15 Essential Road Trip Movies From Nomadland to Thelma & Louise

Road trip movies are an irresistible mix of escapism, secrets, and often danger. When you're out of your comfort zone, anything can happen, so stream one, stream all - they’re a close second to hitting the open road yourself.


Mad Max Fury Road (2015)

In a world ravaged by apocalypse, a desolate desert is under the iron grip of a tyrant who holds dominion over every precious drop of water. The last glimmers of hope rest on the shoulders of two rebels - one seeking solace from grief, and the other yearning to reconnect with her childhood. The action-packed masterpiece stars Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, and Nicholas Hoult. (Apple TV, Prime Video)

Luther the Fallen Son (2023)

Tormented by his inability to apprehend a cyber psychopath who taunts him relentlessly, Luther (Idris Elba) resolves to escape confinement and take matters into his own hands. Driven by an unwavering determination, he embarks on a perilous mission to finish the job and bring the elusive killer to justice by any means necessary. (Netflix)


Last Orders (2001)

This heartfelt cinematic journey unfolds as an exploration of enduring friendships, love, and the profound impact of life's journey. Led by the legendary Michael Caine, Last Orders involves a road trip through the English countryside as a close-knit group embark on a mission to honor the last wishes of their departed friend. Helen Mirren puts in a nuanced, compeling performance. (Disney, YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play)


Dog (2022) 

Army Ranger Briggs (Tatum) wants back in the game but before they’ll let him he is tasked with taking the legendarily difficult Belgian Malinois ‘Lulu’ on a road trip to attend the funeral of a fellow soldier). Dog is loosely inspired by Tatum‘s late, beloved pitbull-Catahoula mix who died in 2018. (YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play)

Logan (2017)

In 2029, as mutants face extinction, an ailing Logan (Hugh Jackman) tends to Charles Xavier in a desolate Mexican hideout. Tasked with escorting a young mutant, Laura, to a supposed refuge, Logan's journey takes a dark turn when they confront Transigen's lethal enforcers. Battling the relentless pursuit, Logan grapples with painful revelations about Laura's origin. (YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play)


Sideways (2004)

Two men reaching middle age embark on a week-long road trip, just two bachelors sipping their way through California's wine country before one gets married. What could possibly go wrong? Just don’t drink the Merlot. Sideways stars Paul Giamatti (Billions), Thomas Haden Church (Spider-Man: No Way Home) and Sandra Oh (Killing Eve). (Disney, YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play)


Thelma & Louise (1991)

Inseparable friends Thelma & Louise set out on a thrilling road trip only to find themselves caught in a chilling twist of fate. Their escapade transforms into a heart-pounding race for survival as they are relentlessly pursued by the police. They must navigate the harrowing consequences of the crimes they committed, turning a once-promising adventure into a high-stakes journey for freedom. Starring Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis with Brad Pitt along for the ride. (Disney, YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play)


The Hangover (2009)

The Hangover never gets old - if only for the Mike Tyson and tiger scenes. The plot involves three buddies who wake up from a bachelor party in Las Vegas with no memory of the previous night to discover they’ve lost the bachelor. Can they find him before the wedding in California? Try not to overthink it. Just enjoy. (Netflix, YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play)


Green Book (2018) 

Green Book is the story of renowned African-American pianist Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) who is on the brink of a concert tour in the racially charged Deep South of 1962. Faced with the need for a driver and protection, Shirley enlists the services of Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen), a Bronx bouncer. Despite their backgrounds, the two men forge an unlikely connection as they navigate racism and segregation. (YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play)

Nomadland (2020) 

Amid the upheavals of the Great Recession, a woman in her 60s finds herself stripped of everything she once knew. Undeterred, she sets out on an odyssey across the American West, embracing the lifestyle of a modern-day nomad living out of a van and rediscovers resilience, freedom, and a renewed sense of self in the American frontier. (Disney, YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play) 

15 Essential Road Trip Movies From Nomadland to Thelma & Louise

SPYSCAPE
Share
Share to Facebook
Share with email

Road trip movies are an irresistible mix of escapism, secrets, and often danger. When you're out of your comfort zone, anything can happen, so stream one, stream all - they’re a close second to hitting the open road yourself.


Mad Max Fury Road (2015)

In a world ravaged by apocalypse, a desolate desert is under the iron grip of a tyrant who holds dominion over every precious drop of water. The last glimmers of hope rest on the shoulders of two rebels - one seeking solace from grief, and the other yearning to reconnect with her childhood. The action-packed masterpiece stars Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, and Nicholas Hoult. (Apple TV, Prime Video)

Luther the Fallen Son (2023)

Tormented by his inability to apprehend a cyber psychopath who taunts him relentlessly, Luther (Idris Elba) resolves to escape confinement and take matters into his own hands. Driven by an unwavering determination, he embarks on a perilous mission to finish the job and bring the elusive killer to justice by any means necessary. (Netflix)


Last Orders (2001)

This heartfelt cinematic journey unfolds as an exploration of enduring friendships, love, and the profound impact of life's journey. Led by the legendary Michael Caine, Last Orders involves a road trip through the English countryside as a close-knit group embark on a mission to honor the last wishes of their departed friend. Helen Mirren puts in a nuanced, compeling performance. (Disney, YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play)


Dog (2022) 

Army Ranger Briggs (Tatum) wants back in the game but before they’ll let him he is tasked with taking the legendarily difficult Belgian Malinois ‘Lulu’ on a road trip to attend the funeral of a fellow soldier). Dog is loosely inspired by Tatum‘s late, beloved pitbull-Catahoula mix who died in 2018. (YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play)

Logan (2017)

In 2029, as mutants face extinction, an ailing Logan (Hugh Jackman) tends to Charles Xavier in a desolate Mexican hideout. Tasked with escorting a young mutant, Laura, to a supposed refuge, Logan's journey takes a dark turn when they confront Transigen's lethal enforcers. Battling the relentless pursuit, Logan grapples with painful revelations about Laura's origin. (YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play)


Sideways (2004)

Two men reaching middle age embark on a week-long road trip, just two bachelors sipping their way through California's wine country before one gets married. What could possibly go wrong? Just don’t drink the Merlot. Sideways stars Paul Giamatti (Billions), Thomas Haden Church (Spider-Man: No Way Home) and Sandra Oh (Killing Eve). (Disney, YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play)


Thelma & Louise (1991)

Inseparable friends Thelma & Louise set out on a thrilling road trip only to find themselves caught in a chilling twist of fate. Their escapade transforms into a heart-pounding race for survival as they are relentlessly pursued by the police. They must navigate the harrowing consequences of the crimes they committed, turning a once-promising adventure into a high-stakes journey for freedom. Starring Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis with Brad Pitt along for the ride. (Disney, YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play)


The Hangover (2009)

The Hangover never gets old - if only for the Mike Tyson and tiger scenes. The plot involves three buddies who wake up from a bachelor party in Las Vegas with no memory of the previous night to discover they’ve lost the bachelor. Can they find him before the wedding in California? Try not to overthink it. Just enjoy. (Netflix, YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play)


Green Book (2018) 

Green Book is the story of renowned African-American pianist Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) who is on the brink of a concert tour in the racially charged Deep South of 1962. Faced with the need for a driver and protection, Shirley enlists the services of Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen), a Bronx bouncer. Despite their backgrounds, the two men forge an unlikely connection as they navigate racism and segregation. (YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play)

Nomadland (2020) 

Amid the upheavals of the Great Recession, a woman in her 60s finds herself stripped of everything she once knew. Undeterred, she sets out on an odyssey across the American West, embracing the lifestyle of a modern-day nomad living out of a van and rediscovers resilience, freedom, and a renewed sense of self in the American frontier. (Disney, YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play) 


Almost Famous (2000)

Cameron Crowe's homage to the 1970s rock and roll milieu, drawn from his experiences as a writer for Rolling Stone, offers an engaging exploration of adolescence, fame, and the relentless grind of a band's life on the road. Almost Famous captures the spirit of an era, providing an enjoyable glimpse into the world where music, youth, and the unending journey of a touring band collide. (YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV)


Easy Rider (1969)

Easy Rider makes pretty much every list of top road trip movies for a reason - it is an iconic American countercultural film, a youth anthem promoting nonconformism and reflecting the social tensions of the late ‘60s in the US. Two bikers embark on a transformative journey from LA to New Orleans and encounter a man who alters their destinies forever. (YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV, Prime Video)


Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

In Little Miss Sunshine, the Hoovers - played by Greg Kinnear and Toni Collette - and an eccentric uncle (Steve Carell) embark on a journey to California in a VW bus. Their mission? To support their daughter (Abigail Breslin) in her quest to win the coveted Little Miss Sunshine Contest. An unforgettable road trip. (Disney, YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play)


Midnight Run (1988)

Eddie Moscone (Joe Pantoliano) enlists the services of bounty hunter Jack Walsh (Robert De Niro) to track down a mob accountant known as The Duke (Charles Grodin) and transport him to L.A. Eddie assures Jack that it's a straightforward task - a midnight run - but Jack discovers that both the FBI and the mob are in hot pursuit. (YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV, Prime Video)

The Doom Generation (1995)

One of renowned filmmaker Gregg Araki’s most iconic works is the subculture escapade The Doom Generation. This nihilistic journey unfolds as a love letter to the rebellious allure of seedy motels and glaringly bright convenience stores. The film traces the escapades of three lustful, violent, and unhinged teenagers as they navigate a relentless pursuit by the police. (Apple TV)

Read mORE

RELATED aRTICLES

This story is part of our weekly briefing. Sign up to receive the FREE briefing to your inbox.

Gadgets & Gifts

Put your spy skills to work with these fabulous choices from secret notepads & invisible inks to Hacker hoodies & high-tech handbags. We also have an exceptional range of rare spy books, including many signed first editions.

Shop Now

Your Spy SKILLS

We all have valuable spy skills - your mission is to discover yours. See if you have what it takes to be a secret agent, with our authentic spy skills evaluation* developed by a former Head of Training at British Intelligence. It's FREE so share & compare with friends now!

dISCOVER Your Spy SKILLS

* Find more information about the scientific methods behind the evaluation here.