The road trip trope is a fan favorite in the film world. Road trip movies shine light on familial bonds, the dysfunctionality of family, and all the beauty that comes in between. They are also exciting because when characters are away from home, they can meet anyone and anything could happen. Here are the 7 best family road trip movies you should stream.
7. Thelma & Louise (1991)
Thelma & Louise is an American classic following two women on a terrifying journey while being hunted by the police for escaping after they committed crimes.
Though this film is not specifically about a family road trip, it is still an important one to have on the list. Thelma & Louise is one of the most well-known road trip films of all time. Though it is not about family, the film captures the beauty and closeness of female friendship. Though Thelma and Louise are not blood relatives, you can’t help but see sisterhood within female friendship.
6. RV (2006)
RV (Runaway Vacation) is about Bob Munro, played by Robin Williams, who convinces his family to cancel their vacation to Hawaii and instead take a cross-country trip in an RV to the Rocky Mountains.
This is a fun movie that captures the dysfunctionality of a family on vacation, all sharing a small space. At the heart of the film though, it explores the nuances of familial bonds and relationships, making Runaway Vacation one of the best road trip movies.
5. Chef (2104)
Chef follows a head chef who quits his job at a restaurant and buys a food truck to try and gain back his own creativity, all while attempting to piece together his estranged family.
This road trip film is beloved by fans, starring John Favreau, Robert Downey Junior, and Scarlett Johanson. Chef is wholesome, funny, and heartwarming, not to mention full of delicious-looking food.
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4. Zombieland (2009)
Zombieland follows a shy student trying to reach his family in Ohio, a bruiser with a gun looking for the last Twinkie and sisters trying to get to an amusement park. These eccentric characters join forces to journey across an America overtaken by zombies.
Though this film is not about an actual family, it falls under the category of found family. The characters journey together and while facing challenges along the way, they form irreplaceable bonds. They become a chosen family.
3. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
National Lampoon’s Vacation is one of the beloved American road trip movies that follows the Griswold family as they drive across the country to the Walley World theme park.
Launching an entire series of films, this iconic comedy captured viewers’ hearts across the country. National Lampoon’s Vacation represents the epitome of family vacation and is known as one of the best road trip movies of all time.
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2. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Little Miss Sunshine follows a determined family driving cross-country to get their daughter to the finals of a beauty pageant.
This dysfunctional family has created a road trip movie classic, beloved by fans far and wide. Little Miss Sunshine is charming, heartwarming, quirky, and just so funny, making it one of the road trip movies worth the watch.
1. Paris, Texas (1984)
Paris, Texas follows a drifter who has been missing for years, Travis Henderson, who re-enters society and has to reconnect with himself, his life, and his family.
This visually stunning film explores themes of redemption and everlasting love. If you are someone who loves to romanticize long road trips with just you, the car, and the open road with the vast American landscape surrounding you, Paris, Texas is the road trip film for you.