20 Best Road Trip Movies of All Time
Road trip movies capture the thrill of the journey, blending adventure, laughs, and heart with unforgettable characters. The best ones make you feel like you’re along for the ride, soaking in the freedom of the open road.
From wild comedies to soulful dramas, these 20 films are my picks for the greatest road trip movies ever.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
John Hughes’ ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ stars Steve Martin and John Candy as mismatched travelers stuck together. Their chaotic trip home for Thanksgiving is comedy gold.
The film’s mix of slapstick and heart makes it a holiday classic. Their odd-couple chemistry keeps you laughing.
The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
‘The Motorcycle Diaries,’ directed by Walter Salles, follows young Che Guevara’s 1952 journey across South America. Gael García Bernal’s soulful performance anchors this drama.
The film’s stunning landscapes and coming-of-age vibe inspire wanderlust. It’s a reflective ride with depth.
Logan (2017)
James Mangold’s ‘Logan’ is a gritty X-Men road trip with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine escorting a young mutant. Its Western vibe sets it apart.
The film’s raw emotion and intense action grip you tight. It’s a superhero story with a human heart.
Broken Flowers (2005)
Jim Jarmusch’s ‘Broken Flowers’ stars Bill Murray as a man visiting old flames to find his son. His quiet journey unfolds with dry humor.
The film’s understated charm and quirky encounters feel real. Murray’s deadpan delivery makes it a gem.
Badlands (1973)
Terrence Malick’s ‘Badlands’ follows Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek as outlaws on the run. Its dreamy visuals contrast their dark crime spree.
The film’s poetic style and haunting tone influenced road movie aesthetics. It’s a gripping, artsy ride.
Sideways (2004)
Alexander Payne’s ‘Sideways’ tracks Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church on a wine-tasting trip in California. Their midlife crises fuel sharp comedy.
The film’s witty banter and heartfelt moments hit hard. It’s a road trip with soul and great wine.
Nebraska (2013)
Alexander Payne’s ‘Nebraska’ stars Bruce Dern as an aging man chasing a sweepstakes prize. His black-and-white journey with his son is tender.
The film’s quiet humor and family focus feel authentic. It’s a slow-burn trip worth taking.
Vacation (1983)
‘Vacation,’ directed by Harold Ramis, follows Chevy Chase’s Clark Griswold on a disastrous family trip. Its over-the-top gags defined ‘80s comedy.
The film’s chaotic misadventures are endlessly quotable. It’s a wild ride that never slows down.
Two-Lane Blacktop (1971)
Monte Hellman’s ‘Two-Lane Blacktop’ is a minimalist tale of drag racers, played by James Taylor and Dennis Wilson. Its raw vibe captures ‘70s counterculture.
The film’s sparse dialogue and open roads feel hypnotic. It’s a cult classic for road movie fans.
Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985)
Tim Burton’s ‘Pee-wee’s Big Adventure’ sends Paul Reubens’ Pee-wee Herman across America for his stolen bike. Its quirky humor pops off.
The film’s colorful absurdity and heart make it a joyride. It’s a playful trip with iconic moments.
Easy Rider (1969)
Dennis Hopper’s ‘Easy Rider’ stars Hopper and Peter Fonda as bikers cruising America. Its counterculture vibe and rock soundtrack defined a generation.
The film’s raw freedom and bold style shaped road movies. It’s a cultural touchstone with grit.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
George Miller’s ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ is a high-octane chase with Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron. Its post-apocalyptic desert race never lets up.
The film’s insane stunts and visual flair redefined action. It’s a road trip on steroids.
Duel (1971)
Steven Spielberg’s ‘Duel’ is a tense thriller about a driver, played by Dennis Weaver, hunted by a mysterious truck. Its lean story grips you.
The film’s raw suspense and highway terror influenced thrillers. It’s a nail-biter from start to finish.
Paris, Texas (1984)
Wim Wenders’ ‘Paris, Texas’ follows Harry Dean Stanton’s drifter reconnecting with family. Its neon-soaked visuals and quiet pain hit deep.
The film’s emotional depth and stunning cinematography stand out. It’s a soulful journey with heart.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
Terry Gilliam’s ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’ stars Johnny Depp as Hunter S. Thompson on a drug-fueled Vegas trip. Its wild visuals match the chaos.
The film’s surreal humor and bold style capture the book’s spirit. It’s a trippy ride like no other.
Into the Wild (2007)
Sean Penn’s ‘Into the Wild’ tells the true story of Chris McCandless, played by Emile Hirsch, chasing freedom in Alaska. Its raw beauty stuns.
The film’s mix of adventure and tragedy feels profound. It’s a journey that lingers long after.
Captain Fantastic (2016)
Matt Ross’ ‘Captain Fantastic’ stars Viggo Mortensen as a dad raising kids off-grid. Their road trip to a funeral sparks growth and laughs.
The film’s heartfelt family focus and quirky vibe shine. It’s a moving ride with charm.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
‘Little Miss Sunshine,’ directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, follows a dysfunctional family’s van trip to a pageant. Its ensemble, led by Abigail Breslin, sparkles.
The film’s mix of humor and heart feels real. It’s a crowd-pleaser with emotional punch.
Rain Man (1988)
Barry Levinson’s ‘Rain Man’ stars Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman as brothers on a cross-country drive. Their bond grows through quirky encounters.
The film’s heartfelt story and iconic performances hit home. It’s a road trip with deep connection.
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Ridley Scott’s ‘Thelma & Louise’ stars Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon as friends on a rebellious run. Its feminist fire and desert visuals are my top pick.
The film’s bold spirit and iconic ending shaped road movies. It’s a thrilling, empowering ride.
Which road trip movie fuels your wanderlust, or did I miss a classic journey? Share your favorite in the comments!