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Truly, nothing feels thrilling and promising than hitting the open road.
But which movies are actually the greatest road trip movies of all time?
While not all road trip movies take place in America, itisa uniquely American genre.
The United States' diverse cities and landscapes means characters can wind up in completely different worlds quite easily.
From the profane to the profound, here are the 33 greatest road trip movies ever made.
Road Trip (2000)
Before college kids had Snapchat, illicit messages were sent out by snail mail.
All hail the God of Thunder!
It’s almost like it floats on air.
Joy Ride (2001)
Not all road trips are fun and games.
They can actually wind up deadly.
(Ted Levine lends his voice for Rusty Nail in an uncredited performance.)
Joy Ride spawned two lesser sequels, but the 2001 original is a true cult classic of the 2000s.
Rat Race (2001)
How far would you go to get yourself $2 million?
That’s the challenge presented to an all-star ensemble cast in Jerry Zucker’s Rat Race.
Rat Race really runs for the hills with some truly outrageous humor.
EuroTrip (2004)
Scotty doesn’t know except for EuroTrip being a bonafide classic of the 2000s.
From the producers of Road Trip came the likeminded EuroTrip in 2004.
Rain Man (1988)
Is it one of the greatest road trip movies of all time?
Mendelsohn is a delight, too.
Along the way, they rediscover for themselves what making and having a “home” really means.
National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
The first time the Griswolds ever vacationed is still their greatest.
The Machines (2021)
Aspiring filmmaker Katie Mitchell (Abbi Jacobson) is bound for college in California.
On the night before her departure, Katie’s broken laptop leads to a big family blow-up.
Unfortunately the universe has other plans, as that’s the same time when the robot apocalypse begins.
From the same studio that delivered Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, The Mitchells vs.
The Machines drew similar critical acclaim for its animation, voiceover performances, and warm sense of humor.
Smokey and the Bandit brings the heat as classic ’70s cinematic goodness.
The movie’s dreamlike quality lends it an air of the avant-garde, along with its then-taboo subject matter.
The Muppet Movie (1979)
If you’re lost, consider Hare Krishna.
The brothers hit the road in search of Travis' own missing wife (Natassja Kinski).
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Its iconic final shot is one for the ages.
Along the way, they find themselves in the thick of the cultural hippie movement.
While Miles is content to sip and critique wine, Jack is itching for more hedonistic goals.
