How Many Road Trip Films Are There?

By Robert Palmer

Road trip films are a beloved genre that has been around for several decades. These films are known for their adventure, comedy, and drama that follows characters on a journey.

But have you ever wondered how many road trip films are out there? Let’s dive into the numbers and explore this exciting genre.

History of Road Trip Films

Road trip movies have been around since the early days of cinema. Some of the earliest examples include “It Happened One Night” (1934) and “The Wizard of Oz” (1939). However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that road trip movies became more prevalent.

During this era, many young people were hitting the road to explore America and find themselves. This cultural shift led to a surge in road trip movies such as “Easy Rider” (1969) and “Two-Lane Blacktop” (1971).

The Rise of Road Trip Films

The 1980s saw an increase in road trip movies aimed at younger audiences. These films often featured a group of friends on a wild adventure, such as “The Blues Brothers” (1980) and “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983).

In the 1990s, road trip movies continued to be popular with films such as “Thelma & Louise” (1991) and “Dumb and Dumber” (1994). The genre even saw some critical success with the release of “Little Miss Sunshine” in 2006.

How Many Road Trip Films Are There?

It’s difficult to determine an exact number of road trip films since there is no definitive list. However, some estimates suggest that there are over 500 road trip movies out there.

These films range from classic dramas like “Bonnie and Clyde” (1967) to comedies like “EuroTrip” (2004). There are even horror road trip movies like “The Hills Have Eyes” (2006).

Top Road Trip Films

While there are too many great road trip movies to list, here are a few of the most popular and critically acclaimed ones:

  • “Easy Rider” (1969)
  • “Thelma & Louise” (1991)
  • “Little Miss Sunshine” (2006)
  • “Into the Wild” (2007)
  • “The Motorcycle Diaries” (2004)

The Future of Road Trip Films

Road trip movies continue to be a popular genre with audiences. Recent films like “Green Book” (2018) and “Nomadland” (2020) have explored different aspects of the road trip experience.

As long as people keep hitting the open road, we can expect to see more road trip movies in the future. Who knows what exciting adventures and stories these films will bring?

In conclusion, while it’s impossible to know exactly how many road trip films are out there, it’s safe to say that this genre has been a staple in cinema for several decades. From classic dramas to raunchy comedies, there’s something for everyone in this exciting genre.