Have you ever wanted to go on a road trip across the United States? There’s something about hitting the open road and exploring new places that’s truly exhilarating. If you’re in the mood for some cinematic inspiration, there are plenty of classic movies about great American road trips that will make you want to pack your bags and set off on your own adventure.
Easy Rider
One of the most iconic road trip movies of all time, Easy Rider follows two bikers (played by Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper) as they travel from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Along the way, they encounter all sorts of interesting characters and experience both the beauty and ugliness of America. This movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in counterculture or 1960s America.
Thelma & Louise
This 1991 movie tells the story of two women (played by Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon) who hit the road in a 1966 Thunderbird convertible after one of them shoots and kills a man who tries to rape her. As they travel through the American Southwest, they encounter both danger and liberation. This movie is a feminist classic that still resonates today.
National Lampoon’s Vacation
For a more lighthearted take on the road trip genre, check out National Lampoon’s Vacation, which follows Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) as he takes his family on a disastrous cross-country trip from Chicago to California. Along the way, they encounter all sorts of mishaps and misadventures that make for hilarious viewing.
Road Trip
If you’re in the mood for something more contemporary, consider checking out Road Trip, a 2000 comedy that follows four college friends as they embark on a road trip from New York to Texas to retrieve an incriminating videotape that was accidentally mailed to a girlfriend. Along the way, they encounter all sorts of obstacles and hijinks that make for a wild ride.
The Motorcycle Diaries
This 2004 movie tells the story of a young Che Guevara (played by Gael García Bernal) as he embarks on a road trip across South America with his friend Alberto Granado (played by Rodrigo De la Serna). The two friends travel by motorcycle from Buenos Aires to Peru, encountering poverty and injustice along the way that shapes Che’s political beliefs. This movie is visually stunning and deeply moving.
If you’re planning your own American road trip, these movies are sure to inspire you. From counterculture classics to family-friendly comedies, there’s something for everyone in this genre. So grab some popcorn and get ready for some cinematic adventure!