It's that time of year again. Road trip season is in full swing, and whether you're driving across the state or just heading out for a weekend getaway, there's something incredibly nostalgic about packing the car, hitting the highway, and watching the miles roll by.
Of course, if you’re a parent, you know that keeping the kids entertained during those long stretches of highway can be... let’s say, challenging. That’s where road trip movies become absolute lifesavers.Whether you’re queuing up entertainment for the little ones or just looking to get yourself hyped for your upcoming trip, we’ve got a handful of car-themed classics, hilarious comedies, and feel-good flicks that’ll make the ride smoother.
Keep the Kids Happy (and Quiet)
Nothing beats a fully loaded tablet when you're trying to keep the backseat crew calm for a few hours — or more. And what better way to do it than with some road trip-themed movies they’ll love?
Let’s start with the ultimate kid-favorite: Cars. Actually, all three of the Disney Cars movies. Lightning McQueen and Mater know how to bring the fun, and they’ll keep your kids distracted long enough for you to get a few peaceful miles in.
Looking for something a little off the beaten path? Little Miss Sunshine may not scream "kid's movie," but it's got heart, a quirky family, and a memorable yellow VW bus that totally earns its road trip stripes.
Another solid pick? Chef. It’s a warm, feel-good film about food, family, and driving a food truck across the country. It might even inspire your next snack stop. And if you don’t mind a little Pixar-style emotion, UP is a beautiful, whimsical “road trip” of a movie — even if the vehicle happens to be a floating house. Trust us, it counts.
Pre-Trip Laughs for the Adults
If you’re in the get pumped phase before your trip even starts, fire up a few comedies to set the tone. There’s nothing like a good laugh before (or during) the long haul.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a must. It’s the perfect reminder that no matter how crazy travel gets, at least you’re not Steve Martin and John Candy. Add in a personal favorite, Rat Race, for some fast-paced, ridiculous chaos. And you really can’t go wrong with the entire National Lampoon collection — whether you’re into Christmas Vacation, European Vacation, or even Vegas Vacation, the Griswolds never fail to deliver.
For the Car Lovers in the Front Seat
Now let’s talk serious car movies — the kind that make you want to take the scenic route just to keep driving.
The Fast and the Furious (all seven of them, if you’re feeling ambitious) are packed with high-speed action and enough muscle cars to make any enthusiast swoon. Mad Max: Fury Road turns the idea of a road trip into a full-throttle, dust-flying adventure.
Want something more classic? Smokey and the Bandit delivers charm, chases, and a Trans Am that’s pretty much a co-star. There’s also the legendary duo of Thelma and Louise, the freedom ride of Easy Rider, and the sci-fi nostalgia of Back to the Future — because let’s be honest, we all watched that movie just to see the DeLorean.
Then there’s Gone in 60 Seconds, a movie so packed with drool-worthy cars it should come with a warning. And finally, The Italian Job — if you didn’t think much about Mini Coopers before, you will after this.
Ready to Roll?
Movies are more than just entertainment — they help set the mood for your journey. So before you hit the open road, queue up a few of these favorites to keep everyone in the car smiling (or white-knuckling the armrest — looking at you, Mad Max).
But before you press play and pull out of the driveway, make sure your real-life ride is road-trip ready. Stop by DeBoer’s Auto for a pre-trip inspection. We’ll give your vehicle the red-carpet treatment so you can travel safe, sound, and stress-free.
Happy road tripping — and don’t forget the snacks!
