorothy and her dog Toto don't make it into the storm shelter ahead of a tornado, they're blown away to a strange land called Oz. Here, Dorothy immediately earns the ire of the Wicked Witch and the praise of the locals due to circumstances completely beyond her control. While traveling through Oz in search of a way home, Dorothy befriends the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, and the Tin Man, who join her on her journey. The film resonates with viewers for a variety of reasons and is sometimes seen as a metaphor for the personal journey to find truth and enlightenment, and it fits perfectly with Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon."

• Starring:  Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger
• Director:  Victor Fleming
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

5. Spartacus

Stanley Kubrick's epic historical drama "Spartacus" recounts the tale of the titular historical figure, a Thracian slave thrust into greatness during a period when the Roman Republic is on the slippery slope to its own demise. When Spartacus is shipped off to gladiatorial school, he leads his fellow slaves in an uprising, building an army that Rome can't seem to put down no matter how many legions they send.

• Starring:  Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons
• Director:  Stanley Kubrick
• Runtime:  184 minutes

4. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

"The Empire Strikes Back" represents "Star Wars" at its best. The film, set a few years after the Death Star's destruction, finds the Imperial fleet finally catching up with the Rebels on the frozen planet Hoth. After his escape, Luke travels to Dagobah, where he trains to use the Force under the guidance of Jedi master Yoda, preparing to face off against Darth Vader. Things turn from bad to worse for the Rebels, setting the stage for the epic face-off in "The Return of the Jedi," giving us one of cinema's greatest twists, and resulting in perhaps the most exciting lightsaber battle in "Star Wars" history.

• Starring:  Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill , Harrison Ford
• Director:  Irvin Kershner
• Year:  1980

3. The Princess Bride

Based on the 1973 William Goldman novel, "The Princess Bride" is the romantic and comedic tale of Buttercup, who falls in love with Westley, a farmhand always answers her demands with a dreamy "as you wish." After Westley leaves to make his fortune so they can afford to get hitched, his ship comes under attack by the Dread Pirate Roberts, whose claim to fame is that he doesn't leave survivors. A few years later when the brokenhearted Buttercup finds herself forced to marry the murderous Prince Humperdinck, she finds herself kidnapped and then kidnapped from her kidnappers only to learn that Westley is still alive. Packed full of charming performances, quotable dialogue, and memorable characters, "The Princess Bride" is one of the best adventures ever filmed. 

• Starring:  Robin Wright, Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin

2. Raiders of the Lost Ark

The first in the "Indiana Jones" series, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" finds archaeologist-adventurer Indiana Jones striving to stay a step ahead of the Nazis on their quest for global domination via the biblical Ark of the Covenant. With his mentor's hard-drinking and hard-fisted daughter at his side, Indy travels to Egypt, hoping to find the all-powerful Ark before the Germans can get their hands on it. Complete with plenty of witty dialogue-fueled romance, mysterious ancient booby traps, and some of the best stunts in cinema history, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is the ultimate treasure hunters' tale. 

• Starring:  Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman

1. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

The second film in the "Lord of the Rings" series and the best in the trilogy, "The Two Towers" finds the Fellowship of the Ring split, with Frodo and Sam continuing the trek to Mordor and Merry and Pippin planning an attack on Saruman's fortress. Elsewhere, Legolas, Aragorn, Gimli reunite with an old mystical friend. Spectacular and emotional, the film is a beautiful tribute to J.R.R. Tolkien's epic tale, and it all leads up to one of the greatest showdowns in cinematic history — the Battle of Helm's Deep. When it comes to battle scenes, they don't get any better than this one. Plus, the movie introduced us to the mo-cap wonder that is Gollum, a character who still haunts our memories with his calls of "my precious."

• Year:  2002
• Runtime:  179 minutes

47 Thrilling Adventure Movies for Travelers & Thrill Seekers

Last Updated: July 1, 2024

Are you eager to add some adventure to your life?

First, use this list to find vicarious inspiration from the best adventure movies out there.

I’ve gathered films and documentaries that are travel- and outdoor-themed adventures, to fit with the spirit of this blog.

We’ll kick off this list with movies spanning everything from decades-old classics to modern treasures.

And if real-life stories are more your jam, check out the second half of our list, which covers several of our favorite new and exciting documentaries.

If you’re a traveler or thrill seeker, my list of the best adventure movies definitely has something for your next movie night.

One may even inspire you to get off the couch and hit the road running on an adventure of your own.

Best Adventure Movies

This first section of our list will take you through a mix of original screenplays, novel adaptations, and artistic retellings of real-life events.

Regardless of your cinematic preferences, you’ll find an adventure movie here that suits your tastes.

Into the Wild (2007)

Based on the real-life story of Christoper McCandless, Into the Wild chronicles his solo attempts to live off the land in the Alaskan wilderness.

With this flick, you’re in for an accurate and thoughtful depiction of the joys, sorrows, and costs of trying to make that dream a reality.

Starring : Vince Vaughn, Katerine Keener, Emilie Hirsch Director : Sean Penn Runtime : 2h 28m

Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

The stereotypical idyllic motorcycle trip through South America becomes so much more in this film as it covers the formative early years of Che Guevara through a mix of joyful road-tripping and exploration of social injustices that formed the ethos of the revolutionary figure.

Pro Tip : Read about our founder, Noel’s motorbike adventures through Vietnam to get you primed and ready for a viewing of Motorcycle Diaries.

Starring : Gael García Bernal, Rodrigo de la Serna, Mía Maestro Director : Walter Salles Runtime : 2h 6m

Stand by Me (1986)

Stephen King fans look no further; this adaptation of his novella is a coming-of-age story of four young boys who traverse through forests and over railroad bridges to find a missing boy’s body, but also find themselves on a journey of self-discovery.

Full of whimsy and nostalgia, Stand by Me captures a bygone era of kids striking out to make their own adventures in sleepy American towns.

It gets bonus points from this Oregonian for being set in the fictional town of Castlerock, Oregon.

Starring : Will Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman Director : Rob Reiner Runtime : 1h 29m

Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

Taika Waititi’s ability to make quirky, heart-warming movies is on full display in this story about a misfit boy and his reluctant foster uncle traversing through the New Zealand bush while being part of a national manhunt.

You might laugh and cry while watching this hidden indie gem.

Starring : Sam Neill, Julian Dennison, Rima te Wiata Director : Taika Waititi Runtime : 1h 41m

Wild (2014)

It’s no secret that hiking and backpacking are big themes on this blog, and Wild is one of Hollywood’s rare depictions of trail life.

Reese Witherspoon stars as Cheryl, who, after having her life fall apart, turns to the Pacific Crest Trail to try and pick up the pieces of her life.

This story will resonate strongly for any reader who has turned to nature for healing and free therapy.

It might just motivate you to start planning your own through-hike.

If you need further inspiration, check out our guides to both the Appalachian Trail and the Inca Trail .

Starring : Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Gaby Hoffmann Director : Jean-Marc Vallée Runtime : 1h 55m

Deliverance (1972)

Our first aquatic entry is a ’70s thriller about the efforts of four friends to canoe down the Cahulawassee River before it’s dammed.

The adventure quickly goes awry and would easily rank #1 on our list of real-life worst travel stories .

Starring : Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty Director : John Boorman Runtime : 1h 49m

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

O Brother, Where Art Thou  is worth watching for the soundtrack alone, as it has the rare distinction of being one of the few original movie soundtracks to win an Album of the Year Grammy award.

Beyond the music, this Coen brother’s film is one of the strongest entries in their filmography.

The comedy-drama follows three escaped convicts and their pursuit of freedom and buried treasure on a journey full of escapades and quirky characters.

Starring : George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson Directors : Joel Coen, Ethan Coan Runtime : 1h 47m

On the Road (2012)

Jack Keruoac’s 1957 novel inspired an entire generation and captured the essence of the longing for the road, going West, and finding purpose in non-conformity.

Though the 2012 adaptation is by no means perfect, it’s worth seeing such an iconic piece of American literature adapted to the big screen.

Starring : Sam Riley, Garrett Hedlund, Kristen Stewart Director : Walter Salles Runtime : 2h 4m

The Revenant (2015)

If a bear fights Leonardo DiCaprio in the woods and no one is there to see it, does he still finally win an Oscar?

The answer to that is yes, although the stunning cinematography of the 1820s frontier is just as pivotal to The Revenant’s magic as Leo’s award-winning performance in a brutal story of survival and revenge.

Starring : Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Will Poulter Director : Alejandro G. Iñárritu Runtime : 2h 36m

A Walk in the Woods (2015)

The second thru-hiking entry on our list jumps cross country to cover an adventure on the other great north-to-south American trek: the Appalachian Trail.

Robert Redford and Nick Nolte delight in this buddy comedy-drama of two older and wholly unprepared friends biting off more than they can chew.

Starring : Robert Redford, Nick Nolte, Emma Thompson Director : Ken Kwapis Runtime : 1h 44m

Touching the Void (2003)

Based on the actual ascent of the Silua Grande by Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, this docudrama captures the terrifying struggle to survive in harsh mountain conditions when things go terribly wrong.

Though climbing documentaries are plentiful nowadays, this film remains a rare Hollywood entry focused on mountain climbers and the dangers they face in pursuing peaks and glory.

Starring : Simon Yates, Joe Simpson, Brendan Makey Director : Kevin Macdonald Runtime : 1h 46m

The Way (2011)

A grieving father, Tom, takes up the banner of his late son and attempts to complete the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in his honor.

Full of beautiful vistas of France and Spain, The Way skillfully captures the camaraderie one can find even amongst strangers when walking together for days on end.

Starring : Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez, Deborah Kara Unger Director : Emilio Estevez Runtime : 2h 3m

Y Tu Mamá También (2001)

This seminal entry into Mexican cinema is a raunchy Spanish language coming-of-age story of two teenage boys who embark on a road trip with an older woman.

The second foreign language film on our list is well worth brushing off your freshman-year Spanish or throwing on the subtitles.

Starring : Maribel Verdú, Gael García Bernal, Daniel Giménez Cacho Director : Alfonso Cuarón Runtime : 1h 46m

One Week (2008)

After being diagnosed with cancer and facing his own mortality, Ben Tyler decides to take a motorcycle trip across Canada.

For those who love to travel, long voyages are often reflective and transformative.

One Week poignantly explores those themes against the beautiful backdrop of the Canadian wilderness.

Starring : Joshua Jackson, Peter Spence, Marc Strange Director : Michael McGowan Runtime : 1h 34m

Everest (2015)

The unfortunate nature of disasters makes for compelling stories, and Everest is the second entry on our list to recount a mountaineering expedition gone terribly awry.

Based on the 1996 climbing season, the movie dramatizes the tale of two expedition groups and the fateful May day that immortalized the unforgiving brutality of the Himalayan mountains.

Starring : Jason Clarke, Ang Phula Sherpa, Thomas M. Wright Director : Baltasar Kormákur Runtime : 2h 1m

The Bucket List (2007)

Be ready for both laughs and tears in this film about two elderly gentlemen diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson star as an oddball duo who set off for one hell of a final ride.

They’re sure to inspire you to start checking off items on your own bucket list.

Starring : Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean Hayes Director : Rob Reiner Runtime : 1h 37m

Cast Away (2000)

What would you name your pet volleyball after being stranded on an island and coming close to losing your mind?

If your answer is anything besides Wilson, prioritize watching this Tom Hanks classic about a FedEx analyst who is the lone survivor of a plane wreck in the middle of the ocean.

Starring : Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Paul Sanchez Director : Robert Zemeckis Runtime : 2h 23m

The Beach (2000)

Take a break from the countless forests and mountains covered in our list with this thriller about a young man named Richard, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who sets off to find a hidden paradise on an uninhabited island off the coast of Thailand.

Starring : Leonardo DiCaprio, Tilda Swinton, Daniel York Director : Danny Boyle Runtime : 1h 59m

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Ben Stiller will enchant you with a wonderfully bizarre blend of real adventures and daydreaming in his role as Walter Mitty.

If you’re feeling bogged down by the constant drone of office life, throw on this movie for just the right amount of surreal escapism.

Starring : Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Jon Daly Director : Ben Stiller Runtime : 1h 54m

Midnight in Paris (2011)

Paris has long been a classic adventure destination, but what would you do with the chance to explore the city more than a century ago?

Woody Allen’s prodigious filmmaking career is highlighted by this delightful tribute to a writer’s (literally) magical journey through Paris in both the past and present.

Starring : Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates Director : Woody Allen Runtime : 1h 34m

Cloudburst (2011)

Getting older doesn’t mean you have to give up adventuring.

Cloudburst is a hilarious and lovely entry about an elderly lesbian couple going to Canada to get married after escaping from their nursing home.

Along the way, they pick up a young male hitchhiker, and all three bond as plenty of hijinks ensue.

As far as indie films go, they don’t get much better than this, and it’s a personal favorite of mine.

Starring : Olympia Dukakis, Brenda Fricker, Kristin Booth Director : Thom Fitzgerald Runtime : 1h 33m

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Van life presents all sorts of unexpected challenges that are only magnified when you try to shove several generations of dysfunctional families into a yellow Volkswagen bus for a cross-country journey to take your daughter to a beauty pageant.

A great ensemble cast captures the frenetic nature of family road trips and all the ways it can cause squabbles while ultimately bringing the family closer together.

Starring : Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear Directors : Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris Runtime : 1h 41m

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

One of the finest rag-to-riches stories about a young man from Mumbai trying to make his fortunes on the Indian version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire.”

Told through flashbacks, the film expertly weaves multiple timelines toward a satisfying payoff.

Starring : Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Saurabh Shukla Directors : Danny Boyle, Loveleen Tandan Runtime : 2h

The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

One of the early entries in Wes Anderson’s career follows three estranged brothers who go on a train journey through India in an attempt to reconnect after their father’s death.

Wes Anderson’s distinct visual style will have you itching to book your own train ticket.

Starring : Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman Director : Wes Anderson Runtime : 1h 31m

Thelma & Louise (1991)

A simple fishing weekend getaway for two women becomes far more complicated when they stop midway at a roadside bar.

The film is iconic for its feminism and delves into dark, complex issues in a rare way for the often lighthearted travel genre.

Starring : Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel Director : Ridley Scott Runtime : 2h 10m

Lion (2016)

We’ve all used Google Maps to daydream about our next adventure, but Lion takes it one step further as it tells the real-life story of a young Indian boy named Saroo, who gets lost and adopted at the age of five and 20 years later tries to find his home village by hunting for clues on Google Earth.

Starring : Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara Director : Garth Davis Runtime : 1h 58m

Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

Our second Wes Anderson entry also takes my personal award as his finest film to date.

Set in a fictional luxury hotel in 1930s Europe, the story follows a flamboyant concierge and his young protege who get embroiled in a case of a stolen painting and a family inheritance.

The world-building in the Grand Budapest Hotel is impeccable, and the star-studded cast delivers on all fronts for an eminently rewatchable tale.

I can’t recommend this film enough as an intro to Wes Anderson’s unique library of work.

Starring : Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric Director : Wes Anderson Runtime : 1h 39m

Out of Africa (1985)

Winner of seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Meryl Streep stars in a slow burn that is as much a love story with Africa as it is a romance.

With the stunning backdrop of Kenya, the film rewards nature lovers just as much as enjoyers of a dramatic, simmering romance.

Starring : Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, Klaus Maria Brandauer Director : Sydney Pollack Runtime : 2h 41m

The Way Back (2010)

As a first-generation refugee immigrant from Russia, The Way Back resonates particularly strongly for me as it chronicles the escape of a group of prisoners from a Siberian gulag who traverse thousands of miles to find freedom and safety in India.

Starring : Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris, Colin Farrell Director : Peter Weir Runtime : 2h 13m

Tracks (2013)

Harsh terrain can play host to some of the world’s most incredible adventures as it innately provides an element of risk and danger, and nowhere does this hold true as much as the desolate stretches of Australia.

The true life story of Robyn Davidson’s solo trek across the Australian desert alongside her camels and dog is both moving and full of phenomenal cinematography that will leave you with a newfound appreciation of desert beauty.

Starring : Mia Wasikowska, Adam Driver, Lily Pearl Director : John Curran Runtime : 1h 52m

7 Years in Tibet (1997)

A movie about a mountain climber that doesn’t focus on mountain climbing may seem odd, but this true story of Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer and his unlikely friendship with the Dalai Lama is a fascinating historical snapshot.

Starring : Brad Pitt, David Thewlis, BD Wong Director : Jean-Jacques Annaud Runtime : 2h 16m

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Take a journey to the Middle East with a film often lauded as one of the most remarkable pieces of filmmaking.

Follow along with T.E. Lawrence’s journey through the Ottoman Empire and his conflicting allegiances between his native Britain and the friends he’s made in the Arabian desert tribes.

Starring : Peter O’Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn Director : David Lean Runtime : 3h 38m

The Goonies (1985)

Being raised in Oregon, it didn’t take long until I was swept up by the cult following of The Goonies , set in the little coastal town of Astoria in my home state.

If you’ve enjoyed the global phenomena of the ’80s nostalgia of Stranger Things , watch one of its inspirations that tells the story of four young boys, an old pirate treasure map, and their quest to find gold and save their neighborhood.

Starring : Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen Director : Richard Donner Runtime : 1h 54m

Jumanji (1995)

Fantasy and adventure come together in the first Jumanji entry about a magical board game that pits two siblings against wild creatures and challenges in the real world.

With so many “serious” adventures highlighted on our list, this classic Robin Williams portrayal provides some very welcome levity as a contrast.

Starring : Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst, Bonnie Hunt Director : Joe Johnston Runtime : 1h 44m

Life of Pi (2012)

A second entry with heavy overtones of fantasy tells the story of Pi Patel, a young boy stranded at sea after a shipwreck, along with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.

Is it fantasy? Is it real?

Perhaps the answer doesn’t matter nearly as much as the spiritual and emotional journey.

Starring : Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain Director : Ang Lee Runtime : 2h 7m

Nomadland (2020)

What does it mean to be a nomad? Explore the essence of a community that strives to live outside convention through Fern’s eyes, a woman who distills her life to its simplest form by traveling the American West in her van after her hometown goes under during the recession.

Starring : Frances McDormand, David Strathairn, Linda May Director : Chloé Zhao Runtime : 1h 47m

Indiana Jones Series (1981 – 2023)

With five entries spanning 40+ years, the Indiana Jones movies are quintessential entries in the adventure genre.

Regardless of which film in the series you pick, you’ll get plenty of Harrison Ford starring in globe-trotting quests for ancient artifacts.

Newcomers should start where it all began: The Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Starring : Harrison Ford and others Director : Steven Spielberg and others Runtime : Varies by movie

Best Adventure Documentaries

Fictional or dramatized adventures have their own place, but sometimes you’d prefer to see some real-life footage of the crazy, mind-blowing, first-of-their-kind adventures we humans are capable of.

Here are some of the very best to get you started.

Free Solo (2018)

Alex Honnold is the rare climber who has become a household name alongside such sport greats as Messi, Jordan, and Brady.

But what Alex achieved had never been done before: climbing the 3,000-foot face of El Capitan in Yosemite without any safety equipment.

One of the best climbing documentaries ever made has a bit of everything: a gripping narrative, a mind-boggling achievement, and some of the finest cinematography of Yosemite National Park you can find anywhere.

Starring : Alex Honnold, Tommy Caldwell, Jimmy Chin Directors : Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi Runtime : 1h 40m

The Endurance (2000)

The 1914 attempt by Ernest Shackleton to be the first man to cross the Antarctic continent on foot would be hard to believe if not for the fantastic stories and footage that he brought back and are on full display in this documentary.

If you’re curious about what it takes to survive in one of the coldest and most desolate areas on Earth, or simply love historical accounts of early explorers, The Endurance is the place to start.

Starring : Liam Neeson, Julian Ayer, John Blackborow Director : George Butler Runtime : 1h 37m

180° South (2010)

Part road trip, part mountain climbing, and part meditation on environmental responsibility, 180° South documents Jeff Johnson’s attempt to recreate the 1968 journey of Yvon Chouinard (founder of Patagonia) and Doug Tompkins to climb the Fitz Roy, in Patagonia.

Rather than glorifying the act of adventuring itself, the documentary dives into the philosophical nature of why we crave adventure and how to make it meaningful on an individual level.

Starring : Yvon Chouinard, Doug Tompkins, Keith Malloy Director : Chris Malloy Runtime : 1h 25m

The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young (2015)

At one point, medical professionals claimed that even a marathon was too long to be safe.

Then came the era of the ultra marathon, which could only be upstaged by the crazed creation of a man named Lazarus Lake: an ultra race that aims to have no finishers.

You probably won’t want to run the Barkleys after watching this documentary (if you’re sane), but you’ll definitely enjoy a deep dive into one of the most daunting American foot races, set in Tennessee’s Frozen Head State Park.

Starring : Lazarus Lake Directors : Annika Iltis, Timothy James Kane Runtime : 1h 29m

Grizzly Man (2005)

Documentary fans have undoubtedly heard the name Werner Herzog, but if you haven’t, Grizzly Man is one of his crowning accomplishments and a must-watch.

The documentary looks at the life of Timothy Treadwell, a bear enthusiast obsessed with living alongside grizzly bears in the Alaskan wilderness.

Starring : Timothy Treadwell, Amie Huguenard, Werner Herzog Director : Werner Herzog Runtime : 1h 43m

Encounters at the End of the World (2008)

Herzog is so iconic he gets back-to-back entries on this list.

Rather than focusing on the landscape or wildlife of Antarctica, he takes a deep dive into the people living and working at McMurdo Station.

A focus on the eccentric population highlights Herzog’s love of people and his intrinsic ability to draw out and dissect the tendrils of their life stories.

All of this is juxtaposed against the stark beauty of Antarctica’s desolate surroundings.

Starring : Werner Herzog, Scott Rowland, Stefan, Pashov Director : Werner Herzog Runtime : 1h 39m

Meru (2015)

Jimmy Chin is a master of filming outdoor adventures, including leading the creative team behind Free Solo.

Meru provides an intimate look into his attempts, along with world-renowned climbers Conrad Anker and Renan Ozturk, to be the first humans to scale the Shark’s Fin route up Meru Peak in the Himalayas.

Starring : Conrad Anker, Grace Chin, Jimmy Chin Director : Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai, Vasarhelyi Runtime : 1h 30m

Long Way Round (Miniseries) (2004)

With so many documentaries providing only a short snapshot into their subject matter, it’s refreshing to dive into the sprawling, in-depth look at the 20,000-mile motorcycle journey taken by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman.

Covering Europe, Asia, and North America, their journey and first-hand footage will take you to rarely-seen places like the wilds of Mongolia and Siberia.

Starring : Ewan McGregor, Charley Boorman, David Alexanian Creators : David Alexanian, Charley Boorman, Russ Malkin Runtime : 5h 15m

A Map for Saturday (2007)

Could you give up your entire life and travel the world full-time?

For many of us, that’s not completely desirable or realistic, but this documentary by Brook Silva Braga captures his year of globe-trotting.

Whether you use his experiences to plan your own grand worldly adventure or vicariously enjoy his nomadic lifestyle, you’ll enjoy this dive into the “why” of long-term travel and backpacking.

Starring : Scott Erikson, Rebecca Filmer, Sabrina Hezinger Director : Brook Silva-Braga Runtime : 1h 30m

14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible (2021)

Climbing a single 8,000-meter peak would be a monumental lifetime achievement for the average person, but Nirmal Purja set out to climb all fourteen of the world’s tallest peaks in just seven months.

Beyond celebrating one of mountaineering’s most challenging and prized achievements, the documentary is a thoughtful look into the pivotal role of Nepalese Sherpas who so often get overlooked by Western media.

Starring : Nirmal Purja, Suchi Purja, Klára Kolouchová Director : Torquil Jones Runtime : 1h 41m

Time to Make Your Own Adventure Movie

We here at The Packable Life are all about exploration and discovery, so we encourage you to take inspiration from these vivid travel- and outdoor-themed adventure movies.

From classic travel journeys to heart-pounding nature documentaries, I hope this list motivates you to schedule your next quest.

Now you know a few of my favorite adventure movies, but your list will likely look very different.

By all means, let’s share — use the Comments section, below, to add your own must-sees or to tell me how misguided I am for some of my picks.

Happy trails to you, and may you never stop exploring!

Maks Durayev

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The Funniest Road Trip Comedy Movies

There's something about the open road that continues to inspire hilarious comedies year after year. The best road trip movies are about the mishap-filled journey as much as the funny destination. This is a list of the top movies about road trips including everything from The Blues Brothers to Little Miss Sunshine to Borat . If you're planning on going on your own adventure, you might be interested in the best 2018 songs perfect for your road trip playlist .

What films will you find on this list of the best road trip movies? Dumb and Dumber  continues to make audiences laugh. Whether Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels) and Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) are traveling by dog-car, scooter or Hawaiian Tropic bus, the result is pure hilarity. Vacation – starring Chevy Chase – is another classic road trip comedy.  Tommy Boy finds the dynamic duo of Chris Farley and David Spade traveling across the country on a mission to save the family business. Other good films featured on this best road trip movies list include Planes, Trains and Automobiles , Road Trip , and Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle .

Which road trip movie do you think is the funniest? Give your favorites a thumbs up and please add any good films that are missing.

Tommy Boy presents Chris Farley in his prime as Thomas "Tommy" Callahan III, an incompetent heir to his late father's auto parts business, who embarks on a wild sales trip with straight-laced colleague Richard Hayden (David Spade). The unlikely duo's misadventures and epic mishaps make for a riotous road trip full of quotable lines and uproarious scenes that have solidified this film as a beloved comedy classic.

• Released : 1995
• Directed by : Peter Segal

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Planes, Trains and Automobiles delivers side-splitting humor with Steve Martin as Neal Page, an uptight advertising executive desperate to get home for Thanksgiving, and John Candy as Del Griffith, a chatty shower curtain ring salesman. The duo finds themselves stuck together on an outrageously chaotic journey filled with canceled flights, rental car disasters, and unlikely sleeping arrangements—a must-watch for fans of laugh-out-loud road trip comedies.

• Released : 1987
• Directed by : John Hughes

Dumb and Dumber

Dumb and Dumber showcases the hysterical journey of two dimwitted pals, Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) and Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels), who embark on an epic cross-country trek to return a briefcase full of money to its rightful owner. With endless slapstick comedy and unforgettable one-liners, this classic film is sure to leave viewers in stitches as they witness these lovable fools face one ludicrous obstacle after another.

• Released : 1994
• Directed by : Peter Farrelly, Robert Farrelly

Vacation follows the Griswold family—led by bumbling patriarch Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase)—as they embark on a disastrous yet hysterical drive from Chicago to California's Walley World theme park. Featuring memorable comedic moments like Aunt Edna's untimely demise and Christie Brinkley's flirtatious Ferrari Girl character, this 1983 comedy remains an iconic piece of Americana that guarantees laughter from start to finish.

• Released : 1983
• Directed by : Harold Ramis

We're the Millers

In We're the Millers , a small-time drug dealer (Jason Sudeikis) recruits a stripper (Jennifer Aniston), a runaway teen (Emma Roberts), and their naive neighbor (Will Poulter) to pose as his wholesome family in order to smuggle drugs across the Mexican border. Hilarity ensues as this ragtag bunch of misfits navigates their way through a series of hilarious road trip mishaps, all while trying to maintain their fake-family façade.

• Released : 2013
• Directed by : Rawson Marshall Thurber

The Blues Brothers

The Blues Brothers features John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as Jake and Elwood Blues, two brothers who reunite their blues band in order to save the orphanage they grew up in. This 1980 musical comedy is packed with high-speed car chases, legendary cameos by artists such as Aretha Franklin and James Brown, and unforgettable tunes that will leave you singing "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love" long after the credits roll.

• Released : 1980
• Directed by : John Landis

Kingpin introduces us to Roy Munson (Woody Harrelson), a washed-up former pro bowler with a prosthetic hand who teams up with Amish bowling prodigy Ishmael Boorg (Randy Quaid) in hopes of winning a million-dollar tournament. This Farrelly brothers' comedy strikes the perfect balance between slapstick humor and heartwarming moments as Roy and Ishmael navigate their way through an absurd series of events, all while trying to avoid the vengeful wrath of pro bowler Ernie McCracken (Bill Murray).

• Released : 1996
• Directed by : Robert Farrelly, Peter Farrelly

In Road Trip , college student Josh Parker (Breckin Meyer) accidentally mails his long-distance girlfriend Tiffany Henderson (Rachel Blanchard) a videotape meant for another girl. With his motley crew of friends in tow—including Seann William Scott as the raucous E.L.—Josh embarks on a madcap journey to retrieve the tape before it's too late, encountering zany situations and uproarious mishaps that make for a hilarious cinematic ride.

• Released : 2000
• Directed by : Todd Phillips

Midnight Run

Midnight Run stars Robert De Niro as Jack Walsh, a bounty hunter tasked with bringing accountant Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukas (Charles Grodin) back to Los Angeles after he embezzled millions from the mob. As they traverse the country avoiding mobsters and the FBI alike, their comedic banter makes for an entertaining ride rife with unexpected twists and turns, elevating this action-comedy into an absolute must-watch.

• Released : 1988
• Directed by : Martin Brest

A modern-day twist on the classic madcap chase film, this comedy features an ensemble cast, including John Cleese and Rowan Atkinson, competing in a wild race to find a hidden fortune. Hilarity ensues as each character encounters outrageous obstacles and colorful opponents along their frantic journey.

• Released : 2001
• Directed by : Jerry Zucker

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle follows best friends Harold Lee (John Cho) and Kumar Patel (Kal Penn) on their quest for late-night munchies—specifically those delicious sliders from White Castle. Along the way, they encounter eccentric characters like Neil Patrick Harris playing a drug-addled version of himself, resulting in gut-busting hilarity that has made this stoner comedy a cult favorite.

• Released : 2004
• Directed by : Danny Leiner

David Spade's lovable loser embarks on a quest to find his long-lost parents, encountering a slew of eccentric characters along the way. This offbeat road comedy celebrates the power of resilience and self-discovery in the face of adversity.

• Directed by : Dennie Gordon

Mr. Bean's Holiday

Rowan Atkinson's beloved character embarks on a trip to the French Riviera, where he inadvertently creates chaos at every turn. The film combines slapstick humor with picturesque European settings, making for a light-hearted, visually appealing road trip adventure.

• Released : 2007
• Directed by : Steve Bendelack

Pee-wee's Big Adventure

Paul Reubens brings his iconic character to life in this whimsical adventure across America in search of his stolen bicycle. Pee-wee's innocent charm and imaginative spirit make this road trip comedy a timeless classic.

• Released : 1985
• Directed by : Tim Burton

Robert Downey Jr.'s uptight architect and Zach Galifianakis' eccentric aspiring actor form an unlikely duo in this raucous journey across America. The film keeps viewers laughing while showcasing the transformative power of friendship and personal growth during unexpected detours.

• Released : 2010

Robin Williams stars as a well-intentioned father who takes his family on a disastrous RV trip, leading to a series of comedic mishaps and unexpected encounters. The film showcases Williams's comedic genius while reminding us of the importance of family connection amidst the chaos.

• Released : 2006
• Directed by : Barry Sonnenfeld

Little Miss Sunshine

This heartwarming and quirky indie film follows a dysfunctional family as they travel together in a rickety VW bus to support their young daughter in a beauty pageant. With complex characters and emotional depth, this comedy proves that even the most unconventional journeys can lead to profound personal growth and familial bonds.

• Directed by : Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris

Four middle-aged friends, played by Tim Allen, John Travolta, Martin Lawrence, and William H. Macy, hit the open road on motorcycles, seeking adventure and escape from their mundane lives. The film's blend of slapstick comedy and heartfelt moments make it a fun and relatable portrayal of friendship and rediscovering one's passion.

• Directed by : Walt Becker

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World

This classic 1963 comedy is undoubtedly a memorable road trip comedy, featuring a star-studded cast racing to find buried treasure. From roadside mishaps to comedic misunderstandings, this film set the standard for the chaos and hilarity that characterize the best road trip comedies.

• Released : 1963
• Directed by : Stanley Kramer

When a family attempts to recreate a memorable road trip from their childhood, hilarity ensues in this reboot of the classic comedy. Ed Helms and Christina Applegate's pitch-perfect performances keep audiences laughing through every twist and turn.

• Released : 2015
• Directed by : Jonathan M. Goldstein, John Francis Daley

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

Sacha Baron Cohen's mockumentary-style comedy follows the unforgettable character Borat as he travels across America to learn about its culture. The film is both shocking and hilarious, as Cohen's outrageous antics expose cultural divides and challenge societal norms.

• Directed by : Larry Charles

This raunchy comedy follows a group of friends on a cross-country journey to lose their virginity, resulting in outrageous escapades and hilarious misadventures. The film masterfully combines crude humor with genuine heart, making it a memorable addition to the road trip genre.

• Released : 2008
• Directed by : Sean Anders

The Bucket List

Despite its somber premise, this film starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman is surprisingly uplifting, as two terminally ill men embark on a road trip to complete their bucket list. Through laughter and shared experiences, the film reminds us of the importance of living life to the fullest and cherishing the connections we make along the way.

• Directed by : Rob Reiner

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back

Kevin Smith's iconic slacker characters hit the road in this irreverent comedy, on a mission to sabotage the Hollywood adaptation of their comic book alter egos. The film delivers non-stop laughs and clever pop culture references, making it a must-see for fans of Smith's unique brand of humor.

• Directed by : Kevin Smith

Identity Thief

Melissa McCarthy shines as a brazen con artist, leading Jason Bateman's character on a wild chase to clear his name. The film cleverly balances slapstick humor with heartfelt moments, illustrating the unlikely relationships that can develop on the road.

• Directed by : Seth Gordon

Wine connoisseurs and comedy lovers alike will appreciate this critically acclaimed film about two friends on a wine-tasting road trip through California. The film's sharp wit, engaging characters, and beautiful scenery create a humorous yet introspective journey of self-discovery.

• Directed by : Alexander Payne

College Road Trip

Martin Lawrence and Raven-Symoné star in this family-friendly comedy about a father-daughter duo road-tripping to visit colleges. The film is a lighthearted reminder of the challenges and joys of letting go and embracing life's transitions.

• Directed by : Roger Kumble

This classic road trip comedy set during the Great Depression pairs a charming con man with a precocious young girl, played by real-life father and daughter Ryan and Tatum O'Neal. Their adventures and evolving bond create a touching and timeless story filled with humor and heart.

• Released : 1973
• Directed by : Peter Bogdanovich

Bad Grandpa

Johnny Knoxville brings his signature outrageous stunts and pranks to this hidden camera comedy, playing an elderly man on a road trip with his young grandson. The film pushes the boundaries of taste while showcasing the undeniable bond between the two characters.

• Directed by : Jeff Tremaine

Are We There Yet

Ice Cube stars in this family comedy as a man attempting to win over his girlfriend's children by driving them across the country to visit their mother. The film offers a humorous take on the challenges of blended families and the unexpected bonds that can form on the road.

• Released : 2005
• Directed by : Brian Levant

Dirty Grandpa

Robert De Niro and Zac Efron share an outlandish and uproarious road trip as a grandfather-grandson duo, exploring the wild side of life amidst endless comedic debauchery. This light-hearted comedy proves that age is just a number when it comes to having a good time.

• Released : 2016
• Directed by : Dan Mazer

To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar

Three fabulous drag queens hit the road on an inspiring cross-country journey, teaching audiences about friendship, love, and acceptance. With tongue-in-cheek humor, they face adversity head-on, making it a hilarious and heartfelt road trip classic.

• Directed by : Beeban Kidron

Something Wild

Jeff Daniels and Melanie Griffith form an unlikely pairing in this road movie that takes them on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected romance. These two unforgettable characters catapult the film from quirky comedy to thrilling adventure, captivating audiences from start to finish.

• Released : 1986
• Directed by : Jonathan Demme

This animated adventure cleverly combines heartwarming family moments with laugh-out-loud humor as two elf brothers embark on a quest to resurrect their late father. Their magical, journey is riddled with hilarious mishaps and surprising discoveries, making it an unforgettable road trip comedy.

• Released : 2020
• Directed by : Dan Scanlon

A hidden camera comedy follows two pals as they hilariously navigate a wild road trip filled with unexpected (and oftentimes awkward) encounters. Eric André and Lil Rel Howery's undeniable chemistry ensures non-stop laughter throughout this outrageously fun ride.

• Released : 2021
• Directed by : Kitao Sakurai

Johnson Family Vacation

A family road trip turns into an outrageous comedic adventure as Cedric the Entertainer leads his family to a reunion, encountering various eccentric characters and obstacles along the way. The perfect blend of slapstick humor and heartfelt moments make this a must-watch comedy.

• Directed by : Christopher Erskin

An army ranger and his military canine companion embark on a heartwarming and humorous journey in this touching buddy comedy. The dynamic between man and dog leads to countless entertaining situations along their road to healing.

• Released : 2022
• Directed by : Reid Carolin, Channing Tatum

Five college buddies embark on one last wild road trip before facing the inevitable realities of adulthood. Kevin Costner stands out in a lively ensemble cast, exploring themes of friendship and growth in this entertaining coming-of-age comedy.

• Directed by : Kevin Reynolds

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

Two drag queens and a transgender woman traverse the Australian Outback in a glitter-adorned bus named Priscilla, displaying their outrageous fashion sense and irresistible humor. This unforgettable comedy chronicles the growth of friendship, acceptance, and self-discovery amidst wild escapades.

• Directed by : Stephan Elliott

The Last Laugh

Two old friends reunite on a road trip to explore a long-lost dream of becoming stand-up comedians. Chevy Chase and Richard Dreyfuss deliver heartwarming performances packed with laughter and life lessons in this endearing buddy comedy.

• Released : 2019
• Directed by : Greg Pritikin

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

Sacha Baron Cohen returns as the iconic Kazakh journalist, taking audiences on another hilariously bizarre cross-country journey through America. This time, joined by his daughter, they tackle social issues with their unique brand of cringe-worthy yet ingenious humor.

• Directed by : Jason Woliner

Impractical Jokers: The Movie

Fans of the hit hidden-camera TV show will love this off-the-wall road trip comedy packed with their favorite pranks and challenges. The Jokers' chemistry and quick wit make this a non-stop laugh fest as they compete in a high-stakes competition.

• Directed by : Chris Henchy

Interstate 60

A young man stuck at a crossroads in life embarks on a magical and mind-bending road trip down the mysterious Interstate 60. With delightful detours and peculiar characters, this enigmatic comedy offers a fun and thought-provoking journey.

• Released : 2002
• Directed by : Bob Gale

Road Trip: Beer Pong

Boozy antics and chaotic misadventures define this comedy sequel centered on a group of friends in pursuit of the ultimate beer pong championship. Their outrageous journey guarantees countless laugh-out-loud moments throughout.

• Released : 2009
• Directed by : Steve Rash

Uncle Frank

Set in the 1970s, Paul Bettany's portrayal of a gay man confronting long-buried family secrets on an unexpectedly emotional road trip will captivate viewers. This heartfelt drama-comedy explores themes of acceptance and self-discovery with both laughter and tears.

• Directed by : Alan Ball

Rolling Kansas

• Released : 2003
• Directed by : Thomas Haden Church

The Road Within

• Released : 2014
• Directed by : Gren Wells

The Family Plan

• Released : 2023
• Directed by : Simon Cellan Jones

Between Two Ferns: The Movie

Zach Galifianakis takes his offbeat talk show on the road in this hilarious mockumentary-style road trip comedy. With cringe-inducing celebrity interviews and side-splitting antics, it's a perfect blend of humor and adventure.

• Directed by : Scott Aukerman

John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph give charming performances as a couple searching for a place to call home before their baby arrives. Their cross-country journey is filled with laughter and love, making this indie dramedy a feel-good voyage.

• Directed by : Sam Mendes

• Directed by : Adele Lim

Haley Lu Richardson and Barbie Ferreira team up in this poignant and humorous road trip comedy about two teenagers seeking a legal abortion. It's a timely, entertaining exploration of friendship and female empowerment that never loses its heart or sense of humor.

• Directed by : Rachel Lee Goldenberg

The Long Dumb Road

• Released : 2018
• Directed by : Hannah Fidell

The Guilt Trip

Seth Rogen and Barbra Streisand create a memorable mother-son duo in this heartfelt comedy about a cross-country sales trip. Their endearing rapport and comedic mishaps make for an enjoyable voyage filled with laughter and family bonding.

• Released : 2012
• Directed by : Anne Fletcher

The Man in the Hat

Delightfully whimsical and charming, this French road trip comedy follows a man and his tiny Fiat 500 as he embarks on an eccentric journey through picturesque France. The film's lighthearted adventures, coupled with its enchanting musical score, make it a captivating cinematic escape.

• Directed by : John-Paul Davidson, Stephen Warbeck
• Entertainment
• Watchworthy
• Comedy Movies

Lists that rank the best, most hilarious films that will make you laugh so hard, you'll wake up the whole neighborhood.

The Best Road Trip and Travel Movies Ever Made

• Looking for a wholesome family movie night? Consider road trip films like 'Little Miss Sunshine', a heartwarming tale of a family's journey to a beauty pageant.
• Or dive into 'Finding Nemo', an underwater adventure about a father's quest to find his son.
• For superhero fans, 'The Incredibles' offers action and family dynamics.
• 'Up' takes viewers on a balloon-filled journey about friendship and embracing life.
• Lastly, 'National Lampoon's Vacation' provides laughs with a family's comedic trip to a theme park.
• Each film offers humor, adventure, and valuable life lessons.

Wholesome road trip movies for family nights

Road trip movies encapsulate themes of adventure, bonding, and self-discovery, resonating with audiences of all ages. They are perfect for family movie nights, offering both entertainment and heartwarming messages. This article highlights five road trip movies that promise to deliver laughter, tears, and a sense of adventure from the comfort of your living room. They are ideal for viewers seeking fun and meaningful content.

'Little Miss Sunshine' delivers big smiles

Little Miss Sunshine is a charming film about a dysfunctional family embarking on a cross-country trip in their VW bus to get their young daughter into the finals of a beauty pageant. Along the way, they face numerous obstacles that test their patience, love, and commitment to each other. Despite its comedic elements, the movie beautifully explores themes of success, failure, and acceptance.

'Finding Nemo' - An underwater road trip

While not your typical road trip movie, Finding Nemo captures the essence of an adventurous journey as Marlin and Dory navigate the vast ocean to find Marlin's missing son, Nemo. This animated masterpiece is filled with humor, breathtaking visuals, and valuable lessons about trust and perseverance. It is an underwater road trip that showcases the lengths parents will go to for their children.

'The Incredibles' - A super-powered journey

The Incredibles combines superhero action with family dynamics in a thrilling adventure that takes them on an unexpected journey. As they strive to save the world from a vengeful villain, they grapple with their own personal issues as a family unit. The film brilliantly balances action-packed sequences with moments of heartfelt connection, making it an ideal pick for families seeking excitement and warmth.

'Up' - An adventure above all else

Pixar's "Up" is an extraordinary tale that begins with Carl Fredricksen attaching thousands of balloons to his house to fulfill his dream of seeing South America . Joined by an overly optimistic Boy Scout named Russell, this unlikely duo embarks on a journey filled with surprises and emotional depth. Up teaches viewers about friendship, love, letting go of the past, and embracing life's adventures.

'National Lampoon's Vacation' - A classic family road trip

Rounding off our list is National Lampoon's Vacation , which follows the Griswold family's hilariously disastrous cross-country drive to the Walley World theme park. Despite being plagued by one misadventure after another - from getting lost in St. Louis to crashing in Arizona - Clark Griswold's unwavering determination keeps them moving forward toward their destination, making it one unforgettable road trip full of laughs.

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What to expect at Porchfest, from a longtime host of the Deering Center event

Bob Carroll recommends biking to the event, being open to meeting new people and maybe packing a snack.

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Bob Carroll hosts a band or two in his driveway on Bedell Street during Deering Center’s annual Porchfest. Photo courtesy of Bob Carroll

Every September, Bob Carroll turns his driveway on Bedell Street in Deering Center into a stage for Porchfest, when bands play in front of homes throughout the neighborhood. He’s been a host for nearly all of the festival’s 10 years and credited the organizers for the hard work they’ve put in over a decade to realize their vision. This year’s festival is 12:15-5 p.m. Sunday, and more than 65 bands will play throughout the afternoon. (Carroll, 53, will host 3rd Shelf Cava.)

Porchfest is free and open to all. For more information, including a map and parking details, check the Deering Center Neighborhood Association Facebook page . This interview has been edited for length.

What is involved in being a host for Porchfest?

The date has always been ingrained. It’s always been the Sunday after Labor Day when people are mostly around, so having that in your schedule.

The actual day-of is pretty easy. Unless you’re doing acoustics. I just put out power and make it nice. People set up in my driveway. People might do that or set up on their actual porch. It’s mostly a willingness to have them use that space for an hour, maybe 45 minutes, for them to set up, and the hour that they’re playing. The bands do the brunt of the work. I put out power and some chairs. The committee does a lot of the work. They put signs out.

There’s not that much labor involved, and you have to have a willingness to have them use your space.

Let’s say someone is coming to Porchfest for the first time. What advice would you give them about enjoying the day?

If you’re coming for a longer period of time or with your kids – it’s very kid-friendly – be prepared to meet some new people. It might be good to bring a snack because that stuff’s not really provided. Advertisement

Get a map. The maps are posted, but also there’s hard copies. They’ll put it online so you can have a map on your phone. A lot of people might know two or three bands that are playing, so you can map it out.

But you don’t have to plan it out. You’re going to be surrounded by music in a six-by-six-block radius and you can just go with the flow and just have a fun day of hearing different cool music and just being around people that want to be outside and listen to music.

We try to free up the street, so there is parking at Deering High School or places that they don’t barricade off. It’s good to be prepared. You might be doing some walking. A bike is a great way too to utilize the space.

Do you usually stay at your own place?

With two bands, it was a little harder, but I don’t usually have to go far. But if you’re a host, you still get to walk around and enjoy the music and see some of the crowds. You don’t have to stay the whole time. Most people might want to do that, but a half hour in or whatever, you can go see your friend’s band too and come back. People are really respectful about people’s property, about their space. That hasn’t been an issue for us. That’s another reason we continue to host.

Do you have a favorite Porchfest memory?

One got canceled over COVID, but the one the year after, in 2021, people just really wanted to be outside and see people and experience this. It was busy that year, and it ended up being a great day. I think people just wanted to be outside and doing stuff and seeing one another and supporting one another. I could go around and see a variety of different bands but also see a lot of people I hadn’t seen in a while due to being more around the house. That was probably my best memory, but there’s been a lot.

A crowd listens to Ideal Maine Social Aid and Sanctuary Band on Brentwood Street during Deering Center Porchfest 2023. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer

What do you think Porchfest has brought to the Deering Center neighborhood? How has it impacted the neighborhood identity?

It’s a strong sense of community that we look out for one another. It’s good to laugh and be social and listen to music. The music brings people together and has that sense of community. You look around, and you’re smiling and laughing, and people might be dancing, and you’re seeing kids that are now grown. If I had to sum it up, it would be a strong sense of community.

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Skowhegan Craft Brew Festival set for Saturday

The celebration of local beer and other products is expected to draw people from around the country to sample beverages from 24 Maine producers.

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A crowd gathers Sept. 2, 2023, along the Kennebec River, behind Water Street businesses, for the Skowhegan Craft Brew Festival in downtown Skowhegan. Morning Sentinel file

SKOWHEGAN — Beer lovers from around the country are expected to head to Skowhegan on Saturday for the town’s annual Labor Day weekend brew festival.

The Skowhegan Craft Brew Festival is set to feature more than 100 Maine-made craft beers, wines, ciders and spirits from 24 beverage producers, along with local food vendors and four musical acts, according to an announcement from the event’s organizer, the nonprofit organization Main Street Skowhegan.

The festival, which began in 2016, is expected to draw people from Maine, 13 other states and Canada, according to the announcement. So far, people from as far away from Texas, Arizona and Nevada have bought tickets, the organization said.

“We’re thrilled to draw people from near and far to Skowhegan for our annual brew festival,” Kristina Cannon, president and CEO of Main Street Skowhegan, said in the statement. “Not only do events showcase our growing community and all that we have to offer visitors, but they also bring people to town who spend money at our locally owned businesses. Brew fest, in particular, brings people back again and again to our community.”

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Tickets are required to attend the brew festival, and can be purchased online at skowhegancraftbrewfest.com . A $50 general admission ticket includes unlimited beverage samples from 3 to 7 p.m. and a souvenir tasting glass. “Designated driver” tickets for those who do not wish to drink alcohol are $10.

Ticket prices increase by $5 the day of the festival, so organizers suggest buying tickets by 6 p.m. Friday. Advertisement

A “VIP hour” at 2 p.m., featuring free food samples, other goodies and live entertainment, is sold out.

The brew festival is to be held along the Kennebec River in downtown Skowhegan, where the event moved last year from its previous location on Water Street .

Skowhegan Craft Brew Festival draws hundreds of beer drinkers to new location

Organizers said last year that the move was intended to help promote ongoing economic revitalization efforts along the town’s waterfront, including the planned River Park. Other events, such as the annual River Fest in August , are intended to achieve that goal, too.

With a contractor on board and the permitting process in its final stages, construction of the in-river whitewater park portion of the overall development is expected to begin in spring 2025 , Cannon said recently.

Construction of Skowhegan whitewater River Park delayed until 2025

Main Street Skowhegan uses proceeds from the brew festival to support its ongoing economic development efforts, according to organizers. The event is sponsored by more than a dozen local businesses and organizations.

The festival is expected to take place no matter the weather. As of Thursday, the National Weather Service was predicting mostly cloudy skies in Skowhegan on Saturday, with high temperatures in the mid-70s, and a 50% chance of rain showers after 2 p.m.

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