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30 Classic Family Road Trip Movies You Need to See

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If you are traveling by car this summer and headed to somewhere special, having some good family road trip movies for the kids to watch is the perfect entertainment for the trip.

Family road trip movies make great entertainment because they make time go by faster, and they can be watched on tablets, phones, and portable DVDs. The most common ways to watch movies when traveling are probably the tablets and phones, and it works perfectly because they are portable and can be used anywhere.

So, get the movies ready to go before you get in the car! Here are some of the best family road trip movies that can be enjoyed while traveling.

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Best Road Trip Movies to Watch BEFORE you Hit the Road

This collection of road trip movies have us dreaming (or dreading!) hitting the road with our loved ones. You may want to watch these before you hit the road. How many of these can you relate to?

National Lampoon’s Vacation

National Lampoon's Vacation (20th Anniversary Special Edition)

You knew this was going to be number one on the list! An oldies but a Goldie, this 1983 classic film follows the Griswald family on an epic American road trip to visit Wally World, that’s nothing but a disaster but packed full of laughs.

Fans of the National Lampoon series may also want to try the next-generation sequel set in 2015, Vacation .

A Goofy Movie

A Goofy Movie

Disney’s favorite oddball Goofy and his teenage son Max are off on this cross-country adventure for a fishing trip to lake Idaho. As only Goofy knows how embarrassment for Max and misadventure are sure to ensue; will this be Max’s worst nightmare, or is Dad really not that bad?

Diary of A Wimpy Kids: The Long Haul

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul

Based on the smash-hit book series by Jeff Kinney, Greg is up to his usual scheming trying to get to a gaming convention on the Heffley family road trip to attend Meemaw’s 90th birthday. Things inevitably go embarrassingly wrong for Greg.

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

Furry trio Shadow, the wise golden retriever, Chance the fun-loving American bulldog pup, and Sassy the Himalayan cat head off across the Sierra Nevada Mountains to find their family in San Fransisco.

They are “sent to the farm” after their family needs to relocate and believe their family is in trouble. Another one you might want to pack your Kleenex for if you’re following along on this cross-country adventure.

RV

Who needs Hawaii when you can spend some quality time together on a cross-country road trip?! Bob Munro takes the family on a hilarious trip through the Rocky Mountains but he really has an ulterior motive, in order to save his job he must attend a meeting.

A classic tale of a dysfunctional family who find themselves and what’s important while on the road.

College Road Trip

College Road Trip

Independent high school student Melaine can’t wait to hit the road with her girlfriends on a college visit trip, but the tables are turned when over-protective Dad James decides he’s joining the adventure.

Throw in a stowaway brother and his pet pig in the trunk, you can only guess what craziness will ensue. A great story about growing up and letting go, your older teens will no doubt find very relatable!

Cars

Life is indeed a highway! You’ll all be singing along to Tom Cochrane in this animated classic.

Hotshot rookie racing car Lightning McQueen is headed to his tie-breaker Piston Cup championship race in California. However, driver Mack falls asleep and McQueen finds himself lost on old Route 66 but finding himself and what makes a champion racer.

If this doesn’t want to make you pop in a car and head for the glory of the open road, nothing will! (see our favorite spots in Arizona to relive classic moments from the movie!)

Classic Family Road Trip Movies

Whether you’re looking to plug the kids into their portable DVD players and tablets, or something to snuggle in together and watch at night during your family trip, here are some classic adventure movies you simply can’t go wrong with having loaded ready on a device.

Finding Nemo

Finding Nemo

Finding Nemo is a family favorite movie for many of us and children tend to get so involved in the movie and Nemo’s adventure that time just flies by.

That’s a good thing when it comes to road trips! Equally lovable adventures ensue in the sequel Finding Dory – no doubt the motivation many of us dream of a California coastal road trip to Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Toy Story

Toy Story is a classic kid’s movie that they will love watching on their road trip adventure. You may even find yourself following allow to this family favorite! Download the whole series for hours and hours of road trip entertainment!

Annie: A Royal Adventure

Annie - A Royal Adventure

Annie has been a popular classic movie that both kids and adults have enjoyed throughout the years. This version takes the classic and makes it more up to time but still features little orphan Annie and her red hair on an exciting adventure.

Cheaper By The Dozen 2

Cheaper By The Dozen 2

Worried the Baker family is drifting apart, Dad Tom plans one last family vacation at Lake Winnetka.

What can go wrong when you have a family of 12 kids and take part in a competition with another family? Actually, a lot, which is what makes this movie a barrel full of laughs.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip

Alvin and his brothers are headed out on an adventure as they race to Miami to keep their family together. Full of musical adventures and fun, Alvin always makes a road trip interesting.

The Muppet Movie

The Muppet Movie (1979)

Watch as Kermit leaves his Florida swamp to seek out his Hollywood dreams in show business! The Muppets are a classic collection of characters that we can all love and enjoy and make the perfect road trip companion.

The Parent Trap

The Parent Trap (1998)

Follow along with identical twins separated at birth as they switch places to try and reunite their parents with this classic family film.

Little Rascals

The Little Rascals

Little Rascals is a ’90s film that many loved, and it follows the story of Alfalfa and his friends on their journey through being a kid.

Moana

One of the most popular movies for kids, following along with Moana as she sets sail will make a great road trip movie to watch. Moana is a movie about family, love, and courage.

Rio

Full of laughs, Rio made its debut in 2011 and has been a favorite for many children. The movie follows Blu, a macaw, who is loveable and friendly and thinks he is the only one of his kind left.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

A funny musical that’s been a classic for years, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a fun movie that kids of all ages can enjoy.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the name of the magical car that’s found in the scrapyard that the kids convince their father to rebuild. Once rebuilt, everyone goes on a magical adventure as their dad tells the story of how the car got its powers.

Mr Bean’s Holiday

Mr. Bean's Holiday

Oh Mr Bean! Misunderstandings and unfortunate mistakes seem to follow British TV star Mr Bean wherever he goes. You’ll laugh and cringe as he heads on his vacation to Cannes on French Riviera.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Home Alone 2: Lost In New York

Holiday misadventures abound, Kevin’s already been left at home when his family flew off to Paris, could they possibly forget Kevin AGAIN? From mistaken flights to fancy hotels and catching crooks, Home Alone 2 is largely set in New York , definitely a great one for getting you in the mood for a festive season vacation.

Encanto

No, we don’t talk about Bruno! But if you haven’t been swept away yet by this Disney classic released last year, it’s time to get it downloaded as you’re in for a real treat.

The Madrigals are an extraordinary family living in Columbia and Mirabel, well, she’s just ordinary. But can she save the magic that surrounds their home?

Up

So many life lessons and just a beautiful story. Carl Fredricksen finally fulfills his lifelong dream, flying away to South America in his balloon-powered house, but doesn’t expect a stowaway boy named Russell to be joining his adventure.

Inside Out

A cross country move follows the emotions inside 11-year-old Riley’s mind. Moving to a new city can be tough; but can be San Francisco be all that bad? I think we all undeniably have a little Joy and Sadness sitting in our head’s HQ. Another one to bring the tissues!

Hotel Transylvania 3

Hotel Transylvania 3

Even hoteliers need a vacation, right? When Drac and his crew from Hotel Transylvania are taken on a luxury cruise ship vacation, it’s love at first sight with the cruise captain, Erika, but she has a secret… A hilarious follow-up flick that hits all the marks for family vacation entertainment.

Roar Trip Movies For Older Kids

These ones are recommended for mature audiences but should be added to your repertoire of classic vacation movies.

Dirty Dancing

Dirty Dancing (4K UHD)

Not specifically set on the road but screams everything about summer vacation in America in the 1960s. Ready to fly the coup, Baby is on her last family vacation at an affluent camp in the Catskills with her family where she strikes up a romantic interest in her dance instructor, Johnny.

Admit it, we’ve all tried “that dance move” in the water at some point in our lives, right?

Psst if you want to visit the luxurious lodge, you’ll actually find it in Pembroke, Virginia .

Around the World in 80 Days

Around The World In 80 Days

Based on the Novel of the same name, a remake of the 1956 classic, the eccentric Phileas Fogg sets out on a daring challenge to circumnavigate the globe (sans modern-day commercial aircraft!) in just 80 days.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

I think we all know the pain of holiday travel; When a snowstorm hits Wichita, uptight exec Neal finds himself inadvertently paired with the annoyingly upbeat Del Griffith, the shower curtain salesman to get home to Chicago. Worst of travel companions or an unlikely friendship found on the way home to Thanksgiving?

(NB Rated R! Save this for your much older kids!)

Little Miss Sunshine

Little Miss Sunshine

Abigail is a 7-year-old that gets the opportunity to compete in a California beauty pageant. From Alburquerque to Redondo Beach follow the dysfunctional Hoover family dealing with crushed dreams, heartbreaks, and a broken-down VW bus. Laugh and cry along with this heartwarming family road trip movie.

(Another one that is surprisingly rated R, due to frequent profanity, but your mature teens should definitely enjoy it)

How to Watch Your Family Road Trip Movies

Whilst many modern family SUVs particularly do come fitted with in-built screens for the back seat, inevitably not everyone can see the screens, nor has the luxury of such a car. So how do you watch your favorite family road trip movies?

  • A tablet is, of course, the number one choice for most families for video watching on the move.
  • A portable DVD player ; yup they still exist! Ideal if you only want to play movies and don’t need all the other functionality of a tablet
  • A travel tray to help hold your tablet. We like the Lusso Gear Kids Travel Tray with a tablet holder and still allows play room.
  • We’d also suggest a good set of wireless headphones for the car, or older kids can try Bluetooth earbuds .
  • Never forget an important family road trip item again with our road trip essentials checklist .

© Family Road Trip

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

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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!

good family road trip movies

✅ Parental nostalgia

✅ Good themes

✅ Unforgettable characters

good family road trip movies

✅ Captivating stories

✅ Memorable characters

✅ Beautiful animation

good family road trip movies

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!

The Wizard of Oz

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!

Swiss Family Robinson (Vault Disney Collection)

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!

Sound of Music 50th Anniversary Edition

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

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!

Smokey and the Bandit

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: The Nearly 35th Anniversary Edition

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

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

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 [Blu-ray]

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

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!

The Goonies

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 and the Star Stealer

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

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!

The Sure Thing

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 [DVD]

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 (Special Edition)

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!

Adventures In Babysitting

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 and Automobiles

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!

The Great Outdoors [DVD]

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

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!

Captain Ron

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!

Homeward Bound - The Incredible Journey

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 (Walt Disney Gold Classic Collection)

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

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

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 2003

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!

Finding Nemo [DVD]

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 (Widescreen Edition)

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!

Are We There Yet?

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 (Full Screen Edition)

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 (Single-Disc Widescreen Edition)

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!

Little Miss Sunshine

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 (Widescreen Edition)

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!

Up

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!

Rio

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!

The Guilt Trip

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!

The Croods [DVD]

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!

Frozen

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

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!

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

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!

Vacation (2015)

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 [Blu-ray]

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 [DVD]

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!

Moana

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!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul

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!

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle [DVD]

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!

Toy Story 4

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)

Onward

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!

The Mitchells vs the Machines [DVD]

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

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.

Little Man watching one of his favorite family road trip movies on the TV.

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.

David leaning out the drivers window with his left arm raised while looking at the camera and smiling. Photo was taken on the side of the road in the desert of northern Chile. It was a good day for family road trip questions!

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.

David and Little Man snuggling on a couch with a blanket covering them watching family road trip movies at Hacienda Tres Rios resort in Playa del Carmen Mexico.

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.

Little Man pretending to drive a yellow car with David in the back seat.

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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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! 🚗

Brodi Cole

Author: Brodi Cole

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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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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Family Road Trip Guru

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good family road trip movies

20 Best Family Trip Movies

Ready for a great family road trip or a long distance flight? No matter where the road takes you, if the trip is longer than an hour you will, probably, hear lots of complaining if you travel with kids. So what do you do to entertain your family and keep your sanity? I always have some great family trip movies on hand.

What are the best family road trip movies? In my mind those are the movies that actually tell a story about a road trip, a family vacation or may be just a memorable trip that keeps your kids happy for about 1,5 – 2 hours. Those are the movies that are great to watch with the entire family even off the road and have some laughs together.

Below is my list of 20 best family trip movies that we love. This article may include affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I use this money to support the blog and bring more interesting and helpful information to my readers.

Best family trip movies for younger kids

To me the story of “Cars” is the ultimate family road trip movie because it takes place along the iconic Route 66 that goes from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California. The movie depicts many landmarks of the Mother Road, as Route 66 often being referred to. “Cars” is a story of adventures of one fancy racing car stuck in a small town along Route 66, which he hates at first, that is before he makes friends and falls in love with the place. This movie s great for a Southwest family road trip .

good family road trip movies

2. Finding Nemo / Finding Dory

“Finding Nemo” and “Finding Dory” are both great family trip type movies, but out of the two I prefer Finding Dory for a family road trip because it shows the real California landmark that we love – Monterey Bay Aquarium located in the town of Monterey along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. “Finding Dory” is a story of a funny and forgetful tropical fish from the Australia’s Great Barrier Reef that gets captured by humans and the plight of her true friends to find her. This is a perfect movie for a Pacific Coast Highway family road trip .

good family road trip movies

“Up” has got to be one of my most favorite movies of all times, not just family trip movies. And, of course, this story is about a trip, a travel dream that finally turns into reality. Two unlikely companions: an old gentlemen and a boy scout, travel to South America in a house pulled up by balloons. It is a heartwarming story that our whole family loves.

good family road trip movies

4. Homeward Bound : The Incredible Journey

The title of this movie already hints that is an “incredible” family trip movie. It is incredible in many respects: from the great scenery to unending adventures to the fact that it is a story of a furry family journey – two dogs and a cat, trying to reunite with their human family. This movie is perfect for a family road trip in Sierra Nevada mountains since this is where the main characters travel.

good family road trip movies

5. Madagascar

The next few movies on this list of best family trip movies take you on fun adventures in various exotic locations around the world. Adventures cannot get more outlandish and exotic as the ones taking place in “Madagascar” movies. When 4 friends from New York’s Central Park Zoo (a zebra, a lion, a hippo and a giraffe) unexpectedly find themselves in Africa it makes for a very unpredictable trip scenario.

good family road trip movies

The dreams of travel to South America in general and Brazil specifically come true in the Rio movies. Fun, unique, with some unexpected twists, these movies follow the lives and love stories of two humans and two parrots. Add some cool upbeat Latin music and you get an great movie for any family trip. The second movie in the series is more focused on the “family” aspect.

good family road trip movies

Who doesn’t like a family trip to Hawaii ? I mean, seriously! You just cannot go wrong with this movie. Granted, the trip that a certain Hawaiian princess and a demi-God (who knew that there was such a thing?) take together to save the Hawaiian Islands is not on the road but on (in, under) the Pacific Ocean but this makes this whole family travel movie so much more exciting.

good family road trip movies

8. Hotel Transylvania 3

Vampires and other monsters have families too and they need a vacation from time to time, like the rest of us. And when they need a vacation they decide to take a family trip together. If you are a fan of Hotel Transylvania characters then you will love their crazy adventures on a cruise ship with all their kids, relatives and friends. Even though it is the third installment in the series it has not lost its one of a kind humor and quirky charm which makes it a hilarious family travel movie.

good family road trip movies

9. Alvin and the Chipmunks Chipwrecked

This is another cruise ship based movie. Well, it starts on the cruise ship but then, due to some mishaps, the chipmunks crew finds itself on a (seemingly) deserted island. May be in our eyes the chipmunks’ music band is not technically a “family” but I have a feeling they might disagree with you. In any case it is funny family trip movie that will definitely keep your little ones glued to the screen.

good family road trip movies

10 . The Croods

The journey that the Croods make in this movie is the most hilarious of them all. Three generations of the Croods family are forced to take a trip together into the unknown to safe themselves from some wild cataclysms that were happening on the planet thousands of years ago. If you think traveling with a bunch of kids is a recipe for a hilarious disaster, add an opinionated grandma to the mix and some very wild pets and you got yourself a perfect family trip movie.

good family road trip movies

11. Ice Age: Continental Drift

This movie definitely has two main components to firmly put it on the list of my favorite family road trip movies: families and an incredible trip. May be not a conventional family, and not a conventional trip but what makes this movie one of the best family road trip movies is the fact that it sheds light on all the calamities of traveling as a family: from dealing with teenagers seeking independence to keeping a vigilant eye on elderly relatives who may also get into trouble from time to time.

good family road trip movies

Best family trip movies for older kids and teens

“RV” is my most favorite family travel movie featuring Chicago to Colorado road trip. If the title of it is not enough of a giveaway, it a quintessential family road trip movie with all the laughs and troubles and unexpected surprises of a good old family vacation. Robin Williams shines, as usual, in the title role and the supporting cast is splendid as well. It makes me want to rent an RV and travel across the country.

good family road trip movies

13. National Lampoon’s Vacation

You either love or hate the National Lampoon’s. There is no middle ground. Our family belongs to their fan club and so we don’t spend a vacation when we don’t watch one of the National Lampoons’ vacation adventures, be it in the U.S. or in Europe. The original movie “National Lampoon’s Vacation” is the perfect family road trip movie that takes you on a journey from Chicago to California with lots of curiosities and calamities in between.

good family road trip movies

14. Mr. Bean’s Holiday

If you like peculiar British humor and Mr. Bean in particular then you will enjoy this fun family travel movie. Mr. Bean does not have a family but in a manner only known to Mr. Bean, he manages to turn a solo train trip to Cannes, France into a hitchhiking/road trip with a child, who is not even HIS. Let’s put it this way: you can safely call Mr. Bean Britain’s National Lampoon.

good family road trip movies

15. The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors is an excellent family trip movie because it not only has the regular “family + trip” formula, it has camping and obnoxious in-laws added into the mix. A big dysfunctional family at the heart of the movie and some wild outdoors misfortunes guarantee you lots of laughs. This is a perfect movie for a family road trip in Wisconsin because this is where all the action takes place.

good family road trip movies

16. Cheaper by the Dozen 2

If you think taking a vacation with 2, 3, 4 kids is hard – try 12! This is yet another great family trip movie taking place in Wisconsin. There is not much of a road trip per say in this movie as the family spends most of their vacation in a house on a lake but there is LOTs of interpersonal relationship issues since there are fourteen different personalities in this family and the parents need to balance everybody’s wants and needs. Oh, and did I mention that there is also a healthy competition with another big family going on here?

good family road trip movies

17. Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties

Cat lovers – you are in for a great treat! Dog lovers – you will definitely have a laugh too. This movie is about traveling with your pet abroad and not just A pet, a smirky, cynical but very smart TALKING cat (Garfield) and trusting, loving but NOT TALKING dog (Odie). The action takes place in the UK and who would have thought that there is Garfield’s “identical twin” on the British Isles? It is one of the best comedic family travel movies that I have seen and hence, it earned its place on my list of best family trip movies.

good family road trip movies

18. Around the World in 80 Days

“Around the World in 80 Days” showcases a perfect adventure for your family road trip movie list. It is based on a classic novel by Jules Verne. If you can read the book as well – do it, it is so much more than the movie. But the movie in itself is a very good travel companion. There is no classic “family” aspect to it per say, but definitely LOTS of travel, surprises, humor and martial arts by incomparable Jackie Chan.

good family road trip movies

Best family trip movies for holiday travel

19. home alone 2: lost in new york.

In my mind there is no better movie for a family trip during Christmas time than Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. It is a holiday staple, there is just no Christmas without it. Parents all around the world can relate to the conundrum of holiday travel. Though not all of us would lose a child in transit, most of us are very close to losing our heads during this time of year. This is a hilarious Christmas movie classic comedy that you would want to watch every year.

And if you are looking for a fantastic Christmas vacation itinerary – I have a bunch on my blog.

good family road trip movies

20. Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Travelling during Thanksgiving can be no less hectic and stressful here in the U.S. than Christmas travel. And this family trip movie is a testament to that. This is a good old fashioned comedy about a businessman who is trying to get home for Thanksgiving and in addition to all the travel calamities he is stuck with an unwelcome travel companion.

good family road trip movies

Equipment you may needed

To watch these awesome family trip movies we take a portable DVD Player with us. If you don’t have an entertainment system built in your car you will find this device super helpful as it has long lasting battery, headrest mount and it is region FREE, so you can watch ANY DVDs from ANY country:

good family road trip movies

If you have more than one kid who wants to watch the movie during the road trip, you will need a DVD player mount that fits between the seats, in the middle of the car, so that everybody on the back seat could see the movie without fighting:

good family road trip movies

What films would you add to this list of best family trip movies? Let me know in the comments below! And hey, feel free to take these movies on board a plane or train as well – they are great for any sort of family travel.

If you found this article about best family trip movies helpful, please, be kind and share it with others as it may help them with their travel plans. Stay in touch by subscribing to our Instagram where you can find more helpful travel tips and ideas.

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2 thoughts on “20 Best Family Trip Movies”

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Hands down our family’s favorite vacation movies are…the “Vacation” franchise. We would add “Vegas Vacation” to the list. My hubby repeated the “dam tour” of the spiel when we visited Hoover Dam. Great list!

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Oh yes, that one is a classic! We visited the “Dam” too but didn’t take the “dam tour” 🙂

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What Are The Best Family Road Trip Movies?

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Family Road Trip Movies

Are you headed out on a road trip with kids? Make sure to have some Family Road Trip Movies that are kid-friendly. And of course, we know, it’s not only about the kids. The truth is, whether it is live-action or animated, movies appeal to all ages and are perfect for family travel. Family road trip movies are great conversation starters when you are on the road. And best of all, they keep the kids entertained and it helps avoid the dreaded are we nearly there yet?

Gosh, don’t you love movies! Honestly, there’s nothing like a movie that’s great for the whole family. It is practically one of the best ways to enjoy quality family time. I always look forward to movie nights with my family. It’s a great time to let loose, relax, and share a laugh (or maybe a tear or two) with the people you love. But mainly, it’s a great way to bond with your family. I’m sure we all agree without a doubt that family movies are the absolute best, so why do we confine the fun to just the living room? How about we take them with us on the road.

To help on your next road trip with kids, BE Family Travel has put together the best family road trip movies just for you! In this post, we will highlight how to watch family road trip movies in the car. Plus our review of the best family road trip movies that you will want to watch, along with links, if you would like to rent or buy a movie.

How To Watch Family Road Trip Movies

Before we delve into the what to watch, let’s talk about how to take the fun on the road.

Unfortunately, not all cars come equipped with entertainment screens for the back seat occupants but do not worry if your car doesn’t have one, because there are a thousand and one ways to enjoy family road trip movies in your car.

These travel movies for kids can be watched on a tablet or portable DVD player . Remember to bring a charging cable to use in the car. And if you have multiple kids watching different road trip movies then also bring kid’s wireless headphones.

BE Family Travel Tray

The  BE Family Travel Tray  will hold your child’s activities. It hooks over the headrest of a front seat and then rests in the child’s lap. It is designed to be used with a car seat, a booster seat, or for a child who uses a regular seat belt. The kid’s activity tray includes a tablet holder, which is perfect for watching family road trip movies. Available in  red ,  blue , or  pink .

Travel Tray for kids in car seats

SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick

We also love to use the SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick which is a flash drive reinvented to work with your smartphone and tablet. You can wirelessly access your media with the wireless stick in your pocket or across the room. 32GB of storage means you can keep all your content on the drive and access it from any device, no wires or Internet required. Isn’t that great?

And best of all, you can even stream HD videos and music to up to three devices at the same time. This is perfect when you’re on the road and multiple kids want to watch different movies, on different devices, all at once!

Be sure to read our article about the Best Road Trip Accessories for Kids and don’t miss our favorite Family Road Trip Audiobooks or the Essential Family Road Trip Checklist.

What are the Best Family Movies for Road Trips?

Well, now that that’s all sorted out, here are our favorite family road trip movies that are rated G or PG and are perfect for watching on a family road trip. Please decide for yourself what movies are suitable for your child(ren) to watch.

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good family road trip movies

27 Best Family Road Trip Movies

Here is our review of the 27 Best Family Road Trip Movies to watch with your kids.

We have included the IMDb rating for each movie, which is a score that provides user ratings of films. The IMDb rating scale allows users to rate films on a scale of one to ten.

1. Finding Nemo

Finding Nemo is an animated movie, released in 2003, with its second part released in 2016. Marlin is an overly cautious clownfish. When his son, Nemo, swims too close to the surface and is caught by a diver, then Marlin must set out to find him. The movie runs for about an hour and forty minutes and has an impressive IMDb rating of 8.4/10. This family favorite would be the ideal choice for family road travel. Watch and purchase Finding Nemo here .

Finding Nemo - Family Road Trip Movie

This CG animated movie was released in 2016 and has been making waves ever since. An adventurous teenager named Moana sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her voyage, Moana meets Maui, who guides her to become a master way-finder. Together they sail across the open seas on an action-packed adventure. The movie has a runtime of about two hours and has an IMDb rating of 7.6/10. Another great family movie, perfect for road travel. You’re welcome! Watch and purchase Moana here .

Moana - Family Movie

Released in 2009, this family favorite has been schooling us about life! An elderly widower named Carl Fredricksen fulfills a lifelong dream of tying thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the South American wilderness. Then he discovers a little boy named Russell is a stowaway aboard the balloon-powered house. This animated film has a run time of an hour and thirty minutes and had an IMDb rating of 8.1/10. It is another great choice for road travel. Get ready to wipe some tears though! Watch and purchase Up here .

Up-Family-Road-Trip-Movies

Frozen is a 3D computer-animated musical fantasy movie. It was released in 2013 and is perfect for all ages. This is the story of a fearless princess, Anna, who sets off on a journey to find her estranged sister, Elsa, whose icy powers have inadvertently trapped their kingdom in an eternal winter. The movie runs for roughly an hour and fifty minutes and has an IMDb rating of 7.4/10. So let it go! Add this family favorite to the agenda for the next road trip. Watch and purchase Frozen .

Frozen - Family Travel Movies

Disney released this American animated musical historical action-adventure film in 1998. And there is a live-action adaptation of the animated movie released in 2020. To save her aging father from serving in the Chinese Imperial Army, a fearless young woman called Mulan disguises herself as a man and goes to battle northern invaders in China. This empowering classic has a runtime of an hour and thirty minutes and an IMDb rating of 7.6/10. Let’s get down to business; put this on the list! Watch and purchase Mulan here.

Mulan - Road Trip Movie

6. Finding Dory

Finding Dory is a spin-off/sequel to Finding Nemo. Dory is a blue tang fish who suffers from memory loss. But she can remember that she became separated from her parents when she was a child. So, with the help of her friends Nemo and Marlin, Dory sets off on an epic adventure to find them. This 2016 American 3D animation has an IMDb rating of 7.3/10 and has a runtime of two hours. As always, its guaranteed fun! Watch and purchase Finding Dory here .

Finding Dory - Family Road Trip Movies

7. The Lion King

First released in 1994, this Disney animated musical drama film is one of every family’s favorites. There is a photorealistic computer-animated remake in 2019 that journeys to the African savanna. Simba, a future king, overcomes betrayal and tragedy to assume his rightful place on Pride Rock. With a runtime of an hour and a half and an IMDb rating of 8.5/10. This movie is another great option for family road trips. Watch and purchase The Lion King here.

The Lion King - Family Travel Movie

8. The Little Mermaid

Another great classic movie perfect for family road trips. Little Mermaid is an American animated musical drama film that was released in 1989. We’re sure every mom today remembers watching this movie as a little girl and dreaming of being a mermaid! Ariel is a fun-loving and mischievous mermaid who is fascinated with life on land. One one of her visits to the surface she falls in love with a human prince. Ariel makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch to become human for three days, but her plan goes wrong! This movie runs for about an hour and a half and has an IMDb rating of 7.6/10. Enjoy these under the sea adventures on your next road trip with the kids. Watch and purchase The Little Mermaid here.

The Little Mermaid - Travel Movie for Kids

9. Toy Story

This comedy film series was first released in 1995, with three sequels in the decades that followed. Toy Story takes place in a world where toys come to life when humans are not present. Woody, a cowboy doll, is Andy’s favorite. But when Buzz Lightyear arrives the space hero takes Andy’s room by storm. As they evolve from rivals competing for their owner’s affection, they must work together and become friends to escape and be reunited. The first movie has a runtime of an hour and a half and an IMDb rating of 8.3/10. The movie series contains four movies. So get ready to buckle up and press play. Watch and purchase Toy Story here.

Toy Story - Family Road Trip Movies

10. Home Alone

This American Christmas comedy film was first released in 1990. Kevin McCallister is a bratty 8-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family goes to Paris for the holidays. He assumes his wish to have no family has come true, but suddenly realizes he must protect his family home from two burglars and the adventures that ensue. Home Alone has a runtime of an hour and forty- eight minutes and has an IMDb rating of 7.6/10. The Home Alone movie series has five enjoyable movies, perfect for your next road trip. Watch and purchase Home Alone here .

Home Alone - Family Holiday Movie

11. Mr. Bean’s Holiday

Ah! Mr. Bean, you have got to love him! Mr. Bean’s holiday is a 2007 comedy film based on the British television series. Mr. Bean is going on holiday to the south of France, looking for a quiet and sunny trip to the Riviera. However, his vacation doesn’t go as smoothly as expected when he faces a series of misunderstandings and unfortunate coincidences. The movie has a run time of an hour and thirty minutes and a 6.4/10 IMDb rating. Watch and purchase Mr. Bean’s Holiday here.

Mr Bean's Holiday - Family Travel Movies

12. Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins is a 1964 musical fantasy film. Talk about a classic! An English nanny reconnects a father and mother with their two children. This movie runs for a little over two hours and has a 7.8/10 rating on IMDb. Another great classic family movie that can be enjoyed on the road. Watch and purchase Mary Poppins here.

Mary Poppins - Family Road Trip Movies

13. Paddington

This live-action comedy film was released in 2014 and has a runtime of an hour and thirty- five minutes. It is based on the famous Paddington Bear and is enjoyed by people of all ages. Paddington follows a young bear who finds himself in a series of comic misadventures while trying to avoid a museum taxidermist. With an IMDb rating of 7.2/10, this laughter-filled movie is great for family road trips with kids. Watch and purchase Paddignton here.

Paddington - Family Travel Movies

14. Dolittle

Keep your next road trip fun by playing this 2020 fantasy adventure film. Based on the Doctor Dolittle book series written by Hugh Lofting. The eccentric Dr. Dolittle sets sail on an epic adventure to a mythical island, regaining his wit and courage as he crosses old adversaries and discovers wondrous creatures. Dr. Dolittle is a children’s favorite, with a runtime of one hour and 40 minutes and IMDb rating of 5.4/10. Or you can opt for the classic movie, Dr. Dolittle, released in 1998. Either way, you would not regret it. Watch and purchase Dolittle here.

Dr. Dolittle - Family Travel Movie

15. Night at the Museum

A fantasy film trilogy that began in 2006 and ended in 2014. When Larry starts working as a night security guard, a seemingly easy job turns out to be a wild ride when he discovers that an ancient spell has caused the museum “inhabitants” to come to life. The first movie has an IMDb rating of 6.4/10 and it runs for an hour and forty-nine minutes. This fun-filled film is a guaranteed laugh. That’s why it is on our best movies for a road trip list. Watch and purchase Night at The Museum here.

Night at the Museum - Family Movie for Road Trip

16. The Sound of Music

The Sound of Music is another amazing family classic. A woman, Maria, leaves an Austrian convent to become a governess to the children of a Naval officer widower. Her charm and songs soon win the hearts of the children. Released in 1965, this American musical drama has an 8/10 rating on IMDb and has a runtime of three hours! Although it’s lengthy, it’s a perfect family movie for road trip entertainment. Watch and purchase The Sound Of Music here.

The Sound of Music - Family Movie for Kids

17. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Released in 2001, this family fantasy franchise boasts of eight high grossing movies. Based on the wildly popular J.K. Rowling’s book about a young boy who discovers on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned boy of two powerful wizards and he has unique magical powers. The first movie has a run time of 2 hours and 35 minutes and has a 7.6/10 IMDb rating. Perfect for keeping the entertainment ball rolling during family road trips. Watch and purchase Harry Potter here.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - Family Travel Movie

18. The Wizard of Oz

Whew! The classics really deserve all the accolades. When a tornado rips through Kansas, Dorothy, and her dog, Toto, are whisked away in their house to the magical land of Oz. The Wizard of Oz is a fantasy musical, released in 1939 and runs for an hour and fifty- two minutes. It has an IMDb rating of 8/10. What a movie! It is widely regarded as one of the greatest movies of all time. It is genuinely one of the best family movies for road trips. Watch and purchase The Wizard of Oz here.

The Wizard of Oz - Family Movie for Road Trip

19. Back to the Future

This 1985 science-fiction movie is another film that’s perfect for road trips. Marty McFly is blasted to 1955 in the time machine created by Doc. Brown and finds himself in a time-shattering situation that jeopardizes his future. Back to the Future runs for about two hours and has an 8.6/10 IMDb rating. Watch and purchase Back to the Future here.

Back to the Future - Family Travel Movie

20. Free Willy

Released in 1995, Free Willy is a family drama with a runtime of an hour and fifty- two minutes. Two worlds separated by water and land come together in this heartwarming adventure about the friendship between a troubled young boy and an orca whale. With a 6/10 rating on IMDb, it is another good selection for family road trips. Watch and purchase Free Willy here .

Free Willy - Family Road Trip Movie

21. E.T: The Extra-Terrestrial

Another family science-fiction classic that had us balling our eyes out. A stranded alien needs to phone home – he meets the suburban kids who help him get there. Released in 1982, E.T. has a runtime of two hours and was rated 7.8/10 on IMDb. E.T. is an excellent choice for your next family road trip. Watch and purchase E.T: The Extra-Terrestrial here.

E.T. Family Travel Movie

Jeez, who is cutting onions? Coco is a 3D computer-animated movie full of emotions. A boy who dreams of becoming a great musician embarks on a journey to uncover the mysteries behind his ancestor’s stories and traditions. Released in 2017, and it runs for an hour and forty- eight minutes. Rated 8/10 on IMDb, this family movie is a perfect choice for road trips. Just be sure to have some tissues handy! Watch and purchase Coco here.

Coco - Family Travel Movie

Elf is a 2003 family-friendly Christmas comedy. One Christmas Eve long ago, a baby crawled into Santa’s sack of toys. Raised as an elf Buddy goes looking for his true place in the world — in New York City. This Christmas favorite is sure to make you laugh, with a run time of an hour and thirty- seven minutes and an IMDb rating of 6.7 out of 10. A perfect choice for that time of the year, especially if you’re taking a road trip with kids for the holidays. Enjoy! Watch and purchase Elf here.

Elf - Best Family Road Trip Movie for Holiday Travel

24. The Parent Trap

The Parent Trap is a 1998 fun family movie. Identical twins switch places and reunite their parents. The romantic comedy runs for about two hours and is rated 6.6 out of 10 on IMDb. Well, if it is on this list, you know it’s the right choice! Watch and purchase The Parent Trap here.

The Parent Trap - Family Movies

25. Inside out

Inside out is a 3D computer-animated comedy film. The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center  inside  Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life, including her move to a new city. The movie was released in 2015 and has an 8.1/10 IMDb rating with a one hour and forty- five minute run time. Inside out is kid-friendly and fun! It’s a great choice for your next road trip. Watch and purchase Inside-Out here.

Inside Out - Family Road Trip Movies

26. Despicable Me

Despicable me is a 2010 3D animated comedy film trilogy. A supervillain discovers he has a heart while using three adorable tots for his latest scheme. The first film has a 1 hour and thirty- five minutes runtime and a 7.6/10 IMDb rating. Despicable Me is hilarious as it is heartwarming, and best of all, it has minions! We hope you enjoy this on your next road trip with children. Watch and purchase Despicable Me here .

good family road trip movies

27. Madagascar

Madagascar is a 2005 computer-animated comedy film. A pack of not-so-wild animals experiences some serious culture shock when they move from the Big Apple to the Mighty Jungle. It has a runtime of roughly an hour and a half and an IMDb rating of 6.9 out of 10. With talking animals and lots of fun, this movie is a guaranteed choice for your next road trip. Have fun! Watch and purchase Madagascar here.

good family road trip movies

It’s a Wrap for the Family Road Trip Movies

Well, we hope you trust our judgment on this and you take at least one of these family favorites out with you on your next road trip. Many of these movies are classics that you will remember watching as a kid. Now you have the opportunity to re-watch them and share them with your child(ren) on your next family road trip. Happy travels!

And remember, let’s Be family so you can enjoy the journey!

For more about family travel check out these posts: Best Audiobooks for Family Road Trips How to Survive a Road Trip with Kids Essential Family Road Trip Checklist Road Trip Activities for Kids Age 4-8

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Best Family Road Trip Movies for Kids

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good family road trip movies

Ruth Hutchins grew up in England and now lives in North Carolina with her husband, Doug, and their two young daughters. They always loved to travel, but once having children everything changed because family travel is more complicated. Traveling with a baby may feel overwhelming to new parents. Travel with a toddler can really test your patience, and traveling with kids can lead to utter chaos. However, travel with your little ones doesn’t have to be that stressful or exhausting. On the BE Family Travel blog Ruth shares her parenting wins, and even epic failures about traveling with kids. She provides resources to help you feel empowered to plan a family vacation and travel with your children.

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The Uncorked Librarian logo 2023 with gray cat, green suitcase, and pile of books with glass on wine on top and tv remote

30 Best Movies About Road Trips To Inspire Your Next Adventure

This post may contain affiliate links that earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.

Take the opportunity to soul search, reconnect, meet kindred spirits, or heal old wounds with the best movies about road trips.

Nothing beats a hilarious and cult-classic road trip film, including the Road Trip film series itself, National Lampoon’s Family Vacation , and Planes, Trains & Automobiles .

However, “classic” doesn’t always equate to the most appropriate, and many of the best road trip movies have been releasing across the past decade.

Below, explore movies on road trips about families, reconnection, and finding yourself.

Some of these films will showcase one last chance to say goodbye or make amends before it is too late. Have those tissues ready .

But, many of the top movies about road trips are also hilariously ridiculous and filled with wild and nearly implausible adventures.

So, which films about road trips do we recommend for daring world travelers and those looking to think more deeply about the connections we make?

Which will inspire you to live life to the fullest? Let’s get started, and don’t forget to let us know your favorite road trip movies in the comments.

If you are enjoying these road trip movies, you may wish to read these road trip books .

Movies About Road Trips with side of car with side mirror showing and open road surrounded by rocks and landscape

Grab the best books and movies on road trips here:

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Table of Contents

30 Top Movies About Road Trips

By Tori Curran

National Lampoons Vacation Movie Poster with white male with family clinging to his legs as he dramatically raises a tennis racket

National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

What better place to start than one of the most well-loved family road trip movies: National Lampoon’s Vacation ?

America’s favorite comedic family, The Griswolds, embarks on a cross-country road trip from Chicago to the Wally’s World amusement park in California.

Despite their best intentions to spend more quality time together as a family, anything and everything that can go wrong does.

Vandals, dirty campgrounds, a crash that leaves them stranded, and feisty Aunt Edna plague their trip; yet, they press on.

When the family finally arrives at Wally’s World, they are in for another mishap. Can the Griswold’s family vacation be salvaged?

Kodachrome film poster with older white man wearing a hat and younger white man and woman sitting on car hood

Kodachrome (2017)

Matt – on the verge of losing his record company job – learns that his estranged father, Ben, is terminally ill.

Ben is a famous photographer and wants his son to drive him to Dwayne’s Photo in Parsons, Kansas, the last shop that develops Kodachrome film.

His final wish is to develop his film roles before he dies.

Matt agrees, and they begin their trip along with Ben’s nurse, Zooey. They take backroads so that Ben can film the scenery.

While a tad predictable, the father-son dynamic is solid. As an ailing Ben grows sicker, Matt’s fondness for his father starts to grow, and he does all that he can to see his father’s dying wish fulfilled.

For heart-rendering movies on road trips, have the tissues ready.

Nomadland movie poster with older woman in white dress sitting in a chair on lawn with laundry hanging on line above her

Nomadland (2020)

One of the most poignant movies about road trips and the American nomad, Nomadland won Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress.

Frances McDormand stars as Fern, who loses her job at the US Gypsum plant.

After also losing her husband, she sells the majority of her belongings to buy a van and drive across the US looking for work.

Fern works seasonally at an Amazon fulfillment center and finds side gigs at campgrounds and roadside attractions.

At the heart of the film, though, are the other lost souls that Fern meets along her journey, embodying the collective feelings of both loneliness and freedom of those who choose a nomadic lifestyle.

Green Book Movie poster with one man in front and one man in back of a turquoise car with blue sky

Green Book (2018)

Green Book is inspired by the true story of a tour of the South by an African American pianist and his chauffeur.

Don Shirley hires Frank Vallelonga, an Italian American bouncer known as Tony Lip, as a chauffeur and bodyguard during an eight-week concert tour of the Midwest and Deep South in 1962.

Initially, Don finds Tony unrefined, and Tony considers Don pretentious. Despite differences, they develop a friendship while facing the realities of the Jim Crow South.

Green Book joined the ranks of Academy Award-winning films about road trips with Best Picture, Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor.

We're the Millers movie poster with family of four white people including mom, dad, and two young girls with dirty blonde hair and arrows with sayings like runaway

We’re the Millers (2013)

When David, a small-time pot dealer, is robbed of his stash, he is forced into clearing his debt by smuggling drugs across the Mexican border.

In an effort to evade customs, he creates a fake, unsuspecting family by hiring a stripper, a 19-year-old runaway, and his awkward 18-year-old neighbor.

When “The Millers” reach the drug compound in their RV, they discover the small stash is actually two tons worth.

The extra weight causes the RV to break down, and a risky law enforcement encounter almost gets them caught.

What else can possibly go wrong in one of the best comedy and crime road trip movies on this list?

RV movie poster with green and white RV balancing on top of a thin peaked mountain

Bob Munro is looking forward to some quality time with his dysfunctional family in Hawaii.

But when his boss forces him to attend a meeting in Colorado, he disguises the change of plans as a family RV road trip. 

Of course, dozens of comedic mishaps ensue: Bob damages the parking brake, crashes the RV into various objects, and eradicates a couple of raccoons.

The Munros also encounter another traveling family who they begin to think is stalking them,

Eventually, the family begins to enjoy their trip, but the secret meeting in Colorado is still looming on the horizon.

Disasters in road trip movies like this are a pretty common and popular theme that you can’t help but eat up.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Long Haul Movie Poster with young boy wearing illustrated cape and standing on pile of common things like tire and racket with pink pig in background

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

For more wholesome and family-friendly movies about road trips, watch Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul .

This road trip film is based on the ninth book in the Wimpy Kid children’s book series and is surprisingly enjoyable, even for adults.

The Heffley children – wimpy kid Greg and his older brother Rodrick – are less than thrilled about a family road trip to a relative’s 90th birthday.

When the boys realize that an expo featuring their favorite internet star is taking place not too far from their destination, they take matters into their own hands.

Winning a pig at a carnival and a rival family stealing the Heffley’s belongings round out the hijinks.

While the trip is far from perfect, at the heart of it lies a family who just needs time to reconnect.

Watch even more movies based on fantastic books .

Little Miss Sunshine Movie Poster with kids and adults running toward open door of a yellow vintage RV

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

One of the best road trip movies of all time, you’ll fall in love with Little Miss Sunshine and the quirky Hoover family.

Olive is an aspiring beauty queen being coached by her grandfather, who was recently kicked out of his retirement home for doing drugs.

Learning Olive qualifies for the “Little Miss Sunshine” pageant, the family – including her parents, a struggling uncle, and half brother who has taken a vow of silence – road trips from New Mexico to California to support Olive.

Both personal and road trip setbacks plague the family, but they press on to the pageant, only to realize that Olive, a pretty regular girl, doesn’t stand a chance.

Sideways Film Poster with illustrated tipped over bottle with two people laying sideways in wine bottle

Sideways (2004)

Featured on our list of movies about wine , Sideways follows two friends on a pre-wedding road trip through California’s Santa Ynez Valley wine country.

Miles, a struggling writer and wine enthusiast, and Jack, soon to be wed, embark on a single-guy’s last hoorah.

Miles has a weekend of fine wine and dining planned, but Jack is looking for a fling.

He finds it in Stephanie while her friend Maya seems to take an interest in Miles. Things get complicated when Miles lets it slip that Jack is engaged.

We especially love the idea of taking their picturesque wine country road trip ourselves!

Sideways also makes for a great wine book read before or after the movie.

Road Trip movie poster with seven younger white people two of whom are a guy and girl almost kissing and the center man holding out his hand with a jagged tattooed line

Road Trip (2000)

Follow a band of college buddies as they road trip from Ithaca, New York to Austin, Texas to intercept an illicit video accidentally mailed to one of their girlfriends.

Josh slips up and cheats on his long-distance girlfriend, Tiffany, recording the act on his camcorder.

When his buddy accidentally mails the evidence instead of a recorded love letter, the pals hit the road to catch the tape in the mail before it’s delivered.

Then, they must make it back to Ithaca for a midterm to avoid flunking their class.

This is, of course, one of the most famous movies on road trips ever made – and you either love it or despise it.

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Road Trip: Beer Pong (2009)

Also known as Road Trip 2, this sequel to the first Road Trip film follows three college buddies en route to a beer pong tournament.

Andy is convinced by his friends to stop worrying about his long-distance girlfriend, Katy, and have some fun.

He and his friends decide to hit the road and follow Jenna – Andy’s ex-girlfriend who is now a beer pong model – and enter the tournament.

What can go wrong when a bus full of gorgeous Christina girls drops you off in your girlfriend’s hometown, while you’re on the road chasing an ex?

Reminiscent of other college comedies, like American Pie, know that the road trip film series is hilarious but quite inappropriate.

Road to Paloma Film Poster with two people riding motorcycles in dark landscape with brown and yellow color tinting

Road to Paloma (2014)

TW: sexual assault

An alternative to the many vacation-style movies on road trips, The Road to Paloma has a much darker plot.

After murdering his mother’s rapist, a Native American named Wolf flees on his motorcycle across the American West.

He plans to head to his sister’s property and spread his mother’s ashes peacefully. However, the FBI threatens his plans.

Wolf soon meets up with a drifter named Cash and learns that vigilante justice most often comes at a price. Will Wolf ever find redemption?

The Leisure Seeker Movie Poster with older white man and woman with redish hair and sunglasses embracing

The Leisure Seeker (2017)

For years, John and Ella Spencer have enjoyed family road trips in their RV, nicknamed the Leisure Seeker.

Now, John, a retired teacher, is suffering from dementia, and Ella is ill herself.

Against their doctors’ advice, they embark on one final road trip in their beloved RV from their home in Massachusetts to the Hemingway House in the Florida Keys.

As is true with many couples, close quarters and ailments bring out both the best and the worst of John and Ella.

For drama-comedy road trip movies, The Leisure Seeker will stay with you for quite some time.

Unpregnant movie poster with young white boy and girl sitting on top of car that's on a road surrounded by rocky landscape

Unpregnant (2020)

TW: abortion

A poignant road trip movie, seventeen-year-old Veronica learns that she is pregnant but cannot get an abortion in her home state of Missouri without her parents’ permission.

She convinces her former best friend Bailey to take a road trip with her to New Mexico for the procedure.

Amidst a series of unfortunate and often hilarious circumstances, including getting picked up by a pair of pro-lifers, Veronica and Bailey begin to open up to each other again and repair their fractured friendship.

Everybodys Fine Movie Poster with two white men and two white women with someone capturing their picture on a digital camera

Everybody’s Fine (2009)

Eight months after losing his wife, Frank Goode is looking forward to a visit from his children.

When each cancels last minute, he sets out on a cross-country road trip to visit each of them individually.

Frank learns quickly that his children’s lives aren’t as fine as they appear to be.

More lies and deceit surface when Frank begins to piece together a secret that three of the siblings have been keeping regarding the fourth.

For the best road trip movies about redemption and connection, Frank’s experience won’t let you down.

Tommy Boy Movie Poster with two white men in jackets and ties standing in middle of the road

Tommy Boy (1995)

Tommy works as an executive for his father’s auto-parts conglomerate; a position he didn’t earn and doesn’t work hard at.

When his father suddenly passes on his own wedding day and the bank reneges on a loan, the company’s future is in jeopardy.

Tommy devises a plan and sets out with the company’s accountant on a cross-country sales trip.

But, when they catch his late father’s wife entangled with the man she called her son, they realize they’ve been roped into a con artist’s game plan.

Chris Farley, David Spade, and Dan Aykroyd deliver in one of our favorite comedy movies about road trips.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas Movie Poster with white man wearing large sunglasses and hat smoking but his neck is slightly distorted to fit title and swirling sky

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

Based on Hunter S. Thompson’s novel of the same name, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a cult classic, dark comedy film following Raoul Duke and Dr. Gonzo’s drug-fueled road trip to Las Vegas.

In a rented red convertible, the two men hit the road with a suitcase full of narcotics in order so that Dr. Gonzo can cover a motorcycle race for a magazine.

Going through their stash at an alarming rate, they behave abhorrently, trash their hotel room, and run up an alarming room service tab.

This road trip film fantastically portrays not only an excessive drug binge but the shortcomings of the 1960s and the American Dream.

Rain Man movie poster with two guys in jeans walking down road and one is carrying a backpack

Rain Man (1988)

Rain Man isn’t just one of the best road trip movies, it’s one of the best films of all time.

Car dealer Charlie Babbit returns home to Cincinnati following the death of his father.

There, he learns that he has an older, autistic brother named Raymond and that their father has left almost all of his fortune for Raymond’s care.

Motivated by money, Charlie checks Raymond out of his institution to head back to Los Angeles. The cross-country road trip will change both of their lives forever.

The slow progression of the road trip due to Raymond’s strict routines gives Charlie time to understand and appreciate his brother’s complexities.

Wristcutters Movie Poster with black hand slit at wrist with red blood coming out on yellow traffic sign

Wristcutters (2006)

TW: suicide

After breaking up with his girlfriend, Zia kills himself and wakes up in a purgatory filled with other suicide victims.

He befriends Eugene, a Russian rocker. After learning that his ex-girlfriend, Desiree, also took her own life after Zia’s death, the two friends embark on a road trip to find her in the afterlife.

Along the way, they also encounter a hitchhiker and a commune leader looking for his dog who’s been abducted by a cult leader.

Eccentric and funny, Wristcutters is one of the most unique movies about road trips and the meaning of life.

Two for the Road Film Poster with white person wearing large white sun glasses

Two for the Road (1967)

Mark, a wealthy architect, and Joanna Wallace road trip through France in their convertible to celebrate the completion of a building project.

Tensions between the two are clear, though, and as they drive towards Saint Trope; Mark and Joanna reminisce about past memories and indiscretions.

Scenes from the past are juxtaposed with the couple’s discussions of previous events that have occurred along the same road.

Both have been unfaithful and unhappy, but what does the future hold for them?

If you’re looking for an old-time road trip film, you know Audrey Hepburn delivers.

Planes trains and automobiles movie poster with two older men sitting on a bench one in blue winter jacket and the other in suit and red tie

Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

Neal Page is a control freak and advertising executive on a business trip in New York City, trying to get home to Chicago for Thanksgiving.

When his flight is delayed, he meets an annoying shower curtain ring salesman also traveling to Chicago.

A diverted flight and broken down train further complicate their journey home.

Del and Neal are reunited at a rental car facility, and despite their frustrations, commit to the trek to Chicago together. A surprise ending will bring the film full circle.

Planes Trains & Automobiles is another one of those cult-classic road trip movies on this list.

She’s in Portland Movie Poster with burnt orange car with people in it driving with blue sky

She’s in Portland (2020)

Wes, a thirty-something-year-old family man, is hoping to reconnect with his college friend Luke. While feeling envious of each other’s lives, they each feel trapped in their own.

Wes convinces Luke to join him on a business road trip up the coast of California to find Luke’s “one that got away.”

At the heart of this road trip film, though, is a genuine perspective of work, marriage, and life’s commitments in your thirties.

The backdrop of Highway 1 isn’t bad to look at either!

The Fundamentals of Caring Film Poster with man and woman standing and person sitting between them

The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

Ben is a writer from Seattle avoiding his wife’s attempts to serve him with divorce papers. Following another tragedy, he becomes the caregiver for Trevor, a disabled teen.

Trevor is enamored with roadside attractions. Ben convinces Trevor’s mother to allow them to take a road trip to see the world’s deepest pit. Trevor also wants to see his estranged father.

Along the way, they pick up a hitchhiker named Dot and a pregnant woman named Peaches.

The most unlikely connections make this one of our favorite road trip movies that make you think about friendships and caring for others.

Watch even more great friendship movies .

Braking for Whales Movie Poster with two people one standing and the other sitting on top of an RV with blue cloudy sky

Braking for Whales (2019)

The death of their mother brings an estranged brother and sister together.

To gain their inheritance, the siblings must honor their mother’s final request: to have her remains placed into the body of a whale.

En route to a Texas aquarium to follow through on their mother’s absurd wish, Star and Brandon encounter more than just adventure.

They are forced to face one another and their own demons, including Brandon’s sexuality and Star’s child that she’s all but abandoned.

This is one of many road trip movies about healing and self-discovery, but the unique angle and potential to be relatable make it stand out.

Bad Trip movie poster with two people of color with arms crossed facing each other on pink background

Bad Trip (2021)

Part buddy comedy, part hidden camera prank show, Bad Trip sets the stage for a hilarious and outrageous cross country road trip.

Two friends, Chris and Bud, embark on a trip from Florida to New York City to catch Chris’s long-time crush.

They’ve all but stolen Bud’s sister’s car while she’s in jail to make the trip, but she manages to escape from jail to run after them.

All the while, real people are pulled into their raunchy and hilarious pranks. At the end of the movie, don’t miss their reactions when they find out they’ve been part of a prank movie.

Johnson Family Vacation Film Poster with POC around the title on a sign

Johnson Family Vacation (2004)

Nate Johnson longs to make amends with his gorgeous wife from whom he’s separated and spend more time with his children.

Miraculously, he manages to convince them all to join him on a cross-country drive to a family reunion.

On their way from California to Missouri, they encounter a myriad of hiccups, including an eccentric hitch-hiker, a semi-truck trying to run them off the road, and getting arrested for littering.

Johnson Family Vacation is where family adventure road trip movies meet stories of healing relationships and family ties.

Supernova Movie poster with two white men's faces and they are leaning into each other

Supernova (2020)

Sam and Tusker have been partners for 20 years.

After Tusker is diagnosed with early-onset dementia, the couple travels across England in their RV visiting family, friends, and memorable places from their past together.

One of the most poignant and beautiful movies about road trips, Supernova reminds us that all we truly have of someone else is time.

With talks of suicide and mourning the loss of a loved one, it’s sure to tug at the heartstrings of anyone in a loving relationship.

The Guilt Trip Movie Poster with white male and woman driving car and he's looking back as she pinches his cheek

The Guilt Trip (2012)

Andy is about to set out on the adventure road trip of a lifetime.

Before he does, he makes a visit to his overbearing mother, Joyce, and learns about Andrew, a man she was previously in love with and whom Andy was named after.

Against his better judgment, Andy invites his mother on the road trip, concealing his intentions to bring her out to California to see Andrew.

Along their journey – which includes Joyce calling Andy’s ex-girlfriend and a steak-eating contest – Andy realizes that he has more in common with his aggravating mother than he thought.

They begin to enjoy their time together until Joyce learns why Andy actually invited her.

Deceit is a common theme for familial movies on road trips – and the outcome can go one of two ways.

Come as You Are Movie Poster with four guys in a camper van and woman in black dress showing legs on top

Come as You Are (2019)

Three disabled men, Scotty, Matt, and Mo, take a road trip from Colorado to Montreal to lose their virginities at a brothel servicing special needs clients.

They are accompanied by a jaded travel nurse who drives and assists them.

This isn’t another comical, sex-motivated road trip, though. The film delicately presents the needs of the disabled community and offers us an opportunity to be empathetic and compassionate.

The one caveat of this inclusive road trip film is that all three main actors are able-bodied themselves.

Come As You Are is a remake of the acclaimed Belgian film, Hasta la Vista , which is based on the real-life of Asta Philpot.

The Trip to Spain Movie Poster with two white men at table with food and one pouring wine into a glass

The Trip to Spain (2017)

For more movies about road trips abroad, catch Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon – English and Welch actor comedians – who star as fictionalized versions of themselves on a culinary road trip through Spain.

Nostalgic of a trip he took as a young man, Steve convinces Rob to accompany him on a road trip from the Northern to Southern coast of Spain. 

In addition to sampling epic Spanish fare, the men will talk about their respective lives, relationships, fatherhood, and midlife crises, all with an heir of witty British satire.

The Trip to Spain is part of Coogan and Brydon’s satirical culinary film series including The Trip and The Trip to Italy .

Where To Read More About & Watch These Movies On Road Trips:

Amazon Prime Video  |  Netflix  |  IMDb | Hulu | Max

Save The Best Road Trip Movies For Later:

Best Road Trip Movies and Movies On Road Trips Pinterest pin with image of side of car with side mirror driving down a wide open road surrounded by landscape with rocks

Watch the best movies on road trips here :

Thank you to TUL contributor, Tori Curran from Explore With Tori

Tori Curran Explore with Tori white, blonde woman hiking with backpack and young child on back in carrier

Tori (pronouns: she/her) is a children’s librarian and mom to two boys living in New York. She’s an avid traveler, nature enthusiast, and writer, encouraging families to get outside and start exploring the world. When she’s not hiking or traveling, you can find her lost in a historical fiction book, watching Bravo reruns, or obsessively decluttering her home.

What are your favorite films about road trips?

Which movies about road trips do you love and re-watch over and over again? Let us know in the comments!

What To Watch Next:

Movies Around The World Hiking Movies Top Audiobooks For Road Trips

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Gone With The Family

Gone With The Family

Adventures in Family Travel

27 of the Best Movies About Family Vacations

At Home / March 17, 2021 by Lisa Goodmurphy / 3 Comments

Are you at home and missing travel or looking for inspiration to plan your next family trip? Then grab a bowl of popcorn and hit the road vicariously by watching a movie about a family vacation!

These 27 movies about family vacations include films that can be enjoyed by everyone as well as those that are best for families with older kids and teens and involve everything from camping trips, road trips, cruises, European vacations and more.

There are a couple of serious movies but most are comedies about trips that go so incredibly wrong that any of your travel mishaps will look minor in comparison! I have included a few that stretch the definition of “family” a bit but they’re still fun vacation movies.

I have noted whether the movie is available on Amazon Prime, Netflix or Disney+ and if it’s available to rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video or iTunes/Apple TV. They might be available on other subscription services as well.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to  Amazon.com  and affiliated sites.   As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase then we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Family-Friendly Movies About Family Vacations

These mostly G rated movies about family vacations are fun for the entire family.

The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)

Rated PG, 1h 35m

In this movie which served as the finale for the Disney Channel series, Lizzie McGuire (Hilary Duff) and her friends graduate middle school and travel to Italy on a class trip. While in Rome, Lizzie is mistaken for Isabella, Italy’s biggest pop diva, and falls for Paolo who is Isabella’s singing partner and former boyfriend. It’s not exactly a family vacation but it’s a fun travel movie with kids featuring great scenery in Rome!

Available to watch on Disney+ and to rent/buy on Prime Video or iTunes.

the lizzie mcguire movie dvd cover.

Cars 2 (2011)

Rated G, 1h 46 m

In this sequel to the original Pixar Cars movie, Lightning McQueen and best friend Mater head out on the road from Radiator Springs to compete in the World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car and Mater gets caught up in international espionage. Their adventures take the pair to Tokyo, London, Paris and a fictional Italian city called Porto Corsa.

Cars 2 dvd cover.

A Goofy Movie (1995)

Rated G, 1h 20m

Lovable Goofy bonds with his teenage son, Max, on a hilarious cross-country road trip in this Disney animated film. En route to their fishing destination they find themselves up to their ears in misadventure. The trip is Max’s worst nightmare but before it’s over he just might discover that his dad is not so bad.

Available to watch on Disney+, to rent on Prime Video and to rent/buy on iTunes.

A Goofy Movie dvd cover.

Cheaper By The Dozen 2 (2005)

Rated PG, 1h 34m

Feeling the family is breaking apart as the children grow up and move away, Tom (Steve Martin) persuades the entire family to take one last family vacation together at Lake Winnetka in this hilarious sequel to Cheaper By The Dozen . 

Their dream vacation, however, turns into an outrageous competition with the overachieving family of Tom’s long-time rival played by Eugene Levy. If you haven’t seen the original movie then you might want to watch it first to familiarize yourself with the members of the Baker family.

Cheaper By The Dozen 2 DVD cover.

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Diary of A Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul (2017)

Rated PG, 1h 32m

The Heffley family road trip to Meemaw’s 90th birthday party takes a wild detour thanks to Greg’s newest scheme to attend a video gaming convention. Based on a best-selling book series.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - The Long Haul dvd cover.

Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (2018)

Rated PG, 1h 37m

It’s summer vacation and Dracula needs a break from the hotel business so he and his family embark on a luxury cruise ship vacation. When Dracula meets Ericka, the charming but mysterious captain of the monster cruise ship, it’s love at first sight but Ericka has a dangerous secret.

Available to watch on Netflix and to rent/buy on Prime Video or iTunes.

Hotel Transylvania 3 dvd cover.

Rated PG, 1h 36m

Carl Fredericksen is a widower and retired balloon salesman who has dreamed all his life of visiting Paradise Falls in South America. Facing eviction to a retirement home and determined to make his dream come true, Carl ties thousands of balloons to his house and takes to the skies. But there’s one small complication – a Wilderness Explorer named Russell is an unexpected stowaway!

This Pixar film was the first animated feature to open the Cannes Film Festival and garnered a Best Picture Oscar nomination.

Available to watch on Disney+ and to rent/buy on Prime Video and iTunes.

Disney Pixar Up dvd cover.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

Rated PG, 2h

In this sequel, Kevin McAllister manages to get left behind once again when his family leaves on vacation. This time they are headed to Florida and he winds up on a flight to New York City by himself.

It’s not truly a family vacation, however, Kevin does check into a nice hotel (using his father’s credit card) and see some of the sights while trying to foil the intentions of the burglars from the first movie who have been released from prison and are planning to rob the city’s biggest toy store on Christmas Eve.

Home Alone 2 - Lost in New York dvd cover.

College Road Trip (2008)

Rated G, 1h 24m

Raven-Symone plays an ambitious high school student who is looking forward to a girls-only road trip around the country to find the perfect college. The dream trip soon turns into a wacky nightmare, however, when her overprotective father, played by Martin Lawrence, decides that he’s escorting her.

Available to watch Disney+ and to rent/buy on Prime Video and iTunes.

College Road Trip dvd cover.

Movies About Family Vacations Suitable for Older Kids/Teens/Adults

These movies about family vacations have more mature themes and are suitable for older viewers.

Midnight in Paris (2011)

Rated PG (13+ with content advisories), 2h

In this Woody Allen film, Owen Wilson plays a screenwriter who is on a trip to Paris with his fiancée’s family and finds himself mysteriously going back to the 1920’s every day at midnight. I first watched this film just before our family trip to Paris and loved seeing the Parisian locations that we were looking forward to visiting especially the gardens at the Musée Rodin.

Available to watch on Amazon Prime and to rent/buy on iTunes.

Midnight in Paris dvd cover.

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)

Rated 7+ Older Kids by Amazon, 1h 16m

This Alfred Hitchcock thriller stars James Stewart and Doris Day as two American tourists whose son is kidnapped while in Morocco and taken to England after they accidentally stumble on an assassination plot. The McKennas’ lives hang in the balance as they race to save their son with a chilling showdown in London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Available on Amazon Prime (with a STARZ subscription) and to rent/buy on iTunes.

The Man Who Knew Too Much dvd cover.

Dirty Dancing (1987)

Rated PG-13 for mature themes and sexuality, 1 h 40m

While vacationing with her family at a resort in the Catskills in New York state in 1963, innocent Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman falls in love with the resort’s dance instructor, Johnny Castle. A classic coming of age movie from the ’80s with great music and choreography.

Available to watch on Netflix and to rent/buy on Prime Video or iTunes

Dirty Dancing dvd cover.

Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation (1962)

Rated G , 1h 56m

James Stewart and Maureen O’Hara star in this comedy about a family vacation that doesn’t go according to plan. Mrs. Hobbs convinces her husband to escape their hectic city life by booking a seaside vacation with their children and grandchildren. One disaster after another befalls the family and Mr. Hobbs might need a vacation to recover from his vacation!

Available to rent/buy on Prime Video and iTunes.

Mr. Hobb's Takes a Vacation dvd cover.

National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

Rated either 14A or 18+, 1h 38m

This classic goofball comedy starring Chevy Chase was the first in the National Lampoon Vacation film series. The all-American Griswold family have planned an all-American summer vacation – a road trip across the country from their home in suburban Chicago to a theme park in California – but EVERYTHING goes wrong along the way!

Available to watch on Amazon Prime with STARZ subscription and to rent/buy on Prime Video and iTunes.

National Lampoon's Vacation dvd cover.

National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985)

Rated PG and 16+, 1h, 33m

The Griswold family is back and they have won an all-expenses paid vacation tour in Europe in this sequel to National Lampoon’s Vacation. What could possibly go wrong? London, Paris, Germany and Rome will never be the same!

Available to watch on Amazon Prime with a STARZ subscription and to rent/buy on Prime Video and iTunes.

National Lampoon's European Vacation dvd cover.

National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation (1997)

The Griswold family hits the road again – this time to the land of slot machines and show girls – Las Vegas.

National Lampoon's Vegas Vacation dvd cover.

Vacation (2015)

Rated 14A or 18+, 1h 38m

The Griswold children have grown up and now the next generation is hitting the road for some family vacation bonding. A grown-up Rusty Griswold surprises his wife and kids with a cross-country trip to the theme park that he visited with his family in the first film.

Available to rent/buy on Prime Video or iTunes.

Vacation dvd cover.

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Rated 14A or R, 1h 42m

When 7 year-old Olive (Abigail Breslin) gets an opportunity to compete in a beauty pageant in California, her entire quirky family hops in an unreliable Volkswagen bus to travel there from New Mexico.

The film was nominated for the Best Picture Oscar and won Best Original Screenplay. Alan Arkin also won for Best Supporting Actor and Breslin was nominated for Best Supporting Actress.

Available to watch on Disney+ and Amazon Prime with a STARZ subscription. Available to rent/buy on Prime Video and iTunes.

Little Miss Sunshine dvd cover.

We’re the Millers (2013)

Rated 14A and 16+, 1h 50m

A small-time pot dealer needs to smuggle a shipment from Mexico to pay off a large debt to his supplier so he rounds up a fake family as a cover, rents an RV and hits the road for a 4th of July weekend south of the border. What could possibly go wrong?

Available to watch on Netflix and on Amazon Prime with a STARZ subscription. Available to rent/buy on Prime Video and iTunes.

We're the Millers dvd cover.

Rated PG, 1h 38m

Workaholic Bob Munro, played by Robin Williams, convinces his family to cancel their Hawaiian vacation and spend some quality time together on a cross-country RV trip to the Rocky Mountains instead. Unbeknownst to the family, Bob’s true motive for the trip is attending a business meeting in Colorado but along the way he learns the true meaning of family.

RV dvd cover.

The Great Outdoors (1988)

Rated PG, 1h 30m

John Candy and Dan Aykroyd star in this film about a family whose relaxing stay at a lakeside cabin is disrupted when the annoying in-laws crash the vacation.

The Great Outdoors dvd cover.

Captain Ron (1992)

Rated 14A, 1h 40 m

In this 1990’s comedy, a stressed out executive played by Martin Short learns that he has inherited a yacht once owned by Clark Gable and travels to the Caribbean with his family to retrieve it. Captain Ron, a local sailor with both a questionable past and navigation skills, is hired to sail the family and the yacht back to Miami and the trip is anything but smooth sailing.

Captain Ron dvd cover.

The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

Rated 14A, 1h 31m

In this comedy-drama directed by Wes Anderson, three estranged American brothers reunite a year after their father’s funeral for a spiritual journey across India on a luxury train.

Available to watch on Amazon Prime with a STARZ subscription. Available to rent/buy on Prime Video and iTunes.

The Darjeeling Limited dvd cover.

What About Bob? (1991)

Rated PG, 1h 31m

Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss star in this film about an irritating patient who follows his psychotherapist who has left on a month-long vacation with his family at a lake in New Hampshire.

What About Bob dvd cover.

Like Father (2018)

Rated Mature, 1h 40m

Kristen Bell plays a workaholic advertising executive who is left at the altar and ends up going on her Caribbean honeymoon cruise with her estranged father played by Kelsey Grammar.

Available to watch on Netflix.

Like Father movie poster.

Lost in America (1985)

A satirical road comedy  film  starring Albert Brooks alongside Julie Hagerty as a married couple who decide to leave corporate America behind and travel across the country in a Winnebago.

Available to rent/buy on iTunes.

Lost in America dvd cover.

Johnson Family Vacation (2004)

Rated PG-13, 1h 37m

Nate Johnson (played by Cedric the Entertainer) sets out with three unruly kids and an unhappy wife on a cross-country road trip from California to Missouri for the family’s annual reunion.

Available to watch on Disney+ and on Amazon Prime with a STARZ subscription. Available to rent/buy on Prime Video and iTunes.

Johnson Family Vacation dvd cover.

Do you have a favourite movie about family vacations? Let us know in the comments below.

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good family road trip movies

Reader Interactions

Harmony, Momma To Go

March 20, 2021 at 6:53 am

This was a fun list to scroll through – some movies I love from 80s/90s I want to rewatch with my kids (9 and. 12) – captain Ron I mean how funny! (Plus Caribbean wanderlust for sure) The Vacation movies are always a good choice, I think my kids are too young LOL I probably watched Vacation at their age.

Colleen Lanin

March 20, 2021 at 3:24 pm

Interesting list! I’ve only seen 10 of these. I’m adding Like Father to my viewing list!

October 16, 2021 at 9:49 am

This is such a great list! We have actually been at a stand-still with movies because I couldn’t figure out what to watch next. This is REALLY helpful because I can always get on board with a movie about a vacation and my daughter will LOVE that! Thanks for putting this together! – Linzey @thefamilyfuntour

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Days to Come

Travelling Without a Passport

black concrete road with distance to mountains

6 of the Best Family Road Trip Movies

good family road trip movies

Many people get inspired by the thought of driving off into the distance in search of an adventure . There’s something magical about the prospect of the open road and Hollywood has a unique way of showcasing that on a screen. Watching a movie as a family , especially one that’s about travel is a great way to spend time together, and may even lead to your next dream vacation! Here are the best road trip movies of all time that are family-friendly.

  • The Bucket List
  • The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
  • The Wizard of Oz
  • Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

See Also: Go on a road trip across the USA

1. RV (2006)

This family road comedy film stars the late Robin Williams as Bob Munro, a successful company executive trying to rekindle precious family time between himself, his wife and their two teenage children by going on a much-needed vacation to Hawaii. After a disaster at a work event, his unreasonable boss throws the anticipated family trip into jeopardy by insisting Munro attend a meeting in Colorado to salvage the situation or lose his job.

In an attempt to save their vacation, Munro hires an RV from a dodgy dealer and tells his family they’ll be travelling to the Rockies, but doesn’t tell them about the meeting. What follows is a hilarious story of a dysfunctional family that must band together to overcome a series of mishaps on the road, ultimately reminding them of the bond between them. If you feel like you and your family need some quality time together, this movie is a great reminder about the importance of that!

2. Cars (2006)

In this animated Pixar movie, Owen Wilson voices Lightning McQueen, a hotshot racecar on his way to California to compete in a tiebreaker race. After McQueen and two other cars tie in the final of the Piston Cup championship, the race is scheduled for one-week later in California.

During McQueen’s trailer transportation to California calamity strikes. Driver Mack drifts off to sleep and is startled by four reckless streetcars who startle him, and this causes McQueen to fall out of the trailer. The next morning Lightning wakes up lost and has to find his own way to California. On the way, his journey is full of ups and downs and new friends. Cars is a lovely homage to the golden days of Route 66 and will make you want to explore America as soon as the movie ends.

See Also: Our Favourite Romantic Travel Movies

3. The Bucket List

As two men diagnosed with terminal cancer find themselves sharing a room together, they begin to form a friendship. Carter Chambers is a mechanic and Edward Cole is a wealthy billionaire.

Carter has been writing a list of things he hopes to do before kicking the bucket , but when he finds out that he only has a year left to live he bitterly discards the list. Cole finds the list in their shared room encourages Carter to pursues his dreams, offers to join him on his journey and foot the bill.

While this isn’t a typical road trip movie, we couldn’t leave this story of friendship and adventure of the list. It reminds us all that life is full of the unexpected and we must try to live each day to the fullest as much as possible.

4. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Walter Mitty works as a negatives assets manager at Life magazine, mostly managing images from a photojournalist called Sean O’Connell. Inspired O’Connell’s images, Mitty often daydreams of embarking on adventures of his own.

With the magazine moving from print to digital and Mitty’s job under threat, O’Connell sends over his last round of negatives for Life magazine along with a gift for Mitty. O’Connell also sends a message to Mitty saying that he believes negative #25 is the “essence of life” and should be on the cover for the final issue. However, the negative is missing.

Mitty looks at the other negatives for a clue as to where O’Connell may be, spurring him to go across the length of the world to hunt down the all-important negative for the final issue. Parts of his journey, of course, includes an epic road trip. This film is a heroic testimony to the spirit of adventure.

See Also: 7 of the Best Movies to Watch on a Plane

5. Wizard of Oz (1939)

So hear us out, there’s a road, it’s yellow and made out of brick and there’s a trip. This famous classic American musical starring Judy Garland as Dorothy is known to all. After a neighbour is bitten by Toto, she threatens to euthanise Dorothy’s beloved dog. So Dorothy runs away with Toto from the farm she lives on with Aunt Em and Uncle Henry.

Shortly after she meets a fortune teller, who warns Dorothy that her Aunt Em is unwell because Dorothy has left her, so she races back to the farm as a storm approaches Kansas. On arrival, she finds that her aunt and uncle have hidden away in the storm cellar. They are unable to hear her knocking and so Dorothy takes shelter in her room.

The storm arrives and blows the house away to a magical land called Oz. This beautiful tale captures how taking a journey into the unknown can be a rewarding experience, and that there’s no better way to appreciate home!

6. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the name of the magic car that has been re-built by a widower and oddball inventor known as Caractacus Potts. Although he struggles to make ends meet, he and his two children are happy.

After the children see a broken down car in the local scrap yard, they beg their father, Potts to save it. He manages to pull some strings together and buy the vehicle. Potts transforms the car into a working machine, and the children name it Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Potts then tells his children a story in which the car has magical powers.

This film is a great one to watch as a family! Embrace your free child and journey into a magical world created by an inventor where curiosity is the highest currency.

What else would you add to this list? What are your favourite road trip movies? Share your top picks in the comments!

good family road trip movies

Based in Toronto, Sahar is a full-time content editor for Days to Come and part-time travel junkie.

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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..

good family road trip movies

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

Watch Trailer

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) 88%

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) 91%

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 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 .

Insider Today

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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)

good family road trip movies

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.

good family road trip movies

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11 Best Road Trips Movies of All Time

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Nov 9, 2020

See recent posts by Katja Gaskell

If your next family vacation in the car , requires some in-seat entertainment, watch one of these road trip movies  on a tablet or portable DVD player (yes, they still exist!). Or go on the adventure of a lifetime without ever leaving your couch! Sometimes we like to travel from the comfort of our own homes, and  road trip movies make that both possible and enjoyable. Plus, you don’t have the kids asking “ are we nearly there yet? ”! From old-school movies that you probably watched as a kid to modern-day animations, these 11 road trip movies will make you laugh, cry, and inspire you to book your next family vacation!

1. National Lampoon’s Vacation

National Lampoon’s Vacation

The king of road trip movies has to be National Lampoon’s Vacation . This cross-country caper starring Chevy Chase might look a little dated, but it’s as funny today as it was when it first came out in 1983. In this movie, the Griswold family, led by an ever-optimistic Clark and his long-suffering wife, Ellen, decided to drive from Chicago to California to visit Walley World. No sooner do they hit the road in their station wagon when disaster strikes. They get lost, they pick up an extra passenger (Aunt Edna and her dog), there’s a robbery and, when they finally arrive at the fabled theme park, it’s closed.

Related: This Way to Walley World: 3 Ways to Recreate a Griswold Vacation

2. Finding Nemo

Finding Nemo

The best road trip movie that has nothing to do with cars has to be Finding Nemo . This Disney Pixar movie about the young clownfish Nemo and his sidekick, Dory, is a heart-warming and funny adventure movie underwater. Nemo escapes from the dentist’s aquarium, battles the open ocean, encounters many a dangerous sea creature—and plenty of friendly ones, too—and is eventually reunited with his dad. It’s a wonderful tale of friendship and believing in yourself.

3. Little Miss Sunshine

Undoubtedly one of the best road trip movies on Amazon Prime is Little Miss Sunshine . The story focuses on seven-year-old Olive and her dream of winning the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant. In order to make this dream come true, her dysfunctional family sets off in an old VW van on a road trip from Albuquerque to California. Misadventures and mishaps take place along the way, largely owing to the families’ own quirks and neuroses. It’s sad, it’s funny, and will ultimately make you realize the importance of family—even if they drive you crazy sometimes.

Related: U.S. Road Trips Kids Should Experience Before They Grow Up  

4. Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Another oldie but goodie road trip movie is the 1987 Planes, Trains and Automobiles . Led by Steve Martin and John Candy, this movie follows the trials and tribulations of advertising executive Neal Page, who’s trying to fly home to Chicago to spend Thanksgiving with his family. Unfortunately, a sudden snowstorm forces his plane to land in Wichita. This results in a three-day road trip with Del Griffith, a shower curtain ring salesman who appears, initially, to be the worst kind of travel companion.

5. The Muppet Movie

The Muppet Movie

When Kermit is approached by a talent scout, he dreams of making it big in Hollywood and sets off to seek fame, fortune and the chance to make “millions of people happy.” No sooner does our froggy friend leave his Florida swamp, however, when he is pursued by Doc Hopper, who wants him to be a spokesperson for the fried frog legs at his restaurant chain. Along the way, Kermit meets Fozzie, Gonzo and Miss Piggy, who help him escape Doc Hopper’s clutches and eventually make it to Hollywood. The Muppet Movie is a fun, family-friendly road trip movie that will have everyone laughing out loud.

6. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

If only every real-life road trip could be in a car like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang . This wonderful tale of the eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts and his incredible flying car is still a popular road trip movie today, even more than half a century after it was first released. At a seaside picnic one day, Potts tells his two children a fanciful tale of a far-off land, ruled by the evil Baron Bomburst. Off the family go in their magical flying—and self-driving—car to save their grandfather from the tyrannical leader of the fictional land, Vulgaria.

Cars 2

Some people might argue that Cars 2 is not as good as the first movie, but we say this cartoon adventure is excellent, and one of the best road trip movies around. In this escapade, Lightning McQueen and his tow-truck buddy, Mater, head overseas for the first-ever World Grand Prix. While McQueen gets serious about the race, Mater gets caught up in an international spy conspiracy that takes him—and the story—to Tokyo, London , Paris , and the newly invented Italian town of Porto Corsa. The animation is stunning, the jokes and one-liners are funny, and there’s a good moral about looking out for your friends, too.

8. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

Prepare to have your heartstrings pulled in this lovely tale of three pets searching for their masters. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey is one of the best road trip movies on Amazon Prime and tells the tale of Shadow, a wise golden retriever; Chance, a lively American bulldog puppy, and Sassy, a weight-conscious Himalayan Cat. The trio is placed in a Californian ranch when their owners are transferred for work to San Francisco . No one is happy about the arrangement, however, and they soon set off in search of their family. It’s an adventure that’s filled with excitement, surprises, and more than one nail-biting encounter.

9. College Road Trip

College Road Trip

This is the perfect road trip movie for any parent who’s struggling with the idea of their children growing up. Independent Melanie Porter can’t wait to go on her girls-only road trip to check out colleges. The only trouble is, her overprotective father, James. When he decides to tag along, mishaps and misadventures ensue. Her brother—and his pet pig—stow away in the trunk, James borrows and totals a police car, and later crashes a hotel wedding. College Road Trip  is a fun story about growing up and letting go.

10. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

The funniest castaways on-screen are back in this madcap adventure to Africa. In Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa , Alex, Marty, Melman, and Gloria attempt to return to New York , but their plane crash lands in Africa, where more zany shenanigans follow. Alex is reunited with his parents, Marty finds a herd of Zebra who look and sound like him, Melman becomes the local witch doctor and Gloria falls (temporarily) head-over-heals with the smooth-talking hippo, Moto Moto. The penguins provide the biggest belly laughs in this cartoon caper that parents will love just as much as kids.

11. Mr. Bean’s Holiday

Mr. Bean’s Holiday

Hilarious hijinks prevail when the bumbling Mr. Bean attempts to go on holiday in the south of France in Mr. Bean’s Holiday . Having won a trip to Cannes, he sets off only to find that nothing goes according to plan. He unwittingly separates a young boy from his father and spends the rest of the movie trying to reunite them. Along the way, there are cultural misunderstandings, unfortunate coincidences, language problems, and much more. It’s very silly but guaranteed to make you laugh.

Related: Road Trip Hacks Every Family Needs

Katja Gaskell is a travel writer and family travel blogger based in London, U.K. after 12 years on the road in Australia, India and Mexico. She has written guidebooks for Lonely Planet, reviewed hotels for the British boutique hotel site Mr & Mrs Smith and has contributed articles to publications including BBC Food, Angels & Urchins, Lonely Planet online and more. She is also the European Editor of Twist Travel Magazine. Katja is a firm believer that you can – and should! – travel with your kids everywhere. Find Katja on her own site globetotting.com  and on Instagram @globetotting . 

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Best Road Trip Movies to Watch With Your Family During the Holidays

The holidays are all about family, road trips and food. After you’ve all eaten, sit down with the relatives and celebrate the great American tradition with one of these classic open-road movies.

good family road trip movies

Related To:

Road trips and Thanksgiving are about as American as you can get, and late in November the two collide. According to the Automobile Club of America's (AAA) latest stats, about 48 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home on Thanksgiving weekend (Wednesday to Sunday).

To celebrate the upcoming holidays, we compiled a list of our favorite movies that take place on the open road. Some of these road trips are not just physical but also personal life-changing journeys that will make you think and may help spark some deep conversations with your fellow viewers. So, drive safely and once you get to your destination, sit back with the fam and enjoy one of these classic road trip movies.

Steve Martin and John Candy sit in a destroyed car in a scene from the film 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles', 1987. (Photo by Paramount/Getty Images)

Planes_Trains-075

Steve Martin and John Candy sit in a destroyed car in a scene from the film 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles', 1987. (Photo by Paramount/Getty Images)

Photo by: Paramount Pictures, FotoWare fotostation

Paramount Pictures, FotoWare fotostation

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

John Candy was the master of the obnoxious-but-loveable oaf. In this movie, he plays a shower-curtain-ring salesman who annoys the living daylights out of Steve Martin’s straight-laced character. The two meet when they’re both trying to get home for Thanksgiving and a freak snowstorm turns the few-hour journey into a multi-day comic escapade. It’s rated R for some profanity and probably the “those aren’t pillows” scene.

1626049 003

1626049 003

Photo by: Fotos International

Fotos International

Thelma and Louise 

What starts out as a girls' weekend turns into two outlaws on the lam. Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon are so cool and they totally rock those 1990s high-waisted jeans. This is probably one of the most famous road trip movies ever. And because of it, there’s a lot of interesting trivia about it, like this interesting tidbit: It’s well known that this movie catapulted Brad Pitt to fame, but he was such a no-name at the time he was paid just $6,000 for his role. Even more interesting, George Clooney was one of the actors Pitt beat out to play the sexy cowboy/crook role.

(Original Caption) 11/3/1962- Members of the cast of the United Artists movie "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World." L to r: Edie Adams, Sid Caesar, Phil Silvers, Dorothy Provine, Ethel Merman, Milton Berle, Dick Shawn, Terry-Thomas, Mickey Rooney (front); Buddy Hackett, Jonathan Winters, Spencer Tracy, Peter Falk and Eddie "Rochester" Anderson. They were rehearsing a scene for the zany film.

(Original Caption) 11/3/1962- Members of the cast of the United Artists movie "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World." L to r: Edie Adams, Sid Caesar, Phil Silvers, Dorothy Provine, Ethel Merman, Milton Berle, Dick Shawn, Terry-Thomas, Mickey Rooney (front); Buddy Hackett, Jonathan Winters, Spencer Tracy, Peter Falk and Eddie "Rochester" Anderson. They were rehearsing a scene for the zany film.

Photo by: Bettmann

It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World

If you want to watch a movie with your grandparents, try this zany farce that was made back in 1962. Anybody who was anybody in Hollywood at that time is in this movie – everyone from Spencer Tracy to the Three Stooges – so it’ll be a nice bit of nostalgia for older family members. It’s also a fun movie for kids, it’s silly and there are no f-bombs or “adult” scenes.

London, England - May 23, 2014: Side view of the door handles of an old VW bus  in London, England.

London, England - May 23, 2014: Side view of the door handles of an old VW bus in London, England.

Photo by: Spiderstock

Spiderstock

Little Miss Sunshine

You can’t help but fall in love with this quirky family, especially the adorable beauty-pageant contestant Olive and her foul-mouth grandpa. There are a bunch of good quotes in this movie too: Like when the dad gets pulled over by the cops and says “everyone, just... pretend to be normal,” (like we all haven’t wanted to say that to our family). Or the touching moment when grandpa tells Olive, “A real loser is someone who's so afraid of not winning he doesn't even try.” This movie is rated R and once you hear all the profanity you’ll know why.

Peter Fonda as Wyatt and Dennis Hopper as Billy in Easy Rider

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Peter Fonda as Wyatt and Dennis Hopper as Billy in Easy Rider

Photo by: Silver Screen Collection

Silver Screen Collection

Probably the most iconic road trip movie ever. Made in 1969, it symbolizes the counterculture of that war-time era. Parts of the movie may feel dated, but the message still resonates today. If you have a relative who lived through the 60s, watch this movie with them to get more insight into that time period.

Hudson Hornet during Premiere of Disney Pixar's "CARS" at Lowe's Motor Speedway at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, NC, United States. (Photo by E. Charbonneau/WireImage for Disney Pictures)

Hudson Hornet during Premiere of Disney Pixar's "CARS" at Lowe's Motor Speedway at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, NC, United States. (Photo by E. Charbonneau/WireImage for Disney Pictures)

Photo by: E. Charbonneau

E. Charbonneau

For the younger set, the best road trip movie is Cars, the first one. The sequels aren’t bad, but the original is the best. This is one flick the whole family can watch. It’s got a great message and cute characters for the kids, there are plenty of jokes for the adults, and Paul Newman as Hudson Hornet is so worth your time.

Promotional poster showing the cast of the film, 'Diner,' directed by Barry Levinson, 1982. (L-R) Daniel Stern, Mickey Rourke, Steve Guttenberg, Kevin Bacon and Tim Daly. (Photo by MGM Studios/Coutesy of Getty Images)

Promotional poster showing the cast of the film, 'Diner,' directed by Barry Levinson, 1982. (L-R) Daniel Stern, Mickey Rourke, Steve Guttenberg, Kevin Bacon and Tim Daly. (Photo by MGM Studios/Coutesy of Getty Images)

Photo by: MGM Studios

MGM Studios

Directed by Barry Levinson this movie has an amazing ensemble including very early appearances by Kevin Bacon, Mickey Rourke, Steve Guttenberg, Daniel Stern, Tim Daly and Ellen Barkin. Not really a road-trip movie so much as a returning-home movie. The story is set between Christmas and New Year in 1959 (so holiday subtext is built in) and, like several other of Levinson’s movies (see also "Tin Men" and "Avalon"), takes place in his hometown of Baltimore and relies far more on dialog than on action. But great dialog. Basically, it’s just a circle of guy friends, at a crossroads phase in their lives, sitting around talking about random funny stuff and getting themselves into some oddball situations. It’s kinda like "Summer of ’42" but with older principals and without the romantic underpinning. Quirky, smart, nostalgic and probably one of the more quotable movies ever. It's rated R for language and some sexually frank dialog and situations.

Actress Dana Barron, actor Anthony Michael Hall, actress Beverly D'Angelo and actor Chevy Chase pose for the Warner Bros. movie "National Lampoon's Vacation" in 1983. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

National_Lampoon_Vacation-001

Actress Dana Barron, actor Anthony Michael Hall, actress Beverly D'Angelo and actor Chevy Chase pose for the Warner Bros. movie "National Lampoon's Vacation" in 1983. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Photo by: Michael Ochs Archives, FotoWare fotostation

Michael Ochs Archives, FotoWare fotostation

National Lampoon’s Vacation

Most folks watch the Griswold’s Christmas movie during the holidays, but again, when it comes to sequels, they never quite stand up to the original. Like “Thelma and Louise” this iconic movie is filled with interesting production trivia. Did you know they used five different Family Trucksters (green-paneled station wagons) during the filming? Also, John Candy was not originally part of the movie. After the filming was over, the producer, Harold Ramis wanted a better ending, so they went back to the drawing board and reshot the Wally World scenes with Candy. Although this movie seems tame, it’s actually rated R probably because of Cousin Eddie.

Dan Aykroyd holds a microphone standing next to John Belushi in a scene from the film 'The Blues Brothers', 1980. (Photo by Universal Pictures/Getty Images)

Dan Aykroyd holds a microphone standing next to John Belushi in a scene from the film 'The Blues Brothers', 1980. (Photo by Universal Pictures/Getty Images)

Photo by: Archive Photos

Archive Photos

Blues Brothers 

You can say this is not actually a road trip movie since they never leave the Chicago area, but it feels road tripy with all the stops they make and roadblocks they encounter like evading the cops, the Nazis, a country-western band in a Winnebago and of course, Carrie Fisher. This movie is one to watch over and over again because of the fantastic soundtrack (especially Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles!), quotable lines ("Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration, don't fail me now"), and the scene where John Candy orders a round of orange whips.

"Rain Man" starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise a 1988 American comedy-drama film. (Photo by: Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty images)

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"Rain Man" starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise a 1988 American comedy-drama film. (Photo by: Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty images)

Photo by: Universal History Archive

Universal History Archive

Like many road trip movies, the main characters often change as a result of their journey. In this Oscar-winning movie, Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise) is a shifty yuppie, wheeler-and-dealer type (the typical 1980s villain). When his estranged father dies, Babbitt discovers he has a long-lost brother (played by Dustin Hoffman) who is a severely autistic savant. After the two drive cross-country together, Cruise’s character turns a bit soft and becomes more human and less of a total creep. This one is rated R for language and a few adult scenes.

Straight Desert Road

Straight Desert Road

Photo by: 4kodiak

Lost In America

Ad exec David Howard (Albert Brooks) and his timid wife (Julie Haggerty) decide to chuck it all and go on the road –based on David’s momentary epiphany that they can spend their “retirement” in search of the real America – just like those two guys in (what else?) "Easy Rider". Only in this case, they’re traveling in a Winnebago (complete with microwave with browning feature) rather than astride two chrome choppers. Once the two hit the road, things quickly go profoundly awry in a hilarious way that only Albert Brooks, with his deadpan but razor-sharp wit, can deliver. It’s the ultimate road-trip-gone-wrong movie and deadly funny throughout, but worth the ride for two amazing scenes with Brooks at their center. The first is at the outset and is perhaps the funniest “I quit!” scene ever filmed. Not to give too much away about the second, but watch for the one with the Vegas hotel manager played by film director Garry Marshall. It's rated R for language, but fairly tame – probably okay for teens.

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Home » Movies Lists » 50 Family Trips Movies To Watch In 2024

50 Family Trips Movies To Watch In 2024

Posted on Last updated: February 15, 2024

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Is there anything quite as memorable as a family vacation? If you’re heading to a beach house or the mountains, spending time on the road with the family is always an adventure. And some of the best movies made for repeat watching happen to be family trip movies! From meeting Robin Williams as Bob Munro in RV (2006) to going on the road with Chevy Chase or John Candy, these family trips are absolutely memorable. Here are 50 family trips movies to watch (or rewatch!) this year. Affiliate links are included in this post.

The BEST Family Vacation movies to watch in 2023. Family trip movies are the best to get you in the mood for your next family vacation.

Family Trips: Vacation Movies To Watch In 2024

You gotta be a little crazy to head out on a family vacation these days.

With a dysfunctional family in tow, you know it’s going to be “a good time.” Or at least that’s what most of these parents thought when they decided to head out on the ultimate family vacation in these movies.

Quality time with the kids always briefs well, but heading to a theme park with the entire family or planning a family reunion can sometimes lead to- well- less than perfect family moments.

Many of these are found on streaming platforms and we included affiliate links for Amazon Prime viewing for many.

good family road trip movies

Family Trips Movies List

  • The Parent Trap – identical twins separated at birth, reunited at summer camp? Yes Please!
  • Finding Nemo
  • What About Bob?
  • Mr. Popper’s Penguins
  • A Christmas Story – a few vignettes of a child’s Christmas vacation
  • Johnson Family Vacation
  • Judy Moody And The Not Bummer Summer
  • The Great Outdoors – Dan Aykroyd is having an adventure of a lifetime- at his brother-in-law’s expense!
  • Summer Rental
  • Home For The Holidays
  • Little Miss Sunshine – Toni Collette heads the family determined to get their daughter to a beauty pageant across the country
  • The Family Stone
  • Arthur Christmas
  • The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants
  • Hotel Transylvania
  • Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (2018)
  • Home Alone – the misadventures of a young boy left home alone while his family takes a trip to Paris.
  • City Slickers
  • Home Alone 2: Lost in New York City
  • A Very Brady Sequel
  • The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)
  • A Goofy Movie (1995)- one for the whole family to enjoy!
  • Cheaper By The Dozen 2 (2005)
  • Diary of A Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul (2017)
  • Up (2009) – a long-awaited trip to South America with the family you didn’t know you needed!
  • College Road Trip (2008) – a cross-country road trip with family travel to celebrate the end of high school
  • Dirty Dancing (1987) – no one puts Baby in a corner!
  • National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) – The Griswold family at its finest in the original movie.
  • National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985) – Clark Griswold in Europe. What could go wrong?
  • National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation (1997)
  • Vacation (2015)

family trips movies: we're the millers vacation movie

  • We’re the Millers (2013) – One of the best family road trip movies
  • Captain Ron (1992)
  • Cars- Lightning McQueen says KACHOW on Route 66, many young children favorite movies.
  • Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
  • Alvin and the Chipmunks Chipwrecked
  • Ice Age: Continental Drift
  • Mr. Bean’s Holiday
  • Planes, Trains and Automobiles – a Steve Martin, John Candy CLASSIC
  • The Way Way Back (2013)
  • On Golden Pond (1981)- Jane Fonda stars with family member Peter Fonda (her father!) in this oldie but goodie
  • RV (2006) – starring Robin Williams
  • Munster, Go Home! (1966)
  • Grown Ups (2010)
  • The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2001)
  • Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
  • Jurassic Park
  • Mr. Hobbs Takes A Vacation- James Stewart. Need we say more?

Let us know what we’re leaving off this list of the best family trips movies !

family trip movies: The Great Outdoors with John Candy and Dan Aykroyd, Best Family Vacation Movies

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Patty Holliday is a parent movie reviewer, writer, and podcaster living in the Washington, DC area. Her goal is to bridge the gap between casual fandom and picky critic with parent movie and television reviews. As a lifelong fangirl and pop culture connoisseur, she’s been creating online since 2009. You can find her work at No-Guilt Disney.com, No-Guilt Fangirl.com, No-Guilt Life, and as host of the top-rated No-Guilt Disney Podcast.

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KC Edventures

10 Terrific Road Trip Movies for Kids & Families

By: Author Jacquie Fisher

Posted on Published: June 11, 2020

Categories Kids Activities & Crafts

Awesome road trip movies for kids & families to watch on car rides or family movie night!

We’re continuing on with one of our “Best Movies for Kids & Families” lists today.

Just in case you missed the previous posts, here are the other movie lists in the series:

The 25 Best Kids Books Made into Movies

9 Totally NOT Boring History Movies

12 Movies that Inspire Kids to Tinker

best road trip travel movies for kids

10 Best Family Road Trip Movies

Family car trips are always a great way to head out on an adventure and explore the unknown!

Even if the unknown is only 30 minutes away and the adventure only lasts for a few hours,  kids really benefit from visiting new places & having new experiences.

Since most families will venture out on a road trip at least once in their lives, I thought it would be fun to feature some of the more famous kid-friendly road trip movies.  Whether you watch these films before you set off on vacation or pop them in during your trip, I’m sure you’ll identify with more than a few of the antics and escapades that accompany a memorable family road trip 🙂

I’m betting that you’ll recognize a few of these titles from your childhood in addition to some newer movies that kids will really enjoy!  For each of the films on our list, we’ve included affiliate links and a brief summary so you can determine if it’s a good fit for your family.

good family road trip movies

Nothing says ‘road trip’ like the original  The Muppet Movie which was released 35 years ago!  I know — can you believe it’s been that long?!  Kermit and his friends (most who are new and many they meet along the way) travel across the country to Hollywood so see if they can make it in show biz. 

Tons of laughs (of course!) in this film which is great for kids & parents alike.

WATCH NOW:  The Muppet Movie

good family road trip movies

I love the Disney movie Cars as a road trip film for two reasons:  first, it’s all about cars 🙂 and second, it features one of the most famous roads in America, Route 66.  Kids will enjoy all the personalities of the various cars, along with the colorful sites! 

Parents (and grandparents) will like the vintage feel of the small towns and wide open road.  And everyone will enjoy the soundtrack — which in itself is great for a road trip!

WATCH NOW: Disney’s Cars

good family road trip movies

Ok, I give you that the award-winning movie Disney’s Up isn’t really a road trip in the traditional sense, but since it’s an awesome travel adventure, it made our list.  Carl is an elderly gentleman who decides he is going to live out his deceased wife’s travel dreams — and Russell is the young scout who becomes his unexpected travel companion.

My kids will be the first to tell you that I cry any time we see this movie (they’ll get it once they grow up and fall in love 😉 but they LOVE the humor and gorgeous color in the film.  I also love the messages the film offers us — ‘you’re never too old to live a dream’ and ‘you will find friends in the most unexpected places’. 

WATCH NOW:  Disney’s Up

And if your road trip is taking you to Walt Disney World, be sure you see the list of 23 Movies to See Before Your Trip to Disney World !

good family road trip movies

Blu & Jewel (blue macaw parents) take a flying ‘road’ trip in Rio 2 to the Amazon jungle with hopes of introducing their three children to other blue macaws.  Amazingly, they end up finding family they never knew existed! 

We chose this film for our list because of all the quirky family moments — many of which can be common when you travel with loved ones — along with the idea that travel can bring a family closer together.

WATCH NOW:  Rio 2

good family road trip movies

Older kids and Disney fans will really get a kick out of this father/son road trip adventure, A Goofy Movie . Dad (Goofy) decides he and his tween son (Max) need to bond by taking a cross-country road trip like he took with his father.  As any of us who have raised tweens know — anything we do is bound to embarass them 😉 

Needless to say, this is a trip of awkward, embarassing and downright funny moments that allow father and son to understand and appreciate each other a little more by the time they head home.

WATCH NOW:  A Goofy Movie

good family road trip movies

It really doesn’t matter which of the Madagascar films you choose, the animals are always trying to get somewhere!  In Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa , the animals board a plane to try and return to their zoo home in New York City, only to crash land in Africa.  Once there, they each meet other animals like themselves (along with a few family members — which is why we chose this version for our family road trip list).  These films are always a big hit with kids!

WATCH NOW:  Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

good family road trip movies

Based on a book by the same name, Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008) is the story of a young boy who’s father dissappears when he’s 3 years old.  Ten years later, the boy & his uncle find secret papers that take them on an amazing trip to locate their lost father/brother. Unfortunately, the around-the-globe trip turns into one that takes them into places they could never imagine.

TONS of adventure, some great one-liners and a fast-paced film that the whole family will enjoy!

WATCH NOW:  Journey to the Center of the Earth

If your kids enjoy action & adventure, browse this list of 12 Adventure Books & Read Alouds !

good family road trip movies

Another movie based on a book (and soooo much better than the original version they made us watch in school), Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey is a road trip from a pet’s point of view.  When their family goes on vacation and leaves their pets with a friend, the 2 dogs and cat think they’ve been left for good — so they set out on a journey back to their home in order to find their family. 

We really enjoyed this movie along with the sequel, Homeward Bound: Lost In San Francisco , and the places they visit are just so beautiful!

WATCH NOW:  Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

good family road trip movies

You never know what could happen on a road trip — you could run out of gas, get a flat tire, or (in the case of Harry And The Hendersons , hit a Sasquatch on the way home!)  No knowing what to do, the Hendersons loaded ‘Harry’ on the top of their car and took him home — with some very outlandish results!

This fun (and throw-back) look at a family camping trip is probably one that many parents saw back in the 1980’s when it was first released.

WATCH NOW:  Harry And The Hendersons

If you have a camping family, see our 10 Camping Books & FREE Places to Camp post too!

good family road trip movies

If you have a teen who will be heading to college soon, you should really put College Road Trip on your must-see list — if for no other reason than the fact that Martin Lawrence plays an overbearing dad who really wants the best for his daughter and will make anything you do as a parent seem so much less embarassing 😉  Plus, it’s a fun look into how the parent/child relationship changes with this big milestone.

WATCH NOW:  College Road Trip

And if you do have kids heading to college soon, check out these posts on getting them ready:

9 College Prep Tips for Teens & Parents

48 Things Kids Need to Know before College

For more Movie fun, be sure to see these recommendations for themed lists too!  10 Movies for Kids about Real Scientists

More Road Trip Activities for Kids:

40 Free Road Trip Printables

The Ultimate Road Trip Guide for Families

10 Things to do Before Your Next Road Trip {with free printable list!}

roadtripshort

Screen Rant

The 17 best road trip movies of all time.

Some films are at their best when the characters are on the move. Here are the 17 best road trip movies of all time.

The basest definition of a road trip is simply this: a person or people moving across a great distance, usually in an automobile. Road trips, despite our romantic cultural idea of them, are usually unremarkable chores – moving (the worst), driving home for the holidays, heading to school, etc. Even when driving to a vacation, the travel usually ends up being the worst part. Exciting, sure; but eventually those trips drone, and drone, and drone and… are we there yet?

In cinema, though, road trips are important in ways that seldom match reality. Some are heroes’ journeys, transformative experiences that elevate characters or bring them to age. Others are farcical comedies of error, presenting hilarious roadblocks and setbacks that exist only in fiction. Some are both, and few are neither. Despite having tonal differences and unique genre elements, road trip movies constitute a category all themselves. This list is about the best of that category.

These are the 17 Greatest Road Trip Movies of All Time.

17. Road Trip

Road Trip is a time capsule, stuffed with what young adults found funny around start of the century. The film grossed $120 Million against a $16 million dollar budget, and the credits list includes names like Seann William Scott, Amy Smart, Fred Ward, and Tom Green. If those names don’t induce flashbacks, maybe the film’s plot will.

Road Trip is about a college kid who, as a way to maintain a long distance relationship with his girlfriend, films himself in daily video blogs. On tape . He then mails the tape – in the mail – across the country to his girlfriend. This system works fine, until a tape that captured the boyfriend’s infidelity is accidentally mailed. So he and his friends get in an car and drive across the country to try to intercept the tape.

The film is ultimately a forgettable entry in the road trip genre – it comes in last on the list, included because its premise is an homage to the road trip itself, and because its name is, well, Road Trip.

16. Zombieland

Some film road trips are quests of self-discovery. Some serve practical purposes, like recovering an accidental sex-tape or heading to vacation. Or running from zombies.

When Zombieland arrived in theaters in 2009, we saw a polar extreme of road trip insanity. Starring Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, Jesse Eiesenberg, and Abigail Breslin, the film takes place in a world ravaged by the zombie apocalypse. These characters aren’t traversing the country on some field trip, they are desperately (and hilariously) seeking asylum - and twinkies.

As with any good road trip, barriers are broken down in the film, and relationships are formed.  When we first meet the protagonists of Zombieland , they identify themselves by birthplace exclusively (“ Hi, I’m Columbus ”) as a way to resist forming bonds, but by the end of the film romances spark and surprising friendships form. The film presents the road trip as a transformative event, with a satisfying emotional payoff. Plus a whole lot of zombies ( and maybe more to come) .

Borat : Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan , which we will call simply Borat moving forward, was either ahead of its time or timeless in its lampooning of xenophobia, homophobia, and jingoism in America. Sacha Baron Cohen plays the film's titular character, driving cross country to do two things: chronicle American culture, and find Pamela Anderson, who he saw on TV and is determined to take for a wife.

There’s a chance that whatever freshness or edginess  defined Borat when it released has been worn away, blunted by the bad impressions and recountings that were inescapable for a long time after the film’s initial release. But what Borat did as a road trip film was ingenious. By perverting the relationship between road trip and country (a relationship usually defined by discovery, and understanding), Sacha Baron Cohen turned a fun house mirror toward our national image. It was hilarious.

14. Mad Max: Fury Road

Fury Road is one of two things: it is either a stretched definition of “road trip”, or it is the apotheosis of “road trip”. We lean toward the latter. The film’s protagonists, Max (Tom Hardy) and Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) do, in fact, complete two long journeys in a truck, and all the hallmarks of a film road trip are present. The pressures of travel reveal hidden truths about the characters, who both discover each other and discover themselves. Relationships are formed; others, more destructive, are shed.

That the “pressures of travel” in this case includes radiated war-boys launching fire spears into trucks, sandstorms destroying caravans, and one faceless man playing a flamethrower guitar do not in any way discount the road-trip tropes highlighted above. If anything, the unique perils of this particular trip reinforce what we love about travel films, at the same time adding some of the best action  films anyone has ever seen.

13. Into The Wild

Into The Wild doesn’t follow the normal road trip format, usually including one or more characters in a car on the way to wherever, only to discover that the trip itself was more important than the destination. For Into The Wild , and the film’s protagonist Chris McCandless (Emile Hirsch), the trip was never about anything other than the trip, destinations be damned.

In Into The Wild , McCandless strips himself of society’s strappings entirely, and resigns himself to travel wherever the wind blows. The film’s perspective is ultimately disturbing, but refreshingly original – what starts predictably as a paean to nature and a condemnation of society turns into a nightmare, as McCandless’ life comes to its conclusion, alone and afraid, having misjudged just how cruel nature could truly be.

The films’ finish is depressing and confounding, but it succeeds in playing sickly with our expectations of how road trips and retreats are supposed to work – the protagonist in this story may have found himself, but part of that discovery was just how unequipped he was to deal with his surroundings in the end.

12. Little Miss Sunshine

Little Miss Sunshine is the indie film that other indie films use as a success marker, after grossing $100 million at the box office against an $8-million-dollar budget and was nominated for four academy awards. Its easy to see how the film was so successful; it nimbly presents a funny and heartfelt story that could have easily been cloyingly sweet in the wrong hands.

The film follows a family, dysfunctional in their own way, that travels across the country to enter their youngest girl in a beauty pageant. The family consists of personalities that defy convenient descriptors. A teenage son, in the middle of a vow of silence until he becomes a test pilot. A scholarly brother, who also happens to be homosexual and is recovering from a suicide attempt. A grandfather, booted from his retirement home for snorting heroin.

The trip in Little Miss Sunshine brings the family together, moves them past the petty conflicts of the film’s early going. Instead of changing for one another, though, the family becomes galvanized around Abigail Breslin’s character, happy to be with each other even though they are all screwed up In one way or another.

11. Rain Man

It’s shocking now – with the tent pole culture that pervades our theaters – that Rain Man was the highest grossing film of 1988. But it was, with $354 million against a budget of twenty-five and four Oscar wins (including Best Picture and Best Actor) to boot. The film follows Tom Cruise as Charlie, a slick salesman with debts to pay. Charlie’s father passes away and leaves the family’s considerable wealth to Raymond (Dustin Hoffman), a brother Charlie never knew existed. Raymond is an autistic savant who is living at a mental institution at the film’s start.

The road trip in Rain Man is predictably transformative for Charlie, who starts the film as a slave to his own self-interest and finishes with a newfound perspective on what relationships can mean.  As the two brothers travel from Cincinnati to Los Angeles, hampered by the restrictions of Raymond’s condition, Charlie discovers his brother to be more than just a roadblock in front of the family fortune.

10. The Motorcycle Diaries

The Motorcycle Diaries is as much an ode to the road movie genre as it is a biopic of a young Che Guevara as he traverses the South American continent by, you guessed it, motorcycle. The film could have been a by-the-numbers historical recounting of a revolutionary in the making, but it instead takes a romantic stance toward the road trip as a transformation event. It’s poetic, while still historically accurate.

The film adapts the real life memoirs of Che Guevara, the story of his journey across South America during his last year of medical school. Ostensibly traveling to volunteer at a leper colony, Guevara and his riding partner are confronted with the disparity between the upper class that they belong to and the abject poverty that they discover along the way. The Motorcycle Diaries makes the road trip multifunctional – it is a tool of personal discovery, of chronicling a continent, and of forming a revolutionary.

9. Almost Famous

At the intersection of road movie and coming-of-age movie, you can find Cameron Crowe’s semi-autobiographical   Almost Famous , a story about a teenage rock and roll journalist and the band he is following.

At his best, Crowe is adept at toeing the line between oversweet sentimentality and sharp emotional resonance. Almost Famous is Crowe at his best. The film follows William Miller, a budding music critic with only fifteen years of life under his belt. He follows Stillwater - a band on the rise - across the country, discovering on the way what it feels like to fall in love, be accepted, make friends, be let down, be rejected, and be embarrassed. If the hallmark of road trip films is travel as a conduit for change, Almost Famous is that idea distilled down to its core.

A young Patrick Fugit gave depth and life to the main character of William, alongside a star studded cast including Kate Hudson in the role of Penny Lane, veteran groupie. All the characters in the tour bus are tainted, broken in one way or another, and yet they are all likeable. It makes for an intoxicating mixture of joy and sadness, and a trip that we would love to take.

8. Y Tu Mama Tambien

Y Tu Mama Tambien is a 2001 film directed by Alfonso Cuaron that follows two teenagers and a woman in her twenties as they traverse Mexico in search of a particular secluded beach. Cuaron would go on to direct giant, visionary films like Gravity and Children of Men , but Y Tu Mama Tambien is a small, ruthlessly intimate tale.

Some road trip films, specifically about young men discovering themselves, presents sexuality as an end goal, something worth traveling to discover. Not even sex, the act; just a character’s own sexuality, the threshold between boyhood and manhood. Y Tu Mama Tambien presents sexuality as a nuclear bomb. The two protagonists cling to their illicit history with women, and strive to sexualize themselves in the eyes of the world. That quest eventually destroys the foundation of their relationship, as they divulge corrosive truths about themselves and cross lines that cannot be uncrossed.

That summary may feel vague, because it is. The film itself is starkly explicit and frank in ways that we really can’t be here. Its presentation of sexuality is aggressively subversive, and it’s use of the road trip as a tool for that subversion is startling. It is a singular entry into the road movie genre, and one that will stay with you for a while after the trip has ended.

7. Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle

Harold and Kumar  Go to White Castle is road-trip-as-farce, with two titular characters that - after engaging in some recreational drug activity - decide to make the quest to White Castle for hamburgers. On its surface, the film is indistinct from other stoner comedies like Half Baked , How High, et al. What sets it apart is the film’s characters, which are fully realized and relatable, and the lead actors, who breathe life into a film that is otherwise constricted by the well-tread genre that defines it.

Harold and Kumar, played by John Cho and Kal Penn, are markedly different from the other slackers and underachievers that often populate comedies like this one. They are both second generation immigrants, and both relatively high achievers. The impetus for their drug-addled escapade isn’t arrested development. Instead, it’s the reality that maybe they don’t have agency over their lives at a crucial age. Kumar (Penn) must decide whether he wants to be a doctor, or whether he is fulfilling a destiny that he didn’t choose, a destiny that he also feels is completely ethnically unoriginal. Harold is a lonely investment banker, stagnating and in unrequited love with his neighbor.

The characters are easily relatable, have tangible feelings and goals, and are as such sympathetic figures to their audience. Like any good road movie, they change along the way, discovering their true desires and regaining power over their choices.

6. The Straight Story

The Straight Story is based on the true events surrounding Alvin Straight’s journey across Iowa and Wisconsin. The fact that Alvin’s journey takes place on a lawn mower is just the first in a series of distinctions between The Straight Story and other road trip films.

Richard Farnsworth stars as Alvin, an elderly man who lives with his daughter. He is visited with the news that his estranged brother has suffered a stroke, prompting Alvin to visit him before he dies and make amends. Alvin, saddled with the physical impairments that come with advanced age, can’t procure a driver’s license. So, determined, he makes the journey on his extremely slow lawn tractor.

David Lynch directed the film, shooting the entire movie along the actual route Alvin took to find his brother. The Straight Story was nominated for the palm d’or at Cannes film festival in 1999, and was released to nearly unanimous critical acclaim.  It stands apart from Lynch’s normally byzantine works , as an accessible and touching film – one that uses the road trip as a way for Alvin to meet numerous characters along the way and have heartfelt, meaningful interactions with each of them before eventually achieving his goal.

5. Vacation (1983)

Vacation is both outrageously funny and truly poignant in a way that few other films are. By now, the story is well known – Clark Griswald ( Chevy Chase ) is a harried and overmatched husband and father of two who wants only to provide a quality vacation for his family, one devoid of complications.

That Griswold is not a taskmaster, but rather a loving and caring dad and husband, only heightens the comic tragedy of the whole endeavor. Vacation ’s lesson is simple, and instantly relatable: no family is perfect, and nothing ever goes as planned. The canned experiences, the plastic amusement parks and hokey tourist traps aren’t what make family vacations memorable. It’s the diversions, the incidents that could only happen to your family, that make otherwise unremarkable experiences memorable.

Now, Vacation takes that idea to extreme heights, as any good comedy would.  Everything that can go wrong does go wrong, from the vehicle itself, to lost currency, car accidents, crazy relatives, and at least one dead dog. Clark drives himself to the brink of insanity trying to overcome this series of unfortunate events, only to find out that the family’s destination is not even open for business.

It was a blueprint that served for four more sequels, of varying quality. Vacation kept returning to the well, ultimately because we are all Griswalds to one degree or another.

4. Dumb and Dumber

Road trips rarely come funnier than Dumb and Dumber , a comedy of errors about two friends – Harry and Lloyd - driving across the country to return a briefcase of money to its rightful owner. Harry and Lloyd are painfully unaware that a crime syndicate is also after that money, and that their safety is very much in question from the moment they embark.

Unlike other films on this list, Dumb and Dumber doesn’t have much to say about the inherent power of road trips, besides as a plot device. That the film isn’t exactly lyrical about the  forces of travel doesn’t detract from its humor, though, and that is ultimately the point of the entire exercise. What makes the characters of Dumb and Dumber so hilarious is precisely that they don’t change, that they refuse to change, that they don’t even acknowledge change as an option.  They can’t be transformed by the road trip, because their very essence makes that impossible.

The film, despite being pretty blue in its humor, is actually thoughtful in that regard. Where most road trip films zig, Dumb and Dumber zags. If the movie concluded with its idiot protagonists having learned something, it would feel cheap, unearned. Instead, when Harry and Lloyd unthinkingly pass up the opportunity to be oil boys for a busload of models at the film’s end, only to continue walking on foot, it feels hilariously perfect .

3. Thelma and Louise

Thelma and Louise is a road trip film with something to say, something prescient and relevant today that was remarkably ahead of its time in 1991. The film follows two friends , Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon) who take to the road for a two-day vacation. What begins as a regular retreat ends in disaster, marked by murder, robbery, and suicide.

The film’s attitude toward male oppression - and the appropriate female response - is complicated, and difficult to unpack in this space. The titular characters have both been affected by male violence in one way or another, and their decision to deliver  retribution in kind ultimately leads to their untimely death.

The above description might make an uninitiated reader expect Thelma and Louise to be dark, disturbing, and tragic - and it is that. But remarkably, the film is also vibrant and funny, populated with characters that jump off the screen. Whether it is a truly feminist statement, or an armed and violent perversion of feminist ideology, or anti-male, or none of the above is really is an argument for a different space entirely. We are concerned with Thelma and Louise as a road trip movie, and it succeeds in being a completely unique and rewarding entry in that category.

2. The Blues Brothers

In road trip films, by definition, the travel serves a purpose; it isn’t just a matter of circumstance. T he Blues Brothers might just be the exception that proves the rule in that regard. The trip in question isn’t one of self-discovery, or transformation. The miles logged don’t have inherent power or value. Instead, the road trip in The Blues Brother  gives the film itself shape. As characters move from one place to the next, the film gains momentum and the stakes grow exponentially higher.

Jake and Elwood Blues are a pair of seedy musicians, seeking to save the boys home where they grew up from closure, if only to give themselves some form of redemption. To do so, they must reassemble their old group and play music for money. To a certain extent, that is the gist of the entire film. What actually appears on screen, though, is a demolition opera, complete with car chases, crashes, shootouts, and fantastic musical numbers. The road trip doesn’t contribute to the film’s function, but it certainly defines the film’s form.

1. Easy Rider

This list began with Road Trip , a time capsule distinctly from the year 2000. We will finish it with Easy Rider , the best road movie of all time and a film unmistakably from 1969.

Easy Rider is all about the trip. The film presents two protagonists, latched onto a reality that is quickly disappearing around them. The two are free spirits, counter-cultural travelers at the end of the sixties - a time when ideas of renegade spirit and true freedom were slowly corroding. Wyatt (Peter Fonda) and Billy ( Dennis Hopper ), travel from Los Angeles to New Orleans by motorcycle, hoping to make it in time for Mardi Gras. They are flush with cash from a recent drug deal and open to whatever the road has in store for them.

What they find is unexpected – it seems the country, at least where they are, isn’t as welcoming to free spirited weirdos as it once was. Wyatt and Billy, two bikers who just want a taste of true freedom and the road, stand out in the small towns and rural communities along their trail. They are marked as outsiders, vagrants, and tragedy ultimately befalls them.

It’s a tale that couldn’t possibly have been told in one place. The road trip was vital in unearthing the truth about America, at least the truth that the filmmakers and the protagonists were living. Easy Rider is the quintessential road movie, and the best the category has to offer.

The BRAG Media

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  • U.S. Edition

6 of the Best Family Road Trip Movies

Haval H6

The family road trip is a time-honoured cinema trope and for a good reason. When you’re on the open road, anything can happen; throw in the different personalities of a family and you’re looking at the recipe for a wild ride. To pay homage to GWM’s Haval H6, the undisputed king of the family road trip, Variety Australia looks at six of the best family road trip movies of all time. 

There’s something inherently captivating about the open road – the sense of adventure, the promise of new beginnings, and the freedom to explore the great unknown. Over the years, filmmakers have captured the essence of the road trip experience, weaving tales of self-discovery, camaraderie, and unexpected encounters. Then they’ve added a family dynamic and things have gone even more wild. Fasten your seatbelts and join us as we embark on a cinematic road trip through some of the best family road trip movies of all time. 

good family road trip movies

“Little Miss Sunshine” (2006)

Dysfunctional family road trip movies don’t get much more heart-warming than “Little Miss Sunshine”. When little Olive Hoover discovers she’s qualified for the Little Miss Sunshine pageant, her entire family pile into a van to get her from their home in New Mexico to California for the competition. The cast absolutely shines, from Toni Collette as mum Sheryl to Abigail Breslin absolutely smashing it as Olive, a role she was nominated for an Oscar for at just 10 years old. 

This movie has everything you’d expect in a family road trip – you’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll thank your lucky stars your own family isn’t this cringe. Central to the plot of the movie is the family’s yellow van which they drive across the country, unfortunately plagued by mechanical issues.

Luckily, if you’re embarking on such a journey of your own, you won’t need to worry about mechanical issues if you’re in a Haval H6 as you are looked after with the 7 Year unlimited KM warranty, 5 year roadside assist, and 5 year capped price servicing. Paired with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, the Haval H6 will get your family safely and comfortably from point A to point B – whether you win the beauty pageant is another thing!

“National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983)

The film which started an entire series and launched a thousand copy cats, “National Lampoon’s Vacation” is an iconic comedy following the Griswold family from Chicago to California to go to the theme park Walley World. Hijinks ensue, and things go from bad to worse at every turn for the family. 

Directed by Harold Ramis and starring the who’s who of 80s comedy including Chevy Chase, Randy Quaid and John Candy, “Vacation” feels like the family road trip movie that started them all. It got a remake in 2015 with Ed Helms and Christina Applegate, but it’s generally accepted that the original is the best!

“Runaway Vacation” (2006)

Workaholic Bob Munro, played by Robin Williams, convinces his family to cancel their Hawaiian vacation and spend some quality time together on a cross-country RV trip to the Rocky Mountains instead. But Bob’s intentions for this roadtrip aren’t as pure as they seem and he soon has to learn some difficult lessons about responsibility. 

At the centre of the drama is Bob’s tricky relationship with the RV he hires to take his family on the trip. Between the damage he inflicts on the vehicle and the RV’s own problems, his trip goes from bad to worse. Most of us won’t expect as many hijinks on our family road trips as the Munro’s do, but driving a tricky new vehicle can really put a dampener on the holiday.

A Haval H6 is a medium-sized SUV , perfect for giving the whole family plenty of room without feeling cumbersome in urban driving, and the multi-mode hybrid transmission promises a smooth, responsive ride and superior acceleration when you need it. So if hijinks do arise on your trip, you’ll be able to rely on the Haval H6 to get you out of them! 

“Paris, Texas” (1984)

Directed by Wim Wenders, “Paris, Texas” tells the story of a man who embarks on a journey to reunite with his estranged family, traversing the striking landscapes of the American Southwest. It’s a visually stunning film that delves into themes of redemption, love, and the vastness of the American landscape.

If you’re someone who loves to romanticise the beauty of you, your car and the open road, “Paris, Texas” is the perfect film for that. It lives up incredibly well, still looking and sounding beautiful today, although the ending is contentious and was reportedly one of many the writers considered!

“Chef” (2014)

Long before The Bear had us all saying “yes, chef!” there was Jon Favreau, John Leguizamo and Emjay Anthony in a beat-up food truck serving some of the best sandwiches you’ve ever laid eyes on. “Chef” is unbearably wholesome, with Favreau’s Carl learning to cope with the big changes in his life, and how to parent his son, over a summer in the truck. It’s also got some of the best food porn in the business – we challenge you not to want a grilled cheese immediately after. 

The food truck in “Chef” becomes just as big a part of the movie as the main characters, reiterating how important it is to think about your ride before you set off on your own road trip! The Haval H6 has the high end features your family will love with the safety features you need to keep your mind at ease while you forge your own path around the country. 

“Zombieland” (2009)

We might be getting a little bit loose with the definition of family here, but surely the people you’re left with during an apocalypse are as much your family as anyone else? Another road trip flick starring Abigail Breslin, she’s joined by Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg as they drive across America to try and find sanctuary from the zombies that have overrun the country. 

Zombieland has that frenetic, comic-style energy that a lot of zombie movies adapt, but the group of unlikely comrades at the centre of it all keep it grounded. And while it seems unlikely that there would be so much hope at what could be the end of the world, the film steers away from being too serious and manages to keep you onboard until the very end, when you’re rewarded with some hectic action scenes. Double tap.

If you’re planning a family road trip or just looking for a safe, reliable and comfortable new car to get your family everywhere they need to go, check out GWM’s mid-sized SUV, Haval H6. From a 5-star ANCAP safety rating to multi-mode hybrid transmission, it’s got everything you need to keep the whole family here. Find out more here . 

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10 Best Road Trip Movies of All Time

Arnav Srivastav of 10 Best Road Trip Movies of All Time

Road trips are a way out of our stressful lives. The peregrinations with friends and family can soothe our souls. This deliverance to redemption has inspired motion pictures since the time we can remember. Losing ourselves in the lap of mother nature and the warmth of solitude can be an orgasmic and life-changing experience. Over the years, the genre has gained popularity. The films have inspired youths and teens to embark on journeys of self-discovery and an aberration from banality. These movies not only provide us with the visual splendor of nature, but also have strong plots to give us moving stories. The dramatization of road-trips has seen an exponential growth attracting the biggest names in the industry.

The genre has created a niche for itself with a very small amount of target audience. As a result, most of the movies on the genre aren’t commercial and often dwell in the shadows of the crowd-pleasers. The following is the list of top road trip movies ever made. You can watch some of these best road trip movies on Netflix or Hulu or Amazon Prime.

10. Zombieland (2009)

good family road trip movies

Not your typical road-trip movie, this innovative amalgamation of the zombie-humor and road-trip genre remains one of a kind. The film stars Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin as the quadripartite who survive a zombie apocalypse. The story follows Columbus (Eisenberg) and his journey, where he meets other survives to free themselves of this perdition. Critical reception was mostly positive, with praise directed towards the writing, wicked humor and the performance of the main cast. Its comparisons with the 2004 movie ‘Shaun of the Dead’   were mostly positive, with the film being credited as the revival of the zombie genre.

Read More: Best Intelligent Movies Ever Made

9. Nebraska (2013)

good family road trip movies

The black and white comedy-drama canvasses the journey of a father and son duo attempting to win a million-dollar sweep-stake prize for a long trip to Nebraska. Shooting the movie without color was a bold step, which eventually came off with the film garnering overwhelming love from critics and the audiences. The Alexander Payne helmed film was nominated for six Academy awards, without winning any. The performances, especially that of Bruce Dern and June Squibb were acclaimed as the worn-out pair, struggling with life and their marriage. Even though the film is stretched at almost two hours, the moving father-son relationship and humorous condiments of the story make the film a pleasurable watch.

Read More: Best Gangster Movies of All Time

8. Sideways (2004)

good family road trip movies

Any film that Paul Giamatti features in turns out be a good one. ‘Sideways’ is no aberration. An adaptation of Rex Pickett’s novel of the same name, the engrossing comedy follows two men in their forties, Miles Raymond (Giamatti)  a depressed teacher and unsuccessful writer and Jack Cole (Thomas Haden) a past-his-prime actor, who take a week-long road trip to Santa Barbara wine country to celebrate Jack’s wedding. The recipient of four Oscar nominations and a win (Best Adapted Screenplay), the film was a critical and commercial success, raking in an impressive $107 million worldwide. The title of the movie refers to the technique used for wine bottles to age properly by keeping them sideways. It also implies in life where people must go “sideways” to keep growing and change their lives.

Read More: Best Women Directed Movies of All Time

7. The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

good family road trip movies

This biopic road-trip movie is based on the written memoirs of a 23 year-old Ernesto Guevara, who today is known by the sobriquet Che Guevara. As well as being a road movie, the film is a coming-of age film, initially focusing on his youthful shenanigans and hedonisms, then unraveling Guevara discovers himself transformed by his observations on the life of the impoverished denizen peasantry. Trysting with destitution, being ostracized and the ongoing fascism, Che firsthand experiences the problems faced by the oppressed social classes. The film was met with critical acclaim, receiving a standing ovation at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. Watch this one for self-discovery and the birth of one of the greatest revolutionary leaders of history.

Read More: Best Inspirational Movies of All Time

6.  Easy Rider (1969)

good family road trip movies

I hadn’t heard of the film until two days ago when I concocted the idea to do an article on road-trip movies. I found this during my research and instantly, the film became one of my favorites. Starring the ever-green Jack Nicholson, Dennis Hopper and newcomer Peter Fonda, the film  explores the societal landscape, issues, and tensions in the United States during the 1960s, such as the rise and fall of the hippie  movement, drug use, and communal lifestyle. Extra-ordinarily, the film administered use of real drugs in all the scenes including them. The aesthetic vistas and the gory violence along with extensive use of drugs make the film a landmark  counterculture film, and a “touchstone for a generation.”

Read More: Best Psychopath Movies of All Time

5. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

carell

A drug-addicted grandfather, recently kicked out of a retirement home for snorting heroin (Yeah!), an overworked mother , who can’t seem to be at “peace”, a stay at home father with  Type A personality , an uncle who attempted suicide, a Nietzsche -reading teenage brother who has taken a vow of silence until he can accomplish his dream of becoming a test pilot. This is what 9 year-old Olive Hooper has for a family. The 101 minute long movie follows the journey of the Hooper family, and their endeavors to admit Olive in the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant, a unfulfilled dream of her late grandfather. The film received four Oscar nominations and won two, also going to gross a $100 million world-wide. A must watch!

Read More: Best Murder Mystery Movies of All Time

4. The Straight Story (1999)

good family road trip movies

The film is directed by David Lynch. No, don’t put on your detective hats Sherlocks! This movie stands apart from his byzantine works. Dropping his usual style of aesthetic use of violence and sex and his baffling narratives, he keeps it simple and the result is a heart-touching film. based on the true story of Alvin Straight’s 1994 journey across Iowa and Wisconsin on a lawn-mower. Alvin (Richard Winsforth) is an elderly World War II veteran who lives with his daughter Rose (Sissy Spacek), a kind woman with a mental disability. When he hears that his estranged brother Lyle (Harry Stanton) has suffered a stroke, embarks on a journey to meet him. Not being fit enough to receive a DL, he hitches a trailer to his tractor, having a top speed of 5 mph, covering a distance of 240 miles. The film received widespread acclaim from critics and inundating love from the audiences. Winsforth received an Oscar nomination for his role, becoming the oldest recipient.

Read More: Best Teen Movies of All Time

3.  Rain Man (1988)

good family road trip movies

Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman star in this road-trip comedy, shadowing the life of the young and abrasive Charlie Babbitt, and how he discovers his estranged brother, in whose name his father avowed his fortune, Raymond, an autistic savant. The film was met with universal acclaim, with Hoffman and the sophisticated screenplay getting special praise.The film won four Academy awards out of eight nominations. Hoffman’s character is based on a real person, a close friend of the writer Barry Morrow. The film is considered one of the best ever made, not only in the road-trip genre, but all the genres!

Read More: Best Stalker Movies of All Time

2. Into the Wild (2007)

good family road trip movies

Based on a true story and the novel of the same name, the film is the first major feature directed by Sean Penn. It follows the final four months of Chris McCandeless’ life, his fatal Alaska sojourn being the object of his obsession. The movie is a tale of profound irony, as Chris’ only desire, to step int the wild and live in the Alaskan wilderness, being his ultimate demise. Deftly handled and splendidly shot, the film received much praise from the industry, going on to win an Academy award as well. It also spring boarded the career of Emile Hirsch, who assumes the titular role. This saddening yet exciting tale of the great man is surely one of the best features in the genre.

Read More: Best Thriller Movies of All Time

1. Y Tu Mamá También (2001)

good family road trip movies

The best road trip movie ever made. Period. Having said that, ‘Y Tu Mamá También’ is also so much more. It is sexy and funny and hip and stylish, but above all, it is affecting and melancholic. In the end, you will be surprised by how a single film could manage to evoke so many emotions. But the ultimate shock will come when you will realize how can the guy who directed this can go on to direct an awe-inspiring space movie .

Read More: 100 Best Movies of All Time

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Movie Nights at Home

- Snacks & Ideas for Families, Friends & Couples

70+ Funny Family Vacation & Travel Comedy Movies

Family vacation movies are hilarious because they’re relatable! Get ready to laugh with these comedy travel movies family movie night! With 74 to choose from, you can find something you all will like!

family vacation movies - comedy travel movies list

Family vacations are tried and true traditions. But who needs to go on a trip when you can watch a movie instead? The next time your family is itching for a vacation, turn on one of these fun comedy travel movies!

Everyone in the family will love the hilarious hijinks found in each of these comedy travel movies, but keep in mind some of these family vacation movies are rated PG-13 or R.

The Best Family Comedy Travel Movies

When it comes to finding fun family movies, it doesn’t get much better than a classic vacation story. From vacations gone awry to cute family connections, there are so many amazing stories that come with a family trip.

Check out these funny family travel movies to take a trip during your next movie night at home.

Robin William’s RV has to be one of the best family road trip movies! It’s about an overworked man decides to take his family on a last-minute RV trip to Colorado, hoping they won’t discover that he’s actually going there for a business meeting.

This 2-ingredient dirt cake is a great dessert to pair with this movie too!

2. Guilt Trip

Rated PG-13

After an inventor makes a quick stop at his mom’s house before heading out on a once-in-a-lifetime voyage, the vacation turns into an unexpected mother-son road trip.

This is one of my favorite travel movies because both main characters are so hilarious!

3. Hotel Transylvania

Take a trip to Hotel Transylvania, where monsters can enjoy some time away and no humans are allowed.

Greece

4. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

After spending summers together as kids, four friends go their separate ways for a few months, but a magical pair of pants keeps them connected during each of their trips.

Another one of our favorite movies with great views is Mamma Mia! Don’t forget to check out 17 Best Movies About Greece to Watch Tonight.

5. Toy Story 4

Before Bonnie starts kindergarten, her mom and dad take her and her favorite toys on a road trip in the family RV. But when one of the toys gets lost, it’s up to Woody and the gang to save him.

You can also grab  Free Disney Movie Coloring Pages & Printables for the Kids!

After casting a magic spell, two brothers have the chance to spend the day with their late dad. But after a mishap, they must go on a quest to find a gem to finish the spell before time runs out.

7. Diary of A Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul

Take a trip with your favorite book family – the Heffleys – as they head out on a road trip for their grandma’s 90th birthday party.

8. The Great Outdoors

This has to be one of the best, classic comedy travel movies!

When a fun-loving Chicago dad takes his family on a relaxing vacation at a lakeside resort, things take a turn for the worse when his in-laws show up unannounced.

outdoor movie night set up

You could also make it a big movie night outside. Here’s What You Need to Host an Outdoor Movie Night!

9. National Lampoon’s Vacation

Chevy Chase pretty much invented the best family vacation movies!

While this road trip comedy isn’t a great option for families with young children, your teens are sure to have a blast watching the Griswolds head out on a cross country comic adventure to Wally World – only the best amusement park!

10. Are We There Yet?

While dating a divorced mother, a playboy bachelor must take her kids on a comic road trip to Canada to visit her at work.

11. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

While on a family Christmas vacation, a young boy gets accidentally left alone in New York City.

kevin mccallister ice cream sundae board

You also have to have Kevin Mcallister’s massive ice cream sundae with it!

12. College Road Trip

A teenager and her dad travel around the country looking for the perfect college for her in this family-friendly travel movie.

13. Johnson Family Vacation

A family man takes his wife and teenage children on a road trip across the country to a family reunion.

14. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

A group of unlikely friends must travel the jungle and complete dangerous challenges after they get sucked into a video game.

15. Spiderman Far From Home

While this is a little different pick to include in our comedy travel movies, it’s a great option for Marvel fans!

During a school trip to Europe, Peter Parker must battle a new villain and save his friends from danger.

16. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

An ordinary man must find the courage to turn his vibrant fantasy life into reality to discover his destiny when his job at Life Magazine is going to be dissolved. 

Ben Stiller is incredible in this movie, and we really love the beautiful scenery and different areas in this movie too!

17. Journey to the Center of the Earth

Three adventurers travel to a new realm beneath the Earth’s surface, where they go on a voyage to find hidden treasure.

18. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

The sequel to Journey to the Center of the Earth finds a teen and his stepfather on an epic adventure to find a lost island.

Moana Movie Night Menu and Crafts

Moana must set sail on an adventure to save her people from the mighty demigod Maui. 

We also have Moana-themed recipes and activities for a family movie night you may like!

20. Alvin and the Chipmunks Road Chip  

Alvin, Simon, and Theodore hit the road to Miami to save their family, all while singing and dancing along the way.

21. Paddington

During a trip to London, a talking bear must avoid a museum taxidermist and becomes a member of the family.

22. National Treasure

On a hunt for the Nights Templar treasure, a historian works his way through historical monuments around the country to uncover clues.

23. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

When a group of pets’ owners leave and never return, the friends must work together to travel across the country to find them.

24. Jungle Cruise

While on the hunt for an ancient tree with healing abilities, a doctor joins forces with a boat captain to battle supernatural forces and dangerous enemies.

25. Cheaper by the Dozen 2

After they go on a family trip to a remote resort, this family of 12 must pit themselves against another family to see who can have the best vacation.

Each of one of these great travel movies can transport you to another place and most of them are also funny!

During a visit to an out-of-the-way beach, a family begins to rapidly age. They must work together to find a way out if they ever hope to return home.

27. Murder Mystery

A New York cop and his wife take a European vacation to rekindle their marriage and soon find themselves in the middle of a murder plot in this travel comedy.

28. The Addams Family 2

After noticing just how much their children have grown up, Gomez and Morticia pack the entire family into their haunted camper to take a trip they’ll never forget.

29. A Goofy Movie

When Goofy plans a fishing trip for him and his son, he hopes for some father-son bonding time. But things quickly go awry, resulting in a goofy cross-country adventure.

30. It Takes 2

While on vacation at summer camp, an orphaned tomboy and wealthy heiress meet and discover they’re twins who were separated at birth. The two quickly devise a plan to bring their single parents together so they can be sisters again.

31. Roman Holiday

Exhausted from her overwhelming schedule, a European princess takes off on an adventure through Rome on her own. After falling asleep on a park bench, she’s rescued by an American reporter hoping to cash in on a big story. But after enjoying the city together, the pair find love instead.

32. The Parent Trap (1998)

After growing up on separate coasts, a pair of twins meet for the first time during a trip to summer camp. While together, they devise a plan to reunite their parents so they can be a family again.

33. Unchartered

A seasoned treasure hunter teams up with a street-smart teen to uncover the location of a lost city of gold. The pair must work together to decipher a set of clues before another more ruthless treasure hunter can get his hands on the treasure.

A mermaid boy discovers he has legs when he reaches land, sparking an epic journey above the water filled with pasta, boat races, and friendship.

35. Finding Nemo

After a young clownfish is captured in the Great Barrier Reef and transported to an aquarium in a dentist’s office, it’s up to his cautious father and forgetful friend to save him.

36. Finding Dory

Forgetful fish Dory is living happily in the reef with her friend Nemo when she suddenly remembers a family she left behind. The memories spark a journey across the ocean to find the fish’s lost family.

37. The Muppet Movie

Kermit the Frog decides to take a chance on Hollywood and packs up his belongings to go on a cross-country road trip to California. Along the way he meets his Muppet friends, Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and others.

A retired balloon salesman decides to leave his old life behind by attaching hundreds of balloons to his home. When the house takes flight, he finds he has a stowaway – a young Wilderness Explorer and his dog. 

39. Madagascar

A group of zoo animals, including a lion, giraffe, hippo, and zebra, grow tired of living life in captivity. After devising a plan, the group make their escape from the zoo to explore the real world. But they get more than they bargain for when they wind up in the jungle.

40. The Croods

When their cave home is destroyed, a prehistoric family must set out on a journey together to find a new home and avoid extinction.

41. Mr. Bean’s Holiday

When he wins a trip to France, Mr. Bean faces a series of misunderstandings that leads him to accidentally separate a boy from his father. The two must work together to reunite the family.

While on his way to his next big race, race car Lightning McQueen takes a detour and gets stranded in a roadside town off the beaten path. With the help of his new friends, he gets back on the road and learns that sometimes it’s better to slow down and enjoy the ride.

43. The Loud House Movie

When the Louds discover they have family living in Scotland, the large family unit takes a trip across the ocean to learn more about their heritage. The group soon finds out they’re descendants of royalty, making them wonder whether they want to leave their old life behind.

44. Little Miss Sunshine

A dysfunctional family hits the road in their run-down VW van to get their daughter to California to take part in the Little Miss Sunshine Contest. 

45. Finding Ohana

When a pair of Brooklyn siblings take a summer trip to Oahu, they uncover a journal leading them to a long-lost treasure. The ensuing adventure helps them connect with new friends and their Hawaiian heritage while in pursuit of the gold.

46. The Way Way Back

When an awkward teen is forced to spend his summer on a beach vacation with his mom and her boyfriend, he immediately looks for a way out. After scoring a job at a nearby water park, he finds the family he’s been searching for.

47. We’re the Millers

This hilarious film is one that earns it’s R rating, but it’s definitely a great family vacation movie.

After attempting to help a teen, a small-time drug dealer is robbed of his stash and his cash. To pay back his supplier, he agrees to transport the latest shipment of pot across the Mexican border. He enlists the help of his neighbor and two wayward teens to act as a family on vacation in order to safely make the deal in this teen-friendly comedy.

48. What About Bob

Right before heading out on his family vacation, a psychiatrist takes on a new patient suffering from paralyzing neediness and phobias. After his appointment, the patient follows his new doctor to the family’s country house and invites himself on their trip, annoying the doctor and charming the rest of the family in the process.

49. Weekend at Bernie’s

Two salesmen are invited to spend a weekend at their boss’s beach house. But when they arrive, they soon discover they’re the fall guys for a fraud plan gone wrong, resulting in their boss’s death. Instead of reporting the murder, the pair decide to make the most of their weekend and enjoy their time at the beach with their dead boss in tow.

50. Strange World

A family of explorers find themselves in an uncharted land filled with strange creatures. In order to survive, they must work together with their rag-tag team, including a three-legged dog and a mischievous blob.

51. Ticket to Paradise

A divorced couple take a trip to Bali to celebrate their daughter’s wedding. But as they work together to sabotage the nuptials and stop their daughter from making the same mistake they did, the couple starts to rekindle old feelings for each other.

52. Frozen II

Sisters Ana and Elsa must travel together with their sidekicks Sven and Olaf to the enchanted forest to uncover hidden family secrets that could save their beloved Arrendelle.

53. Gulliver’s Travels

While on assignment in the Bermuda Triangle, a newspaper mailroom clerk is transported to a magical land filled with tiny people. The island people use his large size to their advantage to defeat their enemy and save their land.

54. The Wizard of Oz

After a tornado rips through her Kansas home, Dorothy is transported on a trip to a magical land. In order to make her way back home, she must work with her new friends to find the wizard and escape the wicked witch.

55. The Lizzie McGuire Movie

LIzzie McGuire enjoys a class trip to Rome over summer break where she meets an Italian singer that looks and acts just like her. Lizzie agrees to step in for the musical sensation at her next concert, but when things go awry, she must rely on her own talents to keep the show going. 

56. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

In a race against the Nazis, an adventurous archeologist seeks out an ancient religious relic. He must travel across dangerous terrain and battle countless foes to keep the Ark out of the wrong hands.

57. Into the Wild

After graduating from college, a young man gives all his money to charity, rids himself of his possessions, and hitchhikes to the Alaskan wilderness in this coming of age story.

58. The Beach

Hoping to disconnect from the stresses of the modern world, a young American backpacker travels to Thailand looking for an adventure. When he’s given a map to a mysterious secluded beach, he jumps at the chance to enjoy life off the grid in what he believes is an island paradise.

An Army Ranger and a service dog named Lulu take a road trip down the Pacific coast in hopes of making it to a fellow soldier’s funeral on time. After driving him crazy most of the trip, the soldier soon begins to bond with his fury companion.

60. Chasing Liberty

While on a trip to Prague, the daughter of the President of the United States eludes her Secret Service detail. While out and about in the city, she meets a handsome boy who whisks her away on a tour of Europe.

61. The Fundamentals of Caring

A disabled teen sets out on a road trip with her caregiver where they bond over shared tragedy while searching for unique landmarks along the way.

62. Night at the Museum Secret of the Tomb

After learning that his museum friends have been shipped to the Smithsonian Institution, a former museum security guard is forced to take a trip abroad to protect his historic pals from four of history’s greatest villains who have come to life to take over the museum.

63. The Bucket List

Two terminally ill men decide to leave their hospital room against doctor’s wishes in order to embark on a trip to check everything off their bucket list before their time is up.

Best Family Vacation Movies

If you’re looking for more family vacation movies or just funny movies about traveling, we have you covered!

The best part? Most of these comedy travel movies are on Amazon Prime so that you can stream them easily! 

64. Blended

After a disastrous blind date, a divorced mom and widowed dad find themselves at the same South African resort with their families. When both families are forced to share the same suite, the two start to develop an undeniable connection.

65. Just Go With It

A plastic surgeon devises a plan to pretend to be married in order to enjoy commitment-free relationships. But after meeting his dream girl at a party, he enlists his assistant to act as his soon-to-be-ex to show her he’s available.

66. Dirty Dancing

While on a summer trip to the Catskills with her parents, a young woman falls in love with her rebellious dance instructor.

67. National Lampoon’s European Vacation

When he wins an all expenses paid European vacation on a game show, Clark Griswold packs up his family and heads overseas. But the family encounters one mishap after another as they travel through England, Germany, and Italy.

68. National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation

The Griswold family is off on another trip – this time to Las Vegas. But when the family vacation turns into one mishap after another, the group decides to go their separate ways and enjoy Vegas on their own. Trouble quickly ensues and the Griswolds must come together as a family to make it out of Vegas on top.

69. Captain Ron

After learning he has inherited a yacht, a mild mannered dad brings his family to the Caribbean for a beach vacation. When they arrive, they discover the yacht is in bad shape and hire free-spirited Captain Ron to sail the family back to Miami on the ship.

70. Mad Families

Three families from very different backgrounds are forced to share the same campsite over Fourth of July weekend in this vacation comedy.

71. Grown Ups

When their former basketball coach dies, a group of childhood friends reunite at a 4th of July celebration to remember their coach and reminisce about the fun they had as kids.

72. The Mitchells vs. the Machines

A family’s road trip vacation gets interrupted when electronic devices around the world take on a life of their own. With the help of two friendly robots, the family is forced to fight against the evil devices to save themselves and save the world.

73. Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation

Mr. Hobbs dreams of a trip to the beach alone with his wife. But when his wife insists on a family trip to a beach house he grudgingly agrees. The entire family comes together at a run-down cottage, bringing all their problems along with them. In order to enjoy his trip, Hobbs must help each family member overcome their issues one by one.

74. Summer Rental

After losing a plane, a stressed-out air traffic controller is forced to take a break from work. So, he books a week at a plush resort for his family. They soon find out their resort leaves a lot to be desired, and the trip only goes downhill from there.

We hope this list of best vacation and comedy travel movies helped you find something to watch with your best friend or family members!

If you love these comedy travel movies, you may also like:

  • 25 Fun Family Movie Night Dinner Ideas
  • 195+ Best Family Movie Night Ideas to Watch With Your Kids
  • 25 Best Comedy Movies for Tweens (10-14 Year Olds Approved)
  • 50 Movies to Watch With Your Dad

Love Disney? Check out  35+ Easy Disney Movie Night Dinner & Dessert Ideas.

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The 15 Best Family Vacation Movies of All Time, Ranked

good family road trip movies

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Holidays and vacations can produce some of our most vivid memories, both good and bad. Things can go picture-perfect and according to plan, or everything can fall apart in the worst ways.

In cinema, family vacations are always destined to go wrong. Whether it's due to a flat tire, nosy tourists, or family dysfunction, family vacation movies are so beloved because of all that drama.

For this list, we're counting family vacation movies as those with a core family at its center, consisting of two members or more—and if it leaves us with poignant memories and stirring lessons, all the better.

Here are our picks for the best movies about family vacations, from wacky comedies to heart-wrenching tearjerkers.

15. Rugrats in Paris (2000)

good family road trip movies

Directed by Stig Bergqvist and Paul Demeyer

Starring Christine Cavanaugh, Elizabeth Daily, Cheryl Chase

Animation, Adventure, Comedy (1h 18m)

6.1 on IMDb — 76% on RT

The Rugrats are always on vacation mode in their movies, but their trip to Paris in Rugrats in Paris stands out as the best, which focuses more on the cowardly Chuckie than anything else.

When the entire family goes on a last-minute trip to the City of Lights, Chuckie sees it as an opportunity to find a mom.

While younger audiences will be delighted by the outrageous hijinks and potty humor, there's ample amounts of heart in Chuckie's arc. Setting him on a wild journey across a romanticized Paris makes this one of the better children's movies with a family vacation.

good family road trip movies

14. We're the Millers (2013)

good family road trip movies

Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber

Starring Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Emma Roberts

Comedy, Crime (1h 50m)

7.0 on IMDb — 48% on RT

We're the Millers snuck its way to becoming a cult favorite, with Will Poulter singing TLC's "Waterfalls" being a standout moment.

Generally, the road trip comedy follows a pot dealer (played by Jason Sudeikis) who persuades his neighbors—including stripper Rose (played by Jennifer Aniston)—to pose as his family while he smuggles drugs from Mexico.

This trip won't be easy, though, featuring issues like a broken RV, a tarantula bite, a prying couple, and a cartel boss after them. While flawed, We're the Millers keeps the "family" fun on the road.

good family road trip movies

13. Captain Ron (1992)

good family road trip movies

Directed by Thom Eberhardt

Starring Kurt Russell, Martin Short, Mary Kay Place

Adventure, Comedy (1h 40m)

5.8 on IMDb — 26% on RT

When a family asks a man named Captain Ron to sail them from the Caribbean to Miami, things turn out dangerously awesome.

Captain Ron stars Kurt Russell as the washed-up sailor who takes the Harvey family on his yacht to explore the Caribbean. Along the way, he butts heads with the father Martin (played by Martin Short) since the latter finds him shady and disingenuous.

Kurt Russell's performance as the titular mariner is a delight, nearly embodying the traits of the slacker/stoner archetype but lending his own charm.

Despite being a bumpy ride, Captain Ron is full of cool nonchalance that makes this film breezy and fun.

good family road trip movies

12. The Great Outdoors (1988)

good family road trip movies

Directed by Howard Deutch

Starring Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Stephanie Faracy

Comedy (1h 31m)

6.6 on IMDb — 40% on RT

Putting two comedy giants in a vacation movie is a surefire formula for success. In the case of The Great Outdoors , we have two comic stars playing against type.

John Candy plays an innocent straight man while Dan Aykroyd plays a mischievous schemer. When their families cross paths at a lake resort, trouble ensues.

Between the rapid-fire antics and oneupmanship between Aykroyd and Candy, The Great Outdoors is a vacation movie that both celebrates and pokes fun at the concept of vacationing in... the great outdoors.

good family road trip movies

11. What About Bob? (1991)

good family road trip movies

Directed by Frank Oz

Starring Bill Murray, Richard Dreyfuss, Julie Hagerty

Comedy (1h 39m)

7.0 on IMDb — 82% on RT

In What About Bob? , Bill Murray plays an eccentric man named Bob, the patient of psychotherapist Dr. Leo Marvin (played by Richard Dreyfuss).

When Bob follows his doctor on vacation and befriends his family, Dr. Marvin is driven to the edge of his own sanity.

In this black comedy by Frank Oz, What About Bob? takes full advantage of the drama between pompous doctor and idiot savant.

While Murray is charming as a clueless man, Dreyfuss owns his role as the typical father who just wants peace on his vacation.

good family road trip movies

10. Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation (1962)

good family road trip movies

Directed by Henry Koster

Starring James Stewart, Maureen O'Hara, Fabian

Comedy, Family (1h 56m)

6.8 on IMDb — 80% on RT

Way back in the 1960s, vacation-centered movies were a staple in cinema, especially ones that were set on the beach. But if you want a full-on family vacation, James Stewart has one up his sleeve.

In Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation , James Stewart plays the titular father who desires nothing more than a peaceful holiday at the beach. However, his wife invites the entire family to join them.

What's meant to be a carefree and relaxing trip becomes a comedy of errors that calls for the fatherly James Stewart to resolve the Hobbs family's quandaries. He carries the film with his relatable energy and hilarious reactions to antics.

good family road trip movies

9. A Goofy Movie (1995)

good family road trip movies

Directed by Kevin Lima

Starring Bill Farmer, Jason Marsden, Jim Cummings

6.9 on IMDb — 61% on RT

Goofy has had his share of vacation moments where he—despite many mishaps—maintains a bright outlook and a smile on his face.

The best example of this remains A Goofy Movie , in which he embarks on a road trip with his son Max, not knowing that he's been misled to take him to nearby Los Angeles.

Typical vacation shenanigans are present here: tourist traps, failed fishing attempts, tracking down Bigfoot, and the car thrown into the river.

But what made this movie a cult classic is the timeless father-son bond between Goofy and Max that deeply connects to anyone's childhood.

good family road trip movies

8. Force Majeure (2014)

good family road trip movies

Directed by Ruben Östlund

Starring Johannes Kuhnke, Lisa Loven Kongsli, Clara Wettergren

Comedy, Drama (2h)

7.2 on IMDb — 93% on RT

With Force Majeure , we enter bleaker territory as far as movies about family vacations gone wrong.

This film by Ruben Östlund is most remembered for its infamous scene where an avalanche slams into a group of tourists dining on a mountainside deck. That avalanche ends up separating one Swedish family, who must find their way back to each other.

Force Majeure never relents in exposing the darkness beneath the pristine snow-covered scenery. Despite the idyllic Alps backdrop, reality sets in for husband-and-wife Tomas and Ebba, especially with regard to Tomas's unfaithfulness and Ebba's hysteria.

Disasters never take a vacation. In Force Majeure , disaster is an unwelcome and disturbing guest that joins in.

good family road trip movies

7. The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

good family road trip movies

Directed by Wes Anderson

Starring Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman

Adventure, Comedy, Drama (1h 31m)

7.2 on IMDb — 69% on RT

Director Wes Anderson gave us a kind of travelogue when he released The Darjeeling Limited .

Set in India, this film centers on three brothers—Francis (played by Owen Wilson), Peter (played by Adrien Brody), and Jack (played by Jason Schwartzman)—who convene for a "spiritual journey" aboard a train going across the countryside.

Even with its central conflict and recurring brotherly quarrels, The Darjeeling Limited is anchored by its lighthearted tone and stunning visuals that showcase India's hidden cultural gems.

Wes Anderson's typical quirkiness makes the film's themes of grief and spiritual peace resonate. There's a sense of Nirvana throughout, all the way to the film's iconic ending.

good family road trip movies

6. Dirty Dancing (1987)

good family road trip movies

Directed by Emile Ardolino

Starring Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, Jerry Orbach

Drama, Music, Romance (1h 40m)

7.0 on IMDb — 72% on RT

Yes, Dirty Dancing counts as a family vacation movie! This one centers on a girl named Baby (played by Jennifer Grey) who's vacationing with her family but feels suffocated by them.

She ends up falling for summer dream boy Johnny Castle (played by Patrick Swayze), with whom she shares a love for dancing.

One thing this dance film successfully captures—like many of the best family vacation movies—is a sense of escapism. Baby finds it in Johnny and their passion for dance and it truly shows in every rehearsal.

good family road trip movies

5. On Golden Pond (1981)

good family road trip movies

Directed by Mark Rydell

Starring Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda

Drama (1h 49m)

7.6 on IMDb — 93% on RT

On Golden Pond is a film that emphasizes the father-daughter connection, with its emphasis made even stronger by starring a real-life father-daughter duo in Henry and Jane Fonda.

Based on the 1979 play, On Golden Pond explores the family dynamics between the cantankerous Norman and the strong-willed Chelsea. When Chelsea visits her parents at their cottage, Norman faces hardship over his old age and his daughter's independence.

Amidst idyllic scenery, Norman faces several dilemmas: with his marriage, with his relationship with his daughter, and with his acceptance of his new grandson Billy.

On Golden Pond is a rewarding journey that provides anyone watching with a renewed appreciation for family.

good family road trip movies

4. The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)

good family road trip movies

Directed by Michael Rianda and Jeff Rowe

Starring Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph

Animation, Adventure, Comedy (1h 54m)

7.6 on IMDb — 97% on RT

Imagine going on a family vacation, only to be roped into an epic tale where you end up saving the future.

The Mitchells vs. The Machines centers on the Mitchell family as they drive their teenager Katie (played by Abbi Jacobson) to college.

Along the way, however, they end up in the middle of a robot uprising. Meanwhile, Katie deals with the fallout from her father (played by Danny McBride).

While The Mitchells vs. The Machines leans into several road trip clichés, it also makes some serious flexes with its groundbreaking animation that incorporates many techniques as a celebration of film.

Yet, despite its technical prowess, the film never forgets its heart as a feel-good animated masterpiece with killer robots.

good family road trip movies

3. The Way, Way Back (2013)

good family road trip movies

Directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash

Starring Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney

Comedy, Drama (1h 43m)

7.4 on IMDb — 84% on RT

The coming-of-age film The Way, Way Back makes a solid argument that even when everyone didn't have fun, it was worthwhile that everyone was searching for ways to have fun.

The story follows a shy boy named Duncan (played by Liam James) who reluctantly joins his mom (played by Toni Collette) and her arrogant boyfriend (played by Steve Carell) on a summer vacation trip to Massachusetts.

Feeling left out, he finds comfort in a nearby waterpark and befriends a lifeguard named Owen (played by Sam Rockwell).

A whimsical tale of self-discovery, The Way, Way Back emphasizes the values of friendship, family, and fondness for things like being too serious as a water slide attendant.

good family road trip movies

2. Aftersun (2022)

good family road trip movies

Directed by Charlotte Wells

Starring Paul Mescal, Frankie Corio, Celia Rowlson-Hall

Drama (1h 42m)

7.7 on IMDb — 96% on RT

Perhaps the most heartbreaking movie on this list, Aftersun is a stirring coming-of-age drama about an 11-year-old girl who goes on vacation with her absentee father (played by Paul Mescal).

During her stay, she keenly observes the culture of the place—as well as her father Calum's downward spiral.

Aftersun is an almost ethereal experience as this father-daughter pair are swept up by the atmosphere of Turkey. But beneath it all, there's emotional devastation between Sophie and her distant father.

Aftersun isn't your typical family vacation movie—it's a deeply moving one that will definitely stick with you.

good family road trip movies

1. National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)

good family road trip movies

Directed by Harold Ramis

Starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Imogene Coca

Adventure, Comedy (1h 38m)

7.3 on IMDb — 94% on RT

The best movie about family vacations is an absolute classic that could even be considered the grandfather of family vacation movies.

Directed by John Hughes, National Lampoon's Vacation is based on John Hughes's own short story "Vacation '58" which he wrote for the National Lampoon magazine. The story details the cross-country hijinks that define the trip in this film.

The stars of the show are the Griswolds, whose patriarch Clark (played by Chevy Chase) longs to spend time with his family—by taking them across the country to a theme park named Walley World.

Along the way, they encounter a wacky cast of characters who push Clark to make the most of their family vacation.

Hilarious and heartfelt in equal measure, National Lampoon's Vacation is a comedy classic with an amazing legacy worth watching.

good family road trip movies

good family road trip movies

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The Funniest Road Trip Comedy Movies

Ranker Film

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

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.

  • # 216 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
  • # 136 of 379 on The Best Movies Of The 1990s
  • # 29 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

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.

  • # 50 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
  • # 226 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
  • # 11 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films

Dumb and Dumber

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.

Vacation

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.

  • # 31 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
  • # 162 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
  • # 133 of 189 on The Best Movies For Men

We're the Millers

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.

  • # 77 of 627 on The 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
  • # 321 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
  • # 37 of 89 on The Most Rewatchable Comedy Movies

The Blues Brothers

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.

  • # 31 of 202 on Musical Movies With The Best Songs
  • # 48 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
  • # 174 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies

Kingpin

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).

  • # 193 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
  • # 52 of 205 on The Best Sports Movies Ever Made
  • # 143 of 627 on The 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time

Road Trip

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.

  • # 320 of 627 on The 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
  • # 529 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
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Joe Dirt

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.

  • # 36 of 113 on The Best Movies Of 2001
  • # 220 of 627 on The 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
  • # 506 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle

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.

  • # 171 of 627 on The 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
  • # 341 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
  • # 33 of 99 on The Best Movies Of 2004, Ranked

Rat Race

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.

  • # 35 of 113 on The Best Movies Of 2001
  • # 362 of 627 on The 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
  • # 568 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films

Pee-wee's Big Adventure

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.

  • Dig Deeper... 'Pee-wee's Big Adventure' Is A Weirdly Traumatizing Classic
  • # 153 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
  • # 301 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films

Midnight Run

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.

  • # 236 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
  • # 338 of 627 on The 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
  • # 357 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films

Mr. Bean's Holiday

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.

  • # 318 of 627 on The 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
  • # 430 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
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It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World

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.

  • # 667 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
  • # 70 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
  • # 131 of 627 on The 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time

Wild Hogs

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.

  • # 262 of 626 on The 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
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RV

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.

Due Date

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.

  • # 534 of 627 on The 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
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Little Miss Sunshine

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.

  • # 678 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
  • # 389 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
  • # 217 of 627 on The 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time

Vacation

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.

  • # 10 of 13 on 13 Times Movies Used CGI For Absolutely No Good Reason
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  • # 91 of 126 on The Best R-Rated Comedies

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

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.

Sex Drive

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.

  • # 126 of 158 on The Best Movies of 2008
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The Bucket List

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.

  • # 25 of 30 on 30 Words And Phrases You Might Not Realize Originated From A Movie Or TV Show
  • # 50 of 90 on The 85+ Most Inspirational Movies Of All Time
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Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back

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.

  • # 29 of 113 on The Best Movies Of 2001
  • # 287 of 627 on The 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
  • # 603 of 772 on The Most Rewatchable Movies

Identity Thief

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.

Sideways

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.

  • # 470 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
  • # 37 of 99 on The Best Movies Of 2004, Ranked
  • # 198 of 675 on The Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars

College Road Trip

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.

Paper Moon

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.

  • # 184 of 675 on The Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
  • # 84 of 199 on The Best Movies Of The '70s, Ranked
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Bad Grandpa

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.

Are We There Yet

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.

  • # 510 of 702 on The All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
  • # 163 of 467 on The Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
  • # 57 of 116 on The Funniest Black Movies Ever Made
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15 Best Family Cars for Road Trips on a Budget

Posted: January 1, 2024 | Last updated: January 1, 2024

<p>There is nothing like hitting the road; the only destination is adventure and fun. Road trips used to be boring, but with all the fun features cars offer, traveling could be the most fun part of the trip. Where are we going, everyone? Well, with these vehicle options, the possibilities are endless.</p>

There is nothing like hitting the road; the only destination is adventure and fun. Road trips used to be boring, but with all the fun features cars offer, traveling could be the most fun part of the trip. Where are we going, everyone? Well, with these vehicle options, the possibilities are endless.

<p>Toyota may have created the ultimate family road trip vehicle when it launched the new Sienna. It has the looks of a sports utility vehicle so that the dads can feel a little more at ease behind the wheel. With features like kick-to-open and close sliding doors and hatches, you can be hands-free when stocking up for the road. Your family will love the multiple climate control cabins and the numerous USB ports for charging your tablets. This vehicle does it all and can add bike and cargo racks for extra storage.</p>

1. Toyota Sienna

Toyota may have created the ultimate family road trip vehicle when it launched the new Sienna. It has the looks of a sports utility vehicle so that the dads can feel a little more at ease behind the wheel. With features like kick-to-open and close sliding doors and hatches, you can be hands-free when stocking up for the road. Your family will love the multiple climate control cabins and the numerous USB ports for charging your tablets. This vehicle does it all and can add bike and cargo racks for extra storage.

<p>Toyota might make a couple of appearances on the list as it is known for getting people out on the road, ready to explore the great big world. Families will enjoy the third-row seating that can be removed for extra storage space if needed. The truck has all the entertainment and navigation options to keep you on track and free from boredom on the road. Safety features like lane departure and blind spot monitoring will give you peace of mind and comfort on your long journey.</p>

2. Toyota Highlander

Toyota might make a couple of appearances on the list as it is known for getting people out on the road, ready to explore the great big world. Families will enjoy the third-row seating that can be removed for extra storage space if needed. The truck has all the entertainment and navigation options to keep you on track and free from boredom on the road. Safety features like lane departure and blind spot monitoring will give you peace of mind and comfort on your long journey.

<p>Kia has always been known for their reliable and safe compact cars. Seeing them come out with a full-size family sports utility vehicle was a surprise. This rig is awesome. Not only do you get the standard safety features that you have come to love from Kia, like forward collision avoidance and blind spot monitoring. But you will also get 6 USB ports for the three-row seating. A rear entertainment system with separate remotes and a navigation system to keep you from getting lost. Talk about one sweet ride.</p>

3. Kia Telluride

Kia has always been known for their reliable and safe compact cars. Seeing them come out with a full-size family sports utility vehicle was a surprise. This rig is awesome. Not only do you get the standard safety features that you have come to love from Kia, like forward collision avoidance and blind spot monitoring. But you will also get 6 USB ports for the three-row seating. A rear entertainment system with separate remotes and a navigation system to keep you from getting lost. Talk about one sweet ride.

<p>The sister of the Kia Telluride from Hyundai’s parent company is also a road tripper’s dream ride. The sport utility vehicle can comfortably seat up to eight people and is fully equipped with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Plus, it comes with the standard 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty that Hyundai is known for. Sounds like they have everything covered next time you need to hit that open road.</p>

4. Hyundai Palisade

The sister of the Kia Telluride from Hyundai’s parent company is also a road tripper’s dream ride. The sport utility vehicle can comfortably seat up to eight people and is fully equipped with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Plus, it comes with the standard 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty that Hyundai is known for. Sounds like they have everything covered next time you need to hit that open road.

<p>Nissan has made one of the smoothest rides in the large sports utility vehicle category. One look at this rugged truck, and you might fall in love. The thing can fit 8 people, tow up to 6,000 pounds, all while enjoying Wi-Fi and watching your favorite movies on the DVD player (yes, some people still own DVDs). Nothing will get in the way of you and your adventure in the new Nissan Pathfinder.</p>

5. Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan has made one of the smoothest rides in the large sports utility vehicle category. One look at this rugged truck, and you might fall in love. The thing can fit 8 people, tow up to 6,000 pounds, all while enjoying Wi-Fi and watching your favorite movies on the DVD player (yes, some people still own DVDs). Nothing will get in the way of you and your adventure in the new Nissan Pathfinder.

<p>The Carnival was once the Kia Sedona, the brand’s minivan. The only thing that has really changed is the name. The minivan is spacious, even with the third-row seating. Drivers can feel safe knowing their van is set up with lane trace assist and automatic emergency braking. Passengers can relax in the climate-controlled cabin with numerous USB ports for their devices.</p>

6. Kia Carnival

The Carnival was once the Kia Sedona, the brand’s minivan. The only thing that has really changed is the name. The minivan is spacious, even with the third-row seating. Drivers can feel safe knowing their van is set up with lane trace assist and automatic emergency braking. Passengers can relax in the climate-controlled cabin with numerous USB ports for their devices.

<p>Car experts have given Chrysler a lot of credit for their miles per gallon on the highway. Still, their models need to be revised in city-driving fuel economy. They say many of their vehicles sit well below the national average for city driving. Overall, they definitely have some work to do. The brand has an average of 23 miles per gallon, leaving their drivers asking for more.</p>

7. Chrysler Pacifica

Chrysler has brought the idea of the road trip to another level. The new model has Amazon Fire TV as part of its cabin’s entertainment package. You heard that right: sit back and stream your favorite TV shows and movies without carrying your devices with you. There is also a hybrid model for those looking to save some gas. Are we in the future? It feels like this is the future.

<p>Honda has been making their reliable minivan for many decades, and this year’s model is no different. Honda will continue to get kids to and from soccer practice in style with the new Odyssey. Safe, spacious, and full of all the tech gadgets a family needs, this minivan is a solid choice for families. Whatever you need in a minivan, this model has got. Get on down to your Honda dealership now.</p>

8. Honda Odyssey

Honda has been making their reliable minivan for many decades, and this year’s model is no different. Honda will continue to get kids to and from soccer practice in style with the new Odyssey. Safe, spacious, and full of all the tech gadgets a family needs, this minivan is a solid choice for families. Whatever you need in a minivan, this model has got. Get on down to your Honda dealership now.

<p>Buick has made some serious strides in manufacturing family vehicles. I always thought they were rich CEO cars you would only find at the fancy country clubs. All the safety features, like automatic braking and lane departure, come standard. The coolest feature might be the front seats that have a massage feature. How cool is that? After all, Mom and Dad need a nice massage on the way home from hauling the kids around.</p>

9. Buick Enclave

Buick has made some serious strides in manufacturing family vehicles. I always thought they were rich CEO cars you would only find at the fancy country clubs. All the safety features, like automatic braking and lane departure, come standard. The coolest feature might be the front seats that have a massage feature. How cool is that? After all, Mom and Dad need a nice massage on the way home from hauling the kids around.

<p>The Chevy Traverse is the brand’s newest third-row seating sports utility vehicle. Some cooler specifications of the Traverse are the numerous USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a rear entertainment system. WI-Fi hot spots and a Bose sound system round up everything else there is to like on this road warrior.</p>

10. Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevy Traverse is the brand’s newest third-row seating sports utility vehicle. Some cooler specifications of the Traverse are the numerous USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a rear entertainment system. WI-Fi hot spots and a Bose sound system round up everything else there is to like on this road warrior.

<p>Ever since 2021, the Ford Explorer has been available in a hybrid model. This is a terrific feature for one of the larger sports utility vehicles on the market. No safety features were sparred on the new Explorer. You want it, it has it. Lane departure warning, automatic braking, forward collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert make this truck as safe as can be. Don’t worry; it’s also fun to drive with every entertainment option offered as well.</p>

11. Ford Explorer

Ever since 2021, the Ford Explorer has been available in a hybrid model. This is a terrific feature for one of the larger sports utility vehicles on the market. No safety features were sparred on the new Explorer. You want it, it has it. Lane departure warning, automatic braking, forward collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert make this truck as safe as can be. Don’t worry; it’s also fun to drive with every entertainment option offered as well.

<p>Much smaller than all of the other vehicles mentioned, the Outback may only seat five passengers, but it is ready for anything the road throws at it. It’s like an homage to the station wagons of the 70s and 80s, and I’m sure your parents will remember those days. Load up the roof rack with all your camping needs because this all-wheel drive vehicle will get you off the grid in no time.</p>

12. Subaru Outback

Much smaller than all of the other vehicles mentioned, the Outback may only seat five passengers, but it is ready for anything the road throws at it. It’s like an homage to the station wagons of the 70s and 80s, and I’m sure your parents will remember those days. Load up the roof rack with all your camping needs because this all-wheel drive vehicle will get you off the grid in no time.

<p>If you and your family are serious adventures, you might need a truck capable of hauling all your toys. The F-150 can do just that and more. Load up your toy hauler, camper, boat, or whatever else you need for a weekend of fun. This truck will pull it anywhere. This is also not your grandpa’s truck anymore. Enjoy the spacious, climate-controlled cabin with WI-FI hot spots and all the entertainment you need until you arrive at your destination.</p>

13. Ford F-150

If you and your family are serious adventures, you might need a truck capable of hauling all your toys. The F-150 can do just that and more. Load up your toy hauler, camper, boat, or whatever else you need for a weekend of fun. This truck will pull it anywhere. This is also not your grandpa’s truck anymore. Enjoy the spacious, climate-controlled cabin with WI-FI hot spots and all the entertainment you need until you arrive at your destination.

<p>Who said a road trip vehicle had to be huge and roomy? What if you are a family of three or a family of two with a dog? If that is the case, then a Prius might be your best option. We all know about the fuel economy, but we might not realize how much room the newer models have. Fold down the back seat for extra cargo space or to let your dog stretch out and nap on the long roads. The cars have navigation and Bluetooth to keep you entertained while traveling.</p>

14. Toyota Prius

Who said a road trip vehicle had to be huge and roomy? What if you are a family of three or a family of two with a dog? If that is the case, then a Prius might be your best option. We all know about the fuel economy, but we might not realize how much room the newer models have. Fold down the back seat for extra cargo space or to let your dog stretch out and nap on the long roads. The cars have navigation and Bluetooth to keep you entertained while traveling.

<p>I imagine driving a Cadillac like floating on a cloud, the epitome of luxury vehicles. With more and more families valuing reliability and safety in their vehicles, General Motors upped their focus on high-end parts that won’t fall apart. Now, you can cruise around in the life of luxury, knowing you can get those kids to dance recitals and soccer practices.</p>

15. Cadillac Escalade

The epitome of class, Cadillac will have you navigating the open road in style. Do you like heated and cooling seats? The Escalade has them. Do you like sleek displays and advanced safety features? Yeah, The Escalade has them. All the bells and whistles are in this bad boy. While not exactly a budget car, it certainly gives plenty of bang for your buck.

Source: NewsWeek. Source: ReadersDigest.

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What should I prepare for a family trip? The Bucket List Family knows better than most.

good family road trip movies

Jessica Gee only wanted to do “a little bit of traveling.”

“Those were her words,” her husband, Garrett Gee, chimed in. “She should have known better because I always take whatever she thinks up and take it to the extreme.” 

In their first vlog as The Bucket List Family in 2015, he announced, “We’re going to sell everything we own in our little apartment and then we’re going to go westward.” 

They set out from Provo, Utah, with their then two kids and a plan to share their adventures on social media with family, friends and “whoever wants to tune in back home.” Millions of people have followed along.

“We wanted to see what else was out there, explore a little bit, learn from different cultures and people,” Jessica told USA TODAY. 

Now she’s sharing her tips and tricks in her new National Geographic book, “ Bucket List Family Travel .”

“As soon as you start to see what's out there, you realize, oh, there's so much more," she said. "You're so excited to just be a part of it.”

Here’s some of what they’ve learned.

Trying something new

“Growing up, my family was like a Disney World family . We made that trip every year,” Jessica said, adding that she still loves it and visits with her kids, but they try to switch up other destinations. 

“As we've traveled more of the world, we've kind of made an unspoken family rule that we try our best not to go back to places because it's been so rewarding to experience new places,” Garrett said. 

The Gees have visited more than 90 countries and gone on adventures like surfing in Fiji and safaris in Tanzania with her kids Dorothy, Manilla and Calihan, whose ages range from 6 to 11.

“Trying something new, I feel like it's never been a bad thing for us,” Jessica said.

After three years of full-time travel, that new thing was settling down in Hawaii.

“The thing that we missed the most was community,” Jessica said. “Garrett and I both grew up in very traditional American homes with good friends and being a part of sports groups and stuff. We always planned on that for our kids.”

The family still travels about 12 weeks of the year , juggling what they call a double life of wanting to travel but not miss Field Days and birthday parties.

“We travel almost every school break. Last year we went to 12 countries," she said.

They spent last summer in Africa and are presently on a 25-day trip to Antarctica .

“Our oldest, she definitely grasps like, ‘I will most likely never go back to Antarctica. And the fact that I get to do that with my family on this beautiful boat, I get it.’ She gets it,” Jessica said. 

Family vacations: Why some families keep going back to the same place

How to afford more travel

The Bucket List Family’s level of travel may not be possible for most families, but traveling abroad can cost less than some domestic theme park trips.

“Some of those trips are very expensive, and you could do a really incredible international trip where you see a new culture and try new foods in a whole new place that you might just fall in love with for probably the same price, if not less,” Jessica said. 

A lot depends on the destination, Garrett pointed out.

“If you’re traveling to Southeast Asia … depending on where you’re coming from, it could be expensive. But once you're there, it can be incredibly cheap, where you have this beautiful private villa all to yourself, a private chef, overlooking the rice fields for just a fraction of the price that you would spend most anywhere else.”

Jessica adds airlines occasionally offer deals , and credit card rewards points add up.

“If you're signing up for the right credit cards and using points, and just spending your money appropriately, it's set up now in the world where you can get airlines and hotels covered,” she said. “So if you're just a little bit savvy with how you're spending your money, that's a brilliant way to start.”

Another option she recommends is booking through travel agents , many of whom don’t charge clients for their services.

“I loved nickel and diming and making the spreadsheets,” she said. “But now, I’ve realized that going through an agent, who it’s their absolute profession to do things A to Z, they can actually get a better rate.”

How do you plan a trip with kids?

“Start now or start early,” Garrett said. “If you start earlier than later, then they just grow used to it and accustomed to it. And oh my gosh, traveling with kids adds just such a joy to it. When you can experience something through the eyes of a child, they just have a whole new level of joy and curiosity.”

Jessica noted, kids can also help break the ice when traveling.

“People are so much more willing to talk to you and open up to you,” she said. “They see our little kids running down the street or at a restaurant and they're way more friendly and willing to talk (than) had it been just Garrett and I.”

They try to stay flexible traveling as a family.

“A lot of parents really depend almost too much on a very strict routine. It can work, but the tough thing is, as soon as you break that routine, then you’re dealing with a very difficult child,” Garrett said. “Our travels almost forced us to just kind of do away with routine. And when a child is hungry, they eat and when a child is tired, they take a nap.”

Their kids never got to the beige phase of only wanting things like chicken nuggets or french fries. 

“They either eat something new or they don't eat at all,” Garrett said, noting that they always try to eat locally. “You don’t have to eat it all, but you at least have to try it once.”

He credits travel with their kids’ adaptability, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy.

“Parenting is parenting no matter where you are,” Jessica said. “My kid’s going to throw a tantrum at the grocery store or he's going to throw it in Italy.”

Practical tips for traveling with kids

Jessica always starts trips with the best-laid plans.

“A lot of that is props to Jess and why she was able to do such a good job writing this book, because she experienced everything that could go wrong in family travel.” Garrett said. “The fact that she packs a second outfit for each of the kids can basically tell you, oh, you've traveled with a child with diapers and something has gone horribly wrong on that long flight.” 

Jessica also carries what she likens to a small pharmacy , with things like allergy medicine and bandages.

“When I check bags, I take a picture of the luggage receipt. I take a picture of my bag. I always now have an AirTag inside,” she said. Garrett recommends tying a colorful ribbon on luggage, so it stands out. 

When things go awry, Jessica encourages choosing a good attitude.

“The kids are going to feed off your energy,” she said. ”So if you're like, ‘Oh no, we're stuck on the tarmac for another two hours,’ you're not the one complaining, but you're like, ‘OK. That’s OK.’ Just trying to be as upbeat as possible.”

When that’s not possible, she recommends taking turns losing it, like when an airline made them check their carry-on luggage only to misplace it.

“Garrett will give me my space,” she said. “He could tell I was really frustrated and just needed a minute, so he takes the kids, he gets them out of the way, he lets me handle it. … And then we come back together and I was able to change my attitude in like an hour, but that was not fun. That was five days wearing the same clothes in Botswana.”

Is traveling good for child development?

In one of their early videos from Bali , Garrett said: “We take our kids on this adventure and these travels, and you hope that it’s good for them. You hope that they’re benefitting from it, but you never know.”

But a particular memory sticks with Jessica from Bali, when they were volunteering at an orphanage.

“It was kind of Dorothy's first school experience and to have her with kids the same ages, (who) didn't look the same, didn't talk the same, but at the same time they were dancing together, they were singing together, they were doing art together, it was just the most magical thing for Dorothy at such a young age – I mean she was 3 – to see that race and language and beliefs, they all vary, but at the end of the day, we're all the same people.”

Their family has found so much in common with people they’ve met all around the world, but Garrett said travel has also taught their kids to embrace what makes them unique.

“Because if you were to ask our kids, they consider themselves very weird and very different than the kids at school, but they love it and they're proud of it and that's what makes them special,” he said. 

Travel has changed how he and Jessica see things as well.

“When you're only hearing the negative about these other places, you just kind of think that they're dark, scary places with a lot of violence,” Garrett said. “Oh my goodness, as we've just traveled from country to country and just seen nothing but so much goodness and been welcomed with such friendly, amazing people and made really good friends, it's just definitely changed our perspective on the world.”

IMAGES

  1. 11 Best Road Trips Movies of All Time

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  2. Best Family Road Trip Movies

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  3. What Are The Best Family Road Trip Movies?

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  4. 17 Action-Packed, Fun-Filled Road Trip Movies for Families

    good family road trip movies

  5. Best Family Road Trip Movies

    good family road trip movies

  6. What Are The Best Family Road Trip Movies?

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COMMENTS

  1. 25 Essential Road Trip Movies of the Last 25 Years

    Synopsis: Set in 1973, it chronicles the funny and often poignant coming of age of 15-year-old William, an unabashed music fan... [More] Starring: Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson, Jason Lee. Directed By: Cameron Crowe.

  2. 30 Classic Family Road Trip Movies You Need to See

    Diary of A Wimpy Kids: The Long Haul. Based on the smash-hit book series by Jeff Kinney, Greg is up to his usual scheming trying to get to a gaming convention on the Heffley family road trip to attend Meemaw's 90th birthday. Things inevitably go embarrassingly wrong for Greg. Get it on Prime Video.

  3. 50 Best Family Road Trip Movies for All Ages (2024)

    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.

  4. 20 Best Family Trip Movies

    Best family trip movies for younger kids 1.Cars. To me the story of "Cars" is the ultimate family road trip movie because it takes place along the iconic Route 66 that goes from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California. The movie depicts many landmarks of the Mother Road, as Route 66 often being referred to.

  5. 33 Best Family Trip Movies You'll Love

    19. Moonrise Kingdom (2012) In the summer of 1965, two twelve-year-olds fall in love and decide to run away together. They set off into the wilderness while the girl's family is looking for her and the boy's scout camp. Meanwhile, the kids are enjoying the most incredible adventure of their lives.

  6. What Are The Best Family Road Trip Movies?

    The Wizard of Oz is a fantasy musical, released in 1939 and runs for an hour and fifty- two minutes. It has an IMDb rating of 8/10. What a movie! It is widely regarded as one of the greatest movies of all time. It is genuinely one of the best family movies for road trips. Watch and purchase The Wizard of Oz here.

  7. 30 Best Movies About Road Trips To Inspire Your Next Adventure

    Nomadland (2020) One of the most poignant movies about road trips and the American nomad, Nomadland won Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress. Frances McDormand stars as Fern, who loses her job at the US Gypsum plant. After also losing her husband, she sells the majority of her belongings to buy a van and drive across ...

  8. 27 of the Best Movies About Family Vacations

    The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003) Rated PG, 1h 35m. In this movie which served as the finale for the Disney Channel series, Lizzie McGuire (Hilary Duff) and her friends graduate middle school and travel to Italy on a class trip. While in Rome, Lizzie is mistaken for Isabella, Italy's biggest pop diva, and falls for Paolo who is Isabella's ...

  9. 6 of the Best Family Road Trip Movies

    See Also: Go on a road trip across the USA. 1. RV (2006) This family road comedy film stars the late Robin Williams as Bob Munro, a successful company executive trying to rekindle precious family time between himself, his wife and their two teenage children by going on a much-needed vacation to Hawaii.

  10. 15 Certified Fresh Road Trip Movies

    Easy Rider (1969) 84%. The Journey: Flush with the proceeds after selling a bunch of cocaine to their connection (Phil Spector), freewheeling Wyatt (Peter Fonda) and Billy (Dennis Hopper) head east from Los Angeles on their motorcycles, hoping to make it to New Orleans in time for Mardi Gras. The Roadblocks: It's the establishment, man.

  11. 27 Best Road Trip Movies of All Time: 'Easy Rider,' 'Midnight Run'

    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 ...

  12. 11 Best Road Trips Movies of All Time

    Along the way, Kermit meets Fozzie, Gonzo and Miss Piggy, who help him escape Doc Hopper's clutches and eventually make it to Hollywood. The Muppet Movie is a fun, family-friendly road trip movie that will have everyone laughing out loud. 6. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

  13. Best Road Trip Movies to Watch With Your Family During the Holidays

    For the younger set, the best road trip movie is Cars, the first one. The sequels aren't bad, but the original is the best. This is one flick the whole family can watch. It's got a great message and cute characters for the kids, there are plenty of jokes for the adults, and Paul Newman as Hudson Hornet is so worth your time. MGM Studios.

  14. 50 Family Trips Movies To Watch In 2024

    We're the Millers (2013) - One of the best family road trip movies. Captain Ron (1992) Cars- Lightning McQueen says KACHOW on Route 66, many young children favorite movies. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey. Madagascar. Moana. Alvin and the Chipmunks Chipwrecked. Ice Age: Continental Drift. Mr. Bean's Holiday.

  15. 50 Family Road Trip Movies to See With Teens This Year

    1. National Lampoon's Vacation (1983) - Rated R. This 1980s flick is the ultimate family vacations movie, so it tops our list. The Griswold family pile into their wood-striped station wagon and drive cross-country to Wally World theme park. And as is typical with this gang, chaos, and hilarity ensue along the way.

  16. 10 Best Family Road Trip Movies

    10 Best Family Road Trip Movies . Family car trips are always a great way to head out on an adventure and explore the unknown! Even if the unknown is only 30 minutes away and the adventure only lasts for a few hours, kids really benefit from visiting new places & having new experiences. Since most families will venture out on a road trip at least once in their lives, I thought it would be fun ...

  17. The 17 Best Road Trip Movies of All Time

    3. Thelma and Louise. Thelma and Louise is a road trip film with something to say, something prescient and relevant today that was remarkably ahead of its time in 1991. The film follows two friends, Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon) who take to the road for a two-day vacation.

  18. 6 of the Best Family Road Trip Movies

    The family road trip is a time-honoured cinema trope and for a good reason. When you're on the open road, anything can happen; throw in the different personalities of a family and you're looking at the recipe for a wild ride. To pay homage to GWM's Haval H6, the undisputed king of the family road trip, Variety Australia looks at six of ...

  19. 10 Best Road Trip Movies of All Time

    The following is the list of top road trip movies ever made. You can watch some of these best road trip movies on Netflix or Hulu or Amazon Prime. 10. Zombieland (2009) Not your typical road-trip movie, this innovative amalgamation of the zombie-humor and road-trip genre remains one of a kind. The film stars Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg ...

  20. 70+ Funny Family Vacation & Travel Comedy Movies

    12. College Road Trip. Rated G. A teenager and her dad travel around the country looking for the perfect college for her in this family-friendly travel movie. 13. Johnson Family Vacation. Rated PG-13. A family man takes his wife and teenage children on a road trip across the country to a family reunion. 14.

  21. The 15 Best Family Vacation Movies of All Time, Ranked

    This trip won't be easy, though, featuring issues like a broken RV, a tarantula bite, a prying couple, and a cartel boss after them. While flawed, We're the Millers keeps the "family" fun on the road. Related: The Best Road Movies of All Time, Ranked. 13. Captain Ron (1992)

  22. The best road trip movies of all time

    Few things are better than a classic road trip. Sun shining, music blaring, wind in your hair, and some good friends. But since road trips aren't exactly a thing you can schedule every day ...

  23. The best road trip movies of all time

    The open road, a sense of adventure, and a cinematic backdrop: the best road trip movies capture them all. Of course, real-life road trips rarely go totally smoothly, and classic road trip movies ...

  24. Road Trip Comedies

    Fact-checked by: Jason Bancroft. Lists that rank the best, most hilarious films that will make you laugh so hard, you'll wake up the whole neighborhood. Over 600 filmgoers have voted on the 50+ films on Funniest Road Trip Comedy Movies. Current Top 3: Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Tommy Boy, Dumb and Dumber ...

  25. 10 Best Buddy Road Trip Movies, According to Rotten Tomatoes

    Thelma and Louise (1991) Rotten Tomatoes: 82%. This female-led road trip dramedy about two women on the run from the law was a cultural phenomenon and spoke up for a segment of the population not ...

  26. 15 Best Family Cars for Road Trips on a Budget

    Toyota may have created the ultimate family road trip vehicle when it launched the new Sienna. It has the looks of a sports utility vehicle so that the dads can feel a little more at ease behind ...

  27. Bucket List Family shares their best tips from life on the road

    The Bucket List Family's level of travel may not be possible for most families, but traveling abroad can cost less than some domestic theme park trips. "Some of those trips are very expensive ...