Road trips are a quintessential part of American culture, and it’s no surprise that many movies have been made over the years with road trip themes. There’s something about hitting the open road, leaving behind the monotony of everyday life, and embarking on an adventure that captures our imagination.
So, what’s your favorite movie that features a road trip? Here are some of my top picks.
1. Little Miss Sunshine
This 2006 dark comedy follows the Hoover family as they take a VW bus from Albuquerque to California so that their young daughter Olive can participate in a beauty pageant. Along the way, they encounter all sorts of mishaps and obstacles but ultimately learn to come together as a family. The film features outstanding performances from an all-star cast including Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear, and Alan Arkin.
2. Thelma & Louise
Released in 1991, this iconic movie stars Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis as two friends who set out on a weekend getaway but end up on the run from the law after Louise shoots and kills a man who attempts to rape Thelma. As they drive through the Southwest, they encounter various characters and situations that test their courage and resilience.
3. Easy Rider
This 1969 classic is often credited with starting the counterculture movement of the late ’60s and early ’70s. Directed by Dennis Hopper (who also stars in it alongside Peter Fonda), Easy Rider follows two bikers as they travel from Los Angeles to New Orleans in search of freedom and enlightenment. Along the way, they confront bigotry, intolerance, and violence.
4. Rain Man
This 1988 drama stars Tom Cruise as Charlie Babbitt, a selfish car dealer who discovers that his estranged father has left his entire fortune to his autistic brother Raymond (played by Dustin Hoffman). In order to gain access to the money, Charlie kidnaps Raymond and takes him on a cross-country road trip. Along the way, they bond and learn more about each other.
5. Sideways
This 2004 comedy-drama follows two friends (played by Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church) as they take a wine-tasting road trip through California’s Central Coast before one of them gets married. Along the way, they encounter various women and wine-related mishaps that force them to confront their fears and insecurities.
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of movies that feature road trips as a central theme. Of course, there are many more out there, each with its own unique story and characters.
So, what’s your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!