There’s always time for a good movie marathon. Whether it’s the summer holidays and you need to keep the kids entertained, or the cold nights are creeping in and you want to get snuggly! If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our favourite road trip films. Whether watching with the little ones or wanting an edgier action film for an older audience, dive into our top 15 travel movies.
Booster seat appropriate movies
College Road Trip (2008)
A high school senior (Raven Symone) embarks on a road trip across the United States with her overprotective policeman father (Martin Lawrence). In search of the perfect college, this surprisingly sweet coming of age movie features hijinks, car sing-alongs, and heartfelt moments.
Rated U
The Muppet Movie (1979)
The first ever Muppet movie sees Kermit the frog and the Muppet ensemble as they road trip across America. A cast seeking fame and success in glitzy Hollywood, this musical is one the whole family can sing along to. Celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, it’s the perfect time to cosy up on the sofa with some popcorn.
Rated U
The Mitchell’s vs the Machines (2021)
This animated Netflix movie focuses on the Mitchell family as they go on a road trip like none other. Trying to survive the robot apocalypse, they may even manage to save the world from the virtual villains. Actors Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph and Abbi Jacobson lend their voices to create a hilarious movie that will get even the smallest members of the family excited for your next road trip.
Rated U
Want to emulate the fun of a family road trip without all of the arguing? Discover our top tips for preventing arguments on holiday here.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
A man (Ben Stiller) leading an unremarkable life and crushing on his co-worker (Kristin Wiig) is forced onto an extraordinary adventure to save his job. He traverses across oceans and continents, all the while discovering himself. With comedic moments, it is a movie with heart about self discovery and learning to love yourself.
Rated PG
Letters to Juliet (2010)
In this cute and quirky rom-com, American journalist Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) discovers a long neglected letter seeking love advice. She responds and the original writer, Claire (Vanessa Redgrave), shows up with her grumpy grandson (Christopher Egan) in tow. The three set off on an Italian cross-country adventure in search of Claire’s lost love.
Rated PG
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)
When teenager Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman) discovers he is not only a demi-god but the son of Poseidon, he, accompanied by friends Annabel (Alexandra Daddario) and Grover (Brandon T. Jackson), embark on an adventure to find his kidnapped mother. If that’s not enough, he is forced to broker peace between the gods who are on the brink of civil war.
Rated PG
Cars (2006)
This animated Disney movie stars Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson), a rookie race car, who is stranded in a town in the middle of no-where. He is forced to reconnect with others and learn that friendship and community are more important than fame. A racing adventure enjoyable for the whole family, the talented voice actors of Wilson, Bonnie Hunt, Paul Newman, and the rest of the ensemble bring the town of Radiator Springs to life. If life is a highway, this is the movie you want to watch all night long.
Rated PG
‘Licensed drivers only’ movies
Dog (2022)
An army ranger (Channing Tatum) is tasked with transporting a specially trained army canine, Lulu, across the United States so that she can attend her handler’s funeral. The two clash from the beginning but over the course of the movie forge an unbreakable bond. This is particularly great for those whose idea of a good road trip is one spent with man’s best friend.
Rated 12A
If you’re planning on bringing your four-legged friend on your road trip with you like Tatum’s character, be sure to read our tips on looking after animals in the car!
Green Book (2018)
This big-hearted movie is based on a true story. Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali), a world-renowned classical pianist, begins a tour of the deep American south–a dangerous prospect for an African American man during the 1960s. He is driven by Italian American bouncer, Tony Lip (Viggo Mortenson), where they navigate the south with the aid of the “Green Book”.
Rated 12A
The Bucket List (2007)
Two men (Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson) living with terminal cancer create a list of things to do before they pass. Their creation of a “bucket list” unites two unlikely friends in a life affirming, globe trotting adventure.
Rated 12A
Almost Famous (2000)
This cult classic film set in the 1970s follows a high school reporter (Patrick Fugit) invited to accompany a rock band (Kate Hudson and Billy Crudupu) on their national tour to write an article for Rolling Stone magazine.
Rated 15
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
The dysfunctional Hoover family squeezes into their Volkswagen bus so their young daughter (Abigail Breslin) can compete in a national beauty pageant. The strength of this movie is its ability to make viewers explore difficult themes such as family conflict and growing up, and then have them laughing in the next moment. The star-studded cast of Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Paul Dano and Alan Arkin delivers a truly memorable performance.
Rated 15
Like the Hoover family discovers in this film, keeping little kids entertained on a road trip can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve compiled our guide to keep the little ones occupied for a smoother car trip here.
Zombieland (2009)
During a zombie apocalypse, a Texas college student (Jesse Eisenberg) road trips to his family home in Ohio. He teams up with fellow apocalypse survivors (Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson, and Abigail Breslin) to fight across an undead-infested America.
Rated 15
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
In a desert post-apocalyptic world, Max (Tom Hardy) and Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) join forces to take down a tyrannical dictator. Their story of survival is an action-packed, adrenaline-filled, road rage-y blockbuster film.
Rated 15
Thelma & Louise (1991)
When friends Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon) decide to escape the constraints of their lives by hitting the road, they soon find themselves in trouble. They flee the police in a cross-country adventure that has gained a spot in the cultural zeitgeist.
Rated 15
Pop the popcorn!
From family friendly flicks like Cars and Letters to Juliet to edgier, action-packed movies like Almost Famous and Thelma & Louise, you have a selection of the best road trip films for every event. So, get the popcorn ready and press play!
Don’t have a car? Certainly don’t let that stop you from all the road tripping fun! We have a wide selection of cars and vans as well as minibuses to choose from to suit whatever type and size of road trip you’ve got planned.